How do you really know the army is what you want?

Question

Okay for the past couple of weeks i have been all geared up for the Army and for Basic training but how do you know if it is what you really want. Tomorrow i go to take my ASVAB so tonight ive really been thinking. Im only 17 and im kinda having a nervous break down right now trying to figure out what to do. I really need some help here. I really want to with all of my heart join the army and go to Basic Training, but just thinking about it i am already homesick and the biggest reason i am staying is becuase of my girlfriend. I am so confused right now.

Answer 1

You aren't the first to have these feelings my young friend. There is nothing wrong with being sure about your decision before you make it; just be sure you stick with your decision afterward.

In the end, the decision to join or not join must be your own. However, I will tell you that your reason not to join isn't a very good one. Girls come and go. If things are serious enough between the two of you for her to even matter in your decision, then hopefully she'll stick around while you are away. If not, she's not worth bothering with. If she does stick with you, and you marry her, the two of you can get a place together on the Army's tab.

Anyone who says they weren't nervous before they went through Basic Training is a flat-out liar! You have every reason to be nervous. However, I'll tell you that after all was said and done, I found it to be a very positive experience. Most soldiers find themselves wanting to go back (after a raid on a fast food restaurant of course).

My best suggestion for your home-sickness is to make sure you have plenty of people sending you mail. Mail is the best cure for home-sickness. It wont get rid of it, but it'll help a lot!

To answer your question, there is, unfortunately, no way to get a true sampling of being in the military without actually being in it. I will tell you, however, that the military has a lot to offer, and you'll get out of it what you put in. Take advantage of what it has to offer, and keep a positive attitude, and you'll come out alright or better.

By the way, in response to what the idiot said about your education causing you to only quallify for 11B (Infantry): that's BS. I went in just out of high school, and I am a 96B (Military Intelligence Analyst). The Army gives you all the training you need to do the job YOU CHOOSE. Granted, you have to score well on the ASVAB to get cool jobs like Intelligence, but I have plenty of friends that scored well on the ASVAB, but went into Infantry anyway just because they wanted the action. Don't think the infantry are all dumb - they aren't!

Also, in response to the same ignoramus, if you don't want to go to war, the military isn't the place for you. Of course it sucks to go to war, but that's your job. It's what you're there for. You don't have to like it, you just have to fulfill your obligation.

If you would like to have a two-way conversation with someone who's been there and done that (fairly recently might I add), click on my avatar, and shoot me an e-mail. I'll be happy to answer specific questions or even just share stories with you about my BCT and AIT. Also check out these links. Good luck!

http://www.military.com/ASVAB

http://forums.military.com/1/OpenTopic?a=cfrm&s=78919038&f=56919758

Answer 2

Here's what I recommend to the kids I work with. Take a short career guidance class... maybe your local community college has one... or perhaps you can find one line. A good career guidance class will test your skills, abilities, and aptitudes, and point you in the direction of a few career choices that are "likely" to be a good fit for you, based on your strengths. From there, see what different branches of the military have to offer, in terms of jobs within the areas you are more likely to excel within.

As for thinking about leaving home... and having doubts... That is completely normal for nearly every graduating senior I've ever met.

I'm not trying to encourage or discourage you from choosing the military... just trying to give you a few tools with which to do your own homework on military career options. Once you know what you're looking for... the fear factor will probably disappear.. at least to a certain extent. Bottom line is, make sure you're getting a good deal for YOUR life...

And as a mom I will advise you to NOT stay in town for a girlfriend. You're YOUNG... if this relationship is destined to be successfull, then you joining the military won't change that.

Answer 3

First of all congratulations for considering the military! The next step, get through basic training with out being home sick. One good thing about basic training is that they keep you so busy that you only get a short time each day to think about home. And don't worry about it being hard at basic training, just think about your tasks at hand and before you know it, your done. My basic training was 14 weeks and it went by like a dream. The drill Sargent's will tease you saying, "Jody's going to get your girl". Don't let that bother you either, if she is worth keeping, she will wait.

I guess my best advice for now is to get as high a score as you can on your ASVAB, that will give you more choices as to what job you will be doing. I got a very high score and had hundreds of choices. I still ended up picking 19K (Abrams Tank Crew man), I laugh now but the video they showed me at MEPS was really cool. That and we were not at war at the time.

There is no higher honor than to serve your country.

Answer 4

The purpose of the military is to be fit, trained, and follow orders. The purpose of civilians in a democracy is to control the people who run the military. If you trust your fellow citizens who vote in every election, and believe that they have control over the central government , then by all means join the military and fight like a banshee.
If you think the government might be influenced by other forces than your and your fellow citizens best interests, and they might send you off to a war for no discernable American interest, then go to "politician control school". The people who graduated from "politician control school" really run the country.
When it comes to voting and policy making, the television remote control works really well, but we are on the wrong end of it.

Answer 5

Only you can decided if the Army is the right choice for you. If you do go, try to get into a field that will give you opportunities when your service is complete.

Answer 6

You already say you are staying so what is the question?

Join the Army and you will be in Iraq in 9 months. 14 Army troops were killed this weekend!

You figure it out.

And with probably at best, a high school education you will be a 11B grunt!

Answer 7

Listen to Truth May Hurt and Amy S. They both know what they are talking about. I can't add anything that either of them hasn't already covered. Do what you feel is best for you and all the rest will work itself out. Good luck out there.

Answer 8

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