How is basic for a scrawny kid? At 17 and 5’10” 120lbs would I be allowed to go to basic for the National Guard?

Jack Zerkle — Tue, 01 May 2018 10:27:59 -0400

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 10:51 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 May 2018 10:51:35 -0400

You might have to put on a couple of pounds. The min weight for your height is approx. 130 lbs.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made May 1 at 2018 10:58 AM

SGT Eric Davis — Tue, 01 May 2018 10:58:49 -0400

Call a recruiter

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made May 1 at 2018 11:30 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Tue, 01 May 2018 11:30:22 -0400

Jack I don't know what the policy is now but I was the same way when I went to basic. 6'2" and 145 lbs. They teamed me up with a heavy kid and at chow time I would get half his food and all of his desert. He lost weight but I didn't put much on, just changed most of what I had to muscle. Maybe if you went to the Air Force you could put on weight at basic.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 12:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 May 2018 12:12:59 -0400

When I got to Parris Island I was 5'9" and weighed 130. When I left I weighed 140. I handled everything just fine.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made May 1 at 2018 12:44 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Tue, 01 May 2018 12:44:09 -0400

If your parents allow you to go...you have to have parental permission at 17 (I'm assuming you have that).

My oldest brother was a pale, scrawny, 5'9" 19 year old when he went. I believe he said they called him "Casper" in basic. He did fine. That was in 1999 or 2000.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 12:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 May 2018 12:47:50 -0400

Basic is a breeze for us frail people. I entered BCT at 110 pounds and left AIT at 150. Now I am a consistent 130 and yes you would be allowed to join the Guard.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2018 10:00 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 May 2018 22:00:29 -0400

I’m fairly built and I had a harder time than the “frail” kids because of the extra weight of just myself, you’ll find your stride brother and you’ll enjoy it along the way!

Response by SGT Matthew S. made May 1 at 2018 10:12 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Tue, 01 May 2018 22:12:18 -0400

I'm 5'6" and been right about 130lbs my entire adult life. The physical aspects weren't an overbearing issue for me, nor several who were "scrawnier" than me.

As far as regs on height & weight, you'll have to talk with a recruiter to be certain.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made May 2 at 2018 10:14 AM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 02 May 2018 10:14:02 -0400

I was 128lbs 6ft entering Basic ordered to eat two bananas and extra helpings at the chow line did fine ,just don’t quit and you will succeed.