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

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....

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

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

Do it, you'll be glad you did.

"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)

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.

dont do it

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

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.

Go for it! Youth is a time for adventuring.