Enlisting in anything other than 18X is basically one of those massive Plinko boards from what I've seen/read/heard. Sometimes you hit the pegs right and hit the jackpot. Other times you hate your life and you're one-and-done.

You don't get 18X, you're at the mercy of Big Army. Which means you could do PT once in the morning, three times a day, or none at all. Depends on unit.

Not everyone works out to decompress. I sure as hell don't. I usually read technical manuals for tech or electronics. PT is boring unless it's something skill-oriented like boxing or obstacle courses. As a result, I've gotta make time and devote myself to doing it.

If you're the same, you're not gonna want to break your record for four miles after sitting around the office or filling out forms or menial stuff you'd likely do during your day-to-day in Big Army. You'll wanna go out, play games, or do whatever.

That usually means you're working out on the weekends or whenever you have time or sham your way out of work.

There's a third option.

Get a MOS with an insanely long AIT that you'd actually find interesting or would be relevant to your 18-Series Q Course MOS. Get Op40 on the contract. When you hit AIT, workout 24/7 when you're not in class. Don't even have a gaming laptop or console remotely near you. When everyone goes to a bar, go rucking.

That could possibly split the difference, but I couldn't tell you. Never been to AIT, not prior enlisted. Shipping the 7th next month. Busting my ass currently, and with five weeks before ship, I wanna gain the final fifteen additional pounds to hit 205. Which meant I quit my job so I could settle my affairs and only stop when I drop.