I am about a year out of college and frustrated. With all my efforts to find a real job I have came up empty. A biology degree dosen't go far without further education; and I can't see myself going back anytime soon. And so my question is. "Are my thoughts of joining the Army rational or irrational?" For the past couple of months joining has looked more and more like an option for me. But then I think Im just being nieve, so I post my resume about 20 more times with no success. Its a battle in my head. Is the the Army, honestly, a good place to find some direction and some certainty in life. So if any one has been in the same boat or some general advice I would appreciate your response.

And on a side note: I am 6'3 about 215lbs and I run about 2-3 miles a day 6 days a week and I lift about 3 days a week. (I work at a Golf course I have alot of free time) I have a knee reconstruction but dosen't bother me much. Basic scares the #%*! out of me. Is the knee going to keep me out and is pushing the running, PU, and SU constantly the best way to prepare for basic?

first, your thoughts about joining are rational. However, only you can decide whether it's the right or not for you. Yes, you can find direction in the Army, and certainty to a certain degree. 8)

Just remember that once you make the decision, there is no turning back. No two week notice, I'll try again somewhere else. But if you come to the conclusion that the Army honestly is for you, then I would pursue it.

basic is suppose to scare you, that's part of the process of converting you from civilian to Soldier. About your knee, your recruiter and the doctors at MEPS will be able to tell you whether or not it will disqualify you. PU, SU, and running is a good way to prepare. Though you won't be doing much lifting in Basic (at least not the kind you're used to), so you may lose some mass there.

Keep us posted on your decision. Whichever you decide, remember that you are the one that has to live with your decision - so make sure it's what [i:0c4cd384e7]you[/i:0c4cd384e7] want to do.

Make sure you have copies of all your doctor's notes for your knee when you go to see your recruiter. He/She can fax it to MEPS and get some information back to you regarding if it will keep you from enlisting or not.

From the sounds of it though, if you can run and your doctor hasn't put you on any restrictions, you should be ok. Best of luck to you in your decision!