To join or not to join......

[IronHeart_26]

Hey guys, I have a question for those of you who are or were in the military. I have been seriously contemplating joining the army reserve during the past year or so. What I want to know is what kind of odds are stacked against me and if you can tell me any reasons why I should or should not join.....from your been there done that perspective. I've been told by some that right now is not a good time to enlist, but that's just because they love me and would want to see anything happen to me. The military is just in my blood I think. Both of my parents were in the Air Force during Vietnam, then my father was a full time crew chief for the Army National Guard, my grandfather was a WWII Navy Veteran on the USS Detroit, and I currently have someone close to me who is in Special Operations. The military has always been a part of my life in some way or another. During the past year, the desire to join has weighed heavily on my heart and I just want to know what y'all think about it.

I'm 27 years old.....Female.....In pretty good physical condition (I walk 6 miles a day five days a week, ride a bicycle several miles, and other various exercises). Am I too old to join, and if I do join what are the options that are open for me? I haven't talked to a recruiter yet but plan on doing so soon.

I know that every now and then there's a discussion here about women in the military and I just wanted to get some opinions from those of you who know the ropes.....

Thanks for any thoughts y'all can give me.

[USMarine3521]

I believe the oldest is 28?? so if you are wanting to join then now should be the time, be sure that you are very sure of joining, espeically the army because once you make contact with them they will keep calling you (in some cases, maybe not all recruiters). By the way, ever thought about the Marine Corps Reserves?? :lol:

[Jack Mehoff]

JUST DO IT

[stryker182]

I wish i could

[Beowulf]

You have to think about what it is that you want to do within the military, in terms of a job.

Serving your country is it's own reward etc etc etc, but when you sign a 6 x 2 contract in the reserves you'll want to be doing something that you're at least interested in.

What branches interest you? What kind of jobs would you like to do? Do you want to travel a lot or stay in one area? Is money for college important? Money in general? Do you have a degree? Do you want to be officer or enlisted? I could go on.....

These are things to consider that will help you to make a good decision...
All Best,
-b

[Uncle Sam]

Best suggestion...Talk with the recruiter first. GET EVERYTHING HE PROMISES IN WRITING!!!!!! Don't sign unless you are 100% confident everything is in the contract. Other than that, I think you will do fine. I can totally respect your decision to join. I was the same way..It was in my blood.

On another note....SO, what's your sign... :lol:

EightyDuece on the loose!!

[ibstolidude]

BE completely honest in your assesment of how much you are willing to go down range...

Some MOS's deploy 10x more than others... some reserve MOS's will pull you to active duty for 6-9 months about once every 2/3 years, or sooner.
..don't get wow'ed, use some time to consider all factors..do research...when you find an MOS you like ask the recruiter to take you to the unit...then talk to all the cheese****s he wants you to...sneak off to piss and talk to all the E4's and bellow...you will get the real mix of feelings then. (from ****ty to wonderful)

[buckeyedoc]

It would be beneficial for you to join. I enlisted in the Army (regular) back in '95 and we had several soldiers who were in their 30's. One was in the National Guard and was 36. He just beat the cut-off. The USAR has a lot of excellent opportunities for someone. College money, training, enlistment bonuses, and other fringe benefits. You have to make sure that this is what you want. It is a big decision. It depends on what job you want too. Look beyond the next 3-4 years. Choose an MOS that will benefit you in the real life. Good luck.

[IronHeart_26]

Well, I called a recruiter earlier this afternoon. He is supposed to have another recruiter who handles my area to contact me later this evening concerning setting up a meeting with him so he can give me the 411 on the Army Reserve and everything that is entailed. Is there anything specific that I should speak with him about? And can anyone explain the difference between the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. I don't want to look like just another dumb blond who hasn't got a clue about what she's getting into.

This is something that I want to do, but I do plan a doing a lot of soul searching and praying about it before I sign the dotted line. Thanks guys. I was afraid that posting this topic would end up like the last one I posted a while back. I'll probably have more questions for y'all after I talk to the recruiter. Have a good one :)

[Scrim]

If you are thinking of the reserves, make sure there is a drill center close to you which offers the particular job you want. I have a friend who joined the Army reserve as a medic. There was no drill center in his area, so he spent one weekend a month changing bed pans at the local hospital. Thats all he did, Im not kidding.
As a former Marine Recruiter, my best piece of advice is to talk to every branch of the service before making a descision, you might be surprised. Hell you might even decide to join my beloved Corps ;)
The cut of age for the Corps is 28(without a waiver) the Army is 35.
Good luck to you.