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reenlistment waiver...

Posted by 74Bravo on 8/17/2002, 6:55 pm

Does anyone know the amount of time it takes to get a reenlistment waiver completed? re code of 3 needs to be waived for reentry and I'm just wondering how long I should expect this to take, also will I be pleading my case in front of a review board? If so, what are the likely questions that will be asked?

Re: reenlistment waiver...

Posted by Mike C. on 8/19/2002, 2:00 pm , in reply to "reenlistment waiver..."

Enlistment waivers can sometimes take months. For something as serious as a RE-3 waiver, it can take quite a long time. Six to nine months is not uncommon. This type of waiver has to go up the chain all the way to HQUSAREC for the final ok. It can also be denied at any level up that chain. As far as a discharge upgrade board is concerned; are you going to appear before the board, or just have a records review? There is a good website that has a good deal of info on the board. It is www.arba.army.pentagon.mil You can't even apply for a RE-3 waiver until you have gone through your two year period. Good luck with it.

Re: reenlistment waiver...

Posted by 74Bravo on 8/19/2002, 3:42 pm , in reply to "Re: reenlistment waiver..."

Mike, et al, Thanks for the responses. I have already taken the first steps...I was a training discharge when I was 'young and dumb', and now 10 years later have done alot of growing up and maturing in all manners of life in general. I have decided to begin the process hoping to be serving my Country soon. I have a trip to MEPS this week and then the formal presentation of the paperwork begins to escalate the chain. Hopefully, I will be able to return soonest, however, I am not opposed to the extended wait in front of me...that will give me time to get into the greatest of shape, for myself, my family, and eventually my Country...being 29 and now able to max the PT standards for the 17-18yo range is a good start in my mind, hopefully Uncle Sam will see that I am indeed serious and informed and prepared to be _the_ soldier to look at in a serious light. Thanks again to those that applied, 74Bravo

Posted by mike on 8/18/2002, 12:22 am

Has anyone heard of a "quick ship" or a seasonal bonus? Are they one and the same? How do you qualify?

Re: quick ship bonus

Posted by Gun Bunny on 8/18/2002, 11:57 am , in reply to "quick ship bonus"

I know in the National Guard, they offer both, which are separate bonuses. The quick-ship bonus is for people who ship to basic within a short period after enlisting(don't know what the time frame is, ask a recruiter.) The seasonal bonus that the reserve components offer is known as the off-peak shipping bonus. This is offered to enlistees who ship during the winter months. In the reserves, everybody and their cousin wants to train in the summer, due to school, work, ect. Combined with the active enlistees, this tends to flood the training posts in the summer, and creates long "fill periods" in the winter, thus this bonus is offered in an attempt to even out seasonal trainee numbers.(about.com is usually abound with recruiters who know all about bonus specifics. I would check there for the exact detaials.

Re: quick ship bonus

Posted by Grant L on 8/19/2002, 12:56 am , in reply to "quick ship bonus"

I know when I signed my contract, I asked to leave as soon as possible, therefore I qualified for a $1000 quick-ship bonus because my job (13b)had priority training seats availible before Oct 1

Re: quick ship bonus

Posted by mike on 8/19/2002, 1:11 am , in reply to "Re: quick ship bonus"

Thanks! How long did you enlist for? How soon after MEPS did you ship? I think I should get both a quick-ship and an Airborne bonus, but the "career counselor" said there "wasn't one in the computer". I don't trust him; (he made a "mistake" and my contract said airborne unassigned instead of Ft. Bragg, which we had agreed upon. It's like it comes out of his pocket!!! I checked with one of the recruiters on GoArmy.com, who promised to get back to me. Since I enlisted for 4 years, the 2 bonuses could be $4-7K!!! (plus my enlistment & hi-grad bonus).

Posted by moss on 8/18/2002, 12:51 am

i took the asvab and physical in june/02 but didnt find enlist now im about ready to does anyone know if i would have to get a follow up for the physical or take it agian?

Posted by AG on 8/18/2002, 2:38 am , in reply to "meps agian"

Your physical is good for 2 years, you will however have to do what is called an "inspect" where they will check your hight weight and check your feet and hands. The doctor will also ask you if anything has happened to you since the last time you were at MEPS. I had to do this three times........it is a lot of waiting around, but a lot easier then the first time you go to MEPS. Hope this helps,

graduation after Basic

Posted by Morgan on 8/18/2002, 3:08 pm

Our friend is graduating soon from Basic and starts his MP AIT right away. Can we go the the graduation ceremony, or aren't we allowed until he finishes AIT?

Re: graduation after Basic

Posted by Lauren on 8/19/2002, 2:15 am , in reply to "graduation after Basic"

More than likely your friend is going through what is called OSUT training since most MP's train that way. OSUT is when your Basic and AIT are combined. You basically go straight through with no break in between. One day you're in Basic and the next day you're in AIT. If your friend is in OSUT training then no you can't attend graduation for Basic because it's just a "rights fo passage" ceremony. But you can attend graduation from AIT. Hope this helps.

Posted by chris on 8/19/2002, 3:58 pm

if you have heart mumurs can you still enlist??or if you have to take medication?

Posted by RT on 8/20/2002, 7:38 am , in reply to "medical"

If you have a chronic condition that requires medical supervision and medication, you will not be allowed to enlist. Sorry about that.

Posted by Mary on 8/20/2002, 11:57 am

Hi, I was wondering if you don't select a station of choice after AIT training, is there any way you can find out where you'll be stationed? My son didn't select a station of choice during MEPS, and he says he found a website that told him exactly where he'll be stationed after AIT. I am not so sure this is true. Anyone out there have any information on this?? Thanks.

Posted by Lauren on 8/20/2002, 10:56 pm , in reply to "(no subject)"

When I went through Basic the Drill Sergeants got a list towards the end of AIT of where everyone was to be stationed and it was posted for everyone to find out. They may do it differently where your son is but that's just how they did it when I went through.

Posted by Mike C. on 8/20/2002, 11:16 pm , in reply to "(no subject)"

Your son might be refering to the new "ASK" system on www.perscom.army.mil. This webpage not only allows a soldier to request an assignment to certain posts both in the US and overseas. It also tells you if you are on orders to a new assignment as well as where you will be going. These requests are just that, requests. Assignments are still at the needs of the Army. With "ASK", it allows assignment managers to see where people would like to be stationed. This allows them to at least try to match the soldier with an assignment he or she will be happy with. I hope this helped answer your question.

Posted by Heather on 8/21/2002, 4:35 pm

I heard that they require a polygraph for the top secret security clearance which I need for my MOS, 96B. Is this true? I didn't see it in the explanation of the top secret security clearance on about.com.Thanks for the info!!

Posted by Heather on 8/22/2002, 6:33 am , in reply to "Re: polygraph?"

Oh, no, no, no!! Your top-secret security clearance isn't even started until after you're done (or almost done) with basic. Apparantly, it costs them around $40,000 to do, so they want to make sure you're going to make it through before they start. I had the interview with the Sgt. at MEPS, too. I don't really know what that was for ... I guess just to make sure before you start that there is nothing SERIOUSLY wrong with you OH, and I leave on Jan. 8th ... long time!!!

Posted by Mike C. on 8/22/2002, 8:10 am , in reply to "polygraph?"

You do not always need a polygraph to obtain a TS clearance. You can bet however, that you will receive one periodically throughout your time in the Army depending on where you work and the kind of information you will have access to. One of the questions you will be asked is whether you lied in any way when you came into the military. A clearance can take months and months. Sometimes, it can take over a year. My friend is already on active duty and changed his MOS to 96B and it took a year for his clearance to come through just so he could start the school. You never know. It just depends on your family history, as well as your own history. Sometimes a person is given a polygraph if the interviewer feels that the person requesting the clearance is being deceptive during the initial interview or at anytime during the process. Good luck in your training. 96B sounds like a cool MOS. I was in college with a guy that went from working as counter-intel in the Army to doing it for the CIA. I thought he was full of it until he brought in a tracking device that was the size of a grain of rice and showed us how it was used. Cool stuff!

What happens if you don't pass the 1st APFT during BCT?

Posted by Randal C. Jarrell on 8/21/2002, 5:45 pm

I'm not talking about the initial test they give you in the reception battalion. I'm talking about the actual APFT's your DS's give. I know you need a 150 to graduate. Are you expected to pass with a 150 on your first try? What happens if you don't? Do most people pass it? I think I'll pass, on the first try, but I go to Benning in one month and I'm worried about what happens if I'm just not there yet. Thanks

Re: What happens if you don't pass the 1st APFT during BCT?

Posted by tiffany on 8/21/2002, 8:49 pm , in reply to "What happens if you don't pass the 1st APFT during BCT?"

you only HAVE to pass the last one

Re: Do you have to keep taking them once you pass?

Posted by RT on 8/22/2002, 7:59 am , in reply to "Do you have to keep taking them once you pass?"

Oh yes, you keep taking them regardless of what score you get. Even if you are a stud and get over 300, you are still expected to work hard and try to do better each time. Sometimes, if someone gets injured and cannot take the final PT test, we would be able to use an earlier one (if you passed) to qualify you to graduate basic. It's always the same test..so no such thing as best 2 out of 3..it's the final one that really counts.

Re: Do you have to keep taking them once you pass?

Posted by Lauren on 8/22/2002, 8:00 am , in reply to "Do you have to keep taking them once you pass?"

When you are in Basic you can fail a PT test. There are three tests in Basic but you don't have to score 150 on the first and secnd test. You will do PT everyday (except Sundays). This helps to build up your strength and endurance so that you can pass the final test. The standards on the first aren't as high as the second, and the standards on the second aren't as high as those on the third. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that you work your way up to meeting the standards on the last test. You will take all of the tests. If you fail one test you just move on to the next test and focus on the event that you failed. If you fail an event try to work on it in what little spare time you may have. Good luck!

Posted by Jeff on 8/21/2002, 8:16 pm

Ok i've been reading everywhere that at MEPS they check for hemmorrhoids. Is that grounds for dq? or is it just a routine part of the physical?

Posted by tim r on 8/21/2002, 10:17 pm , in reply to "MEPS DQ? "

possibly, see this link look at section 2-3 abdominal organs and gastrointestinal tract

Link: http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf

Posted by Art on 8/22/2002, 12:30 am

What kind of weapons are soldiers taught to use besides the M-161A rifle and hand grenades?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/22/2002, 7:54 am , in reply to "weapons"

For the most part, these are all you will learn. Depending on your MOS, you might also receive a block of instruction on use of the M-203 Grenade launcher, AT-4 anti-armor weapon, M-249 SAW, and even the .50 Cal machine gun. Again, this depends on the MOS you have chosen.

Posted by RT on 8/22/2002, 8:04 am , in reply to "Re: weapons"

You should also get instruction on the Claymore mine.

Posted by leon on 8/22/2002, 10:05 am , in reply to "weapons"

What about the M-9? Will we get to shoot that at BCT?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/22/2002, 1:03 pm , in reply to "M-9"

I'm not sure if they allow trainees to use the M-9 unless they are in 19K or 95B training. In 11B training we did not use it. I never used one until I was on active duty and was actually assigned one as my duty weapon.

Posted by Cendy on 8/22/2002, 10:21 pm

Now you can find my boyfriend's, Marck, diary in two different sites. Either at Free Open Diary or at Geocities. Hope everyone enjoys reading his entries. ~Cendy~

Why the long wait for basic?

Posted by RAM on 8/23/2002, 1:18 am

I did the meps thing monday, and the ARNG liason told me the soonest I could ship to basic was November 17, 2003! One guy who physicaled with me was told he couldn't ship until February, 2004! Almost half of my enlistment term will be up before I will even be qualified to do my job. I can still drill, but I won't be able to participate in AT or IWQ, which constitutes over half of the annual schedule. Has any one had a similar experience, and does any one know if there is anything I can do to secure a sooner ship date? ( The liason was evasive about the subject, saying it was because we were in OSUT programs, and that NG folks were always "back seated" to the regular army when it came to training slots, but it seems rediculous to pay us to do something, and wait until we can draw retirement to train us to do it.) Any info would be much appreciated

Re: Why the long wait for basic?

Posted by Mike C. on 8/23/2002, 8:01 am , in reply to "Why the long wait for basic?"

The reason for some delays compared to others is usually due to the MOS you choose as opposed to the number of openings in that MOS's training school. They might simply be filled up on slots until November for your MOS. You might try going to www.atrrs.army.mil and where it says search the course catalog, click on it and select year 2003(NOV is fiscal year 2003) and then go down the left side until you see "enlisted MOS" click on the drop box and find your MOS. Highlight it and click the search catalog button. When that comes up you will see all kinds of schools teaching your MOS. Look down the list until you see an OSUT class for your particular MOS. Click on that and it will show all the classes for OSUT training for your MOS for the next year. If you see a class that is not filled up before November, print the page and take it with you to your recruiter. You'll have ammo that shows that there are earlier openings for your MOS. If you have any trouble finding the info from my bad directions, let me know. I'll look it up for you myself. Good luck.

Mike C., you are the man!

Posted by RAM on 8/24/2002, 1:56 am , in reply to "Re: Why the long wait for basic?"

I went to the sight you directed me to, and wouldn't you know it? There happened to be a 19D OSUT class coming in February that was only half full! I printed that puppy up, drove down to the NG strength maintenence office, slapped it on the recruiter's desk, got the NG liason on the horn, and straightened this debauckle out. Thanks a bunch!

Posted by JPMG on 8/23/2002, 5:43 pm

Do you know the maximum age for a WO? I checked with usmilitary.about.com and it gave me the criteria, but no age limit. My field (92R) leads right into a load master warrant, but I'm already 34

Posted by Nicole on 8/23/2002, 7:41 pm , in reply to "warrant officer"

According to the following website, http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/index.htm, an individual applying to be a warrant officer must be under the age of 46 for all jobs except for an aviator. You should be fine. Good luck!

Just got home from MEPS.. HELP plz!!!

Posted by Dean on 8/23/2002, 8:46 pm

I was at MEPS today and got jacked bad. I asked for abn. inf. stationed overseas.. counsleor said NO!! I then asked for 13F.. again NO!!.. I basically said FU and got up to leave when I was ambushed by about 5 cruiters and was talked into 13B (cannon crew)no overseas, no loan deferment options, no base options, or I can enlist as a cook.. apparently my college credits are not enuff to bump me from a GED enlisty to a high school grad enlisty. So I have no options no benefits, no bonus', nothing!!! well I said FINE (FU) and signed it. I went to swear in and the main cheif there came and got me and said " your recruiter forgot to list an MIP u got along time ago in your packet".. "come back monday.." so he ripped up my contract and sent me home.My recruiter was telling me he signed a GED guy up last week for 19D (cav. scout.) sounds kinda cool. I have tried to read about it so far tonite so that maybe I can ask for that monday when I go thru it all again at MEPS but I still dont quite understand wut it is exactly (19D). I wanted something more along the lines of infantry.. upclose, frontline.. etc.. Cav. seems like kinda Stealth recon.. that true?? wut is it?? and how the hell do I get something that I'm atleast happy with at MEPS monday when I have 5 6ft. SGT.'s breathing down my neck making me sign something so they can go home.. any help would be great.. I am so stressed out and disappionted now.. I almost dont even want to join anymore.

Re: Just got home from MEPS.. HELP plz!!!

Posted by sarge on 8/24/2002, 12:05 am , in reply to "Just got home from MEPS.. HELP plz!!!"

from a purely legal standpoint....DON'T SIGN ANYTHING! The army cannot force you to sign any documents. No matter how intimidating the recruiters might seem, they cannot touch you or put your name on anything. In the meantime, you'll want to talk to your recruiter about other possible MOS's. Do not sign up for just anything, make sure its something you will be happy with because it is damn near impossible to get your MOS changed after you sign up

NG enlistees get bonuses, high school grad or not!

Posted by RAM on 8/24/2002, 1:38 am , in reply to "Re: Just got home from MEPS.. HELP plz!!!"

Depending on how set you are on going active duty initially, this info might help. The ARNG offers bonuses to all recruits who posess GED's, reguardless of your college credits! (provided your mos meets the bonus criteria). I signed a 19D contract and received 9,000 dollars in bonuses. My contract is an eight year commitment, but I plan to get a release and go active duty after a couple of years. If the active duty recruiters try to give you a raw deal, tell 'em you'll shop around. Remember, you don't owe them jack! I have been a life insurance salesman long enough to know how to close a deal and get what I want out of it. You may have to compromise here and there, but that's business. Think of those guys as used car salesmen in uniforms insead of leisure suits: stick to your guns, haggle, wear 'em down and then go for the kill. THEY are the ones with a quota to meet, and the deck is in your hands. DO NOT SIGN UNTIL YOU ARE HAPPY! Best of luck.



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reenlistment waiver... Posted by 74Bravo on 8/17/2002, 6:55 pm 24.154.94.9 Does anyone know the amount of time it takes to get a reenlistment waiver completed? re code of 3 needs to be waived for reentry and I'm just wondering how long I should expect this to take, also will I be pleading my case in front of a review board? If so, what are the likely questions that will be asked? Re: reenlistment waiver... Posted by Mike C. on 8/19/2002, 2:00 pm , in reply to "reenlistment waiver..." 32.100.98.43 Enlistment waivers can sometimes take months. For something as serious as a RE-3 waiver, it can take quite a long time. Six to nine months is not uncommon. This type of waiver has to go up the chain all the way to HQUSAREC for the final ok. It can also be denied at any level up that chain. As far as a discharge upgrade board is concerned; are you going to appear before the board, or just have a records review? There is a good website that has a good deal of info on the board. It is www.arba.army.pentagon.mil You can't even apply for a RE-3 waiver until you have gone through your two year period. Good luck with it. Re: reenlistment waiver... Posted by 74Bravo on 8/19/2002, 3:42 pm , in reply to "Re: reenlistment waiver..." 24.154.94.9 Mike, et al, Thanks for the responses. I have already taken the first steps...I was a training discharge when I was 'young and dumb', and now 10 years later have done alot of growing up and maturing in all manners of life in general. I have decided to begin the process hoping to be serving my Country soon. I have a trip to MEPS this week and then the formal presentation of the paperwork begins to escalate the chain. Hopefully, I will be able to return soonest, however, I am not opposed to the extended wait in front of me...that will give me time to get into the greatest of shape, for myself, my family, and eventually my Country...being 29 and now able to max the PT standards for the 17-18yo range is a good start in my mind, hopefully Uncle Sam will see that I am indeed serious and informed and prepared to be _the_ soldier to look at in a serious light. Thanks again to those that applied, 74Bravo quick ship bonus Posted by mike on 8/18/2002, 12:22 am 198.81.17.26 Has anyone heard of a "quick ship" or a seasonal bonus? Are they one and the same? How do you qualify? Re: quick ship bonus Posted by Gun Bunny on 8/18/2002, 11:57 am , in reply to "quick ship bonus" 216.78.30.125 I know in the National Guard, they offer both, which are separate bonuses. The quick-ship bonus is for people who ship to basic within a short period after enlisting(don't know what the time frame is, ask a recruiter.) The seasonal bonus that the reserve components offer is known as the off-peak shipping bonus. This is offered to enlistees who ship during the winter months. In the reserves, everybody and their cousin wants to train in the summer, due to school, work, ect. Combined with the active enlistees, this tends to flood the training posts in the summer, and creates long "fill periods" in the winter, thus this bonus is offered in an attempt to even out seasonal trainee numbers.(about.com is usually abound with recruiters who know all about bonus specifics. I would check there for the exact detaials. Re: quick ship bonus Posted by Grant L on 8/19/2002, 12:56 am , in reply to "quick ship bonus" 216.106.76.33 I know when I signed my contract, I asked to leave as soon as possible, therefore I qualified for a $1000 quick-ship bonus because my job (13b)had priority training seats availible before Oct 1 Re: quick ship bonus Posted by mike on 8/19/2002, 1:11 am , in reply to "Re: quick ship bonus" 152.163.197.202 Thanks! How long did you enlist for? How soon after MEPS did you ship? I think I should get both a quick-ship and an Airborne bonus, but the "career counselor" said there "wasn't one in the computer". I don't trust him; (he made a "mistake" and my contract said airborne unassigned instead of Ft. Bragg, which we had agreed upon. It's like it comes out of his pocket!!! I checked with one of the recruiters on GoArmy.com, who promised to get back to me. Since I enlisted for 4 years, the 2 bonuses could be $4-7K!!! (plus my enlistment & hi-grad bonus). meps agian Posted by moss on 8/18/2002, 12:51 am 65.26.22.81 i took the asvab and physical in june/02 but didnt find enlist now im about ready to does anyone know if i would have to get a follow up for the physical or take it agian? Re: meps agian Posted by AG on 8/18/2002, 2:38 am , in reply to "meps agian" 67.251.156.135 Your physical is good for 2 years, you will however have to do what is called an "inspect" where they will check your hight weight and check your feet and hands. The doctor will also ask you if anything has happened to you since the last time you were at MEPS. I had to do this three times........it is a lot of waiting around, but a lot easier then the first time you go to MEPS. Hope this helps, graduation after Basic Posted by Morgan on 8/18/2002, 3:08 pm 12.76.102.78 Our friend is graduating soon from Basic and starts his MP AIT right away. Can we go the the graduation ceremony, or aren't we allowed until he finishes AIT? Re: graduation after Basic Posted by Lauren on 8/19/2002, 2:15 am , in reply to "graduation after Basic" 205.188.196.31 More than likely your friend is going through what is called OSUT training since most MP's train that way. OSUT is when your Basic and AIT are combined. You basically go straight through with no break in between. One day you're in Basic and the next day you're in AIT. If your friend is in OSUT training then no you can't attend graduation for Basic because it's just a "rights fo passage" ceremony. But you can attend graduation from AIT. Hope this helps. medical Posted by chris on 8/19/2002, 3:58 pm 65.28.242.29 if you have heart mumurs can you still enlist??or if you have to take medication? Re: medical Posted by RT on 8/20/2002, 7:38 am , in reply to "medical" 68.64.26.254 If you have a chronic condition that requires medical supervision and medication, you will not be allowed to enlist. Sorry about that. (no subject) Posted by Mary on 8/20/2002, 11:57 am 65.129.89.134 Hi, I was wondering if you don't select a station of choice after AIT training, is there any way you can find out where you'll be stationed? My son didn't select a station of choice during MEPS, and he says he found a website that told him exactly where he'll be stationed after AIT. I am not so sure this is true. Anyone out there have any information on this?? Thanks. Re: (no subject) Posted by Lauren on 8/20/2002, 10:56 pm , in reply to "(no subject)" 152.163.207.78 When I went through Basic the Drill Sergeants got a list towards the end of AIT of where everyone was to be stationed and it was posted for everyone to find out. They may do it differently where your son is but that's just how they did it when I went through. Re: (no subject) Posted by Mike C. on 8/20/2002, 11:16 pm , in reply to "(no subject)" 32.100.98.69 Your son might be refering to the new "ASK" system on www.perscom.army.mil. This webpage not only allows a soldier to request an assignment to certain posts both in the US and overseas. It also tells you if you are on orders to a new assignment as well as where you will be going. These requests are just that, requests. Assignments are still at the needs of the Army. With "ASK", it allows assignment managers to see where people would like to be stationed. This allows them to at least try to match the soldier with an assignment he or she will be happy with. I hope this helped answer your question. polygraph? Posted by Heather on 8/21/2002, 4:35 pm 152.163.207.49 I heard that they require a polygraph for the top secret security clearance which I need for my MOS, 96B. Is this true? I didn't see it in the explanation of the top secret security clearance on about.com.Thanks for the info!! Re: polygraph? Posted by Heather on 8/22/2002, 6:33 am , in reply to "Re: polygraph?" 205.188.199.157 Oh, no, no, no!! Your top-secret security clearance isn't even started until after you're done (or almost done) with basic. Apparantly, it costs them around $40,000 to do, so they want to make sure you're going to make it through before they start. I had the interview with the Sgt. at MEPS, too. I don't really know what that was for ... I guess just to make sure before you start that there is nothing SERIOUSLY wrong with you OH, and I leave on Jan. 8th ... long time!!! Re: polygraph? Posted by Mike C. on 8/22/2002, 8:10 am , in reply to "polygraph?" 32.100.98.165 You do not always need a polygraph to obtain a TS clearance. You can bet however, that you will receive one periodically throughout your time in the Army depending on where you work and the kind of information you will have access to. One of the questions you will be asked is whether you lied in any way when you came into the military. A clearance can take months and months. Sometimes, it can take over a year. My friend is already on active duty and changed his MOS to 96B and it took a year for his clearance to come through just so he could start the school. You never know. It just depends on your family history, as well as your own history. Sometimes a person is given a polygraph if the interviewer feels that the person requesting the clearance is being deceptive during the initial interview or at anytime during the process. Good luck in your training. 96B sounds like a cool MOS. I was in college with a guy that went from working as counter-intel in the Army to doing it for the CIA. I thought he was full of it until he brought in a tracking device that was the size of a grain of rice and showed us how it was used. Cool stuff! What happens if you don't pass the 1st APFT during BCT? Posted by Randal C. Jarrell on 8/21/2002, 5:45 pm 66.69.200.113 I'm not talking about the initial test they give you in the reception battalion. I'm talking about the actual APFT's your DS's give. I know you need a 150 to graduate. Are you expected to pass with a 150 on your first try? What happens if you don't? Do most people pass it? I think I'll pass, on the first try, but I go to Benning in one month and I'm worried about what happens if I'm just not there yet. Thanks Re: What happens if you don't pass the 1st APFT during BCT? Posted by tiffany on 8/21/2002, 8:49 pm , in reply to "What happens if you don't pass the 1st APFT during BCT?" 205.188.197.58 you only HAVE to pass the last one Re: Do you have to keep taking them once you pass? Posted by RT on 8/22/2002, 7:59 am , in reply to "Do you have to keep taking them once you pass?" 68.64.26.65 Oh yes, you keep taking them regardless of what score you get. Even if you are a stud and get over 300, you are still expected to work hard and try to do better each time. Sometimes, if someone gets injured and cannot take the final PT test, we would be able to use an earlier one (if you passed) to qualify you to graduate basic. It's always the same test..so no such thing as best 2 out of 3..it's the final one that really counts. Re: Do you have to keep taking them once you pass? Posted by Lauren on 8/22/2002, 8:00 am , in reply to "Do you have to keep taking them once you pass?" 205.188.200.39 When you are in Basic you can fail a PT test. There are three tests in Basic but you don't have to score 150 on the first and secnd test. You will do PT everyday (except Sundays). This helps to build up your strength and endurance so that you can pass the final test. The standards on the first aren't as high as the second, and the standards on the second aren't as high as those on the third. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that you work your way up to meeting the standards on the last test. You will take all of the tests. If you fail one test you just move on to the next test and focus on the event that you failed. If you fail an event try to work on it in what little spare time you may have. Good luck! MEPS DQ? Posted by Jeff on 8/21/2002, 8:16 pm 65.31.4.49 Ok i've been reading everywhere that at MEPS they check for hemmorrhoids. Is that grounds for dq? or is it just a routine part of the physical? Re: MEPS DQ? Posted by tim r on 8/21/2002, 10:17 pm , in reply to "MEPS DQ? " 205.188.197.33 possibly, see this link look at section 2-3 abdominal organs and gastrointestinal tract Link: http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf weapons Posted by Art on 8/22/2002, 12:30 am 12.91.170.55 What kind of weapons are soldiers taught to use besides the M-161A rifle and hand grenades? Re: weapons Posted by Mike C. on 8/22/2002, 7:54 am , in reply to "weapons" 32.100.98.165 For the most part, these are all you will learn. Depending on your MOS, you might also receive a block of instruction on use of the M-203 Grenade launcher, AT-4 anti-armor weapon, M-249 SAW, and even the .50 Cal machine gun. Again, this depends on the MOS you have chosen. Re: weapons Posted by RT on 8/22/2002, 8:04 am , in reply to "Re: weapons" 68.64.26.65 You should also get instruction on the Claymore mine. M-9 Posted by leon on 8/22/2002, 10:05 am , in reply to "weapons" 209.42.178.28 What about the M-9? Will we get to shoot that at BCT? Re: M-9 Posted by Mike C. on 8/22/2002, 1:03 pm , in reply to "M-9" 65.161.170.104 I'm not sure if they allow trainees to use the M-9 unless they are in 19K or 95B training. In 11B training we did not use it. I never used one until I was on active duty and was actually assigned one as my duty weapon. BCT Diary Posted by Cendy on 8/22/2002, 10:21 pm 209.244.86.54 Now you can find my boyfriend's, Marck, diary in two different sites. Either at Free Open Diary or at Geocities. Hope everyone enjoys reading his entries. ~Cendy~ Why the long wait for basic? Posted by RAM on 8/23/2002, 1:18 am 216.78.29.17 I did the meps thing monday, and the ARNG liason told me the soonest I could ship to basic was November 17, 2003! One guy who physicaled with me was told he couldn't ship until February, 2004! Almost half of my enlistment term will be up before I will even be qualified to do my job. I can still drill, but I won't be able to participate in AT or IWQ, which constitutes over half of the annual schedule. Has any one had a similar experience, and does any one know if there is anything I can do to secure a sooner ship date? ( The liason was evasive about the subject, saying it was because we were in OSUT programs, and that NG folks were always "back seated" to the regular army when it came to training slots, but it seems rediculous to pay us to do something, and wait until we can draw retirement to train us to do it.) Any info would be much appreciated Re: Why the long wait for basic? Posted by Mike C. on 8/23/2002, 8:01 am , in reply to "Why the long wait for basic?" 32.100.98.218 The reason for some delays compared to others is usually due to the MOS you choose as opposed to the number of openings in that MOS's training school. They might simply be filled up on slots until November for your MOS. You might try going to www.atrrs.army.mil and where it says search the course catalog, click on it and select year 2003(NOV is fiscal year 2003) and then go down the left side until you see "enlisted MOS" click on the drop box and find your MOS. Highlight it and click the search catalog button. When that comes up you will see all kinds of schools teaching your MOS. Look down the list until you see an OSUT class for your particular MOS. Click on that and it will show all the classes for OSUT training for your MOS for the next year. If you see a class that is not filled up before November, print the page and take it with you to your recruiter. You'll have ammo that shows that there are earlier openings for your MOS. If you have any trouble finding the info from my bad directions, let me know. I'll look it up for you myself. Good luck. Mike C., you are the man! Posted by RAM on 8/24/2002, 1:56 am , in reply to "Re: Why the long wait for basic?" 216.78.28.4 I went to the sight you directed me to, and wouldn't you know it? There happened to be a 19D OSUT class coming in February that was only half full! I printed that puppy up, drove down to the NG strength maintenence office, slapped it on the recruiter's desk, got the NG liason on the horn, and straightened this debauckle out. Thanks a bunch! warrant officer Posted by JPMG on 8/23/2002, 5:43 pm 198.81.17.36 Do you know the maximum age for a WO? I checked with usmilitary.about.com and it gave me the criteria, but no age limit. My field (92R) leads right into a load master warrant, but I'm already 34 Re: warrant officer Posted by Nicole on 8/23/2002, 7:41 pm , in reply to "warrant officer" 24.153.96.191 According to the following website, http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/index.htm, an individual applying to be a warrant officer must be under the age of 46 for all jobs except for an aviator. You should be fine. Good luck! Just got home from MEPS.. HELP plz!!! Posted by Dean on 8/23/2002, 8:46 pm 66.42.37.15 I was at MEPS today and got jacked bad. I asked for abn. inf. stationed overseas.. counsleor said NO!! I then asked for 13F.. again NO!!.. I basically said FU and got up to leave when I was ambushed by about 5 cruiters and was talked into 13B (cannon crew)no overseas, no loan deferment options, no base options, or I can enlist as a cook.. apparently my college credits are not enuff to bump me from a GED enlisty to a high school grad enlisty. So I have no options no benefits, no bonus', nothing!!! well I said FINE (FU) and signed it. I went to swear in and the main cheif there came and got me and said " your recruiter forgot to list an MIP u got along time ago in your packet".. "come back monday.." so he ripped up my contract and sent me home.My recruiter was telling me he signed a GED guy up last week for 19D (cav. scout.) sounds kinda cool. I have tried to read about it so far tonite so that maybe I can ask for that monday when I go thru it all again at MEPS but I still dont quite understand wut it is exactly (19D). I wanted something more along the lines of infantry.. upclose, frontline.. etc.. Cav. seems like kinda Stealth recon.. that true?? wut is it?? and how the hell do I get something that I'm atleast happy with at MEPS monday when I have 5 6ft. SGT.'s breathing down my neck making me sign something so they can go home.. any help would be great.. I am so stressed out and disappionted now.. I almost dont even want to join anymore. Re: Just got home from MEPS.. HELP plz!!! Posted by sarge on 8/24/2002, 12:05 am , in reply to "Just got home from MEPS.. HELP plz!!!" 12.91.170.181 from a purely legal standpoint....DON'T SIGN ANYTHING! The army cannot force you to sign any documents. No matter how intimidating the recruiters might seem, they cannot touch you or put your name on anything. In the meantime, you'll want to talk to your recruiter about other possible MOS's. Do not sign up for just anything, make sure its something you will be happy with because it is damn near impossible to get your MOS changed after you sign up NG enlistees get bonuses, high school grad or not! Posted by RAM on 8/24/2002, 1:38 am , in reply to "Re: Just got home from MEPS.. HELP plz!!!" 216.78.28.4 Depending on how set you are on going active duty initially, this info might help. The ARNG offers bonuses to all recruits who posess GED's, reguardless of your college credits! (provided your mos meets the bonus criteria). I signed a 19D contract and received 9,000 dollars in bonuses. My contract is an eight year commitment, but I plan to get a release and go active duty after a couple of years. If the active duty recruiters try to give you a raw deal, tell 'em you'll shop around. Remember, you don't owe them jack! I have been a life insurance salesman long enough to know how to close a deal and get what I want out of it. You may have to compromise here and there, but that's business. Think of those guys as used car salesmen in uniforms insead of leisure suits: stick to your guns, haggle, wear 'em down and then go for the kill. THEY are the ones with a quota to meet, and the deck is in your hands. DO NOT SIGN UNTIL YOU ARE HAPPY! Best of luck.

			This page was last updated on: August 29, 2002