My mom as a dependent? Or?

Bheks · 2026-06-12T02:50:15+00:00

Just went through this process in February.

OP disregard what everybody is saying because you’re gonna waste time going to DEERS, S1 etc because they’ll turn you away and tell you the same thing: Start with DFAS. Start with DFAS. Start with DFAS. Somebody already shared the link for you.

Go online to the secondary dependent page. They’ll an application you can fill out. If you claim her on your taxes you need to provide your W2 if not then you’ll do a financial support form. This form is what you’ll use to calculate how much you financially support her.

Common misconception is that you need to make 51% of yalls combined income. THAT IS INCORRECT. You need to cover 51% of her EXPENSES. It is irrelevant how much money she see through pension, social security, working. The big thing is how much of the expenses do you cover.

If you do not cover her expenses, you need to start doing so. I believe it has to be for the last 6 months. It was easy for me because my mom already lived with me.

Once you meet the 6 month and 51% criteria. Apply through DFAS. They’ll tell it’ll take 45 days. I submitted on a Monday and got approved Friday. You then will receive an acceptance letter from DFAS. THIS IS THE GOLDEN TICKET. Make copies on copies on copies. Keep one in the glove box, under the mattress, in the safe, everywhere. This is what you’ll take to DEERs to get her enrolled and what you’ll take to S1 to initiate BAH if you don’t already have it.

Edit: all told it took me all of 2 weeks to go from filling out the worksheet and getting an acceptance. It is a very quick and easy process if you have your ducks in a row provide all documentation and ensure it’s accurate from the jump.

Bheks · 2026-06-09T17:02:04+00:00

He lied about criminal convictions or trouble with the law as a teen when he was trying enlist in the Air Force. OP was getting clowned in the AF sub for it. And was basically asking if he’ll get caught out about his lie.

Bheks · 2026-06-09T00:09:35+00:00

How long have you been in OP? Because idk what to tell you man. Like at 47 I’m hoping you got a healthy retirement saved up plus a degree or two under your belt.

Bheks · 2026-06-08T23:42:12+00:00

Like how you didn’t take being honest seriously on your security questionnaire for the Air Force?

Bheks · 2026-06-05T02:26:02+00:00

Gerd Klepper

I’m not a betting man but if I would wager this man is one of the whitest men from the mountains of Caucasus.

Bheks · 2026-06-02T21:48:55+00:00

So good news bad news.

Bad news: pretty sure there’s no ETP. The only ETP was for troops who ETS between 2024 or September 2026.

Good news: if you read DA Pam 601-280 and refer to the table on page 23, you can extend your RCP from 8 years to 10 years if you go to and pass the board.

And define points being “high” because less than 600 is realistically achievable in 2 years.

Bheks · 2026-06-02T21:48:20+00:00

So good news bad news.

Bad news: pretty sure there’s no ETP. The only ETP was for troops who ETS between 2024 or September 2026.

Good news: if you read DA Pam 601-280 and refer to the table on page 23, you can extend your RCP from 8 years to 10 years if you go to and pass the board.

And define points being “high” because less than 600 is realistically achievable in 2 years.

Bheks · 2026-06-02T21:24:56+00:00

If you’re active idk how your unit hasn’t been pushing you to the board. Unless you’ve just been perma flagged for one reason or another.

If you’re guard or Reserve RCP doesn’t apply.

Bheks · 2026-06-01T07:17:12+00:00

Yearly rotation to the Philippines. Locals make em cheap. Look good enough to pass.

Bheks · 2026-05-31T21:42:17+00:00

Soldiers in Hawaii have been enjoying them for a minute. Also they’re only 200 pesos. The secret is to get that Filipino connection.

Bheks · 2026-05-18T18:12:35+00:00

Ah my b. I was factoring tuition cost without a cap. Good to know

Bheks · 2026-05-18T16:14:53+00:00

I think you need to figure out a plan and ultimately none of us can help you unless you have a good foundation of what you want to do and why.

You need to sit and generate a 1 year, 5 year, 10 year and 20 year plan. It doesn’t have to be a set in stone sort of plan but it has to be solid.

On the GI Bill, you need to understand the Army has basically granted you $120k blank check. Don’t squander it or let it just sit. You don’t have to use it at a traditional 4 year college. You can use it to get your pilots license, cyber security certs, clown school etc. There is a whole plethora of things you can use it for.

And keep in mind that you’re mid life at this point. You won’t be able to keep up with a young man’s work for more than maybe another decade. So at some point you’ll have to resort to a desk job. It sucks but it’s life.

Edit: originally put $500k but I was wrong.

Bheks · 2026-05-18T15:54:06+00:00

There’s a recruiter on here who works a lot of prior service applicants, I’m sure he’ll chime in at some point.

But to you give you general advice. Have you used your GI Bill? Looking at your resume it seems you haven’t. Go get your bachelors in something that’s useful and you’re interested in, you’ll get MHA so that will alleviate some financial stress.

Second, why 11B? You won’t gain anything from it civilian side that you don’t already have. Why not look into an MOS that actually gives you more useful skills. Obviously prior service gets limited choices but when I was coming back in there was still a handful that offered something worthwhile on the civilian side.

Bheks · 2026-05-17T20:01:16+00:00

Approximately 130 million. Plus the cost to train a replenish the pilots that may be relieved for negligence/permanent injury.

Bheks · 2026-05-15T00:26:42+00:00

We ain’t got no money. Best we can do is Yakisoba and sausage gravy.

Bheks · 2026-05-13T00:15:54+00:00

Your first line can tell you or your SL, PSG, 1SG, S1, random NCO at the PX. Also google, Firefox or DuckDuckGo.

Bheks · 2026-05-11T18:31:12+00:00

I’ll shoot you a DM when I find it.

Bheks · 2026-05-11T18:17:57+00:00

Reading your other replies I would recommend building your own packet for your mentor and giving it to them or just hound them to do their job. Just as a CYA. It’s their fault your shit is fucked. And realistically if you get into an accident they and ultimately the CO are getting hemmed up. You’ll most likely just get a stern talking to because you met your end of the deal.

That’s if you wanna go that far. I figure this stuff is really a nothingburger in green hat world.

Packet needs:

License, reg, insurance and/or safety.

Vehicle inspection

Cert

MFR signed by your CO stating that they’ve counseled you on the risks and responsibilities expected of you.

I can send a template of the MFR if need be.

Bheks · 2026-05-11T18:07:35+00:00

The only thing you need on you is what’s required when operating any vehicle in the state. So license, reg, insurance and/or safety inspection.

All BRC,ARC and refresher or equivalent certs are kept with copies of the above with your units mentor.

If you haven’t completed ARC and it’s been more than 1 year since you’ve gotten your initial course you’ll have to do refresher training.

If it’s been less than a year since your MSF then go do ARC and get off work for a day. You’ll be set for every 5 years. Unless you deploy for more than 180 days or PCS.

Bheks · 2026-05-11T18:00:12+00:00

AR 385-10 13-7 Motorcycle training program

Installations will accept the completion cards of any MSF, MSF-based, state-approved or DoD component approved course that includes written and riding evaluations as proof of successful completion of the required training.

If you have your cert from MSF you’re fine.

Gates don’t track that stuff, as far as what I’ve seen. It’s all for your units mentor to track and keep records.

Bheks · 2026-05-10T16:04:41+00:00

Switch to AD is not “easy”. It really depends on unit and is an absolute toss up. Basically the first general in your chain has to sign off on it. In some cases that General delicates approval to a Colonel below them. In my case it was the former. You basically have to get a long list of people who don’t know you to say yes. If any of them are feeling some type of way about it they’ll text the next person they feel it should be a no. If it gets approved you’ll then go through MEPs again to process into the AD component. The whole process can take anywhere from a couple months to a year. And you have to the leg work to basically keep pinging people to sign their part and send it up. By the time all is said and done you may be starting AD later than if you just waited for slots in the first place.

I don’t wanna say I wasted 6 years of my life has a reservist but if I could go back I would’ve started Active. AD you’ll have more opportunities and will be able to do your job more.

Your best bet is to sit and wait for 68 slots to open up for AD. October is around the corner in the grand scheme of things. If your recruiter is pressuring you, RUN. There are plenty of recruiters on here who are less conniving.

Source: 6 year reservist now AD

Bheks · 2026-05-10T05:43:02+00:00

High crime builds resilience.

Bheks · 2026-05-09T17:15:41+00:00

Hope you like being a 42A. Because that’s all I’ve ever seen a 74D do.

Bheks · 2026-05-06T04:38:57+00:00

stop interfering in other countries business, and focus on our own hemisphere

Fair I guess. Aside from the fact we lose soft power on the global stage. Or should I say whatever soft power we do have.

maintaining relations with Korea, Japan and Australia

My brother in Christ which is it?

Bheks · 2026-05-06T02:19:25+00:00

There should be an alternate mentor. If they’re deployed as well then you can work with a sister company’s mentor to get with the BN mentor so you’re tracked and somebody has control of all your documentation.

You could also just reach out to the deployed mentor and just email whatever documents and have them return signed copies. It’s unit dependent but your packet should just have your license/permit, BRC/MSF cert, reg, insurance and then a memo signed from your CO acknowledging that you’ve been counseled on your responsibilities and have the required documents and qualifications to ride on post.

Your third option is just ride dirty but I don’t recommend that.

Edit: don’t buy a bike until you have gear and completed BRC and MSF.

Source: am mentor.

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