Thanks again for all the replies folks
I'm bumping this thread because I'm starting to worry about something I maybe shouldn't worry about, and maybe someone here with more knowledge on the matter can put my mind at ease
Earlier today I called up a recruiting office to know if I can make an appointment for more information about the AF.
The man I spoke to on the phone stated that before I can make those arrangements, I'd have to take a practice ASVAB test. He sent me a direct text asking for my info, including my social security number, to verify my ID before sending me a link to the practice test via email.
Without thinking about, because I'm an idiot, I sent him all the info. He later got back to me with the link for the practice test, which is legitimate.
However, upon returning home I learn about this business with Trump and Iran. Yeah, no thanks.
I was on the fence before, but that was kinda the shocking reminder that joining the armed forces during the current administration probably isn't the best idea, and maybe I'd be better off working a dead end retail job
My worry is, this dude now has my social, and I'm panicking that if I go ghost on him, he can somehow mess with my life with that information.
I know this is probably silly to think, but I can't help but worry.
I have not signed a single document or been at the recruiting office in person if that makes a difference.
TL;DR: Recruiter has my social security number, can he use that against me in anyway if I no longer want to join?
If it was a legit recruiting office, you have nothing to worry about. When I enlisted into the Marines I had to do the same thing over the phone. Be prepared to give your social security number about a thousands times during your enlistment process and also while you're in.
About the Trump and Iran deal, if you go sign up as a POG, you'll probably never see combat. Qualify for a nice desk job and you're straight. You get paid, fed, sheltered, and meet some good friends. Being a Grunt in the Marines is pretty terrible. Lots of friends tried to talk me out of it because they knew what's up. But I was young, stubborn and felt I had to prove something by going Infantry. And in the end, no one gave two shits. Civilians see Marines and that's it. They don't know the difference between Infantryman and POGs. Shitty humps, going to the field, long work hours, FIELD DAY, and a whole bunch of other non-sense. It's pretty easy being a Lance Corporal though. Pretty much do as your told. Hurry up and wait. 15 minutes, to 15 minutes, to 15 minutes prior. All that shit. As someone said, don't do Security Forces.
The military isn't for everyone. I've seen buddies attempt suicide, people having massive back/knee problems (due to humps with heavy ass packs), and wife/girlfriend relationships go to shit. And depending on where you're stationed, you'll probably go long stretches without seeing your family. But you'll definitely feel a sense of pride after graduating boot camp. My mom was also pretty scared for me, but I remember the day I graduated boot camp, I saw them come down from the stands and there wasn't a dry eye around me. My dad, who doesn't show much emotion and was very strict when I was growing up, was crying because he was so proud of me. And your reasons for joining are the same ones I had. I didn't do it for myself, I did it for my family. Even if at times this job can suck ass, if my fam happy, then I'm happy. My mom and dad always tell their friends about how I'm in the Marines. It's embarrassing, but I don't blame them. They're proud of their son. I'm sure your mom will come around to it too. Plus, I'm doing 4 years so I can use that GI bill to go back to school.
Depending on the job you want, you could ship next month, or in 12 months. I had to wait 9 months before I went to boot camp because I wanted to go Infantry. If you're serious about this, tell your recruiter and he/she will try to make sure you get pushed through the door as fast as possible. Think about it... But don't waste their time, or yours. That one job you want might be open, and it'll help you ship out faster, but if you sit on it for too long, you might miss your opportunity because some other poolee snatched that job before you could. And then you'll be playing the waiting game again.
Good luck. Bless.
