You aren't qualified to do your job if you haven't graduated job training. This post isn't for you.

I was medically retired back in 2024 due to a Non-Combat related disability. Recently I've been trying to use my G.I Bill only to discover it was only 80% avaliable. I contacted the VA and they stated that there wasn't any reason it should be 100% since I wasn't discharged due to a service connected disability. I'm currently 100% P&T with all of my disabilies being service connected. Including the issue I was medically retired for. My medical retirement is also Permanent, so I don't have to go up for a board again. I resubmitted my dd214 to Ask VA and they stuck by their claim of it being correct at 80% entitlement of my GI Bill. Am I reading the wording wrong for 100% entitlement of my GI Bill ?

To qualify for the 100% payable level, you must have at least 36 months (1095 days), or at least 30 continuous days (must be discharged due to service-connected disability)

I did 30 continuous days since I was active duty and was discharged due to a service-connected disability. I was discharged 29 months into my contract so I don't qualify the other route.

Any insight on what I could possibly do next would be helpful?

I will say that they did state that my disability didn't come from a Combat Related Injury but the verbiage doesn't state that it has to be combat related . Just discharged due to a service connected disability.

So im in high school and i want to be a 68w(combat medic) in the army or national guard. However literally everyone i tell that to says that to said the asvab would be rough. My math isn’t good but my english and reading is. But idk how far that’ll get me and its just confusing me.

I am currently 17 and debating if I should join the military.

for context My dream job in the civilian world is police officer, but I need to be 21 and im looking for stable careers to pass the time. Ive looked into being an mp in all branches and have started my talks with recruiters, though I heard someone post something like this before, and they got suggested the coast guard. I just wanted to get a second opinion from others.

-thanks

P.S one issue is I have a fiancé and son and would like to see them more often then not.

Hoping this is the correct flair and whatnot. I am intending on going to school for a doctorate of psychology (PsyD), this is different from a PhD where most programs are unfunded, but have essentially the same credentials as a PhD psychologist.

Now, I’ve read about HPSP and HPLRP, but I know these are highly competitive and limited. So i’m curious about if I join the military after grad (probably with ~ $150-200k in student loan debt), will the military do anything to help me pay off this debt? of course the free housing will help free up money for me to aggressively pay it off, but im just considering all my options and want to know if there’s anything i’m missing and if it would be worth it or not.

Would prefer the air force (lol) but im open to the army, and navy as well

Hi,

F, been in the US since teenager now mid/late 20s..

I just got my green card and I'm seriously considering joining the military.

I have a degree, but kinda useless since it's a fine arts degree related to film, very hard to get a job nowadays since ai is taking over, and I don't have money to pursue another degree right now (whether it's second degree or a masters) I tried looking into trades, but it's so saturated I'll have to wait a long time to get my foot in the door.

I do come from a country with a decent healthcare so I do already have a decent healthcare back where I'm from, though I do not have it in the US - so I'd have to go back to my country if something serious happens

I'm trying to get either training from the military, or some grants I'll be able to use so I can succeed as a civilian. So my end goal for me would be discharging after serving 8 yrs but is subjected to change depending on my experience.

I feel like if I want to go to the military, this is my last chance before I start feeling I'm too old physically.

Since I'm not a citizen yet (I'll get naturalized in the military though), I won't be able to commission and will have limited MOS selection.

I understand only I can decide if it'll be worth it, but still wanted to hear some opinions.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Whenever my waiver gets approved my recruiter said that he's gonna have me come to the office to sign my contract/swear in. I'm confused because I thought you HAD to swear in at meps. Can someone help clarify? Also do I have to go back to meps the night before I ship out? My recruiter isn't really telling me anything.

Hey y’all! I posted on here a bit ago asking about military and cyber etc. I’ve came to the conclusion that maybe reserves or guard would be a better fit for my goals. My goals are :

1) get healthcare benefits
2) get a clearance
3) education paid for
4) get certifications paid for
5) get military training

I have some reasons why I want to do this as well, I won’t really explain to much on here in detail. But I really would like to know if anyone has an experience or information on both of these. I haven’t done really extensive research yet as I have with active duty. What are the differences? what are the pros and cons? Thank you guys! Any information you have I would love to know!

Will the process to upgrade my discharge effect my benefit in any way?

So I was medically discharged from the army with a re up code of 4 due to my injuries. I’m considered permanently disabled and receive appropriate benefits from the va.

I’m thinking of getting my discharge upgraded from a 4 to a 3 so that I can try enlisting in the air guard as a nurse.

I am actively working as a registered nurse and yes my injuries still effect me so if the military is expecting me to run or ruck for a long distance than I can’t but I think I should be good enough to perform my job at a military clinic or hospital.

I guess my question is: will the process to upgrade my discharge effect my benefit in any way?

I want to do this bc I’m looking for a part time job

I went to MEPS June 25-26, I wasn’t going to be able to enlist that day because I was going to need medical waivers. The provider at MEPS (I went to FT. Jackson MEPS if that means anything), told me she didn’t get to go through all of my records and she wasn’t sure what I need a waiver for. She said she’s going to review all of my records and my recruiter will let me know, okay cool I’m disappointed but I knew I was going to need waivers. The following Monday (06/29) I reached out to touch base with my recruiter, I left records for her as well to possibly help the process, and I asked her for my line scores from my test. She said she would request my physical results and also send me my line scores.
Fast forward to today (07/22) I haven’t heard anything from her and she still didn’t send me line scores.. I also reached out an additional time two weeks ago and haven’t heard anything. This is for the army and I’m trying to go active duty.
So I’m asking, does it really take this long for the physical results to come back? Do I have to wait for waiver approval to see what jobs I qualify for?
I was really hoping the process would move faster than this.
Edit: The only thing I know I need a waiver for is for a concussion I had in high school anything else.. I do not know.

I've been processing through the Air Force and went to MEPS, but got flagged for a psych waiver. I scored a 64 on the ASVAB, so I know I'll be fine with that no matter what which branch I end up choosing.
I've just had some time to really sit and think about it, and I want to travel. I have no clue what field I want to go into for a job, but I'm dead set on serving.
I like working on cars, welding, and just doing things outside. I was looking at SecFo, Fire Protection, and Aircraft Mechanic for the Air Force. I'm mostly interested in the stability, experience, and traveling. I plan on going active duty.
I don’t want to do any desk jobs. I want to be out there getting my hands dirty. I am very interested in having the a lot of structure and just being challenged both academically and physically.
Forgot to add this but I wanna go into the fire department as a paramedic or skydiving instructor when I get out.

I’m a immigrant and got opportunity to join the army when I was 26. I got in and after a year and few months I got kicked out because I fell on k2 “spice” pandemic. I was found DUI and k2 and paraphernalia was found on me. This happened outside the base and I honestly reported it to my SGT. I got kicked out and found faults on others but me.

Now I’m 38 now; long time passed since. I always regretted my one bad decision I always think about how army could’ve changed my life. I’ve tried many things in civilian world but never fitted in anywhere. I lack discipline and it got worse outside army.

I would like to change and enlist again…so I went to recruiters near me. They were positive and nice to me until I poured my situation in front of them. As time passed they wouldn’t reply to my text or call me back. When I go to their office they would talk to me but wouldn’t look into my eyes, hint to make me leave trying to rush me, wouldn’t offer to shake my hands which was totally different from when I went in there first.

I’ve got RE3 and JQK codes. I’ve been told I need waivers but I feel like they’re not putting effort in getting them. I feel like they want me to give up cuz it would look bad on them if they say so.

I’ve been trying to stay positive but it’s hard. At this point I’m not even sure if I should try to reenlist. I feel like it would be hard very hard to get the waivers approved because I feel like my packet will not be strong enough.

I don’t know what to do at this point. I feel like a failure in life. It’s been 4 months since I first walked into recruiters. I’ve got trouble for selling tobacco product to minor after I left the army. Other than that I have been very careful not to get in anymore trouble. I don’t know if I can convince army to sign off waivers for me.

What would you suggest me if I was your brother

Debating on joining the military (Army or Marines) at 35. I have e mediocre job an associates in nano material science (the jobs are impossible to get in My area) Realized I haven't done anything yet to actually make My parents proud of Me, being able to send them most of a sign on bonus would help them put of their almost being homeless situation & being able to serve My country is something I have wanted to do since I was 12, just always was caught up with school, jobs or a gf who convinced Me not to. I currently make only about $35,000 a year at a casino with no real room to move up for the next few years or if a higher up gets fired. Right now a supervisor of a casino slot floor wings is the highest you can climb. My brother relapsed recently and was unable to help My folks in any tangible way (this is his Reddit btw). He is currently going to rehab for the 3rd time.

I haven't used drugs Myself really ever, although they have put Me on pain killers before for about 2 years for a shoulder injury from jiu jitsu and years of college wrestling, None of which I take anymore. Idk, I've also hated the fact I haven't been able serve My country in any meaningful way, or give back for being so lucky to be living in the U.S and being born here to a family of immigrants who legally moved here to avoid war, only to join the U.S military to show their appreciation of being U.S citizens (mom is from Scotland, dad is from Italy & both grandpas on both sides serves in WW2).

I’m a high schooler looking at joining the army once I graduate and I wanna go for 68W. I was wondering about just exactly how difficult it is ? I know it can vary from person to person depending on what kind of person you are but I’d like to hear any perspective.
I was also wondering if maybe I should take a basic EMT course prior and if that would help?
I do well in school and I’m decent at studying , If that helps provide some insight.
Thanks!

I just graduated Highschool and honestly I wanted to be a firefighter and I wanted to have a better life I’m currently poor and stuck at home and chasing that firefighter situation while in the place I’m in is just harder I want to go to the military better my life but I’m stuck on branches part of me wants a career or a time in the military full of adventure and experiences while the other half wants stable life and a the ability to plan and use the army resources while I’m in I’m scared to choose the wrong branch and not like it I want to go to army for more adventurous reasons but I would go to airforce for stability and opportunities to use tuition assistance etc but honestly I don’t even know yet honestly I have no direction and my current life situation isn’t the best I just want to experience more and live while also building stability.

Completed medical and the ASVAB. I scored a 70 with a 113 GT not sure if that means anything but some people seem to think so. I made a list of jobs that were of interest to me and my recruiter replied with “he’ll keep an eye out for them but not to hold my breath for most of them”. I don’t want to BS and waste time just waiting for a job to open up but I don’t want to just take anything. Is this a realistic list?

68F, 68Y, 68A, 68E, 68L, 68H, 15C, 15P, 46S, 46V, 46T, 42A, 12Y, 12T, 35G

I just passed MEPS and enlisted as an E-4 on a 3-year 19U contract. I ship to OSUT in October.
My scores:
AFQT: 43
GT: 100
ST: 102
MM: 109
GM: 106
EL: 104
CO: 104
SC: 103
ST : 102
Looking for feedback from current or former 19U/19K/19C/19D soldiers. Based on these scores, what do you think my strengths and weaknesses are? Also, what should I focus on between now and ship day to be as prepared as possible?

Hi I’m a 36 F, mother of 13 year old and want to join reserves in California to earn bachelor degree and Masters degree to become an Occupational Therapist

Which reserves/ path would you recommend?

Hello everyone!

Im a 20m soldier currently in AIT in Fort Lee VA. I signed a 3 year contract but being here made me realize I’d be more happier in the coast guard. Nothing against the army I just think that the coast guard suits my interests better.

I’ve been doing some research and I found out about inter-service transfers, but I’m seeing a lot of conflicting information such as I can transfer after I complete my contract or I can transfer in the middle of my contract.

Not in a rush to leave the army immediately and I know that I’m still in AIT but if presented with the opportunity I’d take it. I just want to understand the process and if anyone has any experience transferring branches mid contract or knows how’s this works cause any info would be appreciated.

Long term, I’d like to pursue a career in meteorology and hopefully work for NOAA or the NSSL, I’d like to combine both of my interests such as being in the coast guard and doing meteorology work but I don’t if that’s possible lol.

For those who have experience

• Is this a realistic possibility?

• if so when is the best time to process?

• Would you recommend I complete my contract or just go ahead and try to transfer

If you read this thank you and any advice would be appreciated!

Hello, I recently graduated with an Associate Degree in Computer Science. I was thinking about pursuing a bachelor’s degree, but I feel like it may not be the right path for me. I feel overwhelmed because I am doing things that I do not really want to do, and I do not know what I want to pursue in the future. (I'm 20 yrs old)

Should I consider joining the military and serving in order to receive GI Bill education benefits?

Questions:

- How many years do I have to serve?

- What is it like?

- I already paid my tuition for my Associate Degree. Does the GI Bill cover those costs as well?

I’m 17 and I recently visited a pediatrician to discuss my problems with like checking things and uncertainty and the pediatrician said I should’ve be evaluated for ocd and she also referred me to a neurologist for some reason. What should I do to preserve my chances of joining? Btw I’m not diagnosed.

Im 17m and Im joining next may hopfully to be 68w and Im worried about being treated differently for being gay I'm a complete btm "zesty voice" gay but I straight act cause I'm 6'3 and can lower my voice. But at the same time I don't want to hide a part of me from close friends I might make

I’m in the Army Reserve, and my employer is requiring me to use my PTO whenever I have military duty. I forwarded them an email from a ESGR representative explaining my rights, but they told me they’re still moving forward with charging my PTO anyway.

This has already happened. I spoke with my union steward, but he said there isn’t anything in our union contract that addresses this situation. I’ve also been trying to reach my business agent for over a week and still haven’t received a response.

What are my options? I shouldn’t have to use my PTO every time I have military duty or weekend drill. Has anyone else dealt with something like this, and if so, how did you handle it?

I am currently in the Delayed Entry Program and I am trying to determine if my situation is one in which MEPS would consider granting me an exception to the 6 month waiting period required for a major orthopedic surgery. I am looking for anyone who has anecdotes of them going through something similar or a professional opinion from someone who has worked at MEPS as a physician or Chief Medical Officer.

Timeline

• February 13, 2026: I passed my initial MEPS physical.
• February 26, 2026: I officially enlisted into the DEP as a 68W with a six year active duty contract with Option 4.
• April 12-13 2026: I suffered a distal closed humerus shaft fracture and was admitted to the hospital and underwent Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery the following day.
• Original Ship date: September 22, 2026.

With my current ship date I will be only five months and two weeks post-op instead of the six months.

At this point in time, July 21 (3 months 1 week), I have regained full range of motion and my strength is returning rapidly to what it was before the injury. My hardware is permanent and consist of a rod and several screws but they are not a permanent disqualifier as long as the fracture is completely healed, the hardware is asymptomatic, and I retain full range of motion and strength. I have a visit scheduled for next week with my physician for an examination and radiology, so for the rest of this post assume it is confirmed that my arm is completely healed as I obviously would not move on in this process with a fracture.

I know that the six month waiting period exist for good reason and most cases simply will just wait until the requirement is met. That being said, I know there are occasionally exceptions to this made by the MEPS physicians or the Chief Medical Officer depending on the circumstances and the documents provided. I talked with my recruiter about if my ship date needed to be pushed back but he told me that we would keep the current ship date and evaluate near my ship date, and I believe he said 20 days before I could be wrong.

My questions are:

• Has anyone received an exception to the waiting period after an ORIF for a long bone fracture or a similar surgery?
• If so, what factors seem to make the difference?
• Are these decisions typically made by the MEPS Chief Medical Officer, a physician, or are they some other party?
• If anyone has worked at MEPS what would you want to see in a medical packet before even thinking about an exception?

From what I have gathered looking online and talking to my recruiters my packet should have:

• Operative report from the ORIF.
• Orthopedic follow-up records.
• Physical therapy records.
• Current orthopedic evaluation documenting full strength and range of motion.
• Current X-rays demonstrating fracture healing.
• A letter from my orthopedic surgeon stating I'm fully released without restrictions and capable of unrestricted military training.
• Any documentation showing no complications or hardware-related issues.

This last part is less of a concern of mine but most likely a more common situation that people deal with. I underwent Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery a few days prior to my ORIF surgery and it is also within the six month window of my ship date. Would this also be something that medically disqualifies me? This procedure is completely healed but I am wondering if this would need a waiver as my recruiter has not told me that I need one for it. I did have to get a vision waiver to enlist in the delayed entry program because I wore corrective lenses but now my vision is surgically fixed.

If anyone has any experience or insight into either of my situations at all I would appreciate hearing from them. I'm not looking for anyone to predict whether I'll receive an exception, I'm just trying to learn how these cases are evaluated and whether anyone has firsthand experience with a similar timeline.

Thank you to anyone who provides helpful information it really means the world to me!

Hello, I’m 18 and I have been wanting do cyber specifically network defense. I got my CCNA at 17 and then right after I got my security + back in May. I currently have a remote job and I just started working on Linux+ certification. I want to work for the DoD or intelligence later on in my career. The hardest thing has been trying to get a clearance so I can actually get into these types of roles. I thought if I joined the military they can give me a clearance and I can also get a degree to check the box + more mission focused hands on experience. I was thinking Space force or Air Force. Maybe coast guard or navy if neither of those work. Will I be able to get the job that I want? Also considering I’ve put in all this work and am already qualified in technical fields. Don’t get me wrong I do really want to joint, but if I don’t get the job I want, I don’t want to enlist. Only if I get a cyber job where my skills can actually grow. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.