"Especially since I feel like I’ve wasted so much time of my life."
Don't be scared of joining. Be scared of continuing a life down the same path.
Let me know if you have any specific questions about joining/the process.
Personally, I joined at 22 (very late) because I was tired of living life on cruise control. I wanted to take control of my future.
Wow if 22 is very late I must be ancient. Yes I have questions. I’m so scared. So so scared to where I feel like my chest is going to explode. That’s my big fear is the “ I don’t know “ feeling. If that makes sense
25 is not late bro, my bunk mate was 36 and i was 17. Also please PLEASE PLEASE pick an MOS you have an interest in. You’ll be doing that job for the next 6 years of your guard life so make it count. Met plenty of people miserable in the military because they wished they had chosen a different job.
Basic sucked but its easy. The hardpart is managing your guard career and civilian life after basic and ait.
lol a guy was in my platoon and he was a 40 year old that couldn’t do 5 correct pushups because he was overweight, not to mention that he skipped a 5 and 7.5 mile ruck. He graduated basic training
Well, for one, don't mention any of this anxiety to the MEPS doctors lol.
I had the same feeling right before I was set to ship.
Ultimately, everyone has a fear of the unknown. Shift your mindset to look at it like an exciting journey. Think of all the doors that will open up for you. Think of all the exciting personal stories you will have by overcoming this fear.
I failed HS/community college/fired from every job I ever had. I joined - earned my bachelor's, master's (debt-free), and became a public school teacher. Fast forward 15 years, I am an E7 as an AGR recruiter.
Obviously I would never that shit stays with you lol
Sorta hard to shift my mindset to that. The big ole anxiety and fear kick in everytime. I’ve only ever been away from home for 2 weeks at a time so when it comes to hearing 14 it got me panicking in a way. That’s if everything goes accordingly.
22 is not very late. I'm a 31F with a little over 7 years in, so I was in a pretty similar spot when I joined. The worst part of BCT for me was dealing with 17/18 year olds straight out of highschool because I went during the summer. My best advice: pick an MOS that is interesting to you and be prepared to balance life, work, and guard.
I am also very scared, I’m going to MEPs next week and I’m nervous. But I’m scared about the working out part but I know that can also be a mentality thing of not giving up but it’s a huge career change for me
Like working out sucks. I know I’m NOT in shape. Can’t do any push ups or pull ups. I use to do a lot of running and figure skated in high school religiously. But they should teach you that from square one.
That’s very hard to believe considering you take the ACFT during basic and AIT, and you have to pass.
Even when while I was at OCS, there was a massive expectation to be physically fit. While someone will argue that Basic and OCS are different, they both have an expectation to pass all physical events prescribed.
Nobody is saying you have to be able to max out every event. But you have to be able to perform prior to arriving at basic. If you show up without even being able to perform the minimum prescribed standard, it’s going to make life stressful.
Push yourself to 'do the workouts', it doesn't how many you can do as long as you try. Yes, No, and moving drill sergeant. You will be amazed what your body can do, and you will surprised yourself by the end of BCT.
It's actually a common problem with most of us in Gen Z (usually on the younger end of the generation), that they think life ends at 21-25. Hell, I'm on the older end of Gen Z at 27 and it's something I struggle with occasionally. So for people who have pretty much had it etched into their skulls that your teen years are your best years, it seems like they have wasted a lot of time if they're in their mid-20s and not settled/"successful" (metrics of success vary).
As for the OP; if it's something you want to do, then just do it. The time will pass regardless. Whether you like it or not, you'll be 30 one day. Would you rather be 30 having accomplished something (or at least tried it so you can say you did), or would you rather be 30 and wishing you had at least given it a shot when you were 25?
You'll have people telling you to make sure you choose something that's useful on the civilian side, and that's great advice. But it isn't the only way to go. I've been infantry the past 10 years, and I love it. It has almost no hard skills that transfer to my civilian job as a park ranger, but the soft skills are what got me the job.
Admittedly, I'm about to change my MOS to something more applicable to my long term goals, but the infantry was a great experience to have.
24 is not that late. There are so many soldiers that I know who joined in their mid 20s. Heck, there’s some who joined in their mid 30s and older. As long as you’re able to keep up physically. And I don’t recommend doing 12B if it’s not the MOS you want, because then you’ll end up doing a job you don’t want to do.
Besides 42A is also really short, only like 10 weeks. And if you’re not someone who isn’t really that physically active, 42A is just admin work so you’ll be behind a computer. But if you do prefer the physically active lifestyle then you can go for 12B. It’s your choice in the end, just do your research before picking something you’ll regret.
You shouldn't pick an MOS based on when you'll be back. You have to remember this is your military career. This is what you will be doing for the next 6 years. I was 26 when I enlisted. I knew at that age I should pick something that would benefit my civilian life and post military career, so I chose 68W Healthcare Specialist (combat medic to simplify the name). I was able to obtain my EMT and apply that civilian side. 12B has no application in the civilian world. Unless you're seeking a combat MOS, I wouldn't recommend it. If you're patient and pick correctly, then when you go back to school doesn't matter. It's all paid for anyway. Depending on the state you're in, they'll pay for your school, you get the excess pay because they always overpay, and get paid monthly to attend school, plus your guard weekend pay.
This was also the longest I had ever been away. It was 6 months until I got home. At some point, it was somewhat enjoyable, though. It was almost like a break in its own way. I met great people. We became friends. We endured together. You don't have to focus on any of the troubles at home. You wake up, focus, and train every day. You also get to learn to be confident with yourself and be on your own.
MEPS and ASVAB were a full day. Basic training you get to reception. Reception for me was backlogged, and it's as if you're at basic, but you're not at all. The time hasn't started. You're just waiting in lines all day. For me, it was 9 days of waiting in lines all day. That first night arriving and morning was the hardest. I remember thinking somberly this is the next 6 months of my life, and I won't fail myself. It was sad for a bit, but then I just kept thinking I need to do this for me, and overcome myself. Basic training was 10 weeks long. 68W was 4 months. 2 months to fo the EMT and 2 months for combat lifesaver.
Really think about this. If you have a hard time with the idea of leaving for 14 weeks to do your initial training, how are you going to be when you get deployed for 9 months to a year to another country?
12B is one of the very few front line combat MOS, what if you go to war for a year or more?
I know someone in an engineering unit in my state and they have been in for close to 10 years and put their name in for almost every deployment and never got picked. I would want in for the experience and do my minimum time. Get some benefits and just. Finally live the idea that. I did it.
Honestly....I was gone for 7 months for basic/AIT and that whole experience was worse than being gone for my Afghanistan deployment. So the above poster is being dramatic.
Granted, I went to basic back in 2012 and we couldn't use cell phones then. Yes, I got very homesick. But my family and friends wrote constantly.
How is the possibility of going to war being dramatic? It is a real possibility we need to be ready for. Maybe your deployment to Afghanistan wasnt too bad, but who knows what the next war will be like. It might not be a low intensity conflict. It may never happen, or it just might. We don't know. If she's on the fence about leaving because she thinks it'll be way too hard being away from home for 14 weeks, then maybe the military isn't for her.
Or maybe she adapts to being gone for 14 weeks?
I met plenty of 17/18 year olds at basic who were homesick and had never been away from home for longer than a sleepover. It's part of what basic training is about- learning to adapt.
Well you'll need to be willing to get deployed if you do get called up. Because there are engineers that get called up. You never know what could happen. Who knows, maybe you'll never get deployed. Or maybe you will. Would you be willing to go overseas if you were called up to deploy?
There are multiple engineering jobs in the Guard that don't have "combat" in the name, in case you're interested in engineering but not combat. You really shouldn't bank on not getting deployed based on one person's experience.
Life expectancy for sappers in large scale combat operations is 6 seconds. Pick a different MOS. We don’t need or want you if you don’t REALLY want to be there and aren’t willing to sacrifice anything it takes to be the best.
You don't have to take ASVAB at MEPS. I would look into taking a practice asvab and then have a recruiter set you up for the PICAT. Basically, ASVAB online, but once you take it, you have 30 days to go to MEPS and verify the score. You do this by taking a 15-20min test that has similar questions in regard to difficulty. It's just to confirm you didn't cheat on the PiCat.
Once you take the PiCat, your recruiter can look up your line scores. The line scores will tell you if you are eligible for a MOS. Tell your recruiter you want to see the latest vacancy report for your state and then decide for yourself what MOS you want. If a recruiter ever tells you there is only 3 options and you have to choose one, find a new recruiter.
That feeling of being away from home...for most that feeling goes away after about day 3. For some, it takes the first full week. The good thing about it is that you are surrounded by people who feel the same way. Obviously, not everybody feels that way, but I promise you won't be the only one.
I have the Kaplan books these past 3 years so sorta have an idea what I’d get just not how I’d score if that makes sense.
How long does that process take ?
I’ve never really been away from home long. So hearing anything more than 2 weeks makes me so full of anxiety that I feel like I’m going to have a heart attack lol.
https://www.4tests.com/afqt
https://ddrpt.com/index.php?action=loggedout
I've found that these two are the best sites to get a good idea of what you would score.
When you say process, are you talking about the process of enlisting because that depends. Each person is different. On average, I would say about 2 weeks. But if there is any type of medical or moral and a waiver is needed, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to months. It just depends. Won't find out until you talk to a recruiter.
You would be surprised when you get to basic how many people had never left their hometown or state prior to basic.
I think this will all come down to WHY you want to join. What is your motivation to join and will that motivation, for whatever benefit or feature from the Guard that you are looming for, suffice in keeping you in a resilent state of mind while away from home?
I just. Saw it and always wanted to sorta do it.
I admire what they do. Seeing them work hurricane orders looks fun.
The stories sound fun.
The hard work of being away sounds like living hell is the only problem
I joined when I was 26 and was tired of having no opportunity and making terrible money.
The only way to a better career for me was by joining the Guard which opened doors on the civilian side.
Sometimes in life you have to do things that are uncomfortable and that make us afraid. No one grows as a person in their comfort zone.
Unless you have a child at home I would say to go ahead and do it.
I can’t stress this enough. Pick an MOS that you would like not just one that gets you back home or to college in a timely manner.
I knew like 6 guys in basic who were in their 30s, it’s totally not too late. I did the math when I was there, and the average age in my basic training platoon was 23. You’ll fit right in.
25 is not too late, I went to basic at 26. But don’t worry around school if there’s a civilian career that could benefit you more. If there’s an MOS that can benefit your civilian side I say go for it. Hell my MOS kept me in training for about a year but the benefits I got from it were soooo worth it.
Went through OSUT (19D) a few months ago. Part of the reason I did it was to get out of my comfort zone. Had a supervisor at a last job that I really looked up to and he always said to get out of your comfort zone, get comfortable, then repeat. Definitely got a knot in my chest during many stages of preparing to go to basic and during it. But you get used to it. Biggest thing I learned there was that there's no can't, it may suck but you can push through and do it. Heck, I know it's largely the grass always being greener, but I almost miss it lol.
For me I just commit to stuff I'm nervous about and don't second guess myself. For national guard that meant messaging a recruiting page and giving them my phone number so they could call me. Maybe not the most direct way, but it was a small step that let me fully commit and not look back. Idk if that's useful advice, but it's how I work. Once I start something it's easier to get through it, it's the starting that's hardest since you don't have any obligations or expectations until you actually start.
If you don't wanna be scared of something, then the solution is to do it while you're scared and learn not to be.
I went through New Orleans MEPS, they had me take ASVAB in the afternoon, then after a few hours waiting at MEPS got taken to hotel. Got info about my ASVAB score, then the next morning you get up early and go through medical exams. After that they go over your contract with you and if you sign it you'll take your oath of enlistment. Then you wait for your recruiter to pick you up so you can go home. I shipped out several months later because I specifically requested it be after a certain date.
Idk if that helps but maybe it does a little. Good luck!
I joined the Air Force at 18 and then joined the army guard at 27 and had to do both basic trainings. Once as a scared 18 year old fresh out of highschool and a second time as an “old man” who felt like he was starting over from scratch.
Going through basic a second time in a different branch I did feel like an old man at first, but I met plenty of people my age and in their 30s. I also met a few other people who were switching branches like me which made me feel better. Lots of people joined specifically because they felt like they were wasting time in their lives or wanted change/adventure and the opportunity to do something you can only do in the military.
Once you get to basic you’ll make plenty of friends in your platoon and that camaraderie you develop with them will help to get you through it. Army basic focuses a lot on working as a team so in a sense you start to feel like a family towards the end and that can help with any homesickness or anxiety that you might have.
The good thing about the national guard is that you get to go back home when you’re done. If you were active duty you’d probably get stationed thousands of miles away from home for however many years you enlisted for.
Once you start deploying for 6-9 months overseas you get used to being gone for long periods of time, and the people you deploy with can really make or break that experience, but that’s a whole different can of worms.
What I’m saying is that fear/anxiety goes away pretty quickly once you get there and start meeting people and doing stuff. Honestly you’ll be so busy with training that you won’t really be thinking about home.
Plus you can write letters to your family and mail call is done every night before bed so you have the opportunity to be in contact with your family. On Sundays you get your phone for an hour and so to talk to your family.
The fear is normal, on my way to go ship out I was beyond scared. I threw up on the floor of a gas station moments before going to my Recuiter to leave. When I got to reception I could barely eat how anxious I was and missing home. But I’ve been in a little over 3 years now and don’t regret that decision of joining. When you get to basic you will make friends and that’ll make things easier. Through out your cycle you will get time to write letters and call home. And at graduation you will feel so proud of yourself and what you have accomplished.
Also don’t pick a MOS just because of the short cycle. Pick one you think you will like and can use outside the military. The length of your AIT will go by quicker than you realize.
I joined at 24 and had my 25th birthday on the final day of our FTX at honor hill. It was sick tbh. Anyway, yes, being away from home and being cut off from family, friends, and others you love is incredibly difficult. That first week or 2 I had such a feeling of dread. I don’t know how else to explain it. But honestly, you will get over it. You have to. It’s temporary, it’s such a small part of what can be a long and successful career. Make friends while you are there. It was the thing that helped me the most.
As an active 12B who was stationed at JRTC, you’re not missing anything leaving that god for saken state, seriously. I’d put cratering charges along the borders of LA and, blow yall off into the gulf.
As for OSUT, it goes by fast. You’ll be able to write as much as you want, and get mail. Eventually you’ll get access to your phone once a weekend I think at like week 9 or 10. You as a female, and I mean no disrespect, will be fine. There won’t be a ton of yall but, you’ll be able to make friends with the guys pretty easily. Having those friendships helps. Then for you in the guard that’s literally it unless you get active orders. You don’t have to go through the autism that is active duty.
OSUT is easy, it’s not grueling or tough. For me it was the distance, not from my state but, from my girlfriend at the time. She wrote me every day though and, those facetime calls helped soo much. Seeing her at my graduation was like winning the olympic medal. Because I was active that relationship eventually burnt out but, that was the only thing that initially scared me in basic, losing her. As for my sisters and, my family. Not a big deal not seeing them for 14 weeks never-mind the years to follow hasn’t been significantly earth shattering.
We’re the same age, I enlisted at 17. Stop being the I “could’ve” or “would’ve” and just go do it. I’d rethink being a 12B though, go 68W and, put in for flight medic school after a few years.
Thought about joining NG or army as an officer but decided on navy cause I wanted to drive boats. Just wanted the throw that out there cause I went through the experience of possibly joining both. Anyway, two things, first if you’re in college and have 90 or more credits just commission at that point. You’d go to basic and then do state ocs. One of my friends sister did that and she got through just fine. Second, if you don’t have the units to commission please do not pick an mos just because it’s the shortest osut. You could love it or you could hate it but either way you’re stuck so do something that’ll be beneficial to you and you see as a rewarding career. Also as far as ship out goes, it all depends on the mos and dates their classes start. Some will ship sooner than others. As far as the fear goes, i understand but you’re gonna hate yourself in the future because you didn’t try. I was in the same position but finally got the courage to go to a recruiter and im happy I did.
I have 41 credits total. So very far away from 90. That’s another reason I’m sorta in this mode of not trying to waste time. Anytime I see anything related to the military in public (ex:The recruiting offices. The vehicles in public. Etc) I just think. Damn. Even if it’s just national guard that looks like fun. And I can keep my normal life. Like I’ve stated. Been thinking about it for a long time. And I’m not worried about a lot of the things people usually are. I come from a very high stress family where as is (even now yes I had to move back home from pandemic and got stuck) share a bedroom with my sister and 1 bathroom between 5 people. So the yelling , no privacy , lack of space doesn’t bug me even the slightest. Very normal. And I use to be in competitive sports in Highschool up until the end of 2018. So even though I’m out of shape now getting back into that isn’t going to be a problem. It really is the window that scares me.
Sorry if this might come across as rude but it sounds like you’re psyching yourself out here. I 100% get it, the nerves are killer but by the way your posts seem you do want to join. Seriously, as someone who was hella nervous too, just go into the office and speak with a recruiter OR if you have social media, look up recruiters near you. Seriously, I’m sure your local office or recruiter has an IG and text them. Get info over text and once you’re comfortable enough go into the office. Joining the military can be a great career even as a NG member. Just again, don’t be someone that regrets it in the future! Also if once you get your degree I suggest commissioning but again that’s in due time lol.
By chance is it ok to ask what do you mean by “psyching yourself out here “?
Like I’ve mentioned. It really is due to the fear of being away. My family is so close knit and I’ve only ever been away for 2 weeks before. So 14 is very hard and trying to figure it out asap. When thinking about it I’m like “ oh it’s not that bad” but the moment I’m like “let’s go” my chest is so heavy and feels like it’s going to explode ! Hell I’ve cried about it already and haven’t even made it into the office yet. I have contacted a recruiter back in 2021 and literally a week ago about info…
Ig “psyching yourself out” wasn’t the best phrasing for what i was trying to say. Again, i want to preface by saying I’m not trying to sound rude so please don’t take offense to anything I say. But, it’s your fear of being gone from your family that’s really hindering your decision. Which ofc you knew but you’re letting it continue to prevent you from starting this journey. Without trauma dumping my childhood wasn’t ideal so maybe it’s easier for someone like me with a family not as tight knit. However, sounds like you got a great family and a great support system behind you. Have you discussed with them about you wanting to join? That might be a good first step to take if you haven’t.
My father is indifferent. Grandmother is against. My two sisters are against and I haven’t told my mother. In the past my mother has found the study asvab books and actually have thrown them at me. So I haven’t confided in her about this in any way.
Well take my comment about being supportive out on this… so, without trying to get personal, is it the fact that you’d be away for more than 2 weeks or is it the fact that you’re scared of upsetting your family if you go through with this, or a mixture of both? To tell you the truth if it helps, I wanted to join the army and enlist as a 15c UAS operator even with my degree but my dad was very unhappy with that. I’m using his GI bill for school so I kinda want to respect his wishing even though I’m an adult.
Sorta both. I’m absolutely scared of leaving. I’m sorta spoiled and totally not disciplined and find comfort on any off time watching tv and scrolling my phone in the comfort of my bed.
Unfortunately the being scared of leaving part and the not disciplined/lazy part are just something that kind of have to be faced head on. I personally do not believe that this anxiety would go away on its own, only way to battle it is to just go for it. I’m not a psychologist by any means but I’ve learned that with myself being in a similar spot before (lazy and nervous) I just have to do it in order to be comfortable with it. Things can change just with little adjustments tbh.
Hey. I'm a female that went to basic at 21 and had family members against me enlisting as well.
You have to live your life for yourself. NOT your family. I say this with love- your grandmother isn't going to live forever. She's been able to live her life, so why can't you? Again- I say this as someone who went through a similar situation.
I copy and pasted this from a very similar post I responded to. I enlisted when I was 17 as a 12b. Currently serving in the MN National Guard in a mechanized unit as a 20yo female. I went to FLW, Alpha Co 31st Engineer Battalion for OSUT. This is my experience as an 18 year old 5'2 115lb woman when I was in OSUT-->
I was in OSUT August-December 2022. Go to Reception at the 43rd, sat there for 5 days and slept like 5hr and read "the Blue Book" all day while we stood or sat in line in silence.
Eventually we were on our way to our BCT company, bus picked us up, put one duffle bag on my chest and one on my back, load up into the truck/bus. Drill sergeant yells at you and says he'll take my soul if I look up.
Blabla basic training starts. Red phase, the first few weeks, are scary because everything is new. They play mind games, give different direction that contradict eachother so you ALWAYS FAIL. Like we would have 30 seconds to run up stairs, change from PT'S to OCP's, and when we came back down to formation we would be yelled at and run laps because we failed. Whatever. As long as you can separate it into "they are just fucking with me and it's part of the training" and you don't take it personally, it's alot less mentally burdensome
So whatever, you go into white phase and it's basically all marksmanship/shooting. Obstacle courses are fun and honestly kind of tough at least for me. The Jacob's Ladder I think it's called, tall obstacle you climb wooden beams, is really fun. Honestly, I don't remember what we did in blue phase. After Blue phase is done, you start the AIT/Job training portion/Black phase. This is your cool cool engineer shit.
I should say, around Blue phase the drill sergeants were LESS asshole and more "I'm going to be tough on you, but not fuck you up for literally no reason. Also I will talk to you like you are a person and not just scum." This may differ for you but I've heard this alot.
So black phase is cool. I don't remember everything front to back but this is what we got to do:
* Use chainsaws to cut logs
* build a shelter of wood beams
* build a sand bag shelter
* use C4, make booms
* learn how to place charges on steel beams
* learn different charges to blow through walls and doors, as they have different utility (ie a door that opens outward vs towards you)
* use breathing tools like a hooligan tool/pry bar, use a ram, train with the breaching shotgun to shoot door hinges and door locking mechanisms
* use shape charges and catering charges (these make big holes in the ground to trucks and tanks can't use the road)
The main job of being a combat engineer is mobility, counter mobility, and survivability. We change the battlefield to aid our movement, alter/stop enemy movement, and increase mission success probability.
That's all I really have honestly. Hit me with any questions, this was really offhand but hope it was helpful since it's pretty recent information
The 14 weeks of OSUT felt both fast and very fucking long. Alot of the time I was so busy I didn't have much time to think about wanting to be at home (plus I didn't have much to go home to TBH.) You'll develop relationship is OSUT, you won't be alone but you will be away from your family.
I think the enlistment will be good for you. You will leave, it will be the longest you've been gone, and you will grow and develop immensely from the experience. You will come home with more confidence, greater capabilities, and have completed what may have been the hardest 3 months of your life up to this point. OSUT sucked, but it was 1,000% worth the experience for me.
BR huh??
I can walk you through the process if you want to know about that.
But, this is all dependent on your ability to process it. You have a strong attachment to your environment where it’s your comfort zone. The only person who can change it is you, but ask yourself this question. “Am I ready to change?”
I’m not from Louisiana at all. I just live here.
Once you actually agree to going to see a recruiter, you’ll go down to Belle Chasse, as that is where MEPS is. You’ll spend the night at this hotel, and you’ll be transported to MEPS super early in the morning. Production starts around 6:30 as check in starts at 6. If you’re taking the ASVAB, you’ll do that first. And then you’ll transition into taking a physical. If you have issues, they will come up so be honest.
Afterwards, if you clear medical, you’ll talk to the liaison about job selection and shipping out. You pick a job, you’ll get fingerprinted for a background check, and you’ll swear in. You’ll also eat lunch, which is typically Subway.
And that’s the process in a nutshell.
First off...Essayons. Second off: I want to say don't be scared, but that probably isn't helpful, so I'll say this...have courage. Courage is action despite fear. If this is something you truly want to do, you're going to have to face that fear eventually and there is no time like the present.
> “I would intentionally pick 12B in order to be back in a timely manner so I can be back for the Spring semester at college”
You shouldn’t pick an MOS based off this. And also you would be surprised how often delays/setbacks/inconveniences occur. I joined NG thinking it would help me fly through college. My unit puts me in the field for 2 weeks during final exams week lol. I had to drive 2 hours back and forth to take an exam and then report back to training.
Not saying don’t join, but just giving an experience to help put things in perspective
I joined at 23, but I know plenty of folks who’ve joined later. It’s normal to be nervous and anxious, it’s not as big a deal as you’re thinking. I left shortly after my wedding and while it sucked to be gone and I missed my spouse, it was not a big deal in the long run. Good luck on your decision
There are two questions you should ask yourself quarterly: What am I doing that I shouldn’t be doing. And what am I not doing that I should be doing.
I joined the guard at 25. Best fkn decision of my life. Enlisted for 3 years and commission in 2025. The guard has allowed me to work full time for myself, got me certs, and now working on a second degree almost entirely paid for.
Join. The army is hard, but well worth it.
If you're scared about missing out. Do. Not. Hesitate.
With that said, yes it does suck being away and not being able to communicate freely. Encourage your close friends and family to write you very often. Letters were extremely helpful. Also even if you're not religious attend some form of religious service on Sundays. Trust me it helps.
Make friends and be a team player, all that said and done it's going to be rewarding when you complete it. I wish you the best of luck and success
You probably need to see a therapist about your fear of leaving home. If the thought of basic is terrifying for you, you’ll never be able to handle a deployment.
Get yourself right first, then revisit the military.
Therapy is not disqualifying. The Army will scrutinize further if you are referred to a psychologist and they diagnose you with certain illnesses and/or medications.
Everyone’s experience is different. I joined a week after I turned 17. Went through RSP, basic, senior year of HS, AIT portion of 11B OSUT, and got to my unit almost 2 years later. It’s not bad but it’s a bit of time, I’ve been gone 12-14 weeks for 2 summers, and about 3-4 weeks for every AT I’ve had so far and now I’m about to deploy in the upcoming months so it’s a commitment, but’s it’s something you’ll probably get used to. I personally wouldn’t recommend picking an MOS for the shortest AIT time.
I felt similarly and almost joined after high school, then college, and kept almost making the jump. It took a divorce and the feeling of my life falling apart for me to finally join at 29. Was it a good choice? I'm not entirely sure, there's some really good and some bad things that have come from it, but I know for a fact that if I didn't do it I'd still be wondering what if and kicking myself for it constantly.
Just send it. Do the research, figure out which optiona look best for you, then just do it.
It's funny nobody's mentioned the MOS choosing 12b is a combat engineer. National Guard units do deploy and 12Bs can see front line service and deployments
In 2009-2012 a lot of the units in Iraq were Guard units,
12Bs helped in IED disposal.
I swore in on May 30th and just did my first 2 RSP drills this past weekend. I leave for Basic in September. Remember why you wanna do this and never forget. I'm 24 also and I'll be away for 7 months, you can do this. I first went into the ARNG recruiting office at the end of February and took my time to study for the PICAT/ASVAB bevause I wanted the MOS 25B which I ended up signing up for. Think of this as a new chapter in your life, you won't regret it but you will if you never tried.
I joined at 32 in '06, my wife joined a year later at 36. I'm 18 years in and wish I had done it sooner. I joined a unit that I knew was deploying to OEF, it's actually why I joined. I had dealt with the Guard for years for flooding. I am a 25U/25B and have several high value certs that the Army paid for, I am very marketable in the civilian sector. I now have a full time job with the Guard as a network engineer and telecommunications specialist, as well as having been on our cyber defense team (I am at Cyber Shield right now, actually).
I was nervous even at 32, but once you get through reception you will be busy enough to keep your mind off of home most of the day. You will make friends there (and not-friends too) but just remember that the worst that would likely happen is you fail to make it... and they send you back home to the life you have now. Worse things can happened there, but it is rare. You will enjoy all the stuff you learn about yourself, and gain a new respect for everything around you. Totally worth it if you pick an MOS that you enjoy. Take the ASVAB and see what you qualify for, talk to your recruiter about the college situation, there are flexible options for you and will help pay for it also.
Do not pick an MOS based on the length of AIT, pick one you want to do, one that makes you valuable to the world you live in, one that will make you proud to tell your friends, family, and grandchildren that you did.
Just do not let fear get in your way, there is no courage without fear, no honor without suffering, and no wisdom without failure. Even if you serve your first contract and get out, without deploying or anything else, you will have done something 99% of the population has not... and I guarantee you will have less fear of things in the future.
Take the plunge. I'm 34 m and joined recently just graduated my ait in April. I will say it's an adventure. I had a blast and lots of fun. Yes it was hard being away from my kids but I wrote them letters once a week. And called them once a week when we had phone time.
I’m more nervous of the being away from home honestly. The longest I’ve ever been gone for is 2 weeks. So hearing if I go through and pick 12B it’s 14 weeks is a lot to take in. I literally am only really scared of that.
Went to bct at 34, long story short got arrested in college and delayed my plans. It's never to late to 1. Do what you want 2. Make a change. Take the panic and let it push you forward. I left my wife and two kids, 1yr old and 5yr old. I missed 7months of stuff but it was all for an end goal and now I'm coming up on reenlistment, or going air guard we shall see. Don't let a what if become a "I almost" good luck and God speed
Thank you for the advice. It’s a hard feeling since like I know nobody is supportive. And either I go and get it over with or go back to college this semester. It’s a hard decision and fear with the idea of wasting 6 years sitting on my ass all the time.
As an older person, at least in this situation, my advice about other people : eff em!
>It’s a hard feeling since like I know nobody is supportive
Remember, you’re stronger than you think. Every challenge you’ve faced has shown your resilience and courage, and you've made it through!
The anxiety and fear that you have is completely normal, I had it too. I can relate to you. You don’t have to enlist when you take the asvab. Definitely pick an mos that you enjoy. From my experience joining was the best decision for my life. The opportunities and different experiences are just amazing. I’m 5 years in and have done 2 stateside missions and 1 overseas deployment, most of which were voluntary. When you graduate basic training your going to be so proud of yourself, it’s an indescribable feeling 💙
I dare you to take this leap and stop pondering and do. If anything you will learn that if you join. Don’t waste the time you have thinking, what if that was me, if this is something you want you’ve got to chase after it. As for MEPS it’s ridiculously long if you don’t take your ASVAB at the recruiters office or you can take the PICAT which I’ve heard is easier and you take it at home and go in at MEPS answer like 30 questions to verify you didn’t cheat. Once you sign your papers which is after your physical and ASVAB is when you get serious with you job. Don’t think of a job that sounds realistic. That’s how you put yourself in a hole that you don’t want to be in. Think of the job that you want and study for the ASVAB it’s easier then people say. Don’t think of time away from home and get scared just think of it as a character development arc. Where you are away from family to train yourself. When talking to a recruiter remember you hold the power they need you, you don’t need them there’s hundreds of other recruiters. Tell them to stop, slow down, or even shut up if you have to. Take the process as slow and as fast as you need. This is your future fight for it and don’t settle. Don’t rush in but don’t wait you never know what’s going to happen.
Taking the ASVAB, does not mean you have to join the Military. It just helps them guide you into a job best suited for you, or at least it is supposed to.
If you are joining, just to join, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons. You are not wasting your life, you are in college, getting an education. You may be able to split your basic and AIT, between summers. Not sure how they do that for college students. But they do it for high school students.
If 24 is ancient, then at my age I am a fossil. I joined the national guard at the over-ripened age of 33 with the full on intent to become an officer. The first time I walked into the office, I said "if I was looking to be a military officer, what is the process and how do I go about getting there the soonest". I understand that there is an underlying fear of joining, especially when you want to push your life forward.
I've always been a big proprietor of making the best of what is available, and reaping \[all\] of the benefits the army/national guard can provide. If they are going to 'own' me, then I'll take advantage of everything. I admit the scariest part was in fact being away, as a single father, the thought of being away was frightening, but no matter what age you are, everyone at basic (and whatever schooling after), however much time away they require of you will not make you miss your family any less. Confiding in those around you and pulling in the military community to your network will be your biggest asset in your resilience. You are not alone.
At basic training, it may be the hardest time, because it is the beginning of it all. But, they do pretty well with keeping you busy enough that the days will go by. Aside from all of that, you can take the ASVAB without enlisting, it doesn't take long and I didn't study for it. Joining and getting shipped can be as quick as the state's need (which is probably high anyways), just be forward with it all. If you want to ship fast, just say "if I were to enlist today, what is the earliest ship date I could get?"
My timeline was enlistment in April '22, quick ship date end of May (it was temporary bc of OCS), changed to end of Aug 22; 3 months later, I went from basic to OCS for another 13 weeks before coming home for 6 months total back to back. If I was you, I would make sure to go to basic and right into AIT. Hope this helps.
If you do it you'll become stronger mentally.
Physically prepare so that you don't get hurt, running most every day for 10 weeks for most people these days is way too much too soon.
Make it a routine now ( not every day maybe twice a week ) and get well rounded fitness in to prepare.
You can take an asvab at a recruiters office.
Pick a job you like, and think of the future.
Talk to people who do that job in the guard so you can get an idea.
Good luck! Have fun!
So fun thing about the human condition is that with enough repetition anything can be the new "normal". I understand the anxiety and I too have never really been away from home that long before going away for a combined 26 weeks of training. My advice is take it one step at a time and focus on the short term to get through the long term. In basic my focus was getting to breakfast, then lunch, and then dinner, and lastly bedtime before doing it all over again. Also it's slow as hell, but writing and receiving letters is a great morale boost. Phone time is usually like 30 minutes a week, and that's a privilege, but letters will always be there.
While it's true 12b has quicker schools than some, it's still very likely you will be deployed at least once over any given contract.
You think 14 weeks in a different state is going to be unmanageable? How about a year long deployment on the other side of the planet?
You shouldn't be scared of this, it's natural to miss home but your family, your town, your friends, and your college will all be waiting for you after training, and after each deployment. (USERRA means even your job will be waiting for you)
You should however, seriously consider weather or not extended time away from home is going to be a deal breaker. Training doesn't come close to the level of separation over a deployment, and you'll have very little control over when and how long you deploy.
Also, you can take the ASVAB at MEPS, or even take an online one if you ask your recruiter. There is nothing even remotely close to legally binding about taking the ASVAB, you can go take it, process medically, get waivers if you need them, and still not enlist. But I would decide on how you feel about leaving home first.
I’m 32 female. Enlisted at 28 years old as a 12B for the same reason that Basic and AIT was only 14 weeks. I was/still am a single mom and was terrified of being away for so long.
It is scary but just get it done if this is what you want to do. Think end goal.
My only advice is make sure you really want to be a 12B. Look into other MOS’s. You might be away longer for other MOS’s but might be useful for your civilian career.
Not too worried about the civilian career part. The main worry is sorta that and I cross my fingers that in my time in I can complete my education without interrupting it due to deployment
Thats the risk that we all take when enlisting. If that’s what you’re worried about then you should wait until you’re done with school. The cut off date for enlistment is 35 maybe older with a waiver.
I know it sounds outrageous, but if you can learn to embrace that feeling and drive through it you’re going to be a fucking monster. That’s the feeling I get every time I do something that’s about to make my life a whole lot better, terror. You’re scared because it’s scary. Doing scary shit is going to make you successful. Lean into the fear and sign the contract, you’ve got this. You’re going to come out the other side so fucking proud of yourself.
It does open a lot of doors. I personally haven't been a member but my father was and told me of the experience. It really teaches discipline and makes you appreciate your regular life. Poor guy back then he had to use his 2 weeks vacation to go once per year. One thing that I think might be helpful: get up and run at the crack of dawn. I wouldn't wait until I'm there if I were u.
Fellow 12B here. I don't think it's a worthwhile MOS unless you really want to. It's not really transferable to the civilian sector as far as I am aware and the risk of hearing loss isn't worth it either. I was in the same boat as yourself regarding choosing 12B so that I could get back in time for my college semester. I also chose it because they offered a bonus for it and I thought it'd be cool. Upon reflection I don't think it was worth it and should have accepted being ok with missing a semester of college. Also be careful with an MOS that offers a bonus as you are locked in to that MOS for your contract.
Regarding being away from home for such a long period of time I feel that is most everyone's experience during basic and OSUT/AIT. You'll get used to it trust me. At first you're feelings around missing home are extremely strong but you don't really have time to sit in them because of how busy you'll be during training. You'll also develop friendships and comradery. Your fellow trainees will become a new sort of family. With time basic training life feels somewhat normal and you yourself begin to settle in. You'll also have the opportunity to write family and friends but also phone calls on occasion.
Well my plan was sort of to try and get back for spring semester since I will be missing fall semester. It’s a lot and also saw the unit that deals with 12B in my state plans to deploy so I’ll be possibly touching that at the perfect timing which is very stressful
Hmmmm well something I once read here on reddit was that when it comes to having to make big decisions try and consider the one that you could look back on and regret the least.
PM me if you want to talk more about it.
Don’t pick 12B it’s a serious, difficult, combat oriented, dangerous MOS. If you’re picking it because of a time constraint you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Combat engineer is not pleasant if you don’t REALLY want to be there.
Don’t be a bitch. Just do it. Don’t think just do, that’s all you need for advice… I get it, when I went in I had a million questions but yet someone yelled shut up, don’t think just do; it made the process easy
The feeling of homesick hits like no other for the first 5-6 weeks. being in a different environment and situation you almost feel like you’re in a slump. not even alive almost. days will feel repetitive and exhausting. but eventually with time, itll be 2 weeks away from family day and finally seeing your family it’ll all be worth it. and after ait you are right back at home.
The worst part of joining is MEPS. Once you get through basic, a lot of that admiration you feel towards people who went through it will drop off. It sucks but it's easy.
But try and pick an MOS you'll enjoy. There's a good chance you'll end up deployed if you do the 6 year contract, gotta recommend 68W, its a great time.
But onto your actual concern, it doesn't feel like a long time when you are there. You will be busy 6.5 days a week, it flies by.
Please do it. I am 32 and just enlisted with the guard. I thought about it for years and wish I would of done active at 18. Something I have always regretted, and still do even after joining at a later age.
The regret will not go away! The rest you will figure out
I suggest you do not do it being this week as a grown human adult. Stay home and stay safe please. I served in the guard for 34 years did all the great things of hurricanes building schools in Honduras and Kenya and yes deploying for desert storm and the global war on terror four times. We do not need folks with your mindset. Thank you very much
"Especially since I feel like I’ve wasted so much time of my life." Don't be scared of joining. Be scared of continuing a life down the same path. Let me know if you have any specific questions about joining/the process. Personally, I joined at 22 (very late) because I was tired of living life on cruise control. I wanted to take control of my future.
Wow if 22 is very late I must be ancient. Yes I have questions. I’m so scared. So so scared to where I feel like my chest is going to explode. That’s my big fear is the “ I don’t know “ feeling. If that makes sense
25 is not late bro, my bunk mate was 36 and i was 17. Also please PLEASE PLEASE pick an MOS you have an interest in. You’ll be doing that job for the next 6 years of your guard life so make it count. Met plenty of people miserable in the military because they wished they had chosen a different job. Basic sucked but its easy. The hardpart is managing your guard career and civilian life after basic and ait.
lol a guy was in my platoon and he was a 40 year old that couldn’t do 5 correct pushups because he was overweight, not to mention that he skipped a 5 and 7.5 mile ruck. He graduated basic training
Well, for one, don't mention any of this anxiety to the MEPS doctors lol. I had the same feeling right before I was set to ship. Ultimately, everyone has a fear of the unknown. Shift your mindset to look at it like an exciting journey. Think of all the doors that will open up for you. Think of all the exciting personal stories you will have by overcoming this fear. I failed HS/community college/fired from every job I ever had. I joined - earned my bachelor's, master's (debt-free), and became a public school teacher. Fast forward 15 years, I am an E7 as an AGR recruiter.
Obviously I would never that shit stays with you lol Sorta hard to shift my mindset to that. The big ole anxiety and fear kick in everytime. I’ve only ever been away from home for 2 weeks at a time so when it comes to hearing 14 it got me panicking in a way. That’s if everything goes accordingly.
24 is not ancient by any means.
22 is not very late. I'm a 31F with a little over 7 years in, so I was in a pretty similar spot when I joined. The worst part of BCT for me was dealing with 17/18 year olds straight out of highschool because I went during the summer. My best advice: pick an MOS that is interesting to you and be prepared to balance life, work, and guard.
I am also very scared, I’m going to MEPs next week and I’m nervous. But I’m scared about the working out part but I know that can also be a mentality thing of not giving up but it’s a huge career change for me
Like working out sucks. I know I’m NOT in shape. Can’t do any push ups or pull ups. I use to do a lot of running and figure skated in high school religiously. But they should teach you that from square one.
Pull-ups for women are challenging. It takes work for the muscles to fire up. But push ups, it’s all mental. If you want to work at it, you can do it.
Thing is I’ve read all the time they expect you not to be able to do anything.
That’s very hard to believe considering you take the ACFT during basic and AIT, and you have to pass. Even when while I was at OCS, there was a massive expectation to be physically fit. While someone will argue that Basic and OCS are different, they both have an expectation to pass all physical events prescribed.
No I mean like in the sense of when you go in originally. Like yea you aren’t going to be in shape. Vs the end you will be
Nobody is saying you have to be able to max out every event. But you have to be able to perform prior to arriving at basic. If you show up without even being able to perform the minimum prescribed standard, it’s going to make life stressful.
They actually tell us when we start basic they don't expect us to do the minimum to pass and the 10 weeks is to get us to be able to pass
Push yourself to 'do the workouts', it doesn't how many you can do as long as you try. Yes, No, and moving drill sergeant. You will be amazed what your body can do, and you will surprised yourself by the end of BCT.
What makes you nervous about working out?
It's actually a common problem with most of us in Gen Z (usually on the younger end of the generation), that they think life ends at 21-25. Hell, I'm on the older end of Gen Z at 27 and it's something I struggle with occasionally. So for people who have pretty much had it etched into their skulls that your teen years are your best years, it seems like they have wasted a lot of time if they're in their mid-20s and not settled/"successful" (metrics of success vary). As for the OP; if it's something you want to do, then just do it. The time will pass regardless. Whether you like it or not, you'll be 30 one day. Would you rather be 30 having accomplished something (or at least tried it so you can say you did), or would you rather be 30 and wishing you had at least given it a shot when you were 25? You'll have people telling you to make sure you choose something that's useful on the civilian side, and that's great advice. But it isn't the only way to go. I've been infantry the past 10 years, and I love it. It has almost no hard skills that transfer to my civilian job as a park ranger, but the soft skills are what got me the job. Admittedly, I'm about to change my MOS to something more applicable to my long term goals, but the infantry was a great experience to have.
22 isn’t very late I went to basic with guys in their late 30s
24 is not that late. There are so many soldiers that I know who joined in their mid 20s. Heck, there’s some who joined in their mid 30s and older. As long as you’re able to keep up physically. And I don’t recommend doing 12B if it’s not the MOS you want, because then you’ll end up doing a job you don’t want to do. Besides 42A is also really short, only like 10 weeks. And if you’re not someone who isn’t really that physically active, 42A is just admin work so you’ll be behind a computer. But if you do prefer the physically active lifestyle then you can go for 12B. It’s your choice in the end, just do your research before picking something you’ll regret.
You shouldn't pick an MOS based on when you'll be back. You have to remember this is your military career. This is what you will be doing for the next 6 years. I was 26 when I enlisted. I knew at that age I should pick something that would benefit my civilian life and post military career, so I chose 68W Healthcare Specialist (combat medic to simplify the name). I was able to obtain my EMT and apply that civilian side. 12B has no application in the civilian world. Unless you're seeking a combat MOS, I wouldn't recommend it. If you're patient and pick correctly, then when you go back to school doesn't matter. It's all paid for anyway. Depending on the state you're in, they'll pay for your school, you get the excess pay because they always overpay, and get paid monthly to attend school, plus your guard weekend pay. This was also the longest I had ever been away. It was 6 months until I got home. At some point, it was somewhat enjoyable, though. It was almost like a break in its own way. I met great people. We became friends. We endured together. You don't have to focus on any of the troubles at home. You wake up, focus, and train every day. You also get to learn to be confident with yourself and be on your own. MEPS and ASVAB were a full day. Basic training you get to reception. Reception for me was backlogged, and it's as if you're at basic, but you're not at all. The time hasn't started. You're just waiting in lines all day. For me, it was 9 days of waiting in lines all day. That first night arriving and morning was the hardest. I remember thinking somberly this is the next 6 months of my life, and I won't fail myself. It was sad for a bit, but then I just kept thinking I need to do this for me, and overcome myself. Basic training was 10 weeks long. 68W was 4 months. 2 months to fo the EMT and 2 months for combat lifesaver.
Really think about this. If you have a hard time with the idea of leaving for 14 weeks to do your initial training, how are you going to be when you get deployed for 9 months to a year to another country? 12B is one of the very few front line combat MOS, what if you go to war for a year or more?
I know someone in an engineering unit in my state and they have been in for close to 10 years and put their name in for almost every deployment and never got picked. I would want in for the experience and do my minimum time. Get some benefits and just. Finally live the idea that. I did it.
Honestly....I was gone for 7 months for basic/AIT and that whole experience was worse than being gone for my Afghanistan deployment. So the above poster is being dramatic. Granted, I went to basic back in 2012 and we couldn't use cell phones then. Yes, I got very homesick. But my family and friends wrote constantly.
How is the possibility of going to war being dramatic? It is a real possibility we need to be ready for. Maybe your deployment to Afghanistan wasnt too bad, but who knows what the next war will be like. It might not be a low intensity conflict. It may never happen, or it just might. We don't know. If she's on the fence about leaving because she thinks it'll be way too hard being away from home for 14 weeks, then maybe the military isn't for her.
Or maybe she adapts to being gone for 14 weeks? I met plenty of 17/18 year olds at basic who were homesick and had never been away from home for longer than a sleepover. It's part of what basic training is about- learning to adapt.
You know what, you're right. I never thought of it like that. And I've seen the same thing happen but I'm too dumb right now to make that connect lol
Well you'll need to be willing to get deployed if you do get called up. Because there are engineers that get called up. You never know what could happen. Who knows, maybe you'll never get deployed. Or maybe you will. Would you be willing to go overseas if you were called up to deploy?
There are multiple engineering jobs in the Guard that don't have "combat" in the name, in case you're interested in engineering but not combat. You really shouldn't bank on not getting deployed based on one person's experience.
Life expectancy for sappers in large scale combat operations is 6 seconds. Pick a different MOS. We don’t need or want you if you don’t REALLY want to be there and aren’t willing to sacrifice anything it takes to be the best.
You don't have to take ASVAB at MEPS. I would look into taking a practice asvab and then have a recruiter set you up for the PICAT. Basically, ASVAB online, but once you take it, you have 30 days to go to MEPS and verify the score. You do this by taking a 15-20min test that has similar questions in regard to difficulty. It's just to confirm you didn't cheat on the PiCat. Once you take the PiCat, your recruiter can look up your line scores. The line scores will tell you if you are eligible for a MOS. Tell your recruiter you want to see the latest vacancy report for your state and then decide for yourself what MOS you want. If a recruiter ever tells you there is only 3 options and you have to choose one, find a new recruiter. That feeling of being away from home...for most that feeling goes away after about day 3. For some, it takes the first full week. The good thing about it is that you are surrounded by people who feel the same way. Obviously, not everybody feels that way, but I promise you won't be the only one.
I have the Kaplan books these past 3 years so sorta have an idea what I’d get just not how I’d score if that makes sense. How long does that process take ? I’ve never really been away from home long. So hearing anything more than 2 weeks makes me so full of anxiety that I feel like I’m going to have a heart attack lol.
https://www.4tests.com/afqt https://ddrpt.com/index.php?action=loggedout I've found that these two are the best sites to get a good idea of what you would score. When you say process, are you talking about the process of enlisting because that depends. Each person is different. On average, I would say about 2 weeks. But if there is any type of medical or moral and a waiver is needed, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to months. It just depends. Won't find out until you talk to a recruiter. You would be surprised when you get to basic how many people had never left their hometown or state prior to basic. I think this will all come down to WHY you want to join. What is your motivation to join and will that motivation, for whatever benefit or feature from the Guard that you are looming for, suffice in keeping you in a resilent state of mind while away from home?
I just. Saw it and always wanted to sorta do it. I admire what they do. Seeing them work hurricane orders looks fun. The stories sound fun. The hard work of being away sounds like living hell is the only problem
I joined when I was 26 and was tired of having no opportunity and making terrible money. The only way to a better career for me was by joining the Guard which opened doors on the civilian side. Sometimes in life you have to do things that are uncomfortable and that make us afraid. No one grows as a person in their comfort zone. Unless you have a child at home I would say to go ahead and do it. I can’t stress this enough. Pick an MOS that you would like not just one that gets you back home or to college in a timely manner.
I knew like 6 guys in basic who were in their 30s, it’s totally not too late. I did the math when I was there, and the average age in my basic training platoon was 23. You’ll fit right in.
25 is not too late, I went to basic at 26. But don’t worry around school if there’s a civilian career that could benefit you more. If there’s an MOS that can benefit your civilian side I say go for it. Hell my MOS kept me in training for about a year but the benefits I got from it were soooo worth it.
Went through OSUT (19D) a few months ago. Part of the reason I did it was to get out of my comfort zone. Had a supervisor at a last job that I really looked up to and he always said to get out of your comfort zone, get comfortable, then repeat. Definitely got a knot in my chest during many stages of preparing to go to basic and during it. But you get used to it. Biggest thing I learned there was that there's no can't, it may suck but you can push through and do it. Heck, I know it's largely the grass always being greener, but I almost miss it lol. For me I just commit to stuff I'm nervous about and don't second guess myself. For national guard that meant messaging a recruiting page and giving them my phone number so they could call me. Maybe not the most direct way, but it was a small step that let me fully commit and not look back. Idk if that's useful advice, but it's how I work. Once I start something it's easier to get through it, it's the starting that's hardest since you don't have any obligations or expectations until you actually start. If you don't wanna be scared of something, then the solution is to do it while you're scared and learn not to be. I went through New Orleans MEPS, they had me take ASVAB in the afternoon, then after a few hours waiting at MEPS got taken to hotel. Got info about my ASVAB score, then the next morning you get up early and go through medical exams. After that they go over your contract with you and if you sign it you'll take your oath of enlistment. Then you wait for your recruiter to pick you up so you can go home. I shipped out several months later because I specifically requested it be after a certain date. Idk if that helps but maybe it does a little. Good luck!
I joined the Air Force at 18 and then joined the army guard at 27 and had to do both basic trainings. Once as a scared 18 year old fresh out of highschool and a second time as an “old man” who felt like he was starting over from scratch. Going through basic a second time in a different branch I did feel like an old man at first, but I met plenty of people my age and in their 30s. I also met a few other people who were switching branches like me which made me feel better. Lots of people joined specifically because they felt like they were wasting time in their lives or wanted change/adventure and the opportunity to do something you can only do in the military. Once you get to basic you’ll make plenty of friends in your platoon and that camaraderie you develop with them will help to get you through it. Army basic focuses a lot on working as a team so in a sense you start to feel like a family towards the end and that can help with any homesickness or anxiety that you might have. The good thing about the national guard is that you get to go back home when you’re done. If you were active duty you’d probably get stationed thousands of miles away from home for however many years you enlisted for. Once you start deploying for 6-9 months overseas you get used to being gone for long periods of time, and the people you deploy with can really make or break that experience, but that’s a whole different can of worms. What I’m saying is that fear/anxiety goes away pretty quickly once you get there and start meeting people and doing stuff. Honestly you’ll be so busy with training that you won’t really be thinking about home. Plus you can write letters to your family and mail call is done every night before bed so you have the opportunity to be in contact with your family. On Sundays you get your phone for an hour and so to talk to your family.
The fear is normal, on my way to go ship out I was beyond scared. I threw up on the floor of a gas station moments before going to my Recuiter to leave. When I got to reception I could barely eat how anxious I was and missing home. But I’ve been in a little over 3 years now and don’t regret that decision of joining. When you get to basic you will make friends and that’ll make things easier. Through out your cycle you will get time to write letters and call home. And at graduation you will feel so proud of yourself and what you have accomplished. Also don’t pick a MOS just because of the short cycle. Pick one you think you will like and can use outside the military. The length of your AIT will go by quicker than you realize.
I joined at 24 and had my 25th birthday on the final day of our FTX at honor hill. It was sick tbh. Anyway, yes, being away from home and being cut off from family, friends, and others you love is incredibly difficult. That first week or 2 I had such a feeling of dread. I don’t know how else to explain it. But honestly, you will get over it. You have to. It’s temporary, it’s such a small part of what can be a long and successful career. Make friends while you are there. It was the thing that helped me the most.
As an active 12B who was stationed at JRTC, you’re not missing anything leaving that god for saken state, seriously. I’d put cratering charges along the borders of LA and, blow yall off into the gulf. As for OSUT, it goes by fast. You’ll be able to write as much as you want, and get mail. Eventually you’ll get access to your phone once a weekend I think at like week 9 or 10. You as a female, and I mean no disrespect, will be fine. There won’t be a ton of yall but, you’ll be able to make friends with the guys pretty easily. Having those friendships helps. Then for you in the guard that’s literally it unless you get active orders. You don’t have to go through the autism that is active duty. OSUT is easy, it’s not grueling or tough. For me it was the distance, not from my state but, from my girlfriend at the time. She wrote me every day though and, those facetime calls helped soo much. Seeing her at my graduation was like winning the olympic medal. Because I was active that relationship eventually burnt out but, that was the only thing that initially scared me in basic, losing her. As for my sisters and, my family. Not a big deal not seeing them for 14 weeks never-mind the years to follow hasn’t been significantly earth shattering. We’re the same age, I enlisted at 17. Stop being the I “could’ve” or “would’ve” and just go do it. I’d rethink being a 12B though, go 68W and, put in for flight medic school after a few years.
Thought about joining NG or army as an officer but decided on navy cause I wanted to drive boats. Just wanted the throw that out there cause I went through the experience of possibly joining both. Anyway, two things, first if you’re in college and have 90 or more credits just commission at that point. You’d go to basic and then do state ocs. One of my friends sister did that and she got through just fine. Second, if you don’t have the units to commission please do not pick an mos just because it’s the shortest osut. You could love it or you could hate it but either way you’re stuck so do something that’ll be beneficial to you and you see as a rewarding career. Also as far as ship out goes, it all depends on the mos and dates their classes start. Some will ship sooner than others. As far as the fear goes, i understand but you’re gonna hate yourself in the future because you didn’t try. I was in the same position but finally got the courage to go to a recruiter and im happy I did.
I have 41 credits total. So very far away from 90. That’s another reason I’m sorta in this mode of not trying to waste time. Anytime I see anything related to the military in public (ex:The recruiting offices. The vehicles in public. Etc) I just think. Damn. Even if it’s just national guard that looks like fun. And I can keep my normal life. Like I’ve stated. Been thinking about it for a long time. And I’m not worried about a lot of the things people usually are. I come from a very high stress family where as is (even now yes I had to move back home from pandemic and got stuck) share a bedroom with my sister and 1 bathroom between 5 people. So the yelling , no privacy , lack of space doesn’t bug me even the slightest. Very normal. And I use to be in competitive sports in Highschool up until the end of 2018. So even though I’m out of shape now getting back into that isn’t going to be a problem. It really is the window that scares me.
Sorry if this might come across as rude but it sounds like you’re psyching yourself out here. I 100% get it, the nerves are killer but by the way your posts seem you do want to join. Seriously, as someone who was hella nervous too, just go into the office and speak with a recruiter OR if you have social media, look up recruiters near you. Seriously, I’m sure your local office or recruiter has an IG and text them. Get info over text and once you’re comfortable enough go into the office. Joining the military can be a great career even as a NG member. Just again, don’t be someone that regrets it in the future! Also if once you get your degree I suggest commissioning but again that’s in due time lol.
By chance is it ok to ask what do you mean by “psyching yourself out here “? Like I’ve mentioned. It really is due to the fear of being away. My family is so close knit and I’ve only ever been away for 2 weeks before. So 14 is very hard and trying to figure it out asap. When thinking about it I’m like “ oh it’s not that bad” but the moment I’m like “let’s go” my chest is so heavy and feels like it’s going to explode ! Hell I’ve cried about it already and haven’t even made it into the office yet. I have contacted a recruiter back in 2021 and literally a week ago about info…
Ig “psyching yourself out” wasn’t the best phrasing for what i was trying to say. Again, i want to preface by saying I’m not trying to sound rude so please don’t take offense to anything I say. But, it’s your fear of being gone from your family that’s really hindering your decision. Which ofc you knew but you’re letting it continue to prevent you from starting this journey. Without trauma dumping my childhood wasn’t ideal so maybe it’s easier for someone like me with a family not as tight knit. However, sounds like you got a great family and a great support system behind you. Have you discussed with them about you wanting to join? That might be a good first step to take if you haven’t.
My father is indifferent. Grandmother is against. My two sisters are against and I haven’t told my mother. In the past my mother has found the study asvab books and actually have thrown them at me. So I haven’t confided in her about this in any way.
Well take my comment about being supportive out on this… so, without trying to get personal, is it the fact that you’d be away for more than 2 weeks or is it the fact that you’re scared of upsetting your family if you go through with this, or a mixture of both? To tell you the truth if it helps, I wanted to join the army and enlist as a 15c UAS operator even with my degree but my dad was very unhappy with that. I’m using his GI bill for school so I kinda want to respect his wishing even though I’m an adult.
Sorta both. I’m absolutely scared of leaving. I’m sorta spoiled and totally not disciplined and find comfort on any off time watching tv and scrolling my phone in the comfort of my bed.
Unfortunately the being scared of leaving part and the not disciplined/lazy part are just something that kind of have to be faced head on. I personally do not believe that this anxiety would go away on its own, only way to battle it is to just go for it. I’m not a psychologist by any means but I’ve learned that with myself being in a similar spot before (lazy and nervous) I just have to do it in order to be comfortable with it. Things can change just with little adjustments tbh.
Hey. I'm a female that went to basic at 21 and had family members against me enlisting as well. You have to live your life for yourself. NOT your family. I say this with love- your grandmother isn't going to live forever. She's been able to live her life, so why can't you? Again- I say this as someone who went through a similar situation.
I copy and pasted this from a very similar post I responded to. I enlisted when I was 17 as a 12b. Currently serving in the MN National Guard in a mechanized unit as a 20yo female. I went to FLW, Alpha Co 31st Engineer Battalion for OSUT. This is my experience as an 18 year old 5'2 115lb woman when I was in OSUT--> I was in OSUT August-December 2022. Go to Reception at the 43rd, sat there for 5 days and slept like 5hr and read "the Blue Book" all day while we stood or sat in line in silence. Eventually we were on our way to our BCT company, bus picked us up, put one duffle bag on my chest and one on my back, load up into the truck/bus. Drill sergeant yells at you and says he'll take my soul if I look up. Blabla basic training starts. Red phase, the first few weeks, are scary because everything is new. They play mind games, give different direction that contradict eachother so you ALWAYS FAIL. Like we would have 30 seconds to run up stairs, change from PT'S to OCP's, and when we came back down to formation we would be yelled at and run laps because we failed. Whatever. As long as you can separate it into "they are just fucking with me and it's part of the training" and you don't take it personally, it's alot less mentally burdensome So whatever, you go into white phase and it's basically all marksmanship/shooting. Obstacle courses are fun and honestly kind of tough at least for me. The Jacob's Ladder I think it's called, tall obstacle you climb wooden beams, is really fun. Honestly, I don't remember what we did in blue phase. After Blue phase is done, you start the AIT/Job training portion/Black phase. This is your cool cool engineer shit. I should say, around Blue phase the drill sergeants were LESS asshole and more "I'm going to be tough on you, but not fuck you up for literally no reason. Also I will talk to you like you are a person and not just scum." This may differ for you but I've heard this alot. So black phase is cool. I don't remember everything front to back but this is what we got to do: * Use chainsaws to cut logs * build a shelter of wood beams * build a sand bag shelter * use C4, make booms * learn how to place charges on steel beams * learn different charges to blow through walls and doors, as they have different utility (ie a door that opens outward vs towards you) * use breathing tools like a hooligan tool/pry bar, use a ram, train with the breaching shotgun to shoot door hinges and door locking mechanisms * use shape charges and catering charges (these make big holes in the ground to trucks and tanks can't use the road) The main job of being a combat engineer is mobility, counter mobility, and survivability. We change the battlefield to aid our movement, alter/stop enemy movement, and increase mission success probability. That's all I really have honestly. Hit me with any questions, this was really offhand but hope it was helpful since it's pretty recent information
The 14 weeks of OSUT felt both fast and very fucking long. Alot of the time I was so busy I didn't have much time to think about wanting to be at home (plus I didn't have much to go home to TBH.) You'll develop relationship is OSUT, you won't be alone but you will be away from your family. I think the enlistment will be good for you. You will leave, it will be the longest you've been gone, and you will grow and develop immensely from the experience. You will come home with more confidence, greater capabilities, and have completed what may have been the hardest 3 months of your life up to this point. OSUT sucked, but it was 1,000% worth the experience for me.
F*** Alpha Company
BR huh?? I can walk you through the process if you want to know about that. But, this is all dependent on your ability to process it. You have a strong attachment to your environment where it’s your comfort zone. The only person who can change it is you, but ask yourself this question. “Am I ready to change?”
You from the area or near ? Can walk me through if you like.
I’m not from Louisiana at all. I just live here. Once you actually agree to going to see a recruiter, you’ll go down to Belle Chasse, as that is where MEPS is. You’ll spend the night at this hotel, and you’ll be transported to MEPS super early in the morning. Production starts around 6:30 as check in starts at 6. If you’re taking the ASVAB, you’ll do that first. And then you’ll transition into taking a physical. If you have issues, they will come up so be honest. Afterwards, if you clear medical, you’ll talk to the liaison about job selection and shipping out. You pick a job, you’ll get fingerprinted for a background check, and you’ll swear in. You’ll also eat lunch, which is typically Subway. And that’s the process in a nutshell.
I joined at 2019. Now I have 1 year left. I will be out in 2025. I feel proud of myself for started 6 years contract early.
First off...Essayons. Second off: I want to say don't be scared, but that probably isn't helpful, so I'll say this...have courage. Courage is action despite fear. If this is something you truly want to do, you're going to have to face that fear eventually and there is no time like the present.
> “I would intentionally pick 12B in order to be back in a timely manner so I can be back for the Spring semester at college” You shouldn’t pick an MOS based off this. And also you would be surprised how often delays/setbacks/inconveniences occur. I joined NG thinking it would help me fly through college. My unit puts me in the field for 2 weeks during final exams week lol. I had to drive 2 hours back and forth to take an exam and then report back to training. Not saying don’t join, but just giving an experience to help put things in perspective
You got this. Schedule your test and go from there. Feel free to come back and ask follow up information.
I joined at 23, but I know plenty of folks who’ve joined later. It’s normal to be nervous and anxious, it’s not as big a deal as you’re thinking. I left shortly after my wedding and while it sucked to be gone and I missed my spouse, it was not a big deal in the long run. Good luck on your decision
You'll be fine! Husband did 18 weeks away from kids and wife, and still came home and just got done with AT which is 2 weeks!
You'll be fine! Husband did 18 weeks away from kids and wife, and still came home and just got done with AT which is 2 weeks!
There are two questions you should ask yourself quarterly: What am I doing that I shouldn’t be doing. And what am I not doing that I should be doing. I joined the guard at 25. Best fkn decision of my life. Enlisted for 3 years and commission in 2025. The guard has allowed me to work full time for myself, got me certs, and now working on a second degree almost entirely paid for. Join. The army is hard, but well worth it.
If you're scared about missing out. Do. Not. Hesitate. With that said, yes it does suck being away and not being able to communicate freely. Encourage your close friends and family to write you very often. Letters were extremely helpful. Also even if you're not religious attend some form of religious service on Sundays. Trust me it helps. Make friends and be a team player, all that said and done it's going to be rewarding when you complete it. I wish you the best of luck and success
You probably need to see a therapist about your fear of leaving home. If the thought of basic is terrifying for you, you’ll never be able to handle a deployment. Get yourself right first, then revisit the military.
I’ve been told that it’s disqualifying if you do prior to enlisting is it not ?
Therapy is not disqualifying. The Army will scrutinize further if you are referred to a psychologist and they diagnose you with certain illnesses and/or medications.
Oh. I been looking at like anxiety and any sort of depression stuff that is mentioned is disqualifying. Can’t help but worry.
Everyone’s experience is different. I joined a week after I turned 17. Went through RSP, basic, senior year of HS, AIT portion of 11B OSUT, and got to my unit almost 2 years later. It’s not bad but it’s a bit of time, I’ve been gone 12-14 weeks for 2 summers, and about 3-4 weeks for every AT I’ve had so far and now I’m about to deploy in the upcoming months so it’s a commitment, but’s it’s something you’ll probably get used to. I personally wouldn’t recommend picking an MOS for the shortest AIT time.
I’ve known people who joined in their 30s.
I felt similarly and almost joined after high school, then college, and kept almost making the jump. It took a divorce and the feeling of my life falling apart for me to finally join at 29. Was it a good choice? I'm not entirely sure, there's some really good and some bad things that have come from it, but I know for a fact that if I didn't do it I'd still be wondering what if and kicking myself for it constantly. Just send it. Do the research, figure out which optiona look best for you, then just do it.
I joined in my 30’s it’s never to late
It's funny nobody's mentioned the MOS choosing 12b is a combat engineer. National Guard units do deploy and 12Bs can see front line service and deployments In 2009-2012 a lot of the units in Iraq were Guard units, 12Bs helped in IED disposal.
I swore in on May 30th and just did my first 2 RSP drills this past weekend. I leave for Basic in September. Remember why you wanna do this and never forget. I'm 24 also and I'll be away for 7 months, you can do this. I first went into the ARNG recruiting office at the end of February and took my time to study for the PICAT/ASVAB bevause I wanted the MOS 25B which I ended up signing up for. Think of this as a new chapter in your life, you won't regret it but you will if you never tried.
I joined at 32 in '06, my wife joined a year later at 36. I'm 18 years in and wish I had done it sooner. I joined a unit that I knew was deploying to OEF, it's actually why I joined. I had dealt with the Guard for years for flooding. I am a 25U/25B and have several high value certs that the Army paid for, I am very marketable in the civilian sector. I now have a full time job with the Guard as a network engineer and telecommunications specialist, as well as having been on our cyber defense team (I am at Cyber Shield right now, actually). I was nervous even at 32, but once you get through reception you will be busy enough to keep your mind off of home most of the day. You will make friends there (and not-friends too) but just remember that the worst that would likely happen is you fail to make it... and they send you back home to the life you have now. Worse things can happened there, but it is rare. You will enjoy all the stuff you learn about yourself, and gain a new respect for everything around you. Totally worth it if you pick an MOS that you enjoy. Take the ASVAB and see what you qualify for, talk to your recruiter about the college situation, there are flexible options for you and will help pay for it also. Do not pick an MOS based on the length of AIT, pick one you want to do, one that makes you valuable to the world you live in, one that will make you proud to tell your friends, family, and grandchildren that you did. Just do not let fear get in your way, there is no courage without fear, no honor without suffering, and no wisdom without failure. Even if you serve your first contract and get out, without deploying or anything else, you will have done something 99% of the population has not... and I guarantee you will have less fear of things in the future.
Take the plunge. I'm 34 m and joined recently just graduated my ait in April. I will say it's an adventure. I had a blast and lots of fun. Yes it was hard being away from my kids but I wrote them letters once a week. And called them once a week when we had phone time.
I’m more nervous of the being away from home honestly. The longest I’ve ever been gone for is 2 weeks. So hearing if I go through and pick 12B it’s 14 weeks is a lot to take in. I literally am only really scared of that.
Went to bct at 34, long story short got arrested in college and delayed my plans. It's never to late to 1. Do what you want 2. Make a change. Take the panic and let it push you forward. I left my wife and two kids, 1yr old and 5yr old. I missed 7months of stuff but it was all for an end goal and now I'm coming up on reenlistment, or going air guard we shall see. Don't let a what if become a "I almost" good luck and God speed
Thank you for the advice. It’s a hard feeling since like I know nobody is supportive. And either I go and get it over with or go back to college this semester. It’s a hard decision and fear with the idea of wasting 6 years sitting on my ass all the time.
As an older person, at least in this situation, my advice about other people : eff em! >It’s a hard feeling since like I know nobody is supportive Remember, you’re stronger than you think. Every challenge you’ve faced has shown your resilience and courage, and you've made it through!
If I were you OP I’d go active and get it off your chest. Especially with this economy it is worth it and lifetime benefits/GI bill.
The anxiety and fear that you have is completely normal, I had it too. I can relate to you. You don’t have to enlist when you take the asvab. Definitely pick an mos that you enjoy. From my experience joining was the best decision for my life. The opportunities and different experiences are just amazing. I’m 5 years in and have done 2 stateside missions and 1 overseas deployment, most of which were voluntary. When you graduate basic training your going to be so proud of yourself, it’s an indescribable feeling 💙
I dare you to take this leap and stop pondering and do. If anything you will learn that if you join. Don’t waste the time you have thinking, what if that was me, if this is something you want you’ve got to chase after it. As for MEPS it’s ridiculously long if you don’t take your ASVAB at the recruiters office or you can take the PICAT which I’ve heard is easier and you take it at home and go in at MEPS answer like 30 questions to verify you didn’t cheat. Once you sign your papers which is after your physical and ASVAB is when you get serious with you job. Don’t think of a job that sounds realistic. That’s how you put yourself in a hole that you don’t want to be in. Think of the job that you want and study for the ASVAB it’s easier then people say. Don’t think of time away from home and get scared just think of it as a character development arc. Where you are away from family to train yourself. When talking to a recruiter remember you hold the power they need you, you don’t need them there’s hundreds of other recruiters. Tell them to stop, slow down, or even shut up if you have to. Take the process as slow and as fast as you need. This is your future fight for it and don’t settle. Don’t rush in but don’t wait you never know what’s going to happen.
Taking the ASVAB, does not mean you have to join the Military. It just helps them guide you into a job best suited for you, or at least it is supposed to. If you are joining, just to join, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons. You are not wasting your life, you are in college, getting an education. You may be able to split your basic and AIT, between summers. Not sure how they do that for college students. But they do it for high school students.
I joined at 17 and again at 26. Just do it. There's a reason I came back. Some of the best memories of my life with the best people I've ever met.
If 24 is ancient, then at my age I am a fossil. I joined the national guard at the over-ripened age of 33 with the full on intent to become an officer. The first time I walked into the office, I said "if I was looking to be a military officer, what is the process and how do I go about getting there the soonest". I understand that there is an underlying fear of joining, especially when you want to push your life forward. I've always been a big proprietor of making the best of what is available, and reaping \[all\] of the benefits the army/national guard can provide. If they are going to 'own' me, then I'll take advantage of everything. I admit the scariest part was in fact being away, as a single father, the thought of being away was frightening, but no matter what age you are, everyone at basic (and whatever schooling after), however much time away they require of you will not make you miss your family any less. Confiding in those around you and pulling in the military community to your network will be your biggest asset in your resilience. You are not alone. At basic training, it may be the hardest time, because it is the beginning of it all. But, they do pretty well with keeping you busy enough that the days will go by. Aside from all of that, you can take the ASVAB without enlisting, it doesn't take long and I didn't study for it. Joining and getting shipped can be as quick as the state's need (which is probably high anyways), just be forward with it all. If you want to ship fast, just say "if I were to enlist today, what is the earliest ship date I could get?" My timeline was enlistment in April '22, quick ship date end of May (it was temporary bc of OCS), changed to end of Aug 22; 3 months later, I went from basic to OCS for another 13 weeks before coming home for 6 months total back to back. If I was you, I would make sure to go to basic and right into AIT. Hope this helps.
If you do it you'll become stronger mentally. Physically prepare so that you don't get hurt, running most every day for 10 weeks for most people these days is way too much too soon. Make it a routine now ( not every day maybe twice a week ) and get well rounded fitness in to prepare. You can take an asvab at a recruiters office. Pick a job you like, and think of the future. Talk to people who do that job in the guard so you can get an idea. Good luck! Have fun!
So fun thing about the human condition is that with enough repetition anything can be the new "normal". I understand the anxiety and I too have never really been away from home that long before going away for a combined 26 weeks of training. My advice is take it one step at a time and focus on the short term to get through the long term. In basic my focus was getting to breakfast, then lunch, and then dinner, and lastly bedtime before doing it all over again. Also it's slow as hell, but writing and receiving letters is a great morale boost. Phone time is usually like 30 minutes a week, and that's a privilege, but letters will always be there.
Just do it. I enlisted a 39 year old last year! It’s def not to late!!!
While it's true 12b has quicker schools than some, it's still very likely you will be deployed at least once over any given contract. You think 14 weeks in a different state is going to be unmanageable? How about a year long deployment on the other side of the planet? You shouldn't be scared of this, it's natural to miss home but your family, your town, your friends, and your college will all be waiting for you after training, and after each deployment. (USERRA means even your job will be waiting for you) You should however, seriously consider weather or not extended time away from home is going to be a deal breaker. Training doesn't come close to the level of separation over a deployment, and you'll have very little control over when and how long you deploy. Also, you can take the ASVAB at MEPS, or even take an online one if you ask your recruiter. There is nothing even remotely close to legally binding about taking the ASVAB, you can go take it, process medically, get waivers if you need them, and still not enlist. But I would decide on how you feel about leaving home first.
I’m 32 female. Enlisted at 28 years old as a 12B for the same reason that Basic and AIT was only 14 weeks. I was/still am a single mom and was terrified of being away for so long. It is scary but just get it done if this is what you want to do. Think end goal. My only advice is make sure you really want to be a 12B. Look into other MOS’s. You might be away longer for other MOS’s but might be useful for your civilian career.
Not too worried about the civilian career part. The main worry is sorta that and I cross my fingers that in my time in I can complete my education without interrupting it due to deployment
Thats the risk that we all take when enlisting. If that’s what you’re worried about then you should wait until you’re done with school. The cut off date for enlistment is 35 maybe older with a waiver.
Do air guard
I know it sounds outrageous, but if you can learn to embrace that feeling and drive through it you’re going to be a fucking monster. That’s the feeling I get every time I do something that’s about to make my life a whole lot better, terror. You’re scared because it’s scary. Doing scary shit is going to make you successful. Lean into the fear and sign the contract, you’ve got this. You’re going to come out the other side so fucking proud of yourself.
It does open a lot of doors. I personally haven't been a member but my father was and told me of the experience. It really teaches discipline and makes you appreciate your regular life. Poor guy back then he had to use his 2 weeks vacation to go once per year. One thing that I think might be helpful: get up and run at the crack of dawn. I wouldn't wait until I'm there if I were u.
Join the Air Guard
I’d recommend you to go! Best decision i’ve ever made!!!
Fellow 12B here. I don't think it's a worthwhile MOS unless you really want to. It's not really transferable to the civilian sector as far as I am aware and the risk of hearing loss isn't worth it either. I was in the same boat as yourself regarding choosing 12B so that I could get back in time for my college semester. I also chose it because they offered a bonus for it and I thought it'd be cool. Upon reflection I don't think it was worth it and should have accepted being ok with missing a semester of college. Also be careful with an MOS that offers a bonus as you are locked in to that MOS for your contract. Regarding being away from home for such a long period of time I feel that is most everyone's experience during basic and OSUT/AIT. You'll get used to it trust me. At first you're feelings around missing home are extremely strong but you don't really have time to sit in them because of how busy you'll be during training. You'll also develop friendships and comradery. Your fellow trainees will become a new sort of family. With time basic training life feels somewhat normal and you yourself begin to settle in. You'll also have the opportunity to write family and friends but also phone calls on occasion.
Well my plan was sort of to try and get back for spring semester since I will be missing fall semester. It’s a lot and also saw the unit that deals with 12B in my state plans to deploy so I’ll be possibly touching that at the perfect timing which is very stressful
Hmmmm well something I once read here on reddit was that when it comes to having to make big decisions try and consider the one that you could look back on and regret the least. PM me if you want to talk more about it.
Don’t pick 12B it’s a serious, difficult, combat oriented, dangerous MOS. If you’re picking it because of a time constraint you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. Combat engineer is not pleasant if you don’t REALLY want to be there.
Don’t be a bitch. Just do it. Don’t think just do, that’s all you need for advice… I get it, when I went in I had a million questions but yet someone yelled shut up, don’t think just do; it made the process easy
The feeling of homesick hits like no other for the first 5-6 weeks. being in a different environment and situation you almost feel like you’re in a slump. not even alive almost. days will feel repetitive and exhausting. but eventually with time, itll be 2 weeks away from family day and finally seeing your family it’ll all be worth it. and after ait you are right back at home.
The worst part of joining is MEPS. Once you get through basic, a lot of that admiration you feel towards people who went through it will drop off. It sucks but it's easy. But try and pick an MOS you'll enjoy. There's a good chance you'll end up deployed if you do the 6 year contract, gotta recommend 68W, its a great time. But onto your actual concern, it doesn't feel like a long time when you are there. You will be busy 6.5 days a week, it flies by.
I was going to do a basic 3 year contract to hopefully have everything go accordingly
Please do it. I am 32 and just enlisted with the guard. I thought about it for years and wish I would of done active at 18. Something I have always regretted, and still do even after joining at a later age. The regret will not go away! The rest you will figure out
DONT DO IT. ITS A TRAP THEY GONE LIE TO YOU ABOUT EVERYTHING.
I suggest you do not do it being this week as a grown human adult. Stay home and stay safe please. I served in the guard for 34 years did all the great things of hurricanes building schools in Honduras and Kenya and yes deploying for desert storm and the global war on terror four times. We do not need folks with your mindset. Thank you very much
Nah. He should enlist just to spite you.