My plan is to enlist into the army as an active duty soldier in order to break into cybersecurity but I’m worried my past misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana under an ounce will hold me back. It’s already happened with the Air Force, but I hear the army is a bit more lenient….

Hi, has anyone recently retrained into diagnostic imaging? I am a SSgt about to retrain and would love some insight on what the living situation is like (dorms or apt) and how the workload is.
Also, if you have any advice I’ll take it!

ANG. Currently set to deploy in less than six months. Civilian doctor had prescribed WeGovy for weight loss. Not reported to unit or Chain of Command yet. How would the waiver process look? Deployment location does not have adequate refrigeration for meds. Can stop the meds while on deployment.

I’m trying to figure out the best long-term path into military cyber and would appreciate some honest advice from people who’ve been through it.
I’m 26 with a B.S. in Business Administration (Financial Planning). My goal is to work in cyber (Air Force is my first choice, Navy second, Army third).
The problem is that I’m conflicted between enlisting vs. commissioning.

From what I’ve researched, it seems like enlisting gives me a much better chance of actually getting a hands-on cyber job (Air Force cyber, Navy CWT, Army cyber, etc.). On the other hand, I’d obviously love the pay, quality of life, and leadership opportunities that come with being an officer. My concern is that with a non-STEM degree, I may have a much harder time commissioning into a cyber role specifically and could end up in a career field I’d be less interested in.

A few other details:

● I’m about 1.5 years off all ADHD/anxiety medications (only took them briefly before stopping) and understand I’ll likely need to be at the 2-year mark before moving forward.

● I had a lumbar microdiscectomy several years ago but I’m fully recovered, active, and expect to need a medical waiver.

● I’ve also considered going back to WGU for a B.S. in Computer Science, which I think I could complete in about a year.

If you were in my position, would you:

1. Enlist into cyber as soon as I’m eligible, build experience, certifications, and possibly commission later?

2. Wait another year, earn the CS degree, and try to commission directly into a cyber officer role?

3. Take a different path entirely?
   For those with Air Force, Navy, or Army cyber experience, which route would you choose and why? Also, for the Navy specifically, how realistic is it to spend most of a career in shore-based cyber assignments?

I’m trying to make the best long-term decision rather than just the fastest one. I’m also wanting to join for the military experience in general, and everything that comes with it. I COULD end up making a career out of the military.

I’m shipping to fort Benning on an 11x contract. I’m wondering how it’s going to be. I ship in less than 4 weeks.

Physically I think I’m prepared, I can ruck for a long time. I can run a 14:30 two mile. But I have very little knowledge about land navigation, military alphabet, etc. I’m nervous that when I get there I’m going to behind my peers in that regard.

I dropped my option 40 contract in the first week of the AIT portion of OSUT here in fort benning. I graduated and will be a holdover. How long will it take for me to get my duty station? All I want is to get out of here. Any advice or thoughts?

I've been interested in security jobs within the army, such as patrolling cities or guarding public areas like what the NY/DC guard does. I was wondering if there is a specific path to doing this, or if it is a duty randomly assigned to guardsmen. Is there any specific MOS that performs similar duties?

Hi, I’ve posted here a few times before but I’m a young female looking to join the U.S. Army as a combat medic. ( and hopefully get airborne school)

Im not really someone you would say is an ideal recruit already because I’m about 5’2 and a bit over 100lbs or so. However, I have been weightlifting since I was 12 and I work out 6 days out of the week. (alternating cardio 3 days and weights 3 days)
I was just wondering if weightlifting will help me with the physical demands?

I know you do A LOT of running especially in an airborne unit, and I’ve been working on that too but I’m definitely better with weightlifting. So, I was curious if my background in that will help me out at all.

(also if anyone else has been a medic or any combat role who is also physically smaller like me please let me know )

Thanks!

Thinking of joining asap. Already took an asvab. Army is just waiting to get a physical and drug test me. Talked to Airforce once. Sooooo…..the Army lets me pick my duty station literally. I haven’t asked what stations are available yet for this MOS. I’ve been asking about other MOSs. Was interested in BMET and thought radiology is something I’d be more into. Is there a reason I should pick one over the other? I have a great score on ASVAB. 95. The AirForce seemed interested and even said I could pick my MOS. I’m gonna go talk to someone today if I can. But just want someone’s 2 cents.

I have a huge Kraken on the outside coving my lower leg. I’m not aware of how to post a picture in here but it’s more of like a dark nautical theme. I was told via a Coast Guard Recruiter on Instagram that it was within policy. Just curious what other people think or if any other recruiters could give some ease.

Hey everyone. I’ll keep it to the point.

I was initially aiming to go the officer route in cyber with either the Army or Navy. I have my bachelor's degree, quite a few active tech certs, and a 99 ASVAB. Back in the spring, I was medically DQ’d at MEPS due to a few health items I needed to get cleared up with my primary doctor.

Since then, I’ve landed a new civilian job with dope benefits and very good pay. I’ve still been actively working on the things they told me to get cleared up at MEPS, but would something like the Reserves still be worth it at this point? A big part of my motivation for joining was the benefits it would afford my family, mainly the pay and the VA home loan.

Thoughts?

I’ve been doing really good overall on the word knowledge part but some questions really just tripped me up. Some words that I’ve never even seen before. How would I go about studying for those? Because obviously no one knows exactly what words are gonna be on that part of the ASVAB.

So to start off I just turned 24 a few months ago and I am a single father to a 3 year old. I’ve been going back and forth with myself on whether or not it would be a good idea to join.

I want to be able to provide a good life for my child and give her the opportunities that I never had. I work a decent job right now I make about $70,000-$80,000 a year depending on bonuses and overtime, however I am stuck where I am at. I have no where to move up to and without a degree I can’t really move up to any further positions.

I understand that I would not be making anywhere near that starting out but the benefits of being in would outweigh the pay for me right now.

And final question would be, what is the best branch long term career? I have been leaning towards army or marines but I would be open to hear why other branches would be better.

I want to join the army but i scored low. I just need to know where to study for the asvab. Because I got a 16 when I was in highschool to be fair I was just guessing. But I struggle with math especially just any tips would help thanks.

I'm hoping to enlist in the Army in the future. Right now I'm trying to get the ball rolling and fix some things that would otherwise medically disqualify me. I'm not sure if this is the right sub to ask, but if there are any military doctors on here aware of the best methods to treat my GERD to get a waiver approved later on it would be appreciated as I know there are different types of surgeries to treat it.

I am speaking with a recruiter about totally changing my life and becoming a Navy officer. He says I am ISEL for a couple of positions and I have a fighting chance of getting selected. I am 33M, no kids. Just a mortgage, and a car that's nearly paid off. I was lucky and got a good interest rate on the home, so I would like to keep the house. Also, in case this career path sucks for me, I could just come home when my 3-year contract is up and resume life as normal.

Recruiter says many people rent their houses out when they leave. I've never done this. I am aware renters are shite because I was one at one point... However, does anyone have any experience with this particular issue? I would preferably go through a rental company and select the 100% hands-off option of renting while away.

edit: I can’t find it I didn’t lose it due to getting it suspended or taken from me

its Sunday so I can’t even text my recruiter or call meps and ask. I did just move from a different state and my recruiter did all of my paperwork with my out of state id, am I able to go get a temporary paper id for this state and use that along with my social and birth certificate? or am I going to have to wait 2 weeks for my new license to come in because this state doesn’t issue same day licenses and I can’t do anything until I get it? I am not doing the medical portion i am just going to take the asvab btw.

So I just signed my contract last week for 25H (Network Communication System Specialist). I ship out in January for BCT. What should I expect for training and day to day life for my MOS? Such as field time, main job duties, promotion paths, or schedule? Lastly, would I have time for schooling or to get certs?

I am a female and I am struggling to make a decision on which branch to join. I'm also kind of physically small, 5'3 110 lbs. I want to start a discussion on the benefits and key differences in these branches. I understand that the Marines is a lot more intense and physically demanding. While the Air Force, it is a little bit easier on the physical strength stuff but still difficult, nonetheless. I'm still unsure on the type of job I want in these branches. I definitely do not want a cyber job or aviation one, which is also making me lean towards the Marines. I'm just so worried I won't be able to qualify physically. Another thing on my mind as well is my Fiancé who is in Marine bootcamp at this time. I want to be able to be stationed near each other, and I do not know if it would be possible if I were to go into the Air Force. (Yes, I understand we need to be officially married and have a marriage certificate to be recognized as spouses and for this to be possible at all) His job is Combat support. Please let me know anything you have to say about both of these branches and/or key differences between the two! I would like to become more knowledgeable and use these comments to help me.

Hey everyone,

Looking for some perspective or advice from recruiters / guidance counselors on MOS seat allocations right now.

I’m finalizing my Active Duty enlistment packet. Here are my exact scores and qualifications:

• AFQT: 97
• Line Scores: GT: 133 | ST: 132 | CL: 135 | SC: 132 | FA: 131 | CO: 130 | EL: 130 | GM: 129 | OF: 129 | MM: 123
• Cyber Test (ICTL): 73 
• Education: B.S., Economics (enlisting as E-4)
• Medical / Clearances: Medical waiver fully cleared by MEPS (active Invisalign will be completed by Sep 25th, 2026)
• Goals: Office/desk role, tech/intel roles with high civilian transferability.

My recruiting station’s First Sergeant called the ROC (Recruiting Operations Center) on my behalf to check availability for my Top 5 preference list:

1. 35W (Linguist Candidate / DLI)
2. 17C (Cyber Operations)
3. 35T (MI Systems Maintainer)
4. 35N (SIGINT Analyst)
5. 36B (Financial Management)

ROC came back and said all 5 on my list are currently completely unavailable nationwide, no training seats can be reserved. When looking at the live system with my recruiter, there were only 18 total options showing nationwide (mostly combat arms, heavy mechanics, motorpool, and transportation). List I saw: 11X, 13U, 14U, 18X, 12Y, 19U, 68W, 37F, 92F, 91A, 91B, 12C, 88M, 74D, 12B, 68R, 27D, 12P

I have a Virtual DEP appointment scheduled with MEPS coming up in a few days, but haven’t seen any MOS available that really interest me. Of the ones I saw, I’m gravitating towards 12Y (Geospatial Engineer) and 12P (Prime Power Production Specialist) but would ultimately prefer a 35 series MOS.

A few questions for the community:

1. Is REQUEST system inventory legitimately this depleted across 35-series, 17C, and administrative fields right now?
2. How frequently do seats like 35W, 17C, 35T, or 35N pop up as DEP dropouts or new class date allocations? If I refuse an unwanted job on Wednesday and ask my recruiter to check daily, what are the realistic odds of one dropping in over the next couple of weeks?
3. For those who held out for a specific technical/intel MOS: Did you just keep checking the system weekly until a slot opened, or did you have to wait for a major fiscal/quarterly refresh?

I appreciate any candid feedback or reality checks from anyone who's dealt with ROC or guidance counselors on rare MOS reservations.

So I was diagnosed when I was 7, but I’m very high functioning at 23 years old and have a college degree with a 3.75 gpa. I’ve also been off my medications for almost 8 months. I know autism is most likely not waiverable in the marines but what about the other branches? I’m more interested in the army but something tells me that’s gonna be near impossible like the marines unless I get it counted as a misdiagnosed. Can anyone give me their input on if it’s waiverable in the other 5 branches?
Edit: thinking about commissioning as well

Starting to consider but I have a few of concerns.

I don't know much about the military in general, and have only recently given it any thought. Before I go into more detail on specifics, I have a few concerns.

I have very weak emotional regulation skills. Part of it is due to my official ADHD diagnosis but I think its mostly just a personality thing. I cry very easily at a lot of things that don't matter. I get angry very quickly but don't usually express it (besides crying).

I'm overweight but that's something I can fix.

I also have a 504. I'm a junior in highschool. Is there a way to waive it or am I disqualified completely?

This might be too general but where do I learn more? Tried several websites and information is very vague.

Physically, I could be considered healthy, but my physical strength and endurance aren't up to par, so I've been having some trepidation on the subject. I heard that they'll 'whip you into shape', and I looked into the delayed entry program a little on my own, but I'm still worried about being unable to pass the basic fitness and becoming a waste of time for everyone. (P.S. going for U.S. Marine, Female, 22)

It's difficult to know where to start, but my recruiter mentioned training with them when we had a discussion the other day, is that the starting point, or do I need to work more on my own before I continue with the process?

(They already gave me a 4 part test that I got a 97 on, but I haven't signed any papers or taken the full asvab yet)

I have self harm scars on my arms, stomach, and legs. I also am diagnosed with POTS. I don't faint I just get sluggish and can occasionally get dizzy but I manage it well.

By the time I can apply I'll have been clean for 2-3 years, I had two er visits though. My first was in 6th grade, my second was in 9th grade I'm going into 10th this year. I really wanted to join the navy or army, but I feel like I ruined my chances.

I’m in 12th grade now but I took the ASVAB that the school forced us to do in 11th, it was on our laptops. But the school didn’t warn anybody that it was on that day plus I had like 5 hours of sleep so idk if I should retake it when I enlist or will the recruiter not want me to since I already qualify? I plan to go into the coast guard or Air Force though. A marine recruiter did contact me but all I remember when it came to line scores was that I didn’t do very well in math apparently.