1. Graduate School

While I put almost ZERO stock, faith, or trust in our school system, it still is a requirement for joining the military. I personally left school after the 10th grade and received my GED (Good Enough Diploma). The only issue with this is one will have to get a waiver for a GED, get a minimum of a 50 on the ASVAB, and at least do 1 semester of college to get a minimum of 12 college credits. While all of this is doable, it is just easier to stay in school!

2. Stay out of Trouble

Man…. I don’t even know where to start here… Just don’t do it! The friends you currently have, 99% chance will not be the friends you have as an adult. That one night that you think you are just out having some fun could be the one night that ruins your life. I personally had 2 felonies and let me tell you it is a very steep climb to try and overcome. Is it possible, yes, but not necessary if you keep your perspective.

Remember this, “Nothing good happens after midnight!” -Every Dad Ever

3. Tattoos

While I don’t personally have an issue with tattoos as long as they don’t have ill moral implications, the military has taken a pretty hard stand against them. Will it be forever, no, but it is currently. For instance, the Marine Corps is the harshest and the Army has already relaxed their’s a bit. Nonetheless, just don’t complicate your life by getting them. The ones I got when I was 18/19 years old are the ones I don’t like anyway. The ones I got while I was in a team and as an adult, I would never take off my body and to this day, still love them. So my advice is again, don’t do it so that you don’t over complicate your life. You will thank me later.

Here is a link to a podcast that I did with Ret. MSgt Cody Alford on our thoughts on the Tattoo Policy.

4. Convincing your parents 

I get this one a lot! I want to join but my parents don’t want me to. Well, most parents don’t want you to. That is because we as parents don’t want to see our children hurt or have to go through hard times which you most 100% certainly will if you join the military at some point. My parents did not want me to join either. Hell, my old man didn’t even think I would make it. He said “The Marine Corps is hard son, you are kind of soft” (he could have just been trying to push my buttons.) Then I ended up going to Force Recon and MARSOC, I showed him! Lol… At the end of the day when you turn 18, it is 100% your decision! If I would have listened to my parents I would not be where I am today. Would I not have dealt with some of the heartaches that I have, sure. But, that heartache is what has made me who I am. I see the world in a certain way because of my experiences. When you become an adult you have to take responsibility for your own life. Don’t be the 25, 35, 45-year-old person that is resentful at your mom because they did not “let” you join the military. IT IS YOUR CHOICE! For better or worse the decision is yours and you have to accept responsibilities for ALL outcomes of YOUR decisions.

5. Training

This one just flat out wears me out. I see it so much that it just makes me sick! I hear and see people tell young people to just run till you puke then repeat 5 times. If you want to get better at something then just do a bunch of it. STOP this nonsense. Let’s look at every professional athlete in the world and ask them if that is how they train. The only answer you are going to get is NO! While you are not an NFL or an Olympic athlete you are going to be a Tactical athlete! So train accordingly.

6. Studying for your ASVAB

7. Picking your MOS

This one seems to be easy. It is your career, your life, thus for it’s your choice. If you want Recon (and you qualify for it) But your recruiter says no or there are no spots so he wants to give you Aviation Supply, it is up to you to say NO, I’ll wait. If you just say ok and take it. You can and should never complain about it. Don’t be the guy or gal saying “My recruiter screwed me”. It is your life and future, be the master of your own ship! So Captain the damn ship!