Need Honest Advice

[bartj21]

I'm a 28 year old female who is single with no children and have a BA. I'm looking into joining the reserves and going the OCS route. Basically, I've accomplished what I wanted to and now my life is stagnant and I feel the military is the next place where I can better myself. To be honest, I'm looking at it not as 'yeah I wanna go fight'...but looking at the opportunities that the military can offer. Hence why I'm looking at the reserves and not active...I still want to maintain my civilian career. I'm still apprehensive about this decision and could use some advice.

For one thing, I'm worried about not making it through BCT. I'm terrified of heights and some of the exercises make me nervous. I used to be in excellent shape but am very out of condition now. I've gotten back into training, however I'm again afraid that I won't be strong enough to do what I need to in BCT. What happens if I can't do a task or basically, freak out?

Also, I have some other random questions. For one, do I have to cut my hair? Just wondering. I've heard to, that if I go to OCS that I won't be eligible for the tuition reimbursement or GI Bill. Is this true? My recruiter told me that if I want to pay off my loans, I should enlist and then try going from green to gold later as opposed to OCS?

Last thing, I realize several things factor in here, but as it is right now, how soon could I be deployed after training? Is this still a 100% chance or no? Again, I know there is no way of knowing what will come...just want an opinion. I also want to go to BCT in December but not before (have to get things situated first with bills etc), when should I go to MEPS? Are there set schedules for BCT and OCS that I will have to wait on a date for?

I know that's a lot, but any input would be greatly appreciated!

[bartj21]

Ok, nevermind. I guess I'll figure this out on my own. Is there a different place that I should have posted that someone would actually reply to?

[Armygirl4Ever]

BCT is set u for success...the drill sergeants will encourage you to do your best. They will expect you to complete the tasks given you. You will be amazed at what you can do even with fear built up inside you. Don't let yourself get defeated before you even try.

You do not have to cut your hair but you do have to keep it up off your collar, make sure you have a hair style that is low maintenance, that's my advice.

The Reserves has a college repayment program that you may qualify for, you can check into that.

Deployments depend on individual unit rotations and their deployment cycles.

[MSG Glenn]

When I was an Active Army advisor to a Reserve unit some enlisted were sent to a National Guard OCS run by the state, sanctioned by the Army. It started with a 2 week annual training with a weekend each month & ending in another 2 week annual training. The new officers would get Reserve commissions which I understand is very hard to convert to an Active Army commission. I'm not sure that program is still in effect.

It's probably better going to a regular OCS. You'll go in as enlisted as an E4, SPC because of your degree. You attend BCT along with every other enlisted person & then go to OCS after that.

I'm glad that you're thinking about your physical fitness. Since the Army is very physical regardless of what job you get, some more than others, you'll need to be fit. Google or use the search button & find the Army's APFT requirements for your gender & age group & work to be able to exceed the minimum passing score. If you can max the test then you'll have no problems regardless what route you take in the Army including as officer in Reserves.

The PT test consists of a two mile run, push-ups & sit-ups. It's a good idea to throw in some chin-ups & flutter kicks while you're at it.

There are many jobs open to female officers, MPs being the closest to a Combat Arms job, but there's intelligence, administration & many others.

Your main job now is to get yourself in shape & research what the Army has to offer & what the requirements are as well as deciding on what route you want to take in the Army.

Being enlisted has certain advantages that a commissioned officer doesn't get. You'll have to talk it over with a recruiter to find out what you think is most advantageous to you.

[bartj21]

You do not have to cut your hair but you do have to keep it up off your collar, make sure you have a hair style that is low maintenance, that's my advice.
.


Are there any rules as to what you can use in your hair to keep it back? As in, can you use pins, clips? I have long straight boring hair- I just want to know what I can take and use to keep it in code.

[bartj21]

Google or use the search button & find the Army's APFT requirements for your gender & age group & work to be able to exceed the minimum passing score. If you can max the test then you'll have no problems regardless what route you take in the Army including as officer in Reserves.

The PT test consists of a two mile run, push-ups & sit-ups. It's a good idea to throw in some chin-ups & flutter kicks while you're at it.



Found the info- thanks! I can already do more than the minimum so I feel better about that part. Now, I just have to get better and stronger. Another question, I have a fitness room with free weights etc- would you think that lifting and using the cardio machines would be a better use of my time or doing more 'natural' physical activity such as running more and doing calisthenics?

I know this is what I want to do, I just want to be educated and prepared before I go. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[Armygirl4Ever]

Are there any rules as to what you can use in your hair to keep it back? As in, can you use pins, clips? I have long straight boring hair- I just want to know what I can take and use to keep it in code.

They want you to use things that are as close to your hair color as possible. Keep it simple, pony tail holder and if you need barrettes or clips...keep it at a minimum. I had really long hair when I went to basic training and I was able to put my hair up in a braided bun with just a ponytail holder and one barrette.

[MSG Glenn]

Found the info- thanks! I can already do more than the minimum so I feel better about that part. Now, I just have to get better and stronger. Another question, I have a fitness room with free weights etc- would you think that lifting and using the cardio machines would be a better use of my time or doing more 'natural' physical activity such as running more and doing calisthenics?

I know this is what I want to do, I just want to be educated and prepared before I go. Your advice is greatly appreciated.


Although any strengthening exercise is good my contention has always been that if you want to do more push-ups then train by doing push-ups, etc. & so on. Same with running. A good cardio workout will aid in that of course but then again running is a good cardio workout. What my Ranger son does to help with his running & cardio is do hill runs, sprints & long distance. Sometime all combined. When he was in the 3rd Ranger Batt the PT requirement was a score of 80%.


I'd advise doing all kinds of exercises. Since you have access to a fitness room I'd use it. We have a Nautilus Fitness center at our Judo club & my son uses that equipment all the time. He's a real strong dude & a cardio freak.

A good sensible combination is advised.