When I was in basic training I received, along with the rest of the platoon, a barrage of immunizations. The following day we were scheduled to run the obstacle course. I woke up in the morning feeling very ill. I went to the clinic and was diagnosed with nothing. I ran the obstacle course and continued running back to the clinic. Within 15 minutes I was in an ambulance to the hospital where I was put in an ice bath. I heard at one point that my fever was in excess of 106. 2 years later I slipped on the patio and severely injured myself. I went to the base ER and was diagnosed with a pulled muscle. 3 months later I went to a civilian physician who diagnosed that I had a broken clavicle. The base hospital repaired my clavicle with some type of plastic replacement. When my convalescent leave ended I was given an extended convalescent leave 'for as long as I wanted'. 2 months later I was given an opportunity to to get an honorable discharge. I signed it. I didn't need any more of the type of medical treatment that I had received.

Army, Infantry, Heavy Anti-Tank Weaponry Crewman. '85-'89, peacetime. Seriously considered reenlisting when we moved to rescue Kuwait.

I can't join again, not now. Too old but, I almost reenlisted while in. I had a blast.

Best advice: let go. Don't intentionally screw up but realize that the rules are for your safety and no more. There were several men in my Basic training that had a blast but kept having to do pushups, etc, for messing with the Drill Sergeants. One was Sgt Bird, so they arranged with men from his barracks to sneak into his office and leave a birds nest on his desk, that sort of thing.

Ways in which NOT to mess up. One of my fellow soldiers was having his hair cut in the Barracks and someone bumped the hand of the guy doing his hair and did irreparable damage... he went to the barber and asked how to fix it. The only fix was the same buzz you get in Basic training. He got a buzz. This is a legal, even standard, military hair cut... he got busted for it. The real problem was that he radically changed his look without permission.

I would let my daughter join. However, I'd make sure she had her head on her shoulders and understood that she'd be surrounded by a bunch of young men (18+) who were full of testosterone and were in a hypermale environment. Always buy your own drinks (unless it's with a steady boyfriend... even then, share who buys, keep the power level even). Why? Partly to make sure you get a safe drink but partly to avoid the power dynamic of 'I bought this for you so you owe me...'

Relax, have fun, see the world... seriously. You can do all kinds of damage to yourself by obsessing on the changes. Case in point a friend in Germany ('85-'87, Baumholder) woke up every day and said "I hate Germany" and hated the time he was there... save for one significant case. When he had a beer, he stopped saying he hated Germany and was the nicest, friendliest, happiest guy you met. He was angry and unhappy the other times. The lesson I took from this is that I can make myself miserable or I can make myself as happy as I can.

Finally, explore. I am something of an introvert. In Germany, I didn't travel much. One of my fellow barracks mates was out the door within seconds of being released on a Friday, sprinting to the train station and off visiting a new place. Looking back, I really envy him.

Is the military for everyone? Nope. It can, however, be a very rewarding job and career. If you are up for the physical strain, and mental strain. It can be a blast... some of my best stories are from the military (I won't bore you with them, they are long).

Oh! In my day, you were allowed one "wish" with each enlistment. I enlisted for 4 years and said I wanted to be stationed in Germany. My recruiter did NOT ask me to "make a wish" but he apparently wrote into my contract "Germany"... and to Germany I went! This is subject to the Secretary of Defenses discretion but they MUST try and fulfill it (contractual obligation). One of my Captains specified he was NOT to be stationed North of the Mason-Dixon line. He trained North of there, but was never (to my knowledge) stationed North of said line.

Um, and have them train you for something (if you can). I came out a grunt, trained to kill. Not much use for that in the civilian world. However, I was offered Navy Nuke at one point (and kicking myself still) which would've had me exit as a Nuclear Engineer and serve as an officer. Try to get a job that translates to a civilian job... preferably something expensive to train in.

Oh! That said, I know of a young man who got Navy Nuke. He failed to show up for a physical (he was not informed of said physical) and lost his slot in the program so became a normal Navy scrub. Ie: his contract said he was to be Navy Nuke but HE failed to fulfill his obligations so the Navy owned him and could do what they pleased with him... so, be careful to KNOW exactly what you have to do at what time and do NOT miss any appointments.

One more, again, from my time back in the day, I wanted the education benefits. I had to put in $2700 to get $27,000 out, so, I divided $2700 up by 12 months and started making payments. I crowed to someone that I was only months away from finishing paying for it when it was pointed out that you got increasingly higher matches the LATER you paid. So, I got the MOST money on the LAST month of enlistment even if I only put in $1. I readjusted, divided what was left by how many months I had left to my enlistment and, everything went fine (maxed out my benefits).

While we are on finance, everything you really need is paid for. See about having, oh, half your paycheck put into an IRA or something. Even bonds. If you don't see it, you are more likely to save it and come out with a nice nest egg... I wish I'd known and done that when I was in.

Ok... sorry for the long post. I love to coach new recruits as there are some interesting things that people will NOT know about (like the 'wish'. Let me know if you want boring military stories... I get to brag in one and have fun in another... another is... well, about another soldier who decided to be upset and was, and how a local (German) tried to abuse the system.

Reserve, guard, or active duty?

Don't get married, don't have children, don't have a long term relationship, don't get blackout drunk, wear sunscreen, travel when you're on leave you can see your family when you get out lol, have a blast! I already know you won't listen to any of that because no one ever does!!! I give you this advice because I did the opposite and it fucking sucked! If you were my kid..... I might break your knees so you couldn't go. It's the best worst decision you will ever make and it will change you forever.....well.... maybe you are going airforce hahahaha if you are going into the MPs look up super fly boy Tranchina and tell him Cpl Westfall called him short hahahaha

Hi JenWinter,I was called up to do National service in the New Zealand army from 1964 to 1967 and I did not like it at all.It allows bullies to intimidate you and you have nor rights as an individual.but having said that ,there are a lot of people who enjoy the military life.If my daughter wanted to join I would let her know of my experiences and remind her of the possibility of being killed or seriously wounded if sent to a place of conflict,but I would not stop her joining.

Thank you to everyone who answered! I have lots of reasons why I'm joining, but also lots of fear of the unknown (first one in my family and friends in the U.S.). If anyone thinks of anything else (tips, advice, warnings, etc.), all information is welcome. You can also message me any time.

Don’t have the answer... I’m thinking it’s a “necessary evil”. As a defensive force, no doubt a necessity... why are we so “defensive”, is it because we’ve been so aggressive? (Rhetorical)
Theory, conspiracy, or conspiracy theory, some believe many of our wars are/were just that.
My personal experience (1964) was or became the “the unqualified leading the unwilling to do the unnecessary”.
I’d hate the idea of my daughter or son being in harms way, perhaps as defensive force.

I’m currently two years into active duty Air Force and while I don't regret joining, I did wish I hadn't romanticized the military before going in. The people are still people and the culture is backwards. Just know that you will be making a commitment to a government that still dosent understand us [this site]. I’m a photojournalist working out of Goodfellow Air Force Base, so feel free to ask me any questions.

Things are changing ant are not the same as they were even 10 years ago. Watchdog groups as Freedom From Religion Foundation constantly challenges the military for their unconstitutional proselytizing. One thing you need to know is that the military is not a democratic organization. One does as one is told (within reason).

I spent 4 years in the military (Army Security Agency) and it was a carnival from one day to the present?! Would I do it over; you bet. It was the most transformative thing I have ever done.

I did 20 years in US Navy. My kid sister did 23 years in the USAF. My son did 4 years In USAF. He was Recruit Wing Commander during training. Is the best decision you can make. He specialized on Network security and also did a security tour in Afghanistan and when he left became a contractor and now works for Cesar's in Vegas. So he is not just a geek, a dangerous geek. USAF will give you more responsibility right out of training than any other branch. If you can get training for a job requiring Security Clearance you are set when you get out because it will roll over and companies will fight for you if you are already cleared. Anything computer base you will be set. My field in the navy was communications Radioman/Information Systems Tech. I will do it again Yes, YES! In my 20 years I served in Rota Spain, Crete, Greece and Vaihingen Germany as well as 4 years in Puerto Rico... 12 minutes from my neighborhood. You can see the world, experience, and good job. You stay for 20 is great too when my sister got out from USAF was a contractor too. I was contractor too when I got out. Sis now works for the federal government still using her TS clearance. So believe me, Is up to you but it is always a good decision. You can get education and continue forward. I haven't had medical insurance since I retired... I need something I go to the VA hospital. Good Luck and wish you the very best. Thank You for asking. My ex wife gets half of my military pension because by law we were married 10 years while I was serving... word to the wise on that one. That is our joke... I am waiting for her to die and she need to keep me alive to continue drawing that pension. Good Luck, I got nothing but good things to say about Air Force.

Rank has its privileges. Please look up the qualifications behind being the top ranking NCO. Study those programs and get a degree. Stay out if SAC or you'll be into inspection all the time. 20 years gets you half your pay for the rest of your life. Don't get out after 20. Stay in for 40 years. You will be able to retire with full pay and free medical insurance for the rest if your life.

Honestly, I fear for women in the military. That said, there is no reason that you will experience anything negative. I have 2 daughters and neither has opted to join. I have an ROTC son who goes this summer after graduation and a son at West Point. The boys both love it. The women cadets at West Point carry themselves so well. I find them impressive. I wish you luck and let me know if you need a care package of cookies My sons seem to enjoy food from home.

The rampant sexual abuse of women in the military would probably make this a no-brainer. NOPE. I would NOT be okay with my daughter joining.

If one of my daughters chose to join the military I would support her 100%. It's not for everyone but can be a very valuable experience for those who choose it.