Posted on Oct 10, 2017
When are you officially a US Army soldier, after taking the oath or after basic training/AIT?
11.3K
65
32
7
7
0
I was just wondering. Also can I get like military benefits now or do I have to wait, like applying for online stuff that offers military discounts.
Posted in these groups: 
Military Career
Military Career
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 21
4
4
0
That really depends on how you would like to define it. After taking the oath you are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. However, that being said, you are not really a Soldier in the traditional sense of the word, and the understanding of the title as accepted by your peers, until after completion of Basic Training.
Now, in regards to you question, you cannot receive any kinds of benefits until after completing Basic Training. Discounts, benefits, programs, what have you. These are for people who have EARNED the title of being a member of the armed forces. In addition, be forewarned, if you attempt to receive any benefits that have any dollar amount attached to them (ie any discounts) you are subject to punishment under Stolen Valor.
Now, THAT all being said, you should not be enlisting to get discounts. That is a stupid reason to enlist and you will not be successful in any sense of the word. You may want to rethink this decision if this is your motive for enlisting.
Now, in regards to you question, you cannot receive any kinds of benefits until after completing Basic Training. Discounts, benefits, programs, what have you. These are for people who have EARNED the title of being a member of the armed forces. In addition, be forewarned, if you attempt to receive any benefits that have any dollar amount attached to them (ie any discounts) you are subject to punishment under Stolen Valor.
Now, THAT all being said, you should not be enlisting to get discounts. That is a stupid reason to enlist and you will not be successful in any sense of the word. You may want to rethink this decision if this is your motive for enlisting.
(4)
(0)
2
2
0
Well you can’t claim the title of solider till after BCT (AD), reserves/guard is different I believe I could be wrong.
(2)
(0)
PFC (Join to see)
SGT Tim Soyars - yeah I'm kinda proud to be a LEG WE tend to be light infantry centric. I had two Drill Sgts who were 82nd they called the black beret that as well as another who was 101st all were infantry.
(0)
(0)
SGT Tim Soyars
I remember the revolt the Shinseki took the Ranger's black beret. I had ETSed by then, but some of my friends in the Regiment were blowing up everyone's phone and email. Well, technically, he didn't take the Ranger's beret. He just gave it to everyone so they could feel "special". If ya want to be special, you can do it two ways. The first is drag your ass to airborne school to start the trip. The second is get your ass on the short bus and stop licking the windows!
(1)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
In the NG you get you can get your CAC after 3 days. No turning back after you sign and give the oath. You do get a few benefits, like shopping on base and other military discounts. You also get paid for your drill weekend, (RSP). Reserves and army components, you are in DEP program, you do not get benefits until BCT
(2)
(0)
PFC (Join to see)
SGT Tim Soyars - yeah I remeber that not being to popular even many of my uncle who were in the Army at the time hated it because it was garrison wear and they hated wearing it every where
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google