Okay I am enlisting in the ARMY (I took my ASVAB and went to MEPs already), I am just waiting on an eye exam to pick my MOS and sign my contract.\n\nI know everyone tells me how terrible boot camp is but what happens after my 9 weeks? I know I do 9 weeks in boot camp then I have graduation. Then I have AIT after graduation so do I leave the day after graduation for AIT or do I get to come home? I have heard conflicting answers about this so I appriciate any help!
213477
Usually after Basic Training, you will go directly to A.I.T. within a day or two. Depends on when the next A.I.T. class starts. If you graduate on a Friday, they may give you until Monday to report.
288783
going into boot camp, it'll be lower.  Coming out, quite a few more will be at those standards.  The DI's won't hound you for it, but it will seem like it.  You'll be given responsibility to help your fellow recruits that are struggling.  It'll seem like they are assigning impossible tasks in what little free time you have, but it's actually teaching to be a leader and how to help your fellow Marines.
94847
To join the military is a big adjustment period.  Let alone with a child already.  First you have to realize that there isn't one job in the Army where you can say 100% that you will not deploy.  Now deploying means anywhere from Kosovo to Iraq.  I have two children of my own.  I didn't have any when I joined.  Due to training, Temporary Duty in places where I'm not stationed, and Deployments I have missed both child births, both first steps, and both first words.  Is it hard?  Of course.  Is it worth it?  I believe it is.  Now also realize I'm an Active Duty soldier.  When I deploy it involves a lot of training before hand which means weeks away from home and long hours before I'm gone for a year.  For NG and Reservists deploying means "mobing" at an Army base for up to 6 months followed by a year long deployment.  As far as the push ups and the climbing goes. Ask your boyfriends father to teach you the correct push up form and start working on it before hand.  The minimum you have to reach by the end of training is 40 pushups, I believe, for the age group you're in.  Basic Training is hard but not impossible.  When things get hard just remember that you aren't the first female to go through it and you won't be the last.  I'm also an Army Brat.  My dad served two tours in Vietnam as well as Panama, Somalia, Bosnia, and the first gulf war.  I'm extremely proud of him and he helps me in my current carrier when I have leadership challenges.  Your boyfriends dad may or may not tell you what you want to hear.  He has a tough job though and I couldn't really blame him.  However my recruiter worked for my dad at one point so I got straight answers.  Ask him and when he tells you see how it makes you feel.  This is a decision you have to make for yourself.  You are responsible for raising your child and if this is the best way you can then go for it.  Is it better for a child to have a homeless family who's there all the time or a taken care of home who's parents are gone for periods at a time?  Granted that there are in betweens but I hope this kinda puts things in perspective.
131023
AF Basic is longer now than when I went through, but its still probably similar.\nThe best advice I can give you is keep your head down. The longer your TI doesn't know who you are the better. Help other people out, no one can get through basic by themselves. In the begining your TI will test everyone to see who can and can't handle stress, so the first time he gets in your face just stand at attention, strair strait forward. \n\nPS learn this: Sir, Trainee (last name) reports as ordered!\nThat's a reporting statement. If you get that down you'll save yourself a bunch of trouble.\n\nGood job on joining!
422620
I am an army wife of 6 years and have moved with my husband on 2 different AIT's.  Once to Okalahoma, he deployed twice and now he re-classed to MI and we are in Arizona.  ANY AIT that is over 6 months is considered a PCS move and you and your family will be allowed to move there.  The army will move your household belongings.  You can also qualify for on-post housing.  Now if any is available is another question.  We just left Georgia after spending alomst 5 years there.  Please E-mail me and I will send you all the info you need including phone numbers and help you step-bystep.  It is a very hard confusing process, since your hubby is new to, he will not know all the in's and out's.  Hope to talk to you soon.  Barbara
222158
Unfortunately nowadays...it is VERY difficult for them to let go. I got a General Discharge under Honorable conditions while being activated under the Army reserves. My best advice is to get out if you are not deployed. Fail PT tests or gain weight. If you are deployed it will be that much harder...It will take time, but if you don't mind it is possible. Seek for a medical discharge or you have to file a claim against their beleifs...something like you are against war and can not be in the Army beacuse of your religion. It will take time, but it will be worth it. GOOD LUCK!\n...FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO CLUE, IT IS NEVER TO LATE TO CHANGE YOUR MIND, AND SOMETIMES YOU ARE NOT TOLD THE TRUTH, NOT JUST ABOUT THE MONEY, BUT TIME TO GO TO SCHOOL, HELP WITH SCHOOL, AND THE ACTUAL JOB YOU WOULD BE DOING. I SIGNED UP TO BE AN ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST, AND I ENDED UP BEING DEPLOYED FOR POSTAL WORK IN SOME INFANTRY UNIT RIGHT IN THE HEART OF IRAQ. I HAD NO TIME FOR SCHOOL, WHEN I APPLIED FOR VA ASSISTANCE I WAS DENIED, AND MOST OF ALL WHEN I WAS SICK THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID 'WELL YOU LOOK PHYSICALLY OKAY, SO O WELL.' THEY FINALLY LET ME GO, WHEN I SHOWED THEM PROOF OF MY REGUALR DR. AND SAW THAT I WAS NOT OKAY!
601507
It's gonna be tough, but not overly so. Try not to sweat it too much. BCT for the combat jobs is a bit more intense. This is on account of the more intense 'working" environment. Fort Sill is on of the more "pleasant" posts for basic training. (that term being relative of course.)  You'll be hating life for the first week or so, this is what they call the "total control" phase of basic training. After that phase, it gets progressively more relaxed as the D.I.'s see that you're coming along satisfactorily.\n  P.S. You'll notice during B.R.M. (basic rifle marksmanship) that the drill sargeants are particluarly nice. Has somethng to do with the private having a loaded assault rifle I believe.
466719
I'm sorry, but he's not.  My hubby is on cycle break, thank goodness.  However, I'm checking on this for you as we speak and I'll do an edit when I have your answer.\n\nEDIT:  I'm so happy to help in any way that I can.  Military life comes full circle for many of us.  We were the "young'uns", now, we're the "old folks".  Never be afraid to ask questions.  Military life is a life like none other and we ALL need support.\n\nI really am glad you asked a question and specifically pointed me out.  However, my info is pretty limited as of right now.  Ft. Sill is closed due to our weather conditions.  Hubby won't be able to check much until he goes back in.  Anyways, this is what we have:  19 January should stand as graduation date.  That would be 9 weeks BCT and 2 weeks exodus.  We do fill up fast here and I'm glad you worked it all out ahead of time.  Hubby is going to try to check on exact dates of exodus.  Is your son coming home??  What a great present I'm sure that would be for you.  I'm glad his letters are upbeat.  That's a good sign.  Most of the Drill's here are cool.  We love all of them in our unit.  They really want these guys to succeed.  The phone number to the unit I think your son is in is (580) 442-1304.  I'm sure you already have his number, but this is what I deducted from the info you've given.  Your best bet is to call them....they do need to answer your questions.  I know they don't like to be bothered by family members, but you have a lagit question and they can answer it.  Since hubby is in a different unit, it's hard to get exact info other than knowing everything is on schedule for what's posted and that's the same he has.\n\nGood luck and I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.  If I do find anything else out, I'll be sure to post it on here.  Be sure to yell "HI" to me while you're in town!!  I can't even begin to tell you what an awesome experience graduation will be.  Enjoy!!\n\nEDIT2:  I wrote your e-mail addy down.  How did you find me??  I haven't answered any other questions of yours and you seem to know me so well.  Anyways, glad I can help and if I find anything else, you'll know about it.
387784
Yes they do, like everyone is saying, I just wanted to put my two cents in. I had exodus last year, but I was already done with basic and moved into my actual training. But the soldiers who came in afterwards, one unit did the normal leave, while another unite actually shortened their basic by two weeks to have them out and done by exodus. Bullcrap! I did 9 weeks!
363900
If you can go home for 6 months I highly recommend it .the army will move you from there ,but NOT TO THERE.Save all the money you can and keep any problems and distractions to a minimum,If you parents home is near a Fort you can and should get your ID cards ASAP and learn about army finance and ARMY COMUNITY SERVICE -they have wives and counsolers to advise and support you-you will both be fine - YOU BELONG TO THE ARMY FAMILY NOW!-lol
641080
Well first you go to Boot Camp (not basic training, big difference), then you go to MCT (Marine Combat Training) and then you go to A-school to learn about your job.  Finally you get stationed somewhere.  I don't know what you mean asking what do you do next.  You do your job and whatever else they tell you to do.
386216
Both previous posters are right, but there is a BIG depends. Here is the scoop - earlier this year, the Army (including all the reserves and guard) COMBINED the MOS of the field medics and hospital techs into one. So everyone holding the 68W MOS can now serve at a hospital, CASH (we don't have MASH's anymore), BN Aid station or with a line unit. Those fortunate few who have previous medical training, higher education or had the knowledge and forsight to inquire before enlisting - are sent to what is called the M6 school after AIT (I would be absolutely SHOCKED if any state national guard is willing to pay to send any of their soldiers to this school - very very very doubtful), which trains 68W over an extended period of time (nearly a year) in a hospital setting to become licensed practical nurses (LPN's). Those 68W's who don't have it guaranteed in their enlistment contracts....Ruck Up!!  You're heading out to the Aid Station or the unit. \n\nNow...with all that said...if he is going to be an eye doctor (an actual board certified optometrist)...why on earth enlist? Once he is certified, the Army/Guard will take him on a direct commission as a Captain and put him right to work in a hospital/clinic taking care of troops' eyes!!! If he enlists in the Guard as a medic he has an uphill battle to get his contract invalidated so that he can transfer and apply for a commission later. Not too mention he may end up being deployed which will delay his schooling while he does his time in the sandbox. Best bet here - tell him to get his schooling done and then take his Captains bars doing what he is trained to do. The enlisting thing in this particular case doesn't seem to fit.
439825
They pretty much work with you and what you want as much as they can.  However, you shouldn't need a "break" from BCT.  It's only 9 weeks and it's better to get it over with.  You'd be better off to try to work it so you can go to BCT, have Christmas at home and then start AIT.  Honestly, you don't want to be forced into taking Christmas exodus.  I don't know if it's changed, but exodus used to count toward your leave.  Kinda like mandatory leave.  If you take exodus that soon after joining, you'll be in the hole for leave days.  I know, because this happened to my hubby.  Then, when he came down on orders for Germany directly after AIT, we had no time together because he had no leave saved.  He went strait overseas and it took me 6 months to get there.  Just something for you to think about.  Ask the recruiter if exodus counts toward leave because if it does, you don't want to start in the hole.  \n\nAlso, in all honesty, you and your family need to learn to spend time apart.  Especially holidays.  I know you don't want to hear this and some will think I'm mean, but it's the Army life.  Our daughter is 9 and hubby has been home or able to help for 2 Halloweens.  He's been gone about half of her Christmas' and in our 18 years, I can't even tell you how many missed holidays or special days.  It takes a special and strong family to be a military family.  I hope you and yours are prepared for the lifestyle.  It's a hard life, but it's a good life.\n\nGood luck and thanks for your willingness to serve!!
331513
So you decided to become a sea going bell hop.....\n\nFirst off I want to say you might have made the best decision or the worst decision in your life. The military isn’t for everybody. First things first you got to get to MEPs once your there they will give a physical and ask you some questions. Once you get to boot camp you’re going to think this was a bad idea. Just remain calm and don’t panic and keep your mind on the task at hand boot is one of the most important events in your military life when you get into trouble where ever you are you will automatically go back to your most basic training. So pay attention! Secondly don’t get pissed off at your drill instructors they may seem to hate you but just remember they hate every one equally and they are just there to help you. First they will try and make themselves the enemy so that your unit will bond with each other, most people think they try to break you this is false. They try and make you hate them so much that you will wish they were dead. At this point you just need to obey and you need friends. If you alienate your self in boot camp you will only find your self alone. Alone you are vulnerable and you will not make it. Near the end of boot you’ll notice a change in your drill instructors they become like your family with a mother a father and a big brother try and figure out their roles to understand how they will react. \n\nAs for advice in dealing with your parents, this will be the hardest part you’ll need people back home that support you they need to have enough respect for you that you can make your own decisions as an adult. Yes Bush is an Idiot, but at the same time as a sailor, marine, soldier, or airman you can’t choose who and when you want to serve. That is something that some one out side of the military cant understands. Say for example that you joined up before the Iraq war or even before 9/11 you can’t say I am not going to war. You just have to make the best out of your situation you have to tell your self how can I make this better how can I improve this situation. One of the best qualities about Marines is their ability to improvise, when you are fighting a war that you don’t agree with just see what you can do to make it better, a lot of people do this every day most just feel that they are fighting for their buddies to keep them alive. Just remember that you can’t second guess you’re self that you have to do the job or you or a friend will not make it home. No pressure right? On top of that you may never see Iraq. The best advice I can give you in the field is if you’re in the infantry trust in your friends not your weapon remember it is made by the lowest bidder. \n\nAll in all joining the military is a unique experience one that will help you on your way to opening a business just look at the rise in companies after the second world war hence why they are called the “Greatest Generation.” We just have to have a positive out look on a very negative situation maybe just maybe our boys and girls coming home will be like that generation.
524868
Boot Camp is like a whole different world. \n\nThey break you down until you can't stand it any more, then build you up to be the proudest person in the world. \n\nIt's intense most of the time and pretty relaxed on Sundays. \n\nIt's the most grueling 3 months you'll ever have, but the most rewarding. \n\nIt'll make you cry in pain and cry again for joy upon finally earning the title of Marine.\n\nYou'll meet people there that you'll never forget, including some you'll wish you could. I still remember everyone's name in my platoon 8 years later.\n\nIt was the most difficult thing I've ever done, but looking back it wasn't that bad and I'd do it again. \n\nYou train, march, go to classes, and clean your weapon and squad bay all day. Later you learn the combat basics and shoot and go on long walks. \n\nEventually you graduate and you look back at the experience and thank your Drill Instructors for making you what you are today. At least I do and I did directly after we graduated; they seemed as proud as I was. It was so long ago but I remember every day like it was yesterday.\n\nEvery push-up. Every mile marched, hiked, ran, or any combination of the three. Every time I wished I were dead instead of being there. Every dreaded second I stood in the yellow footprints when I arrived. Every time I was screamed at for doing something stupid.  Every class about Marine Corps history, rifle maintenance, first aid, or everything we learned. But most of all, every ounce of sweat, blood, and tears I shed to be one of the World's Finest. And for that I am thankful.
604035
Those answers should have been answered for you while you were at MEPS.  It's USUALLY a one stop shop.  However, if you had mentioned that something was/may be wrong, or are pending a waiver, the turn around time is 2-3 weeks.\n\nCongratulations and good luck
199585
no, he's most likely a split op.  He goes to basic this summer and his AIT the summer after he graduates.  There's no way you could fit basic and AIT into one summer.  You cannot be deployed until you are MOS qualified, which means you have completed AIT.  So he won't be deployed while in high school.  He can go to basic, and other training, but he won't be send over seas