6 answers
Demarriyon
Student
North Little Rock, Arkansas
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know if joining the military is right for me ?
How do I know if joining the Military is the right fit for me ? Lately I've been asking myself this because of my size.
Being skinny only weighing 120 and being 5'8 makes me rethink joining the military. Being that skinny is only making be doubt if I successfully do any weight or conditioning right, which I know I won't be able to do every task they give me but I don't wanna get babied and have to do less because everyone else around me is bigger.
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6 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
121
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hey Demarriyon, glad to hear you're considering military service. I can you've already got a great attitude because you're not just worried about yourself - you're worried about letting down those around you by not contributing as much. That's exactly the team focused mindset that you'll need.
Like others have said, if you have the inclination I encourage you to try. You'll be put through some initial medical testing at a place called MEPS, and there will be minimum fitness requirements you're required to meet, either just before or right at the start of boot camp. If you don't meet the standard yet it may extend boot camp a few weeks because the first few weeks you'll spend in a separate unit just focused on bringing your fitness up to those minimum standards. You may be surprised how much progress you can make - these training units, drill sergeants, and fitness trainers do this for a living and I promise you you're not the first skinny guy to show up at boot camp.
Not sure how old you are, but if you're on the younger side you may also still fill out with time. I was never skinny myself, but I have been 5'10 since the 6th grade - I was 130lb then, increased to 170 in high school, and now hover around 200 - but I stayed 5'10" the whole time. So you may or may not still fill out a little as you get older.
Lastly, there are a variety of fitness requirements, size requirements, and job requirements depending on your branch of service and your occupational specialty. I'm not sure what draws you to the military...if you want to be a Recon Marine then yes, you might find your size more of a challenge, but if you want to be an Air Force Intelligence Analyst it may never be an issue again after boot camp.
The older I get the more I think "what if." I'm sure we all do. If you keep coming back to this idea, it may stick around for a very long time and you don't want to still be thinking about it when you're 40, cause then it's too late. If you're young, unmarried, and no kids you've got more freedom and opportunities now than you ever will. Go on adventures, take calculated risks. Even if you don't find the military isn't for you (like I did), your 4-6 years will be done in a flash and then you'll still have 40-years to work somewhere else. (Not to mention all the training, education, and VA benefits you'll earn in those few years).
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.
Ryan
U.S. Air Force, 2014-2018.
Like others have said, if you have the inclination I encourage you to try. You'll be put through some initial medical testing at a place called MEPS, and there will be minimum fitness requirements you're required to meet, either just before or right at the start of boot camp. If you don't meet the standard yet it may extend boot camp a few weeks because the first few weeks you'll spend in a separate unit just focused on bringing your fitness up to those minimum standards. You may be surprised how much progress you can make - these training units, drill sergeants, and fitness trainers do this for a living and I promise you you're not the first skinny guy to show up at boot camp.
Not sure how old you are, but if you're on the younger side you may also still fill out with time. I was never skinny myself, but I have been 5'10 since the 6th grade - I was 130lb then, increased to 170 in high school, and now hover around 200 - but I stayed 5'10" the whole time. So you may or may not still fill out a little as you get older.
Lastly, there are a variety of fitness requirements, size requirements, and job requirements depending on your branch of service and your occupational specialty. I'm not sure what draws you to the military...if you want to be a Recon Marine then yes, you might find your size more of a challenge, but if you want to be an Air Force Intelligence Analyst it may never be an issue again after boot camp.
The older I get the more I think "what if." I'm sure we all do. If you keep coming back to this idea, it may stick around for a very long time and you don't want to still be thinking about it when you're 40, cause then it's too late. If you're young, unmarried, and no kids you've got more freedom and opportunities now than you ever will. Go on adventures, take calculated risks. Even if you don't find the military isn't for you (like I did), your 4-6 years will be done in a flash and then you'll still have 40-years to work somewhere else. (Not to mention all the training, education, and VA benefits you'll earn in those few years).
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.
Ryan
U.S. Air Force, 2014-2018.
Anne Emshoff
Retired
1
Answer
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Anne’s Answer
The military might just be for you. First off, what branch are you interested in? If you are not sure, talk to all the recruiters and take note of the pros and cons. I was in the Army. I personally would recommend the Army, but it is definitely not for everyone.
Regarding physical fitness, you are thin right now, but you may well be up to the challenge. The problem with too many recruits is that they are overweight, not underweight. I recommend talking to a trainer and get an accurate assessment of your fitness. Height/weight does not tell the whole picture.
If you need muscle, I highly recommend getting on a nutrition and exercise program before signing up. The military is used to building people up, but a good level of fitness will make this a lot easier on you. I'd give myself about a year before actually applying to make sure I'm at a good fitness level before heading out to boot camp.
Also, the military is not just about fitness; that's just one component. You need to be patriotic and willing to serve out a full enlistment. If you just want job experience or the GI bill, but are not patriotic, you should decline. Patriotism and service should be your primary reasons for enlisting.
The Army has the largest numbers of job specialties and the greatest number of duty locations. It also is the oldest with grand traditions and genuine field training. It is not as physical as the Marine Corps, but more than the Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard.
I wish you the best of luck. The military provides great training, education, fitness, and ability to travel. It also provides the best health care and life balance compared to any civilian jobs I've tried.
COL (RET) A. Emshoff, USAR 1994-2016
Regarding physical fitness, you are thin right now, but you may well be up to the challenge. The problem with too many recruits is that they are overweight, not underweight. I recommend talking to a trainer and get an accurate assessment of your fitness. Height/weight does not tell the whole picture.
If you need muscle, I highly recommend getting on a nutrition and exercise program before signing up. The military is used to building people up, but a good level of fitness will make this a lot easier on you. I'd give myself about a year before actually applying to make sure I'm at a good fitness level before heading out to boot camp.
Also, the military is not just about fitness; that's just one component. You need to be patriotic and willing to serve out a full enlistment. If you just want job experience or the GI bill, but are not patriotic, you should decline. Patriotism and service should be your primary reasons for enlisting.
The Army has the largest numbers of job specialties and the greatest number of duty locations. It also is the oldest with grand traditions and genuine field training. It is not as physical as the Marine Corps, but more than the Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard.
I wish you the best of luck. The military provides great training, education, fitness, and ability to travel. It also provides the best health care and life balance compared to any civilian jobs I've tried.
COL (RET) A. Emshoff, USAR 1994-2016
Katlynne Hytrek
Blackhawk Mechanic, Animal Care Specialist
24
Answers
New Brockton, Alabama
Updated
Katlynne’s Answer
Hi Demarriyon,
Joining the military can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone in feeling this way. I was in a similar situation, feeling worried and unsure. The good news is that during Basic Training, Drill Instructors start with easy physical exercises to help you build strength gradually. They won't push you to do anything beyond your capabilities. They will only challenge you to accomplish what they know you are capable of.
To ease your worries, try starting some simple body conditioning at home. Look up Army conditioning drills and PRT online. These exercises are great for building muscle and preventing injuries, and they are the first ones you'll learn at Basic Training. Knowing them ahead of time will give you a head start.
At Basic Training, you'll be treated as an adult, which might be a big change, but it's a positive one. Everyone is there to grow and succeed together.
Remember, you're going to do great. You're already asking the right questions and looking out for your battle buddies. This motivation and strength will carry you through your training.
Army PRT at home.
Joining the military can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone in feeling this way. I was in a similar situation, feeling worried and unsure. The good news is that during Basic Training, Drill Instructors start with easy physical exercises to help you build strength gradually. They won't push you to do anything beyond your capabilities. They will only challenge you to accomplish what they know you are capable of.
To ease your worries, try starting some simple body conditioning at home. Look up Army conditioning drills and PRT online. These exercises are great for building muscle and preventing injuries, and they are the first ones you'll learn at Basic Training. Knowing them ahead of time will give you a head start.
At Basic Training, you'll be treated as an adult, which might be a big change, but it's a positive one. Everyone is there to grow and succeed together.
Remember, you're going to do great. You're already asking the right questions and looking out for your battle buddies. This motivation and strength will carry you through your training.
Katlynne recommends the following next steps:
Zachary Weeks
Electronics Technician
10
Answers
Placerville, California
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
Hello Demarriyon,
Your mind is in the right place and thinking about serving is an amazing thing! I have a lot to say about this and I hope it helps.
I am currently serving in the United States Navy and have been since 2018. The PT standards are different between each branch and specific job. I'm an Electronics Technician and for my job in the Navy the physical "standards" are not too difficult. You can find the current Navy standards by googling Navy PFA/PRT standards, they vary by age and gender. Typically, the PRT or Physical Readiness Test consists of three events. First is push ups, second is a plank, and third is a 1.5 mile timed run. You must pass the PRT to graduate from the Navy Bootcamp, but that is completed at the end of the bootcamp. Other than that there weren't any other physically demanding challenges during bootcamp except when we got "disciplined." During these times you will just be doing basic exercises like pushups. Now that I have moved up the ranks I spend most of the time working on a computer or doing trainings for the junior members. At first when I was new I had to lift and carry heavy parts up stairs and had to crawl/climb into tiny spaces in order to check cables. I've had friends that were extremely skinny (6'5 140lbs) and they didn't have any issues with bootcamp or the work.
The Military has been a fantastic experience. There are definitely things about it that I dislike, but it has set me up well for the rest of my life. Due to the military I have been able to travel to 10 different countries, obtain a Bachelors degree with no money out of my pocket, and learn a very high demand skillset that pays big bucks in the civilian sector. The pay in the Navy sucks at first, but starts to become very good towards the 4-5 year mark as you work your way up the ranks. I got to be important and feel like I had an impact on something bigger than myself. Finally and most importantly, I got to meet some of the best people along the way and form friendships like no other...
The last thing I will say is spend the time looking into the different jobs throughout the Military. I did this and decided that I wanted to be an Electronics Technician because I loved working with computers when I was in Highschool. I think this choice made the biggest difference in the satisfaction of my service as I see some of the other jobs people do and I understand it isn't for me and if I did go down that path I would not have this outlook. The Military is one of the most challenges jobs in the world, but it is also one of the most satisfying. If you do choose to do it and get out after one tour (4-6 years) you will be setup with benefits and opportunities better than most. I know it seems like a very long time, but trust me it goes fast and I don't think most people get into their "Dream Job" until around 30 anyways (I wouldn't know I'm only 27).
Good luck,
Zachary
Your mind is in the right place and thinking about serving is an amazing thing! I have a lot to say about this and I hope it helps.
I am currently serving in the United States Navy and have been since 2018. The PT standards are different between each branch and specific job. I'm an Electronics Technician and for my job in the Navy the physical "standards" are not too difficult. You can find the current Navy standards by googling Navy PFA/PRT standards, they vary by age and gender. Typically, the PRT or Physical Readiness Test consists of three events. First is push ups, second is a plank, and third is a 1.5 mile timed run. You must pass the PRT to graduate from the Navy Bootcamp, but that is completed at the end of the bootcamp. Other than that there weren't any other physically demanding challenges during bootcamp except when we got "disciplined." During these times you will just be doing basic exercises like pushups. Now that I have moved up the ranks I spend most of the time working on a computer or doing trainings for the junior members. At first when I was new I had to lift and carry heavy parts up stairs and had to crawl/climb into tiny spaces in order to check cables. I've had friends that were extremely skinny (6'5 140lbs) and they didn't have any issues with bootcamp or the work.
The Military has been a fantastic experience. There are definitely things about it that I dislike, but it has set me up well for the rest of my life. Due to the military I have been able to travel to 10 different countries, obtain a Bachelors degree with no money out of my pocket, and learn a very high demand skillset that pays big bucks in the civilian sector. The pay in the Navy sucks at first, but starts to become very good towards the 4-5 year mark as you work your way up the ranks. I got to be important and feel like I had an impact on something bigger than myself. Finally and most importantly, I got to meet some of the best people along the way and form friendships like no other...
The last thing I will say is spend the time looking into the different jobs throughout the Military. I did this and decided that I wanted to be an Electronics Technician because I loved working with computers when I was in Highschool. I think this choice made the biggest difference in the satisfaction of my service as I see some of the other jobs people do and I understand it isn't for me and if I did go down that path I would not have this outlook. The Military is one of the most challenges jobs in the world, but it is also one of the most satisfying. If you do choose to do it and get out after one tour (4-6 years) you will be setup with benefits and opportunities better than most. I know it seems like a very long time, but trust me it goes fast and I don't think most people get into their "Dream Job" until around 30 anyways (I wouldn't know I'm only 27).
Good luck,
Zachary
Sue West
Retired military
25
Answers
Updated
Sue’s Answer
Joining the military is a big step, and it's okay to worry about the physical challenges. If you find it too tough, the worst outcome is a discharge without any negative mark on your record. If you're eager to join, give it a try. With the right training, you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. At basic training, you'll meet others who feel just like you, and together you'll form a strong team. The support and belief from your peers will push you to succeed.
When I wanted to join the Marines after high school, I was worried about a specific event in the physical test. I practiced daily and trusted that I could do it. With determination and faith, I went to Boot Camp and passed with ease.
Before you start, you'll have a physical exam. Talk to the doctor about your chances of handling basic training. They can give you helpful advice and feedback.
Good luck on your journey!
When I wanted to join the Marines after high school, I was worried about a specific event in the physical test. I practiced daily and trusted that I could do it. With determination and faith, I went to Boot Camp and passed with ease.
Before you start, you'll have a physical exam. Talk to the doctor about your chances of handling basic training. They can give you helpful advice and feedback.
Good luck on your journey!
Brian Kaase
Police Lieutenant
4
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Demarriyon,
I was on the opposite end when I joined! I'm 6'8" and had a little extra around the mid-section, if you get my drift. If you can pass the basic PT test for a branch, you'll be okay. There's a reason they make so many different sizes of uniforms. If you do commit to it, commit and don't give up. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what you can do.
Go Army!
Do a practice PT test
Continue conditioning
I was on the opposite end when I joined! I'm 6'8" and had a little extra around the mid-section, if you get my drift. If you can pass the basic PT test for a branch, you'll be okay. There's a reason they make so many different sizes of uniforms. If you do commit to it, commit and don't give up. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what you can do.
Go Army!
Brian recommends the following next steps: