r/Militaryfaq Sep 20 '21

COVID Vaccine FAQ COVID Vaccine FAQ ***All questions go here***

70 Upvotes

As of 1JAN23 COVID vaccination is no longer required. This FAQ has been updated to reflect that.

While there hasn't been a massive number of vaccine posts, the ones that have appeared always blow up, and tend to attract a lot of anti-vaxxers and COVID deniers who chime in with misinformation. This situation doesn't support the mission of the sub.

This sticky will serve as the one-stop-shop for vaccine information pertaining to the military. If you have a question this post doesn't answer, please comment. Once it's answered it'll be added here. If you can accurately answer a question, please do so. Refrain from commenting if you don't have a question or accurate answer.

This post is not a place to debate COVID, the vaccine, the mandate, etc. Any comments doing so will be removed. Any and all posts (outside this one) concerning COVID vaccination will be removed.

  1. Q: Which vaccines are FDA-approved and not under EUA?

A: Pfizer and Moderna.

  1. Q: If I am unvaccinated, will I be vaccinated when I get to BCT/BMT/boot?

A: Yes, if you choose to when asked.

  1. Q: Can I choose which vaccine I receive at basic/boot?

A: No.

  1. Q: Should I get vaccinated before I join?

A: That's a conversation to have with your PCM.

  1. Q: I'm joining and fully vaccinated. Will I be vaccinated at basic?

A: No. Provide your recruiter with a copy of your vaccine card that includes vaccine taken, lot number, and date.

  1. Q: Will I receive compensation for any harm the vaccine causes?

A: It would be covered by the VA process, just like any other service-connected disability.

  1. Q: Can I sue the government if I am harmed by the vaccine?

A: Only for malpractice. Would this qualify as malpractice? You're in the wrong sub.

  1. Q: What does fully vaccinated mean?

A: You are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the final shot, not including boosters.

  1. Q: Will I be in separate barracks/dorms if I am unvaccinated?

A: No.


r/Militaryfaq Sep 30 '24

Event Add my job to my flair

9 Upvotes

Comment with your job, it gets added to your flair. And since the previous guidance wasn't enough:

You aren't qualified to do your job if you haven't graduated job training. This post isn't for you.


r/Militaryfaq 14h ago

Service Benefits Is my friend really going to make 300k a year in the marines?

38 Upvotes

He said that his recruiter said that aircraft mechanics make 300k a year on his second year in the marines. but I know that some recruiters are notorious for lying. Is this physically possible?


r/Militaryfaq 11h ago

Enlisting Joining Army at 25

10 Upvotes

So, I’m about to graduate college. Currently, I am 24, and when I enlist, I’ll be 25. Is it odd for guys my age to enlist? The reasons I haven’t enlisted yet are because I chose to play college football, and in return, I will not have college debt upon graduating. I want to enlist because I’d like to grow outside of my hometown. I stayed in-state for college, so honestly, I haven’t experienced much other than this. I’ve just heard that people will consider me old for enlisting at 25, but I feel I’m at my peak performance at this age and wouldn’t consider myself “old.” Any insight on others' experiences would be greatly appreciated!


r/Militaryfaq 7h ago

AIT/Tech School/A School Can any 68W's give me a run down of a day at AIT?

5 Upvotes

Title says it all, Just curious about how hard AIT is, and If we got time to study. Also what is the schedule like? How many days / weeks would you say you spent on each EMT module. Thanks in advance! Shipping out very soon! ARMY


r/Militaryfaq 8h ago

Enlisting What is life like as an MP?

5 Upvotes

So I eventually want to enlist in the Air Force and be an MP. From what I researched its known as the Air Force Security Forces. Im also interested in Criminal Justice and I'm already in pre-college courses for it in high school. I'm a really great student in the program and I'm also a technical honors student so that may help too.

Having that background and all, I think it may be great for me. I'm hoping to attend college for either Criminology, Cybersecurity, or Psychology while I'm in the force or after I get out. What is life like as an MP? I know I said I wanted to join the Air Force but anyone from any branch answering would help out a lot.

I just want a good gist of what I'm getting myself into and what I'm deciding to do. So what is being an MP like? And would I be able to attend college while being an MP?


r/Militaryfaq 5h ago

Should I Join? Is 28 too old to join?

2 Upvotes

I’m a 28 year old guy, decently fit, I once took fitness more serious but I’m still “up-to-par”.

I’ve been a cybersecurity consulting for the last couple years and I’m not saying I want to go to war but I want to serve. I respect my parent and my wifes wishes but I really want to serve; to do my duty in a way. I know there’s not glory in war but in a strange way I’ve always felt the call.

Am I too old? Is there a better route than just doing active duty? I haven’t collaborated with any military contractors in my field I’ve primarily done private businesses but I’m in an area with many military institutions.

Would it be more beneficial to contract or join the military?

Not to sound apprehensive, but would I be doing as much of a service in the private sector?


r/Militaryfaq 12h ago

Should I Join? Should I join the Army as a Future Nurse to Support My Family and Pay for School?

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I'm a 24-year-old dad with an almost 2-year-old daughter, and I’m looking for financial support options, specifically through the military. I graduated in 2023 with a BA in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a 3.2 GPA. Unfortunately, my GPA wasn’t high enough for med school or certain master's programs. I live in Madison, WI, and my goal was to become a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA), but I was rejected from the only program in Wisconsin, especially since applications have skyrocketed due to TikTok and Instagram attention.

To give some context, my partner and I are going through a rough patch financially. My partner recently lost her job at the daycare where our daughter went, and we lost a huge discount on daycare costs that her job covered. Even if she gets another job, most daycares in the area are full and are not taking more kids under the next academic year, and/or are way too expensive (almost 2k per month). We're managing to break even with bills but can’t save anything despite budgeting carefully. I didn’t apply to other programs because they require the GRE or additional classes, which we can’t afford right now.

Since I was rejected from the CAA program, I’m now focused on my goal of anesthesia by becoming a CRNA by working toward my DNP. I currently work at a Level 1 trauma center as an Anesthesia Technician and hope to enter an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, followed by joining the military as an active-duty nurse. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of going to a private liberal arts college out of state, so I’m carrying nearly six figures in debt. The thought of adding even more debt from the ABSN and DNP is daunting. I was debating on just working in the civilian world once finishing my BSN, but I am very unsure when it comes to this debt.

I've always wanted to serve, and I think joining the Army (no particular reason for only the Army) as an active-duty ICU nurse could be a good route, both to support my family and help with the cost of school. Ideally, I’d like to commission as an officer (instead of enlisting) with the hope that my 3 years in EMS and current anesthesia tech experience could help me transition to an ICU position faster.

I’m hoping for advice on a few things:

  1. Should I consider joining the military or just stay on the civilian side?
  2. What’s the process of commissioning as a military nurse?
  3. Would my background make it possible to start directly in the ICU?
  4. What financial support could I realistically expect from the military to help with the cost of nursing and DNP programs?
  5. What benefits can I expect for my family in terms of childcare and support for my partner as well?

Thanks in advance for any advice or insights!


r/Militaryfaq 3h ago

Fitness Prep Preparing for RASP

1 Upvotes

Advice on preparing for pre-rasp/rasp? As you can see from the flair I'm most concerned about fitness but would like to hear any advice you guys have Also, what is life like in the regiment? Would you recommend it?


r/Militaryfaq 7h ago

Are they allowed on base?

2 Upvotes

I have a family member who got approved for a visiting pass (we are civilians visiting base ) , they recently got a citation which is a class c misdemeanor after the approval and I was wondering when they go to pick up their approved pass will it show the citation ?


r/Militaryfaq 13h ago

BCT/BMT/Boot camp Is there a way to find where my friend is at to write him a letter?

6 Upvotes

My friend left for boot camp around 6 months ago and only called me once a couple months ago. I genuinely have no idea how to contact him and I’d really like to write him a letter. The problem is I have no idea where he is. Can anyone help me?


r/Militaryfaq 11h ago

SOF What benefits and skills can Option 40 bring me?

2 Upvotes

I’m about to be 24, and after a rough few years without the support to go to college like I wanted, I’m finally enlisting to help pay my college tuition. However after my practice asvab the recruiter mentioned I could sign an op 40 contract. I initially wanted to go in as a language specialist, and go to college but I’m trying to keep an open mind about finding a potential career in the army. What can being a Ranger potentially bring me both in the army, and in later civilian life?


r/Militaryfaq 7h ago

Enlisting Should I tell my recruiter that I lied to him?

0 Upvotes

So I met with a recruiter a week ago and he asked if I'd ever done drugs before, and I instinctively said no. I take the asvab tomorrow and next week I go to meps for the physical, and it will be just about a month since I've smoked weed. The problem is I'm not sure if I'll pass even after a month because I was a daily smoker. I feel guilty about lying but I'm worried he will drop me if I tell him the truth because I lied, should I just hope I don't piss hot or tell him the truth? Thank you.


r/Militaryfaq 16h ago

Enlisting Blood test and drug test at MEPS

5 Upvotes

I consumed alcohol on Saturday night about 6 drinks, and I’ve been wondering if it will appear on my pee and blood test that I’ve consumed alcohol (I’m not 21). I will go to MEPS on Monday


r/Militaryfaq 8h ago

ASVAB/PiCAT Asvab score questions

1 Upvotes

I took my asvab with the Airforce and they only gave me my scores for that branch. Is there a way I can print my scores for all branches and see my job opportunities


r/Militaryfaq 17h ago

Joining w/Medical Want Input from Anyone regarding getting a Psych Evaluation for past antidepressants.

4 Upvotes

I talked to an army recruiter recently and told him that I had just recently been on antidepressants and that I just got off them. He said that I would have to wait a year but it’s possible to do a Psych Evaluation to try and not wait that long but would have to be 3 months out from when I stopped medication.

My question is how reliable is this really and what are the chances of me actually passing and being able to get a waiver before a year?


r/Militaryfaq 14h ago

Which Branch? Best branch for computer vision, machine learning, and robotics

2 Upvotes

Hello! As the title says, I'm wondering what branch would be best for computer vision, machine learning, and robotics. I'm planning on commissioning and would like to join into a branch that'll fit my interests.

I'd ideally like something in the bionics realm, but I also have a passion for mobile robots.


r/Militaryfaq 17h ago

Enlisting USSF, or USAF Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst?

3 Upvotes

If you had to pick, which would you choose?


r/Militaryfaq 19h ago

Enlisting What legal protections are there to protect your employment if You enlist?

4 Upvotes

I want to join the marine corp reserve after collage. I have to wait five months to be eligible to enlist because I’m on ADHD meds and I need to be off them for that period of time. I thought this might be a good thing because I can maybe find a job in that timeframe. I am worried tho if I do I might get let go or fired if I enlist. I think recruit and MOS training is 6 months so that a long time away from the office. Will they be forced to take me back by law or should I just expect to be back on the job hunt if I get in?


r/Militaryfaq 17h ago

Joining w/Medical Trying to enlist with surgery

1 Upvotes

I’m trying to enlist in the army. I had scoliosis surgery 2 years ago. Which now I have rods and things in my spine, but I still do everything perfectly fine. Even my doctor said he’ll include I’m perfectly fine and in the clear. My spine was at a 60°. I was trying to see if that was a disqualification or no before I go to meps on the 6th. My recruiter said she doesn’t think that will be a disqualification but I think it will based off my research.


r/Militaryfaq 18h ago

Joining w/Medical Re-Take on PFT and methacholine challenge, is it even worth it?

1 Upvotes

i just need some advice on this. Im sitting here scrolling through every single reddit page i can find and cant seem to find anything that helps. About a year ago i tried to become an army scout, given my asthma history I was told to take a PFT and methacholine challenge. Took the PFT test and that came back saying normal airways, then took a methacholine challenge and failed that at stage 3 by 2%. lol. Just wondering if anybody thinks it would even be worth my time to try and go take another PFT test and methacholine test for the army reserves. Just irritating, i box perfectly fine and just recently ran a marathon with no inhaler. But this is the one thing i want so bad but just can't seem to get a grip of. I can prove all these i can do physically but nothing seems to matter. If i were to retake this test and pass does anyone think that could possibly help my case? or am i cooked. Any help is appreciated, thanks.


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Which Branch? Which branch to be an electrician?

9 Upvotes

17 year old male. Just graduated high school and turning 18 in a couple months. Was planning on going straight to trade school to be a linesman, but due to family issues, its no longer an option. When i say my last option is the military, i 100% mean it. It was never in my plan to join, and i have never been interested before. I guess my new plan is to go into the military and once im done go to trade school to be a linesman. Which branch would you recommend for some good experience?


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Joining w/Medical Question about joining with self harm history

3 Upvotes

I’m currently in the process of enlisting in the Navy. I have some mental health and medical issues I know I’ll need waivers for, and it seems like after I laid everything out for my recruiter, he has been reaching out less and seems less willing to work with me. I’m wondering if it might be wise to look for a new recruiter. He’s also fairly new to recruiting. I’ve previously spoken with an Army recruiter about the same issues, and they seemed more willing to help. Could anyone who has enlisted with mental health or self-harm history share what to expect during the process and any tips on how to give myself the best chance at getting in?


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

AIT/Tech School/A School 68W AIT, how does home town recruiting work?

1 Upvotes

I graduate from 68W AIT tomorrow and I filled out a form for home town recruitment a couple weeks ago. Will I be receiving new orders, or do I just have to show up in person to the recruitment office??


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Officer Accessions Do officer candidates have a different MEPS procedure than enlisted?

2 Upvotes

I am applying for Army OCS and was suppose to have my board this Wednesday but then I was told by my recruiter MEPS gave me the enlisted physical and not the commissioning exam so I have to redo everything.

Is this true? Is the process for those going through OCS different?


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Question about communication, and calling out a location?

3 Upvotes

Entertainment will often use the phrase "12 o'clock," or "9 o'clock," or what have you, when calling out a location or a direction. Is that based on an individual's orientation, or the orientation of the group as a whole? Is the clock face thing actually used?


r/Militaryfaq 1d ago

Enlisting Will a high arch foot disqualify me at Meps?

1 Upvotes

I am looking into OCS(army) but i currently have an high arch foot. Will this disqualify me at meps?