FAQ

Listed below are common questions recruits have asked me about basic training or joining the military.

Q. Are Drill Sergeants allowed to hit you?

A. Drill Sergeants look and act intimidating, but do understand, they cannot physically harm you.

Q. What is the general difference between the branches of service?

A. For most people, deciding which branch of service to join isn’t difficult.  Perhaps you come from a family with a long tradition of joining the Marines, or you would like to follow in your parent’s footsteps and join the Navy.  Military family tradition is certainly well acknowledged in American society.  However, each person is different.  Based on your particular interests and qualifications, you may be better suited for a particular branch of service that no one in your family has considered before.  Remember, joining the military isn’t like applying for a job; you cant just quit if you don’t like it.  You are signing a contract and taking an oath.  So, make a decision based on your interests and do what will make you happy, otherwise, you won’t be.  As for choosing which military branch, here is a brief synopsis:
Marines: For all intents and purposes, marines are considered riflemen first.  In basic training, they receive more marksmanship training than any other branch of service.  Also, Marine basic training is longer than the other branches.  The Marines have an incredible ability to convert their dollar power into combat power, as they do not have a big budget like the Air Force.  So, in summary, if you are joining the military to be in on the action, to be on the front lines, and to shoot your weapon, the Marines might be the best choice for you. 
Army: The Army has the second most intense basic training regimen (next to the marines).  Three of the nine weeks of basic training are devoted to marksmanship.  Soldiers in the Army have the ability to lead or defend against an assault.  In the Army, a soldier can pick from literally hundreds of MOS’s.  The training you receive from your MOS can transfer well into civilian jobs.

Navy: The Navy, although more lax than the Marines and Army regarding marksmanship, is deep rooted with traditions and customs.  If you like to travel, the Navy might be your best option.  If you are a family man, you might want to consider the time you’ll spend away from your family should you join the Navy.  On the other hand, if you’re single, the Navy might be a terrific opportunity for you to explore numerous countries and cultures. 

Air Force: The U.S Air Force is certainly an impressive compilation of machinery and technology.  If you are good with computers and electronics, you might want to consider the Air Force.  The Air Force has the best housing units of all the other branches.  As far as educational requirements, the Air Force is the most difficult to get into.  Without a high school diploma, you chances of getting into the Air Force are slim.

Coast Guard: The Coast Guard is a branch of service that sometimes goes unnoticed.  The coast guard has about 25 enlisted jobs to choose from.  Their responsibilities are vast, ranging from search and rescue missions to maritime law enforcement and even environmental protection.  To join the Coast Guard, you will need a high school diploma. Basic training in the Coast guard is 8-weeks long.

Q: I have heard that many people get sick in basic training, is this true?

A: It’s inevitable.  Just about everyone gets sick at basic training.  Whether it’s a head cold or a sore throat, you will most likely not be at your physical best in boot camp.  Basic training is too crowded and too fast paced for your body to get enough rest.  Your body will be stressed for a long period of time, thus causing your immune system to break down.  I personally had such a bad sore throat at boot camp; I was unable to swallow sometimes when I woke up.  Further aggravating the sore throat was the Drill Sergeants relentless obsession with having their recruits yell everything they say at the top of their lungs.  To reduce your chances of getting sick, drink lots of water and always wash your hands before you eat.  Often you will be eating in the field, so always carry a wet nap in your pocket.

Q: What is the meaning of HUA, or HOOAH?

A: One of the most widely used military acronyms of all times, and no one can agree on its spelling, origin or even on its meaning for that matter.  Undoubtedly it will be the first acronym you will hear as you arrive at Basic Training.  You will hear thousands of new soldiers utter the acronym, whisper it, shout it and even sing it.  But what exactly does it mean? I have scoured the Internet, referenced books, and asked military scholars.  Only one conclusion has become of my research: There is no known origin for the meaning of hooah; many have opinions but there is no single theory.  Urbandictionary.com claims the term hooah was originally used by the British in the late 1800's in Afghanistan; then, more recently adopted by the United States Army to indicate an affirmative or a pleased response.  The book Absolutely American: Culture War at West Point defines huah as “an all-purpose expression”.  Perhaps the broadest definition I have come across in my research might very well be the best, and even most comical definition. The Department of Military Science and Leadership, University of Tennessee claims HOOAH “refers to or means anything except no.”

So while military experts and personnel alike disagree on the term, spelling, origin and meaning of HUA, huah, hooah, etc, it remains to be widely used throughout the military.  Regardless of it’s meaning, a common aspect encompasses each of the definitions for this term.  The term is an expression of high morale, confidence, motivation and spirit. 

Q: What is the ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multi-aptitude test maintained by the Dept. of Defense that tests four areas: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge.  Your scores determine how you qualify for certain Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).  For more information, and even free practice tests, go to www.military.com.

Q: Can I choose my job specialty after basic training?

Your job specialty is called an MOS.  If the MOS you desire is available, you can certainly enroll.  However, if the job you desire isn’t available, you can enlist in the Delayed Enlistment Program.  The Delayed Enlistment Program is an agreement to enter basic training at a specific time in the future, until the MOS you desire is available.  You must qualify for the MOS you select with a certain score on the ASVAB. 

Q: What qualifications would I need to join the Military?

All of the military branches require:

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (i.e., a green card if a non-citizen)
• A high school diploma or equivalent (i.e. GED)
• Good health
• minimum score on the ASVAB
• Be between the ages of 17 and 35 and have no criminal record
• A minimum height of 5’0” (male) and 4’10” (female); a maximum height of 6'8" (male and female)

SGT Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Series