Introduction - Kevin

[Elguapo]

Kevin,
If you're #1 goal is to join the Active side of the Army, you need to make 100% sure you aren't eligible to get in. If you're not and can get in the Guard, then that is your back door. Once you're in the Guard, you can transfer units or to a different state if that's what you want, even to RI. If you want to go Active after having spent some time in the Guard, then you have to be released. It's not that big of a process, but surprisingly your paper work can and probably will get lost or slowed down at the least. Keep your eyes on your goal, and learn as much as you can about the process of changing over. Be prepared to deploy with the Guard. You never know.

A hint for you: It's easier to get released when you are of a lower rank. Also, the better the economy is, the less people want to join the military. The less people want to join, the more types and amounts of waivers are accepted for joining. The worse the economy is, it's all the opposite. That's why you're having a hard time getting in.

Don't give up.

[KS110]

Ranger KW Driver,
I reread the rules and apologize for any offenses. I meant no disrespect to anyone.

Ranger ElGuapo,
I will be going to MEPS again this coming Wednesday (02JUN) and as long as all goes well, I will be swearing in with the NJ Guard. I have not had any luck with the active side, and decided this is the path I am going to pursue.

Thank you to those who wished me luck and offered advice, I will update next week after MEPS.

Kevin

[KW Driver]

get yourself an avatar. attention to details.

[KS110]

Ranger KW Driver,

I am trying, sir. I was told to select from the NEWTs category if I am not yet enlisted, which I am not, however I was unable to locate it. I did not want to select an avatar from a category I was not entitled to.

[KW Driver]

newts got disabled and disappeared during a server change/upgrade. just pick anything you're qualified for otherwise.

also it never hurts to be proactive. had you stated in your last post that you couldn't figure out the Newt category, you would have shown that you were at least trying to comply, and needed help getting compliant. nothing wrong for asking for help/clarification when you get stuck, so long as you're making an effort and not looking for everything to be handed to you. I'm not saying you are in this case. this is directed at all the young-uns on general principle. I'm only telling you this cause you strike me as trainable. so put that in your sac-o-knowledge, move out, and draw flies.

and I don't need you to respond to this.

[centermass]

newts got disabled and disappeared during a server change/upgrade. just pick anything you're qualified for otherwise.

Welcome to the board Kevin.

As Ranger KW Driver stated, choose an avatar you're qualified for. If you're not sure, have a look at some of the other members avatars in the intro section on the same level as yourself. I removed the one displayed as you're not a soldier just yet.

Good luck with your ambitions.

[KS110]

Ranger Centermass,

Understood. I hope the American Flag will be suitable. I am an American citizen born and raised, and I don't see any of the other categories being an accurate representation of my status at this time. Hopefully that will change come next Wednesday.

Thank you for your well wishes, sir.

Kevin

[KS110]

Well, I swore in with the NG today, 11Bravo

Benning bound in late August.. I'm officially a DEP. Not that that means much, but its a start..

[KS110]

Greetings Rangers, I just wanted to give a short update. I had my first RSP with the Guard this weekend. I did alright (in comparison to the rest of the recruits) on the 1-1-1, 42p/u, 36s/u, 6:46 mile.

I think with the extra minute on the 2-2-2 I could've easily done 70+ pushups, but I need some work on my situps and running still. When I first started, I couldn't run a mile straight through and was at about 9 minutes. Hitting 6:46 this weekend felt good. I also got my first set of ACU's and putting on that uniform made me feel real, real damn proud.

56 days until I ship for Benning.

Thank you again Rangers.

Kevin

[K.Ingraham]

Don't we have enough damn Kevins around this place?

Seriously now, looks like you have a good start. Wish I'd have seen this thread sooner. As soon as you finish OSUT with fantastic scores, look into the MDNG SF, that commute is easily doable from central Jersey, or at least as any drive is doable in that madhouse.
Once you have some quals, it is not hard to pull multi-year active duty tours as a reservist or guardsman.
One step at a time; do your best at every stage, no matter how trivial it may seem.

Does PA still have its LRP company out near Harrisburg/Indiantown Gap?

[KS110]

Ranger Ingraham,

Thank you for the encouraging words. I honestly have no idea about the PA unit you mentioned, but I will look into both that and the MDNG SF unit. I strive to be the best, and those are the caliber units I hope to one day serve in.

No work today, so I'll be pushing and running.

Kevin

[KS110]

Rangers,

I knew I had a lot of PT work to do to get where I want to be, but it seems like every new member that signs up here is scoring 300s and above on the APFT no problem. Outstanding. Good to know theres that many studs out there wanting to join the military. I can't wait for OSUT. Hopefully I end up in a whole squad of guys like those in the new member section, so I can use them as motivation to better myself.

Kevin

[KS110]

Rangers,

I had another RSP this past weekend. One recruit dislocated his kneecap doing mountain climbers, not a pretty thing to look at. My 1-1-1 sucked. My 6:46 mile from last time turned into a 7:29 and I felt like shit after. I did 4 more pushups (46) and 1 less situp (35) than last time. I'm already running almost every single day but it looks like I still need to get my ass further into gear. I ship in 30 days.

One of our cadre was a Marine, Force Recon. This man really inspired me. "Some people laughed at me, they said I'd never make Force Recon, I can't do it. I said fuck you. Watch me." I might be a nobody right now, a reservist who didn't even make it through OSUT yet, but a couple years down the road I'm gonna look back at this thread and reread all the updates I'm going to make as I accomplish my goals one by one. This is just the beginning and I'm not gonna let anything stop me from getting where I want to be.

Time to pound the pavement.

Kevin

[KS110]

Rangers,

Its my time to visit Benning. I'm heading to the hotel this Tuesday and am hopefully starting on September 3. I really appreciate all the advice and guidance I've gained here, especially those who have spoken to me in private messages. I'll be back in December an Infantryman.

Thank you and stay safe,
Kevin