3 answers
Shuntez
Student
3
Questions
Asked
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how might I prepare for my career
I'm a sophomore in high school I'm in Hopewell VA I'm doing ROTC and I'm slowly passing the ASVAB to join the Army but just how strict is the army, and the challenges that you may come across
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3 answers
Nigel Long
Kitchen Lead (Cook)
1
Answer
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Updated
Nigel’s Answer
First off, I want to say that joining the Army can be a life-changing experience—in both challenging and rewarding ways. The journey you take will be unique, especially depending on your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). Your job in the Army will heavily influence what your daily routine looks like, what kind of people you're around, and the kind of training you receive.
That said, one thing is the same for everyone: Basic Training. A lot of people hype it up or make it sound worse than it is. In reality, it’s a mental and physical reset designed to break down civilian habits and build you into a soldier. Don’t take the yelling personally. The Drill Sergeants are doing their job—to push you, test your limits, and instill discipline.
It’s critical that you start preparing physically now. PT (physical training) happens every morning, and if you’re not ready to run, do push-ups, or move under pressure, it’ll be a rough start. Being in shape will not only help you perform better, but it’ll earn you respect from your peers and leadership.
The best advice I can give: keep your head down, stay out of trouble, and take every opportunity the Army offers—whether it’s further education, additional training, or leadership development. If you stay focused and put in the effort, your military career can be smooth and full of growth, even if you only stay in for one enlistment.
There will be difficult days, no doubt. But you’ll also experience pride, structure, and a level of confidence that few people your age get to develop. Stay disciplined, be coachable, and trust the process.
That said, one thing is the same for everyone: Basic Training. A lot of people hype it up or make it sound worse than it is. In reality, it’s a mental and physical reset designed to break down civilian habits and build you into a soldier. Don’t take the yelling personally. The Drill Sergeants are doing their job—to push you, test your limits, and instill discipline.
It’s critical that you start preparing physically now. PT (physical training) happens every morning, and if you’re not ready to run, do push-ups, or move under pressure, it’ll be a rough start. Being in shape will not only help you perform better, but it’ll earn you respect from your peers and leadership.
The best advice I can give: keep your head down, stay out of trouble, and take every opportunity the Army offers—whether it’s further education, additional training, or leadership development. If you stay focused and put in the effort, your military career can be smooth and full of growth, even if you only stay in for one enlistment.
There will be difficult days, no doubt. But you’ll also experience pride, structure, and a level of confidence that few people your age get to develop. Stay disciplined, be coachable, and trust the process.
Donna Hull
Engineer
93
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Donna’s Answer
Shuntez,
Joining the Army can be a great way to kickstart your career. It sounds like your recruiter is really helping you aim for the best possible score on the ASVAB, which can unlock many opportunities for you in the Army. As you go through the Military Entrance Processing (MEPS), keep an eye out for the various career paths they offer. Before you reach that stage, think about:
- Do you plan to stay in the Army for 20 or more years?
- Will the skills you learn in this role be useful in a civilian job, or will you need to stick to government or military contracting afterward?
Nigel has shared some excellent advice on getting through boot camp, and it will also help at your first duty stations. You might face some restrictions until your command sees that you meet the high standards of the Army.
As someone who mentors young people like you, I want to share a story. A young man joined the Navy and, after boot camp, was stationed near home. His old "friends" and even family started hanging around the area. They convinced him to live off-base, and he began staying out late. He started missing his duties and training. After some warnings, he ended up confined to the base. His "friends" drifted away when they couldn’t benefit from him anymore. But he learned from this. Now, he's explored different jobs in his Navy career, traveled to places like Dubai and Japan, got married, and is expecting a child. He set boundaries with those who weren’t supportive and thrived.
I believe you will have an exciting and rewarding journey in the Army. Remember, "Be all you can be!"
Joining the Army can be a great way to kickstart your career. It sounds like your recruiter is really helping you aim for the best possible score on the ASVAB, which can unlock many opportunities for you in the Army. As you go through the Military Entrance Processing (MEPS), keep an eye out for the various career paths they offer. Before you reach that stage, think about:
- Do you plan to stay in the Army for 20 or more years?
- Will the skills you learn in this role be useful in a civilian job, or will you need to stick to government or military contracting afterward?
Nigel has shared some excellent advice on getting through boot camp, and it will also help at your first duty stations. You might face some restrictions until your command sees that you meet the high standards of the Army.
As someone who mentors young people like you, I want to share a story. A young man joined the Navy and, after boot camp, was stationed near home. His old "friends" and even family started hanging around the area. They convinced him to live off-base, and he began staying out late. He started missing his duties and training. After some warnings, he ended up confined to the base. His "friends" drifted away when they couldn’t benefit from him anymore. But he learned from this. Now, he's explored different jobs in his Navy career, traveled to places like Dubai and Japan, got married, and is expecting a child. He set boundaries with those who weren’t supportive and thrived.
I believe you will have an exciting and rewarding journey in the Army. Remember, "Be all you can be!"
Thank you!
Shuntez
Arturo Solis
Sr Engr Cslt-Systems Engrg
1
Answer
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Arturo’s Answer
Joining the army will push you to your limits, but the benefits are truly rewarding. Your daily tasks will depend on your MOS, which is your specific army job.
Everyone starts with basic training. It’s challenging, but it’s meant to shape you into a strong soldier. Don’t worry about the yelling; the drill sergeants are just doing their part to help you succeed.
Prepare yourself by getting in shape beforehand. You'll be doing physical training every morning, so being able to run, do push-ups, and handle pressure is important.
Here's my advice: stay focused, work hard, and seize every chance you get. The army can help you grow, even if you serve for just a few years.
It won’t be easy, but you’ll gain pride, discipline, and confidence that many people your age only dream of. Believe in the process.
keep taking the ASVAB
Think if you will make it a career. 20+years
Work on your physical fitness. Cardio!
Think what you would want to do after, this will help you choose an MOS
Everyone starts with basic training. It’s challenging, but it’s meant to shape you into a strong soldier. Don’t worry about the yelling; the drill sergeants are just doing their part to help you succeed.
Prepare yourself by getting in shape beforehand. You'll be doing physical training every morning, so being able to run, do push-ups, and handle pressure is important.
Here's my advice: stay focused, work hard, and seize every chance you get. The army can help you grow, even if you serve for just a few years.
It won’t be easy, but you’ll gain pride, discipline, and confidence that many people your age only dream of. Believe in the process.
Arturo recommends the following next steps: