Preserved Topic: Have you served? (Page 1 of 1)

I am currently unemployd and trying to get work with web design or graphic design. Well not much is around here and it's depressing....I was denied for unemployment for the time that I am out of work. I have another job I am just waiting for the start date which is not for another month now. I was pondering possibly going into the Navy and getting money for college and getting experience in maybe another field while I am in the service. I was wondering if anyone else has been in any branch or the service wether it be Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines.....and what was your experiece like.

michael?
i think he's building *boom* making things or so...? for the army? yes? no?



+-new CELL 557-+

I was in the Marines. Good deal for one enlistment, but ya gotta really, really like it to re-enlist. It's not just a job; it is truly a lifestyle. You are a Marine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Deployments, duties, and all sorts of crap to deal with ... anyways ...

WebShaman was in the Air Force. Petskull is in the Army. Can't think of anyone else ...

Cell Number: 494

Screw picking a branch right away. First take the ASVAB first then talk with them. When a young sapling I took it while talking to the Marines but after I got my score the others promptly contacted me. The test is a breeze, I got a 97 then they had me take some additional tests I think one was the DELAB and I forget the rest. If you have done ANY drugs other than Marijuana, lie about it. It will only harm you. I had a recruiter who told me to lie outright about that, he advised me to admit to Mota use 2-3 times and nothing more. If you're just going for cash I think Army offers the most money after service. Watch out for the bum-rush, they will try and test you, physical you, and sign you in a 1-2 day period, take your time and pick the branch that will offer what you want.

At the end of all of my encounters I decided against being that my grandfather all all his brothers are buried in arlington and I do have sole surviving son status and at the time had nobody to carry on my family name. Looking back now...4 years is a blink of an eye...do it, get your money and get what you can out of the branch you choose.

Well, to begin, why are you thinking of serving? For education/learning benefits? Then I would highly recommend the Air Force. Why? Because they have some of the best training schools, esp. in the computer area (the Navy is also very good, but for nuclear stuff, mostly). Be aware that the Air Force computer schools are really challenging...with an 80% drop-out rate (I should know, I went through it...4 years of computer schooling schrunched into one year...whoohooo! Can you say...stress?). And of course, one can get accredited for these courses in a University (I did). Saves a lot of classes (which means - money!). And the Air forces basic training is shorter than the others (6 weeks instead of 8-10), and it is not as 'physical' as the others...though much more 'strict'.

I was also in the Army before I switched over to the Air Force (one of the last allowed 'cross-overs')...and never regretted it. Be sure to volunteer for over-sees service (more money, cool places to go and see, etc).

As for benefits outside of the service, well, there are ways to gain money for college (but I'm not sure how they handle that now...back then, I received over $10,000 for college use, plus my mustering out bonus, worked well for me). I would suggest after serving in the regular military (if you intend on going to college) to then enter the National Guard...one also gets schooling benefits (aside from those one obtained in the regular military, plus one normally 'gains' one rank, which means a little more money...and everyone can use that in college, right?).

Do you intend on only doing four (4) years? Or would you be interested in more? In the case that you are interested in more than 4 years, then maybe one of the other services would be better (the Air Force is very competitive...).

Hope that helps...and whatever you do, never, ever trust a recruiter...and get it on paper (an official paper, signed and sealed). Because they lie (and are allowed to...as long as it isn't on paper, officially signed and sealed), and will promise you everything under the sun...*shakes head* The things filling new recruits heads....unbelievable. One guy was told he wouldn't have to get up early in the morning (could sleep in), would be allowed to play video games the whole day, etc. man, was he dissappointed! 'Hey, but my recruiter told me...Shaddup, you stupid moran, and get out of that bed! MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT!'

Heh, heh, noobs in bootcamp...I had a lot of luck, because I did Army bootcamp first, then Air force (and got out of Air Force bootcamp early because of my previous one...3 weeks! And of course, my higher Rank was also good...yes, I got to keep that...got it on official paper, signed and sealed).

Say good-bye to your hair...that, and your self-esteem (well, you'll get it back...hehe). I would recommend bringing as little as possible with you...will save you a lot of stress in the first week 'Put them down...pick them up!' - really hilarious when someone has brought too much baggage...

BOOTCAMP - otherwise known as 'basic training'.

A few tips - don't 'offer' any opinions, advice, or help - it will only work against you. DO NOT volunteer for anything...extra work, and the next time, you won't be asked, just assigned (and you won't earn any 'brownie' points in the group...a great way to get 'shagged'). DO NOT[ pick up the soap in the showers...bad idea. Just let it lie. DO NOT get drunk in the (rare) chances to drink (for example, if your group does really well in the various competitions, normally your group will get 'awarded' with such a 'chance'), for the next day, you'll be run into the ground (and with a hangover...well, I'm sure you can picture how that goes...the infamous 'death run'). Get 'religious'...will give you some 'extra' time on Sunday (in church), otherwise you'll be assigned to clean the barracks...learn to sleep whenever you can...sleep is a precious comodity...I would suggest you learn to sleep standing up, with your eyes open (yes, it is possible...I'm proof of it!). Never 'forget' anything, be it 'orders' from your drill sergeant, or papers, or whatever. You will pay dearly for such. Keep your mouth shut...nobody likes a loud mouth (and you will pay dearly for it). Always agree with your drill sergeant - do not piss him off. If he says something you don't like, keep it to yourself, for god's sake. Do your best to follow his advice - otherwise, you will pay dearly for it. It would be best if you can 'create' a second personality...it will save you from the 'brainwashing' (and yes, they will try, at every opportunity, to brainwash you...). Learn to keep your stuff in tip-top condition (boots spit-shined, clothes perfectly ironed, foled, and spiffy - your laundry bag is your best friend for this...). This is more than important, as the inspections are not pre-announced (surprise!). Keep one set of clothes in your locker, and 'live' out of your laundry bag as much as possible...this will help, immensely (tricks of the trade, hehe). Though many may prefer the 'reading at night with the flashlight under the blanket' thing, I wouldn't recommend it...you need that sleep! The morning will come much to soon...learn to eat fast - if you are not a fast eater, then learn. Now. Otherwise, you may not get much to eat! Get into physical condition (if you are not...and by military standards, you probably are not) now, before you join. This will be of great help...you'll thank yourself for this, believe me. How? Run alot (yes, you will run...like a rabbit!), do lots of exercise (pushups, situps)...get that gut into condition! Scoring well on the physical exams/comps is always good...you don't want to be the 'weak' link in the group, believe me!

AFTER BOOTCAMP - but before you get a 'career field' assigned.

DO YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST ON THE TESTS! That is very important, for it will open up more avenues for you. DO NOT take NO for an answer...get itnot the career field that you want (and your scores support). Many people 'allow' themselves to be 'shuttled-off' into career areas that are not that great - be a real pain in the ass with your counselor on this one - it will decide the next 4 years of your life. Be aware that a counselor can make any career area sound exciting...be sure to read all the descriptions of the career areas available to you closely (and insist on this - though reading military jargon is perhaps the most boring and fustrating thing in the world, you will thank me for this). Also, be sure to pick one (and make damned sure you get a choice...don't get 'bulldozed' on this!) that allows overseas travel. Try to get one that requires a high security clearance (unless you have major 'probs' in your background, i.e. trouble with police, schools, debt, etc). This clearance has a great worth in and out of the military (esp. if you decide to work for the government, or a company that works closely with the government afterwards). And it will open many 'doors', some to information, some to 'extra' training opportunities, some to higher rank (they don't like spending all that money on a high security clearance, and then letting them go...try to get a Top Secret SCI...one of the best!). This will mostly 'hang' together with the career field that you choose, so look at those that require such (although you must really read the career description...you don't want to end up guarding nuclear weapons...boring, and not much of a chance of getting a good job outside the military). Most of the really good careers have long schooling times...so be sure to remember this! If it has a short schooling time, irregardless of the title, it probably isn't good. Don't get conned by the counselor, here. They can make a janitor job sound exciting...don't allow yourself to be 'rushed'...take your time (counselors hate this, so try to keep it moderate...you don't want to piss him off, try to get him on your side...otherwise, he'll give you a piss-poor career field...such is the power of a counselor...and the next 4 years of your life are hell!).

YOUR CARRER

Keep your nose clean! No drugs, no addictions, if you smoke, then try to give it up...and don't get into any physical encounters. These can all be abrupt career stoppers, or worse. Develope good relations to the paper pushers (admin). They can do things for you, that no-one else can...networking in the military is a very good idea. Learn your chain of command, and use it. Try to avoid 'blowing the whistle' if you can...your 1st sergeant is normally the best way to solve any problems...aside from your supervisor.

Take advantage of any and all training opportuninities...that may open doors to more, and they are free! Try to gain rank early...there are many ways to accomplish this - more money, more responsibility, better opportunities - everyone likes a winner, nobody likes a loser...that goes double for the military. Get invloved in extra-caricular activities after work...that will help your ratings, and your networking immensely (though it is more work). If you can, combine a hobby (something you like to do in your free time) with this...

Learn the rules and regulations! I can't stress this enough. It's not what you know, it's what you don't know, that will hurt you most. In the military 'I didn't know that!' is not a valid excuse to avoid punishment...and most bases (postings) will have some 'special' rules that are not in the normal regs...at every 'new' move, get to know them ASAP! This actually happened to me in North Dakota (Grand Forks AFB...quit laughing!), as I had a car that broke down...engine gone. Well, they had a place for cars on the base, so I had it brought there...what I didn't know (hell, I was a young 19 at that time) was that on this base, one had to unregister the car not only with the state, but with the base, as well (well, I didn't know I had to unregister the damned car with the base!)...and it sat there for half a year...gaining ticket after ticket (whups!)...eventually, the first sergeant learned of this (yeah, the SPs - special police, the police for the Air Force 'informed' him)...well, he was not happy, I can tell you! First of all, I lost my driving priveliges on the base for a half a year ('I didn't know that!' didn't help me here), and got put on 'probation' (got lucky, had a really good first sergeant, it could have been much, much worse...a 'potential career stopper, here) - 'Probation' means, that if you do anything else wrong inside of the probation time, then it gets put in your records...ouch! Career stopper!

This was a great lesson to me, and one that I luckily didn't have to pay for with my career - that what you don't know, could bite you. Such a small thing, really, but it could have ruined my career (at worse, I could have been 'discharged'!). So don't forget to inform yourself! You don't want to leave the military with anything other than 'Honorary Discharge'...otherwise, your job chances are pretty bad...employers do look for this kinda stuff. 'Where were you for these 4 years?'...uhhmm...in Europe? Right. ' Which land in Europe? Which company...' just gets worse and worse...so don't forget this!

Well, that's a lot to read through, I'm sure there are more tips I could give you, but these are the most important that I can think of. Good luck, hope that helps.




[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 08-16-2002).]

geez, Chief.... ya done?


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I don't think its possible for Webbie to post something that you don't have to hit "Page Down" at least once to get all the way through...

Wow.....thanks for all the info WebShaman. I am going to take the test next week and they wanted me to join the next day but the Navy is the only one that I have looked into so far. I will probably check into the Air Force and see what they have to offer as well. I will probably just do the 4 years and get the money for school and get to school to further my education. I really appreciate it and it just gives me more to think about before I pick anything for certain.

fuck the army!

hahaha, the money for school is nothing... if you are just doing this for money for college, i'd say keep looking for a job in the civilian world and save up.
Unless of course you do as they say up there and get credit while in the servie, say for computer science.
Otherwise forget it... its a token amount that everyone is pissed about once they get into college, barely enough for rent of your apartment.

Do the math with your benefits. don't rush this. you could end up being pissed about 4 years lost.

Uhhh...that's simply not true. As I said, it's dependent on how one goes about it. One can (like me, for example) get a very nice benefits package. Mix that with NG after the regular service, and you can rack up some very good money...and you will have the opportunity to save money in the Military...after all, you don't pay rent, don't pay bills (unless you make them yourself), and don't have to pay for eating (unless you want to...ok, Army food is not that good...don't know about Navy and Marines - I've heard that the subbers in the Navy get really good chow, though - but the Air Force is pretty decent). You can save big for college...something you can't do in a 'normal' job. And, with a bit of nosing around, you can buy stocks - you have the money, why not let it make more for you. I did, and made a killing on AT&T stocks. However, there is always the risk.

One thing the Military is really good for is building your credit rating. Yeah, you got the money, so put it to use for a bit, and get that credit rating going.

Join the Peace Corps.

unfortunately as a member of the peace corps you do not get to kill foreign people who have ideological beliefs that differ from your own 'elected' dictator's fanciful and convoluted view of the world.

Advice #1: if you're joining for the money, don't. It's an entire lifestyle and if you're just doing it for the money, you're just gonna be one of those people that spend 90% of their time bitching..

If decide to ignore advice #1, you can probably come out ahead by following advice #2.

Advice #2: A little known fact- if you join the Army from now on (and probably other branches of the military, I'm not sure, though), they will eliminate *all* of your student loan debt. So- first inquire about the benefits to be sure, and- live well in college and the *after* getting your bachlor's join the Army as an officer.


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actually I was thinking that you could still sneak in killing a few wild animals. Its not the same but...

Don't you work in a lot of 3rd world areas in the Peace Corps?

Hell, you could kill off tons of those people and no one would ever know....

Dam its crowed in here!
*hides in the pill supply-room. Graps an bottle and starts to chew*

Well shit.

massacre was partly correct.
I work on missiles and bombs.... but I'm in the Air Force, not the Army.
Prior to signing up, I spent my time doing research on each of the services. (coast guard included)
I did the dance, and met with each of the recruiters, despite already having my mind mostly made up.

I think WebShaman makes some very good points in his first post, and he recommends many of the things that I would as well.

I think I'll just go down the line and toss in my comments from information that other people have already posted...

From moaiz's post -
You have to take the ASVAB reguardless........ so take the time right now, and do your homework for what branch you'd like to go into.
As far as the test being a "breeze".... hmm... quite frankly... for some people it's not.
I did think it was pretty damn easy.... and I scored quite high on it myself..... however, we're not all the same in common knowledge when categories like "mechanical" and "electrical" get thrown into the mix.
A good piece of advice offered up by moaiz, would be that if they ask about drug usage, give them the "nope... never" answer..... or the "I experimented 3 times" reply. You answer to this question can rule you out of being given a chance for many different career fields.
[I'd like to make a note here.... I did not tell you to lie... I simply said that someone else's advice, may be good advice. =) ]
Moaiz is also correct that they may try to swoop you right up and mebbe put some pressure on you to make a decision.
Just take your time to make the right one.
The military isn't goin' anywhere.... and the dotted line will still be available to you next week, should you decide to take that path.

Now, for my additional comments to WS's monsterous post...
He's right. WHY do you want to join? Ask yourself that question right now. Then ask yourself that question in a week...... and then again a week later. Ya really gotta know what you want out of this.
If education is a driving factor, then I really can't see myself making a reasonable argument for a branch of service other than the Air Force. But remember...... You'll get out of education, what effort you put in................. just like life.
I can't say I fully agree with WS's comments about the AF having the best training schools.
Futhermore.... about them being challenging... and the 80% drop-out rate..... mmmmmmmmmm... I don't think so. I've never heard that. Times may have changed... or I may simply not be in-tune with that information, as I do not work in a real computer related career field.
When you go to your "tech school" immidiately after basic training, you will be recieving college credits for whatever training you are completing.
(I think between basic training and tech school... I recieved another 21 college credits on top of what I already had)

WS's comment - "And the Air forces basic training is shorter than the others (6 weeks instead of 8-10), and it is not as 'physical' as the others...though much more 'strict'."
That's out-right, incorrect.
The Air Force's basic training is 7 weeks long (that changed a little more than a year ago, when they intigrated "warrior week")...
And saying that things are more "strict".... mmm.... that's a bold statement.

Ok... well... I guess I'll skew off on some tangents here...
If I sound like I'm promoting the Air Force, it's unintentional... I simply do not know how the other services work...
So here's the skinny...
In the AF, you can come in with a guarenteed job. (provided ASVAB scores are high enough)
DO NOT... and I repeat... DO NOT sign on the dotted line with a job reservation of "OPEN GENERAL". (that allows the AF to place you where ever they want.... which lately, has resulted in becoming a cop)
The AF has an overall better "quality of life" than other services. (Housing... food... etc..)

If you're looking to come in to the military for some educational benefits and to travel the world..... let's look at it like this...
Let's say you joined the AF and was guarenteed to come into "Munitions Systems" (my job).
You sign the dotted line... and you agree to a 4 year contract. You get an enlistment bonus of approximately (i'm guessing) $8,000 once you finish the tech school.
So you go to basic training in Texas for 7 weeks.
Then you go to a different base in Texas for tech school for 8 weeks....
and then you get your first real duty assignment.
60 days after getting there..... they give you $4,000 (taxed)
And over the course of your enlistment.... annually, you'll recieve the rest of your original enlistment bonus.
In the meantime.... you don't have to pay for food nessecarily (although I often don't go to the chow hall... so i pay for food all the damn time)
Housing is given to you (I live in a dorm... my suite-mate is a fuckin' tool.... and it's small) But I've got my computer, and I've got 56k access, baby.
If I get sick... I just go see the doctor..... and I never see a bill.
If I get fed up with shit.... I have to suck it up... I've got no choice... I just have to do my job. (and bitch the whole fuckin time.)

WebShaman made some other points that I don't particularly agree with.

quote:

---

A few tips - don't 'offer' any opinions, advice, or help - it will only work against you. DO NOT volunteer for anything...extra work, and the next time, you won't be asked, just assigned (and you won't earn any 'brownie' points in the group...a great way to get 'shagged'). DO NOT[ pick up the soap in the showers...bad idea. Just let it lie. DO NOT get drunk in the (rare) chances to drink (for example, if your group does really well in the various competitions, normally your group will get 'awarded' with such a 'chance'), for the next day, you'll be run into the ground (and with a hangover...well, I'm sure you can picture how that goes...the infamous 'death run'). Get 'religious'...will give you some 'extra' time on Sunday (in church), otherwise you'll be assigned to clean the barracks...learn to sleep whenever you can...sleep is a precious comodity...I would suggest you learn to sleep standing up, with your eyes open (yes, it is possible...I'm proof of it!). Never 'forget' anything, be it 'orders' from your drill sergeant, or papers, or whatever. You will pay dearly for such. Keep your mouth shut...nobody likes a loud mouth (and you will pay dearly for it). Always agree with your drill sergeant - do not piss him off. If he says something you don't like, keep it to yourself, for god's sake. Do your best to follow his advice - otherwise, you will pay dearly for it. It would be best if you can 'create' a second personality...it will save you from the 'brainwashing' (and yes, they will try, at every opportunity, to brainwash you...). Learn to keep your stuff in tip-top condition (boots spit-shined, clothes perfectly ironed, foled, and spiffy - your laundry bag is your best friend for this...). This is more than important, as the inspections are not pre-announced (surprise!). Keep one set of clothes in your locker, and 'live' out of your laundry bag as much as possible...this will help, immensely (tricks of the trade, hehe). Though many may prefer the 'reading at night with the flashlight under the blanket' thing, I wouldn't recommend it...you need that sleep! The morning will come much to soon...learn to eat fast - if you are not a fast eater, then learn. Now. Otherwise, you may not get much to eat! Get into physical condition (if you are not...and by military standards, you probably are not) now, before you join. This will be of great help...you'll thank yourself for this, believe me. How? Run alot (yes, you will run...like a rabbit!), do lots of exercise (pushups, situps)...get that gut into condition! Scoring well on the physical exams/comps is always good...you don't want to be the 'weak' link in the group, believe me!

---

First off... the first statement.
I said fuck all that.. and I volunteered for shit. It won't nessecarily work against you.
Help the sorry bastards around you. Some guys you can help through basic training, cause they need a little push..... others are beyond help... they'll sink themselves, and the training instructor will see it, and "remedy" the problem.
And no.... you won't score brownie points for anything.... even if you do volunteer.
Don't worry about the soap issue. Just bring the liquid soap, instead of a bar. Squirt a couple drops on one hand..... couple drops on your freshly shaved head.... and go get in line to take a shower with 8 other guys.
You'll never drink alcohol in basic training... so forget about that.
Most people "get religious" during basic training. It does give you some extra time off on sundays.
In my basic training flight, there were only 3 of us that didn't go to a church on sundays.
I was an "element leader"... and I spent that extra time going through everyone's wall lockers to ensure they'd pass inspection.
As far as sleep goes.....
mmmm... don't learn to sleep standing up..... they'll only catch ya... and you'll be in deeper shit.
Just learn not to sleep at all..... ya... you'll be just fine.
Some of it may suck..... but it'll be over before you know it.
Just "shut up and color".


As far as choosing a job, and choosing something with a high security clearence.... as WS said....
Although it may open many many doors....
Your job in the service may suck a lot worse because of it.
No one likes to be called into work in the early hours of the morning....... or not being able to leave the vicintiy of the base because you're on "standby".
I'd toss the whole security clearence issue out the window.
If you're doing this on a 4 year stint.... then dammit.... pick something that intrigues you.
I looked at the list.... and I said.... "ooo... explosives.. yay!".
Seeing as I was only planning on a 4 year enlistment, and getting out of the AF.... I signed on the dotted line..... got my guarenteed job...... then 12 days later, I left for basic training. It happened that quick.
Jobs with short technical schools are not all shitty, as WS has eluded to.
The career counselors can definately make a janitorial job sound pretty damn good...... so just be selective, and smart.

You'll get enough "career advice" in basic training and such.... you don't need to hear my philosophies.
I go to work... and I work hard.
When I'm not at work... I use common sense, and good judgment to keep myself out of trouble. It's that simple.
I've set a few goals for myself on the way.... just to keep from stagnation.

I believe Petskull is a bit off with his post...
To the best of my knowledge, no one is "elminating" student loan debt.
What they are doing, however..... is offering 100% tuition assistance.
So basically.... if you decide to take some college courses while serving, you can take the classes for free. (provided you don't fail them)
And of course....all you have to do is sign one little paper to save up for the MGIB... (montgomery GI bill).. which is what will help you continue your education after you've seperated from the armed services.

If you've got more questions about any of this (air force in specific)... don't hesistate to email me.
I'm leaving for Germany first thing tomorrow morning.... and I won't be checking the email in my profile,
however, I will be checking this email addy.... bkwrdsdrvr@hotmail.com
I too am at a point of decision with the military.
I'm approaching the end of my 4 year enlistment.... and I'm torn as to whether or not I should re-enlist.......
So I'm wieghing options just like you are....
I'm seeing both the good and the bad...
and not to mention, I've got the extra info that you may not know.

Anyway... that's enough crap in one post.
Shoot me an email if you want.

(i'm notorious for leaving out words in the middle of sentences.... but I'm not going to proof-read this 'cause I'm lazy)

*bzzzzzzzzzzz......... whummmm.... whummmmmmm*

WOW..............any more questons?.. i didnt think so

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ too ..... heh just joking with ya, michael


[This message has been edited by massacre (edited 08-17-2002).]

Marine Corps is by far the toughest of the services. Longest basic training (and hardest). A Marine is a Marine is a Marine ... doesn't matter too much what your job title is; you will still be a warrior first and foremost.

I served alongside some blueberries (air force folks) and yes, they had it much better than we jarheads did. Much better chow and living conditions. On the other hand, I did also understand that air force promotions are few and far between.

Serving in the Marine Corps is a matter of pride. Pay attention the next time you go on a road trip to the cars around you. Count how many have some type of Marine Corps sticker and how many stickers for other branches of service there are. If you look around long enough you will start noticing Marine Corps stickers everywhere, but rarely will you see stickers for other services (unless you are near a base or something). There is just an overwhelming sense of pride in being a Marine. No other branch of service can compare. If you want a comparatively cushy military life, then definitely go with the Air Force (no offense intended ... ) But if you are looking for a challenge in life ... if you want to feel like you really accomplished something .. consider the Marines.

I agree with the folks' suggestions above about enlisting. Never, ever rush into enlisting! I served with recruiters for over three years. They WILL lie, cheat, and steal. They have a quota to meet each and every month. They don't fill the quota, they get in trouble and no excuse in the world will help them. So they are under severe pressure to get folks to sign on that dotted line. You need to make them sweat ... make them EARN your signature! And never, ever go with an open contract ... make sure to pick your job and have it guaranteed in writing. I know the other folks have already said all this, but it is important enough to mention again!

I went into the Marines as a Combat Correspondent (a glorified photojournalist). Without that job, I doubt I would have like being in the service very much. I got a lot of good schooling and experience that have helped me out now that I am a civilian. Choose your job carefully. What skills does an infantryman have to lean on in the civilian world?

Good luck with whatever you finally decide!

Cell Number: 494

"What skills does an infantryman have to lean on in the civilian world?"

Postman?


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ICQ: 67751342

Hey! I think I went blind...
Right after reading WebShaman's post, it started getting fuzzy...


Between you, you've convinced me that the best thing I never did, was to join the armed forces.
Sounds like a hot trip to hell.

I was Air Force. Wanna eat good....go there. Want the best looking ladies.....go there. Anyway.......
As long as you do your job and don't jerk off the big guys......the military is a breeze, just get used to people telling you what to do and when to do it. And don't get in a hurry......the services are by god not in a hurry for anything.

I was also in the Army National Guard.......can you say Jerrys Kids ????? Enough said.


Overseas duty is the best too.......tons of fun. And Uncle pays for the travel.


Good luck with your decision.

Well, between WS and michael, I think just about all the points have been covered (at least twice, from a few different perspectives)... But since I feel like posting something, here's my 2 cents...

If you want to shine like a star and gain rank fast, go Army.
If you want to get into nuclear tech and the like, go Navy.
If you want to eat/sleep/live well (relatively, that is), go Air Force.
If you don't like taking orders regarding almost every aspect of your life, don't go.

Like I said, just my 2 cents. And of course these are are very big generalizations, so take it with a grain of salt...

All righty, I posted something, I feel better

PS. If you're a liberal democrat fruit/nut from either coast, go Peace Corps. lol, jk... maybe...

Michael: Thank you for your big post on this. Any and all information is good to me I weigh it all. I am going to talk to the Air Force recruiter this week. I am going to take the ASVAB in a few days and I am not going to join the Navy like the recruiter wants me to do. I don't want to get myself stuck into something that I won't like to be doing for years. It is looking like the Air Force is the way that I might go for this because I do want to get a good education and I think that this would be a great opportunity for me to use the options and the goverment to the fullest to get the education that I want and get to see some of the world and mostly for free and just work my butt off and get something out of it while I can.

Thanks again eveybody for responding.

just a little update.....I took my ASVAB's and did ok I could have done better in math but seeing I havent really had to use it in almost 4 years I am really rusty on that side but eveything else was pretty good to me.

I talked to the Air Force and the recruiter said that because of a tattoo that I have I might not be able to join?! I can't believe they are serious....he said that it shouldnt cover more then 25% of a bodypart...so he took pics and is going to ask his boss and another offense I had with the law about me smoking some stuff may disqualify me from entering the AF....he said that if I was willing to do my part and show him that I wanted to be in the AF he would try and push me through with a waiver.......I just hope that I can get into the AF it is the idea place...it sounds like I would enjoy it and is the best out of all the 4 branches that I can see. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can get in with them and that these things won't hold me back at all.

Peace

Mmm... yah... they blow that "tattoo nonsense" out of proportion.
I wouldn't be too worried about that disqualifying you.
The "offense with the law" that you speak of, however, could disqualify you from being eligible for certain career fields.

Keep us posted.

Well the offense will most likely eliminate me from any security jobs at all. I just hope that it doesnt rule out a lot of jobs that I would like to get that are computer related.

I will definitly keep you posted hopefully I will find out on Monday more info if I can get in or not.

Peace

Yup, say good-bye to that security clearance...oh well, as Michael said, there are other jobs in the Aif Force that don't require one. Mine, however, did. I was a Computer Technician. My School was 10 months long, plus 2 months of schooling on the system that I got assigned to. We used to poke fun at the '6 week wonders' that just 'breezed' through training school...I went to Keesler AFB for my training...(Buloxi, Mississippi). My class started out with 40 trainees, ended up with 5 of us graduating...the others either got re-cycled (means that either they graduate with the next class, or get moved to another career area). So, yeah, 80% wash-out rate, just as they said in the Prep. I graduated with a 98.995%, missed an Outstanding Achievement award by .005% (99%). Bummer. Because of my long 'stay', I got to be a 'rope' (green rope, bay chief). Nice priveledges - got to leave the base on weekends, could pull 249's from others (and I could let them 'dissappear' from the inbox, as well...hehe...), got to assign others to do yard duty, and clean the bay...and lead the Flight on marches (and exercises). All in all, not bad. The women for the Admin career were in the building on the other side from ours...thus, the '6 week wonders' thing (Admin training school is 6 weeks)...yum. Being able to leave the base on weekends, and being able to take someone with me, worked wonders...hehe...

And, of course, after I did a 'tour' with SAC - got assigned to Space Command...and Space Command is really cool. Get to work with lots of civvies...all either engineers, or such. Was loads of fun (and much more 'relaxed' than the normal Air Force). And Space Command has some of the best computer systems...yum.

I was talking to the Navy and I took a practice ASVAB (its called an EST i think) and i scored a 95. They were talking to be about nuclear power school and stuff like that. They were making the deal sound pretty sweet, but thats their job. Maybe Navy is something I could fall back on.

Keesler AFB! When I was stationed in New Orleans, we would go to Keesler for any major medical appointments. The Navy medical facilities were not the best in New Orleans ...

Got stopped for speeding a time or two as I zipped up the interstate, late for a damn appointment.

Cell Number: 494

BeeKay, you were in New Orleans? Ever do the Maudi Gra thing? When were you there?

mmm... interesting comments you made in your post about "6 week wonders", WS.
My tech school, being rather short, I have a few comments to make about that.
In the 8 weeks I was at tech school, they gave me the general knowledge that goes into my career field.
While they may have sat you guys down for 10 months and trained you on a lot of specifics, it simply isn't realistic to do that with a lot of other career fields.
I might work on missiles at one base... and then work on bombs at another.
Hell... I could even end up working as a pansy mechanic that only works on trailers all day. There's no real way to tell.
Making comments like "6 week wonders" sounds like ignorance to me.
Seriously.... don't we all wish we could get through our training as quick as possible..??... it's the on-the-job-training that we get the most out of anyway...... not the schooling.
I have no doubt your tech school was difficult, and I commend you for your efforts.

As far as becoming a "rope"... I don't see it as all that much of an "honor".
I was a "green rope" in tech school as well. I just kinda decided to try my hand at becoming one due to the fact that every other "rope" was a pompous asshole.... and for some rediculous reason, I wanted to try to change that pattern. Silly me.
They gave me the "yellow rope" the day before I left tech school.
The "rope" doesn't carry with it the privledges that maybe it once did.
Most of the people that try to get one, are just kids who wanna act like TI's.
It doesn't carry special off-base time, or anything like that....
However, you can still pull 341's (you referred to them as 249's... I'm sure they're the same thing).
I don't think I took more than 2 of them.... and they were both submitted for people doing a good deed, rather than being a jackass.

So ya.
That's about all I wanted to add.

*bzzzzzzzzzzz......... whummmm.... whummmmmmm*

I think that's just something we tell ourselves to make ourselves feel better... I was a Ft. Huachuca for 9 months at Intel school while people I went to basic with studied to be a gas bunny or a flight controller for a couple of weeks.... however, the CI/Electronic Warfare guys were there for a little over a year, so I guess they made fun of *us* when they needed to...

you know, you make shit up while you're away- especially the longer you're away...
you convince yourself that you're 'in love' and all kinda of bullshit....

The real military doesn't start until you get to your unit, anyway....

My unit's cool... what about yours?


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Yup, was in New Orleans about 1990 to 1994. Lived for a couple of months in the barracks, but quickly moved out. Got an apartment in the French Quarter for about 2 years, so I do know all about Mardi Gras. The stuff I have seen ...

Then I got married and moved to the West Bank for my remaining time there. New Orleans can be a fun place to be when you're young and single, but is a horrible place to raise a family!

My training school was a little over three months. And true to what the others are saying, the real learning happens at your first duty station. Many folks told me "All that stuff you learned in school ... forget it; it's useless." They were partly right. School training, in my experience, had very little to do with daily work realities. It sets a foundation and that is all.

Cell Number: 494

Have to agree with Michael on a couple of points...first of all, it is ideed a 349 (and not a 241...sorry. Been awhile). Second, he's right about the 'pomp' involving ropes...I was a green rope, then comes yellow, then red. Was never yellow, or red. The reason? Well, mostly, it's about sucking up to the TI. As a green rope, my 'extra' duties included our bay (that's why greens are normally called bay chiefs). Well, one gets inspected on a regular basis...as if one didn't have enough to do with all that schooling...well, I used my 'authority' to help my bay members have an easier time of it...and arranged studying sessions. Because of this, my bay almost always came last on the inspections...and the other ropes (and the TI) hated that. But my bay was happy. I also headed off problems before they got to the TI...when I was able to. As time went by, most bay members who had problems came to me first. As a result, my bay 'worked' better together, and was pretty laid back. Which pretty much goes against the whole idea of ropes...they being really just a means for the TI to hold his 'flight' under control. So the ropes get 'encouraged' to be ***holes...and to report 'problems' to the TI at every opportunity...my TI really didn't like me at all, after awhile...hehe...so I was always being 'harrassed by the yellows, and the red. So what. Nothing they could really do...just words. My people were happy. That was important to me. Because after Tech school, most of those 'silly' rules are gone...except on a SAC base (does SAC still exist? *shudder*). Talk about paranoia...whew! Ok, working with Nukes, I can usderstand some of that...but being on call 24 hours a day...and all the 'exercises'...esp. middle of the night 'I'm sorry, but you are a casualty, and you have to report to the casualty center...' 'But it's 3 in the morning!' 'Get moving!'...man, I really hated that...as a matter of fact, I really hated SAC...

Space Command was like entering another world...totally different. No exercises, no inspections, no paranoia. Of course, the mission was much more important, and a lot more stressful. But that's where the pride comes from...doing a difficult and stressful job well, and getting acknowledged for it. I loved being in Space Command. Where enlisted and Officers rub shoulders...something that never occurs on a SAC base. We didn't even call them sir, unless it was during a 'formal' briefing...you see the same guys everyday. 'Hey Tom, how's it going? Everything ok in the world today?' Man, I loved that job...

But then came the war...

So thanks Michael, for the corrections and the insights. Many things have gotten a bit 'foggy' with the mists of time...brings back a lot of old memories...

Also, he's mostly right about on-the-job training...yeah, that's where the 'real' Air Force starts...unless one ends up on a SAC base...finally getting transferred to Space Command was a godsend...as for my trianing on new systems...well, because of the nature of the systems that I worked on (main frames, supercomputers, etc), I had to go to training school for every new system...which was kinda nice. I also had to go to Advanced Digital Techniques school after 1 1/2 years into my 'regular' time...after Tech school. The school was 3 months long, but very nice...not nearly as rough as Tech school. So my career was spend mostly either working on computer systems, or going to training school...a lot of both, actually. In SAC, I got to work on the systems that control the Nukes...minuteman missles. Down in the silos...thank you, security clearance. Got to drive alot (North Dakota is big!). Leaving Grand Forks AFB was great. Off to Austrailia...to a 'classified' posting. Always kinda interesting...on the travel orders is just a number...

As for off-base privileges...well, that depends on how long the Tech school is...I think. For us, it was normally after 3 months...but as a rope, I got it a bit earlier (two weeks, I think). Michael is also correct that one can pull a 349 for something good...and sometimes I did...but that really doesn't have all that much of an impact, really. The bad ones do, however. Having the authority to 'remove' bad 349s from the 'in-box' is much better...saved a lot of guys in my bay from trouble that way (esp. when one considers some of the bull**** things ropes pull 349s for).

As for the '6 week wonder' thing...well, I guess that is a 'normal' reaction from a group that has to stay in Tech school for almost a year...and in the 'training' mode, while others breeze in and out...every 6 weeks, new faces...fresh from bootcamp.

Off-base priveleges were limited to the weekend only. And, of course, the 'no fratinization' rule was in effect. Which basically means one cannot 'associate' with the normal base personnel. However, off-base, that was different (for me, anyway...I used to spend a lot of time with one of my Instructors, at his house off-base. We used to play D&D on weekends...and that good, southern cooking...man, his wife could cook!). It was a lot of fun, and really helped 'get away' from all that official 'blah blah' stuff that the Air Force rams down your throat at every turn...of course, we never told anyone about this...

[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 08-26-2002).]

I got busted for fraternization.

Twice.

Got busted down to E-2. Stupid rule....

(For those who don't know, in training 'fratinization' doesn't mean the same thing)


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