19/f, Should I join the military?

Question

I am thinking about joining the military to escape my lifestyle but I have no idea what life would be like if I make that choice and I don't want to regret it. I am a 19 year old female, I'm not tough and also quite sensitive. Perhaps this would strenghten me up to be a stronger person. What would you guys suggest??

Answer 1

You need to do your homework. There are hundreds of things that you can do in the military besides being a rifleman. You need to research the different avenues that you can take, which branch would be the most beneficial, and how your experience in the military can carry you in your life after the military. For example, you could join the medical corps, and be on your way to becoming a doctor or nurse after the military. You could work in computers, auto mechanics, any field that interests you.

For example, you describe yourself as being not tough and sensitive. You might want to look at the Air Force or Navy, as opposed to, say, the Marine Corps.

When done correctly, going into the military can be a fantastic way to instill discipline, toughness, and a good work ethic. Just be absolutely sure that you know what you are getting yourself into, or you might get burned.

Answer 2

I would suggest talking to others that have have been in the military. Somebody you trust not just recruiters. Some people might toughen up, but most won't. I HIGHLY suggest not joining until you are sure. 4-6 years is a long time to suffer because you jumped into a decision.

Also keep in mind if you do join, it's a VERY real possibility that you will be sent overseas. Almost positive. If your not willing to go overseas then don't do it. It's unfair to you, and the unit that would be depending on you.

Answer 3

I enlisted a month after high school and it did wonders for me. I was stationed in Germany (2 tours), Korea (2 tours), New Mexico, Nebraska, Mississippi, and California. I got to see what is like in Europe and Asia. I learned how to speak enough German to at least be able to order from a menu and to find out how to get to different places.

A military life is not for everybody, but if you have the discipline to get through basic, you should be fine. As was mentioned before, there are many career fields so you have alot of choices. I would at least take the ASVAB (a placement test) to see what your qualified to do before even committing to enter the service.

In times of combat, if you want to be away from a war zone, I would suggest either the Navy or the Air Force. In the Army and Marines even the admin troops get deployed, in the Air Force and Navy, while folks do get deployed they are usually in a much more secure area.

I spent over 14 years in the Air Force and have seen many changes in that time. Enlisting in the military is not a bad thing, it teaches you how to deal with folks from all backgrounds and all races. The military teaches you about the importance of teamwork. Yea, and the following orders thingy as well.

Answer 4

If your gonna listen to anyone on here, listen to me!!!!! I left for the military just after turning 20 years old, and i said the same thing that you did, you didnt like your lifestyle. I was weak before, and shy and very very very sensitive. I was only in 8 months, but let me tell you, it has changed me for the better! I stand up for myself and Im proud of who iam. For me during basic and AIT was being away from my family and boyfriend(who Ive married and had a child with, he is in the army and in Iraq) But it made me stronger and stronger , everyday having to do it by myself, with no one to help. It is such a hard/different lifestyle then anything here, so I would make you really read into it and think about it, and dont let anyone sway your descion, espec ially not those recruiters! The military was tough for me, and i regretted joining while i was still in, and if i stayed in, i know i would be in Afghanistan right now, but things happen and change. Once I got out, i never regretted joining, it made a huge impact on me and my life. i hope you find your right path and succed.

Answer 5

I say spend some time with another one who is sensitive and enjoy being that way. Who says you have to be the meanest toughest bastard out there? There's already far too many of that type around. We need more people like you! Stay that way as long as you can! The strongest people are those that have remained independent and can make decisions without someone else telling them what is best! Believe me you will be filled with a lifetime of regrets if you go the military route! I learned the hard way and now you don't have to experience the same regrets for all the time lost devoted to an organization that treats their most valuable possession their own people like just another piece of toilet tissue! When you decide to stay away from the military you have taken the first step to being truly independent and strong!

Answer 6

i joined the army at 17 to get away from my lifestyle.... and it made me a much better person.... but I have always had thick skin and grew up a bit of a brawler ( i liked to get into fights...who knows why... probably the adrenaline rush).....but if you get offended easily by people cussing or talking about sex and all that... then the military is not the place for you. but if you want to turn yourself around and have possibly the best experiences of your life... and meet people who you will stay friends with forever.... then join the military...
But! if you do... go in the airforce.. you will get paid better, have shorter deployments, and get treated better than the other services.

Im not one to try and talk you out of it... sometimes i regretted enlisting but there were times that i knew it was the best decision i had ever made. I am 21 and have more life experiences and more discipline than the majority of 40 year olds that i know. Sometimes it will be hard, but the good times definitely make up for it.

Answer 7

Join the military part time, just in case you don't like it. If after a year in the reserves or National Guard, and you are ready for the 24/7 challenge go full time. I joined at 18 in 2001 and I am still in the ARNG. The guard helped me get a degree , being a veteran helped me get my first job 8 months ago, and I got to se New Mexico last month.Good Luck.

Answer 8

Yes, it would be a good choice for you. I joined the Army when I was 19 on the delayed entry program and went in when I was 20. It was the best choice I have ever made in my life. I was like you...very sensitive. They whipped me into shape. When I got out of basic I wasn't a shy little girl anymore.

Like you I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I was going to college, just because that is what I thought I was supposed to do and all my friends were going. It was boring. The Army life was exciting and I got to travel and do lots of stuff my friends have only dreamed of. Think seriously about it though. It is a life changing decision. Not one to be taken lightly.
Best of Luck in whatever you decide to do.

Answer 9

Joining the military is a choice that a person makes. You are right, it will teach you alot of things that you cannot learn in the real world. The military will teach you how to keep your cool under stressfull conditions, it will raise you mentally as well. But please keep in mind the military is not for everyone, if you can make it through basic training you will be fine, everything after that is a cake walk. The military will make you strong, not only mentally but physically.

Answer 10

I agree with Stevie.... Join the Air Force. I did 8 years in the Army. When I got out, I started working at an Air Force base. They have better living, better equipment, better training... And like Stevie said, shorter deployments...

The military is a great way to go... Alot of jobs look to hand on experience, which you can get through the military, not just book smarts... Although the military will give you money to get the book smarts...

Id say go for it and good luck.