Is it okay to be scared about joining the military?

Rachel S

Well you already know this is what you want to do, so that should be some major stress off of you. Really all you're scared about is doing something you've never done before, and you already know that too so I think you're doing pretty good already!

As for advice, what I did when I knew I was leaving was just forget about it. I mean it was always in the back of my head that I was going, I worked out a little more, made sure I had a chance to say goodbye to people, that kind of thing, but I didn't let myself actually think about the fact that I was leaving until I was already on the plane to go to basic. By that time it's too late and all you can do is get off the plane and start. Easier said then done, I know, but just something to think about.

The female part is much easier. It's different in the Army today, you're not going to be discriminated against because you're female. The friends you make in the military are different then the civilian friends you make, there's just a different bond. It really is like family. So you'll end up being close to a lot of the girls you'll be training with (and there's a lot of female MP's out there). That kind of environment breeds a really protective bond between people so I bet you'll even be pretty close with a lot of the guys. You're all going through the same training, there's no reason for them not to respect you.

I don't really know what other advice to give you. Find some people to write to you while you're at basic and AIT, mail can make your day like you wouldn't believe (I even volunteer as a penpal all the time so if you need somebody...). This is kind of long, but I hope some of it helped. And seriously, if you have any questions or anything email me! Good luck, you'll do great.

Grasshopper

I think there would be something wrong with you if you were not scared.
It's a big step joining the military. Good on you.

don_vvvvito

any change can bring on fear.....after all change is moving towards the unknown......I'd say being nervous is just being human........good luck to you....

lisab

Your fear and feelings are normal. Don't worry many have gone before you and many will after you. If you are a good soldier it won't matter if you are female. Just keep your nose clean and trust your gut instinct in whom you hang out with.

Pancakes

You darn right you should be scared. It's a demanding, skill oriented training that only heroes can accept. And when you are finished, you will never have a fear of the unknown again.

janie

I have no personal experience, but I imagine that is completely normal! Thanks for your bravery!

pgarox

Sure, it's OK to be scared. After all, you could very well die in the military service to our country. That's enough to freak anyone out.

Meraneus

The military can be intimidating, the main thing during basic training is remember it's mostly psychological. As for being a girl, they cannot harass you or discriminate against you. That's what MEO (Military Equal Opportunity) is for. It's normal to be scared before you leave for basic. I was a little shaky before I left and the first couple weeks, but it gets better. And joining the military doesn't mean you're going to die. This is my second trip to the middle east and I'm still alive. and with all my limbs.

Michael C

It is normal to be afraid of the unknown. Just remember the training you are going to learn is being taught to you to not only help you in the military but to help you and your comrades on a battlefield.
In my experience females are generally treated the same as the males during training. Once you complete training there shouldn't be any problems. If you do encounter problems there are people that you can talk to that will take you seriously.

Burnsies Girl

yes it's okay to have doubts. I ship out for Air Force basic training on July 22 and my boyfriend just left for basic with the Florida Army National Guard. We were both scared, but now since he left he seems to be doing great. (by what I can tell from his letters and when he calls). I'm still not sure if I made the right decision, but I decided to just go with it and let it change my life :)

older redneck

Yes, its OK to be scared. You'll most likely be safe or see very limited action. The War is winding down in Iraq, but firing up in Afghanistan. Your main concern for safety will be explosive laden vehicles since you will be an M. P. The Army should train you for that.

Candi

Yea,its normal...Just do NOT show it! especially to drill instructors....theyll play off of it and make it ten times worse,whether youre male or female

The next Hendrix

Absolutly. I'm a female and about to go MP aswell so I know how you feel. I'm more nervous than scared but thats not to say I wont be. As for being a female I've always said they cant say crap if you can do everything the big boys can or more. Just prove yourself....show them your just as good with doing what needs to be done with out a guy....Good luck.

thomas p

For all the negative comments about Iraq, I have not heard of general practice of gender discrimination. I am not sure about female combat as the safest approach for all concerned. But, the political correctness crowd has won its way even in the Army. For better or worse, we will likely never know.

Sam

yea

Pragmatist

The only time you should be scared about joining the military is when you get drafted and don't voluntaraly join up.

Hoi W

of coarse. its the same thing as being scared of heights cause your scared that your gonna die.

been there done that

Yes even little georgie bush was scared. That's why DADDY got him a slot in the TANG so he would NOT have to serve.

Brigette

I am thinking very hard about joining the military and I am scared to death, I have a boyfriend that I would be leaving behind and who knows were the road will take me after those papers are signed but I guess if its something you choose to do there was something inside you to make you want to go.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: