Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/starting to take the first steps

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Expert: - 8/26/2011


Question
QUESTION: hi i was wondering when is it the right time to start talking to military recruiters? i am going to be a junior in highschool next year im 16 now and im super eager to get started with the military and was wondering when i should start

ANSWER: Unless you want to join the National Guard, you should start the summer after your Junior year of high school, otherwise, they really cant work with you.  If you are 17 and a JR, yo can talk to a recruiter about the Army reserves or Ntional Guard split option training.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey I was wondering if I would be denyed entery into the airforce to be in security forces if I had a tumor removed 16 years ago when I was 1 it was not cancerous just got removed now I have no muscle in my back where it was but I can still do anything anyone else Can no limits or setbacks any problems that you can see?

Answer
If there are still medical documents available about it, they would have to be submitted.  You will undergo extra scrutiny and will most likley be disqualified, but eligible for a waiver.

however, you may also be cleared the first time around as well if you have the medical documents.

You can go delayed entry up to 12 months, with some up to 14 months ahead of time.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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