Who here is in the military?

Question

Who here is actually in the military? Which branch and why did you join? How long have you been in and how long are you going to stay in? Do I have to cut my hair??

Answer 1

Retired now. 6 years Navy active duty, 6 years Air Force active duty, and 22 years Air National Guard with 21 of those years working full time. I stayed in because I believed in what I was doing, even through a 14 month tour in Vietnam that got me a Purple Heart. For women, you can have long hair, but it must be "up" during your duty day. You will learn more by talking with a recruiter. If your hair is really long, then they will probably "suggest" that you do cut it.

Answer 2

If your hair hangs below your shoulders, then yes, they'll cut it. I assume you're a girl. Guys going into boot get the "bullet cut", which means your head is shiny and bald and it looks like the tip of a bullet.

Went to MCRD San Diego and Camp Pendleton. Hated first phase and absolutely loved 2nd and 3rd phase. I had signed up two suckers...er...friends and graduated as First Squad leader, so I was a Lcpl coming out of boot.

Not in the military anymore. Was USMC 1992-1998. I joined a week after I graduated high school. Was in the DEP for 8 months and actually turned 18 while in boot camp.

I mainly joined because of Saddam invading Kuwait. It sounded like a worthy cause and turned out to be just that. Spent 18 months in Kuwait, but never fired a shot. I was, for all intensive purposes, a desk jockey (military intelligence and ended up in counterintelligence).

Overall, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Only thing I would change is I should have gone into a more technical MOS like telcom for the lucrative job after the military, but hindsight is always 20/20.

Answer 3

I was in the Navy for 5.5 years. It was fun and I got to see the world, got money for college and learned some good technical skills.

There are hair length standards for every branch. I would check them out. In the Navy, women were not allowed to have their hair length be touching the collar on your shirt. Although I believe you were allowed to grow it longer as long as you put it up in a bun.

If you do decide to join, here are some words of wisdom.

1. You will be away from all your friends and family for long periods of time; 6months or more. If you cannot deal with this, I do not suggest you go into the service.

2. When you sign up and the recruiter says he is going to get you this or that, make sure it is in your contract before signing it.

3. When advancement exam times come around, study and don't blow it off. When you get advanced you get more privileges, money and responsibility.

4. When on deployment, get a hobby for the down time, and always bring 2 weeks worth of under garments.

5. Always keep your stuff locked up, and have easy access to cash. Its a bummer when there are no ATMs around and you just want to get some snacks.


6. If you do join up, stick it out no matter how tough it is. Getting that Honorable discharge and life experiences is worth the effort and time.

Answer 4

Not me !! I left in 1999... joined in 1985 and went thru Naval Recruit Training Center - Orlando, Florida. I was enlisted until 1994 and took a commission as an LDO (Limited Duty Officer). I would have stayed, but I lost enough hearing I got grounded and couldn't fly (aircrew) any longer.

I miss it, but also enjoy my new life.

Answer 5

Your hair cannot be lower than the bottom of our collar in the back. If it sits on your shoulders you will get wrote up.
USAF Veteran 78-82

Answer 6

i am. ive been in since 2005 and ima go for 20 yrs.
you dont have to cut your hair liike gi jane.. just gotta keep it up under your hat

Answer 7

No, you do not have to cut your hair. It can be touching your shoulders, but no lower.

I leave for US Navy on June 21. :)

Answer 8

was in the marine core, my service is over now,