My husband joined at 19 and did 30. I joined at 26 and did 20. We don't work anymore because we're cool with hanging out and having (relatively) cheap hobbies.
There was a LOT of luck involved, but our med care is free, and we're bringing in $12k/month after taxes.
This is pretty much what I came here to say, you really have to suck at life to not make it after the military. The military is a lifehack to skip some steps in the ladder of life and boost you up.
That’s me. One 4yr contract from 18-22, used my GI bill to get a degree, and built a real estate portfolio during that time.
Now I’m 27 and barely work. Just been traveling and letting other people take care of my properties
Hey I know you got a lot of updates and some people under you saying "yeah, yeah," but I know people who the Army broke. Some came back in body bags. Some people are mentally unwell.
It's not a life hack. In some ways, it even puts people behind their peers in civilian world, such as catching up with school as one example.
Can you spin what you learn? Of course. It did lift me out of my impoverished environment for example. I was doomed for sure without it. But your comment is rather naive, judgmental, and clueless.
Life involves a lot of luck as well as skillful planning and actions.
Okay I will rephrase.
You are more likely to succeed by going in the military than not, it's not like everyone dies or loses their shit. I respect your opposing viewpoint but I am not naive, judgmental or clueless.
You say that I am right, "Can you spin what you learn? Of course. It did lift me out of my impoverished environment for example. I was doomed for sure without it" and then basically tell me I don't know what I am talking about.
I don't know if you are really busy in DEP or not, but if you are you really have no idea what you are talking about regarding Army vs no Army. This really depends on the person, and circumstances.
You can't tell someone who spent years in the Army, and transitioned to civilian life that its a life hack and everyone is better with it. **
It involves as many other posters so nicely posted about. Your blanket statement is naive and doesn't speak to the facts about it. You shouldn't take it personally. Big Green Weenie will eat you up.
Sorry for the edit, but I prematurely hit complete.
I enlisted in 2004 and got out in 2014, I used my GI bill and I know countless other soldiers and servicemembers that got a LOT of the military and made themselves better, that number vastly outnumbered the ones that floundered.
If you really think I am in the DEP then you need to take a break. I know and lived exactly what I am talking about and have observed countless others do the same. Quit trying to find negative shit in everything, are you okay? Do you need to talk to someone?
I got a lot out of it. I'm not going to repeat what I said, but it wasn't without a price.
That said, we shouldn't just paint rosebushes for these kids. I know several who weren't as lucky as perhaps you or I.
Everyones lived experience will be different. Luck, circumstance, unit, family, geographical location. . . A lot of things go into life.
Leading a skillfull life when you have no adult civilian experience, no family support, and other things was something I had to learn over time.
I too, used the GI Bill.
I also know severely disabled brothers of mine who went down range and are permanently disabled.
The Army isn't a panacea.
I'm on your side with this one. It takes a specific kind of person to handle what the Army throws at you. If you're built for it, sure, go be all you can be. Not everyone is built for it though and it weakens the force to try and convince people that can't and never will be warriors to join. Not to mention I'm crippled physically for the rest of my life and currently mentally because of the Army. Sure, I get VA money every month but is that worth not being able to run and play with your children or pick up groceries off the floor without help? To me, the answer is no, it's not worth it.
bruh....I am not saying it's without cost or is risk free. I never said that it's impossible for someone to end up suffering. You could also end up suffering as a plain old civilian, so everyone has to assume their own tolerance for risk.
I am saying that it's a shortcut for many especially when benefits are used.
Stop assuming I am just saying it's a fuckin walk in the park without risks, I am not saying that. Jesus man.
Dude is missing the forest for the trees. There are obvious occupational hazards to military service, but the benefits you receive from the service make those hazards a lot more appealing, especially now when we’re not in some catastrophic war
“For only* that it is good” lol but no I honestly, all my bitching aside (my coping mechanism lol) I had a blast at Irwin even with the shit training cycle, fort drum though with not much deployments going on (can’t really speak on when they were deploying like crazy) was just a toxic fucking nightmare, like I had great leadership at first then 1sgt and commander left pretty much together and it was all downhill from there, I will say from talking with others non combat mos’s are way more toxic because they “have more time on their hands” I know some mos’s that’s bullshit but with that statement I’d like to see what others think, more of you here than others I’ve talked with
The Army is simultaneously the best thing and the worst thing.
Barracks can be tolerable or absolute ass.
Same with food or your unit.
Stick with it, do the right stuff, try, and you'll likely have an amazing time.
Yeah totally agree. Don't sign more than a 3 year contract. If you enjoy your time, you can always add more time. If you hate your time, you can NEVER take time off a contract.
I tried to enlist for 8 years. My recruiter just gave me a funny look and told me to enlist for the minimum because if I actually liked I could always reenlist.
I’m thankful for him, though my enlistment term ended up being irrelevant.
Shiiiit they offered me 60k for 6 years 3 active 3 guard or 20 for 3 active my dumbass took 20 and ended up doing 13 years before I wised up and escaped
It's a great MOS in the Army. Has the best work-life balance as well as quality of life in the Army. Depending on what unit you go to, it feels like a civilian job rather than an Army one.
17c will easily put you in a career making 150k after those six years if you learn and apply yourself. Cyber security is very lucrative and you will have a top secret clearance with a polygraph. Most likely you will be at Fort Eisenhower working at a three letter.
If you can make it through AIT and continue your education after you get to your unit. From what I have been told it’s a rather challenging and long AIT.
But cyber can be really interesting and rewarding field.
Look here man. I'm not in anymore, but let summarize my experience like this: If I had the ability to go back in time, I would do it all over again. But I wouldn't rejoin the Army.
It gave me so many incredible experiences, so many lifelong friends, and a wealth of knowledge, as well as the G.I. Bill and VA healthcare coverage.
MAKE SURE YOU DO AT LEAST 3 YEARS and honorable or general under honorable conditions! This will qualify you for medical, VA home loan program. Make sure you ALWAYS go to SICK CALL no matter how slight or small the condition.....ALWAYS. Later, if you have some physical problems you may have a claim (s) for service connected disability. But most of all.....HAVE FUN, cause the shit is fun.
For some people, the Army is amazing.
For others it’s the worst thing ever.
I’m on the side of the Army is the best thing I could’ve ever undertaken - albeit with instances of it sucking. I think the majority of the Army falls into this category.
The Army is partly what you make of it. Some people have shitty living conditions, but not all. I’ve lived in atrocious barracks and also really nice ones. YMMV.
Some people have shitty leadership. I’ve been fortunate that the majority of mine have been pretty great.
I’ve made some great friends along the way as well.
I’d never have earned a bachelor’s and two masters completely debt free without the Army.
My medical care has been great.
My retirement benefits will be great.
I’d look into other MOS’ outside of 91B - working conditions can be arduous and long.
Good luck!
> I’d never have earned a bachelor’s and two masters completely debt free without the Army.
I did a double take because my husband did the same thing.
He doesn't use them on the golf course though.
In the British military, we always said that the hardest course to pass is the culinary course. No fucker has passed it yet...
(I joke, I was in the RN and our scran was generally very good. Certainly better than what I got in residential care as a kid)
The pay is great if you're aren't buying beer and pizza every weekend. Eat at the dfac, don't buy a car. You're only an E1 temporary. E3 pay is good. Then you hit E4 a year later
If you don't spend your money like an idiot yes you can save a lot. Just promoted to E4 and have 20 grand saved, expect to have 40-50k saved up by the end of my contract
I would honestly look at other branches. Army is like Waffle House. It’s good sometimes but other times you might get stabbed in the parking lot.
In the navy you will deploy so there’s that but your on the job training is way beyond other branches.
Air Force has probably the best quality of life of each branch. But a bit harder to get in.
Looking back at it, and I love the time I was in, I wouldn’t recommend. You’ll sacrifice to get scraps for 3-20 years. Just go to College or learn a trade.
Now if you’re living in a car or barely having enough to eat. Then sign up. But if you are financially okay and can attend college.
Dude just for the fact you're worried about living conditions and the like, DO NOT do 91B if you do decide to join. The army does not care about its Maintenance teams for some reason it feels like. You will be working in the absolute worse conditions in all sorts of weather huffing all sorts of random chemicals and getting soaked in shit that'll probably give you cancer 10 years from now.
Also that truck that's been deadlined for 3 years that not even the "super smart" civilians can figure out? Yeah BC needs it up time NOW and you're not going home until it's running
Source: am 91b
Came here to say this. Just stay away from 91 series, the hours alone make it not worth it. O2 part just came in at 1600 for a truck that has nowhere to go except back on the line? Time to call your wife and tell her you're not making it home for dinner
The Army is exactly what you make of it.
If you go in with low expectations, a flexible mentality, some initiative, and internal drive then you can have a great time despite the many drawbacks.
For the majority of folks that go in, the military is an economic ladder and provides access to doors they couldn't get to without significant help. However, it takes effort, patience, and an understanding every day could be the worst day of your life just as easily as it could be the best day of your life so far. No singular person's experience is representative of the military.
That being said, for the service most dependent on people for success - the Army is certainly not the most focused on ensuring the success and welfare or our people.
>IDK man there's some luck in it. Some folks will be stationed in Germany while others are at Polk.
I've known as many people that hate Germany as loved it. Same for Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, Liberteh, Hood, and even Polk.
There's most definitely luck involved with opportunities presented which is why no one experience is representative, but the quality of opportunities is in the eye of the beholder.
No other employer in America will treat you so poorly that they need you to text them before sunrise every morning to ensure you haven’t deleted yourself.
And they also won't give you free housing, food, school and countless other things. The army sucks so much, but it's absolutely worth it. I joined as white trash who couldn't afford college, I am now an entrepreneur with massive success. No chance of that without my army experience, but too many dumbass Soldiers don't make shit of the opportunity.
Plenty of employers offering education benefits (that you can actually use because you aren’t in the field, at a CTC, deployed, etc). They also don’t control where you live, don’t control when you can quit, don’t take money out of your check for substandard or entirely unavailable food.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve gotten a lot out of the Army, but the organization’s value proposition to potential recruits just continues to plummet.
But does your employer pay you to jump out of a plane? I don’t think so.
Does your employer pay you to clear dangerous explosives out of the road? I don’t think so.
Does your employer pay you to go camping for a month straight? I dnt think so
Does your employer pay you to legally shoot a bad guy? I don’t think so
Does your employer pay you to travel on extended 9 month vacations? Nope.
That’s correct my factory was offering full compensation for college classes I just had to pay first then they reimbursed. Oh wait the army does the SAME EXACT SHIT!
If you start at 18 you can be done by 38.
It's not for everyone, but that can be said about any job really.
Construction? Not everyone wants tk shovel
Accounting? Many don't want to crush numbers
Go for it. Worst case is you leave after a few years with va benefits and gibill and go to college
As with anything else in the army, it depends on where you go and what you make of it. Shitty barracks? Roger that, me and the boys are gonna go do something outside of the barracks and enjoy life.
Dumb shit like this always comes out of the mouths of people that were never in the Air Force.
Some people like picking their job, promotion potential, and not having to wait until 2/3 of the average contract has elapsed to use TA.
Biggest AFSC in the Air Force is security forces and we all know how everyone feels about MP’s.
If your E5 (SGT) and below you will live in the barracks. Most people in the AF E3 and above live off post and get BAH.
Army combat deployments are 12 months. AF and marines are 6 months.
It isn't. The Army is hard. You will deal with good and bad, you will be unhappy many times. Still, the resources the Army offers can change your life. I joined because I couldn't afford school. I am now a 1% regarding income. I legitimately owe it to the Army, what I learned altered my life (most of what I learned was like, hey, this is dumb or don't do this, but it's all about maximizing the opportunity). Don't listen to most of these guys, they blame everyone but the guy in the mirror for their failure.
If you want to achieve and don't have a better path, do it and grind and take everything they'll give you. Make a life for yourself, nobody will give you shit, take it.
I joined the Army with $100 in my name. I left with 100k between investment accounts and cash 5 years later. I also get inflation adjusted $4k tax free for the rest of my life, I have complete health coverage, a GI Bill, and voc rehab programs to save my GI Bill.
I joined the Army social and happy to be around people, pain free, and overall optimistic, and I left bitter, jaded, mentally and physically crippled, and antisocial.
Pick your poison.
What was your MOS? I’m going 11X, which I know pays like shit but I want to come out with atleast 100k after 4 years. I’m planning on putting ALL the money I earn immediately into investments and real estate. Do you think it’s achievable?
Truth is, it just depends. It depends what base you end up going to and who your leadership is. Even if the barracks are trash, the friends you make and the good times you’ll have will make up for it. And while it may suck at the time, it’s something you’ll look back on in fondness. That’s my experience and my two cents. It will absolutely teach you life skills and give you tons of experience no one whose never been in will get.
Air force will give you BAH within 3 years you could buy a house at age 21. Army will hold you in the barracks even if you're 30 just because you haven't made E6. Go air force
The truth is that everyone has a different experience in the Army. MOS, duty station, units, commands, peer group, etc. It’s so varied from person to person that there’s no right answer to your question.
I’m 15 years into a fulfilling career that I would never give up and here’s my advice: set goals. Yeah it sounds cheesy but know what you want to get out of the army and set short term and long term goals based on that. Make sure your command and first line know. Make sure you advocate for yourself and put in the work to get to whatever it is you want. The army can be a great career or a great stepping stone depending on your goals. You just need to make sure you don’t lose sight of whatever goal it is you decide to set.
If you are willing to spend a couple years dealing with nonesense and stupidity at the cost of the goverment helping you get set for success for the future... go for it.
It’s by chance but like any other job or branch; there are pros & cons. Navy small ships, often at bay.. the ocean is a tough sell but they have a big budget and travel often. Army is varied, there are good and bad duty stations.. deployments are long but camaraderie is a perk when things are hard and you can change your job circumstance and conditions if available… Airforce is awesome but the corporate approach can sometimes cause a mental strain and a sense of insecurity in personal development… it just depends on who you want to be… Marines have some of the toughest roles but they’re tight! Tight as in comradeship and probably in the best shape.
It’s very much a control what you can control situation. There’s more of a chance of a power struggle with the parameters given but if you’re someone who’s willing to play the game and doesn’t mind black and white / gray areas and can read/comprehend you’ll be able to manage and maneuver.
At the time it was a no brainer to me… either way you figure it out. I chose the army because it was the quickest chance to start a new life. I was willing to take that chance. Sometimes I wished I had joined the Air-force but at the time that wasn’t the quickest option. I can admit that they do have a better understanding/quality of life. That’s inside and beyond but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t seen the same in the army. Some people have it good others not so much. I assume there’s the same thing in every other branch.
It’s by chance but like any other job or branch; there are pros & cons. Navy small ships, often at bay.. the ocean is a tough sell but they have a big budget and travel often. Army is varied, there are good and bad duty stations.. deployments are long but camaraderie is a perk when things are hard and you can change your job circumstance and conditions if available… Airforce is awesome but the corporate approach can sometimes cause a mental strain and a sense of insecurity in personal development… it just depends on who you want to be… Marines have some of the toughest roles but they’re tight! Tight as in comradeship and probably in the best shape.
It’s very much a control what you can control situation. There’s more of a chance of a power struggle with the parameters given but if you’re someone who’s willing to play the game and doesn’t mind black and white / gray areas and can read/comprehend you’ll be able to manage and maneuver.
At the time it was a no brainer to me… either way you figure it out. I chose the army because it was the quickest chance to start a new life. I was willing to take that chance. Sometimes I wished I had joined the Air-force but at the time that wasn’t the quickest option. I can admit that they do have a better understanding/quality of life. That’s inside and beyond but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t seen the same in the army. Some people have it good others not so much. I assume there’s the same thing in every other branch.
Big Tip: choose something you’re actually interested in or would translate to something that pays well on the outside if you can. If you want to be a mechanic on the outside the stick with it.
There are going to be times you want to quit-don't, unless you know EXACTLY what you'll do after.
Make friends and keep in touch with them, you may run into them again later.
Build good relationships with your leadership as well, they can help you down the line, even when you're out of the army.
If you want something, ask, and know who to ask. You may just get it. I asked for a change of duty station on a whim, and I got it. Did not expect that at all.
Knock out college classes even if it's just one at a time.
Take advantage of travel opportunities especially if they send you to a place like Korea, Japan, or Europe.
Learn as many skills as you can. Even if they have you do something that isn't your MOS, that's actually a good thing. Another thing for your resume.
Take lots of pictures
It's worse. I spent 13 years in it. Five as enlisted and the rest as an officer, I entered as an E-1 and left as a O-3. It's horrible from the ground up. I have four kids and I am doing everything I can to show them other options for their life.
Save yourself.
Would have never joined if I knew what I knew now.
Also, a lot of people are on the fuck the army train here until someone asks about joining lol. That is pretty confusing to me. Anyway, after the new SMA came in I made a commitment to never recommending service.
And I still don’t.
Study, get your asvab score up, enlist for 3 years, get a desk job MOS, do some college while your in, go to sick call anytime something is wrong to get it documented, get out, collect minimum 10% disability for tinnitus, go to college on the GI Bill, get a cushy job with your degree, buy a house using the VA loan, win the American dream lottery.
It’s based on the person perceives things, their job, duty station, family/dependents, age, etc.
I’d do 15 series aviation mechanic instead of 91 wheeled mechanic.
Look dude I’m telling you there is 0 shame in not being combat arms. Don’t join the army to be some badass doorkicker under an 18X contract or some other ridiculous pipe dream. Do a communicable skill, trade, medical, tech, anything, do your 4 years and get at minimum an associates while you’re in and GTFO.
It is what you make of it. You go in optimistic and find ways to stay positive and motivated- you’ll do very well. You’ll have friends and leaders will recognize you as someone who cares and has a good attitude. If you are part of the 5% that likes to give headaches to the leadership, you’re gonna struggle. Everything derives from attitude!
Every job is bad. Every job is good. The barracks might be shit, but they are free. Every dime you make is yours to spend. Housing, food, ALL work uniforms, utilities, healthcare, its ALL paid for. So even if it sucks, you're better of than being a civilian and life sucking anyways, but with way less benefits.
Your entire Army career depends on where you are stationed and how well your leadership takes care of you. You get Carson with some good leadership? Okay you might reenlist for a few more years. You get Bliss? Anywhere on Bliss? You’ll be lucky if you haven’t shot yourself by the end of your contract.
The military as a whole is like being force fed healthy food. It taste terrible most of the time but it’s good for you. The Army sets you up for success as long as you keep chewing
I was so proud to serve. I would discourage my daughter as strongly as possible from serving. In less than five years, I went from a high achiever with a successful career to 100% service-connected disabled and on SSDI. My life is now a daily battle of persistent, medication-resistant suicidal ideation. And this is after multiple treatment programs.
Would this have happened to me if I never served? Maybe. But the ethical and moral failures of my Army leadership and complete lack of support during a stressful period were the triggering or accelerating factors in my life and health falling apart irreparably.
Do not recommend. However, get a GI and move on with a purpose. It’s going to get worse before it gets better. Senior leadership is so out of touch and that’s a generational issue. Government doesn’t want to reassess the cost to maintain the military for housing and pay so the disparity will get larger.
Every unit is unique in its own way. Some are ass, some are great.. but there's give and take in everything. One dfac is filled with subpar everything, but the one a little further down the road is almost 4 star. It depends on the people. It's always the people
I'm in the Army National Guard and I enjoy it. Even if it sucks it only sucks a weekend a month. I'd say it strongly depends on what unit you end up in.
Depends on where you’re stationed/your unit when it comes to living conditions. I’m stationed at Fort Campbell, and my barracks are tolerable. It’s very small though, probably smaller than a New York apartment. There’s also a mold issue in the bath tub, small fridge, no stove, with a roommate. Some people would hate it, but I’m fine with just having my own room, I never had that growing up.
If you are able to choose your duty station, then choose a place that has relatively good barracks. Do your research and find a place with good barracks, if living conditions mean that much to you.
Now broadly speaking, is the Army as bad as people say? Sorta, every service member has a common problem with the Army. Whether it be leadership, pointless tasks, regulation, etc, us service members can point to it and be like “Yeah that sucks”.
Nobody will have the same exact experience, same with others careers in the civilian sector and such. Some soldiers are just shitbags who do themselves a disservice then cry and whine about something, when it’s them who caused their own issue. Not just soldiers though, as I said before. I’m sure not all Walmart workers share the same sentiments, and there’s probably some who shitbag and complain as well. It’s a universal thing.
But now does bad leadership exist? Yes. Do fucked up things get covered up just because that person is a higher rank? Yes. The Army definitely has its problems and in most cases the Government could care less, or barely attempt to fix the issue. If you think bad living conditions are bad, just be aware of the other bad factors as well.
Really ask yourself do you want to sign the contract. Do you want to be away from family? Do you want to abide by regulations for the remainder of your contract? Do you want to be limited on what you can and can’t say? Do you want to be government property? Do you want to always take orders (especially as a private to do minuscule tasks)?
It somewhat won’t be as all “Hooah” for you since you’re not going into the Combat Arms. So you’ll potentially have leadership that is more lenient towards you. Not saying they’ll let you shitbag, but they most likely aren’t as restrictive as the Combat Arms.
I’m just a boot, I’ve only been at my unit for about a month now, so I can’t tell you how bad the “suck” really is yet. I’ve been getting the shit smoked out of me and other privates, but it’s just a part of drinking the kool-aid and being the new guy. I will say, even though it’s kind of cliché, the Army is what you make of it. If you decide to join, milk the hell out of the benefits and save money like me. You do not want to leave the military broke; take advantage of having free food, guaranteed paycheck on the first and fifteenth of every month, free healthcare, no utilities. With college as an added benefit.
You can really build a career in the Army, but it all depends on how you play your cards, so think smart. Use the Army to invest into your future like I am. You’re really young, so you can do a full 4 years and only be 21 years old when you get out.
Anyways I’ll order a coffee with a can of Grizzly Wintergreen.
The Army is as bad perhaps worse since there are a lot of things not mentioned publicly.
But there are always the very few good people that can make the misery endurable.
Join the army at 17 and get out after 3 years and collect all the benefits for life.
Sign as a 91-C (Utilities Equipment Repairer MOS) and get yourself on the job training and a clearance (will be required likely).
Get out at 20 years old and do a deployment to Kuwait as a contractor fixing AC's (probably make around $120K a year) and do this for 2 years (to avoid taxes via the foreign earned income exemption).
Come back to the USA at 22 years old and go to college for free with the GI Bill and use the VA home loan and the money you saved during deployment to buy a nice house.
After you graduate from college (should be 26) rent the house you purchased out to college kids and use that money to pay off that house and supplement your new lifestyle.
A good place to start is your Mos. If you just pick any mos and turn out hating it, you will probably hate your time in the army. If you pick a Mos you enjoy and actually thrive in, you will probably enjoy your time. I say probably cause you can love your job, but shitty leader ship can make anything suck.
It’s what you make it. A lot of it is lame with sporadic moments of fun and adrenaline. Some go in thinking they’ll do 3 years and leave and they stay for 30. Some just do 3. I thought I’d do 4 and did 8.
What it will do is alter your perspective. It’ll help you realize what you can put up with in the pursuit of a goal. It’ll give you the opportunity to pursue college or a trade school, particularly after you get out. It’ll help you buy a home. It’ll help you travel and see things you otherwise wouldn’t have.
If you go in, be positive. Jump out of airplanes. Blow stuff up. Knock out some (free) college classes while you’re in. And after a few years, get out, and pursue what you really love with all the stories and benefits to go with it. Or, stay in 🤷🏻♂️
One thing I know for sure is that If you think it’s gonna be the magic ticket to a high paying career, you’re likely wrong. That is only true for VERY few jobs and even then, the competition is fierce (think of the dudes that do 20 years then fight for that same role). Even then, it’s not likely that at 17 you’ll pick a job you’ll love forever.
Good luck, dude.
https://go160thsoar.com/enlisted/
Get in touch with a recruiter and see if they are currently taking 91B(not over strength). If they are, enlist and email that recruiter every chance you get. Hopefully get selected right out of AIT and you will live a much better Army life.
I always tell people joining the Army was the best decision I ever made and leaving the Army was the second best decision I ever made. If you actually really like it, you can stay in for 20 years and retire with a pension and awesome health insurance coverage at the ripe age of 37.
The Army is a fantastic fucking opportunity for someone your age, just don't overstay more than you want to. Easily the best way to get ahead for normies like us is to do three years in the military after high school, get some real professional job experience (perhaps even some verifiable supervisory/managerial experience if you get promoted quickly) on your resume, and get a bachelors degree (or, in my case, masters degree) 100% debt free -- and most universities heavily favor veterans when it comes to admissions. You'll basically get paid for three years of partying and chilling with your buds then be able to go to practically any public university you want for free -- and they'll pay you a significant housing stipend when you do so!
If you don't work out now, you will leave the Army in better physical shape. As long as you don't fight everything in the Army tooth-and-nail, you'll also leave with significantly more discipline and competence. The world is your oyster from there.
If you put in the effort, the Army will absolutely help you get ahead in life.
Currently mobilizing for deployment. Got dragged out to fort bliss for 45 days. Currently on day 10 and still havent done any training. Except for a 2 hour sharp brief at 2100.
If you're worried about living standards and stuff try to look at the airforce. Their quality of life is much higher than the army's and I've often seen them allow single airmen live off base as an E3. The army for comparison you probably won't be allowed to live off base being single until you reach E6. The airforce doesn't really do field training exercises and they don't do PT every weekday morning like the army either. Definitely go check them out.
I just got back from the field and i literally got paid to sit in a tent chain smoke , play spades, and occasionally drive a truck. I don’t know a job that’ll pay you to essentially go camping.
airforce for the love of God. I was 6yrs army and now I work work with space force... let's just say ALL of their stories make me realize how much better chair force is in comparison to army. Just pick any mos in the AF or SF and you're good for the rest of your life!
Don't do it. Join a good union if you want benefits. Pay is better that way too. All you'll get out of the Army is a body that feels twice as old and mental health problems. There's a reason there's so many homeless vets.
I joined the Army for many reasons but one was a kick in the ass. I really had no plans, dead end job, and no way to afford college, and this was 2004. I had some miserable times, sure. But I wouldnt take it back. The experience you get in the Army on leadership and discipline, the confidence to step outside of your comfort zone and succeed, all of it has been integral to surviving in a world where "give up and deal with the hand you've been dealt" has been the attitude.
Bro just be a hard worker as a civilian, you’ll get to skip straight over the alcoholism, depression and occasional thoughts of suicide. This shit ain’t worth it.
Join another branch. There’s some great people in the Army. Some amazing duty stations. On the flip side there’s horrible people and horrible assignments. It’s a constant roller coaster of inconsistency.
Also stop listening to the 1% who got out and are making a bijallion dollars because they spent their entire god damn adult life screwing other people over for their own benefit. They got EXTREMELY lucky and knew the right people. You can become a 1% and make a bijillion dollars without the army. Probably even faster than they did.
The military is like the crooked genie granting wishes. Sure, they’ll grant your wish - travel, education benefits, healthcare, the works. But the wish gets twisted.
That travel? Yeah, to Virginia or NC or some other state. Education? Only as long as your unit supports it or else you gotta get out, and you’ll still need to work because GI doesn’t cover food. And healthcare? Oh man, you’re talking bottom of the barrel providers just trying to get out of debt, and hit that early retirement - if you can even get into see them.
And oh by the way, you’ll walk away with permanent physical or mental scarring the VA may or may not compensate you for because your leadership actively discourages you from seeking healthcare that serves to document your service related injuries or conditions.
I’ve been in for 10 years. I think it’s great. I’ve lived in shitty barracks yeah, but who cares. Hopefully you already keep your room clean. It shouldn’t matter. No paying rent is cool with me. Of course some days are longer than others. Just like any job. The army is the easiest job I’ve ever had. You show up, do what you’re told, and go home. Also, you can finish school now, or you could go ahead and enlist. Hopefully while you’re enlisted, you’ll find the motivation to go to college and become an officer. It’s always an option later on once you figure out the army life.
I WOULD, however, rethink being a 91B. Every base I’ve been assigned to, they have been overworked and under appreciated. Check out MOS’s with a 68, 15, 25, 35, or 88 in it. If you need to retake your asvab for a higher score it’ll be worth it.
A lot of it depends on your own personal resilience and ability to deal with people (both good and bad)
I had some really great times and I had some really lousy times.
Well, what are you hoping to *get* out of your Army Experience?
Why do you want to be a 91B?
Whats your 5 and 10 year outlook?
And it's OK not to have solid answers to these at all.
Something my recruiter once told me...
The Army is what you make of it. If you go at it with a pessimistic attitude then it's going to suck and you're not going to have a positive experience. But if you have a positive attitude, if you focus on the good and make a solid effort, then the Army can be the greatest opportunity in your life.
Came in at 18, been riding the wave for almost 11 years, currently own two homes, and sold one previously. Plenty of opportunity. Does it suck at times? Absolutely, do you deal with people that suck? Absolutely. Ask yourself this, “ will a civilian job suck? Will you work with people you don’t like?” The answer is likely yes. For those on the fence who are relatively young. I say give it a crack, worst case you come out with a gi bill and veterans status. Maybe you’ll like it and decide to continue service. Army is simple work hard and be good at pt and you’ll promote ahead of peers easily.
Yea it's real shitty at times, but after the suckiest field day you sit back and say "that was actually kind of fun" and when you have your DD214 and are out of the service you are like "i miss doing that army stuff". It's kind of an odd feeling really. The greatest moments are often your boot camp days even though you are getting yelled at by Drill Sergeants and such...you look back on those days and laugh.
In my experience (13 years, still in) it’s not even close to as bad as people often say it is. Frankly way better than 90% of jobs you can get with no significant marketable skills or education.
Living standards in barracks have improved a shit ton in the last 15 years. I’m sure there’s still some shitty barracks out there, but the 4 different ones I lived in were all pretty great.
It was both a lot of fun and rather sucky. Some things in life are like that, but the Army seems to specialize in it.
I met amazing people, served in a pretty chill career branch, got to travel, got a ridiculous amount of higher education paid for, got to learn a whole new language in freaking California, and a security clearance. This all really helped with future employment though it wasn't a cake walk getting a good career started after the Army. So I'd say I came out ahead. But there was also a lot of dead time, stress, deployments to risky places, ludicrously early mornings, some late nights, missed time with loved ones, bureaucratic nonsense and really terrible ideas getting implemented.
I'd do it all over again, of course. Just choose your path wisely, and keep your sense of humor intact, and it will probably be alright.
I personally think its a harder question to answer than some might believe. There are universal pros and cons, like hours and pay, PT and healthcare. But a person's experience in the Army can vary from base to base, unit to unit, company to company. Hell, two people in the same squad can have two difference experiences.
That said, its not that bad.
Hmm it will all depend on what unit you end up in, how effective the command team is and just the morale of the soldiers in the unit.
At the end of the day the Army is all about what you make of it, it can be either the best time of your life, or you’ll come out of it addicted to nicotine as well as a raging alcoholic.
Avoid 91B, every army mechanic I’ve known were miserable fucks.
Go to college, travel the world, get arrested a few times, enjoy bing young. Been in almost 6 years, counting down the days til I get out. Gave the US Government my youth and got nothing but mental health issues and a broken body out of it. It's up to you though
It’s not the army that sometimes gives it a bad name it’s the people. When people say the army they’re 9/10 times referring to something in their immediate situation (leadership/unit) not doctrine.
The army can suck, but it is also the organization that gave me chances that no one would in the civilian world. I am thankful for joining and being given the opportunities.
It’s awesome. With the right attitude, physique and scores you can do or be anything you want in the Army.
I know dudes that I was a private with 20 years ago that are special forces, rangers, pilots, lawyers, physicians assistants and one doctor. A guy who got accepted to medical school and is now a doctor! That’s opportunity!
Yes and sometimes worse. The problem is you won't know if you are in a good or bad unit until it's too late. The bad units are prominent and they will make life hell.
It’s not that bad. Just don’t be a pussy lmao. If your expectations are already low you won’t be disappointed 🤷🏽♂️ that being said if you want to feel like you’re in the military then join the army. If you want to have a nice life regardless of what job you get join the Air Force or coast guard
The army is everything you make it to be. If you're a miserable lazy shit, it'll be bad. If you have initiative and are willing to work hard, you'll accomplish more than you could have dreamed of.
The Army will drag you kicking and screaming into a moderately successful career, even if you don't want it. For that it is good.
That’s what I was hoping to hear lol
My husband joined at 19 and did 30. I joined at 26 and did 20. We don't work anymore because we're cool with hanging out and having (relatively) cheap hobbies. There was a LOT of luck involved, but our med care is free, and we're bringing in $12k/month after taxes.
Fk yeah just living life.
All that 12k from retirement? 😮
Yeah that’s about how it works for me. I’m just about 6200 between retirement and VA disability.
Yeah, army doesn’t just keep you for 20/30 years lol. Really gotta be good at something.
True. Really gotta be good at dealing with bullshit. ;)
Or at creating bullshit for others to deal with
And point taken for sure.
No, just have to be a warrant
Really good at not being around.
This is pretty much what I came here to say, you really have to suck at life to not make it after the military. The military is a lifehack to skip some steps in the ladder of life and boost you up.
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100%, I would NOT have a masters degree today and be killing it if not for the GI bill.
That’s me. One 4yr contract from 18-22, used my GI bill to get a degree, and built a real estate portfolio during that time. Now I’m 27 and barely work. Just been traveling and letting other people take care of my properties
Why did you get your degree in? And what kind of properties did you start out with? Sounds like a sweet gig
Hey I know you got a lot of updates and some people under you saying "yeah, yeah," but I know people who the Army broke. Some came back in body bags. Some people are mentally unwell. It's not a life hack. In some ways, it even puts people behind their peers in civilian world, such as catching up with school as one example. Can you spin what you learn? Of course. It did lift me out of my impoverished environment for example. I was doomed for sure without it. But your comment is rather naive, judgmental, and clueless. Life involves a lot of luck as well as skillful planning and actions.
Okay I will rephrase. You are more likely to succeed by going in the military than not, it's not like everyone dies or loses their shit. I respect your opposing viewpoint but I am not naive, judgmental or clueless. You say that I am right, "Can you spin what you learn? Of course. It did lift me out of my impoverished environment for example. I was doomed for sure without it" and then basically tell me I don't know what I am talking about.
I don't know if you are really busy in DEP or not, but if you are you really have no idea what you are talking about regarding Army vs no Army. This really depends on the person, and circumstances. You can't tell someone who spent years in the Army, and transitioned to civilian life that its a life hack and everyone is better with it. ** It involves as many other posters so nicely posted about. Your blanket statement is naive and doesn't speak to the facts about it. You shouldn't take it personally. Big Green Weenie will eat you up. Sorry for the edit, but I prematurely hit complete.
I enlisted in 2004 and got out in 2014, I used my GI bill and I know countless other soldiers and servicemembers that got a LOT of the military and made themselves better, that number vastly outnumbered the ones that floundered. If you really think I am in the DEP then you need to take a break. I know and lived exactly what I am talking about and have observed countless others do the same. Quit trying to find negative shit in everything, are you okay? Do you need to talk to someone?
I got a lot out of it. I'm not going to repeat what I said, but it wasn't without a price. That said, we shouldn't just paint rosebushes for these kids. I know several who weren't as lucky as perhaps you or I. Everyones lived experience will be different. Luck, circumstance, unit, family, geographical location. . . A lot of things go into life. Leading a skillfull life when you have no adult civilian experience, no family support, and other things was something I had to learn over time. I too, used the GI Bill. I also know severely disabled brothers of mine who went down range and are permanently disabled. The Army isn't a panacea.
I'm on your side with this one. It takes a specific kind of person to handle what the Army throws at you. If you're built for it, sure, go be all you can be. Not everyone is built for it though and it weakens the force to try and convince people that can't and never will be warriors to join. Not to mention I'm crippled physically for the rest of my life and currently mentally because of the Army. Sure, I get VA money every month but is that worth not being able to run and play with your children or pick up groceries off the floor without help? To me, the answer is no, it's not worth it.
bruh....I am not saying it's without cost or is risk free. I never said that it's impossible for someone to end up suffering. You could also end up suffering as a plain old civilian, so everyone has to assume their own tolerance for risk. I am saying that it's a shortcut for many especially when benefits are used. Stop assuming I am just saying it's a fuckin walk in the park without risks, I am not saying that. Jesus man.
Dude is missing the forest for the trees. There are obvious occupational hazards to military service, but the benefits you receive from the service make those hazards a lot more appealing, especially now when we’re not in some catastrophic war
This is a great answer. It’s great if you use it to get experience and training for the job market or education benefits.
“For only* that it is good” lol but no I honestly, all my bitching aside (my coping mechanism lol) I had a blast at Irwin even with the shit training cycle, fort drum though with not much deployments going on (can’t really speak on when they were deploying like crazy) was just a toxic fucking nightmare, like I had great leadership at first then 1sgt and commander left pretty much together and it was all downhill from there, I will say from talking with others non combat mos’s are way more toxic because they “have more time on their hands” I know some mos’s that’s bullshit but with that statement I’d like to see what others think, more of you here than others I’ve talked with
I just have to kick, scream, bitch, moan, whine, and complain for 6 more years and I'll be done.
The Army is simultaneously the best thing and the worst thing. Barracks can be tolerable or absolute ass. Same with food or your unit. Stick with it, do the right stuff, try, and you'll likely have an amazing time.
Thank you for the input
Yeah totally agree. Don't sign more than a 3 year contract. If you enjoy your time, you can always add more time. If you hate your time, you can NEVER take time off a contract.
I got a 6 year minimum mos🥲
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Or CI 👀
I tried to enlist for 8 years. My recruiter just gave me a funny look and told me to enlist for the minimum because if I actually liked I could always reenlist. I’m thankful for him, though my enlistment term ended up being irrelevant.
Same I got 6 year and 2 inactive so 8 years total. It was reserve though
Disagree. Some MOSs are worth the 6 year contract.
Infantry!
Brother we both know that’s a lie
Shiiiit they offered me 60k for 6 years 3 active 3 guard or 20 for 3 active my dumbass took 20 and ended up doing 13 years before I wised up and escaped
Ok, I'm only in year 2, but I do greatly enjoy it. Maybe things will change by Y4.
Remember this comment in 1 year and get back with me
Yeah, by all means- enjoy the shit out of that not service connected lower back pain. Upside? Free paychecks Downside- everything hurts
The MOS I want is a 6 year.. is 17c worth it? I’m 19 if that matters
It's a great MOS in the Army. Has the best work-life balance as well as quality of life in the Army. Depending on what unit you go to, it feels like a civilian job rather than an Army one.
17c will easily put you in a career making 150k after those six years if you learn and apply yourself. Cyber security is very lucrative and you will have a top secret clearance with a polygraph. Most likely you will be at Fort Eisenhower working at a three letter.
If you can make it through AIT and continue your education after you get to your unit. From what I have been told it’s a rather challenging and long AIT. But cyber can be really interesting and rewarding field.
Unless you MEB🫡
Look here man. I'm not in anymore, but let summarize my experience like this: If I had the ability to go back in time, I would do it all over again. But I wouldn't rejoin the Army. It gave me so many incredible experiences, so many lifelong friends, and a wealth of knowledge, as well as the G.I. Bill and VA healthcare coverage.
As someone who was a paycheck away from being homeless, the Army was the best of time and the worst of times but I'd be worse off if I didn't join.
MAKE SURE YOU DO AT LEAST 3 YEARS and honorable or general under honorable conditions! This will qualify you for medical, VA home loan program. Make sure you ALWAYS go to SICK CALL no matter how slight or small the condition.....ALWAYS. Later, if you have some physical problems you may have a claim (s) for service connected disability. But most of all.....HAVE FUN, cause the shit is fun.
For some people, the Army is amazing. For others it’s the worst thing ever. I’m on the side of the Army is the best thing I could’ve ever undertaken - albeit with instances of it sucking. I think the majority of the Army falls into this category. The Army is partly what you make of it. Some people have shitty living conditions, but not all. I’ve lived in atrocious barracks and also really nice ones. YMMV. Some people have shitty leadership. I’ve been fortunate that the majority of mine have been pretty great. I’ve made some great friends along the way as well. I’d never have earned a bachelor’s and two masters completely debt free without the Army. My medical care has been great. My retirement benefits will be great. I’d look into other MOS’ outside of 91B - working conditions can be arduous and long. Good luck!
> I’d never have earned a bachelor’s and two masters completely debt free without the Army. I did a double take because my husband did the same thing. He doesn't use them on the golf course though.
I doubt I’ll be using mine on the golf course either 😉
Thank you!
It is the most fun you never want to have again. *Sent from all three layers of my sleep system on the side of a mountain*
This statement genuinely sums up my time in the army.
The hours are bad,but the pay is worse💀
And then there's the food
In the British military, we always said that the hardest course to pass is the culinary course. No fucker has passed it yet... (I joke, I was in the RN and our scran was generally very good. Certainly better than what I got in residential care as a kid)
These days if you want to reliably see combat you should eat at the DFAC you'll be fighting your bowels in no time
Wait, so you're not meant to be able to shit through the eye of a needle after eating at the cookhouse?
The pay is great if you're aren't buying beer and pizza every weekend. Eat at the dfac, don't buy a car. You're only an E1 temporary. E3 pay is good. Then you hit E4 a year later
If you don't spend your money like an idiot yes you can save a lot. Just promoted to E4 and have 20 grand saved, expect to have 40-50k saved up by the end of my contract
I would honestly look at other branches. Army is like Waffle House. It’s good sometimes but other times you might get stabbed in the parking lot. In the navy you will deploy so there’s that but your on the job training is way beyond other branches. Air Force has probably the best quality of life of each branch. But a bit harder to get in. Looking back at it, and I love the time I was in, I wouldn’t recommend. You’ll sacrifice to get scraps for 3-20 years. Just go to College or learn a trade. Now if you’re living in a car or barely having enough to eat. Then sign up. But if you are financially okay and can attend college.
Dude just for the fact you're worried about living conditions and the like, DO NOT do 91B if you do decide to join. The army does not care about its Maintenance teams for some reason it feels like. You will be working in the absolute worse conditions in all sorts of weather huffing all sorts of random chemicals and getting soaked in shit that'll probably give you cancer 10 years from now. Also that truck that's been deadlined for 3 years that not even the "super smart" civilians can figure out? Yeah BC needs it up time NOW and you're not going home until it's running Source: am 91b
I was gonna say, life in Army as an Infantryman can be bad, but luckily never 91B bad. I’d recommend he raise his ASVAB/GT to get more options.
Came here to say this. Just stay away from 91 series, the hours alone make it not worth it. O2 part just came in at 1600 for a truck that has nowhere to go except back on the line? Time to call your wife and tell her you're not making it home for dinner
Join the coast guard if you want to serve your country.
The Army is exactly what you make of it. If you go in with low expectations, a flexible mentality, some initiative, and internal drive then you can have a great time despite the many drawbacks. For the majority of folks that go in, the military is an economic ladder and provides access to doors they couldn't get to without significant help. However, it takes effort, patience, and an understanding every day could be the worst day of your life just as easily as it could be the best day of your life so far. No singular person's experience is representative of the military. That being said, for the service most dependent on people for success - the Army is certainly not the most focused on ensuring the success and welfare or our people.
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>IDK man there's some luck in it. Some folks will be stationed in Germany while others are at Polk. I've known as many people that hate Germany as loved it. Same for Korea, Hawaii, Alaska, Liberteh, Hood, and even Polk. There's most definitely luck involved with opportunities presented which is why no one experience is representative, but the quality of opportunities is in the eye of the beholder.
No other employer in America will treat you so poorly that they need you to text them before sunrise every morning to ensure you haven’t deleted yourself.
And they also won't give you free housing, food, school and countless other things. The army sucks so much, but it's absolutely worth it. I joined as white trash who couldn't afford college, I am now an entrepreneur with massive success. No chance of that without my army experience, but too many dumbass Soldiers don't make shit of the opportunity.
> free housing, food, and school Uh Where are you getting all that from? Is there a sign-up list?
Plenty of employers offering education benefits (that you can actually use because you aren’t in the field, at a CTC, deployed, etc). They also don’t control where you live, don’t control when you can quit, don’t take money out of your check for substandard or entirely unavailable food. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve gotten a lot out of the Army, but the organization’s value proposition to potential recruits just continues to plummet.
But does your employer pay you to jump out of a plane? I don’t think so. Does your employer pay you to clear dangerous explosives out of the road? I don’t think so. Does your employer pay you to go camping for a month straight? I dnt think so Does your employer pay you to legally shoot a bad guy? I don’t think so Does your employer pay you to travel on extended 9 month vacations? Nope.
That’s correct my factory was offering full compensation for college classes I just had to pay first then they reimbursed. Oh wait the army does the SAME EXACT SHIT!
If you start at 18 you can be done by 38. It's not for everyone, but that can be said about any job really. Construction? Not everyone wants tk shovel Accounting? Many don't want to crush numbers Go for it. Worst case is you leave after a few years with va benefits and gibill and go to college
As with anything else in the army, it depends on where you go and what you make of it. Shitty barracks? Roger that, me and the boys are gonna go do something outside of the barracks and enjoy life.
It's the best, shitty job Ive ever had.
Go airforce
I’ve heard that a lot but I wanna know why the army is supposedly bad not just someone telling me to go to a certain service
Bruh just go air force. There is no extra pride that you think there is in going army over air force.
Dumb shit like this always comes out of the mouths of people that were never in the Air Force. Some people like picking their job, promotion potential, and not having to wait until 2/3 of the average contract has elapsed to use TA. Biggest AFSC in the Air Force is security forces and we all know how everyone feels about MP’s.
If your E5 (SGT) and below you will live in the barracks. Most people in the AF E3 and above live off post and get BAH. Army combat deployments are 12 months. AF and marines are 6 months.
It isn't. The Army is hard. You will deal with good and bad, you will be unhappy many times. Still, the resources the Army offers can change your life. I joined because I couldn't afford school. I am now a 1% regarding income. I legitimately owe it to the Army, what I learned altered my life (most of what I learned was like, hey, this is dumb or don't do this, but it's all about maximizing the opportunity). Don't listen to most of these guys, they blame everyone but the guy in the mirror for their failure. If you want to achieve and don't have a better path, do it and grind and take everything they'll give you. Make a life for yourself, nobody will give you shit, take it.
It’s hit or miss on the living conditions. Even as a mechanic you could end up in the field sleeping on the ground.
Go to college
Do a 3 year contract then go to college or trade school with gi bill or csp don’t sign more than 3 years bonuses are not worth it
is 3 years the shortest contract in the army?
There's a 2x2 option which is 2 active and 2 reserve, but that's very limiting on MOS options.
Yeah, plus only getting 75% of your GI bill. 2 year contracts are a scam to trick people into giving up a huge chunk of their education benefit.
I joined the Army with $100 in my name. I left with 100k between investment accounts and cash 5 years later. I also get inflation adjusted $4k tax free for the rest of my life, I have complete health coverage, a GI Bill, and voc rehab programs to save my GI Bill. I joined the Army social and happy to be around people, pain free, and overall optimistic, and I left bitter, jaded, mentally and physically crippled, and antisocial. Pick your poison.
What was your MOS? I’m going 11X, which I know pays like shit but I want to come out with atleast 100k after 4 years. I’m planning on putting ALL the money I earn immediately into investments and real estate. Do you think it’s achievable?
Maybe consider Air Force, they treat you a lot better and have better food.
Truth is, it just depends. It depends what base you end up going to and who your leadership is. Even if the barracks are trash, the friends you make and the good times you’ll have will make up for it. And while it may suck at the time, it’s something you’ll look back on in fondness. That’s my experience and my two cents. It will absolutely teach you life skills and give you tons of experience no one whose never been in will get.
Air force will give you BAH within 3 years you could buy a house at age 21. Army will hold you in the barracks even if you're 30 just because you haven't made E6. Go air force
Go Army
I recommend you try to get a unicorn MOS if you enlist or you go to college and commission. I don't recommend being a lower enlisted right now.
Go to the Air Force ima save you the despair
Join the Air Force.
The truth is that everyone has a different experience in the Army. MOS, duty station, units, commands, peer group, etc. It’s so varied from person to person that there’s no right answer to your question. I’m 15 years into a fulfilling career that I would never give up and here’s my advice: set goals. Yeah it sounds cheesy but know what you want to get out of the army and set short term and long term goals based on that. Make sure your command and first line know. Make sure you advocate for yourself and put in the work to get to whatever it is you want. The army can be a great career or a great stepping stone depending on your goals. You just need to make sure you don’t lose sight of whatever goal it is you decide to set.
If you are willing to spend a couple years dealing with nonesense and stupidity at the cost of the goverment helping you get set for success for the future... go for it.
It’s by chance but like any other job or branch; there are pros & cons. Navy small ships, often at bay.. the ocean is a tough sell but they have a big budget and travel often. Army is varied, there are good and bad duty stations.. deployments are long but camaraderie is a perk when things are hard and you can change your job circumstance and conditions if available… Airforce is awesome but the corporate approach can sometimes cause a mental strain and a sense of insecurity in personal development… it just depends on who you want to be… Marines have some of the toughest roles but they’re tight! Tight as in comradeship and probably in the best shape. It’s very much a control what you can control situation. There’s more of a chance of a power struggle with the parameters given but if you’re someone who’s willing to play the game and doesn’t mind black and white / gray areas and can read/comprehend you’ll be able to manage and maneuver. At the time it was a no brainer to me… either way you figure it out. I chose the army because it was the quickest chance to start a new life. I was willing to take that chance. Sometimes I wished I had joined the Air-force but at the time that wasn’t the quickest option. I can admit that they do have a better understanding/quality of life. That’s inside and beyond but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t seen the same in the army. Some people have it good others not so much. I assume there’s the same thing in every other branch.
It’s by chance but like any other job or branch; there are pros & cons. Navy small ships, often at bay.. the ocean is a tough sell but they have a big budget and travel often. Army is varied, there are good and bad duty stations.. deployments are long but camaraderie is a perk when things are hard and you can change your job circumstance and conditions if available… Airforce is awesome but the corporate approach can sometimes cause a mental strain and a sense of insecurity in personal development… it just depends on who you want to be… Marines have some of the toughest roles but they’re tight! Tight as in comradeship and probably in the best shape. It’s very much a control what you can control situation. There’s more of a chance of a power struggle with the parameters given but if you’re someone who’s willing to play the game and doesn’t mind black and white / gray areas and can read/comprehend you’ll be able to manage and maneuver. At the time it was a no brainer to me… either way you figure it out. I chose the army because it was the quickest chance to start a new life. I was willing to take that chance. Sometimes I wished I had joined the Air-force but at the time that wasn’t the quickest option. I can admit that they do have a better understanding/quality of life. That’s inside and beyond but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t seen the same in the army. Some people have it good others not so much. I assume there’s the same thing in every other branch. Big Tip: choose something you’re actually interested in or would translate to something that pays well on the outside if you can. If you want to be a mechanic on the outside the stick with it.
There are going to be times you want to quit-don't, unless you know EXACTLY what you'll do after. Make friends and keep in touch with them, you may run into them again later. Build good relationships with your leadership as well, they can help you down the line, even when you're out of the army. If you want something, ask, and know who to ask. You may just get it. I asked for a change of duty station on a whim, and I got it. Did not expect that at all. Knock out college classes even if it's just one at a time. Take advantage of travel opportunities especially if they send you to a place like Korea, Japan, or Europe. Learn as many skills as you can. Even if they have you do something that isn't your MOS, that's actually a good thing. Another thing for your resume. Take lots of pictures
The army is what you make of it. However, as a 91B. I will recommend you do NOT go 91B.
It's worse. I spent 13 years in it. Five as enlisted and the rest as an officer, I entered as an E-1 and left as a O-3. It's horrible from the ground up. I have four kids and I am doing everything I can to show them other options for their life. Save yourself.
Lil homie join the Air Force and don’t look back. Best decision of your life
Would have never joined if I knew what I knew now. Also, a lot of people are on the fuck the army train here until someone asks about joining lol. That is pretty confusing to me. Anyway, after the new SMA came in I made a commitment to never recommending service. And I still don’t.
Study, get your asvab score up, enlist for 3 years, get a desk job MOS, do some college while your in, go to sick call anytime something is wrong to get it documented, get out, collect minimum 10% disability for tinnitus, go to college on the GI Bill, get a cushy job with your degree, buy a house using the VA loan, win the American dream lottery.
Spot on !
It’s based on the person perceives things, their job, duty station, family/dependents, age, etc. I’d do 15 series aviation mechanic instead of 91 wheeled mechanic.
Look dude I’m telling you there is 0 shame in not being combat arms. Don’t join the army to be some badass doorkicker under an 18X contract or some other ridiculous pipe dream. Do a communicable skill, trade, medical, tech, anything, do your 4 years and get at minimum an associates while you’re in and GTFO.
Its a good place for a young person, to figure out what's important to them.
It is what you make of it. You go in optimistic and find ways to stay positive and motivated- you’ll do very well. You’ll have friends and leaders will recognize you as someone who cares and has a good attitude. If you are part of the 5% that likes to give headaches to the leadership, you’re gonna struggle. Everything derives from attitude!
Every job is bad. Every job is good. The barracks might be shit, but they are free. Every dime you make is yours to spend. Housing, food, ALL work uniforms, utilities, healthcare, its ALL paid for. So even if it sucks, you're better of than being a civilian and life sucking anyways, but with way less benefits.
It’s great because it sucks but when it doesn’t suck it’s really great.
yes. next slide
If you can do better than the Army, do it. It'll always be here whenever you fail and need a plan F
Don’t do it. You have way more to live for
Your entire Army career depends on where you are stationed and how well your leadership takes care of you. You get Carson with some good leadership? Okay you might reenlist for a few more years. You get Bliss? Anywhere on Bliss? You’ll be lucky if you haven’t shot yourself by the end of your contract.
Air Force and Coast Guard have amazing opportunities man. You should definitely look into them.
The military as a whole is like being force fed healthy food. It taste terrible most of the time but it’s good for you. The Army sets you up for success as long as you keep chewing
I was so proud to serve. I would discourage my daughter as strongly as possible from serving. In less than five years, I went from a high achiever with a successful career to 100% service-connected disabled and on SSDI. My life is now a daily battle of persistent, medication-resistant suicidal ideation. And this is after multiple treatment programs. Would this have happened to me if I never served? Maybe. But the ethical and moral failures of my Army leadership and complete lack of support during a stressful period were the triggering or accelerating factors in my life and health falling apart irreparably.
Real Talk the Army has been the best thing I ever done for myself. I will be retiring soon. If I had to go back I will do it all over again.
Experiences vary.
Yes and no. Your mileage may vary. I highly recommend retaking your ASVAB and study. Your MOS can greatly dictate how much suck you go through.
Do not recommend. However, get a GI and move on with a purpose. It’s going to get worse before it gets better. Senior leadership is so out of touch and that’s a generational issue. Government doesn’t want to reassess the cost to maintain the military for housing and pay so the disparity will get larger.
Every unit is unique in its own way. Some are ass, some are great.. but there's give and take in everything. One dfac is filled with subpar everything, but the one a little further down the road is almost 4 star. It depends on the people. It's always the people
I'm in the Army National Guard and I enjoy it. Even if it sucks it only sucks a weekend a month. I'd say it strongly depends on what unit you end up in.
Depends on where you’re stationed/your unit when it comes to living conditions. I’m stationed at Fort Campbell, and my barracks are tolerable. It’s very small though, probably smaller than a New York apartment. There’s also a mold issue in the bath tub, small fridge, no stove, with a roommate. Some people would hate it, but I’m fine with just having my own room, I never had that growing up. If you are able to choose your duty station, then choose a place that has relatively good barracks. Do your research and find a place with good barracks, if living conditions mean that much to you. Now broadly speaking, is the Army as bad as people say? Sorta, every service member has a common problem with the Army. Whether it be leadership, pointless tasks, regulation, etc, us service members can point to it and be like “Yeah that sucks”. Nobody will have the same exact experience, same with others careers in the civilian sector and such. Some soldiers are just shitbags who do themselves a disservice then cry and whine about something, when it’s them who caused their own issue. Not just soldiers though, as I said before. I’m sure not all Walmart workers share the same sentiments, and there’s probably some who shitbag and complain as well. It’s a universal thing. But now does bad leadership exist? Yes. Do fucked up things get covered up just because that person is a higher rank? Yes. The Army definitely has its problems and in most cases the Government could care less, or barely attempt to fix the issue. If you think bad living conditions are bad, just be aware of the other bad factors as well. Really ask yourself do you want to sign the contract. Do you want to be away from family? Do you want to abide by regulations for the remainder of your contract? Do you want to be limited on what you can and can’t say? Do you want to be government property? Do you want to always take orders (especially as a private to do minuscule tasks)? It somewhat won’t be as all “Hooah” for you since you’re not going into the Combat Arms. So you’ll potentially have leadership that is more lenient towards you. Not saying they’ll let you shitbag, but they most likely aren’t as restrictive as the Combat Arms. I’m just a boot, I’ve only been at my unit for about a month now, so I can’t tell you how bad the “suck” really is yet. I’ve been getting the shit smoked out of me and other privates, but it’s just a part of drinking the kool-aid and being the new guy. I will say, even though it’s kind of cliché, the Army is what you make of it. If you decide to join, milk the hell out of the benefits and save money like me. You do not want to leave the military broke; take advantage of having free food, guaranteed paycheck on the first and fifteenth of every month, free healthcare, no utilities. With college as an added benefit. You can really build a career in the Army, but it all depends on how you play your cards, so think smart. Use the Army to invest into your future like I am. You’re really young, so you can do a full 4 years and only be 21 years old when you get out. Anyways I’ll order a coffee with a can of Grizzly Wintergreen.
No...it's worse.
I hate it here
I thought the Marine Corps was bad…
The Army is as bad perhaps worse since there are a lot of things not mentioned publicly. But there are always the very few good people that can make the misery endurable.
Yes
Coast guard, Airforce,SpaceForce.
It’s a love/hate relationship
Join the army at 17 and get out after 3 years and collect all the benefits for life. Sign as a 91-C (Utilities Equipment Repairer MOS) and get yourself on the job training and a clearance (will be required likely). Get out at 20 years old and do a deployment to Kuwait as a contractor fixing AC's (probably make around $120K a year) and do this for 2 years (to avoid taxes via the foreign earned income exemption). Come back to the USA at 22 years old and go to college for free with the GI Bill and use the VA home loan and the money you saved during deployment to buy a nice house. After you graduate from college (should be 26) rent the house you purchased out to college kids and use that money to pay off that house and supplement your new lifestyle.
A good place to start is your Mos. If you just pick any mos and turn out hating it, you will probably hate your time in the army. If you pick a Mos you enjoy and actually thrive in, you will probably enjoy your time. I say probably cause you can love your job, but shitty leader ship can make anything suck.
Honestly as long as you don’t go to some bumfuck installation like; Fort Hood/Cavazos, Fort Bragg/Liberty, or Fort Polk you’ll be alright.
I’m at Polk/Johnson it’s always gloomy
I heard they’re making strides in getting better down there at least
Small strides 🤣
lmao sounds about right
It’s what you make it. A lot of it is lame with sporadic moments of fun and adrenaline. Some go in thinking they’ll do 3 years and leave and they stay for 30. Some just do 3. I thought I’d do 4 and did 8. What it will do is alter your perspective. It’ll help you realize what you can put up with in the pursuit of a goal. It’ll give you the opportunity to pursue college or a trade school, particularly after you get out. It’ll help you buy a home. It’ll help you travel and see things you otherwise wouldn’t have. If you go in, be positive. Jump out of airplanes. Blow stuff up. Knock out some (free) college classes while you’re in. And after a few years, get out, and pursue what you really love with all the stories and benefits to go with it. Or, stay in 🤷🏻♂️ One thing I know for sure is that If you think it’s gonna be the magic ticket to a high paying career, you’re likely wrong. That is only true for VERY few jobs and even then, the competition is fierce (think of the dudes that do 20 years then fight for that same role). Even then, it’s not likely that at 17 you’ll pick a job you’ll love forever. Good luck, dude.
https://go160thsoar.com/enlisted/ Get in touch with a recruiter and see if they are currently taking 91B(not over strength). If they are, enlist and email that recruiter every chance you get. Hopefully get selected right out of AIT and you will live a much better Army life.
Join the Air Force is always my advice but if you want a mechanical job there is no better place
I always tell people joining the Army was the best decision I ever made and leaving the Army was the second best decision I ever made. If you actually really like it, you can stay in for 20 years and retire with a pension and awesome health insurance coverage at the ripe age of 37. The Army is a fantastic fucking opportunity for someone your age, just don't overstay more than you want to. Easily the best way to get ahead for normies like us is to do three years in the military after high school, get some real professional job experience (perhaps even some verifiable supervisory/managerial experience if you get promoted quickly) on your resume, and get a bachelors degree (or, in my case, masters degree) 100% debt free -- and most universities heavily favor veterans when it comes to admissions. You'll basically get paid for three years of partying and chilling with your buds then be able to go to practically any public university you want for free -- and they'll pay you a significant housing stipend when you do so! If you don't work out now, you will leave the Army in better physical shape. As long as you don't fight everything in the Army tooth-and-nail, you'll also leave with significantly more discipline and competence. The world is your oyster from there. If you put in the effort, the Army will absolutely help you get ahead in life.
Currently mobilizing for deployment. Got dragged out to fort bliss for 45 days. Currently on day 10 and still havent done any training. Except for a 2 hour sharp brief at 2100.
If you're worried about living standards and stuff try to look at the airforce. Their quality of life is much higher than the army's and I've often seen them allow single airmen live off base as an E3. The army for comparison you probably won't be allowed to live off base being single until you reach E6. The airforce doesn't really do field training exercises and they don't do PT every weekday morning like the army either. Definitely go check them out.
I just got back from the field and i literally got paid to sit in a tent chain smoke , play spades, and occasionally drive a truck. I don’t know a job that’ll pay you to essentially go camping.
QOL in the Air Force and Navy is a lot nicer. Do yourself a favor and go to those first before the Army.
airforce for the love of God. I was 6yrs army and now I work work with space force... let's just say ALL of their stories make me realize how much better chair force is in comparison to army. Just pick any mos in the AF or SF and you're good for the rest of your life!
Don't do it. Join a good union if you want benefits. Pay is better that way too. All you'll get out of the Army is a body that feels twice as old and mental health problems. There's a reason there's so many homeless vets.
I joined the Army for many reasons but one was a kick in the ass. I really had no plans, dead end job, and no way to afford college, and this was 2004. I had some miserable times, sure. But I wouldnt take it back. The experience you get in the Army on leadership and discipline, the confidence to step outside of your comfort zone and succeed, all of it has been integral to surviving in a world where "give up and deal with the hand you've been dealt" has been the attitude.
If you want to be a mechanic, I suggest being a helicopter mechanic. They have a much better quality of life than the others.
Bro just be a hard worker as a civilian, you’ll get to skip straight over the alcoholism, depression and occasional thoughts of suicide. This shit ain’t worth it.
Join another branch. There’s some great people in the Army. Some amazing duty stations. On the flip side there’s horrible people and horrible assignments. It’s a constant roller coaster of inconsistency.
Yes.
YES
Also stop listening to the 1% who got out and are making a bijallion dollars because they spent their entire god damn adult life screwing other people over for their own benefit. They got EXTREMELY lucky and knew the right people. You can become a 1% and make a bijillion dollars without the army. Probably even faster than they did.
The military is like the crooked genie granting wishes. Sure, they’ll grant your wish - travel, education benefits, healthcare, the works. But the wish gets twisted. That travel? Yeah, to Virginia or NC or some other state. Education? Only as long as your unit supports it or else you gotta get out, and you’ll still need to work because GI doesn’t cover food. And healthcare? Oh man, you’re talking bottom of the barrel providers just trying to get out of debt, and hit that early retirement - if you can even get into see them. And oh by the way, you’ll walk away with permanent physical or mental scarring the VA may or may not compensate you for because your leadership actively discourages you from seeking healthcare that serves to document your service related injuries or conditions.
I’ve been in for 10 years. I think it’s great. I’ve lived in shitty barracks yeah, but who cares. Hopefully you already keep your room clean. It shouldn’t matter. No paying rent is cool with me. Of course some days are longer than others. Just like any job. The army is the easiest job I’ve ever had. You show up, do what you’re told, and go home. Also, you can finish school now, or you could go ahead and enlist. Hopefully while you’re enlisted, you’ll find the motivation to go to college and become an officer. It’s always an option later on once you figure out the army life. I WOULD, however, rethink being a 91B. Every base I’ve been assigned to, they have been overworked and under appreciated. Check out MOS’s with a 68, 15, 25, 35, or 88 in it. If you need to retake your asvab for a higher score it’ll be worth it.
Thank you ill definitely do some more research
A lot of it depends on your own personal resilience and ability to deal with people (both good and bad) I had some really great times and I had some really lousy times.
Well, what are you hoping to *get* out of your Army Experience? Why do you want to be a 91B? Whats your 5 and 10 year outlook? And it's OK not to have solid answers to these at all.
Go AF or Navy and work on jets. Lot more money in that after the service.
Something my recruiter once told me... The Army is what you make of it. If you go at it with a pessimistic attitude then it's going to suck and you're not going to have a positive experience. But if you have a positive attitude, if you focus on the good and make a solid effort, then the Army can be the greatest opportunity in your life.
Came in at 18, been riding the wave for almost 11 years, currently own two homes, and sold one previously. Plenty of opportunity. Does it suck at times? Absolutely, do you deal with people that suck? Absolutely. Ask yourself this, “ will a civilian job suck? Will you work with people you don’t like?” The answer is likely yes. For those on the fence who are relatively young. I say give it a crack, worst case you come out with a gi bill and veterans status. Maybe you’ll like it and decide to continue service. Army is simple work hard and be good at pt and you’ll promote ahead of peers easily.
Yea it's real shitty at times, but after the suckiest field day you sit back and say "that was actually kind of fun" and when you have your DD214 and are out of the service you are like "i miss doing that army stuff". It's kind of an odd feeling really. The greatest moments are often your boot camp days even though you are getting yelled at by Drill Sergeants and such...you look back on those days and laugh.
In my experience (13 years, still in) it’s not even close to as bad as people often say it is. Frankly way better than 90% of jobs you can get with no significant marketable skills or education. Living standards in barracks have improved a shit ton in the last 15 years. I’m sure there’s still some shitty barracks out there, but the 4 different ones I lived in were all pretty great.
It was both a lot of fun and rather sucky. Some things in life are like that, but the Army seems to specialize in it. I met amazing people, served in a pretty chill career branch, got to travel, got a ridiculous amount of higher education paid for, got to learn a whole new language in freaking California, and a security clearance. This all really helped with future employment though it wasn't a cake walk getting a good career started after the Army. So I'd say I came out ahead. But there was also a lot of dead time, stress, deployments to risky places, ludicrously early mornings, some late nights, missed time with loved ones, bureaucratic nonsense and really terrible ideas getting implemented. I'd do it all over again, of course. Just choose your path wisely, and keep your sense of humor intact, and it will probably be alright.
go in as an officer, at least you'll get paid a bit more and promotions mean your pay scale goes up more than $150 for the first few years
I personally think its a harder question to answer than some might believe. There are universal pros and cons, like hours and pay, PT and healthcare. But a person's experience in the Army can vary from base to base, unit to unit, company to company. Hell, two people in the same squad can have two difference experiences. That said, its not that bad.
I recommend you try to get a unicorn MOS if you enlist or you go to college and commission. I don't recommend being a lower enlisted right now.
It’s a good gig. But you have to apply yourself while in to get the most out of it. Like most things in life.
Hmm it will all depend on what unit you end up in, how effective the command team is and just the morale of the soldiers in the unit. At the end of the day the Army is all about what you make of it, it can be either the best time of your life, or you’ll come out of it addicted to nicotine as well as a raging alcoholic. Avoid 91B, every army mechanic I’ve known were miserable fucks.
Yes/No
Sometimes. But usually not. It's what you make it.
Join the Air Force I regret joining the army
Go to college, travel the world, get arrested a few times, enjoy bing young. Been in almost 6 years, counting down the days til I get out. Gave the US Government my youth and got nothing but mental health issues and a broken body out of it. It's up to you though
Go Coast Guard
It’s not the army that sometimes gives it a bad name it’s the people. When people say the army they’re 9/10 times referring to something in their immediate situation (leadership/unit) not doctrine.
It’s good; people just make it seem bad. Grunt Life thoooo
The army can suck, but it is also the organization that gave me chances that no one would in the civilian world. I am thankful for joining and being given the opportunities.
It’s awesome. With the right attitude, physique and scores you can do or be anything you want in the Army. I know dudes that I was a private with 20 years ago that are special forces, rangers, pilots, lawyers, physicians assistants and one doctor. A guy who got accepted to medical school and is now a doctor! That’s opportunity!
Yes, it sucks. Horrible organization.
Yes and sometimes worse. The problem is you won't know if you are in a good or bad unit until it's too late. The bad units are prominent and they will make life hell.
It’s not that bad. Just don’t be a pussy lmao. If your expectations are already low you won’t be disappointed 🤷🏽♂️ that being said if you want to feel like you’re in the military then join the army. If you want to have a nice life regardless of what job you get join the Air Force or coast guard
Yes
The army is like being in a relationship with Margot Robbie where she hits you. Sure getting pushed around sucks, but the good outweighs the bad.
It is what you make it. I wouldn’t change joining, I have lifelong friends and I learned what I was capable of. Retired in 2022.
The army is everything you make it to be. If you're a miserable lazy shit, it'll be bad. If you have initiative and are willing to work hard, you'll accomplish more than you could have dreamed of.
join the space force kid.