Could I manipulate the time I start Basic Training. I want Exodus?
831396
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!!
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.
778888
This question should not be answered , it is not your business as to any time tables of deployment. if you think you need to know ask some one in 101th Screaming eagles
1052947
Not much contact during basic. Lots of letters though. There MAY be a SHORT break before AIT, but no promises. However, he'll have much more time to call you during that process. Nothing to worry about though. I certainly wouldn't let the kind of time we're talking about stop him from enlisting. \n\nThe benefits vary by state, but our here in Texas are pretty good (looking at getting back in that route myself). Great tuition reimbursement programs & such. Do some research. He'll either end up loving it or not.
286554
You must go to the base that they are on. Most Commanders don't like it when this happens either. You will get what you want right away. Ask for a supervisor when you get there and you will have no problem. There are company's that do this for a living if you do not want to do this.
420726
quit smoking now.. you won't be allowed during Basic anyway.  Might as well get a jump on it.  As long as you can meet the minimum standards on the first day, you'll BE in shape by the time you are done.
871668
Glad to be of some assistance in your quest and here\nare some websites that might be of interest to you. Hope\nthese will help.http://www.armybasic.homestead.com/basic.html\nhttp://www.baseops.net/basictraining/army.html\nhttp://www.armybasic.org/portal/index.php\nUS Army basic training is a nine-week course and is very intense training where you will learn the fundamental skills of being a soldier. Good Luck if you would like to join up with a career with the US ARMY. US Army (RET)\n21 years.
839325
No, if they are in basic training, the recruits are restricted to the barricks only. Only when they get to the advanced duty station for their mos training (Job type) are they allowed a weekend pass. Even then it is only good for something like 100 miles from base, and they would have to be back at their unit by 6:00 pm Sunday. \n\nFrom my experiences, it is hard on the long distance type relationships, especially if you are or were dating in highschool
1122710
I went thru basic training at Lackland AFB on Oct 23,1983 the day after the Marines were bombed in Beruit. So there was stuff going on in the world then too. I went in with a guaranteed contract to go to Kessler AFB for air traffic control and the day my orders were cut graduation day I was wisked away from flight and put on a bus with no one else from my flight to a Top Secret base. The time I spent was great and the USAF is the way to go. If you think your a hero and want combat training join the Marines or Army.
232255
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.
853153
In all actuality, you could be in Basic Training in a week.  That's how long it would take to run the checks and do the paperwork, give the ASVAB, for you to complete the medical, choose your job, and then ship.  That, of course, is provided you need NO waivers (medical, moral).
644605
Yes, me.\n\nI am now 41 years old, and I just entered the Alabama National Guard.\n\nHowever, I had 10 years in the Marine Corps, so I did not have to do basic training.\n\nBut here is something to consider: the DIs and other instructors have to do everything that the recruits do, and they are normally in their 30's (or older).  If they can do it, anybody can do it.\n\nHowever, I encourage you to get into shape before you go to Basic.  Because of your age, you will start out behind the training curve when compared to everybody else.  Being in the best physical shape you can be in before you go will be a big help.  I would try to get your 2 mile run time below 20 minutes as a minimum.  Any further improvements you will be able to get while you are in training.
748298
Yes.  Start earlier in your next life.\n\n_
1010967
Sure! Tell your recruiter that you want 7 female roommates, one for each day of the week (have him put it in you enlistment contract). Then tell him to have Willy Wonka pick up you and your happy little harum every day after your afternoon tea (Prior to your afternoon nap) in the Magic Bus for a trip to the chocolate factory. After you finish nuclear physisist school and graduate as a fleet enema... I mean, admiral, you can be assigned as the joy officer on the Good Ship Lollipop when it sets sail for the Land Of Oz, with ports of call in Xanadu and NeverNeverLand. It'll all work if you ingest a lot of illicit hallucinogenics, Peter Pan!
109634
Not important at all. the JORTC takes anyone. They get you into shape whenever they have their exercise meets. If you are going into the army, of course there is basic training. They will control your food intake and your exercise.
356792
Well, i am married (mil to mil) and if he gets married after basic training he might be a hold over, waiting for them to process all his paper before he heads to his A School. So i would tell him he might want to do it now and let the recruter do the paper filing and whatever else he needs to do. That is the recruters job, to do paper work or whatever needs to be done for your son to work for uncle sam. Dont let the recruter be lazy if he is acting lazy, it's a military thing. LOL If he gets married before boot camp then everythig will fall into place and him and his wife can be together as soon as he gets out of A School and he will have nothing to worry about other than finding a house. If you need anything feel free to e-mail me   tink41503@yahoo.com
146613
I was in the USAF and can tell you that while you are at Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, you will only get to talk to your parents/siblings/friends on the phone about 2-3 times total. Every minute of every day you will be told what to do and how to do it. USAF Basic Military Training School is 6 weeks. How long your Technical school lasts will depend on your job.\n \nHowever, you can get mail everyday from anyone and have the time to read it. You don't realize how important this is until you are there. Encourage friends and family to write you something, anything, once a day and put it in the mailbox. \n\n  DO NOT have them send you a postcard, unless you want it read outloud to everyone in your Flight. \n\nTechnical School is vastly different than Basic Training, its much more relaxed. I don't know if they use the "Phase" system anymore, but even if they do, you will still have some time every day to yourself, and now you will have most of the weekend to yourself, too, so you can just about talk to whoever you want to back home whenever you want to.\n\nWhen do you leave for BMTS? I hope for your sake that your job is gaurenteed. \n\nIt's been over 10 years since I went through BMTS, but I wouldn't think that too much has changed. E-mail me with anymore questions that you may have at:\n\nFoam_breather@yahoo.com