POLL: JOINING THE ARMY

My dad was in the army but that was in the 70's. I have no idea how it works. Can't he ask his recruiting officer?

Sorry Tracey, but I can't help you with this one! When my husband went in there wasn't cell phones! Probably will be able to take pictures if they are in his wallet, but things are so dfferent now, I just don't know?

yes, and I will tell you they will not come out the same.

I think they can have cell phones, but you might want to ask. My hubby served before they had them.

As a person who works with Veterans everyday, I would like to give you a couple of things that your son should do before he leaves and during his time in service. This list will help him when he is done with his time in the military and if he should ever have to file a claim with the VA.

Get a hearing test and full physical done by a private doctor and audiologist before he enters the service.
Make sure he obtains a copy of these medical records and keep them in a safe place.
If he is injured and notices a loss of hearing while he is in service, make sure he get that checked out by the military doctor and documented in his Service Medical Records.
When he leaves the service for good, he needs to make sure he has a exit physical and complain about anything that physically bothering him.
Complain very loud and make sure that is documented.
When that is complete he needs to make sure to get copies of his Service Medical Records to keep with his records prior to entry into the service.

By doing the above list, he is securing any future claims with Veterans Administration by gathering evidence. If he gets out and in ten years has problems with anything and he makes a claim with the VA, they cannot tell him that his claim was pre-exisiting and they will not service connect his claim. Famous quote from the VA. You will not believe how many Veterans regret not doing these things before service and what a fight they have to get their issues service connected and treated for free for life. Such comments come from combat vets who are paying dearly for their time in service and realize when it come to medical issues there is nothing macho about sucking it up and being silent. Especially with medical care in the rise and what they have to spend out of pocket for their care.
Please go to VA.gov to review what benefits your son will be entitled to after service.
Tell you son take full advantage of these benefits, especially the GI Bill and Thank You for his dedication. Good luck. If he has any questions, he can contact his local Veteran Service Officer or email me.
Colette

My brother was in vietnam. But I was too young to know if he took alone those things.
I suggest what Bridget suggested, talk to his recruiting officer.

My stepson had his laptop with him in his first tour in Iraq and a cell phone. But he drove for dignitaries that trip.
He is on his third tour now and still is a driver, but he doesn't have those items with him this time... so maybe it depends what you're doing or where you're going or something.
I would think he could ask his recruiter, but then I don't know if they know where he'll end up - and have no clue about what is or not allowed in boot camp... Marv was there like 8 years ago maybe, so much can change in a day!
Sorry I couldn't be more help.

For Boot Camp you will not be allowed to have cell phones, my daughter is in the Navy and when she went in 5 years ago - almost all the stuff she brought with her was sent back home. Now if he is sent on deployment overseas- I know my daughter had bought a cell phone over in that area, and had her laptop.

My friends that went into the air force weren't allowed to have cell phones. I hardly heard from them other than an occasional letter the entire time they were in boot. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful here.

My husband and his brother joined the USAF during the Vietnam era--nobody had a cell phone then! My nephew served in the Army in Gulf I and Afghanistan. He took family pix with him. He's a major, so I don't know if that made a difference. While in Afghanistan (2001-2002) he had occasional access to a computer to email the family; we all got his irregular letter.

Congratulations and thanks to your son for his willingness to serve our country! I wish him a safe return whwen he finishes his service!

I wish I could be of help.. I have many friends over seas now but are not allowed to have cell phones, I do know they have internet access but its provided there in thier camps for them and they are limited to how much time they can use them,, anyways good luck I will pray for his safe return to you

I only wish that I'd heard Colette's suggestion years ago.

Good luck to you!

no clue. my only advice is pray.

My brother was in the Marines... no cell phones were allowed

When my son went in the Army, he took nothing with him. After boot camp we sent some things he wanted to his new base.

I was in the Army in 1999 -- back then the answer to your question would be no, he can't take a camera, or ipod, or walkman...He could take pictures. But who know's now with the war and all? If he does bring those things, they lock them up and when he's done, he'll get them back. At least that's what they did when I was there.

I've been in the Army and loving it for quite some time... here's an article I wrote for new enlistees - check it out (and show your son)... it includes some things the recruiters don't have on their top 10 lists. http://www.helium.com/tm/730270/strong-before-decide-important

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