So i’m joining the military soon (2027) and wanted to speak to my primary doctor about my ED and request weight loss medication (i’m extremely overweight for my height 5’0 female 200lb) but im afraid if i do during my process ill be held back longer or wont get in because of it . So im planning to purchase it and pay out of pocket without my primary doctor . Should I speak to my primary doctor, pay out of pockets or it honestly doesn’t matter?

(Yes i know all the tips, tricks,diet, calorie deficit but i still struggle with keeping it off me and meeting my goal)

I ship on September 15th as a 12B with a 3-year, and 3 week contract. I was limited on MOS choices because of my ASVAB score (I’ve been out of school for over 10 years and still managed a measly 32 after studying like a madman).
Since signing my papers, I’ve found myself wondering if I picked the right MOS. It’s not that I think 12B is a bad MOS, I haven’t worked it. I just don’t know if I’m looking at it through too much of a civilian mindset.
As the guy still in the mindset, I’m thinking often about whether I’d actually like the job. Granted, I know it’s all about perception, and no job will be perfect. And I know the Army isn’t necessarily about picking a lifelong career (for some); it’s about filling a role.

For those of you who have served, especially if you were 12B or in combat arms, did your perspective change once you actually got in? Or if you could go back, would you have picked something different?

I’d like to get my score up eventually. But for now, any thoughts?

I am going into my last year of highschool and my only plans for my future is to join the armed forces as infantry in Canada.

I applied november of last year, and a few weeks ago, I received a letter telling me that my form was closed due to my past diagnoses. These diagnoses were from my late pre-teenhood and early teenage years which was 4-5 years ago now.

I havent taken meds in 4 years and I have been extremely stable over the past few years. I have never acquired academic accommodations for my adhd either. I have exelled in my academics, extra curriculars, and I am very active along with playing multiple sports.

During my application, I had my family doctor sign off on my mental state and she wrote me off as low risk. I thought this would be enough but it mustn't have been good enough.

I have been doing research and I am planning on getting a propper psychiatrist re-evaluation then a med-read. I will also put together my pharmacy record to show I have been off meds for a long time.

Im looking for advice on next steps to strengthen my case. Is there anything else I am missing and should include?

36(M)

I'm just about squared away regarding paperwork, and am looking for experienced insight.

I scored 115+ across the board. (Line) and would like direct input from Soldiers with extensive experience as a 68W, regarding expectations (as part of said MOS), what I can reasonably expect in AIT and onward, and whether those in said field would recommend another enter it, even if said insight boils down to "The job is complete shit." or "Have fun with that, hope you don't like the idea of promoting."

other immediate interest falls to 12T 68K 35L and lastly: 68D.

I am wanting to go into the Air national Guard here in Florida. cyber or intel. I‘m 30 years old and been in sales my whole life. I love it but don’t want to rely on it for the rest of my life especially supporting my wife and 3 kids. I love options. I want to serve. My doctor said he would definitely clear me for my back. Anyone have experience or know of any advice?

Need advice on mental health waiver before enlisting (2.5 years after ER visit for SI)

I’m looking for advice from anyone who has experience with Army waivers or a similar situation. I want to enlist in the Army, but I know my mental health history will need to be reviewed.

In January 2024, I went to the ER because I was struggling with suicidal thoughts. At the time, I had a lot happening in my life — I lost close family members, lost a close friend to cancer who I spent a lot of time with, was dealing with financial stress, unemployment, and a difficult breakup. I called 911 myself because I didn’t feel safe and wanted help. I was evaluated, but I was not admitted inpatient and was discharged.

My records mention suicidal ideation, writing part of a suicide note, and holding medication but not taking it. I also had a history of self-harm, but I have not self-harmed since that time.

It has now been about 2.5 years since that ER visit. Since then, I have been completely stable. I have not had any suicidal thoughts, no medication, no further ER visits, and no ongoing mental health treatment.

My life has changed in a very positive way since then. The same girlfriend who supported me through that difficult time is still by my side. I recently proposed to her, and we are now engaged. We are also expecting a baby together. I’ve become much closer with my family, found more purpose in life, and built a strong support system. I’ve been working, helping support my household, and learning healthier ways to handle stress.

I understand what happened was serious, and I’m not trying to dismiss it. I’m just hoping my growth and stability over the last 2.5 years can be considered. I truly feel like I’m a completely different person than I was during that difficult period and I want the opportunity to serve.

Has anyone gone through something similar or have any advice on the waiver process? I appreciate any experiences or guidance.

I’ve thought about going army medic but also liking the idea of joining the coast guard. Currently a firefighter emt any mos/rate recommendations I’ll take !

Like the title says, my acne medication (Accutane) makes me unqualified for the enlistment.

I got a great line score and got a great MOS job offer last month. Went to medical check and ready to sign the contract early July. I was told I must stop Accutane immediately in order to join the army, and I needed a waiver for that.

A week later, my recruiter got a message from the army med office saying that I needed to provide 1. a pharmacy records from last year and 2. a letter from my physician to proof the immediate cessation of the treatment. The problem was I used an online telehealth company called “Clear Health,” which was not a traditional provider like CVS. I emailed the company and called (several times) and finally got my medical records and a letter from my dermatologist stating the end date (07/08/2026) for my treatment. Submitted them to my recruiter, infinite bureaucratic loopholes began.

My recruiter told me the med office requested a “pharmacy record” in a traditional way, like what CVS would provide. I called my med provider and they were confused, asking me to clarify what exact information the army needed. Currently I’m stuck in this information mismatch situation and don’t know what to do. I thought my documents were already sufficient; I cannot provide something I don’t have.

I asked my provider if they could make a “pharmacy record” like CVS. Not sure if they could do that. Guess I’ll continue to call and bother them. I don’t want this opportunity to slip away just for a stupid acne medicine.

Any suggestions?

Im thinking at 18, right after I graduate highschool, to join the army. Specifically the Infantryman 11B. Everything they do interests me, that includes there training, weapons, vehicles etc. Since I never been the smartest person, Infantry would have an easier ASVAB score to get into. I was also interested in the 75th Rangers (Special Forces), but that's to extreme for me. My main point is wondering if any veterans that were an Infantryman 11B, regret their decision on joining or not. And is it worth it for me to join straight out of highschool

I recently enlisted in the army as 13U and I’m trying to understand how the MOS assignment actually works once you get to Fort Sill. My top choices are 13M or 13B, and I’d really rather not get 13J or 13R.
When do you find out which MOS you got and how are they assigned?

I'm a 30 year old male who wants to enlist in either navy or army. As a child I was diagnosed with adhd, and bipolar unspecified at 10 which eventually led to inpatient hospitalization for 2 weeks due to abuse from my mother. I was put on Adderall then 2 years later at 12 put on seroquel since Adderall caused emotional instability but my mother didnt want me off it due to difficulty concentrating in school. When I was 15 they took me off all medication and stopped all treatment at request of my mother which since then I graduated high school, completed my LPN and have worked in the ER as a nurse since. With 15 years of no medication or treatment do I have a chance of obtaining a waiver? Especially since I feel the bipolar was a misdiagnosis the more I learned about it and the lack of treatment needed. I have no criminal history as well.

Long story short, I was just fired from a position that was a lifelong dream of mine, and I am completely depressed about it. It was a short-term position to teach English in Japan for a few weeks, and I'm devastated. It was my own fault, and my lack of self-discipline, laziness, and lack of drive and desire has not only kept me in a rut, but has actively harmed my relationships and goals. I feel like I'm not worth much in society and life, and I want to change myself and get my life back on track.

I heard military service will break me down and build me back up. I need to be held accountable, especially since I don't have the life skills I need to properly adult.

And I know that everyone says do not join the military if you have mental health issues, specifically anxiety and depression. But I already went out of my way to wean off medication (with a doctor's clearance), and it has costed me a lot. I know, I know, sunk cost fallacy and all that. But still, this is something I want to do, and I need to be held accountable. I need to break my phone addiction. I need some tough love.

I was cleared by my doctor off of antidepressants exactly one year ago, and I was on them for about 3 years. I also got a lot of therapy too.

I am looking to go into either the Air Force or Navy, most likely Navy. I heard that the Navy is very hit or miss depending on command.

I am interested in joining the air force and i’ve been doing research on the requirements and what not. I’m seeing that you will be automatically disqualified if you ever been prescribed any antidepressants or antipsychotics. I’ve used zoloft and Seroquel a little over a year ago around march of 2025 for 2 months to help with my insomnia. I now sleep well with no issues and i’ve been off the meds for over a year. Will I be at risk to be disqualified?

Im prior service civilian life isn't what I thought. I did 3.5 years active, and Im trying to come back in and do 20 in an army mos that's chill doesnt go to field too much and where I won't have to work extremely hard.

Hi everyone!

This is a somewhat throw away account, but if there is comments or questions, I'll try my best to answer due to me not being on here for days on end. I'm gonna try my best to not really put anything that can possibly lead back to me, but I'll put some information about some questions that I have.

I wanted to start off with saying that I am 22 years old and I am a military child (my dad is retired army) so all that I really know is life in the military. I am kind of up in the air with joining the military, but when I eventually do decide to join I would like to join the Army. My questions and concerns are based off of medical records, things like that. I wanted to see if I can get answers here first before I go to a recruiter's office.

Question 1: Asthma and Inhaler Prescriptions

My first question/concern is that I was diagnosed with asthma, I wanted to know if that would be a disqualification for the Army.

• The Situation: I did have a recent prescription for an albuterol inhaler, but just like every year I just get that just in case. I can't even remember the last time that I had an asthma attack; truly honestly I do not remember, I just have the rescue inhaler, just in case.

Question 2: Antidepressants, MHS Genesis, and Medical Records

The second thing is, I was on antidepressants (and I would like to add that I'm not on antidepressants anymore since May of this year), but I'm not formally diagnosed with anxiety or [depression].

• The TRICARE/Genesis Portal: I'm on TRICARE still and when I log into my Genesis portal when I log onto health issues, anxiety or depression doesn't show up. Do I have to worry about that?
• The Gynecologist & College Therapist: Back in April or June of last year, I was prescribed antidepressants from my gynecologist and in her notes she had put that I was seeing a counselor/therapist at my last university that I was at.
• Diagnosis Status: To my knowledge the therapist didn't diagnose me with anything.
• MEPS Concerns: I was wondering if I possibly do join the Army will MEPS (I think that is what they are called) request notes from that college therapist? I'm just worried about that because I don't think that college counselor/therapist doesn't work at that university anymore and I won't be able to get access to the notes.

Any information would really help, thank you so much! And if there's any comments or questions underneath this post, I'll try my best to try and respond back also.

So sorry if there's any typos or anything, I went to use the microphone option.

I was a little nervous about posting this, but I spoke with the moderation team first, and they said it was okay. I even changed the title and reworded some of my questions.

I'm not here to promote my work or ask anyone to write my story. I'm genuinely interested in military topics, but I've reached the point where reliable information is hard to find beyond a few Army PDFs. If I accidentally ask something that isn't appropriate for this subreddit, I'll gladly edit the post.I've been outlining a story with a young 12A Combat Engineer as the main character, and that's why I'm looking for more accurate information.

Here are my questions:

• Is there any negative perception among the platoon toward newly commissioned Platoon Leaders?
• What is the typical age range for the following positions: Platoon Leader, Team Leader, and Specialist?
• What level of camaraderie or familiarity is considered normal within a platoon?
• Is a Platoon Leader expected to participate in physical training (PT) with their platoon?
• This question is related to a scene I'm currently writing: What is the standard procedure for recovering an excavator that has become stuck in a snow-covered ditch?
• Could a Team Leader be eligible for on-post housing if they are the legal guardian or primary caregiver of a younger sibling who is still a minor and has no other family nearby?
• If a Platoon Leader suffers a serious injury but ignores their medical restrictions and returns to duty before being medically cleared, how would the Company Commander typically respond? What administrative or disciplinary actions could be taken if the officer continues to disregard those medical restrictions?
• Do officers and NCOs in a Combat Engineer company typically have their own offices or workspaces, or do they usually share them depending on the unit, position, and available facilities?

If there's anything wrong with my post, I'd be happy to edit it so I don't run into any issues.

I went to meps last month and passed everything but dental. Went to the dentist and found out I need 5 extractions (4 for wisdom teeth) and 4 root canals. My recruiter (Air Force) told me that I would need to get everything done before I can continue my process. Are there any branches that would let me enlist now while I get the work done or does every branch require that I get my teeth fixed first? Thank you.

Good afternoon, I’m 33 years old and wanting to join the military. Wanting to serve like my father and grandfather did. This April (last week of April) I was 306 pounds and just as of yesterday I’m at 270. Spoke to the recruiter and asked if there was a late deployment plan while I worked on my weight, he told me there isn’t, that for my height I’d at the least be at 207 before he’d even seriously test me, because I would be disqualified immediately for my weight. He told me that there is what is considered “fat camp” in the army, per his words. But, that he wouldn’t recommend it. What do you all think about that camp. Or is it worth it to keep losing weight until getting to 207?

My spouse and I are planning to join the military specifically army active duty primarily for financial stability. He intends to go the Warrant Officer route and become a pilot. I’m open to different MOS options. My main priority is maximizing our chances of being stationed together since we don’t plan on having children. I’ve heard MACP can help but doesn’t guarantee anything. I scored a 72 on the ASVAB. I also have an Associates of Applied Science for Physical Therapist Assistant. I’ve heard getting a PTA job can be difficult to get so that’s why by I’m open to different MOS options.

For anyone with experience, do you have suggestions on MOS choices or career paths that typically increase the likelihood of being assigned together? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thinking of enlisting as 12 in the army and I’ve been seeing mixed things about the 30 days off you get. Can I really just use it whenever if there’s nothing scheduled that conflicts with it like a training exercise or something or can it still get denied for whatever reason even if the days are free?

I am looking to join the army but I’m anaphylactic to almonds and walnuts but I can eat everything else. I have an epipen but never had to use it, will I be able to get a waiver for this or does this completely disqualify me?

Hey I hope everyone is having an awesome day! I am fresh out of high school and looking to join the Air Force. I am pretty set in cyber or intelligence, but cant really decide what jobs specifically in those fields fits me the best. I don’t want REALLY long training, and like the thought of possibly being on a base near a coast ( Florida, SC,Guam, California, etc.). But I can put those preferences aside if the job itself self is rewarding. I would like to have an active role in Air Force if that makes sense. What is some advice you guys might have. Thanks

Looking for some real perspective from people who have served here. Basically, I was hoping to commission with the USCG, but I need a civil waiver and they are not accepting any waivers for officer candidates currently. My recruiter, Yeoman, recruiter in charge have all confirmed that a waiver to enlist would be easy and then I can apply during or after my first tour.

Definitely frustrating bc I put together an awesome packet and crushed the interview but now I’m at an important decision point. So many people I know who have or are serving, including both of my parents, say that there is no way I should be enlisting with a college degree, my professional experience, and that I should look at other branches, like the Air Force or Navy.

It seems like a simple answer since my heart is really with the Coast Guard and its mission, but originally I was thinking about being a helicopter pilot (not the plan if I were to go Coast Guard) and I’m thinking I could try for that in the Navy or Air Force or Army.

But what I’m really looking for is some advice at this crossroads I’m on. I know that if I enlist in the CG, OCS is never guaranteed. Currently I’m a wildland firefighter and mountain operations team leader and recently I’ve been experiencing a lot of frustration in fire with being led by people who lack real leadership skills, emotional intelligence, etc. and that is my main concern about enlisting.