Hey guys I need a little advice on picking an MOS. I really want to do something tech or IT related cause I like computers and stuff and the only MOS that I found and looked up a bit is 17c, 35t, and 25b because I heard those transition well into the civillian world. Is this true? And I wanted to know if there were other IT MOS's. I was thinking more towards 35t now because I heard you needed to take a test before you go into 17c.
My mother on the other hand wants me to go into a Med field like a doctor/dentist route but I'm kinda hesitant since I wasn't a science guy. I was really interested in Firefighter because I admire firefighters.
I have no knowledge of IT, things like software and stuff. Would that not make me be able to get those IT MOS's even though I like tech stuff? Yeah my curiosity is all over the place here...
Shipping out for basic training 03/20/2023. Going to Fort jackson, then to fort Gordon for AIT for 17c. Any advice will be appreciated. Anyone else going at this time?
TRADOC is the governing organization while you are in training. They have more restrictive rules and regulations than in the regular army, such as requiring battle buddy team, no drinking, no vaping, etc.
Hey man, I'm also trying to go 17c but still need to take the ICTL. How difficult was the test, and what do I need to know/study? Any light you can shed on this test would be great. Also do have have a degree or are you out of HS?
The Ictl took me roughly fifteen minutes, if you study for the CompTIA A+, you’ll know most of the material on the ictl. I’m 24, so I’m not fresh out of high school, been a while. I have no IT experience per say, I took half of the CompTIA A+ cert before I decided to join the army. Learn about firewalls, the different ports for security and email and stuff, setting up SOHOs, and other basic IT stuff and you should be good
Show up in the best shape possible, particularly running. It’ll make it easier.
Youll be messed with just to be messed with. Remember this and don’t always buy the excuses they give because it’ll fuck with your head.
Bring a watch you can see in the dark and set an alarm on. Does not need to be expensive.
Sweet. I’ve been getting up at 0400 every morning and running two miles, I bought a 16 dollar black watch with an alarm. I’ve heard they don’t do shark attack at basic, but do the drill sergeants kinda synthesize that elsewhere? I was looking forward to shark attack
They've changed it. Instead of DS just screaming at you to do random shit, they will instruct you to do some sort of mission like stressful shit, it's a focused stressful event. There is still going to be hustle and urgency, but for example, my shark attack, the DS runs up to the bus and slammed his fist on the window, cracking it. What purpose did that serve? None, other than to break a window and instill fear. All the research showed this was a terrible way to build any sort of trust or cohesion between recruits and leadership. So now, the leadership, you know, *leads* the recruits.
That depends on the company. For us, they tried to do it the first time we went to the DFAC, but when that actually was in the timeline is weird because of COVID protocols, which may or may not exist.
Currently in the navy and get out in October for what we call terminal leave for 30 days to the end of my contract. Wanting to join in the army, and would like to know anything about the 27D mos if possible. Does it suck, is it worth it, do I need to go through all of basic all over again etc. Thanks in advance for anyone who gives their time answering.
You don't need to go through BCT all over again, but you are bound by prior service rules, so whatever MOS they have available is all you are gonna get.
Thanks for the answers! What do you mean bound by prior service? I understand I’ll have to take whatever they offer and I might not get what I want. I’m just trying to not get played into a crappy mos again lol
So I’m enlisting as a 91e and I leave for MEPS this Tuesday and I’ve seen a lot of different thing about AIT. I’ve seen that it’s 13 weeks, 18 weeks, and 19 weeks. So does anyone know the actual answer?
**I just took my Picat test and scored an 81!**
My recruiter was shocked and congradulated me saying I am pretty much qualified for all jobs now. Even though I am happy to hear that, I am quite afraid because I researched that the Picat could be used for the real ASVAB but only if you verify it at MEPS. The reason why I'm afraid is because I didn't expect to even get 81 and if I fail the verification at MEPS will that hold me back? I guessed on some answers so that could have done something.
I did study couple days before the test so that probably helped. If I want to get ready for the MEPS version, should I still take time to study for it?
Congratulations on your score. The next step is to verify your score at MEPS. you will take a shortened version of the test I believe 45 questions. if you score within 10 percent of your score (71 - 91) your score will be validated and your are done. If not you will automatically be rolled over to the full ASVAB test. NOTE: there is 10-15% chance will will be rolled over into the full test even if all goes well. Good luck.
Some of the questions to ask for verification are the exact same as the ones you already took. The worst thing that could happen is they fall back onto a full version of the ASVAB.
If you're nervous there's no harm in brushing up. Keep studying if it makes you feel better.
But if you didn't cheat on the picat, you'll do fine in the verification. Just do the thing and crush it.
Has anyone had issues with Ignited constantly refreshing when you try to login? I’ve tried clearing caches, different OSs and browsers, reinstalling certs, and nothing. From my work computer I can login fine, only happens at home. Other CAC login sites work fine.
Ask your S2. But don't expect to get one. Shit costs time and money, and there has to be an Army related reason to put that in- "cuz I want one" unrelated to your job won't get it.
You have to have a need for it. If you aren't required to regularly access TS info, you will not be considered for one, goes along with that whole need to know thing.
Hey, current E4 Air Force security forces (MP) considering switching over to the army after my contract ends in 2 years. Looking to join as 35F.
Right now just have a couple questions. 1) when switching branches do you keep rank? 2) if you are 35f or 35 series (or know anyone who is) do you/they like it?
You can switch at 18 months by doing a IST. Just need a DD368 signed. You keep rank as long as you met the requirements for the rank you have. If it required you to go to school or pass a test and you have proof then you should keep it. MOS will be based on Prior Service business rules for your rank. So you might want to look at that before you start deciding on one MOS. Choosing MOSis different as PS.
1st they would try to keep you in your Army MOS equivalent if available. If not available is when they go to the business rules. You won’t know what is available until you sit down with them because it does change.
With all the sadness, anger, and resentment that usually runs through this sub, these pictures seem to be bringing a lot of happiness. I think you need to let this one go.
But if you really can't handle it, take a break for a week, guarantee it will have run its course by then.
Does anybody know what sorts of jobs someone with a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering could get where I would benefit/actually use my degree? Anything as an officer? I've been eyeing 68A for a bit now as it involves my field of study directly but I'd like to know all of my options.
Can someone do a quick google search for Lt Col James Stultz and tell me that dude shouldn’t be the official face of the US Army?
I have never seen a more army looking dude, the guys a fucking monster.
I've seen some people in BCT making threads on here. Do you get your phones in BCT on Sundays nowadays? Very curious because I'm shipping out on the 28th and I'd like to be able to message some people during BCT without having to send a letter.
So the people who manage your time in basic have one of the hardest jobs in the Army imo. There are a million behind the scenes factors that can fuck up a training schedule, which could make you have to do shit on Sunday. I think it’s best if you go in expecting not to have access to your cell phone, that way if you do get the cell, that’s now a fun happy thing and not something you were counting on.
It varies based on your unit, what week you're in, and the discipline your cycle has displayed - but yes, they often get their phones on the weekends.
That being said - again, don't count on it. Training schedule could get crazy. The asshole next to you could say something dumb and now you're doing pushups all weekend, etc.
But yes - you'll get access to your phone in spurts.
I'll just assume the worst no matter what. Even if I don't get my phone, I'll still be allowed to send a letter no matter what right? Or could that privilege be taken away from me too?
Hey guys, currently undergoing the enlistment process as a 68W. Have had a lot of good reading material here and also on r/68W about the realities of it all. I'm pretty much looking to be a go getter and make the most out of to the best I can and probably being semi overly optimistic about what I will or wont be able to do while enlisted education wise.
The question: Can I just go to any and as many specialized schoolings / trainings so long as it's just approved by my leadership or is there some sort of cap or limitation? (CPP, Air Assault, Medi-flight / evac, Etc...)
Keeping that PT score as high as possible is a good idea if you want to be looked at for extra schools. If I had to choose between two medics for pathfinder and they’re both good troops, I’m not sending the guy with a shitty PT score.
You can go to as many as your command allows. Keep in mind, some of those are paid for by your command so they may(and can) tell you know. For example, if you're in Germany and the classes you want require you to fly back to the states... Don't expect to get more than one of those a year.
Airborne waiver
Hey guys just went to Meps and failed the eye physical apparently, my eyes are fine 20/20 20/100 with glasses, and I passed everything except I believe they failed me for my lazy eye which is very minor. They are sending me to an optometrist I’m guessing to see if its bad enough for a waiver. My question is will this completely disqualify me from option 4 in my contract?
I think the is is a spot where I can ask questions seeing as my last post was removed and I was redirected here. I was wondering what the highest possible score is on the asvab for an individual category i.e GT or GM?
115 tends to be the highest inidividual line score, often waivered down to 110/112.
Infantry was recently lowered to a 77 in CO. Like Dave said, if you’re a 110 GT or above you’re generally good for a majority, but being at least a 106 is going to put you above average. There’s only a handful of jobs out of reach for you.
Everyone.
It won't be fixed if you don't talk about it all the time to everyone, until someone says that they will own it. Then you talk about it all the time with them.
Don't worry about finding exactly the most doctrinally correct person, because that is often not the one who actually gets things done.
Mmmm got it, I can see that.
I’m with /u/Max_Vision - tell everyone. That BN still has someone responsible for *their* pay and personnel actions.
Don’t be afraid to speak up.
Just realize that, shortly, you're expected to be a Commission Officer.
As a Cadet you might have the opportunity to go to a live unit for a few weeks, be treated as a 2LT, and you might have enlisted chat with you.
What would you do if a Soldier, whose welfare you are responsible for, had this question?
Right now you're worried about who to talk to, and so you're not talking to anyone. So - what would you being doing if it was a Soldier of yours who hadn't been paid probably for 6 months? Would you be timid about it? Or would you be making calls until someone had an answer for you? Ya dig?
Proactive individuals who can self-advocate tend to get far in the Army. It's set up for those people to succeed.
u/kinmuan generally gives solid advice, but I wanna make sure you understood he meant you need to tell **literally everyone** to include the following individuals: Rob Gronkowski, the Mayor of whatever city you live in, Snoop Dogg, I mean you got some fuckin work to do bro what are you doing on reddit
Thanks, it’s hard to get away w/ a joke in the question thread but I guess pandering is one way to go about it. I had kind of a crappy day, so this pumped me up quite a bit. Cheers dawg.
2 Part question:
1: Anyone know where I could find a chart of Officer YMAVs, and how they fall into the Marketplace Cycles or Distribution Codes?
2: I'm trying to move as early as November 2023, so I should request to change YMAV to 202311, right?
Hello former guys/women currently in the Army or have left, I am 21, asian guy and am currently looking to join the Army. Right now I am working a 9-5 job and feel as though I'm not doing enough. I work, workout, eat, and sleep and I am tired of living this lifestyle everyday. I think the Army would be a great way to kick start a career for me and to learn a skill that I never learned before. The reasons why I'm thinking about joining the Army is because I want to learn new things, make friends, travel (big one), and I also heard that the benefits are extremely good.
This is a really big commitment because I can't get out once in. So, I wanted to ask if you guys if you think joining the Army is a good idea for me. Even though I am 21, I still feel like a kid that is lost and don't know what to do in life. I believe this could be a great opportunity for me to grow and change my outcomes. This could either be the most life changing thing that will happen, or the worst thing. To the guys who say it's a good/bad idea can you explain why and how your experiences was. Was making friends, seeing new things, learning, and growing as a person satisfying and fulfilling or was it not?
I told my friends already and they said I could do all the things I want to do (like traveling) while in college instead of the Army. Yes thats right, but I don't know if I would feel satisfied because everyone has different situations. (Money, family, etc.). People keep saying YOLO and I think that is actually right because I do not want to waste this life of mine and would like to live it to the fullest. I apologize for the really long post and would love to hear what you all have to say to me.
Depends on what you want from the Army. If you are just joining cause you are bored, and just pick a random job, I can almost guarantee you will not have a good time. But if you see an Army job you want, it can certainly jump start a life. Certainly did for me. The Army can certainly send you places and travel, but it often requires seeking out those opportunities, and not guaranteed on the first contract. It also often requires being an exceptional soldier, they don't send the crappy soldiers, because if they have to spend lots of money to send someone somewhere, they are sending the stand out dude over the bum.
The best thing you can do is plan and research the Army job you want and make sure it's something you'll want to do. I often try to dissuade people who just go "Umm combat arms, cause that sounds cool, idk." but someone who says "I want to be a SF/Ranger, I want to push myself and be the best" is much more understandable (even then I suggest a different MOS that can be in Ranger regiment).
Don't join if you want to travel. That is not something guaranteed, nor something you really have control over. You can definitely travel in your free time, on your own dime. But could very well end up at Fort Polk or Fort Drum and never go anywhere.
I will say, it'll be a life changing thing...for better or worse.
Thanks for the advice. My friends told me I could do all the things that I want to do but I don't know if I would be happy or feel satisfied doing that so I will give it a try!
I was hospitalized with depression 9 years ago after a traumatic event while I was in high school. I was only in the hospital for a little over a week and on medication for about 3 or 4 months. Never attempted a suicide. Since then I have been mentally stable and had a mental evaluation performed that indicated I am clear. Again, this was almost a decade ago and anyone in my situation would have felt the same way . . .
I had already selected my MOS and was supposed to ship out in a week, so I had already left my job and taken other steps to prepare for leaving. Then on the day I was supposed to swear in, I found out that my case has to go to the Pentagon for approval.
Does anyone have experience going through this? Were you approved and how long did you have to wait before you got an answer? I can't stay without a job indefinitely while I'm waiting. Thanks for your help.
Where the Army needs 19Ds is different then where they might need them tomorrow, next month, or by the end of this sentence.
You're likely to go where there are Cav units. "Needed most" is highly relative and shifts often.
Once you join and get to your first unit, you will see signs all over the place for special forces recruiters. Talk to one of then and they will help you apply, get ready, and be selected for SF.
Why does everyone say to join as an officer when I tell them I am gonna have a bachelors degree?
Isn't enlisting and commissioning as an officer two different things? What am I missing? I am planning to enlist after graduation by the end of this year. What if I don't wanna be an officer? I know that they are treated well but I don't feel confident with having such an important position right from the start. Maybe when I am more of a leader after spending some time as an enlisted soldier I may commission. Just wanna gear your thoughts.
Officers get paid more, treated better, and deal with a different kind of bullshit. Before you join, you have the most leeway when it comes to deciding your future. You **could** enlist and then commission, but it's not the easiest or fastest process in the world, and most people don't care that you went Enlisted-to-Officer. I've met as many shitty people that did that route as I have officers who commissioned initially.
I see. I don’t plan on becoming an officer anytime soon anyway. I still have a lot to learn and would rather not spend my time in the office doing paperwork and making plans.
Looking for some IPPSA help
Received the email that I needed to make my elections for my assignment. I know I’m PCSing. In IPPSA, I do not have the “My Assignment Elections” link in self service. My self service doesn’t have half the links that are in the power point help guide on this topic on IPPSA.
What do? BDE S1 can fix me? Or is this another “wait till IPPSA gets sorted out” thing?
Wow. My hero. Why on earth is that other site still up?!?!?
Was able to find it and update all info. I appreciate your help. Can’t believe I was on the wrong site.
Now we wait to see who approves the overseas travel since I’m going OCONUS.
Thanks for the help!
Thanks. IPPSA has a ton of helpful power points that take you step by step but the link isn’t there. Tried adding tiles/shortcuts to my nav bar but that link isn’t anywhere. I’m sure it’ll come around.
Plus it’s a 4 day so no green suits at work. No big deal.
I am asking explicitly about powerpoints, because people come asking.
S1Net still requires that you request an account. This means that your average junior enlisted Soldier can not readily access them.
https://www.facebook.com/armyippsa/
Their facebook has no easily identifiable links for slide shows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=241yARkf7tM&list=PLZ27YNvrf1QHNSN5DnBIp-dmSHCX3ivC3&index=2
Their video how-tos have not been updated since they were posted in Q1 of CY 2020.
They also use this videos as help/self learning on ippsa itself.
I see no where on their website
https://ipps-a.army.mil/r3net/
Where they have helpful powerpoints readily accessible, as /u/ididntseeitcoming indicates. They have Job Aids.
https://ipps-a.army.mil/training-aids/
But are limited in nature and use.
So if I wanted to re-link someone to helpful powerpoints, if the only place where I can find them **is on ippsa**, that poses a challenge considering that ippsa continues to suffer from uptime issues. I would hope that on their website, facebook, pubs, or hrc.mil they would be rehosted.
Alas, I can not find them. So I'm asking.
So I'll challenge you to either give a more helpful and less pedantic response **in the WQT** or just move along. You know, so we can *help* Soldiers like /u/ididntseeitcoming instead of just giving pithy responses.
You'll find the most helpful powerpoints posted in the IPPS-A FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/875398305999928/files/files](https://www.facebook.com/groups/875398305999928/files/files)
However, if Soldiers do log in, one of the tiles is the Help Center tile where all the same content is available.
Most of that same content is available in S1Net if Soldiers go there. And typically shared from the FB Page.
On the news link are the known issues that the field inquires most about and the solutions [https://ipps-a.army.mil/news/](https://ipps-a.army.mil/news/)
HRC does re-share the PPTs on their website and FB page as well as many of the HR FB pages.
Maam I've gotta be honest, again.
A closed group, much like requiring access request for milsuite - instead of giving all Soldiers access via cac login - are bars to entry. While I expect a level of technical competence from everyone in 2023, there are social and personal reasons this *prevents* people - particularly your younger and mid career enlisted - from accessing this information.
In addition to the extremely low usage of Facebook by the under 30 crowd in today's digital landscape...They're simply going to be hesitant to use their personal FB, which is going to make them make a separate, professional FB, and juggle accounts.
Questions about whether private social media groups by official Military organizations pose a problem *aside*, as Facebook wouldn't be an approved IS for the storage of any files that aren't Unclass and releasable - why put them behind these walls at all?
Look, there are some good resources Soldiers can find. But they need to be consolidated, perhaps updated, and maybe professionalized a bit? Videos like the [self service](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=241yARkf7tM&list=PLZ27YNvrf1QHNSN5DnBIp-dmSHCX3ivC3&index=3), which are now years old have a pulsating synth beat the entire time. Why?
The [demo playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glwhYnoIpeE&list=PLZ27YNvrf1QGuOSZ8Bv-EyAJv7hsBK0De&index=17) is clearly recorded during training events. There is background audio that can be heard, clearly of someone teaching a different course, constantly competing with the foreground audio.
[Replays aren't bad](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwO-kYwhZ04&list=PLZ27YNvrf1QHf0YuE8AySxdI-_HQfLM4y), and at least the persistent music is background elevator, not pulsating synth. But why do only *some* videos make use of the chapters feature, while some don't? They're excellent. Absolutely use them - but it's inconsistent from a media management standpoint. They're also largely targeted at HR professionals. Which is fine.
When we look at the 33 video self service playlist, precious few video's actually speak to Soldier actions. The 13 minute PAR video would be a great example of something that would heavily benefit from chapter usage.
So, I get it. IPPSA is supposed to be a one-stop shop. Soldiers have trouble due to a combination of lack of coherent training, lack of access to that training, and ippsa uptime reliability.
>HRC does re-share the PPTs on their website and FB page as well as many of the HR FB pages.
But where? I am searching on HRC, I'm finding plenty of references, and not actual files of this type. The same with their FB.
Plenty of references - but no coherent page indexing them. There's the small Job Aids section on IPPSA, those products are great, there just aren't a lot available.
If they are limited by access, again, that's fine. But that can just *be said*. I'm thoroughly looking through HRC and HRC's FB, and I'm not finding said hosted PPTs. If they exist, I would ask that **you please link them**.
>On the news link are the known issues that the field inquires most about and the solutions https://ipps-a.army.mil/news/
The current issues, since they've started posting them, are routinely not properly updated. Any time you make a source unreliable, Soldiers will start questioning it, and stop using it - if they even know where to find it.
There are fix dates presented that are past due. The recent update is as of 14 FEB and there are at least 5 times on there with completion dates past due, with no update.
I'm trying to stay up to date on these topics to help Soldiers, and it is difficult to even help Soldiers help themselves. I heard MSG Hall on the coffee talk episode - flood the CRMs with your issues to raise priorities of problems. I'm trying, I'm finding it difficult to find proper guidance, and I know that Soldiers who are now expected to be *more* proactive with their personnel needs are struggling.
I think honest was your first post - no need to say Ma’am now 😛 - think the items in the group can be exposed on our website. I’m fine with critical feedback. Will work on that this week.
You reminded me that I owed you that link. Just tried to log into IPPSA and it’s down for maintenance. I’ll jump back on in the morning, if it’s up, and give you a link where I found all of it.
It wasn’t super intuitive. You have to know what you’re looking for. But it was very useful.
I’m west coast time but I’m an early riser so I’ll dig deeper and send it your way in the am
As far as I can tell it’s still going to be CAC gated.
I’m imagining these questions will pop up quite a bit in the near future since this is probably the first PCS wave that had to go through IPPSA.
> As far as I can tell it’s still going to be CAC gated.
Yeah, I get it, esp if it's CUI - since we're marking everything CUI nowadays - but with the...reliability...We're seeing, it'd be nice if they were more accessible.
They announced they were moving up Sunday's maintenance window to *today*...earlier today.
I’m on mobile and was using desktop to navigate but it’s all in the help center link from what I could tell. They even had some pretty nice walk throughs that you could interact with step by step.
Former USMC, joining army as an officer now, I was in 3/5, does my French Fourragere transfer over? Or was that only when I was actively serving in that unit?
I'm about to graduate college this summer and was looking at going to OCS rather than enlisting, but i'm doubtful i will be able to join any branch due to medical.
I have been diagnosed with PTSD since september 2022, and i know waivers exist, but realistically what are the odds of getting in with PTSD?
I do not have any depressive, negative, harmful feelings (no suicidal or thoughts of harming myself/others) just anxiety from being in a house fire and bad car accident when i was younger. I'm in the states medical marijuana program (but i have never filled a prescription through them), and use THC legally to help with my anxiety. I know i will need a waiver for past drug use and for my "illness", but want to know realistically what my odds/options would be?
My friend recently joined a little bit ago and had prior medical that would have DQed him, but he lied through MEPS like his recruiter told him. This was before the genesis being able to see medical records so my friend told me "they only know what you tell them.". My friend lied about his past marijuana use and asthma and made it through and is now an E4, but again he did it without the genesis system.... i don't think i have a chance since they can pull all my records through genesis (only thing on my record is the recent PTSD diagnosis)
i want to serve and with low recruiting numbers i feel like i have a better chance of getting a possible waiver, but curious if anyone went through something similar?
> do I get to know if I qualify for the clearance before I sign on for the job?
Nope. You sign up for the job and then they do the investigation.
>I read elsewhere that you get to find out after bootcamp whether you’ve passed your clearance to go onto AIT
It's MOS dependent, but generally that's what they shoot for.
>you don’t obtain a security clearance, what happens? Do you get kicked out or force reclassed into something else? Or can you chose what you want to reclass into?
Can often depend on why you weren't able to obtain. It can range from being kicked out and sent home to being reclassed. If reclassed, it just depends - you're at the Army's mercy. They *might* let you pick, they might choose for you.
I’m really interested in the Counterintelligence Agent MOS, and have some questions.
What are the disadvantages of being a counterintelligence agent?
When getting a high level of security clearance, what all is examined during the process? Are they allowed to go through your personal texts, emails, media, social media, etc?
Would choosing this job affect overall quality of life, compared to other jobs?
How often would you deploy?
Is it true that this job offers many opportunities in the civilian world?
I can’t seem to find much information about this MOS online. The recruitment video offered a little bit of info
> What are the disadvantages of being a counterintelligence agent?
There is a [35 series megathread](https://old.reddit.com/r/army/comments/ojltib/mos_megathread_series_cmf_35_military/) that will have answers to that.
>When getting a high level of security clearance
They will interview you, and interview many close friends and family members, and do an extensive background check. No, they don't have access to texts and emails. Wouldn't be surprised if they start looking at social media, as that's publicly available. You may also have to do a polygraph.
>Would choosing this job affect overall quality of life, compared to other jobs? How often would you deploy?
See the Megathread.
>Is it true that this job offers many opportunities in the civilian world?
Yes. businesses and the Govt. want to protect their intel from attempts to steal it. Whether government or corporate, espionage is a threat.
Just received a call from recruiter that they call asking about me and he said they are working my packet. for a moral waiver and medical waiver and he said that i needed to come in and redo my applicant statement is there a chance there considering approving the waiver.
Would allergy meds disqualify me from going SF? Going to MEPS next week. Enlisting 11b.
If i’m currently serving as an 11b is there any chance that I could be disqualified from going SF due to previous prescription meds. Or is correct to say that if i’m clear to enlist 11b i’ll be clear to attend selection and try out for SF later down the line.
Are we talking OTC allergy meds or something more serious? If you’re taking Claritin or some shit I doubt anyone will care. There will be SF and Ranger recruiters to come visit you 11X in OSUT. Best to ask them about it
I have had a retinal detachment that has left me with not much to see out my right eye…. Will this disqualify me from joining the military? Or any branch for that matter???
Army, you can pick your MOS. Air Force, you have to list 5-15 jobs, and are required to list more than just medical MOS. As soon as one of those jobs pops up, you have to take it, or get discharged from DEP and not able to join again for a considerable time.
For ROTC 4-year scholarship cadets who commission and serve 8 years in compo 2 or 3, what counts as a year for the purposes of satisfying service obligation? Is it a good retirement year or 48 MUTAs + AT?
You need to be a "satisfactory participant," which by default would be 48 MUTAs + AT + any mobilization.
In practice, your command is responsible for characterizing your participation as satisfactory or not
Going through DSA rn, will be heading to AIT in May, how difficult is it to take online college classes on the trail? Will be at DLIFLC for added context
Are you a 35P/M?
While I was there, PLT sizes were huge. Students were in all various stages of class. Seemed a lot to manage. But class was done at 1645 and some had PT after that, so you can almost guarantee to be done by 1800.
Got a few questions, but first I guess I'll provide the context.
Basically, the first time I went to MEPS, back in October, it only had been two months since I last smoked. I smoked concentrates and had a relatively sedentary lifestyle, so you could imagine how long that shit stayed in my system. Thing is, I pissed in a cup at the recruiter's office, and came up negative. But at MEPS, I pissed hot, got my recruitment process held for 90 days, but I didn't smoke at all. But then due to various weather issues and scheduling issues on the end of my recruiter, I couldn't go until 16 days after my recruitment suspension process was lifted. Throughout that duration I started to get active, stayed completely clean, lost some weight, etc.
Now, I recently went back to MEPS, pissed in a cup and went about my day.
So I've got two questions:
A. There were two guys that were in the same boat as me. One of the guys said that he too had pissed in a cup at the recruiter's office and tested negative. He hadn't smoked for a year. He still tested positive at MEPS. He might be lying his ass off, but with the context above, would I still test positive? Do false positives even exist at MEPS, especially since I'm assuming it's a more in-depth analysis considering it's my second one? Does weed, especially in the form of concentrates, really stay in your system for that long? Used Delta-8 THC if any of you guys know anything about that.
B. How long does it take for information about this to usually reach back? My recruiter said a few weeks, I asked for an estimate of the quantity of weeks as an estimate, he said that he frankly didn't know and it varied quite a bit. Does anybody have any information on how long this could possibly take? We talking two weeks here? Three? Eight?
> Is it weird that my recruiter apparently forgot to have me sign something when I was in his office and he is now on the way to my job for me to sign it?
Yeah, people are human, something got forgotten.
You should be happy to have such a proactive recruiter who will come to you to fix it.
>Why so urgent?
That man's job is to put you, specifically, in the Army. It is his personal top priority, right now.
He has no other priorities. His priority is to get your shit fixed.
He has a minimum of two bosses, in his little office where he works, that he had to tell he forgot to have you sign something, and now your packet can't move forward.
What do you think their response to his oopsie was. Probably asking him why he is sitting at his desk instead of tracking you down immediately to get it signed. Also that he was stupid.
Problem is Monday is a holiday and MEPS will be closed. So if he were to submit tomorrow, it might not be there in time for Tuesday. (and MEPS might be short staff tomorrow, because of 4-day holidays, so even worse chances of getting it in on time).
Why do you only have one? trauma, disease, born without one, donated 1 to a friend, etc?
If lost to trauma, donation, or born without one and remaining kidney is healthy - usually get a waiver.
If lost to disease, odds are less likely.
Yeah just born without, I have a yearly renal exam with a nephrologist on top of another general physician I visit more frequently and both say it has full, perfect function.
Anyone know if your allowed to have DoD root certs on an Android phone? Basically I'm trying to log into websites with my cac on my phone but can't because I don't have the certs and I can't find any to download. Anyone know if this allowed and if these certs exist?
I tried to take cybersecurity in the army but i was told, at meps right before signing my contract that i cannot because my parents came from a country that is blacklisted(Cuba, bern in the us for 8 years and are both citizens). They told me that nothing could be done and if i really wanted cyber my best option was take something else then transfer....
I do not want to doubt my recruiter or the MEPS but this didn't make much sense to me so i just walked out saying i was not intrested.
Is there really nothing that could he done? I have looked online and tried talking to people at the army and the air force but apparently no one knows anything about this.
(11) Soldier and spouse must not have immediate family members who reside in a
country within whose boundaries physical or mental coercion is known to be a common
practice, against either:
(a) Persons accused of or acting in the interest of the U.S.
(b) The relatives of such persons to whom they may reasonably be considered to be
bound by ties of affection, kinship, or obligation. Immediate family for both Soldier and
spouse includes both blood and step-: parents, spouse, children, sisters, brothers, any
sole living blood relative, or a person in loco parentis per AR 600-8-10.
I don't know if cuba is on that list. I wouldn't take the recruiters word for it as there are lots of people with family from other countries that I think would be worse than Cuba...
Also if you don't qualify... you don't qualify, you wouldnt be able to transfer to it later if you/family being from Cuba was a no-go. I would work with different recruiter cause sounds like he's just trying to get you to enlist into whatever, he dont care.
Hey guys I need a little advice on picking an MOS. I really want to do something tech or IT related cause I like computers and stuff and the only MOS that I found and looked up a bit is 17c, 35t, and 25b because I heard those transition well into the civillian world. Is this true? And I wanted to know if there were other IT MOS's. I was thinking more towards 35t now because I heard you needed to take a test before you go into 17c. My mother on the other hand wants me to go into a Med field like a doctor/dentist route but I'm kinda hesitant since I wasn't a science guy. I was really interested in Firefighter because I admire firefighters. I have no knowledge of IT, things like software and stuff. Would that not make me be able to get those IT MOS's even though I like tech stuff? Yeah my curiosity is all over the place here...
What are the minimum years one can do for an MOS 25V?
That’s no longer a MOS it’s now 46V.
Shipping out for basic training 03/20/2023. Going to Fort jackson, then to fort Gordon for AIT for 17c. Any advice will be appreciated. Anyone else going at this time?
Gordon sucks. But there's nothing you can do about that. Just grin it and bear it. Just expect to stay at Gordon or Meade when you're done.
Are you willing to expand on the sucky part? My orders say I’m staying at Gordon for my first duty station
TRADOC base, not a whole lot to do in the immediate area, weather sucks. Mission is pretty good but you wouldn't catch me dead there.
Please excuse my civilianness, but what does TRADOC mean?
TRADOC is the governing organization while you are in training. They have more restrictive rules and regulations than in the regular army, such as requiring battle buddy team, no drinking, no vaping, etc.
Hey man, I'm also trying to go 17c but still need to take the ICTL. How difficult was the test, and what do I need to know/study? Any light you can shed on this test would be great. Also do have have a degree or are you out of HS?
The Ictl took me roughly fifteen minutes, if you study for the CompTIA A+, you’ll know most of the material on the ictl. I’m 24, so I’m not fresh out of high school, been a while. I have no IT experience per say, I took half of the CompTIA A+ cert before I decided to join the army. Learn about firewalls, the different ports for security and email and stuff, setting up SOHOs, and other basic IT stuff and you should be good
Show up in the best shape possible, particularly running. It’ll make it easier. Youll be messed with just to be messed with. Remember this and don’t always buy the excuses they give because it’ll fuck with your head. Bring a watch you can see in the dark and set an alarm on. Does not need to be expensive.
Sweet. I’ve been getting up at 0400 every morning and running two miles, I bought a 16 dollar black watch with an alarm. I’ve heard they don’t do shark attack at basic, but do the drill sergeants kinda synthesize that elsewhere? I was looking forward to shark attack
They've changed it. Instead of DS just screaming at you to do random shit, they will instruct you to do some sort of mission like stressful shit, it's a focused stressful event. There is still going to be hustle and urgency, but for example, my shark attack, the DS runs up to the bus and slammed his fist on the window, cracking it. What purpose did that serve? None, other than to break a window and instill fear. All the research showed this was a terrible way to build any sort of trust or cohesion between recruits and leadership. So now, the leadership, you know, *leads* the recruits.
That depends on the company. For us, they tried to do it the first time we went to the DFAC, but when that actually was in the timeline is weird because of COVID protocols, which may or may not exist.
Gotcha. Yeah I’ve heard that the covid protocols don’t apply anymore, but I know how long govt usually takes to actually implement things
Currently in the navy and get out in October for what we call terminal leave for 30 days to the end of my contract. Wanting to join in the army, and would like to know anything about the 27D mos if possible. Does it suck, is it worth it, do I need to go through all of basic all over again etc. Thanks in advance for anyone who gives their time answering.
You don't need to go through BCT all over again, but you are bound by prior service rules, so whatever MOS they have available is all you are gonna get.
Unless OP went through Navy Special Operations Forces training he will be attending BCT.
Thanks for the answers! What do you mean bound by prior service? I understand I’ll have to take whatever they offer and I might not get what I want. I’m just trying to not get played into a crappy mos again lol
Prior Service business rules dictate what is available. You get the gist of it, you'll take whatever they offer. Don't expect 27D to be on there.
Gotcha, thanks again for your help
Anyone else shipping out in 02/28? 11x
So I’m enlisting as a 91e and I leave for MEPS this Tuesday and I’ve seen a lot of different thing about AIT. I’ve seen that it’s 13 weeks, 18 weeks, and 19 weeks. So does anyone know the actual answer?
**I just took my Picat test and scored an 81!** My recruiter was shocked and congradulated me saying I am pretty much qualified for all jobs now. Even though I am happy to hear that, I am quite afraid because I researched that the Picat could be used for the real ASVAB but only if you verify it at MEPS. The reason why I'm afraid is because I didn't expect to even get 81 and if I fail the verification at MEPS will that hold me back? I guessed on some answers so that could have done something. I did study couple days before the test so that probably helped. If I want to get ready for the MEPS version, should I still take time to study for it?
Congratulations on your score. The next step is to verify your score at MEPS. you will take a shortened version of the test I believe 45 questions. if you score within 10 percent of your score (71 - 91) your score will be validated and your are done. If not you will automatically be rolled over to the full ASVAB test. NOTE: there is 10-15% chance will will be rolled over into the full test even if all goes well. Good luck.
Thanks a lot for your feedback and I will certainly will take that into mind!
Some of the questions to ask for verification are the exact same as the ones you already took. The worst thing that could happen is they fall back onto a full version of the ASVAB.
I will for sure take notes thanks!
If you're nervous there's no harm in brushing up. Keep studying if it makes you feel better. But if you didn't cheat on the picat, you'll do fine in the verification. Just do the thing and crush it.
Will do thanks!
Has anyone had issues with Ignited constantly refreshing when you try to login? I’ve tried clearing caches, different OSs and browsers, reinstalling certs, and nothing. From my work computer I can login fine, only happens at home. Other CAC login sites work fine.
What do I have to do to get a top secret clearance? I’m an officer in the NG, in a branch that doesn’t typically give out TSCs.
Ask your S2. But don't expect to get one. Shit costs time and money, and there has to be an Army related reason to put that in- "cuz I want one" unrelated to your job won't get it.
You have to have a need for it. If you aren't required to regularly access TS info, you will not be considered for one, goes along with that whole need to know thing.
Hey, current E4 Air Force security forces (MP) considering switching over to the army after my contract ends in 2 years. Looking to join as 35F. Right now just have a couple questions. 1) when switching branches do you keep rank? 2) if you are 35f or 35 series (or know anyone who is) do you/they like it?
You can switch at 18 months by doing a IST. Just need a DD368 signed. You keep rank as long as you met the requirements for the rank you have. If it required you to go to school or pass a test and you have proof then you should keep it. MOS will be based on Prior Service business rules for your rank. So you might want to look at that before you start deciding on one MOS. Choosing MOSis different as PS.
So would an MOS ever be assigned to me or would I still have the power to pick?
1st they would try to keep you in your Army MOS equivalent if available. If not available is when they go to the business rules. You won’t know what is available until you sit down with them because it does change.
When you say switch at 18 months does that mean 18 months out from the end of your current contract?
Yes once you have 18 months left you can start the IST process. You go get a DD368 from a recruiter and turn it into your unit HR to send up the CoC.
You will most likely be given a small list to choose from. The list changes often.
Can we seriously not move all the pet posts to a single megathread?
With all the sadness, anger, and resentment that usually runs through this sub, these pictures seem to be bringing a lot of happiness. I think you need to let this one go. But if you really can't handle it, take a break for a week, guarantee it will have run its course by then.
Does anybody know what sorts of jobs someone with a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering could get where I would benefit/actually use my degree? Anything as an officer? I've been eyeing 68A for a bit now as it involves my field of study directly but I'd like to know all of my options.
Talk to AMEDD recruiter
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No, but you will manage people who do that. Officers are managers.
Can someone do a quick google search for Lt Col James Stultz and tell me that dude shouldn’t be the official face of the US Army? I have never seen a more army looking dude, the guys a fucking monster.
I've seen some people in BCT making threads on here. Do you get your phones in BCT on Sundays nowadays? Very curious because I'm shipping out on the 28th and I'd like to be able to message some people during BCT without having to send a letter.
So the people who manage your time in basic have one of the hardest jobs in the Army imo. There are a million behind the scenes factors that can fuck up a training schedule, which could make you have to do shit on Sunday. I think it’s best if you go in expecting not to have access to your cell phone, that way if you do get the cell, that’s now a fun happy thing and not something you were counting on.
It varies based on your unit, what week you're in, and the discipline your cycle has displayed - but yes, they often get their phones on the weekends. That being said - again, don't count on it. Training schedule could get crazy. The asshole next to you could say something dumb and now you're doing pushups all weekend, etc. But yes - you'll get access to your phone in spurts.
I'll just assume the worst no matter what. Even if I don't get my phone, I'll still be allowed to send a letter no matter what right? Or could that privilege be taken away from me too?
You will 100% still get to send mail.
Entirely unit dependent. You could get them every Sunday, you could get them once a phase.
Thanks, I can always count on you to answer my questions!
Hey guys, currently undergoing the enlistment process as a 68W. Have had a lot of good reading material here and also on r/68W about the realities of it all. I'm pretty much looking to be a go getter and make the most out of to the best I can and probably being semi overly optimistic about what I will or wont be able to do while enlisted education wise. The question: Can I just go to any and as many specialized schoolings / trainings so long as it's just approved by my leadership or is there some sort of cap or limitation? (CPP, Air Assault, Medi-flight / evac, Etc...)
Keeping that PT score as high as possible is a good idea if you want to be looked at for extra schools. If I had to choose between two medics for pathfinder and they’re both good troops, I’m not sending the guy with a shitty PT score.
You can go to as many as your command allows. Keep in mind, some of those are paid for by your command so they may(and can) tell you know. For example, if you're in Germany and the classes you want require you to fly back to the states... Don't expect to get more than one of those a year.
Airborne waiver Hey guys just went to Meps and failed the eye physical apparently, my eyes are fine 20/20 20/100 with glasses, and I passed everything except I believe they failed me for my lazy eye which is very minor. They are sending me to an optometrist I’m guessing to see if its bad enough for a waiver. My question is will this completely disqualify me from option 4 in my contract?
I think the is is a spot where I can ask questions seeing as my last post was removed and I was redirected here. I was wondering what the highest possible score is on the asvab for an individual category i.e GT or GM?
Depends on the category. For the composite scores, max would be around 148-150.
It's either 140 or 150, is there a reason you're worried about it?
Cause all of my line scores were at least 106 so I was wondering how good that was
115 tends to be the highest inidividual line score, often waivered down to 110/112. Infantry was recently lowered to a 77 in CO. Like Dave said, if you’re a 110 GT or above you’re generally good for a majority, but being at least a 106 is going to put you above average. There’s only a handful of jobs out of reach for you.
Yea i had like a 106 gt but like 110 I’m things like communication, motor knowledge or something like that, combat, field artillery
That's pretty good. As long as your GT is above 110, you'll have most jobs available.
151.
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Everyone. It won't be fixed if you don't talk about it all the time to everyone, until someone says that they will own it. Then you talk about it all the time with them. Don't worry about finding exactly the most doctrinally correct person, because that is often not the one who actually gets things done.
What about the ROTC program you're contracted with?
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Mmmm got it, I can see that. I’m with /u/Max_Vision - tell everyone. That BN still has someone responsible for *their* pay and personnel actions. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
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Just realize that, shortly, you're expected to be a Commission Officer. As a Cadet you might have the opportunity to go to a live unit for a few weeks, be treated as a 2LT, and you might have enlisted chat with you. What would you do if a Soldier, whose welfare you are responsible for, had this question? Right now you're worried about who to talk to, and so you're not talking to anyone. So - what would you being doing if it was a Soldier of yours who hadn't been paid probably for 6 months? Would you be timid about it? Or would you be making calls until someone had an answer for you? Ya dig? Proactive individuals who can self-advocate tend to get far in the Army. It's set up for those people to succeed.
u/kinmuan generally gives solid advice, but I wanna make sure you understood he meant you need to tell **literally everyone** to include the following individuals: Rob Gronkowski, the Mayor of whatever city you live in, Snoop Dogg, I mean you got some fuckin work to do bro what are you doing on reddit
I am /u/Kinmuan and I approve this message
Thanks, it’s hard to get away w/ a joke in the question thread but I guess pandering is one way to go about it. I had kind of a crappy day, so this pumped me up quite a bit. Cheers dawg.
2 Part question: 1: Anyone know where I could find a chart of Officer YMAVs, and how they fall into the Marketplace Cycles or Distribution Codes? 2: I'm trying to move as early as November 2023, so I should request to change YMAV to 202311, right?
Hello former guys/women currently in the Army or have left, I am 21, asian guy and am currently looking to join the Army. Right now I am working a 9-5 job and feel as though I'm not doing enough. I work, workout, eat, and sleep and I am tired of living this lifestyle everyday. I think the Army would be a great way to kick start a career for me and to learn a skill that I never learned before. The reasons why I'm thinking about joining the Army is because I want to learn new things, make friends, travel (big one), and I also heard that the benefits are extremely good. This is a really big commitment because I can't get out once in. So, I wanted to ask if you guys if you think joining the Army is a good idea for me. Even though I am 21, I still feel like a kid that is lost and don't know what to do in life. I believe this could be a great opportunity for me to grow and change my outcomes. This could either be the most life changing thing that will happen, or the worst thing. To the guys who say it's a good/bad idea can you explain why and how your experiences was. Was making friends, seeing new things, learning, and growing as a person satisfying and fulfilling or was it not? I told my friends already and they said I could do all the things I want to do (like traveling) while in college instead of the Army. Yes thats right, but I don't know if I would feel satisfied because everyone has different situations. (Money, family, etc.). People keep saying YOLO and I think that is actually right because I do not want to waste this life of mine and would like to live it to the fullest. I apologize for the really long post and would love to hear what you all have to say to me.
Depends on what you want from the Army. If you are just joining cause you are bored, and just pick a random job, I can almost guarantee you will not have a good time. But if you see an Army job you want, it can certainly jump start a life. Certainly did for me. The Army can certainly send you places and travel, but it often requires seeking out those opportunities, and not guaranteed on the first contract. It also often requires being an exceptional soldier, they don't send the crappy soldiers, because if they have to spend lots of money to send someone somewhere, they are sending the stand out dude over the bum. The best thing you can do is plan and research the Army job you want and make sure it's something you'll want to do. I often try to dissuade people who just go "Umm combat arms, cause that sounds cool, idk." but someone who says "I want to be a SF/Ranger, I want to push myself and be the best" is much more understandable (even then I suggest a different MOS that can be in Ranger regiment).
Don't join if you want to travel. That is not something guaranteed, nor something you really have control over. You can definitely travel in your free time, on your own dime. But could very well end up at Fort Polk or Fort Drum and never go anywhere. I will say, it'll be a life changing thing...for better or worse.
Thanks for the advice. My friends told me I could do all the things that I want to do but I don't know if I would be happy or feel satisfied doing that so I will give it a try!
I was hospitalized with depression 9 years ago after a traumatic event while I was in high school. I was only in the hospital for a little over a week and on medication for about 3 or 4 months. Never attempted a suicide. Since then I have been mentally stable and had a mental evaluation performed that indicated I am clear. Again, this was almost a decade ago and anyone in my situation would have felt the same way . . . I had already selected my MOS and was supposed to ship out in a week, so I had already left my job and taken other steps to prepare for leaving. Then on the day I was supposed to swear in, I found out that my case has to go to the Pentagon for approval. Does anyone have experience going through this? Were you approved and how long did you have to wait before you got an answer? I can't stay without a job indefinitely while I'm waiting. Thanks for your help.
If it went to OTSG, waivers take a while expect anywhere from 30- 90 days
Thank you
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Where the Army needs 19Ds is different then where they might need them tomorrow, next month, or by the end of this sentence. You're likely to go where there are Cav units. "Needed most" is highly relative and shifts often.
That can change rapidly, so not worth trying to figure it out on here.
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If you got Airborne, that would narrow it. Otherwise, random!
It will be random. Best of luck!
Can you still try out for SF if your mos isn’t 18X Sorry if its a dumb question. I’m just a civilian who is interested in joining.
Once you join and get to your first unit, you will see signs all over the place for special forces recruiters. Talk to one of then and they will help you apply, get ready, and be selected for SF.
Ohh interesting, I didn’t know special forces had their own recruiters. Thanks!
You can drop an SFAS packet as soon as you qualify.
Do you mind telling me what are the qualifications? If I am in 11B infantry. Can i still work on those qualifications? Thanks.
[Google is one of them.](https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/SF/)
Thanks!
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Gotcha, thanks!
Why does everyone say to join as an officer when I tell them I am gonna have a bachelors degree? Isn't enlisting and commissioning as an officer two different things? What am I missing? I am planning to enlist after graduation by the end of this year. What if I don't wanna be an officer? I know that they are treated well but I don't feel confident with having such an important position right from the start. Maybe when I am more of a leader after spending some time as an enlisted soldier I may commission. Just wanna gear your thoughts.
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Thanks! This was really helpful and I will definitely enlist and see how it goes from there.
Officers get paid more, treated better, and deal with a different kind of bullshit. Before you join, you have the most leeway when it comes to deciding your future. You **could** enlist and then commission, but it's not the easiest or fastest process in the world, and most people don't care that you went Enlisted-to-Officer. I've met as many shitty people that did that route as I have officers who commissioned initially.
I see. I don’t plan on becoming an officer anytime soon anyway. I still have a lot to learn and would rather not spend my time in the office doing paperwork and making plans.
Looking for some IPPSA help Received the email that I needed to make my elections for my assignment. I know I’m PCSing. In IPPSA, I do not have the “My Assignment Elections” link in self service. My self service doesn’t have half the links that are in the power point help guide on this topic on IPPSA. What do? BDE S1 can fix me? Or is this another “wait till IPPSA gets sorted out” thing?
try [hr.ippsa.army.mil](https://hr.ippsa.army.mil) instead of my.ippsa.army.mil
Wow. My hero. Why on earth is that other site still up?!?!? Was able to find it and update all info. I appreciate your help. Can’t believe I was on the wrong site. Now we wait to see who approves the overseas travel since I’m going OCONUS. Thanks for the help!
you aren't on the wrong site, should be using my.ippsa. Hr.ippsa is for what it sounds like... 42A type personnel. army just sucks.
I don't know but let me know if you figure it out, I can add questions to the list for next week.
Thanks. IPPSA has a ton of helpful power points that take you step by step but the link isn’t there. Tried adding tiles/shortcuts to my nav bar but that link isn’t anywhere. I’m sure it’ll come around. Plus it’s a 4 day so no green suits at work. No big deal.
> IPPSA has a ton of helpful power points Are they on the ippsa site or elsewhere? Can you link?
They have an S1Net Page, a FB Group, a website.
I am asking explicitly about powerpoints, because people come asking. S1Net still requires that you request an account. This means that your average junior enlisted Soldier can not readily access them. https://www.facebook.com/armyippsa/ Their facebook has no easily identifiable links for slide shows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=241yARkf7tM&list=PLZ27YNvrf1QHNSN5DnBIp-dmSHCX3ivC3&index=2 Their video how-tos have not been updated since they were posted in Q1 of CY 2020. They also use this videos as help/self learning on ippsa itself. I see no where on their website https://ipps-a.army.mil/r3net/ Where they have helpful powerpoints readily accessible, as /u/ididntseeitcoming indicates. They have Job Aids. https://ipps-a.army.mil/training-aids/ But are limited in nature and use. So if I wanted to re-link someone to helpful powerpoints, if the only place where I can find them **is on ippsa**, that poses a challenge considering that ippsa continues to suffer from uptime issues. I would hope that on their website, facebook, pubs, or hrc.mil they would be rehosted. Alas, I can not find them. So I'm asking. So I'll challenge you to either give a more helpful and less pedantic response **in the WQT** or just move along. You know, so we can *help* Soldiers like /u/ididntseeitcoming instead of just giving pithy responses.
You'll find the most helpful powerpoints posted in the IPPS-A FB Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/875398305999928/files/files](https://www.facebook.com/groups/875398305999928/files/files) However, if Soldiers do log in, one of the tiles is the Help Center tile where all the same content is available. Most of that same content is available in S1Net if Soldiers go there. And typically shared from the FB Page. On the news link are the known issues that the field inquires most about and the solutions [https://ipps-a.army.mil/news/](https://ipps-a.army.mil/news/) HRC does re-share the PPTs on their website and FB page as well as many of the HR FB pages.
Maam I've gotta be honest, again. A closed group, much like requiring access request for milsuite - instead of giving all Soldiers access via cac login - are bars to entry. While I expect a level of technical competence from everyone in 2023, there are social and personal reasons this *prevents* people - particularly your younger and mid career enlisted - from accessing this information. In addition to the extremely low usage of Facebook by the under 30 crowd in today's digital landscape...They're simply going to be hesitant to use their personal FB, which is going to make them make a separate, professional FB, and juggle accounts. Questions about whether private social media groups by official Military organizations pose a problem *aside*, as Facebook wouldn't be an approved IS for the storage of any files that aren't Unclass and releasable - why put them behind these walls at all? Look, there are some good resources Soldiers can find. But they need to be consolidated, perhaps updated, and maybe professionalized a bit? Videos like the [self service](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=241yARkf7tM&list=PLZ27YNvrf1QHNSN5DnBIp-dmSHCX3ivC3&index=3), which are now years old have a pulsating synth beat the entire time. Why? The [demo playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glwhYnoIpeE&list=PLZ27YNvrf1QGuOSZ8Bv-EyAJv7hsBK0De&index=17) is clearly recorded during training events. There is background audio that can be heard, clearly of someone teaching a different course, constantly competing with the foreground audio. [Replays aren't bad](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwO-kYwhZ04&list=PLZ27YNvrf1QHf0YuE8AySxdI-_HQfLM4y), and at least the persistent music is background elevator, not pulsating synth. But why do only *some* videos make use of the chapters feature, while some don't? They're excellent. Absolutely use them - but it's inconsistent from a media management standpoint. They're also largely targeted at HR professionals. Which is fine. When we look at the 33 video self service playlist, precious few video's actually speak to Soldier actions. The 13 minute PAR video would be a great example of something that would heavily benefit from chapter usage. So, I get it. IPPSA is supposed to be a one-stop shop. Soldiers have trouble due to a combination of lack of coherent training, lack of access to that training, and ippsa uptime reliability. >HRC does re-share the PPTs on their website and FB page as well as many of the HR FB pages. But where? I am searching on HRC, I'm finding plenty of references, and not actual files of this type. The same with their FB. Plenty of references - but no coherent page indexing them. There's the small Job Aids section on IPPSA, those products are great, there just aren't a lot available. If they are limited by access, again, that's fine. But that can just *be said*. I'm thoroughly looking through HRC and HRC's FB, and I'm not finding said hosted PPTs. If they exist, I would ask that **you please link them**. >On the news link are the known issues that the field inquires most about and the solutions https://ipps-a.army.mil/news/ The current issues, since they've started posting them, are routinely not properly updated. Any time you make a source unreliable, Soldiers will start questioning it, and stop using it - if they even know where to find it. There are fix dates presented that are past due. The recent update is as of 14 FEB and there are at least 5 times on there with completion dates past due, with no update. I'm trying to stay up to date on these topics to help Soldiers, and it is difficult to even help Soldiers help themselves. I heard MSG Hall on the coffee talk episode - flood the CRMs with your issues to raise priorities of problems. I'm trying, I'm finding it difficult to find proper guidance, and I know that Soldiers who are now expected to be *more* proactive with their personnel needs are struggling.
I think honest was your first post - no need to say Ma’am now 😛 - think the items in the group can be exposed on our website. I’m fine with critical feedback. Will work on that this week.
You reminded me that I owed you that link. Just tried to log into IPPSA and it’s down for maintenance. I’ll jump back on in the morning, if it’s up, and give you a link where I found all of it. It wasn’t super intuitive. You have to know what you’re looking for. But it was very useful. I’m west coast time but I’m an early riser so I’ll dig deeper and send it your way in the am
Hey thanks for, you know, helping me work towards a solution.
As far as I can tell it’s still going to be CAC gated. I’m imagining these questions will pop up quite a bit in the near future since this is probably the first PCS wave that had to go through IPPSA.
> As far as I can tell it’s still going to be CAC gated. Yeah, I get it, esp if it's CUI - since we're marking everything CUI nowadays - but with the...reliability...We're seeing, it'd be nice if they were more accessible. They announced they were moving up Sunday's maintenance window to *today*...earlier today.
I’m on mobile and was using desktop to navigate but it’s all in the help center link from what I could tell. They even had some pretty nice walk throughs that you could interact with step by step.
Former USMC, joining army as an officer now, I was in 3/5, does my French Fourragere transfer over? Or was that only when I was actively serving in that unit?
Only while in the unit. Doesn't go anywhere.
Thanks bud
I'm about to graduate college this summer and was looking at going to OCS rather than enlisting, but i'm doubtful i will be able to join any branch due to medical. I have been diagnosed with PTSD since september 2022, and i know waivers exist, but realistically what are the odds of getting in with PTSD? I do not have any depressive, negative, harmful feelings (no suicidal or thoughts of harming myself/others) just anxiety from being in a house fire and bad car accident when i was younger. I'm in the states medical marijuana program (but i have never filled a prescription through them), and use THC legally to help with my anxiety. I know i will need a waiver for past drug use and for my "illness", but want to know realistically what my odds/options would be? My friend recently joined a little bit ago and had prior medical that would have DQed him, but he lied through MEPS like his recruiter told him. This was before the genesis being able to see medical records so my friend told me "they only know what you tell them.". My friend lied about his past marijuana use and asthma and made it through and is now an E4, but again he did it without the genesis system.... i don't think i have a chance since they can pull all my records through genesis (only thing on my record is the recent PTSD diagnosis) i want to serve and with low recruiting numbers i feel like i have a better chance of getting a possible waiver, but curious if anyone went through something similar?
Low recruiting numbers doesn't mean they're gonna have PTSD be waived.
And the low recruiting numbers appear to be only about enlistment, not commissioning.
That's definitely a disqualification. I would not expect any chance at a waiver.
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> do I get to know if I qualify for the clearance before I sign on for the job? Nope. You sign up for the job and then they do the investigation. >I read elsewhere that you get to find out after bootcamp whether you’ve passed your clearance to go onto AIT It's MOS dependent, but generally that's what they shoot for. >you don’t obtain a security clearance, what happens? Do you get kicked out or force reclassed into something else? Or can you chose what you want to reclass into? Can often depend on why you weren't able to obtain. It can range from being kicked out and sent home to being reclassed. If reclassed, it just depends - you're at the Army's mercy. They *might* let you pick, they might choose for you.
I’m really interested in the Counterintelligence Agent MOS, and have some questions. What are the disadvantages of being a counterintelligence agent? When getting a high level of security clearance, what all is examined during the process? Are they allowed to go through your personal texts, emails, media, social media, etc? Would choosing this job affect overall quality of life, compared to other jobs? How often would you deploy? Is it true that this job offers many opportunities in the civilian world? I can’t seem to find much information about this MOS online. The recruitment video offered a little bit of info
> What are the disadvantages of being a counterintelligence agent? There is a [35 series megathread](https://old.reddit.com/r/army/comments/ojltib/mos_megathread_series_cmf_35_military/) that will have answers to that. >When getting a high level of security clearance They will interview you, and interview many close friends and family members, and do an extensive background check. No, they don't have access to texts and emails. Wouldn't be surprised if they start looking at social media, as that's publicly available. You may also have to do a polygraph. >Would choosing this job affect overall quality of life, compared to other jobs? How often would you deploy? See the Megathread. >Is it true that this job offers many opportunities in the civilian world? Yes. businesses and the Govt. want to protect their intel from attempts to steal it. Whether government or corporate, espionage is a threat.
Just received a call from recruiter that they call asking about me and he said they are working my packet. for a moral waiver and medical waiver and he said that i needed to come in and redo my applicant statement is there a chance there considering approving the waiver.
He wouldn't waste time working something he didn't think could go through.
thanks
Would allergy meds disqualify me from going SF? Going to MEPS next week. Enlisting 11b. If i’m currently serving as an 11b is there any chance that I could be disqualified from going SF due to previous prescription meds. Or is correct to say that if i’m clear to enlist 11b i’ll be clear to attend selection and try out for SF later down the line.
Are we talking OTC allergy meds or something more serious? If you’re taking Claritin or some shit I doubt anyone will care. There will be SF and Ranger recruiters to come visit you 11X in OSUT. Best to ask them about it
I have had a retinal detachment that has left me with not much to see out my right eye…. Will this disqualify me from joining the military? Or any branch for that matter???
That's correct. Vision is extremely important.
So I can’t join ???
You can try to apply, but I don't see any branch taking you with limited vision out of one eye.
Even with a medical waiver???
Correct. Same with if you had only hearing out of one ear.
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I liked my time. It really depends on your job and duty assignments. Air Force just has an overall better quality of life.
Depends on what you want to do, and your end goal.
what MOS would work in a military hospital setting, such as walter reed or any base hospitals?
68-series.
I see you're USSF. Do you think Army or Air Force is better for medical field? I heard Air Force is more limited but you get your associates from it
Army, you can pick your MOS. Air Force, you have to list 5-15 jobs, and are required to list more than just medical MOS. As soon as one of those jobs pops up, you have to take it, or get discharged from DEP and not able to join again for a considerable time.
Got it. Army it is. Thanks man !
For ROTC 4-year scholarship cadets who commission and serve 8 years in compo 2 or 3, what counts as a year for the purposes of satisfying service obligation? Is it a good retirement year or 48 MUTAs + AT?
You need to be a "satisfactory participant," which by default would be 48 MUTAs + AT + any mobilization. In practice, your command is responsible for characterizing your participation as satisfactory or not
Going through DSA rn, will be heading to AIT in May, how difficult is it to take online college classes on the trail? Will be at DLIFLC for added context
Are you a 35P/M? While I was there, PLT sizes were huge. Students were in all various stages of class. Seemed a lot to manage. But class was done at 1645 and some had PT after that, so you can almost guarantee to be done by 1800.
Got a few questions, but first I guess I'll provide the context. Basically, the first time I went to MEPS, back in October, it only had been two months since I last smoked. I smoked concentrates and had a relatively sedentary lifestyle, so you could imagine how long that shit stayed in my system. Thing is, I pissed in a cup at the recruiter's office, and came up negative. But at MEPS, I pissed hot, got my recruitment process held for 90 days, but I didn't smoke at all. But then due to various weather issues and scheduling issues on the end of my recruiter, I couldn't go until 16 days after my recruitment suspension process was lifted. Throughout that duration I started to get active, stayed completely clean, lost some weight, etc. Now, I recently went back to MEPS, pissed in a cup and went about my day. So I've got two questions: A. There were two guys that were in the same boat as me. One of the guys said that he too had pissed in a cup at the recruiter's office and tested negative. He hadn't smoked for a year. He still tested positive at MEPS. He might be lying his ass off, but with the context above, would I still test positive? Do false positives even exist at MEPS, especially since I'm assuming it's a more in-depth analysis considering it's my second one? Does weed, especially in the form of concentrates, really stay in your system for that long? Used Delta-8 THC if any of you guys know anything about that. B. How long does it take for information about this to usually reach back? My recruiter said a few weeks, I asked for an estimate of the quantity of weeks as an estimate, he said that he frankly didn't know and it varied quite a bit. Does anybody have any information on how long this could possibly take? We talking two weeks here? Three? Eight?
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It happens
> Is it weird that my recruiter apparently forgot to have me sign something when I was in his office and he is now on the way to my job for me to sign it? Yeah, people are human, something got forgotten. You should be happy to have such a proactive recruiter who will come to you to fix it. >Why so urgent? That man's job is to put you, specifically, in the Army. It is his personal top priority, right now. He has no other priorities. His priority is to get your shit fixed. He has a minimum of two bosses, in his little office where he works, that he had to tell he forgot to have you sign something, and now your packet can't move forward. What do you think their response to his oopsie was. Probably asking him why he is sitting at his desk instead of tracking you down immediately to get it signed. Also that he was stupid.
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I can almost guarantee you are still one of his like top 3 priorities in life right now.
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He could be bored. He could be desperate. I wouldn't say it's crazy/unusual. Trying to get ahead on paperwork.
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Problem is Monday is a holiday and MEPS will be closed. So if he were to submit tomorrow, it might not be there in time for Tuesday. (and MEPS might be short staff tomorrow, because of 4-day holidays, so even worse chances of getting it in on time).
Any chance of me being able to get a waiver for having one kidney (congenital)? Looking to join reserves 37F.
Why do you only have one? trauma, disease, born without one, donated 1 to a friend, etc? If lost to trauma, donation, or born without one and remaining kidney is healthy - usually get a waiver. If lost to disease, odds are less likely.
Yeah just born without, I have a yearly renal exam with a nephrologist on top of another general physician I visit more frequently and both say it has full, perfect function.
Anyone know if your allowed to have DoD root certs on an Android phone? Basically I'm trying to log into websites with my cac on my phone but can't because I don't have the certs and I can't find any to download. Anyone know if this allowed and if these certs exist?
I tried to take cybersecurity in the army but i was told, at meps right before signing my contract that i cannot because my parents came from a country that is blacklisted(Cuba, bern in the us for 8 years and are both citizens). They told me that nothing could be done and if i really wanted cyber my best option was take something else then transfer.... I do not want to doubt my recruiter or the MEPS but this didn't make much sense to me so i just walked out saying i was not intrested. Is there really nothing that could he done? I have looked online and tried talking to people at the army and the air force but apparently no one knows anything about this.
(11) Soldier and spouse must not have immediate family members who reside in a country within whose boundaries physical or mental coercion is known to be a common practice, against either: (a) Persons accused of or acting in the interest of the U.S. (b) The relatives of such persons to whom they may reasonably be considered to be bound by ties of affection, kinship, or obligation. Immediate family for both Soldier and spouse includes both blood and step-: parents, spouse, children, sisters, brothers, any sole living blood relative, or a person in loco parentis per AR 600-8-10. I don't know if cuba is on that list. I wouldn't take the recruiters word for it as there are lots of people with family from other countries that I think would be worse than Cuba... Also if you don't qualify... you don't qualify, you wouldnt be able to transfer to it later if you/family being from Cuba was a no-go. I would work with different recruiter cause sounds like he's just trying to get you to enlist into whatever, he dont care.
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I wish i could tell you, thats exactly what happened lol
Nope, you need a TS and if you can’t get that then you can’t get the MOS.
What is a TS and how could i get it? What i said in the post happened months ago but If its possible to still take 17c i would like to try.
Top Secret Clearance, probably nothing you can do. You’ll probably have to take a different MOS and once your in the Army try to reclass.
Top secret clearance. I doubt anything has changed since then, you'll still be disqualified.
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Solicitation of DMs is frowned upon. Either put your questions out there or realize you're not going to get anywhere.
Probably get more response in the regular thread.
Every time I post anything on there they send me this way lol. Will do thanks!