Any advice for a girl joining the military?

[Anonymous]

So I was thinking about joining the military.For the past six months I've been contemplating it.I know its a serious commitment I would be making, but then again anything is...

The reason I've considered the military is becuz I don't feel I have a lot going for me here in the civilian world, and have struggled a lot my whole life. I think with the military it would give me the stability I need. Right now I don't have any health insurance, medical, or dental. I don't even have a car! I'm unemployed and have been struggling to find a job, and I can't afford to pay for school. So this seems like my only option. Friends have actually mentioned it to me, but I'm still not quite sure.

Also, any advice from someone in or out of the military would be helpful preferably in the Navy..thanks.

[ArtistBboy]

The military isn't your ONLY choice, but I strongly encourage you to choose that path. Before I discuss why, I would like to point out some other options to you:

- Public transportation / Friends / Walking / Etc

- Scholarships / FAFSA (Federal App. for student aid) / Bank Loans / etc

- Employee Health Care / State Health Care / Health Insurance (Your own)

- Get a job and go to college, you will be just fine but you will have many hardships along the way.

ONWARD!

I strongly support the military and everything about it. Here's why: Jimmy Dshea... Check him out on utube. Great entertainment and spontaneous personality, while covering some great points, makes his videos truly enjoyable.

--------------------------

Tips for joining or during your duty in the United States Armed Forces ::

--------------------------

1) Pre-Enlistment:

- Make sure that everything you were "promised" is in your contract, otherwise you won't get it. This includes "bonuses" for enlisting, or where your first stationing will be, etc. Get EVERYTHING in writing.

- Check out more than one branch of military. When you have more options, you get to see which one offers you a better future. If you are putting your life on the line, you want to make sure you will be reimbursed. It's great to be greedy, so fight for everything you can get out of them. They are trained to tell you "no" and make you believe you aren't eligible, weasle your way into other options interrogating them and researching about it on the internet.

- Spend time with your family, STUDY HARD, and work out. First point- Family. You will miss them like all hell, so spend every damn second with them, morning-lunch-and-dinner. Get annoyed by how much you love them and how often your around them, I don't care. Spend time with them. Second- study hard, if you want a good job in the military, you need an education to open the doors. Of course you could start as a noobie and work your way up, but if you push a little further now, it makes that goal so much easier. Lastly, eat right and work out... If you come to basic with a bunch of flab.. That flab will be gone, but it will be very hard for you the first couple weeks. GET YOUR ASS OFF THE COUCH AND BUST YOUR BALLS TO GET FIT AHEAD OF TIME... That's the #2 advice (Besides family).

At MEPS::

- Don't party, don't stay up late, etc... you're almost in and your better than that.

- Don't be an idiot or disrespectful, these are your future brothers and sisters.

- Don't kiss or kick someones ass, just do what your told and stay under the radar

etc

During your duty:

- Avoid alcohol / drugs / and parties, the last thing you want is mili police up your ass

- Don't do things against your contract, you don't want to be unhonorably discharged

- Take the opportunity to do some college and increase your rank

- etc

Last piece of advice, go in with an associates degree in college, you get a higher rank.There's no more room :( sorry

~ ArtistBBoy

[Asker]

I have an AS degree...

[ArtistBboy]

Good :) what other steps have you taken for the military?

[Asker]

Ive done my research and asked as many questions as possible.Ive also researched schools that accept college education from the military, and studying for the asvab.

[ArtistBboy]

Good, so it sounds like you already know a majority about the military. What are you waiting on?

[Asker]

Can you tell me what boot camp is like?

[Cartiphilus]

I can't tell you what Naval basic training is like because I'm ex-Air Force. I chose the USAF after considering the Marines, Army and Navy. The USAF basic training lasts, or used to, for only six weeks. The only thing difficult about it, for me, was running. I had never been much of a runner and had to run an 8 minute mile and later 1.5 miles in 14 minutes. A guy told me all I had to do is keep up with him and he could guarantee I would pass. I passed and completed basic training.

[DanielSan]

I agree the hardest part is the running...hunger very hungry :(

[jacquesvol]

I understand the motives you give but think about this:

_________Quote

In 2003, a survey of female veterans found that 30 percent said they were raped in the military. A 2004 study of veterans who were seeking help for post-traumatic stress disorder found that 71 percent of the women said they were sexually assaulted or raped while serving. And a 1995 study of female veterans of the Gulf and earlier wars, found that 90 percent had been sexually harassed.

The Defense Department shows much lower numbers, but that is because it only counts reported rapes—and, as the DoD admits itself in this year's annual Pentagon report on military sexual assault, some 90 percent of rapes in the military are ever reported at all. Nonetheless, that same report showed that in 2008, reports of assault increased by 8 percent military-wide, and by 26 percent in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

link

__________End of quote

and this: link

and this: link

and this:

________Quote:

The Pentagon said it received 2,923 reports of sexual assault across the military in the 12 months ending Sept. 30 2008. That's about a 9 percent increase over the totals reported the year before, but only a fraction of the crimes presumably being committed.

Among the cases reported, only a small number went to military courts

link

_______________end of quote

[jacquesvol]

And if you make a nuisance of yourelf, by pressing rape charges for instance when you're in a combat unit, just look up what the word "fragging" means.

On top of that, there are the "ennemies": they usually shoot back, believe it or not.

[DanielSan]

LOL that's bullsh*t....the rape total hype.

If that many women were raped there would be HIGH pregnancy ect ect ....what a joke....oh I'm

now the sexual harrassment is there of course your working in a predominately male field lol...but what what girl doesn't get hit on by coworkers in any job...lol try being a waitress

not even gonna bother replying to the links lol

[jacquesvol]

I didn't make it up, the sources have a good reputation (and credibility to lose).

[DanielSan]

Yes I understand harrassment is real...but as I said...no differnet than in any other work field...

I bet it also happens less actually because of the demand for proffesionalism and completion of tasks in the army...

[Anonymous]

Ok well I'm not in the navy but I'm in the Airforce. I think that if you are going to do it you really need to think it through. It is a big decision and a big commitment. A lot of things are not the same as the civilian world. I personally love the military. It has given me chances to learn a lot of things I wouldn't have other ways. I was in the same situation you was before I joined. Now I have a steady paycheck and live in a place where most people would die to even visit for the next 3 years. I have learned a lot about myself and have way more confidence than before. I love my job and school is all paid for. It really is a great experience and I am so glad thta I decided to do it. Everyones thinking is different ya know so you kinda have to go with your gut on this one. You either need to jump in all the way or not jump in at all that's for sure. Its not really something you can do part time and reserve or guard definitely does not give you all the benefits that you are looking for. I hope that this helps you in your decision.

[breezer]

Hi there,

I'm a female in the navy and have been on active duty for the last 6 years. Number one, congratulations on considering to serve. Regardless of your reason, it is a very noble thing to do. In the Navy you will get a pay check every two weeks, three meals a day, a rack to sleep in, and all your medical needs will be met. The navy will even pay for you school. Ship life is interesting. Like anything there are good days and bad. In the last 6 years I've visted over 28 countries and have broadened my horizons so much. The military will give you a sense of pride and honor. We are doing a lot of good things out there. We've had over 9 thousand sailors providing aid to Haiti in the last months. Good luck with your choice, but see the navy as door open with many opportunities and not as a last resort. Take care!

[Asker]

No I see it as a positive change for me...i just want to get all the facts I can get before I decide.

[BabyJenks]

I'm joining the Navy next month and the most important piece of advice I can offer to you is make sure you're as fit as you possibly can be. Basic training will be tough and if you're not in top physical condition, its likely you won't make it through.

Like James said as well you will need to be able to swim, now I don't know if you're American or British. The Royal Navy requires you in their tests to jump into the deep end of the pool in overalls tread water for 2 minutes and then swim another 50m and climb out at the deep end so its paramount.

[Asker]

WOW!! I live in the U.S. Yeah if and once I sign the papers I would start training for the navy including learning how to swim.Im a petite girl averaging about 105 lbs, but my recruiter said he would get me in shape and that I still qualify.even though I'm thin, I'm not necessarily fit, so I would need to work out more.my greatest strength would probably be my arms.i am strong however for my size, I just need to become more fit.

[BabyJenks]

Skipping and swimming are great for building up your general fitness. Us Wrens are encourage to go running outdoors for 15-20 minutes a day rain or shine..if its raining we're still training.

[ArtistBboy]

Hell yeah baby jenks, great answer +1

[jacquesvol]

Not only the British Royal Navy requires that: it was the test we all had to pass in HS in Belgium. To qualify as a sailing instructor I had to pick up a 130lbs mannequin at a depth of 3 meter and swim 25m with it.

[JustDance]

I don't know where you are from, but I recently saw a documentary (and later on read up on it) about women in the military (United States) and apparently it Can be a pretty bad experience with rape (by other american soldiers which does happen alot, it is scary :/ read up on raped women in the US military - this happened in Iraq or Afghanistan) there is some discrimination that goes on against women, if captured by the enemy, you can be raped/abused etc... just let your imagination go wild. anything is possible in life. and this sort of occupation does come with many many risks. I can't remember much about the documentary but rape was a huge topic they discussed. anyway goodluck and everything.

[jamescyberjoe]

I served with plenty of women stateside and there was never a problem, but that was a long time ago. I will say one thing; a lot of these girls were horny as hell because they were'nt getting any for quite a while. I had no problem getting some in the USAF and it was from my own fellow service members.

Gay people had a hard time, if you were outed, you were done. I saw at least 2 men outed and were gone within a day or two. It was a shame because they were quite competant technicians.

[Asker]

Ive heard of that but I don't think its as big as they make it, and I think that's only if your a female in the marines.ive asked people about that but they said that's only usually if women participate in stuff like that, like hotel gang bangs.I know a girl in the navy and she's recently married to a navy soldier as well.they just had a kid.

[JustDance]

Hotel gang bangs? lol can you expain that to me haha :p just curious, never heard of that

[ArtistBboy]

Quite explanatory, do you really need information on it? If so, try google. I really wouldn't like to see a detailed explanation.

[JustDance]

Haha just sounds like a helluva party.

[jacquesvol]

I posted some quotes about the rape & sexual asault problem in the Army above. Check them out, please.

[Cartiphilus]

As one of the Conservatives who, as Obama claim, "those who cling to God and their guns", I highly praise and honor your decision! I'm ex-Air Force. My father is one of the few remaining living veterans from the Greatest Generation and participated in the Invasion of Normandy. Soon all those of that Great Generation will be all dead and then soon forgotten. Those currently in the military who are protecting this great country, as opposed to apologizing for at every opportunity and weakening its defenses as much as possible, are actually the Second Greatest Generation. You plan to join them. My only caution for you considering joining the Navy is DO NOT GET PREGNANT while on board a ship. The Navy is really p*ssed of so many women on ships getting themselves pregnant to get out of the Navy, they have made a SEVERE penalty for the next girl who gets herself pregnant. You will be raising your baby in the STOCKADE!

[Asker]

No I would never do that! I would never set myself up for that.I want a better life, a stable one so one day I can give something to my future family.Any advice on dating a marine?

[ArtistBboy]

Dating a marine is the same as dating a civillian. Nothing is different but there may be a conflict between your and his service beliefs. ("Marines are stronger than army" *Hooo rah!*)

[Asker]

Im interested in the navy....

[jamescyberjoe]

I spent 4 years in the Air Force and it was a positive experience. After my 8 weeks of basic training I learned electronics and worked on some pretty interesting systems.

It's like any other job.

Just remember-you commit yourself when you sign on the dotted line. And you can at anytime be moved to a hot zone. You may also be ordered to perform duties you will not like. Again, it's like a normal job.

You get fed, good medical care, housing and so forth.

I'm speaking for enlisted personnel.

I was discharged as an E-5 Sargeant.

I was in from 1983 to 1987 so I'm sure things changed.

I hope this helped.

[Asker]

I was thinking of joining the navy..any advice on that?

[jamescyberjoe]

Well it's the same concept, just on a ship if that's where you're assigned. My cousin spent 8 years in the Navy. He enjoyed it, He saw the world; Japan, Korea, India, and other parts of Asia.

The only thing he did'nt like was being separated from his Wife and child for months at a time.

He was based on several different ships and also spent part of his tour in port at Groton Conneticut.

You need to know how to swim (or they will train you, best to know how) and live in close quarters.

[jamescyberjoe]

One other thing, when you join the military you must be able to take orders without problem or delay. If you get angry about taking orders or have a hard time with authority you will have a hard time in the service. The service is no place for rabble rousers or individuals. You will be responsible for the defense of our country and it's a serious mission.

[Asker]

No. I know walking into something like this I am prepared to take full orders, and know not to horse around.Its something serious and I wouldn't jeopardize that.

[Asker]

I actually don't know how to swim and that was one of my concerns, but I talked to a recruiter and he said they would teach me.any advice on that?I don't want to be embarrassed or given a hard time for not knowing how to swim but I'm sure I'm not the first.

[jamescyberjoe]

First off, please don't hang onto every word the recruiter says. They are salespeople and have been known to stretch the truth and/or lie to get you to commit.

They get bonuses for each enlistee that signs up. Get basic swimming lessons and learn to not fear the water. Believe me, I was told that if you can't swim they give you a hard time.

[ArtistBboy]

If you're worried about swimming, take care of it ahead of time... Go to your local swimming arena (I usually suggest the YMCA as dirty as it may be... but hell, your going in the service)... And take a class. It's inexpensive and will help with your concerns.

[Asker]

Yeah I know I don't take everything the recruiter says into account, but basically I know if I want to do this I have to learn how to swim.any downsides of being in the service...honestly.

[jacquesvol]

THat's good for a big laugh! You want to join the army but learning to swim is too much for youu=? Then stay out of it. There are more unpleasing things you'll have to learn.

[mikkie180]

I did many years in the Navy and I think they have the best technical schools of all the services. Remember many of the ships are nuclear powered and that training is down right tough. Also submarines are now opening up to women also. I was on subs. You can take college courses while you are in. If you do 20 years, you'll have a pension for the rest of your life and still be young enough to pursue a 2nd career. And if you are really smart and frugal, start investing right away and be well off financially by the time you get out.

[BabyJenks]

WRENS still aren't allowed to be divers or submariners currently although this is under review.

[Anonymous]

Please don't take this the wrong way. I think what you're doing is extremely brave of you and I have nothing but respect for you.

However, it seems like a lot of people are joining simply because they don't have money for college which is sad. A woman my mother works with, her eldest daughter joined the army because her family couldn't afford to pay tuition for her. She did her time, left and enrolled in college. I don't know, it just seems like the wrong decision for signing up for something that serious. It's a dedication that you can't change your mind about later. Are you sure you're ready to do that in exchange for benefits?

Best of luck

[Asker]

Its not just for school.i think it would make me a stronger person, and get my life in order not just for financial purposes, but you are right it is a decision I can't turn back on.thats why I'm trying to get as much info on it as I can and take the time to make up my mind.

[jacquesvol]

"I think it would make me a stronger person"

Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger anyway. You don't need to join the army for that. Life will confront you with enough misery to get stronger, trust me: been there, done that (army included!)

[WeaponZero]

I've known a lot of people who joined the military and one thing I can tell you is that going into the army just because you see it as a way out of some predicament you're in, or because you just don't feel like anything else going for you, is a mistake. Those people always end up regretting it.

You should join becuase you genuinely WANT to. If you don't, then it's not for you.

[Asker]

Well I also feel I would like to do something good for my country and feel it make me a better and more responsible person..

[ArtistBboy]

It will definately give you a bigger backbone, the military helps build a strong sense of individualism combined with teamwork.

[hockeyaddict]

Well I am joining the Navy. My best adice would be to find out where the recruiting office is and just go talk to the recruiters. They will help you decide and also can help you find our what job you want. I am going in for cryptology and I get a 20,000 dollar sign on bonus. Do you have a job in mind?

[Asker]

Arts and photography

[Clair]

well my advice is, even tho you'll be put into situations that require a lot of group think and sticking together, don't let it erode your natural moral code. If sh*t is immoral, evil, and degrades a fellow human, even if it may be your hated enemy, have the strength to stand up against it.

[lostlove1988]

My niece joined the military when she was 17, she went into the army reserves and right after she graduated high school she went to Iraq for 18 months, met her husband who also is in the Army Reserve and she now works full time for the Army and she loves it. I am so proud of her and I would recommend that you do some serious soul searching and make sure that you know what you are getting into, there is no higher honor than serving your country, but you have to want to do it, not because it pays for your college or you just want a weekend job but because you want to stand for what America stands for and fight for what we have - FREEDOM - like no other country. She is now 25 and she just re-upped for 8 more years and will have 4 more after that to retire at age 37! Good luck with whatever you decide! :-)

[SAR2be]

i am in the navy right now. I love it! it means you will be at the bottom of the food chain and have to work your way to higher ranks. so far I have been on one deployment and it was awesome. the great thing is you can go to school while in the military, medical isurance, and a gauranteed pay check.

i could go on and on, if you have any questions find me on MySpace. [e-mail]

[mlrock]

While it's not for me, I have the utmost respect for people who serve in the military. They are true patriots and it sounds like it would be able to help you with some of the other things in your life. Just be sure it's something you really passionately want to do.

[Anonymous]

Wow. Never though I'd find someone feeling the same way I did. I did a lot of thinking before I finally settled with going to the Army. I looked at all things I had been doing...such as being in school and such...and have graduated and getting done I knew before I was even done that I was only in school because that's where everyone else wanted me to be. So I am doing it for me. To start something new. Move on with my life and maybe make it more enjoyable for me.

[Asker]

What made you decide on the army?

[Opinion Owner]

Well military because I just feel I really need a change. From a lot of things. I know a lot of people try to find fault with whatever reason one comes up with for joining be it things you don't have or it seems the best option at that time. I went with army because they have a a lot of options for jobs and the others just didn't feel me. I wanted to join the marines out of HS but...right now I don't think I fit the bill for that any more.

[Opinion Owner]

So if you feel you want to go for it. Better to what you want than where everyone else feels you should. Life's not long enough to spend it doing what other people think you should be doing.

[Asker]

Yeah there are people who've tried to talk me out of it, but I honestly feel I've been struggling in the civilian world,and I think this would give me that positive change I've been looking for, and my family doesn't have much to give me other than support.

[anonimouse]

I'm about to start my basic training for the British Army. I don't know where you're from, but if in the UK then yes, go for it. The British Armed Forces are great, can and will give you a really good life.

As far as other countries are concerned, I cannot comment as I do not know..!

[Asker]

Im from the U.S.

[anonimouse]

Ah I see, well as I said I can't comment really! Sorry..

[BabyJenks]

I'm a WREN but at least you're not one of the RAF boys..could be worse!

[EnviE]

my advice, go with someone who has already enlisted/retired when speaking to a recruiter in the branch you're interested in. If you enlist, make damn sure you fill in your job codes PRECISELY correct.

[DanielSan]

Sounds like it would be a way to go.

Now if all these problems are happening to you because of a lack of motivation well the army isn't the right place for you.

Everyone joins for their own reasons.

Go for it. What's the worst that can happen?

[Asker]

Def not a lack of motivation!more like stagnation....

[DanielSan]

Lol gotta lov whoever is rating me down in every answer I give.

Well stagnation is bad to...I know alittle about that...if that's how you feel then army all the way....great way to jump start your life

[jeffmt1234]

You will love it. Was prior Air Force enlisted.. Worked on F-16s. Now I'm trying to go fighter pilot Navy Officer..

Message me if you need some one on one advice.

[Militarytifa]

im 16 as well, I am a girl, and guess what? I am in the military! I have a boyfried who worries for me, I love him and I tell him everyday that I am his only and I love him more than air! Its my choice if I wanna do somethingor not! I've always had military combat in my blood. I practice playing airsoft with my team, my first time learning to use a gun was when I was only 4 years old.

[saulito]

i wouldn't do it...check yoself befoe you wreck yourself...yeeeaaaa boooyeee!

[Jack2022]

I have been in the Air Force for 6 years now and I am going into the Marines in 6 Months I love the military life style. The places you go and the people you meet. You learn so much and its a life changing thing. Good luck!

[WinterLoretta]

It would be cool if we could chat if your up for it.

[Marrryyyyy]

do it! it holds just as much, if not more merit than anything else you'd be doing :)