I've started the process of joining Active Duty. I have concerns that my recruiter blew off as minor, or his response was that he doesn't think they'll be an issue. My deal is that I'm 38 years old and don't want to quit a job (and a 14-year career) to pursue a position as 21D (Diver) if I'm going to be rejected before I get to BCT.

I've spent almost 20 years behind a desk as a Multimedia Illustrator (25M, in the army), one thing I DON'T want is to sign a contract only to spend another 20 behind a desk. Granted, it's not likely I'll retire at 58 years old as 21B, but I want to see something I haven't seen yet, do something I haven't done. I have concerns about the PT in BTC being a little too light to prepare, at my age and condition, for the 21D MOS.

Second, dental concerns. I'm missing a tooth and most of two more, a lifetime of 3 liters of Dr.Pepper a day. A private dentist estimates at least two root canals and about 5,000 in work. My recruiter says he doesn't think this will be an issue; he's never heard of anyone being either rejected for enlistment or discharged for dental issues. I'd be genuinely amazed to hear that my condition is not at all an issue.

My recruiter has yet to tell me anything I don't want to hear, which makes me skittish and afraid that he might be just selling me the army. I've done some research online, some info (especially that dental thing) is rather hard to find. I don't know what questions to ask, or what hidden concerns I might have that I don't even know about yet. I'm feeling extra skittish today because I'm scheduled to take the ASVAB at 4Pm today, and enlistment is getting 'realer' by the day.

Anyway, just a couple of concerns to get the discussion started; if you have anything to enlighten me, feel free.

How much do you wiegh?

Believe it or not, the dental thing could pose a problem. I doubt the Army would have a problem fixing all that for free, but the only thing is that being a class 3 or 4 dental could restrict you from things. They won't let you fly overseas and stuff. At least that's what I was told. I don't know about diving, but I'm pretty creative and I can see there being problems with that too. Chances are though if they let you in, then it'll all get taken care of before you go to AIT. I think we've all at least heard stories about dive school, and I don't think its anything to scoff at. I'm sure somebody here has been through it maybe they could give you a sneek peek.

I think everybody gets that sneaky suspicion that they're being screwed when they enlist. It's like buying a nice looking used car from a shady dealer. You kinda just have to trust your gut. Just keep probing- they'll break and spill everything eventually

Thanks for the quick response. I weigh 174, at 5'10". It's all in my gut, too much Taco Bell, which will get burned off in BCT.

Helps to be in contact with people who are in the military and who like it, who have suceeded in it. Everyone (except my recruiter) I've talked to so far hated it and got out ASAP, but somehow that hasn't kept me away.

Good, don't let it stop you. Build your own experiences. Your weight is fine. You could even lose some. I'm 5'11", 165, and I've done some pretty rigorous stuff myself, and I've handled just fine. Laying off the Taco Hell would be a good start. It'll definitely get burned off, but it wouldn't hurt to start now, even if you haven't made a decision yet.

You are doing great for weight. I'm also 5'10" and I've been working my way down from 311 lbs for the last year. I'll be 38 in January, and about 190 lbs.

I wasn't a Dr Pepper fiend, it was Code Red Mt Dew and 2 plates of Chinese Buffet every other day that did me in. I've had a lot of bumps along the way, and sometimes I wonder if I'll ever make it, but as soon as I measure 34" around the waist, I'm headed to MEPS.

One piece of advice I would have at our age...take the time to build your bones and tendons up with proper nutrition as you condition your muscles for WTC. I strongly believe it will be worth it for the ability to keep up with the kids half our age, a reduced rate of injury, and faster recovery time.

We seem to have a few things in common. I also have a strong Tech Support background, and I've been looking at 25S for months now, though I'm actually becoming more interested in 33W as it seems to be a bit broader in scope and potential.

I've been putting together my Master Life Resume in preparation for the TS Clearance questionaire, and I'm finding that I have been a lot more places and done a lot more things that I actually gave myself credit for.

As for getting in condition, no matter what you decide to do with your new healthy body, getting in shape for the Army will make whatever you finally decide to do a lot more rewarding.

Chicks dig hunky (not chunky) ... especially in uniform.

There is nothing wrong with being 38 and joining the army. All I have to say is that 21D is an extremely physically demanding MOS. I am not trying to scare you but I know about 5 guys that went through the training. Only one guy made it through. 21D has an extremely high failure rate. I would say to better yourself for that training I would try to be in top shape and be a natural fish in the water. I wouldnt say train as rigorous as a navy seal but be not too far off. The phase that most people fail at is the phase one. Its only 4 weeks but only about less than 20% of the people make it through that. I would personally recommend having backup MOS's planned. If you dont think that your are in really good shape now, dont plan on being in 21D shape when you get out of BCT. The guys that make it through that training are in excellent shape when they come into the army. I'm not trying to be mister negativity I am just telling you the down and dirty.

And to add to what 91XSOLDIER said, if you do make it through BCT and dont make it through 21D school, you will more than likely get reclassed to something you dont want to do. I'm not sure having backup MOS' will do you any good, but I guess it wouldnt hurt.

I meant to have a backup MOS to decide to enlist into if you dont think you are able to complete the physical aspect of the 21D training. I would much rather know what I am getting myself into so that I can plan another route.

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My deal is that I'm 38 years old and don't want to quit a job

Don't quit your job. Just tell them you will be unavailable because you have been called to active duty. Federal law requires that you be reemployed if you return from active duty within 5 years.

Has your recruiter already reserved a school for you? 21D positions are not likely to be readily available. You may find that the incentives for that MOS are inferior to others.

Bravo.Zulu, I highly recomend 33W over 25S. 25S is a radio operator; 33W gets into the guts.

Thanks; excellent answers. Seems BCT isn't quite enough by itself to prepare for dive school. Don't want to go if I don't know that I'll pass it.

Meanwhile, I got a confidence boost last night when I scored a 98 on my asvab (ran out of time on the last question). So I'll probably pick something less physically demanding and work up to something more rigourous later.

Now to get those damned teeth looked at.

P.S. Congrats, Bravo.Zulu, on the weight loss. I had a friend come down from 320 to 220, it ain't easy. Rock on.

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Bravo.Zulu, I highly recomend 33W over 25S. 25S is a radio operator; 33W gets into the guts.

25S is not a radio operator it is a Satellite operator and actually a very marketable skill. Now if you want to get into maintenance and working on things you wont as a 25S but you can gain alot of skills in satellite operations and management

First off thank u for joining the greating organization in the world. Second do you worry about BCT the DRiLL's out there to get you stronger and not weaker. The key to success will be to do whatever they instruct u to do and also be motivated and sound off while marching and in formations Hoah!!!