Talking to a recruiter?

Megthatgirl

Ive been mulling this over in my brain for a while now...

I REALLY want to go talk to a recruiter, but seeing as I still have 35-40 lbs to lose, Im afraid they arent going to take me seriously.Even though Ive lost just about 50 lbs, I still like a did when I started lol.. I want to know if the military is even an option for me at this point ( they do a pretty rough credit check and paying for my moms funeral put me in some debt!) ...

I just want them to know that Im serious and find out what my next steps are. I know they would let me start PTing with them, but my running game is no where near what it needs to be.Im at a sorry 12 minute mile..

If anyone has been through a similar situation or is in the same situation now, please advise!!!



Thanks

psuLemon

You can always give it a try. I know they have certain limitations of BMI/BF% to get in but you can always find it out when you get tot he recruiter. Also, with the budget cuts coming to the DOD, it might be a bit harder as they are trying to reduce the size of the forces.

kealey1318

While I've never talked to a recruiter, and therefore can't answer your questions, I think it's admirable what you've accomplished so far!

I would suggest going in and being very honest with them. Be proud of the work you've already done and tell them you're a work in progress. Find out exactly where you need to be to meet their criteria!

BTW, I can't run a mile, or a 1/2 a mile, or even a 1/4 mile... I think it's great you can run one in 12 minutes. As you continue to lose weight, you'll be able to speed up. KEEP UP THE FANTASTIC WORK!!!

heatherwearsleather

They will listen to you. A warm body is a warm body.

Don't sign anything. NEVER sign a "general" contract. This is serious.

Consider college first, please.

heatherwearsleather

I should note that the US military is going through a "force reduction" at the moment, so jobs are scarce and it's even harder to get in than it was before. I was in the US AF for a little over 2 years before voluntarily separating to give birth to and raise my daughter. Now, I'm trying to get back in and it is very hard.

I say consider college because 1) It will give you more time to work on your fitness goals and 2) They are ALWAYS taking officers. You'll be treated better as an officer, too. Consider the medical field, like nursing. This will be your best bet.

The only way I can see them being so open about recruitment is if 1) the federal military budget is further bloated and 2) war with Pakistan becomes a reality.

ktfitzgerald

Go talk to them and find out what your options are. Don't worry about what kind of shape you are in - they will help you with that regardless of your starting point. WHen my daughter joined the Marines she couldn't even run 1/2 a mile. In a little over 3 months they had her ready to ship with great scores on her fitness test.

sjtreely

Knowledge is power ... it never hurts to speak with people and hear their offers. Listen carefully and visit each branch of military. Take someone with you who has experience with the adventure you're thinking about. Their experience will prove to be worth its weight in gold.

I'm not convinced college has to come first. My son decided to become a reservist with the Navy. It's proven to be a great segue for the next phase in his life. He's in his C school now and is doing well. The signing bonus will help with college.

The best adivce I can give is listen to the offers intently, take someone with you who knows the ropes, and sign on with the job you want in the branch you want. Undecided may end up being a less than desirable experience than you want.

Robinsmike

bump

Mikesrobin

I am a retired military member. I served for 20 years. I have never been a recruiter however if you are serious about joining you should go talk with them. They will work with you and let you know where you need to be in order to join each service. I needed to lose a few pounds before I joined also and then bootcamp took the rest off! LOL

Just remember as a previous poster said "Read your contract" prior to sigining anything, My recruiter had it all planned out for me to get the job I wanted and when I went to sign the contract it was totally different than what we had talked about. I told them I would not sign that contract and they changed it before I signed.

Also make sure you check out each service to figure out what they can offer you and if you can talk with other people (not a recuriter) about how they like it. I was in the Navy and had a great carreer but I relize that is may not be for everyone.

XXXMinnieXXX

If you don't ask you'll never know. If nothing else it will give you a goal x

Chowder_17

Ive been mulling this over in my brain for a while now...

I REALLY want to go talk to a recruiter, but seeing as I still have 35-40 lbs to lose, Im afraid they arent going to take me seriously.Even though Ive lost just about 50 lbs, I still like a did when I started lol.. I want to know if the military is even an option for me at this point ( they do a pretty rough credit check and paying for my moms funeral put me in some debt!) ...

I just want them to know that Im serious and find out what my next steps are. I know they would let me start PTing with them, but my running game is no where near what it needs to be.Im at a sorry 12 minute mile..

If anyone has been through a similar situation or is in the same situation now, please advise!!!



Thanks

Hi there, I'm active duty AF (8yrs). Not sure what branch you're looking at, but I'll provide my two cents. Give them a call. Explain you're situation and they will ask you a few questions as well. While you won't be able to do a contract or anything until you lose the weight, it doesn't hurt to get well informed. I went and spoke to a recruiter in July, but didn't do my contract until Oct, since I wanted to read up on everything and be well informed. It is a long process, so getting info early is good. PM if you wish with any other info.

vim_n_vigor

I should note that the US military is going through a "force reduction" at the moment, so jobs are scarce and it's even harder to get in than it was before. I was in the US AF for a little over 2 years before voluntarily separating to give birth to and raise my daughter. Now, I'm trying to get back in and it is very hard.

I say consider college because 1) It will give you more time to work on your fitness goals and 2) They are ALWAYS taking officers. You'll be treated better as an officer, too. Consider the medical field, like nursing. This will be your best bet.

The only way I can see them being so open about recruitment is if 1) the federal military budget is further bloated and 2) war with Pakistan becomes a reality.

^^ Listen to this. I was in the AF for 4 years before voluntarily separating. I would advise the college route as well. And DON"T SIGN ANYTHING!!!!!

ladykaisa

I realize I'm in Canada and this may be a bit different....

But my little brother talked extensively with his recruiter before he joined. Calls, emails, face to face... they were there for him to make sure he met the goals needed before signing his contract. If he had any questions, they were there to answer him.

I'd say go! Knowledge is power! If you don't "make the cut" right away (my brother sure didn't!), then they should be able to answer questions at least, to help you on your journey to signing up.

Amy

Chowder_17

I should note that the US military is going through a "force reduction" at the moment, so jobs are scarce and it's even harder to get in than it was before. I was in the US AF for a little over 2 years before voluntarily separating to give birth to and raise my daughter. Now, I'm trying to get back in and it is very hard.

I say consider college because 1) It will give you more time to work on your fitness goals and 2) They are ALWAYS taking officers. You'll be treated better as an officer, too. Consider the medical field, like nursing. This will be your best bet.

The only way I can see them being so open about recruitment is if 1) the federal military budget is further bloated and 2) war with Pakistan becomes a reality.

You're incorrect. Becoming an officer is MUCH harder than going enlisted. I'm going through the process now with a 6% selection rate.

MaximalLife

USMC - Best shape of my life!
And nothing compares to that day of graduation - nothing!

If you really see value in it, go for it. You can't win if you don't play.

Laurelje

I say if joining the military is something you want to do, go for it. You've already had a great weight loss, so it's obvious you can achieve your goals. I've been in the AF for 23 years and am getting ready to retire next year. The only thing I would have changed is how I enlisted. I came in "open general" and wound up with a job I never saw myself doing, either in the military or in civilian life. Decide what career field you want to go into, and go with the branch who can guarantee you that job. They will take care of the physical training part! ;-) Good luck, and I hope you achieve your next goal, whatever it is.

heatherwearsleather

What AFSC? I know that security forces and nurse officers are in high demand.

VeganInTraining

I just inboxed you. I agree with everyone that says do NOT sign anything until you read it and do NOT sign anything until you are at MEPS the day before departing for orders. but, DO talk to them now so that you know what the next step is

Chowder_17

What AFSC? I know that security forces and nurse officers are in high demand.

If this was a response to me about officers, then secruity forces goes on a non-rated board, still 6% selection rate. You don't get to pick your job as an officer unless its medical or something that requires a special degree (ie weather, engineer, scientist). You only get to pick rated (flying jobs), non-rated board, medical/jag.

Perswaysion

Always read the contract. They usually won't honor any verbal agreements. My husband joined the navy when were very young as a way to get his school paid for and they honored none of the verbal agreements. They were at least more honest then the army. I was days away from my final physical and signing date when I found out that they lied to me about being stationed in the same area as my soon to be navy husband. They worded my contract as "same geographical area". His navy recruiter took a look at my contract for me and pointed out that Hawaii and California were same geographical area and what my husband signed up for and what I signed up for would never have us closer then 8 hours. Needless to say I didn't sign on that final dotted line.

It never hurts to ask, women get a much more liberal bmi in most branches. With the downsizing though unless you can score extremely well in a needed area the chances of bonuses are getting slim.

The military was not a good experience for us but I can not deny that his college being paid for was a good positive bonus. He came out of C school with 84 credits and his Gi Bill paid for the rest.

heatherwearsleather

What AFSC? I know that security forces and nurse officers are in high demand.

If this was a response to me about officers, then secruity forces goes on a non-rated board, still 6% selection rate. You don't get to pick your job as an officer unless its medical or something that requires a special degree (ie weather, engineer, scientist). You only get to pick rated (flying jobs), non-rated board, medical/jag.

Ah, it was my understanding that SF officers usually had a degree in criminal justice or other related degrees. Thanks for the correction!

Langlady

I used to be a Navy recruiter back in 2002-2005. They will sit and talk to you to meet their appt to interview numbers. IF you are serious they will check in with you and if you want to PT with them they will welcome it with open arms because you are proving to them that you are indeed serious. I would always do an interview and then have them talk to all the recruiters for all the services. Find out which is best for you. And if anyone promises a particular job walk out. No service can garauntee a job. If you don't like the recruiter for that service ask to talk to another one. Because in the end, this may sound mean, but a contract is a contract. Some recruiters will look at you as a number, some will view as a person that wants to serve their country. Be completely honest with the recruiter with all debt, situations and so forth. No need to be if you figure out which service then you even more reason to participate in the PT and be ready for the bootcamp.
IF you have questions about the Navy that you want verification with I will help you the best I can. I am no longer a recruiter, I am actually a Sailor that is now on instructor duty so I have no numbers to meet.

Neequie

I have not been in a similar situation, but my hubs is in the military. My husband is in the Coast Guard. Which I HIGHLY recommend. In my opinion, it's the best of all branches for a number of reasons...second only to the Air Force. ANYWAY....back on subject, I think you should give it a try. The recruiter will tell you what you need to do, and he will keep in contact. MOST will go out of their way to help you also, that is their job!! They get "graded" performance wise on how many they get signed!! My hubs struggles with his weight too and is on MFP, that's actually how I found out about it, when he got put on the "fat boy program". He got off it quickly, (2 months) but has made a major lifestyle change and huge overhaul on how he eats, because he's a "carreer guy" or "lifer" in the Coast Guard. Not to mention he is in line to make rank again (Mo' Money!!!) so didn't want to jeopardize that. In my experience a recruiter will say and do anything to get you to sign on, in all branches. Of course there are exceptions, and not saying all are bad, but the majority. Research your stuff on your own, I will help any way I can!! If I don't know the answer, I will find out!! And find your branch and go talk to them girlie!! I always wanted to join, but put it off, now Im too old! And too fat right now anyway!! LOL!! JUST DO IT!! Sending lots of luck and good vibes sweets!!

relledge

I think you should go for it. Don't sign anything...check everything out...sometimes they offer delay entry. The college route is also a good idea unless it's just not for you. I was a AF reservist for 4 years unti I married an AD Marine. Make sure your contract says what you want it to say!! Don't sign anything that says general or open contract. Make sure you get what you want!

mhanley1961

I used to be a USMC recruiter. Go down and talk to them, they will tell you exactly what you need to do to prepare for your trip to MEPS (induction physical). You will also need to take the ASVAB testing. THIS is the most important part. These scor3es follow you and your career and will have a direct impact on what occupational fields that they offer. One thing to know about the Marine Corps, they will not offer or guarantee you a specific job, only an occupational field. Each occupational field has dozens of different jobs within them.

I used to tell everyone that came into my office the same thing. Mentally, physically and morally qualified. So you have to work on the physical part,they will tell you how to do it, and also give you the other info you want and tell you to come back when you reach a certain weight. Lastly, there are two different weight scales in the Marine Corps. One that is for your induction, and another more stringent for when you are in the actual Fleet Marine Force.

mhanley1961

Also, you are not presented with a binding contract until you pass your physical at the MEPs center.

markwhiteII

I went into the service US ARMY and was over their predetermined weight limit. Ask for a tape test. With the results of the tape test I was cleared by the Columbus, Ohio MEP's station for entry.

If you are showing the will and determination they will look at the overall loss you will see in basic training. Ask your recruiter what he feels you should do. They have a delayed entry program as well that will on occasion host meetings to share PT ideas and basic military life style adjustments with you.

Hoooo RAH!

xonikitashafferxo

I would give it a try. They might do PT and stuff with you. What branch so you want to go in. Air Force is still the hardest branch to get into and it seems like it's getting tougher. My hubby is Air Force. If you have any questions let me know and I can try to find out for you if I can't answer you.

fae14

I should note that the US military is going through a "force reduction" at the moment, so jobs are scarce and it's even harder to get in than it was before. I was in the US AF for a little over 2 years before voluntarily separating to give birth to and raise my daughter. Now, I'm trying to get back in and it is very hard.

I say consider college because 1) It will give you more time to work on your fitness goals and 2) They are ALWAYS taking officers. You'll be treated better as an officer, too. Consider the medical field, like nursing. This will be your best bet.

The only way I can see them being so open about recruitment is if 1) the federal military budget is further bloated and 2) war with Pakistan becomes a reality.

This.

I'm former Air Force as well and separated for the same reason. I'm married to active duty Army., and my brother is active duty Army as well. They're closing down posts and units over in Germany right now because of the reduction. It will be much harder to get in. Officers are always needed.

As far as PT goes, jump in where you're at. Running with the boys will either discourage you, or kick your butt into working harder. You can show them you're serious by doing their PT with them as often as possible, continue to lose weight, and discuss all your options. I also second not signing anything unless its the field you want to go in. Don't just take anything. They'll turn you into a mechanic lol.

bestdaysahead

Prior military here! Twelve years in the aviation field of the Navy. I wasn't overweight when I joined but I have always had to work at being under the limitations of the body fat index. I could do circles around the men with all of the exercises that they required of us every year and actually enjoyed the run. But, I had to work out during my lunch times at least three times a week, although I didn't really take care with what I ate like I do now.
The experience is wonderful. I got to travel all around the world.
Now I am a veteran's advocate and my job is to help veterans with their benefits. But I really enjoyed my time in the Navy.

BTW: I really wanted to join the Air Force but they were never in their office so the Navy guys talked me into joining with them! Glad I made that decision because I made E-6 in less than eight years, which is virtually impossible in the Air Force.

Chowder_17

I should note that the US military is going through a "force reduction" at the moment, so jobs are scarce and it's even harder to get in than it was before. I was in the US AF for a little over 2 years before voluntarily separating to give birth to and raise my daughter. Now, I'm trying to get back in and it is very hard.

I say consider college because 1) It will give you more time to work on your fitness goals and 2) They are ALWAYS taking officers. You'll be treated better as an officer, too. Consider the medical field, like nursing. This will be your best bet.

The only way I can see them being so open about recruitment is if 1) the federal military budget is further bloated and 2) war with Pakistan becomes a reality.

as are enlisted folks.....but where is everyone getting this impression that becoming an officer is easier? This is wrong

This.

I'm former Air Force as well and separated for the same reason. I'm married to active duty Army., and my brother is active duty Army as well. They're closing down posts and units over in Germany right now because of the reduction. It will be much harder to get in. Officers are always needed.

As far as PT goes, jump in where you're at. Running with the boys will either discourage you, or kick your butt into working harder. You can show them you're serious by doing their PT with them as often as possible, continue to lose weight, and discuss all your options. I also second not signing anything unless its the field you want to go in. Don't just take anything. They'll turn you into a mechanic lol.