4 answers
connor
Student
Florence, Oregon
10
Questions
Asked
413 views
is there anything u wish u was told before joining that the army that should have been told?
like anything u wish u would have known before joining like anything that stood out to u that should have been said before I joined, I want to be prepared for anything I encounter there
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4 answers
Scott Dunne
Consulting
23
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Find a recruiter you are comfortable with. If you arent comfortable with their answers, find another recruiter. You should be able to ask them questions, it shouldn't just be them selling you on features and benefits. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions like "what MOS will help me the most in a civilian career field'. A good recruiter will also tell you how other branches may benefit you as well. Dont get fooled into believing you only qualify for 2 or 3 jobs based on your ASVAB scores. What generally happens is recruiters are given 'slots' to fill that month and you qualify for those 'slots'. Slots change over time. If they dont have the job you want, keep shopping. Also, if its not in your contract, its not a thing. Many Soldiers love to tell everyone 'my recruiter lied to me'....I always challenge them with 'how so'? The usual response was 'oh they said Id never get deployed' or 'he said Id be a Sniper' or some nonsense like that.
Once you get to basic....thats a whole other story.
1) Dont be first, dont be last, stay invisible.
2) Avoid the drama. You are there to become a Soldier, its not a popularity contest. Just do your training and move on, you will never see most of your fellow recruits again. Focus on self development, not being the platoon tough guy.
3) You are going to get homesick. We all did. Write your friends and family a real letter on pen and paper, it helps immensely.
4) Dont take any 'chewing out' personally. Fix your mistake and move out. (Dont make the same mistake twice)
5) A million people have done this before you, a million people will after you. There is no task in basic training so hard that it will break you. You will be fine.
Once you get to basic....thats a whole other story.
1) Dont be first, dont be last, stay invisible.
2) Avoid the drama. You are there to become a Soldier, its not a popularity contest. Just do your training and move on, you will never see most of your fellow recruits again. Focus on self development, not being the platoon tough guy.
3) You are going to get homesick. We all did. Write your friends and family a real letter on pen and paper, it helps immensely.
4) Dont take any 'chewing out' personally. Fix your mistake and move out. (Dont make the same mistake twice)
5) A million people have done this before you, a million people will after you. There is no task in basic training so hard that it will break you. You will be fine.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
connor
Ezra Jackson
Security
81
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Ezra’s Answer
Join the Marine Corps.
Hi Ezra, can you provide some more detail? WHy do you suggest this route?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Thomas Nash
2
Answers
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
I would definitely look at what jobs are available based off of my ASVAB score. Other than finding what the cool stuff to do is, find what jobs I could choose from that would help me get started in a career field that is successful both in and out of the military. I work for a non-profit that helped less fortunate veterans, and often times these individuals get out due to medical issues. So, your current idea may be to retire from the military after 20 years, but things do happen. If you're able to get the training and get some experience, you're already able to look very enticing to employers outside of the military for some MOS's. But some of those jobs, they don't transfer very easily. Do yourself a favor now and do the research now to set yourself up for the future!
John Fellows
Signal Officer
5
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
John’s Answer
Connor,
Good afternoon.
There are many questions that people forget to ask the recruiter while signing up for military service. Those questions could lead to a fundamental change in their military career path, as well as future civilian opportunities.
Here are a few that should be asked of the recruiter...
1. What MOS's/jobs are available?
- After you have taken the ASVAB, you will know what jobs that you are qualified for in the Armed services. The Army by far has the most diverse set of MOSs due to their large mission requirement and force structure. If you score high on the ASVAB, also look into Navy and Air Force opportunities.
2. Are there any signing bonuses for a specific job/MOS?
-Everyone likes more money. Jobs that are in the most demand/ can't be filled as easily, usually come with a hefty sign on bonus. Ask the recruiter what you may qualify for.
3. Can I put in a packet for Warrant Officer or Officer School.
-Every service is different, but I know the Army has the Warrant Officer Candidate (WOC) and Officer Candidate School (OCS) option. That is where you can go straight from Basic Training, and instead of going to AIT, you will train to be a Warrant Officer or a Commissioned Officer. Great career path for the dedicated.
That being said, Basic Combat Training for me was 2.5 months. What I was not prepared for at BCT was the diverse group of people. I'm not talking just about sex and race but also diverse as in geographic area, education level, morality levels, mental levels, religious preferences etc. It is a culture shock. There will be a 40-year-old Chaplain Assistant from Alabama bunking above an 18-year-old dude from downtown Chicago. It will be different from your hometown vibe for sure. Thats the point. This is America's Army and America is represented at every one of your units.
Hopefully that answers at least some of your concerns Connor.
V/R,
John
Good afternoon.
There are many questions that people forget to ask the recruiter while signing up for military service. Those questions could lead to a fundamental change in their military career path, as well as future civilian opportunities.
Here are a few that should be asked of the recruiter...
1. What MOS's/jobs are available?
- After you have taken the ASVAB, you will know what jobs that you are qualified for in the Armed services. The Army by far has the most diverse set of MOSs due to their large mission requirement and force structure. If you score high on the ASVAB, also look into Navy and Air Force opportunities.
2. Are there any signing bonuses for a specific job/MOS?
-Everyone likes more money. Jobs that are in the most demand/ can't be filled as easily, usually come with a hefty sign on bonus. Ask the recruiter what you may qualify for.
3. Can I put in a packet for Warrant Officer or Officer School.
-Every service is different, but I know the Army has the Warrant Officer Candidate (WOC) and Officer Candidate School (OCS) option. That is where you can go straight from Basic Training, and instead of going to AIT, you will train to be a Warrant Officer or a Commissioned Officer. Great career path for the dedicated.
That being said, Basic Combat Training for me was 2.5 months. What I was not prepared for at BCT was the diverse group of people. I'm not talking just about sex and race but also diverse as in geographic area, education level, morality levels, mental levels, religious preferences etc. It is a culture shock. There will be a 40-year-old Chaplain Assistant from Alabama bunking above an 18-year-old dude from downtown Chicago. It will be different from your hometown vibe for sure. Thats the point. This is America's Army and America is represented at every one of your units.
Hopefully that answers at least some of your concerns Connor.
V/R,
John