Military Enlistment FAQ

Military Enlistment FAQ
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List of trips:
	CombatBeard - Army 11B (light/Air Mobile), NCO, Diplo Security PMC, multiple combat tours

	McNig - Army 11B (motor), combat tour

	PathsOfGlory - Army 11B (motor), Combat Tour

	That Guy - Army 11B (Mech) , NCO, Sniper, multiple combat tours

	RickyRecon - 75th Ranger Regiment [REDACTED]

	SaigaMarine - USMC 0311, multiple combat tours

	Faulkner - Army SOF (Civil Affairs), NCO, multiple combat tours


Glossary:
	MOS (MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY): Basically the job you do in the military

	ASVAB (ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY): An aptitude test to see what jobs in the military you qualify for

	AFQT (ARMED FORCES QUALIFICATION TEST): The percentile score on the ASVAB that determines if you qualify for the military and number used in dick measuring contests for people who act like it actually matters

	DLAB (DEFENSE LANGUAGE APTITUDE BATTERY): An aptitude test to see if you qualify to learn a language and take a vacation in Monterey, CA

	AIT (ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING): Basically job training for the MOS you chose

	RASP (RANGER ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION PROGRAM): Basically Ranger school (not that you will be going, fatty)

	OPTION 40: A way to trick people into going Infantry by telling them they can be a Ranger (but we both know you wont make it, fatty)

	MEPS (MILITARY ENTRANCE PROCESSING STATION): A place you go to fill out paperwork, get physicals, stand in lines, and get interrogated. About on par with the DMV. Filled with doctors whom you should lie to.



		Recruitment
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>What kinds of jobs are there?
	Army
	http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/army-jobs.html
	Navy
	http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/navy-jobs.html
	Air Force
	http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/air-force-jobs.html
	Marine Corps
	http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/marine-corps-jobs.html
	Coast Guard
	http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/coast-guard-jobs.html

>Where do I start?
	Go down to your local recruiter. After the usual talk about what you want to do and such, they will schedule you for the ASVAB. This test will determine what jobs you qualify for. This does not mean you are guaranteed the job since you can only enlist for a position that is currently available.

	They may also schedule you for a DLAB (Defense Language Aptitude Battery). This test determines your aptitude to learn a new language. Some MOS require you to have another language such as Cryptologic Linguist.

>What is the ASVAB and how do I study for it?
	The ASVAB has 10 sections. Each section has a specific number of questions and a time limit. These sections are General Science (GS), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Electronics Information (EI), Automotive and Shop Information (AS), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Assembling Objects (AO), and finally Verbal Expression (VE).

	You can ask your recruiter to give you a practice form of the ASVAB. This practice will only have 4 sections. These test score are just for practice but they usually indicate how well you will do on the actual test. If you feel like your scores on the practice were not satisfactory, then it is recommended to study for it. There are free study guides on the internet.
	https://uniontestprep.com/asvab/study-guide

>I took the ASVAB but what do all these numbers mean?
	There will be a number at the very bottom of your results sheet. This is your AFQT percentile. Certain branches have a minimum requirement in order to qualify for that particular branch.
	Army		31
	Navy		35
	Marines		31
	Air Force	36
	Coast Guard	45

	Next you have the line scores. The line scores are how you did on each section in particular. These score are what truly determine what jobs you qualify for. Certain jobs may have high requirements for a particular section. This means you just need to do well in that section. However, this doesn't mean you should just focus on a single section and do horribly in every other. The higher your score, the more options you will have available. Some jobs even have a cash bonus for recruits who score exceedingly well.

>Which jobs do I qualify for?
	Look at your line scores and desired branch and compare
	http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab/asvab-scores-and-military-jobs.html

	Or enter your score here
	http://www.asvabscorecalculator.com/

	After you take the ASVAB, your recruiter will show you a list of available positions, when and where you would go to basic and AIT (Advanced Individual Training), and if the job comes with a bonus for certain contract lengths. Your recruiter may try and convince you to take an MOS you don't really want. But don't let him choose your job for you.
	Remember: DO NOT TAKE A JOB JUST BECAUSE IT HAS A CASH BONUS!  CHOOSE A JOB YOU THINK YOU WILL ENJOY! They'll tax the shit out of your cash bonus anyways.


		MEPS
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>If I did drugs/injured myself 3 years ago should I tell MEPS?
 	If they can't prove it, it never happened. Don't disqualify yourself over some stupid shit they never would have found out if you had kept your mouth shut.

>What if my friends/family tell them otherwise?
 	Make sure your character references and family know that you could go to jail if they joke about you being a drug addict, communist, criminal, etc.

>What if they don't believe me?
	The first rule of telling a lie is: no matter how much evidence is stacked up against you, never stop fucking lying.
The second rule is: never change the lie, stick to your guns and if proved wrong, claim "my mistake" [if its something simple]
The third rule is: NEVER STOP THE LIE.



		EXERCISE
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>What about getting in shape?
 	Probably a good idea, but for fuck's sake stop doing stupid shit like going from sedentary lifestyle to making yourself run 5 miles every single day, that's how you blow out your knees.

	If you're doing ruck/body armor runs, stop it. If you want better strength for rucks and carrying weight, go to the gym and do it correctly with weighted squats, DL, and leg exercises.

>Then how do I get in shape?
	Many of the anons in DEP are doing a program called C25K. This is a program made for people to transition from a sedentary lifestyle and eases you into endurance running. There' a free app for phones. Also see http://i.imgur.com/mvQnpY1.jpg

>My legs are hurting after I run.
	If you feel the pain in your shins, then you probably have shin splints. Normally happens when a person goes from being a lazy shit to being a lazy shit who runs. Just take a rest for a few days and ice them. Anti-inflammatory like motrin also help.

>My legs are hurting while I run.
	If you feel pain (not soreness) in your muscles while you run, you probably didn't stretch properly.

>Other good ways to get in shape
	Once you get used to not being a lazy piece of shit, a good way to help improve run time is to do some 30/60s or some 60/120s. That's where you run for 30 seconds and walk for 60 seconds (or run for 60 and walk for 120). If you want to improve your pushups or situps, do them every hour. And before you go to bed every night, try to do as many as you can without stopping. Go for hikes. Walking and running use different muscles. I've seen people who run a 13:00 2-mile and then fall out of a 12 mile ruck march. And I've seen people who barely pass the run do the 12 mile march without braking a sweat.

Proper Push Up and Sit Up Form
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i-q3D3ty6s

Bodyweight Leg Exercises
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5WQF7Sa4fY

Running Form
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTMgIViinuQ

Proper Running Guide
http://imgur.com/djRX1Rm

>My recruiter promised me that....
 	Stop. Get it in writing in your contact.

>What gear should I buy for basic?
 	When you get to basic, they will give you a card with a $250 spending limit on it for things like toiletries (soap and shampoo to all the greasy neckbeards who don't know what that is). Aside form the basics, it is recommended that you get a couple other things. First buy yourself a waterproof notebook and a pen and keep it in your uniform at all times, and actually take notes with it; you will lease fly surprise your superiors by doing that off the bat. Don't bother buying new running shoes for basic (at least for Ft. Jackson) because they will make you buy new ones there anyways. Buy a letter writing kit (envelopes, stationary, stamps, etc.) because there's a good chance you'll end up in a company that doesn't let you call home more than twice for the whole cycle.

		Other Tips
-------------------------------------------
>Have good hygiene
	Don't be that nasty motherfucker who doesn't shower or do laundry. Wear deodorant and don't forget to trim your nails. Especially your toenails. And foot powder will save you a lot of pain while your feet get used to wearing boots.

>Don't be lazy
	Don't be that motherfucker who always half-asses PT or falls out during AGRs. Always push yourself. And if you can't pass the PT test after 2 and a half months of working out 6 days a week, there's something seriously wrong with you. And don't be that lazy mother fucker who doesn't do simple shit like making your bed or squaring away your wall locker.

>Be careful with your weapon
	Never leave your M16/M4 unattended. Never forget to bring it anywhere. Never lose it. Especially during an FTX. Drill Sergeants will fuck you up for it. And never ever have a Negligent Discharge. Some company commanders out there love Article 15s.

>Never have contraband
	Don't think its a good idea to sneak contraband. Most DS have been doing this for many cycles and they know all the good hiding places. Getting caught with contraband is a good way to get the whole bay/platoon fucked up. And never ever try to sneak contraband from the range. Even if it's just empty casings. They will pat you down after every trip to the shooting range. And on that note: don't be the guy who's family sends them contraband. Your family may think its funny to send you lewd magazines or candy, but your DS wont think so.

>Keep one set of ACU/OCP clean
	Have at least one set of ACU/OCP that you don't wear throughout BCT. First, so you have something nice to wear on family day and to travel in. Second, so you don't get chewed out at AIT by your Platoon Sergeant for looking like shit. BCT is dirty and you will fuck up any ACU/OCPs you wear.

>Keep track of your shit
	Write your name on EVERYTHING. There is always at least one person in every bay that will steal shit. They'll take your ACU/OCPs, your PTs, even your shit stained underwear (yes this actually happens). When you do laundry, stay in the laundry room and watch your stuff. Sometimes they don't even care if your name is on it.