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when joining the military what are the obstacles you have to go through?

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Steve’s Answer

Depending on what branch of the military you decide to join there are many and differing obstacles. The biggest obstacle I saw for myself and others is a culture shock- going from controlling your calendar to someone else controlling it for you. The best advice I can give is to only think about the obstacle in front of you and take it one day at a time.
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Derek’s Answer

I agree with the other respondents. I will add my perspective. I was in the U.S. Marines back in the late 80's., so things may have changed. The short answer is, have frank and honest (more than one) conversations with your recruiter. For me, I found out that my original Air Force recruiter was not completely honest with me. To qualify for the job I thought I was signing up for, I had to graduate from the school that was required for the job. If I did not graduate, I was going in as "open contract". That means, if they need a body somewhere, you'll meet the requirement.

The Marine recruiter had a slightly different story. He said, "I have an opportunity, if you're interested, where you have the potential to fly. If you fail at any point along the way, you'll go to infantry". So, honesty and transparency is key. For ASVAB, I qualified for many jobs. Physically, at the time, I qualified, but I had to successfully complete Marine Boot Camp. The following are obstacles I had to overcome "to fly". [1] Complete Marine boot camp. [2] Basic Aviation School (I almost failed) [3] Airframes and Power plants School. From there I entered the fleet and I could have remained there as an helicopter mechanic, if I was satisfied. But, I wanted to fly. So, [4] I had to successfully complete Water Survival School, where most of the people did not graduate. I then had to complete hours and hours of missions, to become a member of a CH53 helicopter aircrew. Yes, I got to fly countless missions and it was all worth it. But understand that not even every member of my platoon in Marine Corps boot camp graduated. They never became Marines. Not every member of my Basic Aviation School graduated. The were sent to the infantry. Not every member of my squadron completed a tour of duty. Some died in combat or on training missions.

Even when I was in the fleet and served to the best of my ability, I was injured during Operation Desert Storm. I now have a service-connected disability. Though I served with honor, the obstacles you may need to overcome may not end after you serve. I see no higher honor than serving your country. But know the obstacles you'll need to overcome may last a lifetime.
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Tiana’s Answer

I agree with the post before me. Currently serving in the Airforce. Joined right after I graduated high school. The thing that I felt like was the hardest thing about the whole process was getting it started. ASVAB and MEPS are the most nerve racking times. There are a lot of things that people get caught up on in MEPS that causes them to have to go back to their recruiter for a waiver. Also, make sure your recruiter has your best interest in mind. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or speak up when something doesn’t make sense or you don’t like the way things are going. Many recruiter will try to take advantage of young men and women who don’t know any better. But the ASVAB is a long test that test your basic knowledge and see what career field you are best fit for in the branch you choose. If you want a specific job, I suggest studying for the category in the ASVAB that corresponds. After that you get shipped off to basic and that is another beast itself. You are put in with a bunch of people from different cultures and beliefs. Your daily schedule is controlled. ( when you eat, sleep, talk, walk/run, etc.). Be open minded to everyone around you and caution of what you say and do so it is not taken the wrong way. Hope if you are trying to join everything works out -T
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Robert’s Answer

Hi the previous two answers from Joshua and Steve are very accurate. The only ones I can think of would be failing the physical, not testing high enough for your career choice and personal background check. In my case I failed the color vision test so I could not become a firefighter or law enforcement so I became a air passenger specialist. You will get more help when you talk to a recruiter for the branch you are looking to go into. Any other questions let me know.
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Joshua’s Answer

It does depend on which branch of the military you would like to enter.

First off, visit recruiters and talk with them. That should get you an idea of how the services can differ. Beyond that, think of what you would like to do within the military. There are many jobs that are service-specific but also many jobs that would be able to transfer directly to 'civilian life'. No matter which you choose, you would first need to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test. This test would identify what 'area' of the military you have the strongest skills for. A local recruiter should be able to inform you of this. Just taking the test doesn't automatically mean that you have you signed up for the military.

After you have taken the ASVAB, chosen your branch and possibly job (sometimes just a general area is fine), then it would be off to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). This would be local to your area in many cases as you would go through a complete physical to see if you are fit/medically qualified for the military. Once MEPS is completed, then you would most likely head out for Basic Training (aka Boot Camp). This is where you learn how to behave in the military. You will learn the basics of military life, attention to detail, marching, physical fitness, branch specific regulations/instructions, etc. The most difficult part of this is staying focused on the end goal, graduation.

Joshua recommends the following next steps:

Speak with a military recruiter
Research jobs within the military
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James’s Answer

Each branch has their own requirements. The restrictions for the Army and Navy are typically the laxest, because they need to maintain the highest number of personnel. Air Force and the Coast Guard are usually the strictest. In my experience, and this is changing as time goes on, the thing that hurts candidates the most is tattoos. I am currently in the Marine Corps, and the tattoo policy has changed since I have been in. Tattoos are such a big part of society today that I see it continuing to change moving forward. The next most common I would say are medical issues, but lots of those have the potential to be waived. Speak with a recruiter for further guidance.
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