Can i change my name once i join the army?

Question

what do i have to do if i can?

Answer 1

It'll be change automatically...to maggot, numbnuts, etc...or according to rank!  Your first name will be Private, PFC, etc...!

Answer 2

you won't have to... your drill instructor will change it for you

Answer 3

Yes you can, in fact it is cheaper once you are in.

1) go to your local JAG office, they will create the forms you will need

2) take those forms to the local court and pay to file them, they will set your court date

3) you will need to post a legal notice in the local paper, another fee

4) on your court date, go to court and the judge will ask you some simple questions and then sign the forms.

5) have fun changing your military ID, Driver license, birth cert, any credit cards... any thing with your name on it.

Best of luck... it took me about a month for the full and complete cycle.

Answer 4

Make an appointment with the JAG guys and they can help you with this.  I had a guy I worked with that had his name changed because his last name was Piggie.  He got some harassment sometimes and I am sure after a while it got old so he got it changed to a more common kind of name as he had to put up with this all through school when he was younger before even joining the military.

Answer 5

You have to go through civil courts to change your name legally.  And when you submit the paperwork for the Army will have to have proof such as a marriage certificate, divorce certificate etc.

Answer 6

Well, your TI can end up calling you "Private Snowball", so I'd say yes. Well, in all seriousness, you would have to go through all legal paperwork in order to get your name changed.  

Answer 7

Why would you want to change your name?  

I joined the Army as one name, and changed it years later after being married.  This was an easy process.  

In order to change your name, all you need to do is provide court documentation changing your name to the new name.  Provide this to your S-1 (Administration Office), and it will take effect.  

I was able to have all of my records changed in 2 days.  I'm not saying it will always be that fast, but it should be that easy.