Talking to a recruiter?

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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.