To start off I am 23 and currently overwieght. I am working on the weight. I need to shed about 8-10 inches in the midsection to make body comp. I am looking to go in about a year after this academic year.
I would also point out I have an asscoiates degress and am now classifies a Junior at the 4yr university that I will be attending this fall. Also I want to make officer.
Does anybody know about programs out there to help someone like me. Also for those of you that are in, retired, or previoiusly in the armed forces could you please weigh in some pros and cons in your opinions of course from your branch. I am currently looking to AF or Navy. But all viewpoints will be accepted.
I'm all for people making informed choices. So I have to ask you the same thing I asked my former coworker that wanted to join the National Guard last year:
Are you sure this is what you want to do given the situations in Iraq, and Afghanistan?
I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just trying to make sure you think it through.
Beyond that, I don't have any advice for you, sorry.
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If you are insane enough or desperatly poor enough to die for someonelses profit, I suggest a bowl of Steamed Vegetable and Fish (or other meat) every night as a main meal, 1-2 Cheese & Salad Sandwich with 1/2 litre Milk for Lunch, and some cereal for breakfast.
Ditch all refined flours, sugars, and synthetic repalcements.
Milk from Milkpowder causes deposits in your Adrenal Cortex resulting in Cortesone and Adrenaline production - resulting in agressiveness and a higher pain threshold - but also diabetes and increased Kidney damage if you drink alcohol, smoke, do drugs, or used synthetic/refined foodstuffs like artificial sweetners and refined sugars and fine flour.
That for a year with reasonable exercise will cut you down.
If you are insane enough or desperatly poor enough to die for someonelses profit, I suggest a bowl of Steamed Vegetable and Fish (or other meat) every night as a main meal, 1-2 Cheese & Salad Sandwich with 1/2 litre Milk for Lunch, and some cereal for breakfast.
Yes, only the insane or poor serve their country and we all end up dying for it. Why would you disparage the military this way? I have a hard time believing anyone really feels this way. Other than that I would say your advice is sound. Stay away from highly refined foods, sugars and starchy carbs. You should be fine in a year. As a current service member I would advise you to make sure you have any weight issues under control before you join. I have had soldiers on and off weight control programs and it sucks, basically no favorable actions will be awarded to include promotion or medals. This is especially true if you are an officer. They are going to expect you to be an example and lead the way.
to Disenchanter Yes, I am sure I want to do this.
Like I said besides the health benifits for losing weight. I want to explore this option. Also I haven't signed anything yet and have a year as my goal. I might try the National Gaurd as an option. But like I said I also want to try to get into an officer's program. Also to Disenchanter, this is to help me make an informed decision so I don't get caught up in the old "but my recruiter told me this" argument.
*edit*
My weight issue I believe stems from bad diet and poor exercise for most of my life. So now I want to change that and have started on that course.
To start off I am 23 and currently overwieght. I am working on the weight. I need to shed about 8-10 inches in the midsection to make body comp. I am looking to go in about a year after this academic year.
I would also point out I have an asscoiates degress and am now classifies a Junior at the 4yr university that I will be attending this fall. Also I want to make officer.
Does anybody know about programs out there to help someone like me. Also for those of you that are in, retired, or previoiusly in the armed forces could you please weigh in some pros and cons in your opinions of course from your branch. I am currently looking to AF or Navy. But all viewpoints will be accepted.
Hi Woodraven.
First off, as someone who wrestled with weight in the military I would suggest you talk to the recruiter from the branch you go into. They usually have a PT program set up for entrants locally, or can set you up with someone. Remember they want you to get in, they have a quota to meet. Use that to your advantage. Also, get everything they promise you in writing, and remember this: All recruiters lie (or if you don't like the word 'lie', exaggerate wildly). Sad but true.
As for branch, I was Army, but I would recommend Air Force. The Marines and the Army are very unforgiving of 'fatbodies' and even though I was a gym rat during my time with a bench max of 315 lbs, the fact I got taped every month meant that my superiors passed me up for a lot of stuff. The Air Force, at least when I was in, was a bit more forgiving of people's weight. The Navy might be a good one too, I'm not too sure how they treat people with weight issues.
The Air Force and Navy are also more 'in the rear' that the other two branches. I'm not sure what you are aiming for, but there are two 'hot' conflicts going on, and the world doesn't seem to have calmed down. Air Force or Navy will have more jobs that would keep you off the front lines, something to keep in mind.
Of course if frontline service is what you seek, then I would recommend the Army. The Marines are more straight up hard core frontline, but they have even less forgiveness than the Army for those who don't easily fit their standards.
My two cents
That's all I try to do. Make sure people get what they are buying into.
After that, my job is done.
I do wish you luck though. Maintaining weight can be a real bear if you don't have a metabolism to match your eating habits. And so few of us really do unless we retrain our eating habits...
Like me. :-)
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Hey Woodraven - allow me to do a little shameless plugging by saying GO NAVY!!
Seriously though, if you choose to serve in the military I say good for you. It's a noble calling, and you'll be among those who help give this country (and everyone in it) the freedom we enjoy (even when they don't appreciate it).
The branch you pick is entirely up to you, of course. I work for the Navy and can tell you that they are always looking for intelligent, hard-working, and dedicated men and women.
Now matter what, good luck.
Hey Woodraven - allow me to do a little shameless plugging by saying GO NAVY!!
The Navy is on my top 2 list because in a way I am somewhat of a Navy brat. My father was in from 78-88. Though he didn't paint a good picture for the branch I am willing to let that bad apple slide. I born in Fallon, NV and my mom was a civilian employee for (IIRC) the JAG office there.
and on another note I took the practice/pre- ASVAB before and I had an ARMY recruiter drooling, the overall score of the pre-ASVAB was 85 or 86 (IIRC)
The best thing to do for loosing weight and getting in shape I've had luck with is this. Weight training three to four days a week and an hour of cardio every day in combination with a reasonable diet. I'm seriously not meaning to sound snarky here but one thing to concentrate on is to stop eating when you are no longer hungry. That was my biggest problem.
Hey Woodraven - allow me to do a little shameless plugging by saying GO NAVY!!
The Navy is on my top 2 list because in a way I am somewhat of a Navy brat. My father was in from 78-88. Though he didn't paint a good picture for the branch I am willing to let that bad apple slide. I born in Fallon, NV and my mom was a civilian employee for (IIRC) the JAG office there.
and on another note I took the practice/pre- ASVAB before and I had an ARMY recruiter drooling, the overall score of the pre-ASVAB was 85 or 86 (IIRC)
Shameless plug: It might be a job that lands you in hot soup, but with those scores, you can take the language aptitude test and become a linguist. Depending on what language you get, you spend up to a year and a half studying in lovely Monterey, CA. Every branch sent their linguists to the same school. Monterey is a lovely area, with Carmel and Big Sur to the south and San Fran and wine country to the north. To you east is Salinas and miles of fantastic farmland, where most of America's vegetables are grown. Quite a sight.
The DLPT is a real evil test, most of it aural (ie you translate on the fly, real horror) but if you place well, they are always looking for linguists and offer some sweet incentives to enlist as one.
Linguist is one of my actual dream jobs. And with that my resolve just got a bit higher:) to really start focusing. Thanks guys and keep the commentary coming.
I really appriciate it.
I'm currently serving in the Air Force, and I'm more than happy to help you out.
In order to lose weight I recommend any combination of the following:
Drink only zero-calorie beverages. I have a friend who lost 165 lbs. after he did just that and started running.
Try out the 3-hour diet. I hate fad diets, but some of my coworkers got great results with that one.
No matter what your eating habits, you need to run. Not only is all of that cardio necessary for weight loss, but a big part of the AF PT program and test is a timed run. If you get used to running now, you'll have a much easier time when you get to basic training or OTS.
As far as the merits of each branch, I'm only familiar with the AF. I can tell you that working for the AF is just like working for any civilian company. A lot of the rules and regs make you shake your head in disbelief, there are lazy-ass dirtbags who sit back and let others do the work, crappy bosses, ect. On the other hand, the benefits simply cannot be beat. In 20 years you can retire at half-pay with amazing medical benefits, comissary access, free air travel, VA benefits, ect. There absolutely are trade-offs, but I think you get plenty for what you give up and I don't really miss a lot of it.
I can't think of anything alse at the moment, but if I do, I'll let you know. Feel free to email me if you like.
If you are insane enough or desperatly poor enough to die for someonelses profit,
Ding you could have used a bit more tact. Like "I hope you are fully aware of the risks as you are at war and could end up in a combat zone".
Also Americans don't have the same cultural references in regards to their military being used for cannon fodder by their imperial masters. So when you go the full blunt instrument, they wont get it and just think you are being a rude nob end.
On the food side you are totally right.
Woodraven Good luck with the weight loss and good luck with your choice of carrier in the military may it be safe and fulfilling.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
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Men's Health magazine is excellent. Read it regularly and use your intelligence to help you lose weight.
They usually propose a combination of weight training and high-protein diet. Their 15-minute-workouts are too short for serious weight loss but good for when you don't have time for anything more.
Two hard 40 minute bike rides a day, the second one followed by pizza, gaming and beer and you can STILL lose weight.
Linguist is one of my actual dream jobs. And with that my resolve just got a bit higher:) to really start focusing. Thanks guys and keep the commentary coming.
I really appriciate it.
If you are intersted in the job, here's the website to the Defense Language Institute: >LINKY<
Although I was going through a rough patch when I attended, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people there, and the local area is one of the most beautiful spots in America.
I was in the Navy and I've had friends in all of the branches. I would also consider putting a good deal of thought into the job you will be going for. When I served, it was very difficult to change your job designation once you were assigned to duty.
I would also suggest browsing through www.crossfit.com. The routines are very intense, but you can ease into them. This method offers quite a bit of variety, and promotes functional fitness.
I would also suggest browsing through linked due to my interest. The routines are very intense, but you can ease into them. This method offers quite a bit of variety, and promotes functional fitness.
I wanted to get into a chick who was in the military once. That's as close as I got.
Drink only zero-calorie beverages. I have a friend who lost 165 lbs. after he did just that and started running.
a few questions how long/intense were the runs and how long did it take him to lose the 165 lbs.
*also as a note as I have stated that I have started on the weight problem. I have been limiting my food intake for a while now. I just started doing an aerobic routine last week. This week I am starting to cut out soda and other high sugar drinks for water up to 4 literes a day. And next week I plan on quiting chewing tobacco.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
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Bring your polyhedrons with you to the stationary bike.
Roll 4d6 (or 3d6 if you need to at the beginning). That's your target km/hr.
Roll a 1d4. That's the number of minutes you should maintain the speed. Keep this up for 20 minutes and then cool down.
This adds a little bit of fun, keeps your workout varied, and combines heart pounding action with some cooler easy rides.
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... I need to shed about 8-10 inches in the midsection to make body comp...
Are you sure it's 8-10 inches? I want to be helpful, but that's a lot of weight to lose in less than two years on any kind of medically-sound fitness regimen. Also, I'd say you need to aim for making weight, not tape (composition), especially for the officer corps. How tall are you? What kind of exercising are you ready to do right now?
I could be off on the inches I don't have a tape to measure. I am 72 or 73 inches tall.
Andrew Turner
If I can get down the 8 inches that would put me at about 19% due to my neck size of 19.5 inches. And I want to hopefully get in below max allowed. and aim for max after boot.
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A few thoughts...
1 - you're mainly looking to lose weight & improve fitness, rather than build muscle. So look to cardio & reps with light weights.
2 - start easy & build up - 2x 30-min brisk walks a day & 2x 30-reps with 3kg weights will help a lot more than trying to run 10k on day 1.
3 - re eating - again start easy, focus on eating more good-stuff and limiting the really bad-stuff. 4-5 light meals a day are better than 2 big ones. Drink plenty of water. Don't skip breakfast. etc.
4 - re languages - the .mil obviously cares about some languages more than others, they'll have plenty of Spanish/French/Russian speakers for example, while proficiency in these languages is helpful, and certainly useful for showing an aptitude for languages, they aren't as sought-after (or financially rewarding!) as some others (both rarer friendly languages (eg Greek or Japanese) and potential unfriendly ones (eg Korean or Arabic)).
5 - remember they're looking for linguistic aptitude as well as strength in specific languages. I'd suggest trying the "Michel Thomas" CDs to give yourself a familiarity with a range of languages beyond the ones you already know.
6 - lastly, and it's sufficiently obvious that it ought to go without saying, the AF is the correct branch to join :)
Drink only zero-calorie beverages.
Scratch that: Drink water! It's healthier than that artificial crap.
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On the Air Force,
I am Enlisted in the Air Force, Been in for 8 years, some years sucked, some years didn't, It all comes down to location and who you are working with. Being in a great place does not always make up for working with terrible people, working with good people always makes up for working in a bad location. But that is true for any job.
On your weight, I have had weight problems since day 1 of the Air Force, I had to lose 20 pounds to join, and have fluctuated since then. I got at basic at 210, left basic at 180. I am now 210 again and had issue with PT and passing the Test; though the next test I am ready for! But it has been very hectic for me until this point and stressful and I was close to being kicked out, but I am clear from that now! The Air Force Is dead serious on the Fitness test and is getting less lenient on those that do not do well or fail. The test requires a Timed 1 1/2 run, that you want to get in the 9-13 min time frame, 1 min Push up/Sit-ups that you want both in the 50+ ranges, and waist measurement that you want in the 32-39 range. Those scores you need will be different on your age. It is point based with the majority of the points coming from the Run, then waist, then pushups/Sit-ups.
If you are thinking about Joining as an officer, first thing to realize that you will be thought of as an Officer First and not the career field you joined in as. You will be a Leader and Manager and that will come before your Career Field. For more info on being an Officer in the Military Ask Andrew Turner here on the boards, he would be able to answer those questions better then I. I am enlisted there are many differences that I do not have the experience to get into too.
As a personal opinion on which Force to Join, It really depends on what you want out of it. You answer that Question and it will be easier to tell you which Force to Join. For an example, I wanted training and to continue my education, being in the Air Force has given me the time to be able to continue my education because of Less deployments *for me* and shorter deployments.
Any way Good luck on losing the weight. For me I found it easy to lose weight, but hard to keep it off ;-).
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Off the top of my head; does your college have a ROTC program?
I was in Army Guard for 8 years; I'll talk more later as I'm at work....just
1)the Drill Sargent is always right even when he's wrong
2)never volunteer for ANYTHING.
And the best answer for a question you can't answer with a "yes" or "no" answer from a drill sargent is "no excuse, drill sargent!!!"
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2)never volunteer for ANYTHING.
I will tell you this right now, In the Air Force if you do this, you won't get very far, very fast. Even in your yearly evaluations volunteering is a part of it, if you don't have any involvement with the community or your organization you won't stand out and promotion will be harder. I am assuming that is the same for Officer, but I could be wrong. You want to be noticed, and volunteering gets you noticed. Just don't make the mistake of volunteering so much it affects you Job. You need to Excel at both!
Scratch that: Drink water! It's healthier than that artificial crap.
Drink only zero-calorie beverages.
Agreed. But if you just can't bring yourself to cut out soda or flavored drinks, go for stuff like Coke Zero or flavored water.
a few questions how long/intense were the runs and how long did it take him to lose the 165 lbs.
Here's what he did:
1) Kept track of everything he ate, especially calories, for an entire year. He found that his intake was around 3500 a day. Now he's down to 2500 a day.
2) Cut out things like soda and chocolate milk, and stopped eating those "extra" cookies, fries, ect.
3) Started running every day. He started out easy and worked his way up to the 40-60 miles a week he's at now. I recommend this site to get you started: Easy start running