What Military Recruiters Don't Tell You

Thinking about joining the United States Military? Well, I served six years in the U.S. Air Force, and I am here to provide the inside scoop (non-classified, of course) of what to expect in regards to military enlistment.

Let me first say that the military is not for everybody. For some, joining the U.S. military can be a horrible experience. Furthermore, I would never degrade or denounce anyone for serving their country. In fact, there is a lot of honor it, and I respect each and every service member within the Armed Forces. Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty stuff.

It all starts at the recruiting center. Usually, every town has all four branches of the military located in close proximately of each other. The branches include the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines (and lets not forget the United States Coast Guard).

Each branch of service has its own advantages and disadvantages; therefore, it is up to you to weigh out your options when it comes to your enlistment.

Now, here comes the tricky part, the negotiations, where basically all of your military enlistment questions go unanswered!

Okay, usually your first question is...How is basic training?

The recruiter’s response: Oh, it’s not that bad. You can follow directions, right? You’re good to go!

The reality: No matter which branch you choose, basic training is just that...training! They break you down through verbal commands that are often abrupt, loud, and insulting.

The biggest concern for the majority is the fear of getting washed-back. This means, if you screw up then you are sent back to a previous ‘week’ in order to correct your mistake (whether it be your attitude, medical problems, or a fitness aliment).

For example, if you are in Week 4 of training and you are ‘washed-back’ then you’ll be reassigned to the class below such as Week 3 (or even Week 1 depending on the situation!).

Rule of Thumb: Don’t volunteer for anything and don’t make any major mistakes! If you can get through the first couple of weeks then you should be fine.

What’s the worst part about basic training?

Recruiter: It’s too easy! Piece of cake.

The reality: Actually, the recruiter is right. It is easy. Basic training is not the worst part. I would have say, Tech School was my worst experience. It was eight months of details and intense technical training. I will say this, basic training is the least of your worries, trust me.

Which career path should I choose?

Note: This is by far the most important step!

Recruiter: You scored very high in this particular are, this is what I recommend.

The reality: The ASVAB, or what I like to call ‘your potential test’, is an in-depth test given to everyone prior to military enlistment. The test consists of several sections including math, reading comprehension, mechanical and electrical applications ...just to name a few.

Your asvab score reflects your aptitude for each subject, which supposedly reflects your job compatibility.

Certain fields have minimum scoring requirements; therefore, it is imperative you score as high as you can in every section in order to have a variety of career paths to choose from. Once your test results come back, the recruiter will contact you and persuade you to choose a particular career field in order to fill his/her quota.

Rule of Thumb: Once the test results come back, find out your score(s) and what jobs you are qualified for. Don’t allow the recruiter to persuade you in any way! I can’t stress this enough.

Scan through the careers thoroughly, as if your life depends on it...because you know what?...it does!

Personally, I went for the money and I paid dearly for it! I spent six years in a job I absolutely hated. Don’t make the same mistake.

Should I enlist for two years, four years, or six years?

Recruiter’s response: Your bonus is $10,000 for six years versus none for four years. I don’t know about you, but I can sure use ten grand (honestly, this was the response I received!)

The reality: It’s a tough decision. For a teenager coming straight out of high school, or anyone for that matter, ten-thousand bucks is a lot of money.

You need to jot down a "pros and cons" list and have a plan already in place before you are ‘cornered’ to make a last minute decision.

Rule of Thumb: Speaking from experience, I would say go with the 4-year option. If for some reason you don’t like the career path you chose, then at least you don’t have to spend an additional 2 years in that field. Additionally, if you happen to like the job, you can re-enlist after your 4-year commitment.

Warning: Trust me, if they are ‘handing out’ a big bonus for six years then it’s probably for a reason. The job is either going to be low-manned and/or unpopular.

If I receive a bonus, when will I get it?

The recruiter: You’ll get your bonus upon the completion of your training.

The reality: Although the recruiter’s statement is true, it provides a false hope. For example, in the Air Force you don’t receive the bonus until after you passed the test for your second level of training. Altogether, you are looking at a year and half (depending on the career field) after signing the dotted line.

Rule of Thumb: Work hard, stay the course, the money will come eventually. Don’t ‘bank’ on the money in order to pay off an outstanding debt or for instant gratification. Look at the bonus money as an extra perk.