Joining the National Guard soon...

[Adman]

My name is Adam Cornett, and i will be joining the Ohio National Guard soon. Though, i am extremly excited there are a few problems i would like some advice too. I will soon be entering a program where i train with my recruiter till boot camp. (That program will start in January when i turn 17)

Anyway my first set of problems seem to be physical. (I am 6'3" and weigh 250 pds) I have been training to meet the physical requirements so i can join but i have run into some problems. Such as: I can only (normal jog) 1/4 of a mile and then run out of breath shortly there after and i was thinking that there must be some way i can go further. The other problem is i can only do one push up. Yes, this is somewhat embarrising, but i am trying my hardest to work harder by exercising at least 4 times a week for about 2 hours each time. If anyone could give me some advice, that would be greatly appreciated!!!

(i know this is long but please stick with me) I also am worried that i am not going to do well on the ASVAB. Seeing as i am a very confident guy who can put his mind to most anything, this is something unusal for me to worry about. But i have never really done well on standerized tests. I pass them, but since i love the military so much i dont want to just "pass" the ASVAB. I would very much like to do my best. Any advice will be considered greatly.

P.S- i am also looking to meet people who enjoy the military as much as i do and have the same enthusiasm for the NATIONAL GUARD as i do.

[SFC Harlan]

It sounds as if you are giving it your best shot and that is all you can do. Keep working hard and everything will come easier for you. Don't sweat the small stuff. The asvab is really not difficult for most. Google ASVAB and you will find places to help you study.

[RSP Instructor]

For the physical fitness, maybe it would help you to find a friend who runs well and start training with them. Or try going to a gym nearby and working out there. If you haven't worked out ever or in a long time, you can't expect immediate results. Work on it and it will come.

As far as your ASVAB worries, don't. There are books you can buy at major bookstores like Borders, Barnes & Noble and others that give you tips on studying and preparing for the test. Get plenty of sleep the night before, eat a decent meal the morning of, and go in confident. Your results will reflect your attitude when you took it, and if you go in believing in yourself and your abilities, you will come out with a good score.

[Adman]

Thank you, i really appreciate your reply! It really is starting to sound like the national guard is going to do all they can for me to be apart of them. I really noticed how friendly and informative eveyone here is. I can hardly to wait to be apart of something so honorable.

[WIBecky74]

Excuse me for posting under the 'ask a recruiter' section. I'm not a recruiter, but i'm not trying to answer a question, just wanted to add something.

I'm cheap and will find ways to always save money. I wanted to mention you can also always go to your local public library and check out study books for the ASVAB. I found tons of them, but wanted the ASVAB FOR DUMMIES book, and ours didnt carry a recent edition. Normally, public libraries have something called....hmm..escapes me now....but they share books between libraries and they can request a specific book from other libraries and have it sent to yours. May take a few days.

Also, I was so worried about the test. More then I needed to be. It seemed difficult at the time, but actually did pretty good on it. Dont freak out if you dont know an answer. Its not an actual grade, it compares you to a group of people that took the test. Eleventh graders I believe. It is a percentile. I'm not joking when I say I thought I was going to get like a 4th percentile on the test, and actually ended up with a 76. You can get answers incorrect and still do alright. Forget about the question, pick an educated guess, put it behind you and move on. The study books will also explain it more in detail for you.

Thank you,
Becky

[aprilyherrera]

ok so i totally thought i couldnt pass the asvab because like you i dont do good on tests, anyhow i passed with flying colors and if you just believe in yourself you can do it, its really not all that hard and make time to steady for it, i do believe you can google it and find study sites for it. So good luck.