Joining the military...after college...24 years old...and a woman?

[lost2224]

Ever since I graduated college...life just isn't what I ever hoped it would be. I want to travel...meet people...have a great career...etc etc...I thought going to college and getting my BA would do that, but it didn't. I have been doing some deep thinking lately about what to do with my life...whether it be to stick it out...or go to grad school some how...or join the military. Just wondering peoples opinions. Hoping to hear from some people with military experience!

OH. P.s. Not in the greatest shape...lol can't run for crap...that worries me...

Updates

+1 y

Shit...let me add. I have a criminal record. I had a slu of charges in an incident that happened at a college party. All the charges were dropped but 2 stupid summary offenses. Which in reality are no big deal. But now I am seeing that it might be impossible to get in with ANY record even if it is minor?

[Rizzle]

I've been in the Army Reserve for about a year and a half. It is POSSIBLE to get into the military with a DUI/DWI on your record.. so whatever your issues were I'm sure you'd be able to get in if you believe they aren't very severe.

When I reached the end of basic training.. I started to realize that it was some of the best times of my life. I go to do experience things that lots of people will never get to do or experience. I 100% planned on getting back into college when I was done with AIT(training for my army job) so I didn't consider for a second going active duty at this point in my life.

The military is great.. there's always crappy times but they seem less crappy because unless you did something stupid to get in that situation, you will never go through them alone. If you want to travel the world, meet tons of different people, and have a stable career.. active duty military fits that perfectly.. if I were you I would definitely start doing research on the different branches if you haven't already. Personally, I would recommend Navy the most, then Army, and then Air Force. Just a personal recommendation though. I met someone via the Army that was former Navy and she said she traveled all over and got to see some awesome things.

As far as not being in the greatest shape.. definitely work on it! But the requirements aren't too bad at all.. especially for females, in my opinion. If this is something you want to do then get into a normal routine at least a few days a week.

Also since you have a BA you could definitely consider going down the path of being an officer. Being an officer right away probably sounds great but don't immediately rule out enlisting.. figure out which one sounds better for you.

Anyways, yeah start your research online.. talk to recruiters(they'll want you to go to their office, do it if you can but don't sign anything the first time you're there).. ask me more specifics if you want.. and good luck!

[Rizzle]

.. sorry for typos/grammar errors.. already see one ha, I typed it up fast sorry!

[lost2224]

Thanks for the feedback! Haha I noticed a few, but it is alright. We all make mistakes. I can be a grammar nazi at times. lol. I will def hit you up if I need some help!

[Frostie]

Military isn't a fun place. It isn't what you think it is. Better to go in as an officer. Don't enlist unless you have no problem with taking sh*t from everyone you know that is your CoC. "Shit rolls down hill". always some a**hole there to f*** it up for the rest. Military life may move you around every 3 years *i'm an army brat* but you could do the same with anything really. Many businesses will pay for traveling if you give them something they demand in return -no not sex lol- like what you thought of their hotels etc, how was it in every way possible, etc etc. or photography if you're into that you can get a lot of money from focusing in that field but also can travel free of expenses.

[Frostie]

Let me clarify this. You can sign a contract in the army for 4 years to enlist, they can legally with hold you for 8. all contracts are 8 years long. you'll spend the rest in reserves. To get promoted you HAVE to go to college. Other wise they'll kick you out at some point if you dont' get the promotion. You only get maybe 30 days off in a year *IF YOU ARE LUCKY*. They will break you and get you out of the army. By that, if its 'too hot' *Drink more water* until you have a heat stroke.

[Frostie]

Knee giving you troubles? Run another 10 miles. They will break you, then process you out. If you are weak, you will be destroyed. If you surpass others and stand out to much, you'll have everyone against you. They make you more average and like their people average.

Want some stories, here is a site by Marines about the Marine corps:

link

[Frostie]

link

[Poltergeist]

F*ck the military and America.

[Frostie]

Cool story bro.

[proudtexasgirl]

Well if you're considering joining the military, let me through this into the mix for you... If you have a master's degree, you can go into the Air Force as a Captain. (I have a friend whose aunt went into the military as a Captain because she has a master's degree.)

You can also try to get into the military now with your bachelor's. Just be aware that a recruiter is just trying to get you to ENLIST. Do you have any family members or friends who are military or former military? Those would be the bast people to talk to because they have first hand experience.

As for as you not being in shape, don't worry, the military (basic training or field training) will whip you into shape. They do take into account your height/weight/BMI before you join, and they may ask that you lose some weight depending on those factors. Otherwise, you don't have to be the best runner or anything- they will build you up gradually.

All this just comes from personal experience- my parents, sister, and fiance are all current or former military: Navy, Army, and Air Force.

[lost2224]

Thanks. What do you think about my update? I forgot to even mention it. I didn't even realize it. I always forget I was actually in trouble before haha

[proudtexasgirl]

Honestly, I know people who have gotten in with some sort of a record. It really depends on what it is, what branch you're looking to go into, and who your recruiter is.

[kirstentaylorc]

Well right now joining the military, there is a several month wait to leave to basic. That would give you the time to get into shape. I don't have military experience but I'm in the process of enlisting. It would have happened already but I am removing a tattoo to join. I've talked to plenty people and I've got positive responses. Also, since you've got a degree you have a very high chance of being able to enter as an Officer, which is GREAT for a woman. That would give you higher pay, better job opportunities etc. Oh and for traveling, I'd say that Air Force and Navy visit the best places, and Navy I believe visits the most places.

[lost2224]

What tattoo is it? I have 7 tattoos! None visible though?

[kirstentaylorc]

You'll be fine if it isn't visible, mine is behind my ear.

[ivarei]

you could become an officer if you have a degree. and I'm sure the military would whip you into shape in no time.

[TheUglyOne]

I agree with ivarei, try to go in as an officer!

[TheUglyOne]

It worked for me. Before I joined, I was a lazy, weak man with no work ethics. After I got out, I got physically and mentally stronger. Got to travel. Learned many useful skills, not all of them work related, interpersonal skills.

It won't be easy, you could get sent to a war zone, but if you have a good attitude, willing to be persistent, I think you can make a go at it.

[lost2224]

read my update...what do you think?

[TheUglyOne]

Well, when I went in, minor criminal offenses would not only NOT prevent you from joining, they wouldn't even preven you from getting a security clearance - which many fields require, especially officers. Today may be different.

Also, officers are held to higher requirement, your record may allow you to enlist but may prevent you from getting a commission. Just DISCLOSE EVERYTHING! Don't try to conceal, even enlistment puts you in a basic background check that will uncover your record.

[Prof_Don]

I don't blame you; the entry-level white collar job college grads usually get, aren't there anymore. Either outsourced (customer service centers being in India), downsized due to the downturn of some corporations, or being replaced by computers (retail, customer service, etc.)

Do you know what branch you want to go to? Remember that you can go in as an officer with a Bachelor's degree. :)

[lost2224]

I was leaning towards Air Force. But I hear they are harder to get into.

[sexyasianboi26]

The best choice for you would be the Air Force or Air Force National Guard. I can't really tell you much information but the best thing to do is contact a recruiter.

[lost2224]

I am going too!

[sexyasianboi26]

If you got a criminal record, then you might want to try it getting expunged. If you can't get it expunged, then it depends on your recruiter, how he/she is passionate, they might give you a waiver.

[ashtonm]

I think you should do grad school! Bachelor degrees are very overrated. If you want to travel a graduates degree will allow you to have the money to do that.

I was also thinking of joining the military, as a mental challenge tho. :D

[Frostie]

well if you want the mental challenge of polishing floors 24/7 keeping barrackes clean and smiling when they make you run 20-30 miles extra for something stupid, you will enjoy it. Then again most go into depression and about a soldier a day is committing suicide :)

[ashtonm]

You don't have to like it. Not gonna "convert" you from your beliefs sir.

[lost2224]

Too poor for it.

[gettinthroughthepain]

Iv thought about it too. My dad was in the Navy for 6 years and he said it was the best decision he ever made and really helped his life get on track. He said you don't have to be in super great shape either.

[Poltergeist]

You'll regret it. Serving the military industrial complex only encourages war.

[Frostie]

I hope you don't like arguing and that you can bend over while someone's opinion is different than yours. Because arguments lead to war, so make sure to stfu while you're at it.

[cyrus7]

They're always looking for more meat shields

[Frostie]

Women don't go into the hostile war zones. they're more in the back of the army. They can't be 11x or anything in the teen zone. That is infantry,artillary etc. They can be other things like desk jockeys *accountants, logistics,etc. etc.*

[kirstentaylorc]

They can be combat medics which would put them in war zones.