Posted on Mar 20, 2023
Branden Hadley
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I was in the process of enlisting when I found out my wife was pregnant with our 4th child and after long discussions my wife and I decided to wait for me to enlist until after the child is born and they are settled while I'm away at BCT and AIT. I was then told that I wouldn't be able to enlist after the child is born due to having too many dependents at that point. Is this true will I not be able to enlist even as army reserve or any branch.?
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Edited 1 y ago
My research dictates that the Army frowns upon people joining with more than two dependents. However, this does not mean it is a show stopper. This just means that a waiver will need to be submitted. The purpose is to limit/eliminate undue hardship on the spouse and child(ren). Who told you that you CAN'T enlist?
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CPT Lawrence Cable
CPT Lawrence Cable
1 y
BTW, isn't your rank wrong on your Profile, SGM?
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COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
1 y
Branden Hadley, just to give you the regulatory information - It's AR 601-210* (Regular Army and Reserve Components Enlistment Program) para 2-10 (Dependents).

Specific to your situation and who will have to grant a waiver - If "the applicant is married, has four or more dependents under the age of 18 or three or more dependents under the age of 18 and wife is expecting an additional dependent due to pregnancy. Waivers may be considered by the CG, USAREC for RA/USAR applicants and respective State TAG for ARNG applicants."
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* https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN6642-AR_601-210-001-WEB-1.pdf
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
MSG (Join to see)
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CPT Lawrence Cable no, my rank us right, I'm just sitting in an E9 slot. Not promotable so no frocking.
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SPC Steve Bright
SPC Steve Bright
1 y
I enlisted w 5 kids and got a waiver. Same time I also had to get a waiver due to my income - I had outside funds that I made my military pay secondary.
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MSgt Electrical Power Production
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Edited 1 y ago
My son enlisted active duty Army with wife and three children so it can be done. With the troubles all branches are having with recruitment I would say your chances are pretty fair.
SSG Steven Borders
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SGT Unit Supply Specialist
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Contact one of these three gentlemen... they are very knowledgeable in Military related questions/issues.

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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Beat you to the punch this time around
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