What advice would you offer someone who planned on joining the Army out of high school?

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:03:49 -0400

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 10 at 2016 10:09 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:09:26 -0400

Get in shape, get your affairs in order, and get ready for the ride! The Army is an adventure and you get exactly what you put into it. Be honest with yourself about what you expect.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 10 at 2016 10:14 PM

SFC George Smith — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:14:49 -0400

get in shape... stay in shape ... Take it One Day at a Time... Enjoy your time off Take all the classes you can take...

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Oct 10 at 2016 10:16 PM

SFC Randy Purham — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:16:13 -0400

To read my book. The NEW You: Now Equipped With Wisdom found on Amazon... It will help them tremendously.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Oct 10 at 2016 10:30 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:30:49 -0400

Be prepared to experience something that will change your entire life,and in the immortal words of my Platoon Sergeant "they can kill you but they can't eat you,you're too goddam tough". Or my older brother's advice you should have joined the Air Force.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2016 10:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:37:11 -0400

I would say make sure you get the MOS you want, not the one the recruiter tells you is available right at that moment, and don't let them pressure you into something else.

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Oct 10 at 2016 10:41 PM

PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:41:53 -0400

Honey-PRAY!!! Kidding. Seriously, I hope you talked with ALL branches and are going in with open eyes. I am a 46 year old vet who enlisted at 37 and can say that Air Defense Artillery or any MOS is not a joke by any means. Go with your heart cause you are joining a pretty BIG family and for me, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY and get ready for the ride of your life that starts at Basic Training. Try to get BCT at Fort Jackson-beware of 'Dragass Hill' the first few weeks of it are brutal.

Good luck and God Bless ya.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2016 11:15 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 23:15:38 -0400

ENS Private RallyPoint Member Be a squared away Soldier. Do your best always, and do not quit. Save your money in a retirement plan, and continue your education. There is life after the military.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2016 11:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 23:18:39 -0400

Turn everything into a sandwich during chow time. Eat now, taste later.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 10 at 2016 11:41 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 23:41:33 -0400

If you decide on 11 Series go to Infantry OSUT then decide to go AWOL, don't hot wire the Milk Delivery Truck as a getaway vehicle.....that's been tried already from what I read. Seriously though, do your research and if there is a GUARD or USAR unit near you, attend one of their weekend Drills in civilian clothes and talk to the Soldiers there, that's what I did before the age of the internet. You need to have that face to face contact and see what questions stir what reactions.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Oct 11 at 2016 12:17 AM

SN Greg Wright — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 00:17:31 -0400

Join the Navy instead.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Oct 11 at 2016 12:20 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 00:20:39 -0400

Go for it! Youth is a time for adventuring.

Response by CPT Nicholas D. made Oct 11 at 2016 12:44 AM

CPT Nicholas D. — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 00:44:59 -0400

The most important word of advice I can give is: "Do what you love, and love what you do." If you have the opportunity and the qualifications, make sure you are doing something you are going to love. If you aren't in love with turning wrenches, and you sign up to be a vehicle mechanic... I will bet a paycheck that you won't re-enlist. Your time in the military is short. Whether you do a 3 year stint or blink your eyes and 20 years went by... capitalize on the opportunity to pursue real goals. Shoot for the stars, and if it's important to you, don't accept defeat at the first "no" you hear. There are plenty of bureaucrats in uniform that are not interested in helping you achieve your goals for the simple reason it might create more work for them. "Where there's a will, there's a way." Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 1:07 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 01:07:24 -0400

The same advice that a recent Joint Chief of Staff gave to his son in law. Serving in the military is good for your career, but waste your time staying in till retirement.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 11 at 2016 1:33 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 01:33:06 -0400

See the Air Force recruiter !

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 1:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 01:37:21 -0400

1. Pick something that you believe you will enjoy... your not going to be good at it if you hate it.
2. Pick something that will give you skills that you can use in the civilian world. Even if you stay in 20 years, you'll only be 38 when you retire... most people can't really retire until they are in their 60's which means you will have at least a few more decades of work.
3. Travel as much as you can. Never turn down an opportunity to go somewhere new.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Oct 11 at 2016 2:52 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 02:52:50 -0400

Forget everything you know or think you know and turn your brain into a sponge so you can take in all they teach you.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 3:55 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 03:55:27 -0400

dont do it

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Oct 11 at 2016 4:47 AM

CPT Tom Monahan — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 04:47:11 -0400

Look for a MOS that interests you and you can make money with on the outside. Many of the medical and logistics fields. If you want to fly and have the scores look at going for an Aviation WO opportunity.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 11 at 2016 5:49 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 05:49:24 -0400

"You need to acquire a college degree; in order to be a better leader." [PO2 George Martin]
Secondly, "Get really good at something about which you are passionate; and then: enlist in a concomitant MOS."
-Best, SPC Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret)

Response by SCPO Jason McLaughlin made Oct 11 at 2016 5:56 AM

SCPO Jason McLaughlin — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 05:56:15 -0400

Do your research. Understand the commitment you are about to make. Make sure that you can live with it. If you are "I have an issue with....authority, any race, religion, gender, or sexuality", then you should rethink your decision....

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 11 at 2016 7:28 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 07:28:05 -0400

Do it, you'll be glad you did.

Response by SFC William (Jesse) Hogue made Oct 11 at 2016 7:45 AM

SFC William (Jesse) Hogue — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 07:45:02 -0400

What are your reasons for joining?
Where do you want to be in 4 years?

Response by SFC William (Jesse) Hogue made Oct 11 at 2016 7:53 AM

SFC William (Jesse) Hogue — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 07:53:38 -0400

What are your reasons for joining?
Where do you want to be in 4 years?

If you are joining just to get out of your parents house; don't join.

If it is to get a valuable skill that you can apply to the real world, do it.

If you do join.

1. Pick a job field that is transferable to the civilian sector. Jobs the radiology tech; laboratory tech; license practical nurse; medical maintenance.

2. Put money into the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

3. Take up running as a sport.

4. Take one or two college courses ever 8 to 12 weeks.

5. Get out after 5 years

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 11:01 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 11:01:13 -0400

Pick 5 MOSs that you think you would consider as a career.
Study for the ASVAB and actually put effort into it.
Understand that with choosing a career, you can follow it in the civilian sector if you chose to do so.
You cannot have your cell phone during basic training.
After boot camp, focus on studying and making something out of yourself. Leave the drama alone.
Don't marry a Dependa.

aaaand Join the Navy....

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Oct 11 at 2016 11:19 AM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 11:19:11 -0400

Body Snatchers will promise you ANYTHING. Remember it's the Army that fulfills the promises, and they can be mighty fast and loose with how they interpret "fulfilling the enlistment contract"... especially as it concerns a guaranteed duty station.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Oct 11 at 2016 12:15 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 12:15:58 -0400

1. Be able to blow physical requirements out of the water before leaving. Stress and fatigue during basic will take it's toll and your life will be moderately easier.
2. Know that whatever you do during basic will be wrong. It will become magically correct once that "time evolution" is up.
3. Live your days in short increments breakfast to lunch, lunch to dinner etc.
4. You are young, pick a job that will excite you. Do not be overly worried about picking a job that correlates to the civilian world. If you complete your service with an Honorable Discharge most employers will hire you because of that dedication and commitment. I mean not everyone gets the chance in life to get paid for shooting 120mm main gun rounds.
5. Don't ever be the last one for anything.
6. CS Gas can be funny

Response by SGT Curtis Alexander made Oct 11 at 2016 12:32 PM

SGT Curtis Alexander — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 12:32:10 -0400

I get this question often since I am a High School Security Officer. Myself and the other Security staff are also Army Vets. I normally ask the student what they want to do in the long run. Then explain to them the Army (as well as other branches) have jobs that can set them for that. Kinda get them the info in a polite way.. tell them to score the best they can on the ASVAB and so forth. I did just last week have a female student ask about it. She wants to into the Navy in her dads footsteps.

Remember those of us that have worn the uniform either ETS/Retired need to be the mentors to get this younger generation in line....

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 12:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 12:47:33 -0400

Go Active and stay away from reserve forces.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 1:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 13:09:07 -0400

Ask questions like this one. Interview the recruiters. Talk to current military members to get a grad start. Don't ask old farts like me, ask someone who can really give you good advise.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2016 2:26 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 14:26:30 -0400

Before I went to basic training a friend told me to never ever get in the front of any line. I took his advice and also saw that if I were in the back of a line and did and about face I was in the front. So, I stayed in the middle and watched those in the front be taken out of line for detail of some sort.

Other than that do your best in every thing you are asked to do,

Response by SPC Ken Jones made Oct 11 at 2016 5:13 PM

SPC Ken Jones — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 17:13:38 -0400

Listen to your NCO's, never quit and keep your damn hands out of your pockets!

Response by SMSgt Roy Dowdy made Oct 11 at 2016 9:22 PM

SMSgt Roy Dowdy — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 21:22:04 -0400

Explore an MOS that has civilian application (i.e. linguistic, IT, electrician, civil affairs, etc...). Combat arms (i.e. infantry, armour, artillery, etc..) is sexy to young males, but it can be physically hard on the body and offers few opportunities to pursue off duty education in most cases unlike support duty sections. Of course it boils down to what scratches his itch!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 3:18 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 03:18:08 -0400

Pick your job not the hype. When I say this don't take it to be that I mean disrespect to anyone's MOS. We all have our part.

What I mean is you grow up seeing movies, stories, video games about the Soldier. If you truly want to be Infantry then do it, if you don't and you want to learn a different skill like Vehicle Mechanic for example then do that. Pick what's good for you not good for others.

Highly consider an ROTC program, or evaluate your educational benefits depending on your component of Active, Guard, or Reserve. Work on your career path even before you sign the contract.

Enlist for 4 or 6 years depending on your component, don't do a 2 or 3 year it doesn't give you shit in terms of education. Seen a few SM's get boned this way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 10:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 10:17:59 -0400

Take a look at all the branches before making a decision

Response by SP5 Donald Raihl made Oct 12 at 2016 12:56 PM

SP5 Donald Raihl — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 12:56:18 -0400

I would make sure the person I was talking to was doing it to further their education, select a MOS that would ensure a future in the civilian life

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 12 at 2016 2:46 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 14:46:58 -0400

Don't downplay the non-combat MOS's. I know everyone wants to kick down doors and take names. But think of the long term as well. Say you only do 1 tour. Did the MOS you pick teach you a skill that you can use to get a job in the civilian world? Most people only think about putting the military in their rearview, but the military is going to pay you to learn a skill, you might want to maximize that opportunity to benefit you. I got out almost 2 years ago and I'm still doing the exact same job I did in the military only with a significant boost in pay.

Response by SP6 Anthony Fusaro made Oct 12 at 2016 6:56 PM

SP6 Anthony Fusaro — Wed, 12 Oct 2016 18:56:54 -0400

Work on things like a credit score pick an MOS that has high pay in the civilian sector. Actually if I could do it over I would have been an officer. If you are going to sign up to die might as well get paid as much as possible while doing it, in case you survive.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 2:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 02:12:09 -0400

Choose an MOS that you enjoy and can do in the civilian world too.

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Oct 13 at 2016 12:18 PM

SSG Stephan Pendarvis — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 12:18:08 -0400

Have a plan....don't get married before 30...if you have a 1st bad duty station at least reup for another one before painting a picture of the entire army.....often times perspective and conditioned thinking can get in the way of things, so take it easy, especially on yourself, you are still growing and finding yourself....listen more than talking.....always be a good battle buddy to all....do not be afraid to volunteer for things, you will look like a kiss ass but you will learn and grow as a leader which is what you want...you want to stand out from the beginning so be visible...DONOT BE AFRAID OF FAILURE!!! See it as learning and improving!
That is how you learn and grow!!! It ain't about how hard you can hit but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. take the hits and grow from them...and never take them personal.

Response by TSgt Lars Eilenfeld made Oct 13 at 2016 3:01 PM

TSgt Lars Eilenfeld — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 15:01:57 -0400

Wait until you have a commander in chief who actually appreciates the military

Response by SP5 Bobby Thompson made Oct 15 at 2016 12:47 AM

SP5 Bobby Thompson — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 00:47:26 -0400

I think it's a positive step in a person's life to take advantage of a once and a life time opportunity.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 2:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 14:07:51 -0400

Do your research before going to the recruiter. Know what you want. Take your asvab before seeing a recruiter if you can. Do your research on the MOS's you think you want. Pick 5 and put them in the order you want. Walk in trying to get the one you want but be ready to accept something else.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Oct 17 at 2016 7:59 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 19:59:41 -0400

To anyone joining, find someone who is in or has been in who can advise you. Do NOT speak with a recruiter until you've done a lot of your own research. Ask other vets (not recruiters) about their experience. They get bonuses for every soldier who completes BCT and AIT. They'll like and tell you otherwise if asked.
I got screwed out of a $3000 bonus when I joined. Even if someone had helped me then, I still would have joined.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Oct 18 at 2016 7:12 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 19:12:49 -0400

Go to recruiters(all of them )and see what is offered. Go back and weigh
What would be best. It'S your life and your potential career! Take time to think
On it before jumping in over your head!
Whatever you decide to do, wishing you the best!

Response by SGT Andrew Sherman made Nov 29 at 2016 11:52 AM

SGT Andrew Sherman — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 11:52:11 -0500

Learn to be a leader, take note of what the good and bad leaders do. Analyze what properties and attributes make a leader great and try to be like them. It's an important skill to have when you leave the Army and applies to any job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2016 12:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 12:56:32 -0500

Go MI. You shouldn't have done anything to ruin your chances for a clearance yet. And if you can get into MI and obtain a TS/SCI clearance it can help you in the civilian world when you decide to get out. And you will obtain a lot of great skills. Briefing, Office skills, computer skills, writing skills, and the ability to do research and put together products and graphs that translate well to the corporate environment. All something that can transfer to your civilian life. It's also a great gateway to working for the CIA, FBI, Homeland security and TSA.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Reese made Nov 29 at 2016 7:24 PM

SPC Jeffrey Reese — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 19:24:37 -0500

Start out in a combat arms MOS and change to a skill MOS half way through so that you can get the training and experience for civilian life. Some thing like Air traffic controller, Mp, something you can make a living at on the street. But one of the Big things I would say Is keep a copy of all of your own records that you can from medical to dental to your 201 file if possible you never know when it will come in handy. Get collage in while in service to many on line schools now not to take advantage!

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 30 at 2016 1:07 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 01:07:19 -0500

Run for the Air Force recruiter !

Response by SSG Wally Lawver made Dec 2 at 2016 9:42 AM

SSG Wally Lawver — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 09:42:39 -0500

stay in for the 20yrs,,,,,,,,,,best thing I ever did was somehow make 20 years because of active duty USMC 12yrs, Natl GD 3yrs activated then released to active duty Army for 6 yrs. I was lucky due to the war on terror, Iraq/Afghanistan I was allowed back,needed, stayed depolyed....Retired 2012, had initially enlisted 1988 was at PISC 2 days outta highschool. I would of been better off staying in the USMC at least one more stripes worth, so changing gun clubs does slow your progression a bit. But all in all it worked out and my retirement $$$ has greatly improved my quality of life . So in conclusion, get in, stay in the same service, get promoted and STAY 20:) I work with civilians who will by necessity work until the day they die...........................................

Response by Sgt Joseph Baker made Dec 8 at 2016 12:47 AM

Sgt Joseph Baker — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 00:47:47 -0500

If it's not too late, join the Marines.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Dec 8 at 2016 8:36 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 08:36:53 -0500

Consider the Air Force! Seriously any high school graduate who isn't sure what to do with his/her life should really consider joining the military, assuming they meet the basic qualifications. Beyond that, do the best you can throughout basic and trust the aptitude tests that steer you to any given specialty. Get all the training that is offered to you then become an expert in your field. If you decide the military isn't for you at the end of your commitment you have all your training and benefits to fall back on. Sure beats flipping burgers while you try to decide what to do in life.

Response by SGT James Colwell made Dec 8 at 2016 11:34 AM

SGT James Colwell — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 11:34:23 -0500

Consider life after the Army if you plan on a single enlistment or plan to retire. In either case, you will probably have to work. Combat arms specialties are critically important to teh mission, and typically get promotions faster, but they don't translate well after you leave. If you go combat arms, take advantage of educational opportunities while you are in.