IB4TZ
If you have "Issues" the military is probably not the way to solve them.
Are these "Issues" Diagnosed by a professional or self diagnosed via Dr. Phil and the other personality deficit leaches out there?
Drop and give me 40. I will count the cadence, you will count the reps.
View the movie STRIPES
Why not? Just drive down to your local recruiter and take it from there. If you're stuck in a rut, the military is one sure way out. You might want to consider all of the branches of the military though, not just the Army.
"could someone like me, recovering from social anxiety, survive the Army?"
There's only one way to find out and that is to join. I'm sure your drill sergeant will council you.
If you have mental issues, and couldn't function well in school or a job, you shouldn't join the military service.
They have too much to do to babysit anyone.
If you get involved in drugs or have a problem following orders, you will be discharged with a less than honorable discharge.
That will just make things worse for you.
Don't be a weenie; join the Marines.
Speaking as a retired Senior NCO, and failed recruiter, if you have been diagnosed, you may not even be able to get in.
As Retired Senior NCO, there are enough leadership challenges with stable troops. Troops with "Issues" detract from the ability to properly care for the troops that don't have "Issues"
What is "social anxiety"? As far as "bravado" goes the only soldiers with bravado are a few rear echelon mo fo, and the soon to be KIA.
The military is not the place for people with "social anxiety" or other mental maladies. I suggest that you join the Peace Corps.
Some of these replies are flippant and harsh, and that's to be expected. But if you are sincere, I would say this:
If you don't act on it and give the Army a try, you'll never know. You might spend the rest of your life wondering "what if?". Go for it, you'll be a better man for it. Regards.
re: "social anxiety"
Dr. Drill Sergeant will cure than in about 10 minutes.
I take it we're supposed to be impressed?
What the f is social anxiety?
Just start an exercise program - get in good shape BEFORE you join, then you'll have fewer worries.
Social Anxiety Disorder
If you have social anxiety disorder, you often get very nervous around other people. It feels like everyone is watching you and judging you. You're afraid of making a mistake or looking like a fool. You'll do anything to keep that from happening. You might even avoid certain people, places, or social events.
Social anxiety disorder affects over 16 million Americans. It's a real medical condition. Social anxiety disorder can happen to anyone. Often it starts in the mid-teen years.
It is not uncommon for folks to join the military who have problems. Some succeed really well and find a home or at the least a redirection for their life -- and some simply can not cut it. In any case, you would have to really work to deal with a military regiment and the interaction with your fellow military members.
Not being able to get ones life together or finding purpose seems to be a common threat for many who joined in the past. I suspect that in this present day that the mental demands and skills are much higher than when I joined over 40 years ago.
Pick a service, talk to a recruiter, be honest and see if there is opportunity for you! Make a decision now as to whether to do it, don't delay.
In some ways serving in the military, at this point in history may proved to be the most important thing may youngsters can do -- we are truly at war and the threat is real and probably growing.
Do something for your country, join! However, don't expect it to be easy!
Drink heavily...
Parris Island is lovely, especially this time of year.
I know right where a pair of "golden foot prints" are waiting.
I have no idea how todays army trains the troops. When I enlisted 50 years ago at 17, they tore you down in basic, then begin rebuilding you the way they wanted.