I'm 15 and I'm pretty sure I've got my heart set on joining the military. I have some questions...
For a woman 5'5"-5'6"...what's the ideal weight, body fat percentage, and how muscular do you have to be?
I've always been big boned and I have a large body frame. Is their a certain height you have to be?
What does it mean when people say women can't do combat? What do men do that women can't?
What's the best branch for women? I'm leaning towards the air force, not only because I want to, but because that's what my grandpa was in. Do you sky dive? I've always wanted to...I was wondering if there was any chance you could do that in the air force...? Lol...
Thank you! I know I have a lot to learn.
2006-08-24 14:42:53 · 15 answers · asked by Spiral Out 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Um....I wasn't planning on getting married or having kids before I joined..
2006-08-24 14:50:58 · update #1
I think you should go for the career you choose. I recommend the Army because that is where I was and I have more knowledge of it than the Air Force. Check with the recruiters from both services and see which one will give you what you want, or at least as close to it as you can get.
As for the height and weight, I posted a link below to the Army regulation on this so you can see exactly what the standards are. There is a height weight chart, and then there is the body fat measurements explained. Even if you cannot meet the height and weight requirements, you might be within the body fat allowed. Incidentally, for a 17 year old female, at 5'6" you are allowed to weigh 141 pounds. You are also allowed a body fat percentage of 28%.
As for the combat being performed, the Army has old regulations that say that females cannot be assigned to certain MOS's (jobs) that are direct combat. The number is shrinking as they realize how well females can perform and how different the world is now. Consider that many women are in the Military Police and it is now one of the primary parts of the combat services.
The last part is about sky diving. In the Army, they will allow females to go to jump school and learn how to use a parachute. It is vastly different from the sky-diving with civilian parachutes, but I am not jump qualified so i cannot tell you the difference.
2006-08-24 16:58:13 · answer #1 · answered by Steve R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well my husband is in Infantry and I know that is only men. I think that women can do anything that men can do though! As far as the weight are you in shape? I fnot it is a good idea to be. If you are big boned but muscular they go by body fat. Its a ratio thing they figure out. Stay in shape and eat healthy you should be fine. I know alot of people in the service men adn women. I think that my Navy women friends are happier, not sure why I never asked. And the Marines have the tuffest standards I know. It's up to you what kinda thing you want to do, besides Jump lol. You can start talking to a recruiter now too. When you go back to school here soon, they will be in there all the time they will be more than happy to help you out with any questions. Although it probobally wont be the same recruiter that would inlist you because by the time your of age they will probally have gottin orders to go somewhere else. but good luck in your decision making. it is a hard one.
2006-08-24 16:43:30 · answer #2 · answered by sweet_cowgirl19 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to be between 106-150. (approx) But if you are over this weight and have a low body fat percentage than you will be fine.
Women arent allowed in a combat MOS such as infantry or special forces.
The Air Force is probably best for females, but it all depends on what job you want. You will probably never sky dive in the Air Force. The only people I know for a fact that do are the special forces.
One tip: dont rely on your recruiter for information, hear what he has to say then go to outside sources to confirm or deny what they told you. Some recruiters are shady or will let you beleive what you want(such as letting you think you will never get deployed)
Good luck
2006-08-24 14:52:14 · answer #3 · answered by Curt 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's time for planning. How are the grades? Do well in high school. Take science and math and courses you hate like hell and do well. Don't complain, just do the work. Learn to read and write. Not just read, but read, read, read. Not just write but write, write, write. Hit he books like there won't be a next time. Hit the books like a military obstacle course training to leap from 10 thousand feet up. Do that and I promise you'll fly into any branch of the military. The Air Force is looking for academically talented personnel. You want to fight? What about aviator. Your height is perfect. Stay fit. Do track and field or gymnastics. Keep the attitude. A woman can accomplish anything.
PS. It's important you listen to this. Don't think you can weave baby blankets on the way.
2006-08-24 14:55:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
All branches have lots of ladies. You will sky dive only if unit you are assigned to needs that qualification. Remember sit ups , push ups and two mile run. Scores depend on age and gender.
If you are healthy and can start practising for those three, then go on the air force web site to get the number of push ups/sit ups you need to do in 2 minutes and the run time around 15-17 I guess minutes for 2 miles and best of luck
2006-08-24 14:50:45 · answer #5 · answered by Freddy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take everything anyone says with a grain of salt.... I'm built sort of like you and currently active duty Navy, expecting my first child.
If you want to join then join. Simple as that, and kudos to you if you do join and if you don't, hey its all cool also. I joined. Women do go to combat, just not as frequently, but yes they will go to combat. I'm sure that your family will be proud and if you end up getting married and having children then kudos to you again, and (heaven forbid) something should happen to you, your children would know what you were doing was so they could keep their freedom, unlike so many of these people that have their freedoms and continue to put down our armed forces.
As far as skydiving, you can request it and you don't have to be assigned to a squadron or command that requires it. Same goes with all military operations except for special forces, even if your command doesn't require it you can request it.
2006-08-24 15:18:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are certain jobs that wouldn't be healthy for women, because of hygiene.....You may want to pick the Army for jump school. I was enlisted at Ft Campbell, KY(94-98)....I could tell you a lot about the AF. This is the best service of which I have served.....Good luck
2006-08-24 14:46:39 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are going to do just fine. The Air Force is your best choice. Good luck
2006-08-24 14:48:39 · answer #8 · answered by Annie R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have no real info, but ignore anyone that says women can't do combat - explain that to the women in my Tae Kwon Do class and they'll batter you! The 16 year old daughter of my instructor is 2nd Dan and was in the British team - I'm not going to tell her she can't fight!
2006-08-24 14:45:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Look mam a beautiful women like does not need to put himself in the milatary think of the risk you are taking. think of your husband and kids. How are your kids going to survive without a mom. being a hero sometimes is not always important. you will be hero to your family. dont go to the army you will be sent to war for sure and get killed for no reason and make your whole entire family sad for life. have you ever felt when losing someone. I have lost my dad in a war.
2006-08-24 14:47:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋