Would I have to redo my basic training?
338851
I really like your attitude.  First of all, you are going to start with a recruiter, re-apply, see a civilian Orthopedic Surgeon, get X-Rays and a letter stating the degree of scoliosis.  This along with the BU MED Standard (get copy from recruiter) attach both \n, along with a request for waver.  Most likely you will be required to re-start boot camp but perhaps they will give you credit for what you have gone thru , but most likely not.  Team building is one of the objectives of boot camp, and you are not a member of that team.  Call the recruiter, get the ball rolling.  Good Luck.
271329
There is no "set" number of pushups that you do in Basic.  The Drill Sergeants will make you do pushups for any minor reason, but they are doing it to help you build up your muscles, learn discipline and to respond without thinking or asking, all very important factors in a combat situation.  Same reason they make you run everywhere.  Everything in basic is to build your character, your trust in your fellow soldiers, your physical and mental stamina.  Basic Training is a sort of "weeding out" process to find out who "has it" and who "doesn't" and those willing to work at it.
559802
Hi Funny,\n\nIf you check out my profile you'll see that your getting honest answers.  After Lackland he will go to Tech School and not AIT (Advance Individual Training=ARMY).  His tech school will be easier than basic training.  Yes the AF basic training is somewhat easy, but they are making it tougher and longer for the new generation of airman.  Basic is all about discipline and mental strength.  No branch of service wants their members breaking under pressure.  Gotta separate the adults from the children ya know.  As you were told by previous respondants, he may come back tougher, but I guarantee that he will come back different, wiser, and more mature.  More man like and less of a boy. \n\nHis tech school will be easier than basic, but not quite like the normal AF routine.  He's there to learn and they are gonna throw a lot at him to absorb, or they will wash him out.  Don't get upset because you don't hear from him very often.  He'll be maxed out at basic the entire time he's there except for the last two days.  Tech school is spent studying.  He will have some weekends off, so hopefully he will email and call you every so often!  Email is a great thing isn't it!  Most of us didn't have the luxury of instant communication when we went through this.  Had to use snail mail!\n\nAfter tech school he may go TDY (temporary duty) for (I forget what it's called now)?  From there he will be sent to his first duty location.  He will fill out a form (the Dreamsheet), in Basic with his choices of CONUS (Continental United States) duty locations as well as overseas duty locations.  AF members at Randolph AFB in Texas will make the final determination where he goes from there.  Air Force Needs always come first Funny!  I wanted Nebraska for my first duty location, I ended up in Germany!  At least it snowed in Germany.  After Germany I wanted Florida or Nebraska, they sent me to Texas.  And so it goes, but I never had a bad assignment during my entire career.\n\nMy nephew is in the Air Guard.  He went in at 18 years of age.  He made it, but it wasn't easy for him because he had a girlfriend.  You folks are young, and things happen in life.  People change and mature with age, well for most of us that is.  Funny, support him!  Write him everyday, even if it is just a little letter.  He needs to know that you care about him.  Those perfumed letters get us through the tough times because it tells us that we are doing this not just for ourselves but for you as well.  Even if you have doubts about the relationship after he leaves, support him just to help him get through it all. He deserves this!\n\nThe first 3 years will go by fast.  The fourth year will be tough because he'll have to decide to stay or get out.  For some it will be an easy decision, for others a tough choice.  I wish the two of you the best of luck, and welcome you to the family!\n\nOne more thing, don't listen to anyone that says he's going to Iraq!  He will be non-deployable for at least 18 months and probably longer depending on what AFSC he has selected?  You usually need to have your 5 skill level before the unit will deploy you.  Security Forces have some different policies on that as well as Transportation.  But for the general AF population, he ain't going nowhere near boom-boom land anytime soon.
764669
There's pretty much nothing he will be allowed to take back to basic. Get him something he can enjoy while he is home, and then leave with you and have again when he gets out of training. A lot of people said baked goods, but those WILL be confiscated if he taks them back with him. A pair of running shoes would probably work, but he should already have some since he's been gone for a while. \n\nAlso, one person said they were going to get body armor for a soldier. He will be issued body armor when he gets to his first duty station. EVERY soldier receives it now, there is no reason to spend the money on it. Some units will not allow the soldiers to wear body armor that they were not issued. If that is something that he would like/need, I would definitely wait until he gets to his unit and I'd probably even wait until he is deployed, so that he can try out what he was issued before he decides he wants something else. That's a lot of money to spend on something he will probably never use.\n\nGood luck and enjoy your time with your soldier!
698428
I'd say that there is only one thing that always should be thought of when going thru Basic Training that is the worst.  Your going to get home sick. Once you lick that it's a breeze getting through your training. There will be things you do that you'll wonder if it is worth doing but if you maintain a possitive attitude and realize that everything you do is a necessary part of your training you shouldn't have any problems. Some are going to tell you their personal feelings of what they don't like while others are going to tell you things they themselves really don't like that more then likely they never did in the first place. There's no walk through for Basic Training, you just do it and there's a rainbow on the other side once it's completed. My best wishes and "Good Luck" to you.
113550
Chris,\n\nThis is actually a very good question, and I'm glad you had the wherewithal to post it.  The only problem is that you're going to get a LOT (seems to me you already have) of answers from folks who have absolutely NO IDEA what military training, or life in uniform is about.  My opinion is that if you haven't been through it yourself, your answer is formed without basis, and is basically without any merit whatsoever...you people reading this that posted above...you know who I'm speaking to.\n\nAnyhow, good question, Chris!  There are a lot of advantages to military service, but it is not for everyone.  I enjoyed every second of my active service, even basic training...I thought it was FUN.  My experiences were positive, but I noted some things.  These are:\n\n1.  Basic training AKA "boot camp" - I had fun there...it's a mind game more than anything else.  So far as the physical part, that's easier to negotiate.  I saw a bunch of people break down however...but understand that this is what "they" want to happen.  If the lifestyle, mind-set, discipline and taking orders is not for you, you will find that out quickly...the military does not want folks that are not cut out for the life any more than those folks want to stay.\n\n2.  The enlistment period - this isn't as bad as it could be.  One can opt to sign up for two years at a time now instead of four...two years ain't so bad, but it could be if you're miserable.  Four years, if you're not having a good time, must be like purgatory.  Once you sign the contract, it is binding...so, if basic training doesn't weed you out, it could be a loooonng wait.\n\n3.  War - let's face it...that's what you're there for.  You could minimize your risk by picking a specialty that doesn't involve actual combat...nothing wrong with that, everyone has a job to do.  Combat situations are stressful in of itself though...\n\nThat's all I can think of right now.  I'm sure I'm missing something, and I'll update the answer if I think of any more.  Like I said before, it's not for everyone, but heck, either is say, being a CPA.  The only way you're going to know for sure is to try it...you never know, you might be the 1% of the U.S. population that could not think of doing anything else.\n\nADDED 2/25/06 1531 EST:\n\nmedolfan,\n\nPlease read my post, sir...did I single YOU out?  I opined, like you, that SOME folks are offering opinions without basis in fact...since you answered, Chief, are you feeling guilty about something?\n\nIf the statement doesn't apply to YOU, then it should be ignored.  Live and let live, guy.\n\nADDED 3/1/06 @1317 EST:\n\nmedolfan,\n\nYou did imply that you did retire, did you not?  If you cannot accept being called "sir" now that you are in the civilian sector, you're in a world of hurt.  To tell anyone unsuspecting that you "work for a living" when anyone dared show you a bit of respect would mark you as one who can't let go of being out of uniform...your loss, sir.\n\nIF what I wrote was truly meritless, then why post a reply?  Live and let live, guy...your FIRST lesson on being out in the civilian workforce.  I hope you learn it well Chief.
1137929
It's gonna be tough no matter where you do basic. I did my basic and advanced training at Ft. Wood. The summers are hot n muggy, and the winters are COLD. Other than that, it's six of one, half a dozen of the other. The major factor on how intense your basic training will be is your M.O.S.There'll usually be companies full of engineers, infantry, etc. These bieng ombat related are going to be made tougher by the drill sargeants (usually also of the same specialty of their inductees). The more relaxed occupations, like supply, admin, etc don't require as tough a conditioning. There being no point to making their lives miserable, Basic companies of these students are going to be alot more relaxed.
315637
If you genuinely can't hack the AIT for the MOS you've selected, I believe you get to reclass for something that may be more your speed.  Otherwise, you get recycled to the next Co. coming through.  At least that's what happened in my unit.  I've actually never heard of anyone getting put out of the Army altogether.
642009
Thanks for anwsering my question now I will anwser yours.\nI have been in the Army for 6 years now. What is your MOS? (job title) Im a 11B Infantryman. \n\nWhat to bring. Well when I went I was told to bring all kinds of crap and ended up not needing it. \n\nGet a nice new pair of running shoes try and brake them in before you go.\n1-2 towels/washcloths. Basic Hygene kit, razors, 1 can shaving cream, tooth brush/paste, None brakable mirror, fingernail clippers WITH NO FILE, and q-tips. \n\nDO NOT BRING knifes, files, pocketwatches. ect..... anything that you think they might take from you they probably will. NO sharp objects... you get the picture. \n\nUnless they changed it over the last 6 years you will get a debit card that has $300.00 (of your first pay check of course that can only be use at the PX store on base) So you will be able to buy more crap that you think you will need when you get there. \n\nAs far as if your in shape or not. If your not in shape now dont worry about it cause you will be by the time you are finnished. When I joined I was 210 .lbs I came out at 150! 4 years later gained it back lol beefcake! Anyways, here are some pointers. If you have a temper learn to keep your mouth shut. Learn quickly what your are tought. If a drill Sgt tells you to do something do it good and as fast as you can. If you fck up alot you will stick out more and they will make your life more of a living hell as they can. I have heard that Basic training has gone soft comparied to what I or thoughs before me went through, not as much yelling and crap. When you get deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan remember what you have been taught and if there is someone in your unit that has been there before get with them and ask as many questions as you can. Learn your job!  \n\nPlease email me and let me know what your MOS is and I will try and give you an idea of what you are in for alittle more. \n\nOh yeah and when you get in ask about the Rakkasans\nwe are the craziest unit there is. \n\nHave fun and good luck
656341
It depends.  If you have balanced your conditioning so that you have both strength and aerobic fitness then you should find the Army's physical training regimen to be not that tough.\n\nIf you have been lifting weights but not doing aerobics then the Army will correct this during basic training.\n\nOf course this is assuming that you do not have any medical problems that would render you as not qualified for military service.
1174292
no dont desert..it WILL ruin your life.  If you reenlisted 5 years ago you shouldnt have much left on your current contract...just stick it out and then ETS.
1025610
When you join the Air Force you can retrain into another career field before your first enlistment is up (actual time depends on the length of your first enlistment.)\n\nYou can also submit for retraining at anytime in your career, it is just not guaranteed like it is at the first re-enlistment.\n\nLook into the 1A3 career field, great outside jobs with that.
799115
good question and the answer is yes\n\nthis from a former army recruiter / active army
1046520
your degree should qualify you for a promotion to a higher rank going to basic training.  That turns into more money each month than you fellow airmen.
268307
I went to Ft Jackson SC in modern buildings that have males and females in attached wings but mess hall is also in another wing. To make your bed you tuck sheets in tight and have hospital corners. Physical Training is about 2 hours a day starting at 0530 then you eat for 10 minutes then you shower, shave, brush teeth, and change uniforms. Classroom training for 2 hours (you do not want to fall asleep in there just see what your DI (Drill Instructor) will make you do. Weapons training on a firing range shooting targets up to 300 yds away. Wash your clothes at night road march on base and cattle car transportation in field over 10 miles from barracks. 6 weeks of the best training in my life and I lost 10 pounds. I also run the two mile in 15.30 no fraternizing in basic training but you wait until AT (Advanced Training ) which I recommend right after BT (Basic Training) when you are still in good shape. I served for 8 years in ARNG MN/WI then got honorable discharge. Be all that you can be.
849121
No. I was honorably discharged just before Desert Shield. The closest I came was when we were on 24 hour alert for Operation Just Cause in 1989.\n\nEven if I re-enlisted, I was scheduled to be rotated to shore duty.
1052418
They have test practice books out there on the market.  Invest in one.  As for confidence, you have to find that within yourself.  Maybe this just isn't the right career choice for you.  If you're positive it is, then the confidence will come when the time is right.  It's also what Basic Training is for.  Good luck!!