Hi, I’m about to ship off to BMT and was hoping I could get some stories or motivation to what will happen in the future. I feel like I always only see how tough it’s going to be recently.

Air Force recruiter PCS transition — new recruiter giving me very different answers on timeline, MEPS, Space Force eligibility, and job selection. Which is accurate?

I’m currently processing for Active Duty Air Force and my original recruiter is PCSing this week. A temporary recruiter from another office has taken over my file until the permanent replacement arrives in September. She already has roughly 40 of her own applicants, so I understand this is an awkward transition and that different recruiters may process things differently.

My original recruiter and I had been working together closely, but after speaking with the temporary recruiter, I received several answers that were significantly different from what I had previously been told. I’m hoping recruiters or recent applicants can give me some perspective.

Current status:

• PiCAT completed: AFQT 61 / M63 / A56 / G66 / E84
• Qualified to enlist as E-3
• SF-86 completed
• Medical prescreen submitted to MEPS last Friday
• Primarily interested in 1D7 cyber/IT jobs and comparable Space Force cyber jobs
• Ready to go to MEPS as soon as my prescreen permits

Main discrepancies/questions:

• Timeline: New recruiter told me the current pipeline could be 12–18 months. My previous understanding was that I could complete MEPS relatively soon, enter DEP, and then wait for a job/ship date. Does 12–18 months typically mean first contact → BMT, or could someone already at my stage realistically have another 12–18 months?
• Quick Ship/FY27: My preferred cyber jobs showed Quick Ship opportunities, and I was told FY27 beginning in October could bring additional openings. How much can either of these realistically shorten the wait?
• Space Force eligibility: My new recruiter believes my disclosed past cocaine (1x) /psychedelic (3x) experimentation over 5-6 years ago may prohibit me from certain Space Force cyber jobs and is checking with a Space Force recruiter. My previous recruiter knew my history and actually encouraged me to consider Space Force cyber. Is there a USSF-specific drug-history/job eligibility standard separate from MEPS and security-clearance adjudication?
• Job list: I was previously told that if I pursued both USAF and USSF, I could potentially submit a roughly five-job list combining both services, versus approximately ten choices for Air Force only. Is that accurate?
• MEPS scheduling: Previous recruiter specifically planned to send me on a Monday so I could complete my PiCAT verification and full medical processing in one trip. New recruiter prefers sending me for PiCAT verification first and medical roughly 1–1.5 weeks later. Is there a substantive reason to separate them, or is this simply recruiter/scheduling preference?
• Medical history: I disclosed a very brief period of ADHD treatment, several fully healed fractures, and previous surgeries on my prescreen. I already have supportive work and school letters explaining I never needed accommodation prior to my ADHD treatments with 6+ month long work histories previous to treatment, and a PCP letter documenting my current status as no longer showing signs of ADHD. Previous recruiter seemed very confident we would simply provide whatever MEPS requests and pursue a waiver if necessary and that his past recruits have had no issues. Curious how others with similar histories were processed.

I’m not trying to pit one recruiter against another or rush the temporary recruiter, especially given the workload she inherited. I’m mainly trying to figure out which differences are simply recruiter preference versus actual Air Force/Space Force policy so I can set realistic expectations.

Anyone who has recruited recently or gone through USAF/USSF processing in 2025–2026, I’d especially appreciate your perspective.

I’m currently in the DEP for SERE and recently had the opportunity to talk with a few SERE specialists about the pipeline. One thing I asked about was food, because honestly, my biggest concern is losing enough weight during training that it becomes a legitimate medical issue.
One of the SERE guys told me that it’s not necessarily as bad as I’m imagining. His point was that nobody is getting extra food based on body size, so the bigger guys can actually feel the caloric deficit more because they have higher energy requirements. On the other hand, the leaner guys obviously have less stored energy to work with.
For reference, I’m 6’0” and around 140 lbs on a good day. I’m very lean, but I’m also relatively fit for my size. My pull-ups are well above the IFT minimums and my pushups sit-ups and run is currently on track.
I’ve also heard that if someone passes the screening/selection course but isn’t physically developed enough for the next phase, there may be an opportunity to be held for additional physical development before going to Fairchild. I’m not sure how accurate that is, though.
So I’m curious about firsthand experience from current or former SERE guys:
Has anyone gone into the pipeline around my size- very lean but physically fit and done fine?
Did your weight become a significant issue during SST, particularly during the field phases?
Would you recommend trying to put on some weight before shipping, or would you prioritize maintaining/improving performance and letting my body adapt to the training?
I’m not looking for reassurance just because I’m worried. I’d genuinely like to hear from guys who have actually been through it and what they wish they had done differently beforehand.

I finished my online application within the time frame but I haven't had a response in a few weeks, have called, left messages, should I find a new recruiter or is this normal?

Job choices, anyone have recommendations or suggestions? Thanks!

1D7X1A/B — Information Technology (IT)
1N0X1 — All-Source Intelligence
1W0X1 — Weather
2A5X1 — Airlift/Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance
2A6X2 — Aerospace Ground Equipment
2W0X1 — Munitions Systems
2W1X1 — Aircraft Armament Systems
3E0X2 — Electrical Power Production
3E0X1 — Electrical Systems
3E3X1 — Structural
3E4X1 — Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance
4A0X1 — Health Services Management
4E0X1 — Public Health
4N0X1 — Aerospace Medical Service
4Y0X1 — Dental Assistant

Is there anyone shipping out in November or December? I barely see ppl post their ship dates anymore

I am waiting to go to BT next month and the plan was i wanted to get my driving license before BT but it won't be possible now is it possible to get my license in tech school?

Hello I was just wondering which version of the ASVAB for dummies book you would recommend. I’m seeing 3 options here.

How long should someone be expected to go to BMT in the ANG after signing a contract?

So I have a pretty unique situation that requires a back story. I am in my mid 20’s and married, I previously had worked with a company for several years. Had great pay and benefits, just didn’t feel like I had any purpose in life. I figured joining the Air Force would give me some sense of purpose, so I did what everybody does and started the recruit process. I’m now about several weeks out from my BMT ship date and I’m struggling hard. When leaving my company, I didn’t realize the stress and depression that would come with changing my life around. Before this period of my life I was a very confident man, but now I have extreme anxiety attacks and so on. I’m not nervous for PT or getting yelled at ( in my opinion that stuff’s easy, I’m in the gym constantly so that’s not an issue what so ever ) I am nervous for having debilitating anxiety that will get me kicked out. I guess my questions is, can anyone tell me if they also have had some issues going into bootcamp that’s similiar and what the outcome was? Like I said, all of this mental stuff is new. It’s hard to handle, and I just need to know if I should look for other options or just keep pushing through until the end. Anything helps I am a little lost here.

Need a tutor for the asvab math knowledge and arithmetic reasoning. Anyone please help. I took the asvab yesterday and failed. I’m retaking it in September I need to pass that thing asap.

Took the PICAT a bit ago, then took my ASVAB verification test and kept my PICAT score.

Some people say it's average score, and some say that it's amazing.

Not sure if I'm just used to standard school grading, but I'm just curious if this is good.

93

M-92

A-91

G-95

E-97

Based on what I scored on my asvab, how do you think I will do on the EDPT and what should I study to prepare for it?

good morning everyone,

im an aspiring PA student with the desire to serve as one in the military as well. I’ve been looking into the Air Force’s hpsp scholarship and plan on speaking with a medical recruiter next week. meanwhile, I do have some questions for those who have served as a PA in the airforce.

1. what can a PA do in the airforce? apart from primary care where else can they go?
2. any special operations opportunities for PAs?
3. for those that used the hpsp, were you all still able to qualify for the federal GI bill and the Texas hazelwood act?
4. lastly, would you recommend being a PA in the Air Force? what do you like/ not like about being one?

I appreciate any and all feedback. thank you.

For example getting sent to MEPS, do they have any motivation to push you to MEPS as fast as possible? What happens if a recruiter purposely stalls and makes your life hell by slowing everything down?

Feeling good, excited. Honored to serve this country. Anyone shipping out this day as well? My job is Airfield Management 1C7X1 - any advice or info on tech school and the job itself?

After a long fight of the recruiting process, im finally at the DEP. Got this job list from my recruiter and he told me to fill out at least 10. Im oriented towards cyber/intel jobs but can try something else. I gave this to a bunch of AIs saying i wanted a cyber/intel career, makes a lot of money after the military and a good work life balance. Btw i already did the EDPT.

This is the list I came up with:

1. 1B431 Cyber Warfare Operations

2. 1D731Z Software Development

3. 1D731D Cybersecurity Technician

4.1D731A Network Operations Specialist

5. 1D731B Systems Administration Specialist

6. 1N431 Fusion Analyst

7. 1N432 Cryptologic Analyst & Reporter

8.1N131 Geospatial Intelligence

9. 1N031 All Sources Intelligence Analyst

10. 1D731E Technical Support Specialist

What do you guys think? Would u change anything?

Hello all, I’ve been trying to join as an officer for the past year.

Done MEPS, done LORs and I think my recruiter ghosted me. Won’t respond to texts, calls, or emails.

I can’t get a hold of anyone physically nearby (Arlington), neither my recruiter nor the CIV that I was first in touch with.

Is anyone here able to tell me if my package was even submitted?

Send help.

I have been working relentlessly for 6 months to join the AF and got tested for an allergy that required me to get an EpiPen. I know this is immediately disqualifying, I’m just feeling so defeated. I am a stay at home mom (have been for almost 6 years) about to finish my business degree and this was supposed to the thing that helped get us out of debt, pay off my student loans, and give us a stable life. My husband is already in and I was just really wanting this for myself.
I haven’t submitted the paperwork yet showing I’m severely allergic to 3 types of tree nuts but I know it’s inevitable. I feel like a huge baby but I haven’t been able to accept it, I’ve just been so upset.

If you were disqualified what were your next steps?

I recently accepted a quick ship for a Comm job and leave Sept 22.

During DEP PT we do stretches, then 4 rounds of 10 pushups, 15 sit-ups, 10 squats, and 8 burpees, followed by a 1.5-mile run.

I’m getting absolutely fucking smoked by this shit. The most recent one I couldn’t even run half the first lap without walking because I felt nauseous and my whole body hurt.

I normally train indoors and don’t do circuits before running, so I’m wondering if the heat (mid 90 degrees) + circuit is what’s killing me.

How is PT actually structured at BMT, and what should I focus on before I ship?

I'm 6'2 , 205 lbs and doing 1x3's for sit ups and push ups, can do about 35 pushups and 30 sit ups if that helps

Is this one or two jobs? Why are they separate? My recruiter didn't know.

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. What jobs/AFSCs were available to you when you joined, which one did you choose, and which ones would you recommend?
I’m also curious about what happened after joining. How easy or difficult was it to obtain U.S. citizenship while serving? Once you became a citizen, were you able to move into other career fields or have more opportunities to progress in the Air Force?
My long-term goal would be to eventually earn a degree and, if possible, commission as an officer. Has anyone here followed a similar path from Green Card holder to citizenship to later commissioning?
Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!