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Cristian Nicoles — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 17:41:26 -0400

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Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2019 5:58 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 17:58:47 -0400

In all honesty, you're the one who needs to decide between either joining right now and potentially getting injured or gaining weight and joining later. We can't make it for you.

Also, having a bachelor's degree only really matters if you wanted to go to OCS to become an officer or if you wanted to go enlisted as an E-4.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Jul 23 at 2019 6:59 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 18:59:43 -0400

I was 165-169 lbs and 5'10 when I joined at 17, it doesn't matter what the recruiter put on your paperwork your going to get measure and prodded constantly, if you have a health issue or don't meet standards they will find out. as for 100lbs in your ruck don't believe what you hear, its usually less than that and you will find that you will be able to carry more than you thought. I was and am a pretty scrawny fellow, no big bulging muscles no supper powers at all but I served 35 plus years, rucked hundreds of miles, jumped out of perfectly good aircraft and smashed my body in all sorts of government approved ways and in some non approved ways. DO NOT DROP out, do not quit and do not void your contract. All that BS about trying to get back in 6 months later is BS that they tell troops to keep them from having fits when they are dropped. Destroying your body is always a chance you take, but if your keep fit, eat right and have a strong will you will be fine and have a tons of fun bitching about your career, maybe even 20-25-30 years later. NEVER, EVER QUIT, once you do you will regret it and pay for it the rest of your life. Own your contract be the best that you can be and out perform your peers to the best of your ability.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2019 7:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 19:14:08 -0400

If you meet the standards to ship out, then stick to your commitment. You joined for a reason. You won't be carrying 100lbs rucksack. Yes, there will be intense physical activity as an Infantryman, but you will endure. As far as earning a degree, go for it while you're on active duty. Not using the tuition assistance that is provided to you is foolish. I (personally) would strongly recommend that you stay committed and move forward. Here to help if you have questions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2019 8:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Jul 2019 20:53:44 -0400

I’m 5’4 and about 140 and was prior infantry... it’s all in the mind and you can train your body to grow stronger w the big demands of being an infantryman.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2019 1:46 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 01:46:38 -0400

While yes Infantry is hard on your body, you will not be "so obliterated" that you cant do anything else after. I've got 15 years in and been jumping out of planes the entire time, and there are plenty of people that have done than that. So calm down with the dramatic flair, you'll be fine. Just learn to take care of yourself, learn how to properly stretch and recover, how to take care of your feet, and how to take care of your body in extreme temperatures.
As far as you weight goes, you're young and still have bodily changes that need to happen. This will include gaining weight, no one stays the weight they were in high school. Keep doing what you are doing to gain healthy weight and have fun at basic.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2019 3:43 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 03:43:55 -0400

You’re either for the military or not. It’s not about how much you weigh. I was 130 when I enlisted back in 2011. Went to Selection, Airborne, etc. Yes your body will hurt at times, but you’ll except it and move on. Been in 8 years now and I’m still pushing on. Currently deployed as well. This is more of a mental game than anything. All you need to tell yourself right now is not to quit, or you’re never going to reach any of those goals. Besides going officer, it’s more demanding so I don’t understand what is going through your mind.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jul 24 at 2019 3:45 AM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 03:45:50 -0400

I was 128 lbs 6 ft when I enlisted in 1965,heavy smoker,drinker,all these obstacles were overcome somehow ,probably with the help of training and discipline that was lacking as a civilian teenage punk,did three years in the Infantry with a tour in Vietnam to break up the monotony,my secret do not quit,you are capable of far more than you can imagine believe me,do not quit!

Response by SrA Lisa Hunt made Jul 24 at 2019 7:04 AM

SrA Lisa Hunt — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 07:04:11 -0400

I highly suggest you talk to an Air Force recruiter & consider switching branches. You won't ruin yourself but will have more full & rewarding opportunities including more time for your degree. You will get your time in with more respect for how you take care of yourself & they will show you how. I switch during DEP & it was the smartest thing I did. You are young & should still be growing & filling out, too, so don't be so sure you're not strong enough either way. Basic training also changes everything and if you need to gain, they'll help you, no worries. Again, at least talk to the Air Force, they have opportunities you may be happier with.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Jul 24 at 2019 7:51 AM

LCDR Joshua Gillespie — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 07:51:41 -0400

Rob-I wasn't an infantryman, but I entered the Navy weighing about 145, and graduated from the Academy four years later weighing, no joke, about 120 lbs...I had to sign a waiver at flight school stating that if I broke my back jumping from a plane, it wasn't on the Navy's head. I made it through water survival training with one-digit body fat, and somehow found gear to fit me for the plane. Mathematics at high velocity is what got me...not the physical stuff, all of which I aced. I was even misdiagnosed for leukemia at one point (and given six months to live) before a specialist correctly diagnosed me as has having an endocrine system malfunction created by high stress. Eventually (once in a more "normal" environment) I gained weight, stabilizing at around 160 lbs. I went to Afghanistan weighing around 165-170, wore body armor all day often, humped up mountains following Afghan counterparts, and went out accompanying the Infantry-types as a volunteer on a few of their missions. I've been a life-long long distance runner, and at 40, going on 41, am still going strong, weighing in at around 165. I routinely train in martial arts and close combatives with men that outweigh me by fifty pounds. The point is this...the job does take a toll on the body, but being under-weight isn't as big a factor as knowing how to make things work to your advantage. More to the point, they are going to constantly test/evaluate you prior to ever getting into an operational environment...if your body can't deliver, I doubt you'll have to endure enough punishment leading to permanent injury before they pull you out. From what little I know about it, the Infantry is about heart...if you've got it, you can make it. Don't quit...ever...at anything.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2019 7:59 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 07:59:08 -0400

For the love of god DO NOT DROP YOUR CONTRACT. When you get to basic it's often with a walk crawl run style phasing. Just remember that the only way you will bulk up is by eating everything in sight. Get the peanutbutter packets at breakfast lunch and dinner. Eat everything they offer in the chow line (besides the cake) and always make a salad. Eat like your life depends on it and you'll gain the weight.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2019 8:55 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 08:55:33 -0400

If you take care of yourself and listen to your leaders you won't be broken. I have been in 10 years and I am just fine. I've had a hernia repair surgery but it hasn't slowed me down. You just need to constantly work on strength and endurance training and you shouldn't have any major injuries. It's a very rewarding career and I think it would be a mistake to back out now. I am 5' 5" and 150 lbs but I was 130 when I enlisted. Most of this job is mind over matter. You got this.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jul 24 at 2019 9:59 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 09:59:43 -0400

I find it hard to believe that MEPS Medical inaccurately did your height and weight. That is probably the most carefully checked aspect of the physical exam. MEPS medical personnel would be subject to severe, career threatening discipline for "fudging" height and weight, whether over or under. Besides, they are an objective third party with no benefit in whether you qualify or not. When you go back to ship, everyone gets a re-check of height and weight. If you do not meet the standards on ship date, you are going home. Sounds to me like you are just getting cold feet and using your small stature as an excuse to quit before you even begin. I was 5'9 and about 135-140 when I joined as 17 yr old. I also failed the strength test at MEPS which was required to enlist in the Infantry at that time. I got to keep 11X, but had to sign a disclaimer that I would be involuntarily reclassified to another MOS if I failed to meet the physical standards of Infantry. By the time I was 21, I was a lean 170 lbs and consistently scored over 290 on the APFT. Also made SGT before 21 as well. By the 10 year mark in the Army, I was well over 180 and had to take the body fat test because I was over the chart weight for my height. Not because of fat, but because of the muscle mass gained from 10 years of physical training and working out on my own. Moral of the story is don't cut yourself short, you can overcome anything you set your mind to. If you are considering quitting already, then you are already halfway to failure. My advice is to re-evaluate yourself and reasons for joining. If you think its going to be too hard, then it probably will be so tell your recruiter you want out. If you think it all the hard work will be rewarding and nothing can stop you from achieving your goal, then reach down and grab a pair and go for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2019 10:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 10:40:06 -0400

You'll be fine. I was 5' 10" and 135 pounds when I joined the Army and went straight into Ranger Regiment. You'd be surprised how many Infantryman in the Army and the Marines are that size when they join.
It's a myth that most Infantry have permanent damage after 4 years. Take this from someone who codes the Soldiers records who are referred to medical separations. Part of getting old is that no matter what you do, your knees will creek and your back will be sore when you age. There is ample time and resources to make your body strong. Very few people are ever walking with 100 pounds at any point, and when you do, it's not very often.
You will put on weight and muscle with time and daily, or twice daily, PT. Twenty years later and I am now 190 pounds and would kill to be back at 170ish again.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2019 12:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 12:13:10 -0400

Once you get to the reception station, you'll get all the food/deserts and snacks at the Dining Facility if you need to pack on some pounds. That's before you actual arrive at the Basic Training unit... so they'll keep you there for a couple of extra days if needed to gain weight.

Some folks who arrived a bit heavy when I went to Ft. Jackson, SC were put on the diet program, but some people did need to gain weight too.

Response by COL Gary Gresh made Jul 24 at 2019 5:29 PM

COL Gary Gresh — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 17:29:29 -0400

I guess I’m missing your point. Being lightweight in the infantry can be a great advantage. When I joined the infantry I was 5 ft 9 in tall and weighed only 150. It was great. I could run like a gazelle. In ranger school I survived easily while others fell off mountains and were too heavy in the swamps. I think you will do just fine. If you drop out now you may regret it the rest of your life. Hang in there. Attitude is 99% of the game. Good luck.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jul 24 at 2019 5:45 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 17:45:07 -0400

A couple of things here. First quit doubting yourself. 15 lbs short of weight is only going to help you as you WILL put on muscle fast in Infantry OSUT and the more room you have to add there, the faster your run time is going to be. Second on the 100 lbs on your back business. What you pack on your back is up to you. You don't have to load yourself up like a pack mule all the time you wear a ruck. The standard last I looked for training is 35 lbs. The folks that carried over 100 lbs were going off to combat on a combat mission and so did not want to leave anything behind and took a LOT of just in case items (don't use that as a benchmark and some of the heavy rucksack BS is people exaggerating.......just like the 140 degree day in Iraq). Be smart about what you pack in your ruck and how you fasten it to your back and you won't be worrying about lower back issues. Also work on your abs as they help carry the weight and take the load off your lower back. Don't drop out of the DEP. Move forwards with your training...........your going to look back at this post after graduaing Infantry OSUT and wonder what you were thinking. Stop listening to other peoples scare talk as well, you are your own man and you should know your limits after OSUT Training pretty well.