What is Army bootcamp like for females?
609485
Lonely, hostile, you'll come across females who think they can lick the world (not a pun), they will trash talk big time, and will back it up.  I suggest finding someone from the country who has guts and keeps her mouth shut.  Befriend her or create a mean group of whatever your race is, or what ever your strengths are and grow together, help eachother.  Make friends with one person you can trust with your safety, and make a pact with her.  Keep your mouth shut, don't talk s**t to big black girls, they will kickbutt without hesitation.  That's why I say hook up with a girl from the country (small town or ranch or farm)  an athlete is good. Don't doublecross anyone while you're in, and keep your mouth shut unless told to respond, like in boot camp.  Obey your orders and try not to get too lonely.  Keep in contact with someone from your home town, find another female recruit from your area and hook up with her.  If you want someone to write to, believe me, you can find one.  Just stay busy when possible and don't get too lonely.  Good luck, and keep in mind there will be those kind of females in there.  OK? Be careful not to change sides.  We, men still want you.
587936
For one, DO NOT tell them you have any mental history what so ever.  Without a waiver it will be impossible for you to join the military no matter what branch.  It is extremely difficult to get a waiver for mental issues.\n\n2. You only have to be 17 to join.  The only thing you can't do is deploy until you turn 18.\n\n3. go to about.com for paycharts and such.  Pay goes up every year so by the time you get to join the pay will be higher.  You will get full health/dental/life insurance. You will get free housing with no utilities, if you are single, if married you will get money for housing and utilities or you can live on base and get the free housing. \n\n4. Any job you want to do is suitable for a female in the military. ASVAB is the biggest thing.  It will tell you what you are eligable for, specifically your GT score, which a recruiter can explain to you.\n\n5. Females can do ALMOST anything, with the exception of combat arms such as infantry, special forces, ranger.  \n\nJoining the military is a very good way of life and it is a good way to get a better education also, thats another benefit you will have, they will pay for you to go to college and in some instances you will be able to get out of work if you have classes.\n\nA lot of my family is in the army and none of them regret their decision, its a great way of life.  And don't let anyone tell you that joining the military is going to mean you will deploy.
625116
It depends on what you & the Army decide to do.\nBoot camp is 13 weeks & infantry school is 6 weeks.\nIf you go in to Officer Training (as college op),\nmy son has had everything from boot camp, BOLC, IOBC, Marksman, Jump School, Ranger School (he has 2 weeks left)\nhe will have been trained for 78 weeks. A long time.\nHe graduates from Ranger school in 2 weeks & leaves in 4 weeks for Afghanistan to lead his men who are already there under command of his Sgt. ( He is a Lt. - due to be Captain in Dec.) So training can vary alot in the Army.
597758
I have worked for the air force for 16 years.  I have seen Female officers and enlisted.  I don't think you have anything to worry about and it can be a great career or experience.
897677
if ur going off to boot camp dont wrry ull live and u will see what it is like. not spose to know till you get there. takes away the fun...
102688
Boot camp will build your stamina all on its own. Not everyone that joins the Corps will be in best form, you'll be fine.
699545
Friend - I cannot argue with what the others have said.  If you join right now, no question you will be deployed to Iraq.  If you still want to do it with that in mind then by all means, do it.  My son went through boot camp and his first deployment and current deployment with young women in his unit.  They were not giant weightlifters either, lol.  Best of luck to you.  GBU
774863
You should log onto www.armycadets.com.   This will give you a good idea of what it is like, where they are etc.   It is a good idea to try it out in the cadets to see if you enjoy it before you join the armed forces, as there are no strings attached, and if you don't like it then you have not committed to anything big.
925719
Yes, there are a few tips I can give you. \n\n1. Don't believe the recruiter. \n2. Make sure you know how to march, do all of the folding, make your bed etc...according to the current regs before going to any bootcamp experience. \n3. Get the scoop on what to expect in bootcamp these days and prepare yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. \n4. If possible get your bachelor degree first and enter as an officer. You'll find that you will have more authority to make a difference and your opinions about things will have more say. \n5. Never go out to sea without at least becoming a petty officer first if at all possible. \n6. Be very careful who you date - there are alot of players. \n7. If you want to get into a medical program get a 4 year nursing degree and go in as an officer. \n8. Don't go to bootcamp enlisted thinking that you'll get to go to hospital corps school - you  might but chances are if it's not a needed position - you won't get the school of your choice.  \n9. As an enlisted or officer - having advanced knowledge of what is going to happen in bootcamp is key since the better you perform - the more likelihood of getting what you want. \n10. There are no guarantees. \n\nIt's been a long time since I was in but I only wish someone had made these recommendations for me very strongly!
1155843
I would suggest Air Force myself but to each there own.  My number one advice is physical fitness. Run 3 miles ever other day, do sit ups ( we know it's not the best exercise for the back but hopefully the army will change it soon), and practice push ups when ever you can.  Number two talk to female soldiers.  There are just some things that guys don't deal with in the military that women have to so connect with them.  Number three don't get all hung up with some big drill Sargent yelling and screaming.  \n\nGood luck!
484675
I am a FORMER Marine. The physical fitness regs are not the same as for male recruits. The USMC does recognize that there are REAL differences in physiology in males and females and cannot expect the same results to the same physical tasks. If the Corps sees this, I know the USAF does.Don't fret, Mom, they'll get her up to speed.
708376
The physical training is out of the world, and women, who have their monthly "issues" would prove to be a grave deal. SEAL's constantly train, train and train, we train in water, land and air. Its very hard for a women's frame to deal with a 85lbs ruck sack, and along with that to carry a 22 lbs Sk25 automatic rifle.\n\nWomen also could not face the extreme mental exercices Navy special forces go through because its defined through men emotional set standards. No offense to women, but you all have a high emotional level. Put a man and women, of ABOUT the same physical features, but mentally under stress of war zone and all, and quick thinking about protocol, the man would win, because he is more likely to survive in war zone under mental capabilities. \n\nMen also in general have a better body muscle, and can endure war zones better than women. It is a proven study by Loyola Medical University in Chicago, Illinois that anyone in the desert storm, going through black op missions as men do, would not be able to cope with 1. the heat 2. extreme pressure 3. the ability to maintain a clear objective in mind\n\nWomen are seen more as a family moderated human being. You have never heard of a woman mass murderer, and frankly with all honestly, women can't shoot, run, PT, and drill harder than women at the 18 - 35 range. No offense. \n\nI've served 10 years in, so if you have any questions, feel free to email me.
942119
When I was 18, I was dared to walk into a Navy recruiter's office - 7 months later I was in boot camp.  I really enjoyed it.  Boot camp is difficult, but it is designed to "weed out" those who could not handle a military life.  I stayed in 3 1/2 years, met my husband (who was also in for 8 years), and do miss it sometimes.  If I would have stayed, I would have been in 25 years next May.\n\nIf it is what you want to do, go for it.  But remember that you are signing a contract, and you can't just "quit" if you don't like it.
228530
Ok I'll do my best given my experience in the Marines and raised as a military brat to explain military life. As you know Marines get the opportunity to work with the Navy, being in the Navy even as a female you may be task to go to sea for 6 months plus. That means the only communication between you and your husband and kids will be via mail and the sporadic phone call. It's hard demanding and you'll work a load of hours. If you break the amount of hours down per month at work then calculate the amount you received in pay you'll see it's not much (below poverty). So if you’re in it for the money don't do it. Health care is great however, not the best. You'll stand around in uniform waiting for a prescription then along comes an officer and he gets his drugs filled right away. You'll wait. Job security definitely, study learn your trade, wear a sharp uniform and stay fit you’ll definitely be able to stay in. Become a "S^&*t bird" as they say and you won't last. Positive experience, well you'll learn what real discipline is and leadership. These are traits required in the civilian world.\n\nPlease do not believe every promise from the recruiter. They will promise you beautiful bases and great life overseas. Most people go in to the military, go overseas for an unaccompanied tour  (Meaning no family can come with you) for a year then you come back. That can be about as stressful as it gets. Make sure if you do go in that you have a guaranteed slot in a school to learn an MOS (Military Occupational Skill). This is a ticket into a school. This does not give you the ticket to graduate; you actually have to work hard and study to pass. I went to the Naval Aviation Electronic course and did 2 years of college in 8 months. A lot of my friends did not make it. They ended up going to the Infantry. \n\nAlso keep in mind that the Marine Corps has the highest divorce rate in the Military followed by the Navy. When I was in, about 75% of marriages failed. Life for the family members can be more difficult then it is for the enlisted person. They have to move, meet people, learn new cities, etc… Some people just are not cut out to be uprooted and replanted some where else. \n\nWith this said prior planning and an active role from your husband and kids can make the transition to Navy life a great positive change. You have to be committed first to yourself and family then to the Navy not the other way around. This will have a great impact on your success or failure in the navy and as a wife/mother.\n\nAs you said there are good and bad things about the Navy. Keep in mind that it is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It is a hard life. You can do it, and you can do it happily with the support of your loved ones. If any of them find it difficult you’ll end up having a very hard 3,4,5 year tour. Think really hard before you make this step your family will go through a great sacrifice. \n\nI would advise you if the Military is what you want go in the Air Force. They treat the poeple better and the families are generally happier. They actually get stationed in cool places.\n\nI hope my rambling has helped in some way.
1101937
There were plenty of people when I went through boot camp with Navy that problems swimming (one girl had never been in a pool).  They teach you!  They'll spend as much time teaching you as they have to.
949466
I can tell you from experience... its an experience. Loved it. I active duty Army. We had a blast. Its was like having some things in common and some things not. She was in great shape (but still 100% woman), honest to a fault, dependable and always on time. Bad part about dating a Marine is they deploy as much as we do and duty stations rarely match up.
852566
Where we are the army rule and we all think the navy are gay .Seriously choosing should not be based on other peoples opions as this will be your life .I found the army more of a fast track career with better opportunities for females with a higher chance of promo if you are good at the job.The army r the best though at sports,social life,functions the army rule