Howdy all,

Just joined the forums, and thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Matt. I'm 31 years old, married with three kids and I'm about to enlist in the U.S. Army. Everyone is telling me I'm nuts, but this is one of those things I will regret for the rest of my life if I don't give it a shot.

I tried to enlist right after high school, but child-hood asthma was an automatic disqualifier. After 13 years of my adult life with no asthma though, I decided to give it another shot, before I'm too old. I'm now told because of the length of time without symptoms, it's not a problem. That depends on the branch, though. The Navy still wants nothing to do with me.

The reason I've chosen the Army - I want to go full-time enlisted and at my age, the Army will still accept me without a college degree.

My main reason for enlisting is that I've had a deep, lasting desire to serve but I've since found that there are many benefits, and since I'm a poor guy, even at E1 I would make more than I do now.

So far, I've read just about everything on the web about the Army, I've talked to three recruiters, taken a practise ASVAB and I'm scheduled to take the real thing, and get my physical done this Coming Thus. and Fri. (Aug. 11,12.)

Any advice is welcomed, I'm still absorbing all the info I can.

First of all great to have you with us, Toyuzu.
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm IG, as you can see.
Uhm so what's your "desire to serve" based upon?
Any personal experience like family-related or something?
Well looking forward to reading your posts on the boards

I don't have any family in the service currently. My maternal grandfather served in the U.S. Navy though. I guess you could say I'm not the type of guy to sit back and let someone else fight for me. I feel like I should be there doing my part.

I'm also getting tired of working in dead-end jobs that don't mean anything. All my working life so far I've merely been helping greedy businessmen get richer. I'm ready for a career that my children can be proud of. The jobs have kept food on the table, and I put my wife through school so she could get her teaching credential, so I'm grateful in that respect. I'm just getting to the point where I want to do something meaningful with my life. I think I have the personality and work-ethic that will allow me to thrive in the military.

Based on my score on the practice ASVAB, the recruiter told me I can qualify for virtually any MOS, so I've been researching them some. Any recommendations along those lines? I'm really open to anything. I'm confident I can learn anything.

At this point I'm considering among those positions most needed - Motor transport operator, EOD and Fire Support Specialist. I already have a CDL and two years truck driving experience so I'm guessing I'd be a shoe-in for Motor Transport. I would rather be in a job that will give me more technical skill though. I may even try to become a warrant officer and learn to fly a helicopter, unless I'm too old for pilot training.

You speak or write well. My Grandson is considering 25C as an MOS. He only has some College and qualified with a high score in the testing. Here is the US Army site. There is a pulldown that says"MOS" a new feature to their web page. Also, 31 is not too old but don't wait much longer.

Hope this helps because I think I know where you're coming from in this decision.

https://www.cool.army.mil/25s.htm

Originally Posted by Missileer

You speak or write well. My Grandson is considering 25C as an MOS. He only has some College and qualified with a high score in the testing. Here is the US Army site. There is a pulldown that says"MOS" a new feature to their web page. Also, 31 is not too old but don't wait much longer.

Hope this helps because I think I know where you're coming from in this decision.

https://www.cool.army.mil/25s.htm

Thank you Missileer. I hadn't found that site yet. I've read just about everything on military.com and goarmy.com though. I'll spend some more research hours on that one.

Welcome to the forums and Good luck to you

Welcome aboard and good luck to you!

Welcome to the forums Matt..

Thanks for the great intro post, and good luck with whatever MOS you choose..

Welcome to the forum

May I also welcome you to these forums and also wish ail the best for your career in the Army.