I'll be old enough to enlist next year. But honestly, I'm terrified. What's basic training like?

I'll be eighteen in nine months and I'll be graduating next year.

My dad was in the Army and is a Civilian for the Army even now. Military life is all I've known, really.

But even wth that background, I'm terrified of joining.

It will be Air Force, or the Navy.

So what is Basic Training like?

I'd like to hear from people who have just recently come out, because I understand it has changed since, well, older Soldiers went through it.

I'm not even sure what profession I want to go into.

I hear they need Nurses badly.

I love children. Can I do anything with children while I'm serving?

Man. There are a hundred thousand billion questions I want to ask but don't even know where to begin.

Sure I can talk to a recruiter but they're obligated to say certain things.

Everyone my dad works with are a bit along in the years.

=p

I really don't want to read answers like "Don't join the Military it will ruin your life." Or silly stuff like that.

Like I said, I've been in a military community all my life.

I don't need you telling me that when I've seen it both ways and more than often, seen it leaning more towards it being great.

Okay.
I've been out of US Air Force BMT just a little over a week. So it's all fresh in my mind.

The whole trip to Lackland and the days leading up to it, you're gonna be so terrified you're making a mistake, and that it's going to be totally awful.
And then when you actually get to Lackland, it's worse. Now you have proof you've made a mistake, and that Basic Military Training is absolute hell, the worst thing you'll ever do.

Then after zero week, and most of first week, you're going to start seeing that it gets just a tiny bit better, each and every day. Little by little, things start to make sense. It's not that it gets easier, you just get better at it. It's going to be really tough, but its supposed to be. Just remember, it's BASIC Military Training. Basic.

Then on Thursday, 6th week of training, they put that Airman's Coin in your hand, shake your hand, and say "Congradulations Airman".

And then you'll realize that it's been the best experience of your entire life.

BMT totally changed me. It's the greatest thing I've ever done. You just can't know until you go through it. You'll do things you never thought you could.

It's worth it.
I promise

The Military is a great organization. You said you wanted to go either Air Force or Navy..and those are good choices as well. But, have you ever thought about the Army, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps? well, just so you know, Navy bootcamp, is not hard at all. If this is something you really want to do, then just do it, and don't let anyone bring you down.

it will be a scary experience, especialy at first. after it is over you will look back and laugh at most of it and never regret it. i can't give you any specifics about the army, i went Marines. there may be times you want to give up, but just push through and you will be so glad you did. good luck.

Why don't you focus on how strong YOU are rather than on how tough Basic training is?
Nursing? Let the navy help you do it. Check this link.

Its been years for me, but the basics should be the same. If you are in reasonable good physical condition then you'll have no problem. there's a first aid course and POW training. If you're going to be in the Air force then that's a lot easier than the Army and the marines. The whole country needs nurses, so that's a good specialty in and out of the military. You'll be just fine. don't sweat it.

I am rather bias, but I served in the AF. Basic training was a cake walk, but I got in better shape and the food was good. I assume the AF's BT is easier than the Army or Marines. If you get into nursing, it is a proud career and you will learn a lot and have good skills when you are discharged. So, to answer your question; in the grand theme of things, basic training is short compared to the rest of your enlistment. Scared or terrified is good - use it to your advantage - its normal and keeps your head clear. You sound like you have it together and will do just great. Good Luck!

Go Air Force it has the easiest basic of all of them (of course easy is a relative term). :) Good luck in your decision.

You said you're terrified of joining. That makes me wonder, are you sure that joining the military is what you want? You shouldn't join if you're being pressured to fulfill family expectations or something like that. It's a tough life, and you have to want it for yourself, not just to please someone else.

But if you're sure this is what YOU want, then go for it. If there's a base nearby, maybe you could go hang out for a little while at the enlisted club or the rec center and talk to some of the younger troops there. They'd probably be glad to answer your questions.

Just in case anyone wonders, I'm not anti-military at all. I'm a veteran married to another veteran. If the military is your calling, I support you 100%. I just want you to know that this isn't something you have to do just because your family expects it of you.

Having just joined two years ago, i've got pretty current info on the Coast Guard, and i highly suggest emailing me if you think maybe coast guard would be better than those slacker AF or Navy guys.
:)
seriously, email me.
like you, i was a miltary brat (af, actually) my whole life.