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Posted by A.S. on 7/22/2002, 3:13 pm

I've read through the various things for which one is disqualified. I'm concerned about the mood disorder one. I had a 3-year depressive period about 10 years ago, but I was still able to function well at work. I briefly considered suicide, but knew I would never actually do it. In May of this year I had a mild depressive period that lasted for about three weeks. I had two sessions with a counselor. After talking to me, she said it wasn't serious enough for therapy. I have never been diagnosed with depression from a professional, nor have I taken any medication. I was wondering if I can be disqualified. Anyone know?Thanks so much.A.S.

Posted by HC on 7/22/2002, 5:13 pm , in reply to "Disqualified?"

I just went to MEPS and let me tell you they will disqualify you for anything. I saw one girl get disqualified for having irragular period because she said she had it every 30 days rather then every 28 days. My recruiter had a guy who was disqualified for having required adoption councling because he was adopted. If they find out you had any type of councling or talked to someone because you had or have depression.....they will almost always disqualify you. My advise to you is this: If you do not feel your depression is a problem and will not affect your performance in the army, keep your mouth shut....

So the military only wants PERFECT people?

Posted by A.S. on 7/22/2002, 5:33 pm , in reply to "Re: Disqualified?"

Why doesn't the Government just make androids that don't have human (fallable and imperfect) characteristics? I know the military needs people as perfect as possible, but I don't get it...I want to enlist so badly, but I won't lie. If I'm asked about it, I'll tell the truth.

Re: So the military only wants PERFECT people?

Posted by Ashley on 7/22/2002, 5:41 pm , in reply to "So the military only wants PERFECT people?"

My recruiter told me to "Let them find it" don't volunteer the info, but if you are asked don't lie.

Re: Noone's perfect!

Posted by Don't Ask, Don't Tell on 7/23/2002, 4:59 pm , in reply to "Re: So the military only wants PERFECT people?"

Throughout Basic, MEPS, etc.. Don't ask, Don't tell. That's the American Way, right?. Don't speak out, Don't volunteer...Everything should be fine.Seriously though, Unless the gov had a camera on you 24/7 all of your life.. Then you tell only what you feel comfortable with.... I mean seriously you think that every single solider, has NEVER done anything irregular, Yah in a perfect world, BUT DOUBTFUL!

Re: Noone's perfect!

Posted by A.S. on 7/24/2002, 1:55 pm , in reply to "Re: Noone's perfect!"

Not sure what you're trying to say. I couldn't tell if you were being serious or facetious. But it brings up the question: How honest does the Army expect its soldiers to be? I don't care what "everyone" else does. I care about what the Army expects. Are not Honor and Integrity two of the Army values? I am curious, though. Does the Army take its values seriously?

Posted by aub on 7/23/2002, 12:56 pm

should you lie about yourself just to get into the army? I mean woldn't you feel guiity if you know that you lied just to get into the army to serve your country?

Re: what about lieing

Posted by Mike C. on 7/23/2002, 1:29 pm , in reply to "what about lieing"

People lie all the time to get into the Army. whether it's about past drug use, sexuality, or other things, people do it all the time. The question you should be asking yourself is will your lie cause someone else to be in danger in the future. You should also weigh the lie verses the ability of you to do a good job serving your country. It's a choice only you can make. Personally, I think that if you can do a good job serving the country and your "non-truth" won't hurt anybody, then go for it. Good luck with your choice.

Re: what about lieing

Posted by A.S. on 7/23/2002, 1:34 pm , in reply to "what about lieing"

My advice? Don't lie. When asked questions, answer them truthfully. There is nothing to gain by lying. If you lie to get in the Army, and they find out about it, you can face serious charges. At least that's what I've learned from reading about enlistment. I don't believe in lying, so I wouldn't. Not even to join the Army, which is something I really want to do. Just do what you think is right. The choice is yours.

Just got back from MEPS-any questions?

Posted by Dan on 7/23/2002, 4:06 pm

Hey, I just got back from MEPS at Ft. Snelling in Minneapolis, MN. I realize that there's been plenty of posts on MEPS but just in case anybody out there is still wondering about something, let me know, I just got back today and still remember in detail the long day.

Re: Just got back from MEPS-any questions?

Posted by A.S. on 7/23/2002, 4:42 pm , in reply to "Just got back from MEPS-any questions?"

What documents did you have to bring with you? How was it talking with a job counselor? Did you get the MOS you wanted without any trouble or did you have to negotiate? Do they give you ample time before you have to ship out to BCT? I have a million questions, but I'll keep it to these.Thanks!

Re: Just got back from MEPS-any questions?

Posted by Dan on 7/24/2002, 12:00 pm , in reply to "Re: Just got back from MEPS-any questions?"

Well if you have a million questions then hopefully I can provide a million answers. If you need more keep posting or click on my name and e-mail me.1. I had to bring my social security card and my birth certificate, but I had already given them to my recruiter and he got them up there. If you have any medications or other information that is important but that you might not remember off the top of your head, it wouldn't hurt to bring a sheet with that info on it.2. I had a real easy time with the job counselor but that's because my recruiter called up that morning and told them what I'd be wanting-13B and 3 years at Ft. Riley, Kansas. So he saved me some time because while I was doing the medical stuff they were already searching to see if they had spots open at Ft. Riley for me. So I had it real easy because both he and I knew exactly what I wanted, but they're trained to help out with that, so they will be able to talk to you about interests and future plans so that your MOS will benefit you.3. Like I mentioned above, I got basically all I wanted but it's easier because I'm in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) and so I'm signing up for a year from now, so there's a lot more spots open. One problem I did encounter was that I wanted to ship sometime after 5 July because of a wedding, but he told my my ship date was 24 June. I asked him if there was any way he could change that and he said probably not, but later when he was finalizing my contract he got me 15 July, so you can imagine how happy I was about that, so I guess in my case they helped out a lot.4. I have ample time, about a year, because I'm in the DEP and have to finish a year of high school yet. I think it just depends on the availability of your job, if they have a slot for two weeks from now that might be all you can get, but they also might have something not so soon. Like I said, keep posting your questions or e-mail me. I've been helped out a ton by others on this site and will most likely continue to be helped, so I'd like to continue the cycle and help out others with questions.

Posted by Jaye on 7/23/2002, 4:44 pm

Hi! I'n going into the army next summer but what i wanted to know is:What does it mean to "bargain" with the recruiter??and...Physicals last for 2 years right?? so if i've taken it before and my two years isn't up yet do i still have to take it?? and..Im a girl so how short do i have to cut my hair?I have contacts. is that a problem in the army?? haha i know it's alot but you gotta help me out thanks so much!-Jaye

Re: bargaining lessons

Posted by amy on 7/23/2002, 6:58 pm , in reply to "bargaining lessons"

You can work with your recruiter on alot of different things for example your starting rank you dont always have to start as an E-1 speak with your recruiter and see if there is anything that could help get you a protion such as recruiting other people or college credits, you dont have to cut your hair but you might want to consider this due to headaches that can be caused by having to pull up long hair and secure it under headgear also contacts are not allowed but they will issue you glasses

Re: bargaining lessons

Posted by Mike C. on 7/25/2002, 8:52 am , in reply to "Re: bargaining lessons"

Just ask your recruiter point blank if there's any thing that can be done to get you some rank. If you have over 60 college credits you can come in as a PFC. If you have a degree you can come in as an E-4. If you help to recruit someone else, you can get your E-2 or E-3. There are options for you. You just have to ask him or her what your options are. If you are real curious, you can go to www.usapa.army.mil and search for AR 601-210. This is the manual that covers Army enlistments. It is the bible of enlisting. It's what the recruiters have to go by. Check it out.

Posted by Neil on 7/24/2002, 5:19 pm

What type of living conditions to recruits at Army BCT have? Is it like in the movies with 20 or 30 people in one open room or is it more like 4-8 person dorms? I have heard both. Do you shower and do your "other business" in front of other soldiers or is it in separate stalls. In HS our football locker room just had open stalls which wasnt a big deal for me, but I am a little homophobic around people I dont know.

Re: living conditions?

Posted by Mike C. on 7/25/2002, 8:39 am , in reply to "living conditions?"

Different bases have different living comditions. At my basic at Ft. Benning we lived in old World War II barracks that had no air conditioning and had 25 men per floor in a big open room with just our wall lockers and our bunk beds. We showered in a big shower room with a bunch of shower heads on the wall. We all had to shower at the same time, so it was a bit of a tight fit. It definately took some getting used to. We also had doors on the stalls of the latrine, so at least you got some privacy there. Other places are different, however. In my AIT I lived in a building with each platoon on a different floor. There we had 50 men to a floor. My wife went to AIT at Aberdeen, MD and she had those 4 person rooms and guys and girls lived on the same floor. So, like I said before; all places are different. You just gotta hope you go to a good training place.

Re: COMMENTS, Any one else?????

Posted by Doug on 7/27/2002, 5:51 am , in reply to "COMMENTS, Any one else?????"

Hi Neil,Yea, I agree with the comments made by Mike. I took basic at Ft Jackson, and their facilities are probably the best in the army. And even better now than some years ago, according to what a friend of mine told me who graduated from Jackson last Summer.I'm curious, where are you taking basic, and when do you leave? Believe me, if I made it through basic training, you can do it, too. But it is tough...no doubt!The best of luck, my friend

Re: COMMENTS, Any one else?????

Posted by Angela on 8/2/2002, 11:42 am , in reply to "Re: COMMENTS, Any one else?????"

Actually I am very curious on the subject on personal hygiene for women. I will be at Ft. Jackson in Oct. for basic and am wondering if I have to take a shower in front of others and what about the bathroom stalls? Anyone with info, I would greatly appreciate it.

Re: COMMENTS, Any one else?????

Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 1:08 pm , in reply to "Re: COMMENTS, Any one else?????"

I'm sure Jackson is like Ft Wood and any of the other mixed posts. Bathrooms/latrines are separated for the sexes. Showers are usually one big room with lots of shower heads and depending how many of you there are, you may have to double up for each showerhead, cause you gotta learn to take really quick showers. The toilets are just like any public restroom with stalls and doors.

Boot Camp Road Marches

Posted by Dan on 7/24/2002, 9:49 pm

My recruiter gave me an outline of things I will do in BCT, and I see some road marches on there, the longest being 15k. What are the road marches like? Is it some running, some jogging, some walking? Do you have any time to stop and catch a breather and get a drink?

Re: Boot Camp Road Marches

Posted by Mike C. on 7/25/2002, 8:30 am , in reply to "Boot Camp Road Marches"

Road marches are walking. Sometimes you might have to run to catch up to the rest of the group, or close up some space if somebody falls out. You usually wear a rucksack (back pack)and carry your rifle. You also stop at certain points to fill up on water and to change your socks. Dry feet help to deter blisters. There was only one march that was real long (18 miles) when I was at basic. The rest were only a few miles long and they were to ranges and training areas, etc. You will work up to that long distance one, so don't worry. If you are in good shape, you'll have no problems.

Question about shipping out

Posted by A.S. on 7/25/2002, 1:34 pm

When you go to the MEPS to ship out to BCT, does Uncle Sam provide the transportation or can you drive there with your family?Thanks.

Re: Question about shipping out

Posted by Catrina on 7/25/2002, 4:35 pm , in reply to "Question about shipping out"

They pick you up at O600 hours.. and you are brought there in a government vehicle.. Say your good-byes real real early.This is how it is where I am, it maybe different where you are.. Talk to your recruiter.

Re: Question about shipping out

Posted by Mike C. on 7/25/2002, 5:10 pm , in reply to "Re: Question about shipping out"

Just like that other person wrote, talk to your recruiter. I think they have to pick you up in a government vehicle. When I shipped out I was picked up by my recruiter and taken to the meps. After that, my family met with me and drove to the airport to see me off. I never asked why, but now I figure it was because the government has to have 100% control of you up until the minute you get on the plane.

Posted by Jennifer on 8/1/2002, 8:48 pm

Ok.. I had requested the Army Of One video that i saw on TV. Unfortunately, it wasn't very informative. one of my questions is that during the video someone said that during the mile run test before BT starts, the people you end with will be in your group. is this true? will the people with quicker times have more pressure from the sgt? Just wondering.

Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 8:48 am , in reply to "BT Mile run"

Many of the people at reception will end up in your BT company...all depends on how many companies will be starting the next cycle around the same time, and how long your fellow recruits have been at reception. You will start training at your BT company on Friday (or at least you will at Ft Wood). That Saturday, you take an initial PT test (the real one..2 min pushups/situps and 2 mile run). The drills will take your running times and split you up into 3 or 4 groups, all dependent on how you ran the 2 miles. Every PT that you work on running (usually every other day, the other day you work on strength training, ie pushups and situp improvement), you will run with that group, unless you are having a motivating company run that the whole company runs in formation...a few weeks later, you take another PT test and you'll get re-evaluated and split into groups again. Many recruits do so well, they move up to the next group already. It's fun to be in the fastest group, cause it's a big thing to get back to the barracks early..more time for getting showered, dressed and straightening up the barracks and getting ready for chow. The ones in the slowest group always have the shortest amount of time to get ready..basically have to fly through the showers, etc...plus, it seems like you are always running forever, cause whenever you have stragglers, you have to run around back where you came from to pick them up and urge them on, thus making your route even longer:-))

Medical disqualification question

Posted by John Forbus on 8/1/2002, 10:38 pm

Hi. I have a question about medical disqualifications. A friend of mine wants to join ROTC and then the National Guard. However, she has a prosthetic eye. This falls under "blind in one or both eyes," obviously, but what are the odds that she can get a waiver? She's had the prosthetic since she was about 6 months old, so she's very well adapted to this sort of vision. She's athletic and intelligent, and VERY enthused about the Army. So, is she completely out of luck, or can this be waived? Perhaps by selecting a less-combat-intensive MOS, like 38A Civil Affairs or 46Q Journalist?

Re: Medical disqualification question

Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 8:52 am , in reply to "Medical disqualification question"

As far as waivers go, it doesn't matter what MOS you are inclined to go...you can't say, well, because they want a non-combat MOS, that medical condition is okay...everyone is looked at equally. Your friend will not be able to get a waiver for this condition. There are folks out there who adapt very well in having one limb also, but that doesn't mean they can enter the military. I admire your friend's gusto though, and I suggest she try to find another way to serve her country.

Posted by fg on 8/2/2002, 8:57 am

What are the requirements to graduate from boot camp. My daughter has finished week 5, however, right now she is on 9 day no run, jump, march, no Pt Code. She is still on track to graduate but she is very worried whe will not pass her PT test. Is the PT test the final determining factor to graduate? What are the other elements of graduation? She has severe shin splints and now she has a bad hip strain and her muscles are pulling away from her pelvis and hip bones so when she runs and does PT there is no cushion. The doctor told her if she doesn't rest a while it is almost guaranteed her hip will break. She has a mandatory return date to return for her senior year of HS. What are the various things that could happen. She very much wants to be a soldier and does not want to be released. Is being released a possibility? I have two other daughters that are college athletes and both wear orthodics because they were having leg and knee problems both related to the shape of their pelic bone and it is my guess that is her problem as well. If I understood her correctly she could take the PT test in the spring before going to AIT but then she could not do graduation on the 29th. Would she have to do Boot Camp all over again?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/2/2002, 11:41 am , in reply to "(no subject)"

Hello sir. As I do not know her exact situation, I can only give you my best guess. As she is currently unable to do the standards needed to graduate, at worst case she could be released. I put this in the extremely unlikely category. At best, her command could use the score she received on her earlier PT test to satisfy her graduation requirement. Therefore allowing her to graduate with her current class. This does happen, but it is unusual. Another course of action would be for her to repeat the end of basic training with another class the following year. She would then go on to AIT with this new class. I only say this because she has a mandatory return date. I have personally seen this in my career. Another possibility is as she stated to you; she could take a PT test before going on to AIT next year. This happens also, but is equally rare. hopefully, she has a good PT test score prior to her injury that will satisfy her graduation requirement. The end of cycle test and the PT test are the primary requirements to graduate basic training. It is rare that a person is made to repeat basic training in its entirety due to an injury. Especially after 5 weeks. I konw this is vague, but each command has free reign over its choices. Commanders are given a bit of a free hand when it comes to these types of decisions. All you can do is continue to give her encouragement and hope for the best.

Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 1:06 pm , in reply to "Re: (no subject)"

I'll try to answer what I can. What makes your daughter's situation unique is that she has a mandatory return date. What we would do in BT...if someone was injured and unable to take the final PT test, we would look at their earlier scores. If there was one where they passed, we were allowed to use that as their final PT score. If not, we would let them heal up and then have them take their PT test when they were able (which was sometimes after graduation and therefore; they did not leave when they were supposed to but much later...ie a new AIT date would have to be found and they were a "holdover" working in the orderly room for us as a gopher until it was their time to go). The final PT test is taken a few days before graduation, so i would say your daughter still has time to heal and could still pass it...I don't know how well she has done on previous tests. If she is poorly out of shape and hasn't done well so far, then this might not be physically possible. Whenever we had soldiers on long profiles where they missed a lot of critical training, we would unfortunately have to recycle them into a company that was about to start training where they left off, so of course they would graduate later with that other company at a later date. So, as far as someone who has a mandatory return date...that is kind of tricky. I have never had a soldier with a mandatory return date who had a long profile who didn't complete their graduation requirements (just lucky I guess). I did have a few soldiers, who were so hurt and had such long profiles, that they were chaptered out of the Army..only because they gave up and refused to let themselves heal and be recycled. Of course if they had the condition before they entered the Army, then I was able to give them a medical discharge. Your daughter would not be able to come back into basic next at midstream if she doesn't graduate before her mandatory return date...I've never seen this happen...too much time goes by...she will have forgotten too much of her training. If she hasn't successfully completed basic this year, she'll have to start all over again next year. We will of course pray that she passes her PT test. Believe me, I've seen some real miracles at BT, where soldiers have pulled things out of Lord knows where to pass an event!

Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters?

Posted by BrianJ. on 8/2/2002, 7:20 pm

I have a question regarding mailing letters. Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes and postage? Should I stock up on that stuff now or should I get it at the PX when I get down to my Basic site. Also, can we mail out letters overseas or in other countries? I have a few addresses that I want to mail letters to, keeping in touch with these people as pen pals. One of them lives in Canada, another I think is in Pakistan, and I also have one from Ethiopia. If anyone can give me information about this, it would greatly appreciated.

Re: Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters?

Posted by me on 8/2/2002, 8:41 pm , in reply to "Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters?"

Yes, you do have to supply all of those goodies... You can bring them or buy them when you get there... I brought some envelopes in a small tupperware (food storage container...just big enough to hold small envelopes) and found a notepad and stamps that would all fit in it ... this helped in keeping things neat and organized for inspection....

Re: Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters?

Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 9:44 pm , in reply to "Re: Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters?"

You won't have a lot of opportunities to go to the post office, but there are mailboxes scattered throughout the BT training companies. Yes, you'll be able to find supplies at the PX there, but I would suggest bringing a few supplies to start out with..just a pad, some envelopes and some stamps. As for international, yep, that's fine too, but since you won't be able to get to the post office (in fact rarely), I would figure out the postage now, and buy the stamps beforehand..then you can just drop the letters in the mailbox..since you won't be mailing anything larger than a letter, this would work just fine.

OUT of uniform, BUSTED...

Posted by Mary on 8/2/2002, 9:32 pm

Just got back from son's BCT graduation, 1300 miles round trip, but it was worth every mile. I have NEVER been so proud of my boy as I was that day. The only glitch in the whole thing was that he got caught(off base) by one of his drill seargents not wearing his uniform (Graduation day..) but his shirt was soiled pretty badly and we were supposed to take it to the dry cleaners and totally forgot about taking it there, I cried for hours. Did this ever happen to somebody out there? Do drill sgts. lurk off base after graduation looking to catch someone out of uniform? This really upset me, as I don't want it to ruin a perfectly good Army career of a young man that has a bright future.

Re: OUT of uniform, BUSTED...

Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 9:49 pm , in reply to "OUT of uniform, BUSTED..."

I wouldn't worry about it! I know parents and their kids can get so excited..gosh, you only have such a short time with one another! Things like this DO happen. No, the drills don't lurk off post; I'm sure the drill caught your son quite by accident. The incident won't go in any type of file or anything and will not follow your son on to AIT or anywhere else! Just tell your son to take it as a lesson learned (which is probably why the drill sergeant leaned on your son..doesn't want him to forget it), and just to remember to be more responsible in the future:-)) Congrats to you and your son!

at reception,is it too late in getting out?

Posted by B J on 8/3/2002, 9:55 am

If you are still at reception and they have not sent you to boot camp is it too late and trying to get out of the army? What if you went because the recuiter told you that you could not get out once you singed up and then you had a change of mind, like things in your life have changed a lot since you first singed up, and you know that you are not army material, what can be done?Thanks for any info.

Re: at reception,is it too late in getting out?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 11:55 am , in reply to "at reception,is it too late in getting out?"

I'm sorry you are in such a dilema. You can request a release from your contract prior to going to basic, but they don't necessarrilly have to let you out of it. You signed a contract. You've got to remember that your recruiter is not going to work to get you out of the Army. His job is to only get you in. You might call the recruiting station and request a meeting with the company commander to explain your decision to not want to go through with your enlistment. I'm sorry that I can't give you more advice. I'll take a look at the regulations on enlistment and see if there is something there. If I find anything, I'll let you know. Bye

Re: at reception,is it too late in getting out?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 10:41 pm , in reply to "Re: at reception,is it too late in getting out?"

I could not find anything that specifically matched your situation, but if you go to www.usapa.army.mil and look at AR 635-200 it might give you some ideas. If I were you I would go to basic and AIT and see if this life is for you. As long as you have not served 180 days you might still be able to get out on a failure to adapt discharge. The Army won't force you to stay in, but getting out this way might just haunt you in the future. You really need to think about it. I love the Army. It can be the most rewarding life you could imagine. You will make friends that will be there for you until the day you die. Most jobs don't offer anything close. Just think about it before you do anything. I'm sorry you are going through this dilema buddy. Just use your head and make the choice that works best for you and your future

Re: at reception,is it too late in getting out?

Posted by RT on 8/3/2002, 12:01 pm , in reply to "at reception,is it too late in getting out?"

No one will force you to stay in the Army. I would hope that you would make these decisions BEFORE you sign up..the Army spends LOTS of money on a recruit from MEPS to the reception station, plus you are taking a slot away from someone else who may really want it! Firstly, don't let a recruiter push you into anything...if you feel uncomfortable about a certain MOS or part of what they are offering you, walk way..you are under no obligation, you can always come back when you see and know what you want! On the other hand, EVERYONE is scared, some even terrified while they wait to go to basic...I've had recruits get just hysterical and lose it...BUT we help them work through it, and you should see how proud they and their parents are at graduation. BT really matures a person, and you wouldn't believe how much more confident a person is who graduates. Sometimes it really choked me up to see these fresh faces who knew nothing of the world or about themselves, come into basic and then at graduation, the way they carried themselves, talked confidently, had a sparkle in their eye, looked sharp and fit..there's nothing like it in the world! There is also no company that will give you the responsibility you get in the Army..you work your way up on how well you do, not with who you know! In addition, I had NUMEROUS recruits who were entering the Army for the second time, cause they "chickened out" the first time..they all said it was the biggest mistake they ever made in their lives! If the Army really isn't for you, you can just serve your first term and get out, BUT be a better more experienced person for it. So, some things to think about. Now, if you absolutely do not want to be in the Army (this is anytime after you sign your contract up to 6 months later), you can be separated from the service, no strings attached. Yes, it involves lots of paperwork, plus you'll get pressure by everyone in your chain of command to reconsider...and they may make you feel pretty low, but that's only cause they don't want you to give up...statistics show, many people who give up on the Army, tend to do so the rest of their lives. Just some food for thought!

Posted by Jessica on 8/3/2002, 9:58 am

My boyfriend is graduating BCT and AIT at Ft. Benning in October. I was wondering if there is a limit to how many people can attend. Thanks!

Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 10:54 am , in reply to "Graduation"

No. There is no real limit on how many can attend. You're not bringing 50 people with you are ya? Don't worry about it. If it were held inside, that might present a problem because seating would be limited. If it is outside, you should have no problem. At Ft Benning there is a large seating area for people attending graduation. You will be fine with a group of family. Just think how nice it will be for him to have a bunch of family and friends there to support him in what to many soldiers is one of the greatest moments in their life. Just make sure that everyone in your group has proper photo ID and you should have no problems.

Posted by Jeremy on 8/3/2002, 2:18 pm

I enlisted last December for a delayed entry in June. In March of this year I broke my foot and had to have surgery. I have not yet been released from my doctor to leave for boot camp. Will the Army now discharge me becuase of the broken foot? And also, how long after enlisting do you have to leave for boot camp?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 5:09 pm , in reply to "Discharge???"

These kind of things can be changed to allow you to heal properly. Just keep your recruiter informed of what is going on with your recovery. I highly doubt the Army will kick you out just because you broke your foot. They may just have to delay your school dates. That is not difficult. Just get will as best as you can. The dates where you must begin basic are felxible. You can have the date changed if it is for an important reason.

Posted by mike g, on 8/3/2002, 2:27 pm

I met with my recruiter today and filled out an SF-86 form. It asked for 3 references and the name of my supervisor (for the last 7 years!) What will the Army do with these names? I've never been fired from a job, but that doesn't mean my old bosses and I are "best friends". Also, I'm estranged from some of my family members. Will the Army contact them? What do they do with these references? Why do they need them?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 4:53 pm , in reply to "references"

The info you gave on your SF 86 is used to check you out. If you are getting a security clearance, you can bet that those listed on your form will be contacted. Don't worry though, as these investigators are professionals. They don't care if a boss didn't like you. Their main concern is whether you can be trusted. They know how to see beyond petty work problems.

Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?

Posted by BrianJ. on 8/3/2002, 11:23 pm

I've often wondered to myself when I joined the Army. I joined it for I hope all the right reasons. The main reason is of course for me to find out who I am as a person and what my limits and goals are that I can accomplish. I know my life I really haven't had enough of a challenge or any opportunities to really prove to myself I can be whomever I want to be. One of the main reasons for me joining the Army is because I want to be able to make friends, to be able to work with people and be with people who can know me in person and who I can relate to in person. For the past couple of years, my social life has basically been the Internet on the computer. I have pretty much been a loner and I have never really been comfortable being who I am. I feel there's something about me that's missing. Also, there's somewhat of a reason that because I'm going in, I kind of am hoping to meet someone special of the opposite sex. I've never been in a relationship before, never dated, never did any of that stuff. Of course, I don't feel I'm ready because I don't know how to relate to people, how to know if it's allright to continue in this relationship or if we need to break up. All these things come to my mind. So, I guess what I'm saying is, are these good reasons to join the Army? I mean, I'm such an individual but I want to work as a team. I want to feel belonged and I want to feel useful. I want to do my part of the team. I've heard stories of joining the military in being a good thing because where else am I going to meet fifty other members from all walks of life and where else am I going to get the most encouragement from so many people cheering me on? I got a lot of encouragement from someone who was in ROTC for the Navy for three years and he's told me it was a good experience for him and the Army can be a good experience for me as well. Well, I guess if all this isn't good enough reasons to join, I still have two and a half weeks to back out of my decision. Once I board that bus at Chicago MEPS on the 20th of August, the Army OWNS me! So, if anyone thinks I should back out, please let me know now!

Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?

Posted by me on 8/4/2002, 9:22 am , in reply to "Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?"

I think it's a great reason to join!! You'll meet lots of new people , some you'll like and some you'll hate... It sounds like you put a lot of time thinking this over... the truth is, only you know wether this will be the right decision for you!!

Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/4/2002, 12:03 pm , in reply to "Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?"

Hey pal. I'm telling you that I think that you should not even think of backing out, but chargeing forward! You might be a bit of a loner, but you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Stick with your onw instincts. You are about to embark on an adventure that may very well be the greatest thing you ever do in your life. You are young enough to take the next few years of your life to try and see if this is the life for you. If not, you can simply get out. You will leave with thousands of dollars in college money, a GI home loan certificate that will allow you to purchase a home much easier than some guy that never served. You will see what I'm talking about soon enough. I made friends in the Army that are life long. I ran into a guy that I served with 10 years ago in Germany. When we saw each other and confirmed that we knew each other it was like we were never apart. The people you sweat with and struggle with will form a bond with you that a civilian will never be able to understand. As hard as the training is, you will have memories that will make you smile for the rest of your life. You just take care of yourself and do your best. I didn't give you all this advice for nothing, so go there and kick butt!

Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?

Posted by Angela on 8/4/2002, 3:13 pm , in reply to "Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?"

One of the wonderful things that hits me over the head with joining the Army is simply this message and this message board. I sit here reading all the wonderful encouraging words and know that they can be applied to all of us here. One of my reasons for joining the Army was also to make friends. As long as you also want to do the Army and know what you are getting into, I say do it. And what someone suggested to me because they are always looking for new blood is talk to your local American Legions. I think I remembered that right? But anyways it is Mike's message that brings home another benefit of the military. Especially in our world today we are too scared, worried, and protective to want to get to know our neighbor. But in the military you have no choice because everyone there is someone whom you might have to protect on the frontline whether your male or female. Anyways though before I get more sappy.

Posted by Michelle on 8/4/2002, 11:02 am

I am leaving for BT on OCT. 22 for Fort Leonard Wood. I need to have some dental work done and I was wondering if I can get this done during BT, or during AIT, or do you get it done when you arrive at your station? Also has anyone heard how Fort Knox, KY is?Thanks for any info.

Posted by Mike C. on 8/4/2002, 12:22 pm , in reply to "Medical ?"

You will be given a dental exam at basic. If you need something done there due to pain, they will do it for you, but they like to push it off until you get to your first duty station.

Posted by Jen on 8/5/2002, 1:10 am

What does being smoked mean? My bf wrote something about that, and I had no idea what it meant. And also what are these different phases they go through, he said he had just finished his red phase and would be starting the white phase. If anyone can tell me about this, please do tell. Thanks

Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 10:04 am , in reply to "Smoked?"

Being smoked is the expression used when you are exercised to an extreme. It is the kind of PT that pushes you to your limits and maybe a little past them. The word is literally its own verb. I was smoked, he smoked us, etc. Now about the phases of training. Now they have this red, white, and blue training. Each phase concentrates on differend skills and there is some kind of baby graduation event for each phase. Like the victory tower for red phase. In white phase they learn how to shoot their rifle. In blue phase they learn more tactical lessons. It is just all the training you will learn as a soldier divided into three phases.

Posted by RT on 8/5/2002, 11:16 am , in reply to "Re: Smoked?"

There are also 3 weeks in each phase, each progressively "harder" with more skills two learn. Typically, they don't start weapons training until the 2nd phase, white.

station of choice.....ahhhh!!

Posted by al on 8/5/2002, 2:07 am

Does anyone know if after you have chosen your station of choice.... can you change it at MEPS the day you ship out? I had Europe and now I would like to be CONUS. Please help.

Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!!

Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 9:53 am , in reply to "station of choice.....ahhhh!!"

You can try, but don't get your hopes up. I don't know how it works for privates, but you might try calling your enlisted branch manager. They can give you assignments. The problem is that you have that station of choice thing in your contract, right? If so, you might not be able to get it changed. Talk to your recruiter. He or she might be able to talk to somebody. Also, you might try going on-line and going to www.us.army.mil and registering as a new user. After you register and get a user ID and password, go to https://www.perscom.army.mil After you get there go down until you see ASK on the left. There you can put in an electronic request for a conus assignment. There is no certainty that you will get a conus assignment, but it is better than nothing. Your assignment is governed by where the Army needs someone in your MOS and rank the most. If they can put you in your first choice of assignment, they will. Sometimes, however they might send you somplace other than your first choice of duty station because you are desperately needed elsewhere. Try those things and hopefully you will be able to work something out.

Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!!

Posted by RT on 8/5/2002, 11:18 am , in reply to "Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!!"

Most Army folks, LOVE Europe! Consider yourself lucky that you are going..will give you a chance to get out and do lots of travelling! I have yet to talk to a person who did not like their European assignment (Germany and Italy seem to be the favorites).

Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!!

Posted by Angela on 8/5/2002, 12:00 pm , in reply to "Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!!"

Someone mentioned to me I think possibly my recruiter said that if you meet someone with the same MOS in basic you can switch your first duty station with them that the Army is okay with that as long as they get a body to fill that position. So I would also suggest asking your recruiter about this and of course it's hard to tell what the chances of that happening are. Good luck.

Posted by Paul on 8/5/2002, 9:52 am

I have the addresses and phone numbers of all of my family and friend in my palm pilot. Will I be allowed to bring it with me or do I need to write everything down on paper?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 9:57 am , in reply to "Palm Pilot"

Paper will be your friend buddy. You are not allowed to bring anything electronic to training. Nothing. Get a small note pad now and start writing all the addresses and phone numbers you might need while in training. Bring that with you instead. Trust me, you don't want your pilot in some bag under a pile of other bags for however many weeks you will be in training.

A.A. degree and what rank that gets

Posted by Angela on 8/5/2002, 3:30 pm

I just want to make sure that I am entering under the correct rand and pay grade. I have an A.A. degree and will be entering basic as an E-3 does anyone know if this is the correct rank to enter under? I am pretty sure it is but just want to double check. I have more than 60 units even if some of them don't transfer to a university. Thanks.

Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets

Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 3:38 pm , in reply to "A.A. degree and what rank that gets"

As long as you have at least 60 credit hours from an accredited college you come in as a PFC. You need a four year degree to get your E-4.

Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets

Posted by Angela on 8/5/2002, 4:01 pm , in reply to "Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets"

Thanks, that's what I was thinking. Also my dad was saying and I think the recruiter said also that there is a good chance that by the time I finish AIT I will be promoted to E-4. What do you think the chances of that happening?

Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets

Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 4:42 pm , in reply to "Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets"

I wouldn't count on being promoted to E-4 during AIT. There is a regulation that says a soldier can't be promoted to E-4 unless they have been awarded an MOS by finishing AIT. You could possibly be promoted the day you graduate, but don't expect it. A commander can promote a percentage of his AIT company, that doesn't mean he or she will. Just do your best and keep your fingers crossed. Either way, you will probably make SPC within the year you get to your duty station anyw



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Disqualified? Posted by A.S. on 7/22/2002, 3:13 pm 63.225.47.2 I've read through the various things for which one is disqualified. I'm concerned about the mood disorder one. I had a 3-year depressive period about 10 years ago, but I was still able to function well at work. I briefly considered suicide, but knew I would never actually do it. In May of this year I had a mild depressive period that lasted for about three weeks. I had two sessions with a counselor. After talking to me, she said it wasn't serious enough for therapy. I have never been diagnosed with depression from a professional, nor have I taken any medication. I was wondering if I can be disqualified. Anyone know?Thanks so much.A.S. Re: Disqualified? Posted by HC on 7/22/2002, 5:13 pm , in reply to "Disqualified?" 152.163.188.194 I just went to MEPS and let me tell you they will disqualify you for anything. I saw one girl get disqualified for having irragular period because she said she had it every 30 days rather then every 28 days. My recruiter had a guy who was disqualified for having required adoption councling because he was adopted. If they find out you had any type of councling or talked to someone because you had or have depression.....they will almost always disqualify you. My advise to you is this: If you do not feel your depression is a problem and will not affect your performance in the army, keep your mouth shut.... So the military only wants PERFECT people? Posted by A.S. on 7/22/2002, 5:33 pm , in reply to "Re: Disqualified?" 63.225.47.2 Why doesn't the Government just make androids that don't have human (fallable and imperfect) characteristics? I know the military needs people as perfect as possible, but I don't get it...I want to enlist so badly, but I won't lie. If I'm asked about it, I'll tell the truth. Re: So the military only wants PERFECT people? Posted by Ashley on 7/22/2002, 5:41 pm , in reply to "So the military only wants PERFECT people?" 152.163.188.194 My recruiter told me to "Let them find it" don't volunteer the info, but if you are asked don't lie. Re: Noone's perfect! Posted by Don't Ask, Don't Tell on 7/23/2002, 4:59 pm , in reply to "Re: So the military only wants PERFECT people?" 24.194.163.99 Throughout Basic, MEPS, etc.. Don't ask, Don't tell. That's the American Way, right?. Don't speak out, Don't volunteer...Everything should be fine.Seriously though, Unless the gov had a camera on you 24/7 all of your life.. Then you tell only what you feel comfortable with.... I mean seriously you think that every single solider, has NEVER done anything irregular, Yah in a perfect world, BUT DOUBTFUL! Re: Noone's perfect! Posted by A.S. on 7/24/2002, 1:55 pm , in reply to "Re: Noone's perfect!" 63.225.47.2 Not sure what you're trying to say. I couldn't tell if you were being serious or facetious. But it brings up the question: How honest does the Army expect its soldiers to be? I don't care what "everyone" else does. I care about what the Army expects. Are not Honor and Integrity two of the Army values? I am curious, though. Does the Army take its values seriously? what about lieing Posted by aub on 7/23/2002, 12:56 pm 64.12.96.107 should you lie about yourself just to get into the army? I mean woldn't you feel guiity if you know that you lied just to get into the army to serve your country? Re: what about lieing Posted by Mike C. on 7/23/2002, 1:29 pm , in reply to "what about lieing" 32.100.98.207 People lie all the time to get into the Army. whether it's about past drug use, sexuality, or other things, people do it all the time. The question you should be asking yourself is will your lie cause someone else to be in danger in the future. You should also weigh the lie verses the ability of you to do a good job serving your country. It's a choice only you can make. Personally, I think that if you can do a good job serving the country and your "non-truth" won't hurt anybody, then go for it. Good luck with your choice. Re: what about lieing Posted by A.S. on 7/23/2002, 1:34 pm , in reply to "what about lieing" 63.225.47.2 My advice? Don't lie. When asked questions, answer them truthfully. There is nothing to gain by lying. If you lie to get in the Army, and they find out about it, you can face serious charges. At least that's what I've learned from reading about enlistment. I don't believe in lying, so I wouldn't. Not even to join the Army, which is something I really want to do. Just do what you think is right. The choice is yours. Just got back from MEPS-any questions? Posted by Dan on 7/23/2002, 4:06 pm 66.119.34.39 Hey, I just got back from MEPS at Ft. Snelling in Minneapolis, MN. I realize that there's been plenty of posts on MEPS but just in case anybody out there is still wondering about something, let me know, I just got back today and still remember in detail the long day. Re: Just got back from MEPS-any questions? Posted by A.S. on 7/23/2002, 4:42 pm , in reply to "Just got back from MEPS-any questions?" 63.225.47.2 What documents did you have to bring with you? How was it talking with a job counselor? Did you get the MOS you wanted without any trouble or did you have to negotiate? Do they give you ample time before you have to ship out to BCT? I have a million questions, but I'll keep it to these.Thanks! Re: Just got back from MEPS-any questions? Posted by Dan on 7/24/2002, 12:00 pm , in reply to "Re: Just got back from MEPS-any questions?" 216.148.246.70 Well if you have a million questions then hopefully I can provide a million answers. If you need more keep posting or click on my name and e-mail me.1. I had to bring my social security card and my birth certificate, but I had already given them to my recruiter and he got them up there. If you have any medications or other information that is important but that you might not remember off the top of your head, it wouldn't hurt to bring a sheet with that info on it.2. I had a real easy time with the job counselor but that's because my recruiter called up that morning and told them what I'd be wanting-13B and 3 years at Ft. Riley, Kansas. So he saved me some time because while I was doing the medical stuff they were already searching to see if they had spots open at Ft. Riley for me. So I had it real easy because both he and I knew exactly what I wanted, but they're trained to help out with that, so they will be able to talk to you about interests and future plans so that your MOS will benefit you.3. Like I mentioned above, I got basically all I wanted but it's easier because I'm in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) and so I'm signing up for a year from now, so there's a lot more spots open. One problem I did encounter was that I wanted to ship sometime after 5 July because of a wedding, but he told my my ship date was 24 June. I asked him if there was any way he could change that and he said probably not, but later when he was finalizing my contract he got me 15 July, so you can imagine how happy I was about that, so I guess in my case they helped out a lot.4. I have ample time, about a year, because I'm in the DEP and have to finish a year of high school yet. I think it just depends on the availability of your job, if they have a slot for two weeks from now that might be all you can get, but they also might have something not so soon. Like I said, keep posting your questions or e-mail me. I've been helped out a ton by others on this site and will most likely continue to be helped, so I'd like to continue the cycle and help out others with questions. bargaining lessons Posted by Jaye on 7/23/2002, 4:44 pm 209.239.195.216 Hi! I'n going into the army next summer but what i wanted to know is:What does it mean to "bargain" with the recruiter??and...Physicals last for 2 years right?? so if i've taken it before and my two years isn't up yet do i still have to take it?? and..Im a girl so how short do i have to cut my hair?I have contacts. is that a problem in the army?? haha i know it's alot but you gotta help me out thanks so much!-Jaye Re: bargaining lessons Posted by amy on 7/23/2002, 6:58 pm , in reply to "bargaining lessons" 67.243.23.49 You can work with your recruiter on alot of different things for example your starting rank you dont always have to start as an E-1 speak with your recruiter and see if there is anything that could help get you a protion such as recruiting other people or college credits, you dont have to cut your hair but you might want to consider this due to headaches that can be caused by having to pull up long hair and secure it under headgear also contacts are not allowed but they will issue you glasses Re: bargaining lessons Posted by Mike C. on 7/25/2002, 8:52 am , in reply to "Re: bargaining lessons" 65.161.170.23 Just ask your recruiter point blank if there's any thing that can be done to get you some rank. If you have over 60 college credits you can come in as a PFC. If you have a degree you can come in as an E-4. If you help to recruit someone else, you can get your E-2 or E-3. There are options for you. You just have to ask him or her what your options are. If you are real curious, you can go to www.usapa.army.mil and search for AR 601-210. This is the manual that covers Army enlistments. It is the bible of enlisting. It's what the recruiters have to go by. Check it out. living conditions? Posted by Neil on 7/24/2002, 5:19 pm 209.42.186.57 What type of living conditions to recruits at Army BCT have? Is it like in the movies with 20 or 30 people in one open room or is it more like 4-8 person dorms? I have heard both. Do you shower and do your "other business" in front of other soldiers or is it in separate stalls. In HS our football locker room just had open stalls which wasnt a big deal for me, but I am a little homophobic around people I dont know. Re: living conditions? Posted by Mike C. on 7/25/2002, 8:39 am , in reply to "living conditions?" 65.161.170.23 Different bases have different living comditions. At my basic at Ft. Benning we lived in old World War II barracks that had no air conditioning and had 25 men per floor in a big open room with just our wall lockers and our bunk beds. We showered in a big shower room with a bunch of shower heads on the wall. We all had to shower at the same time, so it was a bit of a tight fit. It definately took some getting used to. We also had doors on the stalls of the latrine, so at least you got some privacy there. Other places are different, however. In my AIT I lived in a building with each platoon on a different floor. There we had 50 men to a floor. My wife went to AIT at Aberdeen, MD and she had those 4 person rooms and guys and girls lived on the same floor. So, like I said before; all places are different. You just gotta hope you go to a good training place. Re: COMMENTS, Any one else????? Posted by Doug on 7/27/2002, 5:51 am , in reply to "COMMENTS, Any one else?????" 67.28.70.14 Hi Neil,Yea, I agree with the comments made by Mike. I took basic at Ft Jackson, and their facilities are probably the best in the army. And even better now than some years ago, according to what a friend of mine told me who graduated from Jackson last Summer.I'm curious, where are you taking basic, and when do you leave? Believe me, if I made it through basic training, you can do it, too. But it is tough...no doubt!The best of luck, my friend Re: COMMENTS, Any one else????? Posted by Angela on 8/2/2002, 11:42 am , in reply to "Re: COMMENTS, Any one else?????" 216.202.13.3 Actually I am very curious on the subject on personal hygiene for women. I will be at Ft. Jackson in Oct. for basic and am wondering if I have to take a shower in front of others and what about the bathroom stalls? Anyone with info, I would greatly appreciate it. Re: COMMENTS, Any one else????? Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 1:08 pm , in reply to "Re: COMMENTS, Any one else?????" 68.70.110.154 I'm sure Jackson is like Ft Wood and any of the other mixed posts. Bathrooms/latrines are separated for the sexes. Showers are usually one big room with lots of shower heads and depending how many of you there are, you may have to double up for each showerhead, cause you gotta learn to take really quick showers. The toilets are just like any public restroom with stalls and doors. Boot Camp Road Marches Posted by Dan on 7/24/2002, 9:49 pm 216.148.246.70 My recruiter gave me an outline of things I will do in BCT, and I see some road marches on there, the longest being 15k. What are the road marches like? Is it some running, some jogging, some walking? Do you have any time to stop and catch a breather and get a drink? Re: Boot Camp Road Marches Posted by Mike C. on 7/25/2002, 8:30 am , in reply to "Boot Camp Road Marches" 65.161.170.23 Road marches are walking. Sometimes you might have to run to catch up to the rest of the group, or close up some space if somebody falls out. You usually wear a rucksack (back pack)and carry your rifle. You also stop at certain points to fill up on water and to change your socks. Dry feet help to deter blisters. There was only one march that was real long (18 miles) when I was at basic. The rest were only a few miles long and they were to ranges and training areas, etc. You will work up to that long distance one, so don't worry. If you are in good shape, you'll have no problems. Question about shipping out Posted by A.S. on 7/25/2002, 1:34 pm 63.225.47.2 When you go to the MEPS to ship out to BCT, does Uncle Sam provide the transportation or can you drive there with your family?Thanks. Re: Question about shipping out Posted by Catrina on 7/25/2002, 4:35 pm , in reply to "Question about shipping out" 63.167.208.194 They pick you up at O600 hours.. and you are brought there in a government vehicle.. Say your good-byes real real early.This is how it is where I am, it maybe different where you are.. Talk to your recruiter. Re: Question about shipping out Posted by Mike C. on 7/25/2002, 5:10 pm , in reply to "Re: Question about shipping out" 65.161.170.71 Just like that other person wrote, talk to your recruiter. I think they have to pick you up in a government vehicle. When I shipped out I was picked up by my recruiter and taken to the meps. After that, my family met with me and drove to the airport to see me off. I never asked why, but now I figure it was because the government has to have 100% control of you up until the minute you get on the plane. BT Mile run Posted by Jennifer on 8/1/2002, 8:48 pm 209.239.201.143 Ok.. I had requested the Army Of One video that i saw on TV. Unfortunately, it wasn't very informative. one of my questions is that during the video someone said that during the mile run test before BT starts, the people you end with will be in your group. is this true? will the people with quicker times have more pressure from the sgt? Just wondering. Re: BT Mile run Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 8:48 am , in reply to "BT Mile run" 68.70.110.154 Many of the people at reception will end up in your BT company...all depends on how many companies will be starting the next cycle around the same time, and how long your fellow recruits have been at reception. You will start training at your BT company on Friday (or at least you will at Ft Wood). That Saturday, you take an initial PT test (the real one..2 min pushups/situps and 2 mile run). The drills will take your running times and split you up into 3 or 4 groups, all dependent on how you ran the 2 miles. Every PT that you work on running (usually every other day, the other day you work on strength training, ie pushups and situp improvement), you will run with that group, unless you are having a motivating company run that the whole company runs in formation...a few weeks later, you take another PT test and you'll get re-evaluated and split into groups again. Many recruits do so well, they move up to the next group already. It's fun to be in the fastest group, cause it's a big thing to get back to the barracks early..more time for getting showered, dressed and straightening up the barracks and getting ready for chow. The ones in the slowest group always have the shortest amount of time to get ready..basically have to fly through the showers, etc...plus, it seems like you are always running forever, cause whenever you have stragglers, you have to run around back where you came from to pick them up and urge them on, thus making your route even longer:-)) Medical disqualification question Posted by John Forbus on 8/1/2002, 10:38 pm 12.238.200.66 Hi. I have a question about medical disqualifications. A friend of mine wants to join ROTC and then the National Guard. However, she has a prosthetic eye. This falls under "blind in one or both eyes," obviously, but what are the odds that she can get a waiver? She's had the prosthetic since she was about 6 months old, so she's very well adapted to this sort of vision. She's athletic and intelligent, and VERY enthused about the Army. So, is she completely out of luck, or can this be waived? Perhaps by selecting a less-combat-intensive MOS, like 38A Civil Affairs or 46Q Journalist? Re: Medical disqualification question Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 8:52 am , in reply to "Medical disqualification question" 68.70.110.154 As far as waivers go, it doesn't matter what MOS you are inclined to go...you can't say, well, because they want a non-combat MOS, that medical condition is okay...everyone is looked at equally. Your friend will not be able to get a waiver for this condition. There are folks out there who adapt very well in having one limb also, but that doesn't mean they can enter the military. I admire your friend's gusto though, and I suggest she try to find another way to serve her country. (no subject) Posted by fg on 8/2/2002, 8:57 am 206.10.52.212 What are the requirements to graduate from boot camp. My daughter has finished week 5, however, right now she is on 9 day no run, jump, march, no Pt Code. She is still on track to graduate but she is very worried whe will not pass her PT test. Is the PT test the final determining factor to graduate? What are the other elements of graduation? She has severe shin splints and now she has a bad hip strain and her muscles are pulling away from her pelvis and hip bones so when she runs and does PT there is no cushion. The doctor told her if she doesn't rest a while it is almost guaranteed her hip will break. She has a mandatory return date to return for her senior year of HS. What are the various things that could happen. She very much wants to be a soldier and does not want to be released. Is being released a possibility? I have two other daughters that are college athletes and both wear orthodics because they were having leg and knee problems both related to the shape of their pelic bone and it is my guess that is her problem as well. If I understood her correctly she could take the PT test in the spring before going to AIT but then she could not do graduation on the 29th. Would she have to do Boot Camp all over again? Re: (no subject) Posted by Mike C. on 8/2/2002, 11:41 am , in reply to "(no subject)" 64.12.96.168 Hello sir. As I do not know her exact situation, I can only give you my best guess. As she is currently unable to do the standards needed to graduate, at worst case she could be released. I put this in the extremely unlikely category. At best, her command could use the score she received on her earlier PT test to satisfy her graduation requirement. Therefore allowing her to graduate with her current class. This does happen, but it is unusual. Another course of action would be for her to repeat the end of basic training with another class the following year. She would then go on to AIT with this new class. I only say this because she has a mandatory return date. I have personally seen this in my career. Another possibility is as she stated to you; she could take a PT test before going on to AIT next year. This happens also, but is equally rare. hopefully, she has a good PT test score prior to her injury that will satisfy her graduation requirement. The end of cycle test and the PT test are the primary requirements to graduate basic training. It is rare that a person is made to repeat basic training in its entirety due to an injury. Especially after 5 weeks. I konw this is vague, but each command has free reign over its choices. Commanders are given a bit of a free hand when it comes to these types of decisions. All you can do is continue to give her encouragement and hope for the best. Re: (no subject) Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 1:06 pm , in reply to "Re: (no subject)" 68.70.110.154 I'll try to answer what I can. What makes your daughter's situation unique is that she has a mandatory return date. What we would do in BT...if someone was injured and unable to take the final PT test, we would look at their earlier scores. If there was one where they passed, we were allowed to use that as their final PT score. If not, we would let them heal up and then have them take their PT test when they were able (which was sometimes after graduation and therefore; they did not leave when they were supposed to but much later...ie a new AIT date would have to be found and they were a "holdover" working in the orderly room for us as a gopher until it was their time to go). The final PT test is taken a few days before graduation, so i would say your daughter still has time to heal and could still pass it...I don't know how well she has done on previous tests. If she is poorly out of shape and hasn't done well so far, then this might not be physically possible. Whenever we had soldiers on long profiles where they missed a lot of critical training, we would unfortunately have to recycle them into a company that was about to start training where they left off, so of course they would graduate later with that other company at a later date. So, as far as someone who has a mandatory return date...that is kind of tricky. I have never had a soldier with a mandatory return date who had a long profile who didn't complete their graduation requirements (just lucky I guess). I did have a few soldiers, who were so hurt and had such long profiles, that they were chaptered out of the Army..only because they gave up and refused to let themselves heal and be recycled. Of course if they had the condition before they entered the Army, then I was able to give them a medical discharge. Your daughter would not be able to come back into basic next at midstream if she doesn't graduate before her mandatory return date...I've never seen this happen...too much time goes by...she will have forgotten too much of her training. If she hasn't successfully completed basic this year, she'll have to start all over again next year. We will of course pray that she passes her PT test. Believe me, I've seen some real miracles at BT, where soldiers have pulled things out of Lord knows where to pass an event! Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters? Posted by BrianJ. on 8/2/2002, 7:20 pm 67.37.180.31 I have a question regarding mailing letters. Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes and postage? Should I stock up on that stuff now or should I get it at the PX when I get down to my Basic site. Also, can we mail out letters overseas or in other countries? I have a few addresses that I want to mail letters to, keeping in touch with these people as pen pals. One of them lives in Canada, another I think is in Pakistan, and I also have one from Ethiopia. If anyone can give me information about this, it would greatly appreciated. Re: Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters? Posted by me on 8/2/2002, 8:41 pm , in reply to "Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters?" 65.235.152.66 Yes, you do have to supply all of those goodies... You can bring them or buy them when you get there... I brought some envelopes in a small tupperware (food storage container...just big enough to hold small envelopes) and found a notepad and stamps that would all fit in it ... this helped in keeping things neat and organized for inspection.... Re: Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters? Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 9:44 pm , in reply to "Re: Do you have to supply your own paper, envelopes, and postage stamps when sending out letters?" 68.70.110.154 You won't have a lot of opportunities to go to the post office, but there are mailboxes scattered throughout the BT training companies. Yes, you'll be able to find supplies at the PX there, but I would suggest bringing a few supplies to start out with..just a pad, some envelopes and some stamps. As for international, yep, that's fine too, but since you won't be able to get to the post office (in fact rarely), I would figure out the postage now, and buy the stamps beforehand..then you can just drop the letters in the mailbox..since you won't be mailing anything larger than a letter, this would work just fine. OUT of uniform, BUSTED... Posted by Mary on 8/2/2002, 9:32 pm 209.252.197.72 Just got back from son's BCT graduation, 1300 miles round trip, but it was worth every mile. I have NEVER been so proud of my boy as I was that day. The only glitch in the whole thing was that he got caught(off base) by one of his drill seargents not wearing his uniform (Graduation day..) but his shirt was soiled pretty badly and we were supposed to take it to the dry cleaners and totally forgot about taking it there, I cried for hours. Did this ever happen to somebody out there? Do drill sgts. lurk off base after graduation looking to catch someone out of uniform? This really upset me, as I don't want it to ruin a perfectly good Army career of a young man that has a bright future. Re: OUT of uniform, BUSTED... Posted by RT on 8/2/2002, 9:49 pm , in reply to "OUT of uniform, BUSTED..." 68.70.110.154 I wouldn't worry about it! I know parents and their kids can get so excited..gosh, you only have such a short time with one another! Things like this DO happen. No, the drills don't lurk off post; I'm sure the drill caught your son quite by accident. The incident won't go in any type of file or anything and will not follow your son on to AIT or anywhere else! Just tell your son to take it as a lesson learned (which is probably why the drill sergeant leaned on your son..doesn't want him to forget it), and just to remember to be more responsible in the future:-)) Congrats to you and your son! at reception,is it too late in getting out? Posted by B J on 8/3/2002, 9:55 am 66.38.0.15 If you are still at reception and they have not sent you to boot camp is it too late and trying to get out of the army? What if you went because the recuiter told you that you could not get out once you singed up and then you had a change of mind, like things in your life have changed a lot since you first singed up, and you know that you are not army material, what can be done?Thanks for any info. Re: at reception,is it too late in getting out? Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 11:55 am , in reply to "at reception,is it too late in getting out?" 65.161.170.36 I'm sorry you are in such a dilema. You can request a release from your contract prior to going to basic, but they don't necessarrilly have to let you out of it. You signed a contract. You've got to remember that your recruiter is not going to work to get you out of the Army. His job is to only get you in. You might call the recruiting station and request a meeting with the company commander to explain your decision to not want to go through with your enlistment. I'm sorry that I can't give you more advice. I'll take a look at the regulations on enlistment and see if there is something there. If I find anything, I'll let you know. Bye Re: at reception,is it too late in getting out? Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 10:41 pm , in reply to "Re: at reception,is it too late in getting out?" 65.161.172.193 I could not find anything that specifically matched your situation, but if you go to www.usapa.army.mil and look at AR 635-200 it might give you some ideas. If I were you I would go to basic and AIT and see if this life is for you. As long as you have not served 180 days you might still be able to get out on a failure to adapt discharge. The Army won't force you to stay in, but getting out this way might just haunt you in the future. You really need to think about it. I love the Army. It can be the most rewarding life you could imagine. You will make friends that will be there for you until the day you die. Most jobs don't offer anything close. Just think about it before you do anything. I'm sorry you are going through this dilema buddy. Just use your head and make the choice that works best for you and your future Re: at reception,is it too late in getting out? Posted by RT on 8/3/2002, 12:01 pm , in reply to "at reception,is it too late in getting out?" 68.70.110.154 No one will force you to stay in the Army. I would hope that you would make these decisions BEFORE you sign up..the Army spends LOTS of money on a recruit from MEPS to the reception station, plus you are taking a slot away from someone else who may really want it! Firstly, don't let a recruiter push you into anything...if you feel uncomfortable about a certain MOS or part of what they are offering you, walk way..you are under no obligation, you can always come back when you see and know what you want! On the other hand, EVERYONE is scared, some even terrified while they wait to go to basic...I've had recruits get just hysterical and lose it...BUT we help them work through it, and you should see how proud they and their parents are at graduation. BT really matures a person, and you wouldn't believe how much more confident a person is who graduates. Sometimes it really choked me up to see these fresh faces who knew nothing of the world or about themselves, come into basic and then at graduation, the way they carried themselves, talked confidently, had a sparkle in their eye, looked sharp and fit..there's nothing like it in the world! There is also no company that will give you the responsibility you get in the Army..you work your way up on how well you do, not with who you know! In addition, I had NUMEROUS recruits who were entering the Army for the second time, cause they "chickened out" the first time..they all said it was the biggest mistake they ever made in their lives! If the Army really isn't for you, you can just serve your first term and get out, BUT be a better more experienced person for it. So, some things to think about. Now, if you absolutely do not want to be in the Army (this is anytime after you sign your contract up to 6 months later), you can be separated from the service, no strings attached. Yes, it involves lots of paperwork, plus you'll get pressure by everyone in your chain of command to reconsider...and they may make you feel pretty low, but that's only cause they don't want you to give up...statistics show, many people who give up on the Army, tend to do so the rest of their lives. Just some food for thought! Graduation Posted by Jessica on 8/3/2002, 9:58 am 64.12.96.107 My boyfriend is graduating BCT and AIT at Ft. Benning in October. I was wondering if there is a limit to how many people can attend. Thanks! Re: Graduation Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 10:54 am , in reply to "Graduation" 65.161.172.75 No. There is no real limit on how many can attend. You're not bringing 50 people with you are ya? Don't worry about it. If it were held inside, that might present a problem because seating would be limited. If it is outside, you should have no problem. At Ft Benning there is a large seating area for people attending graduation. You will be fine with a group of family. Just think how nice it will be for him to have a bunch of family and friends there to support him in what to many soldiers is one of the greatest moments in their life. Just make sure that everyone in your group has proper photo ID and you should have no problems. Discharge??? Posted by Jeremy on 8/3/2002, 2:18 pm 68.14.174.191 I enlisted last December for a delayed entry in June. In March of this year I broke my foot and had to have surgery. I have not yet been released from my doctor to leave for boot camp. Will the Army now discharge me becuase of the broken foot? And also, how long after enlisting do you have to leave for boot camp? Re: Discharge??? Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 5:09 pm , in reply to "Discharge???" 65.161.172.23 These kind of things can be changed to allow you to heal properly. Just keep your recruiter informed of what is going on with your recovery. I highly doubt the Army will kick you out just because you broke your foot. They may just have to delay your school dates. That is not difficult. Just get will as best as you can. The dates where you must begin basic are felxible. You can have the date changed if it is for an important reason. references Posted by mike g, on 8/3/2002, 2:27 pm 152.163.188.229 I met with my recruiter today and filled out an SF-86 form. It asked for 3 references and the name of my supervisor (for the last 7 years!) What will the Army do with these names? I've never been fired from a job, but that doesn't mean my old bosses and I are "best friends". Also, I'm estranged from some of my family members. Will the Army contact them? What do they do with these references? Why do they need them? Re: references Posted by Mike C. on 8/3/2002, 4:53 pm , in reply to "references" 65.161.172.23 The info you gave on your SF 86 is used to check you out. If you are getting a security clearance, you can bet that those listed on your form will be contacted. Don't worry though, as these investigators are professionals. They don't care if a boss didn't like you. Their main concern is whether you can be trusted. They know how to see beyond petty work problems. Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship? Posted by BrianJ. on 8/3/2002, 11:23 pm 67.37.238.191 I've often wondered to myself when I joined the Army. I joined it for I hope all the right reasons. The main reason is of course for me to find out who I am as a person and what my limits and goals are that I can accomplish. I know my life I really haven't had enough of a challenge or any opportunities to really prove to myself I can be whomever I want to be. One of the main reasons for me joining the Army is because I want to be able to make friends, to be able to work with people and be with people who can know me in person and who I can relate to in person. For the past couple of years, my social life has basically been the Internet on the computer. I have pretty much been a loner and I have never really been comfortable being who I am. I feel there's something about me that's missing. Also, there's somewhat of a reason that because I'm going in, I kind of am hoping to meet someone special of the opposite sex. I've never been in a relationship before, never dated, never did any of that stuff. Of course, I don't feel I'm ready because I don't know how to relate to people, how to know if it's allright to continue in this relationship or if we need to break up. All these things come to my mind. So, I guess what I'm saying is, are these good reasons to join the Army? I mean, I'm such an individual but I want to work as a team. I want to feel belonged and I want to feel useful. I want to do my part of the team. I've heard stories of joining the military in being a good thing because where else am I going to meet fifty other members from all walks of life and where else am I going to get the most encouragement from so many people cheering me on? I got a lot of encouragement from someone who was in ROTC for the Navy for three years and he's told me it was a good experience for him and the Army can be a good experience for me as well. Well, I guess if all this isn't good enough reasons to join, I still have two and a half weeks to back out of my decision. Once I board that bus at Chicago MEPS on the 20th of August, the Army OWNS me! So, if anyone thinks I should back out, please let me know now! Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship? Posted by me on 8/4/2002, 9:22 am , in reply to "Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?" 65.235.152.29 I think it's a great reason to join!! You'll meet lots of new people , some you'll like and some you'll hate... It sounds like you put a lot of time thinking this over... the truth is, only you know wether this will be the right decision for you!! Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship? Posted by Mike C. on 8/4/2002, 12:03 pm , in reply to "Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?" 65.161.172.97 Hey pal. I'm telling you that I think that you should not even think of backing out, but chargeing forward! You might be a bit of a loner, but you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Stick with your onw instincts. You are about to embark on an adventure that may very well be the greatest thing you ever do in your life. You are young enough to take the next few years of your life to try and see if this is the life for you. If not, you can simply get out. You will leave with thousands of dollars in college money, a GI home loan certificate that will allow you to purchase a home much easier than some guy that never served. You will see what I'm talking about soon enough. I made friends in the Army that are life long. I ran into a guy that I served with 10 years ago in Germany. When we saw each other and confirmed that we knew each other it was like we were never apart. The people you sweat with and struggle with will form a bond with you that a civilian will never be able to understand. As hard as the training is, you will have memories that will make you smile for the rest of your life. You just take care of yourself and do your best. I didn't give you all this advice for nothing, so go there and kick butt! Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship? Posted by Angela on 8/4/2002, 3:13 pm , in reply to "Re: Is it okay if one of your main reasons for joining the Army is for companionship?" 64.167.210.50 One of the wonderful things that hits me over the head with joining the Army is simply this message and this message board. I sit here reading all the wonderful encouraging words and know that they can be applied to all of us here. One of my reasons for joining the Army was also to make friends. As long as you also want to do the Army and know what you are getting into, I say do it. And what someone suggested to me because they are always looking for new blood is talk to your local American Legions. I think I remembered that right? But anyways it is Mike's message that brings home another benefit of the military. Especially in our world today we are too scared, worried, and protective to want to get to know our neighbor. But in the military you have no choice because everyone there is someone whom you might have to protect on the frontline whether your male or female. Anyways though before I get more sappy. Medical ? Posted by Michelle on 8/4/2002, 11:02 am 209.94.172.96 I am leaving for BT on OCT. 22 for Fort Leonard Wood. I need to have some dental work done and I was wondering if I can get this done during BT, or during AIT, or do you get it done when you arrive at your station? Also has anyone heard how Fort Knox, KY is?Thanks for any info. Re: Medical ? Posted by Mike C. on 8/4/2002, 12:22 pm , in reply to "Medical ?" 65.161.172.97 You will be given a dental exam at basic. If you need something done there due to pain, they will do it for you, but they like to push it off until you get to your first duty station. Smoked? Posted by Jen on 8/5/2002, 1:10 am 205.188.209.37 What does being smoked mean? My bf wrote something about that, and I had no idea what it meant. And also what are these different phases they go through, he said he had just finished his red phase and would be starting the white phase. If anyone can tell me about this, please do tell. Thanks Re: Smoked? Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 10:04 am , in reply to "Smoked?" 65.161.170.89 Being smoked is the expression used when you are exercised to an extreme. It is the kind of PT that pushes you to your limits and maybe a little past them. The word is literally its own verb. I was smoked, he smoked us, etc. Now about the phases of training. Now they have this red, white, and blue training. Each phase concentrates on differend skills and there is some kind of baby graduation event for each phase. Like the victory tower for red phase. In white phase they learn how to shoot their rifle. In blue phase they learn more tactical lessons. It is just all the training you will learn as a soldier divided into three phases. Re: Smoked? Posted by RT on 8/5/2002, 11:16 am , in reply to "Re: Smoked?" 68.70.110.154 There are also 3 weeks in each phase, each progressively "harder" with more skills two learn. Typically, they don't start weapons training until the 2nd phase, white. station of choice.....ahhhh!! Posted by al on 8/5/2002, 2:07 am 198.81.16.153 Does anyone know if after you have chosen your station of choice.... can you change it at MEPS the day you ship out? I had Europe and now I would like to be CONUS. Please help. Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!! Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 9:53 am , in reply to "station of choice.....ahhhh!!" 65.161.170.89 You can try, but don't get your hopes up. I don't know how it works for privates, but you might try calling your enlisted branch manager. They can give you assignments. The problem is that you have that station of choice thing in your contract, right? If so, you might not be able to get it changed. Talk to your recruiter. He or she might be able to talk to somebody. Also, you might try going on-line and going to www.us.army.mil and registering as a new user. After you register and get a user ID and password, go to https://www.perscom.army.mil After you get there go down until you see ASK on the left. There you can put in an electronic request for a conus assignment. There is no certainty that you will get a conus assignment, but it is better than nothing. Your assignment is governed by where the Army needs someone in your MOS and rank the most. If they can put you in your first choice of assignment, they will. Sometimes, however they might send you somplace other than your first choice of duty station because you are desperately needed elsewhere. Try those things and hopefully you will be able to work something out. Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!! Posted by RT on 8/5/2002, 11:18 am , in reply to "Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!!" 68.70.110.154 Most Army folks, LOVE Europe! Consider yourself lucky that you are going..will give you a chance to get out and do lots of travelling! I have yet to talk to a person who did not like their European assignment (Germany and Italy seem to be the favorites). Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!! Posted by Angela on 8/5/2002, 12:00 pm , in reply to "Re: station of choice.....ahhhh!!" 216.202.13.3 Someone mentioned to me I think possibly my recruiter said that if you meet someone with the same MOS in basic you can switch your first duty station with them that the Army is okay with that as long as they get a body to fill that position. So I would also suggest asking your recruiter about this and of course it's hard to tell what the chances of that happening are. Good luck. Palm Pilot Posted by Paul on 8/5/2002, 9:52 am 209.86.34.6 I have the addresses and phone numbers of all of my family and friend in my palm pilot. Will I be allowed to bring it with me or do I need to write everything down on paper? Re: Palm Pilot Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 9:57 am , in reply to "Palm Pilot" 65.161.170.89 Paper will be your friend buddy. You are not allowed to bring anything electronic to training. Nothing. Get a small note pad now and start writing all the addresses and phone numbers you might need while in training. Bring that with you instead. Trust me, you don't want your pilot in some bag under a pile of other bags for however many weeks you will be in training. A.A. degree and what rank that gets Posted by Angela on 8/5/2002, 3:30 pm 216.202.13.3 I just want to make sure that I am entering under the correct rand and pay grade. I have an A.A. degree and will be entering basic as an E-3 does anyone know if this is the correct rank to enter under? I am pretty sure it is but just want to double check. I have more than 60 units even if some of them don't transfer to a university. Thanks. Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 3:38 pm , in reply to "A.A. degree and what rank that gets" 65.161.170.44 As long as you have at least 60 credit hours from an accredited college you come in as a PFC. You need a four year degree to get your E-4. Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets Posted by Angela on 8/5/2002, 4:01 pm , in reply to "Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets" 216.202.13.3 Thanks, that's what I was thinking. Also my dad was saying and I think the recruiter said also that there is a good chance that by the time I finish AIT I will be promoted to E-4. What do you think the chances of that happening? Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets Posted by Mike C. on 8/5/2002, 4:42 pm , in reply to "Re: A.A. degree and what rank that gets" 65.161.170.13 I wouldn't count on being promoted to E-4 during AIT. There is a regulation that says a soldier can't be promoted to E-4 unless they have been awarded an MOS by finishing AIT. You could possibly be promoted the day you graduate, but don't expect it. A commander can promote a percentage of his AIT company, that doesn't mean he or she will. Just do your best and keep your fingers crossed. Either way, you will probably make SPC within the year you get to your duty station anyw

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