Army?

[dReWpY]

who knows something about it?

i am thinking about going in as a officer since i have 2 degrees already.

i am going to talk to a recruiter tomorrow.

i am pretty much open to any of the branches and want to know your opinion of each, i know we have alot of different people in various stages of enlistment.

[Rangerscott]

Do you have any positions in mind?

I ride with an army guy. He did two tours in afgan, hes behind a desk now. Hes also not enjoying the pay cut or whatever that crap is all about.

[derf]

There are one or two of us here in the Army, I think I'm the senior Army guy, but Jason is an Airforce officer and might be able to give you some other insights. I'll PM you my number.

generally its pretty straight forward, part or all of your student loan obligations based on your commitment (3-6 yr & reserve vs active), more if you do more years and more for active vs reserve. That is in addition to your pay, plus other monies and benefits. You need to be 30 yrs or less for active, 35 for reserve.

If you are looking to go full time, starting pay is around 40k plus housing/or housing allowance. the general equivalent for a lieutenant is that their pay and benefits equal about 70k year, you also get medical for you and your family (kids). Plus a host of other benefits too.

Call me if you have any questions.

[Porkchop]

There are one or two of us here in the Army, I think I'm the senior Army guy, but Jason is an Airforce officer and might be able to give you some other insights. I'll PM you my number.

generally its pretty straight forward, part or all of your student loan obligations based on your commitment (3-6 yr & reserve vs active), more if you do more years and more for active vs reserve. That is in addition to your pay, plus other monies and benefits. You need to be 30 yrs or less for active, 35 for reserve.

If you are looking to go full time, starting pay is around 40k plus housing/or housing allowance. the general equivalent for a lieutenant is that their pay and benefits equal about 70k year, you also get medical for you and your family (kids). Plus a host of other benefits too.

Call me if you have any questions.

We see a ton of girls around here marry for the army money. Not sure if its prevalent everywhere else, but we knew plenty of chicks that bounce from army guy to army guy. But shit, college paid for, rent paid for, and spending allowance... all while hubby is overseas? No wonder. My best friends ex left him for one, and then while he was overseas, found another. Now she's married and moving to Hawaii....

[derf]

We see a ton of girls around here marry for the army money. Not sure if its prevalent everywhere else, but we knew plenty of chicks that bounce from army guy to army guy. But shit, college paid for, rent paid for, and spending allowance... all while hubby is overseas? No wonder. My best friends ex left him for one, and then while he was overseas, found another. Now she's married and moving to Hawaii....

Yeh thats nothing new, been going on for the 14 years I've been in and I'm sure its been going on before that too.

My professional opinion, give a bunch of 18 year olds a bunch of cash, some freedom, treat them like adults and some local girls that want to get out of their podunk-hometown, who are willing to spread their legs for the first guy that comes along waving a ring.

[dReWpY]

Well currently I have a knocked up gf who is needing me to step up to the plate, we aren't getting married just. Yet but I'm hoping before my ass gets shipped out it happpens

[derf]

Well currently I have a knocked up gf who is needing me to step up to the plate, we aren't getting married just. Yet but I'm hoping before my ass gets shipped out it happpens

The career field you are looking at depends on your interests, if it were me I would go with these:

engineer - building and blowing stuff up
signal - computers, phones, satellites, radios, communication stuff
trans - transportation logistics
MP - you get to be a cop, and a dick cop too
military intelligence - maps, intelligence, security clearance stuff
aviation - fly helicopters


I would stay away from these:

finance - money blech, its all accounting
adjudent general - crap, all human resource stuff
most of the combat arms


Since you have your degree in biology, you might want to look into veterinary corps, do work with animals.

Also dont limit yourself to just Army, look into the Air force too, its harder to get in, but the standard of living is a little better too.

[Porkchop]

A buddy of mine builds bombs and missles somewhere in BFN Montana. He will never see combat unless we are invaded. Sounds like a cool gig.

Stay the hell away from aviation. Had a friend of a friend go down in one in afghanistan.

[derf]

A buddy of mine builds bombs and missles somewhere in BFN Montana. He will never see combat unless we are invaded. Sounds like a cool gig.

Not true, everybody has a chance of going, some more than others. If he builds bombs then he probably fixes them too, somebodys gotta fix them





Stay the hell away from aviation. Had a friend of a friend go down in one in afghanistan.

Its all a dangerous proffession

[VatorMan]

I'd go Air Force or Navy long before I'd go Army. Or talk to all 4 and see which one you get the best deal.

[Mr Lefty]

I'd go Air Force or Navy long before I'd go Army. Or talk to all 4 and see which one you get the best deal.

I've got 9 years in the AF, and I'd go Army if I had to do it all again. Air Force is spoiled, and full of bitches and whiners who agree to enlist (or commission) but then cry because it's not a 9-5.

I've seriously thought about doing the blue-green program, but, I'd take a pay cut, and don't feel like going through training again.

Now from an officer stand point, no idea... though we do/did have an army officer here, I think it was one of Dave's or maybe Tallywacker's friends... but he stopped posting shortly after he commissioned and deployed.. :idk:

[Dave]

I've got 9 years in the AF, and I'd go Army if I had to do it all again. Air Force is spoiled, and full of bitches and whiners who agree to enlist (or commission) but then cry because it's not a 9-5.

I've seriously thought about doing the blue-green program, but, I'd take a pay cut, and don't feel like going through training again.

Now from an officer stand point, no idea... though we do/did have an army officer here, I think it was one of Dave's or maybe Tallywacker's friends... but he stopped posting shortly after he commissioned and deployed.. :idk:

Probably Tally's.

Drewp, don't listen to derf. You already have degrees and marketable skills so there's no reason NOT to go combat arms. Tell them you want to be Armor branch. You're gonna deploy anyway, you wanna be in some shitty humvee or the baddest motherfucker on the planet?

Just don't let your hat out of your sight at your first gunnery

[the chi]

Well currently I have a knocked up gf who is needing me to step up to the plate, we aren't getting married just. Yet but I'm hoping before my ass gets shipped out it happpens

Sweetheart, you wont get in overnight, most likely she'll have the babies before you ever get sent anywhere other than basic or training school. Just so you know tho, unless you are married, she probably wont get jack as far as health care. I think the babies could be covered after birth, but the Dr. Appts, hospital visit, etc wont be unless you've gotten married and gotten her enrolled in the health care system.


Since you have your degree in biology, you might want to look into veterinary corps, do work with animals.

Also dont limit yourself to just Army, look into the Air force too, its harder to get in, but the standard of living is a little better too.


Exactly what he said. All my uncles were Army, I've got friends in the Navy, you aren't really Marine material (too soft and teddy bearish :wink:) and Air Force is by far the best IMO.

[Trip]

WIC should cover a lot of it, don't marry her til after the babies are born and she should get better benefits. WIC got my sister through her first kid, once she got married and her husband started making better money they lost all the WIC benefits and made it harder on them when they started having more kids.

[OneSickPsycho]

With all those degrees, don't you have other options?

[Trip]

Once I get down to River Ops in Chattanooga at the end of summer, I will try and get you a contact to get your resume over here to TVA and get into River Ops. A nice cushy gov job.

[marko138]

Wow, kids do strange things to a man.

[smileyman]

Like to travel do you?

If'n it were me I would want to be in a M-1 Abrams. None lost to combat is what I heard. Several deployed in 2 gulf wars, so pretty good record, basically IED proof.

But you know...Once you see that kid and your gorgeous wife/girlfriend together you really won't want to be sweating it out in some hostile environment wondering about how they are managing. Just saying.

I suppose another option if I were in your situation would be Navy. Long months at sea cooped up on a ship full of horny sweaty guys. Nothing but the weather changes to mark the passing time.

Yeah I would hate to be working an 8 to five for the same pay even without the benefits, coming home to an evening of playing with the kid and snuggling that hottie...Just sayin'

[Dave]

Like to travel do you?

If'n it were me I would want to be in a M-1 Abrams. None lost to combat is what I heard. Several deployed in 2 gulf wars, so pretty good record, basically IED proof.

But you know...Once you see that kid and your gorgeous wife/girlfriend together you really won't want to be sweating it out in some hostile environment wondering about how they are managing. Just saying.

I suppose another option if I were in your situation would be Navy. Long months at sea cooped up on a ship full of horny sweaty guys. Nothing but the weather changes to mark the passing time.

Yeah I would hate to be working an 8 to five for the same pay even without the benefits, coming home to an evening of playing with the kid and snuggling that hottie...Just sayin'

Some have been lost. And nothing is IED proof. Nothing like that Godlike feeling of power you get crewing one though. I still fiend for it, its the only thing that would have kept me active

[Cory]

My hubby just enlisted, but he's active duty. He had a lot of OCS wash-outs end up in his MOS...lucky him redflip

[Particle Man]

Wow, kids do strange things to a man.

Yes.

[dReWpY]

Wow, kids do strange things to a man.

This, quoted for truth

[tached1000rr]

Wow, kids do strange things to a man.

changes your whole perspective

[marko138]

changes your whole perspective
:lol: That's one way to put it.

[wildchild]

i was in the army but, it was many moons ago. oldest son went Army and is now on disability.
i loved the Army myself but my son hated it. i think it depends more on the type of person you are as to which one you go into. i wanted my son to go AF as that was his style. i have friends who were marines and you can tell right away they would be marines.
my thoughts when i went in were if i was going to be there i might as well blow shit up. LOL i took Artillery.

[Dave]

i was in the army but, it was many moons ago. oldest son went Army and is now on disability.
i loved the Army myself but my son hated it. i think it depends more on the type of person you are as to which one you go into. i wanted my son to go AF as that was his style. i have friends who were marines and you can tell right away they would be marines.
my thoughts when i went in were if i was going to be there i might as well blow shit up. LOL i took Artillery.

too much math

[smileyman]

changes your whole perspective

And it hasnt even got here yet...

[Particle Man]

:lol: That's one way to put it.

Yeah: you start to hallucinate from lack of sleep :lol:

[the chi]

Drewpy, from J: wanna travel the world (read:desert), be gone for a year at a time, never see your family and have a thousand folks to be responsible for leading? Go Army.

Wanna see your family, have a life outside of work and see some cool damn places? Go Airforce.

Keep in mind, things are completely different for an officer than an enlisted member.


You got my number still? He says call and he'll be happy to talk with you about it.

[wildchild]

my bro in law is navy. he's done very little time out on tour. keeps signing up for new schools and getting new skills. he seems to enjoy it, been in 10 years now, i think he's been out 1 yr of it. rest of it was in San Diego and Florida. Can't say it sounds like a bad gig.

Dave artillery has one of the lowest MOS numbers you know what that means. LOL

[Captain Morgan]

Haven't read the responses...but Air Force. Not just because I was in, but because it's more like a regular job. I've had 3 relatives in the Army and all wish they'd gone AF instead.

[Rangerscott]

Ive been around air force guys, gals, and their kids. Someget stationed at one base and theyve never had to move. Some get transfered occasionaly but I never met some one ortheir child that said they moved all the time.

Ive always been told Navy if you wanna see the world, air force if you dont like moving, army if you dont mind getting dirty, and marines if you dont want to live.

My oldest bro had a friend join the marines after high school. He was over seas when we first started the war on terrorism. The things they had to do and the things he saw are unimagionable. He did his 4 years and did not re-enlist. I got a family friend in the Navy and he is in a sub. Nothing like spending months under water. Last ai heard he liked it and relisted. I have a friend from my old job join the army. I havent talked to him in over 4 years. I dont even know if he ever made it back. I have another friend that I grew up with join the airforce. He got stationed in Florida and worked on the warthogs. He eventually got tired of it and some bs and got out.

[racedoll]

who knows something about it?

i am thinking about going in as a officer since i have 2 degrees already.

i am going to talk to a recruiter tomorrow.

i am pretty much open to any of the branches and want to know your opinion of each, i know we have alot of different people in various stages of enlistment.

I think only you can make the decision on which branch is best for you. Go talk to all the recruiters and see what they have to offer.

You also need to decide if you want to go active duty or reserve. If I'm not mistaken you aren't much younger than me, so you might be forced to go a certain direction unless you get an age waiver.

Whatever you do, don't make a hasty decision since you have others depending on you. Think it through completely.

[Dave]

my bro in law is navy. he's done very little time out on tour. keeps signing up for new schools and getting new skills. he seems to enjoy it, been in 10 years now, i think he's been out 1 yr of it. rest of it was in San Diego and Florida. Can't say it sounds like a bad gig.

Dave artillery has one of the lowest MOS numbers you know what that means. LOL

Yeah, even lower than us DATs :lol y'all can still look down on mortars and grunts tho :lol:

[wildchild]

Haven't read the responses...but Air Force. Not just because I was in, but because it's more like a regular job. I've had 3 relatives in the Army and all wish they'd gone AF instead.

Capt I say this with respect. not to slam you or your relatives. i had a few friends who were AF they loved it and I respected their opinion.

that said, I was Army as said, I would rather be a homeless wino rather then have been in AF. That is just my opinion, not everyone would agree but I would never pick AF over Army for me personally.

[wildchild]

Yeah, even lower than us DATs :lol y'all can still look down on mortars and grunts tho :lol:

yeah there weren't many lower then us. LOL

So what is DAT air defense? that was one of my other choices, but too long of a wait list.
reenlistment option was linguist but i decided to get out. like most i regret that choice. LOL

[tallywacker]

<----SSGT Pittman

3/320th FA 3rd brigade 101st AB
S-6 Shop leader

What do you want to do? Any military officer position experience will open a wealth of jobs to you later in life. Army is one of the fastest track to promotion's because of how large the Army is, of course you are going to have to be on point physically and mentally to succeed.

[dReWpY]

Capt I say this with respect. not to slam you or your relatives. i had a few friends who were AF they loved it and I respected their opinion.

that said, I was Army as said, I would rather be a homeless wino rather then have been in AF. That is just my opinion, not everyone would agree but I would never pick AF over Army for me personally.

why?

[Dave]

yeah there weren't many lower then us. LOL

So what is DAT air defense? that was one of my other choices, but too long of a wait list.
reenlistment option was linguist but i decided to get out. like most i regret that choice. LOL

Dumb Ass Tanker. Though these days I'm a cavalry scout. Less weight more stealing :lol

why?

Self respect.

[tallywacker]

Self respect.

Yeeeeeep

[wildchild]

why?

this is simply my explanation for myself. as i said I wanted to blow things up. only one way to do that in AF. Fly jets. if you can't fly jets you are a support person. you can work on planes or guard planes, or feed pilots, but overall, the guys that ARE the Air Force fly jets.
they do have very nice barracks. Very comfy jobs, seldom go to the field, if ever.
believe I took a lot of razzing from friends who were AF when I had to spend 30 days in the field while they went to work every day and came home.
you have to decide what kind of person you are. recruiters will all tell you that you are perfect for their team.
as i said i recommended my older son go AF. I knew he wouldn't like the field, the running, the Army basically. He hated it, not sure why he didn't do AF except because I said he should. LOL
personally I think your reason for joining is completely wrong but that's a different discussion. your GF gets pregnant so you want to sign up for a job that may cost you your life? may take you on extended tour away from home. Wives aren't always allowed and no military force cares if you're married.

yes there is a steady paycheck and a secure job BUT no one gives you that without a great risk of sacrifice. Make sure you can afford the "real" price you may have to pay for that check. My son is 100% disabled for life. it can happen.

[wildchild]

Dumb Ass Tanker. Though these days I'm a cavalry scout. Less weight more stealing :lol




forgot about them. you aren't too far above us then. LOL

Calvary :rockwoot: had a buddy try to get there, couldn't swing it.

[tallywacker]

We had a cav battalion in my brigade. Lost the most guys.

[fatbuckRTO]

Well currently I have a knocked up gf who is needing me to step up to the plate, we aren't getting married just. Yet but I'm hoping before my ass gets shipped out it happpens
Speaking as an enlisted man; if this is your sole or even primary reason for joining the service, please do not become an Army or Marine Corps officer.

I've answered to Army officers throughout my career, though I was enlisted in the Marine Corps and the Navy (the Army is too fucking big to avoid them). There are too goddamn many officers in general who very obviously joined for the wrong fucking reasons and never once stopped to consider the fact that they might be leading men in war. The Army and Marine Corps are the absolute wrong services to blunder in to a leadership position half-cocked, and apparently officer training doesn't do much in terms of teaching leadership traits to those who don't already have them.

If you're just looking for a job, join the Air Force. Maybe the Navy, though the benefits are absolutely better in the Air Force. For instance, they get extra pay for staying in other services' barracks because they consider it sub-standard housing.

If you want to be where the buck stops, if you want to be responsible for the action and lives of 30 people or more right out the gate, then be an Army officer. If you think you can put the needs of your men ahead of your own needs, but above all put the mission first, be an Army officer. Otherwise, as a favor to every enlisted man in the country, since apparently we can't keep from answering to the Army in one shape or form, stay the fuck out.

[Rangerscott]

If you're gonna go Army or Marines, I suggest you play Modern Warfare 1 & 2 as they are the most realistic simulators. These two games have trained thousands of "potential" males into war machines. I never leave home without my copies.

[dReWpY]

Speaking as an enlisted man; if this is your sole or even primary reason for joining the service, please do not become an Army or Marine Corps officer.

I've answered to Army officers throughout my career, though I was enlisted in the Marine Corps and the Navy (the Army is too fucking big to avoid them). There are too goddamn many officers in general who very obviously joined for the wrong fucking reasons and never once stopped to consider the fact that they might be leading men in war. The Army and Marine Corps are the absolute wrong services to blunder in to a leadership position half-cocked, and apparently officer training doesn't do much in terms of teaching leadership traits to those who don't already have them.

If you're just looking for a job, join the Air Force. Maybe the Navy, though the benefits are absolutely better in the Air Force. For instance, they get extra pay for staying in other services' barracks because they consider it sub-standard housing.

If you want to be where the buck stops, if you want to be responsible for the action and lives of 30 people or more right out the gate, then be an Army officer. If you think you can put the needs of your men ahead of your own needs, but above all put the mission first, be an Army officer. Otherwise, as a favor to every enlisted man in the country, since apparently we can't keep from answering to the Army in one shape or form, stay the fuck out.


Respect

[Rangerscott]

Speaking as an enlisted man; if this is your sole or even primary reason for joining the service, please do not become an Army or Marine Corps officer.

I've answered to Army officers throughout my career, though I was enlisted in the Marine Corps and the Navy (the Army is too fucking big to avoid them). There are too goddamn many officers in general who very obviously joined for the wrong fucking reasons and never once stopped to consider the fact that they might be leading men in war. The Army and Marine Corps are the absolute wrong services to blunder in to a leadership position half-cocked, and apparently officer training doesn't do much in terms of teaching leadership traits to those who don't already have them.

If you're just looking for a job, join the Air Force. Maybe the Navy, though the benefits are absolutely better in the Air Force. For instance, they get extra pay for staying in other services' barracks because they consider it sub-standard housing.

If you want to be where the buck stops, if you want to be responsible for the action and lives of 30 people or more right out the gate, then be an Army officer. If you think you can put the needs of your men ahead of your own needs, but above all put the mission first, be an Army officer. Otherwise, as a favor to every enlisted man in the country, since apparently we can't keep from answering to the Army in one shape or form, stay the fuck out.


I always wondered the ratio of people that actually want to be in the military and others that don't.

You can't always blame them. A person gets all hyped up about joining because of what a recruiter tells them or maybe their already enlisted friend or the pressure from other relatives serving. But yes, I'm sure they're are a lot that should have never even thought about joining.

[No Worries]

I always wondered the ratio of people that actually want to be in the military and others that don't...

I didn't want to be, but I was drafted. Never drove a car in my life and they put me in Armor school, driving a tank. Was in Mechanized Infantry in Nam driving a flame thrower. Offered me a promotion and big bucks at the time to stay in, but the Army was pretty weird then. And probably still is.

I went to college on the GI Bill and got a great job with the Govt. doing stuff you can't do anywhere else. Why not look there: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/

[Dave]

I didn't want to be, but I was drafted. Never drove a car in my life and they put me in Armor school, driving a tank. Was in Mechanized Infantry in Nam driving a flame thrower. Offered me a promotion and big bucks at the time to stay in, but the Army was pretty weird then. And probably still is.

I went to college on the GI Bill and got a great job with the Govt. doing stuff you can't do anywhere else. Why not look there: http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/

m47 or 48? musta been awesome. cept for the hair smell anyway.

[Dave]

forgot about them. you aren't too far above us then. LOL

Calvary :rockwoot: had a buddy try to get there, couldn't swing it.

It takes a special kind of unhinged. Really have to love the suck.

We had a cav battalion in my brigade. Lost the most guys.

Goes with the territory

Speaking as an enlisted man; if this is your sole or even primary reason for joining the service, please do not become an Army or Marine Corps officer.

I've answered to Army officers throughout my career, though I was enlisted in the Marine Corps and the Navy (the Army is too fucking big to avoid them). There are too goddamn many officers in general who very obviously joined for the wrong fucking reasons and never once stopped to consider the fact that they might be leading men in war. The Army and Marine Corps are the absolute wrong services to blunder in to a leadership position half-cocked, and apparently officer training doesn't do much in terms of teaching leadership traits to those who don't already have them.

If you're just looking for a job, join the Air Force. Maybe the Navy, though the benefits are absolutely better in the Air Force. For instance, they get extra pay for staying in other services' barracks because they consider it sub-standard housing.

If you want to be where the buck stops, if you want to be responsible for the action and lives of 30 people or more right out the gate, then be an Army officer. If you think you can put the needs of your men ahead of your own needs, but above all put the mission first, be an Army officer. Otherwise, as a favor to every enlisted man in the country, since apparently we can't keep from answering to the Army in one shape or form, stay the fuck out.

As a Noncom part of my job is unfucking new lieutenants. I dont really care how they get to me, just that their head aint too far up when they arrive.

If you're gonna go Army or Marines, I suggest you play Modern Warfare 1 & 2 as they are the most realistic simulators. These two games have trained thousands of "potential" males into war machines. I never leave home without my copies.

:lmao:

[derf]

Speaking as an enlisted man; if this is your sole or even primary reason for joining the service, please do not become an Army or Marine Corps officer.


wow, I cant disagree with this enough. Plenty of people have joined for the wrong reasons, and gone on to have very successful careers. What you do before or why you made the commitment makes little difference to me, its how you handle yourself after that actually means something.




I've answered to Army officers throughout my career, though I was enlisted in the Marine Corps and the Navy (the Army is too fucking big to avoid them). There are too goddamn many officers in general who very obviously joined for the wrong fucking reasons and never once stopped to consider the fact that they might be leading men in war. The Army and Marine Corps are the absolute wrong services to blunder in to a leadership position half-cocked, and apparently officer training doesn't do much in terms of teaching leadership traits to those who don't already have them.

If you're just looking for a job, join the Air Force. Maybe the Navy, though the benefits are absolutely better in the Air Force. For instance, they get extra pay for staying in other services' barracks because they consider it sub-standard housing.

If you want to be where the buck stops, if you want to be responsible for the action and lives of 30 people or more right out the gate, then be an Army officer. If you think you can put the needs of your men ahead of your own needs, but above all put the mission first, be an Army officer.


Ok fair enough on the other stuff

[dReWpY]

no, this was just sooner then i expected to go. I had originally planned on the coast guard when i graduated. I am the first male to not serve on my fathers side of the family. Its about respect.

[Cutty72]

Just curious, have you thought about a Guard or Reserve component?
Still get to "play" but can stay civilian too. Generally get more time at home w/the wife and kids, and can get the same benefits medical wise, if your civilian employer does not offer them.

[OneSickPsycho]

no, this was just sooner then i expected to go. I had originally planned on the coast guard when i graduated. I am the first male to not serve on my fathers side of the family. Its about respect.

I would think the Coast Guard would have more opportunities for you given your background anyway...

[derf]

I would think the Coast Guard would have more opportunities for you given your background anyway...

Not really, the coast guard is much more competitive, promotions are harder, and they are very selective as to who they let in.

[smileyman]

Not really, the coast guard is much more competitive, promotions are harder, and they are very selective as to who they let in.

An even bigger reason to sign up!

[Captain Morgan]

Capt I say this with respect. not to slam you or your relatives. i had a few friends who were AF they loved it and I respected their opinion.

that said, I was Army as said, I would rather be a homeless wino rather then have been in AF. That is just my opinion, not everyone would agree but I would never pick AF over Army for me personally.

No offense taken. As others have said, AF is more of a regular job. Everyone has their own personality and different things fit different people (as you pointed out when trying to get your son to go AF). I enjoy the outdoors, camping, hiking, etc., but not the Army way of the outdoors. I liked having a job and being able to go home after work. I liked the "freedom" the AF provided, as well as the quality of life. Sure, I can't share any "war stories" because I have none. But I really enjoyed the AF. To each their own. Maybe things have changed since I've gotten out, as Ebbs has stated the AF seems to be a bunch of whiny pansies these days. It didn't seem that way when I was in, though.

[Razor]

this is simply my explanation for myself. as i said I wanted to blow things up. only one way to do that in AF. Fly jets. if you can't fly jets you are a support person. you can work on planes or guard planes, or feed pilots, but overall, the guys that ARE the Air Force fly jets.
they do have very nice barracks. Very comfy jobs, seldom go to the field, if ever.
believe I took a lot of razzing from friends who were AF when I had to spend 30 days in the field while they went to work every day and came home.
you have to decide what kind of person you are. recruiters will all tell you that you are perfect for their team.
as i said i recommended my older son go AF. I knew he wouldn't like the field, the running, the Army basically. He hated it, not sure why he didn't do AF except because I said he should. LOL
personally I think your reason for joining is completely wrong but that's a different discussion. your GF gets pregnant so you want to sign up for a job that may cost you your life? may take you on extended tour away from home. Wives aren't always allowed and no military force cares if you're married.

yes there is a steady paycheck and a secure job BUT no one gives you that without a great risk of sacrifice. Make sure you can afford the "real" price you may have to pay for that check. My son is 100% disabled for life. it can happen.

I agree and disagree here... Most of what people see in the AF are pilots, AKA the pointy tip of the spear, but there are actually quite a few jobs in the AF where you dont have to be a pilot or support personnel. The AF has their own trigger pullers (who I think are much more "pointy tip of the spear" than pilots) from STS (Special Tactics Teams), JTAC (Joint Tactical Air Controlers), PJs (Pararescue Jumpers) to Combat Weather (trained riflemen who jump in to set up airfield operations in austere locations, maybe support personnel), Raven Teams and .50cal/minigunners on helos. Granted it takes people to serve as the cooks, personnelists, ammo troops, loggies, maintanence, air traffic controllers to make thw mission happen... and they probably account for about half of the AF.

As a standard job, the AF is probably the most stable day to day. Unless you are a cop, aircrew, transportain troop or spec ops you are on an AEF cycle (Aerospace Expedionary Force) which means you deploy 120 days out of every 2 years. If you are one of the above mentioned career fields then all bets are off, you could deploy anywhere from 60 days on-60 days off (AC-130 gunships and a few other aircraft types, due to flying hours) to 90 on-90 off, to 6 or months at a time.

Personally I think the AF has the best benefits for the individual and the dependants as well as taking the best care of said individuals. It has the best overseas assignments, even a few deployments that are nice instead of desert-suck.

Drewpy, just be sure to take what a recruiter tells you with a grain of salt and if they make you any promises be sure to get it in writing bc they will bend the truth or out-right lie, been there and done that.

Depending on your career field, you may start off being in charge of several hundred people (maintanence squadron) or you may not have any under you (except your wife) until you are a Captain or Major (some flying squadrons). Also depending on your career, you may end up being in a squadron where there is a definate class deliniation between officer and enlisted or if you ended up in some of the flying squadrons, you will find yourself working and playing side-by-side with your enlisted guys. Most C-130 squadrons (my experience) its the latter. Just depends on your career choice...

[Dave]

I agree and disagree here... Most of what people see in the AF are pilots, AKA the pointy tip of the spear, but there are actually quite a few jobs in the AF where you dont have to be a pilot or support personnel. The AF has their own trigger pullers (who I think are much more "pointy tip of the spear" than pilots) from STS (Special Tactics Teams), JTAC (Joint Tactical Air Controlers), PJs (Pararescue Jumpers) to Combat Weather (trained riflemen who jump in to set up airfield operations in austere locations, maybe support personnel), Raven Teams and .50cal/minigunners on helos. Granted it takes people to serve as the cooks, personnelists, ammo troops, loggies, maintanence, air traffic controllers to make thw mission happen... and they probably account for about half of the AF.

As a standard job, the AF is probably the most stable day to day. Unless you are a cop, aircrew, transportain troop or spec ops you are on an AEF cycle (Aerospace Expedionary Force) which means you deploy 120 days out of every 2 years. If you are one of the above mentioned career fields then all bets are off, you could deploy anywhere from 60 days on-60 days off (AC-130 gunships and a few other aircraft types, due to flying hours) to 90 on-90 off, to 6 or months at a time.

Personally I think the AF has the best benefits for the individual and the dependants as well as taking the best care of said individuals. It has the best overseas assignments, even a few deployments that are nice instead of desert-suck.

Drewpy, just be sure to take what a recruiter tells you with a grain of salt and if they make you any promises be sure to get it in writing bc they will bend the truth or out-right lie, been there and done that.

Depending on your career field, you may start off being in charge of several hundred people (maintanence squadron) or you may not have any under you (except your wife) until you are a Captain or Major (some flying squadrons). Also depending on your career, you may end up being in a squadron where there is a definate class deliniation between officer and enlisted or if you ended up in some of the flying squadrons, you will find yourself working and playing side-by-side with your enlisted guys. Most C-130 squadrons (my experience) its the latter. Just depends on your career choice...

We always used to laugh our balls off when that afn recruitment ad would come on for the weather guys. Buncha dudes with all the tacticool junk, all painted up and throwing hand signals like helen keller....inflating a giant bright red balloon :lmao:

[Phenix_Rider]

Definitely agree that starting a new family and a military career at the same time is a BAD idea. Right off the bat you'll be gone for basic or OCS. NO FAMILY at all. I was always told that's something you do well before you get involved, and then you better be damn sure your woman can deal with the travel and risks.

Depending what your degrees are in, you could catch a fast track for officer. I looked into AF- figured I would either get Pilot/Nav or Research Engineer, since I have an in-demand degree. For me, there was no other choice- Dad was AF, and the others just woulsn't do lol. Did great on the AFOQT, but was told to wait a year and try again because of medical crap. Obviously, I couldn't wait that long. So what do I do? Get a defense contracting job... with the Navy.

The fast track thing wouldn't have worked with Pilot/Nav- still have to wait something like 6 months for the (officer selection) boards, and then it's extremely competitive. But for engineering, and a host of related positions, they set up some sort of ad-hoc board to get you in.

And the PJs are BAD ASS. My AFJROTC MSgt had some war stories about Pararescue Jumpers... And the Colonel flew in Korea/Vietnam.

[derf]

Drewpy, just be sure to take what a recruiter tells you with a grain of salt and if they make you any promises be sure to get it in writing bc they will bend the truth or out-right lie, been there and done that.


Just needeed to make sure this was quoted and bolded for truth, justice and the american way of life

[Archren]

Speaking as an enlisted man; if this is your sole or even primary reason for joining the service, please do not become an Army or Marine Corps officer.

I've answered to Army officers throughout my career, though I was enlisted in the Marine Corps and the Navy (the Army is too fucking big to avoid them). There are too goddamn many officers in general who very obviously joined for the wrong fucking reasons and never once stopped to consider the fact that they might be leading men in war. The Army and Marine Corps are the absolute wrong services to blunder in to a leadership position half-cocked, and apparently officer training doesn't do much in terms of teaching leadership traits to those who don't already have them.

If you're just looking for a job, join the Air Force. Maybe the Navy, though the benefits are absolutely better in the Air Force. For instance, they get extra pay for staying in other services' barracks because they consider it sub-standard housing.

If you want to be where the buck stops, if you want to be responsible for the action and lives of 30 people or more right out the gate, then be an Army officer. If you think you can put the needs of your men ahead of your own needs, but above all put the mission first, be an Army officer. Otherwise, as a favor to every enlisted man in the country, since apparently we can't keep from answering to the Army in one shape or form, stay the fuck out.

Couldn't have said it better, although I am also going with what Derf said in that your reasons for joining don't necessarily matter if you can do the job right.

That being said, there is a very good reason NCOs are assigned to officers - always listen to your NCOs. We are the assholes who have to put your "good" ideas into effect. :D

[Razor]

That being said, there is a very good reason NCOs are assigned to officers - always listen to your GOOD NCOs. We are the assholes who have to put your "good" ideas into effect. :D

Amended. so now, THIS! If you go in, make sure at your first assignment that you grab your shop NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge for you civvies) and the only words out of your mouth should be, "How do YOU do that, Why do YOU do that, how can I do that thing more like YOU"... never say "But I think we should do it this way, Thats not how they taught ME to do it, MY way is better"... You can become that guy once you have 10 years or so of experience at which time you may know about as much as your SNCO (Senior Non Commissioned Officer for non miltary types) has forgotten in his 18 or so plus years. You will be trained to be a leader, however before you can lead you first need to learn how to follow so pratice that for your first couple of years. Just make sure you grab a GOOD NCOIC or SNCO to learn from.

And when you do end up with troops of your own, don't treat them like shit unless they ask for it. You'll quickly find out who the goods one are and you will depend heavily on them, treat them like people and they will do anything for you, treat them like shit and they will quickly turn into troops who will only do the minimum expected of them. On the flip side, when it comes to slackers here's a hint: Boot goes to Ass, period, dot... however let their enlisted supervisors try and handle them first, if that doesnt work its not always a bad idea to make an example of someone... Just my 2 cent

And for God's sake man, obey the uniform regs (right Mr Lefty?)...

[Trip]

Definitely agree that starting a new family and a military career at the same time is a BAD idea.

I am going to agree with this. For some people expecting the military to be the saving grace and provide these super benefits and help the young couple stay together, it often turns to shit (divorce or just break up if not married) then never see your kid because you have to live where there is a base while the girl goes back home where you can't get assigned.

I know it may seem like a great option, but often times it makes every thing 1000000x harder than if you chose to stick it out at home where you may not get the benefits/pay.

Make sure this is what you both want.

Just remember, you could possibly be ripping this girl away from her family and friends. Then you aren't going to be home much while you are training for this brand new job and she won't have anyone to help or support her/help her with the baby when you are gone.

[Razor]

Like Trip says, be sure she has an idea of what to expect from the military. Have her go to the recruiter with so she can ask questions of them if she has any. Have her talk to a spouse of a military member so that she can get a perspective from someone that is not military but has experience being a dependent of one. This way she can get the pros and cons of being a military wife instead of just the positive things so there are no nasty surprises...

[Mr Lefty]

Amended. so now, THIS! If you go in, make sure at your first assignment that you grab your shop NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge for you civvies) and the only words out of your mouth should be, "How do YOU do that, Why do YOU do that, how can I do that thing more like YOU"... never say "But I think we should do it this way, Thats not how they taught ME to do it, MY way is better"... You can become that guy once you have 10 years or so of experience at which time you may know about as much as your SNCO (Senior Non Commissioned Officer for non miltary types) has forgotten in his 18 or so plus years. You will be trained to be a leader, however before you can lead you first need to learn how to follow so pratice that for your first couple of years. Just make sure you grab a GOOD NCOIC or SNCO to learn from.

And when you do end up with troops of your own, don't treat them like shit unless they ask for it. You'll quickly find out who the goods one are and you will depend heavily on them, treat them like people and they will do anything for you, treat them like shit and they will quickly turn into troops who will only do the minimum expected of them. On the flip side, when it comes to slackers here's a hint: Boot goes to Ass, period, dot... however let their enlisted supervisors try and handle them first, if that doesnt work its not always a bad idea to make an example of someone... Just my 2 cent

And for God's sake man, obey the uniform regs (right Mr Lefty?)...
hell yes! :lol:

[Dave]

Couldn't have said it better, although I am also going with what Derf said in that your reasons for joining don't necessarily matter if you can do the job right.

That being said, there is a very good reason NCOs are assigned to officers - always listen to your NCOs. We are the assholes who have to put your "good" ideas into effect. :D

seriously, all your job entails is transport coffee over by me, crack a few jokes, transport it away, and take credit for my excellence. thats it.

[Archren]

seriously, all your job entails is transport coffee over by me, crack a few jokes, transport it away, and take credit for my excellence. thats it.

:lol: Actually, my job entails telling tthe truck driver where to go, and watching you and him on BFT. :nee

[derf]

:lol: Actually, my job entails telling tthe truck driver where to go, and watching you and him on BFT. :nee

Why did I think you were legal?

[Cutty72]

My M-F job entails checking over all subordinate units reports/inventories/etc before sending to higher, managing the GSA fleet, managing the state bus fleet, and coordinating all support requests from subordinate units, and units requesting equipment from my subordinates. Also, managing credit cards for all units, conducting annual inspections of their files and processes, and training in new hires as they come about.
All this so a Major can take credit for a job well done.

My M-day (weekend) job is Movement supervisor. So pretty much, if something is or has to move somewhere, it's my job to figure out how, and manage the move, and ensure that everything got there safely, and gets back to where it needs to go. Again, all so a Major can take credit...

Then there is State Active Duty. Here they throw me wherever the fuck they want, and I do anything from filling sandbags and driving truck, to "manning" the TOC and delivering meals to those too "busy" (i mean lazy) to walk to the kitchen and get them.

Fuck I'm under paid!

[101lifts2]

Are you sure the kid is yours?

[Dave]

:lol: Actually, my job entails telling tthe truck driver where to go, and watching you and him on BFT. :nee

Haha I didn't mean you, I was quoting you, speaking to drewp in the potential shoes of a butterbar :P I know you've got stripes

[Archren]

Why did I think you were legal?

I was when I first enlisted. Reclassed to 88N in 05 because they needed instructors. Although since 07, I have done everything but my actual MOS.

Haha I didn't mean you, I was quoting you, speaking to drewp in the potential shoes of a butterbar :P I know you've got stripes

My bad, thought you were talking shit because I'm a pogue. :lol:

[Dave]

I was when I first enlisted. Reclassed to 88N in 05 because they needed instructors. Although since 07, I have done everything but my actual MOS.



My bad, thought you were talking shit because I'm a pogue. :lol:

I typically only do that to males :lol: I tend to give y'all the benefit of the doubt since you don't get the choice.

[Archren]

I typically only do that to males :lol: I tend to give y'all the benefit of the doubt since you don't get the choice.

Truth - about the only "Combat" role I could have is Apache pilot.

[Dave]

Truth - about the only "Combat" role I could have is Apache pilot.

Cause that's easy to get into :lol

[dReWpY]

Are you sure the kid is yours?
yes, while im not a fool to think that shit couldn't of gone down behind my back, i have not one reason to suspect it