Joining the military...

[anthony240]

i've hit a bump in the road of life. after working 4 years in retail I don't want to be doing this for the rest of my life. i just got laid off from my last cell phone retail job and it's been troubling to find a decent one. i got me an electronic engineering degree about 6 years back, but didn't really do anything with it. i don't wanna bum around malls no more!

so i thought about joining the military. specifically the air force. i would like to go to college and major in communications but I can't afford it and don't wanna take a loan out, I'm still paying for my last one! and i'm supporting my parents right now because they foreclosed on their house. so I want to earn some education, gain experience, and make a living at the same time.

what i'd like to hear from you, since a lot of people here seem to be in the military, is what made you decide to enlist? any positive/negative experiences? and would you or would you not recommend this for someone in my position? i know in the end it will be my decision, i would like to hear other people opinions.

[fliprayzin240sx]

PM me when you get a chance on AIM Anthony...you know me, I've been in 8 yrs and counting atleast another 2 years till my enlistments up. Im looking at the potential AF Lifer mentality right now.

But honestly, bring a copy of your school records and degree, see a recruiter if you can go in as an Officer. If you have a degree, I'd try that first. Even as a butter bar (2nd LT) you make as much money as me (E-5 8 yrs in), roughly $2500 a month before benefits (housing, uniform and food allowance).

[ESmorz]

I thought about it because I hate College and right now it seems I'm just working towards joining a job market that I will be overqualified and underpaid for if I can even get a job.

Then I realized that day 1 of boot camp someone would scream in my ear and tell me what to do and I can't be that subservient.

[unlegendary]

get your parents to agree to be your dependents and you'll get more money for housing, lol. any type of engineering firm from computers to aerospace put military experience on top of their priority list first, same should apply with any other job market out there.

the most important thing is the job you pick, it's not the money because you can get money easily but getting a job that transfers to the civilian world is important.

[whyrun?]

I am in the same boat as you. I feel like I am floating around and put some serious thought into joining either the AF or the Army. Would like to do some sort of software engineering or something dealing with computers.

[HyperTek]

similar situation, just turned 25 things havent worked out for me.. My pops was in the airforce, he told me it was the best time of his life. I have another friend considering joing the navy. I got a temp job right now so its helping me out some, getting some cash in my pocket to go do things.

I used to look down on the military, cuz it looked like only guys who fail at life where joining, but lookin at those dudes who are same age and been in awhile are in better situations.

So your not the only one, sucks we are mid 20s and things havent gone our way. Just keep your head up man.

[whyrun?]

I am looking at a short term thing. Get I'm and use it to my advantage (school/buy house) and then get out with a pretty decent civilian job.

Anyone gone that route?

[beeracing s14]

i joined because of the GI bill and thats how i got my s14 and 180sx and the rest to savings. Joining now is not bad its 38k for college has been incresed and available for ya.

[cc4usmc]

it looked like only guys who fail at life where joining

That's not very nice lol.

I am looking at a short term thing.

Short term? Explain yourself. The only short term thing I know if is in the Navy.

[whyrun?]

I meant not putting in 20years. Joining for the GI bill and get my degree. Buy a house do my term(s) and get out and acquire a civilian job. My uncle did this and wound up as a civilian contractor for Lockheed Martin. I think he put in 5-6 years in the army and was stationed in Germany.

[cc4usmc]

Ok, I thought you were talking about doing shorter then the normal 4 min contract. The GI Bill is getting better as of August this year, for anyone else looking to join.

[TravisSW]

I wish I joined the Marines outta high school.

Would of been a better person I'm sure of it. Well, disciplined at least and not so lazy. Probably would of had my career in law enforcement by now if so.

But I feel mid-20s it's too late.

[ronmcdon]

I used to look down on the military, cuz it looked like only guys who fail at life where joining, but lookin at those dudes who are same age and been in awhile are in better situations.


the guys who fail at life are those go to private colleges to get a liberal arts paper degree,
80k in tuition debt, & no more qualified for a job than someone with a hs degree.
i know, b/c i speak from experience (well I don't have any debt b/c i went to a UC, but it still sucks).

wish i joined the air-force when i had the chance.

[cc4usmc]

But I feel mid-20s it's too late.

Are you kidding me? I went to boot camp with a 29 year old, and I was in the same squad as a 31 year old Cpl who had been in around 2 years. The only way you're too late is if you're too old physically, and I doubt that's your case.

[fliprayzin240sx]

Aint cut off 28 to get in enlisted?!?!

[240SXsaint]

i was in the AF. i went straight in after high school literally after graduation day i was off to boot camp. became security forces got deployed twice got out and am fucking glad im out the biggest weight has been lifted off my shoulder. Of course the job market sucks right now but i honestly glad i did the military first but i hated it the whole way through, but i made some cool friends along the way

[ThatGuy]

Personal Opinion:

Joining the Military for the GI Bill, is like getting married for the free rice they throw outside the Church. There are alot of responsibilities you need to consider. Especially during a time of war.

You should join the Military becasue you wish to serve, or wish to learn discipline, or just wish to belong to something that is greater than yourself. What good is a GI Bill going to do you when you're sitting in the sandbox, trying not to "absorb bullets".

I'm not saying that the GI BIll isn't a good thing. I just think it's stupid to sign up for the Military SOLELY for that reason.

[SimpleS14]

Personal Opinion:

Joining the Military for the GI Bill, is like getting married for the free rice they throw outside the Church. There are alot of responsibilities you need to consider. Especially during a time of war.

You should join the Military becasue you wish to serve, or wish to learn discipline, or just wish to belong to something that is greater than yourself. What good is a GI Bill going to do you when you're sitting in the sandbox, trying not to "absorb bullets".

I'm not saying that the GI BIll isn't a good thing. I just think it's stupid to sign up for the Military SOLELY for that reason.


You make a very good point.

[TravisSW]

What is the GI Bill up to? 38k?

When do you actually get it? When you're enlistment is up?

But yeah, it isn't worth it to enlist for JUST the GI Bill. Military can give you a lot more than 38k.

[Walperstyle]

Remember, in the military you are a soldier first. No matter what education you have.

[ThatGuy]

Remember, in the military you are a soldier first. No matter what education you have.

Actually, I've never been a "Soldier". Neither have any of the Sailors, Airman, or Guardsman I have worked with. I am a Marine. "Soldiers" only work for the Army. :bow:

[\Pet Peeve]

[at23]

Personal Opinion:

Joining the Military for the GI Bill, is like getting married for the free rice they throw outside the Church. There are alot of responsibilities you need to consider. Especially during a time of war.

You should join the Military becasue you wish to serve, or wish to learn discipline, or just wish to belong to something that is greater than yourself. What good is a GI Bill going to do you when you're sitting in the sandbox, trying not to "absorb bullets".

I'm not saying that the GI BIll isn't a good thing. I just think it's stupid to sign up for the Military SOLELY for that reason.
well said good sir...well said..



Also idk about the other services,but the Marine Corps gives me 4500 with a program called tuition assistance.

[Walperstyle]

Actually, I've never been a "Soldier". Neither have any of the Sailors, Airman, or Guardsman I have worked with. I am a Marine. "Soldiers" only work for the Army. :bow:

[\Pet Peeve]

if crazy ivan comes, you be ready

[WanganRunner]

Military.com has an excellent comprehensive walkthrough of what to expect when meeting with a recruiter and how the enlistment process works.

I am not in the military and I never have been, but that said, I wish I'd done NROTC during undergrad. My career has worked out very well, I make a lot more than I would in the service, but I still wish I'd had some of the experiences that come from a Navy stint.

I had a friend who did Naval Intelligence and now has an analyst job with CIA (lots of really nice exit ops to the GovCon world), which is probably what I'd have wanted to do, although he did OCS instead of NROTC.

Don't do it for the GI Bill though, do it because you want to serve and because you want the life experiences. Honestly, this goes for anything. Do a thing because you want to do the thing, not because of the benefits that may come with the thing. You'll be a much happier person in the end.

[ThatGuy]

if crazy ivan comes, you be ready

I have no idea what you are trying to say.

[WanganRunner]

CONN! SONAR! CRAZY IVAN!

http://www.filmdope.com/Gallery/ActorsV/17550-9042.gif

[cisco240]

Actually, I've never been a "Soldier". Neither have any of the Sailors, Airman, or Guardsman I have worked with. I am a Marine. "Soldiers" only work for the Army. :bow:
[\Pet Peeve]
I'm a Soldier:wavey:
I've been in for 8 yrs now & love it (I just re-inlisted last Feb). The reason I enlisted was originally for the college money, but I've gained so much more than that in my time in the Army. As with any profession, you will meet & work w/ D-bags, but those are few & far between. Most of the peeps I've worked w/ have all been cool & of course you will travel and meet people from all over the country.
Whatever you do, make sure that you pick a job that you really want and can convert the skills into a civilian job. If you want any more info, PM me.

[cc4usmc]

What is the GI Bill up to? 38k?

When do you actually get it? When you're enlistment is up?

But yeah, it isn't worth it to enlist for JUST the GI Bill. Military can give you a lot more than 38k.

New GI Bill Overview - Education - Military.com (http://www.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-overview)
Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-9/11_Veterans_Educational_Assistance_Act_of_2008)

You can start going to school as soon as you join. I know guys who were starting online college 8 months into the Corps.

OP-Regardless of what you're in it for, you're going to have a lot of great experiences. If I could go back and do it all over again, I'd do it JUST for the experiences. But there is so much more then that too. You can really become a better/different person if you apply yourself.

[Grip]

USN gives you the most free time over any other branch.. also the only branch where you can pick a specific job like mechanic or nurse.. not infantry.. if you are looking for alot of down time for school become an MA (cop) like me.. any other rate either deploy way too much or are 'ship' only rates.. G/L

[ericcastro]

The Military isnt gonna answer your question about what you should do with your life and give you direction.
They will keep you busy, just like your mall jobs. But in the end, you need to be responsable for your own direction in life.
If you think you can handle possably being killed, or loosing a leg, or coming back with some sort of brain problem and being confined to a bed due to injuries. Then hey, roll the dice with joining up right now.
If you think you are the type of person that can see death on a daily basis and move on through life after wards, then hey, join up right now.
Those things may not happen to you, but your rolling the dice in joining the military. Especially right now, when the military is asking for those that have used it, to give back.


Basically, it sounds like you need direction. After 3 years at a mall job, you didnt know that it was a waste of life?? you didnt notice there is no one retireing from cell phone stores and mall kiosk??
Find what you wanna do and enjoy in life and go make that work.
If you still dont know, get a better job.
If your working a 9-5 job, just because you need to work, then get a better 9-5. Go work at a refinery building scaffolding, work at coke/pepsi/budwieser in the warehouse (real easy to move to driver, then to salesman there.)

get off your but.
dont make the military do your footwork.

IMO.

[CusCo_S14]

my dad was in the Marines for 28yrs MSGySgt Comm. and he wished he could have stayed in longer. i wished my dad would have pushed me into joining the marines when i was in HS.

i had a couple of friends join bout half of them said they hated being in and were glad their 4 yrs were up.

[Grip]

The Military isnt gonna answer your question about what you should do with your life and give you direction.
They will keep you busy, just like your mall jobs. But in the end, you need to be responsable for your own direction in life.
If you think you can handle possably being killed, or loosing a leg, or coming back with some sort of brain problem and being confined to a bed due to injuries. Then hey, roll the dice with joining up right now.
If you think you are the type of person that can see death on a daily basis and move on through life after wards, then hey, join up right now.
Those things may not happen to you, but your rolling the dice in joining the military. Especially right now, when the military is asking for those that have used it, to give back.


i have been in for 5 years now.. and from my personal experience.. i disagree with you statement 100%..

the military can give you direction for your life!
you dont have to worry about being killed, or loosing a leg!

in the Navy there are many administrative jobs that never even see guns their entire careers.. and that is a fact!.. look up PS, SK, YN Ratings..

[ThatGuy]

i had a couple of friends join bout half of them said they hated being in and were glad their 4 yrs were up.

Not many people DON'T hate their first contract. You're the bottom of the food chain, everything seems unfair/unjust, and you feel like you have to work the hardest to get the least money. My Dad did his 4 years before I was even born and decided he was done with it. He missed the job, but he didn't miss the people he worked under. That never stopped him from portraying the Marine Corps in a positivie light to me as a kid. Though he didn't "pressure me" into joining. He always wanted me to better than he had.

I know I had times in my first contract that I said "There is no way in Hell I'm signing up again!" Well, when the time came, I looked around at the "civilian world" and realized little things like job security and steady income were quite nice. I also enjoyed being a Marine, though I didn't enjoy the job they have given me. Luckily for me, I was afforded the oppurtunity to change jobs when I signed the dotted line for the second time. That got me into working on Avionics, which is awesome.

Here I am, over 10 years in, and I couldn't imagine NOT being a Marine. I have a great job, and a great schedule. I am planning to take College courses and get my degree, but that has never been my motivator for being a Marine. I will have a degree before I retire, then I can start on my second retirement.

[cc4usmc]

Not every job will get you blown up or shot up, jesus lol.

[ericcastro]

the military can give you direction for your life!


So can Scientology.
Having an organization decide your direction and goals in life isnt the best idea IMO, and thats what I meant.
If someone feels they want to join the military because they believe strongly in the struggle we are in, or want to give to the country, thats cool.
But being "lost", is not a good reason to join any organization.
Of course you will come out with thier views.
Same thing that happens to young men and women that join religious cults. The lost people take on the ideas and direction of what the cult preaches.
Shit, even gangs work like that, lol.

Not every job will get you blown up or shot up, jesus lol.

But there are jobs that do.
And do you always have a choice? (idk, never joined)

I do know that a good highschool friend came back from multiple tours not to long ago. He saw people die everyday.
Alot of the deaths were when they would go around with the local police/military. US soldiers arent alowed to just shoot people, they need permission, but the Police sure could. they would walk into houses and just start exicuting people.
Then the US soldeirs would sometimes ask if they could shoot one of the guys. And the Police would just say, oh yeah, sure.
His stories from his tours are fucking scary and disturbing.
It was very normal and it has perversed his perception of things and he is a bit socially off now.

He will talk about it on the surface, but wont get to deep into it. He acts like its nothing, and doesnt effect him, but he's not really fooling anyone.
the weird thing is he works as a recruiter now. And he talks about how he manipulates people with a bunch of BS and lies, to join up. He thinks its funny. He talks about how easy it is to pray on these people that dont know what they are doing.


the branch he is in is the Army.

Just thought I would let you know some more info.
This site is very pro military.
so I thought I would give you a little info from a different standpoint.
Its your life that your signing away, literally.
So make sure you really think about it.

[cc4usmc]

But there are jobs that do.
And do you always have a choice? (idk, never joined)

Yes. If you don't get the job you want, you don't have to sign the contract.

Like you said, some people get fooled into it though..

[anthony240]

i did plan on moving up from just sales and go into the technical area of the cellular industry, but can't, not without real world experience, and a 6-year-old degree. i'm puttin myself out there and trying to find work, but again, I would like to earn a bs or even a masters in some sort of data communications, and student loans are a bitch. I don't wanna work just to pay that off.

my dad was in the air force, but he never forced me to follow his footsteps. he has a lot of advantages of being a senior citizen veteran.

i'm thinking long term/stability. yes i realize the risk, which is why i'm asking other people's opinions. I have a friend that served 6 years in the army and he says he's goin back. I came to the possible conclusion of going into the air force for educational and real world experience. i know for sure the experience will make me a better person.

and i know this site is mostly military which is why i asked the question here. if anyone truly knows how it is, it is those that have experienced it first hand.

[ericcastro]

Working on fishing boats in Alaska gave me great experience and made me a better person.
Living on the street and eating out of dumpsters made me a better person.
Helping my X girlfriend raise her daughter when we were together made me a better person.


Im just trying to say that ALL life experience, if used right, and LEARNED from, will work to mold us into the better people we are.

i understand what your doing. And at 26, its hard to take big risk like travel and over seas volenteer work. And sitting around the local NorCal town and jobs aint gonna do it.
But I gotta agree with Barry, and say if your going the Military route, you should be joining for country. Nit the GI bill stuff.

Search the internetz some more and find out how others found different paths and experiences in life.

I think the main thing is, your looking to get some more out of life, and i think thats great, regardless of how you do it.
GL man.

[anthony240]

i just think it'll be an interesting time. i'm the type that's always up for a challenge. and this decision is not something I can just sleep on anyway. i do appreciate your point of view. i still have a lot to consider.

[fliprayzin240sx]

You want a simple plan Anthony...Take your ASVAB test and see what kinda jobs you can get in the AF. You score anything over 80 on it, you can pretty much get any job you want. Sign up for Air Traffic Control for 4 yrs, try to get a Tower Position, get thru Tech School and get done with your training in roughly 2 yrs from the time you get in. Grind it out for 2 yrs, get out, go FAA and start off making $65-70k a year.

Another option to fall back on, X-Ray Tech or Medical Equipment maintainer. Once you get certified, even while your in, you can apply to make extra buck on the side by being on call at the local hospitals. Even with the economy down the shitter, hospital related jobs are still in demand. Other plus side, youre working in a place where the male to female ratio is 4-1. Just dont get caught banging the med tech chick and the dental assistant. :duh:

You wanna travel? Crew Chief, In-flight Air Refueler, Loadmaster, flight engineer...you'll spend more time flying around and seeing the world than any other job out there in any branch of the military. You get treated like youre part of the air crew. You go fly out to Singapore, you stay with the pilots in the same hotel theyre staying at. Simple as that.

[cc4usmc]

With all due respect, I don't agree with ThatGuy. I don't know how to put this and I don't know why. I don't think it's always required that you join the military because you want to serve your country. There are plenty jobs that don't require the "heart" that some other jobs require, and fliprayzin240sx posted a great example of a job just like that. If you're going to have a job that puts you in danger, well, you better have some fucking heart or you or someone else will die. But like I said, there's jobs that are practically 9 to 5's for a majority of your enlistment. As long as you're not a bag of ass, you're good. And that's in the Corps. I can't speak for the Air Force.

[thatdrifterguy]

With all due respect, I don't agree with ThatGuy. I don't know how to put this and I don't know why. I don't think it's always required that you join the military because you want to serve your country. There are plenty jobs that don't require the "heart" that some other jobs require, and fliprayzin240sx posted a great example of a job just like that. If you're going to have a job that puts you in danger, well, you better have some fucking heart or you or someone else will die. But like I said, there's jobs that are practically 9 to 5's for a majority of your enlistment. As long as you're not a bag of ass, you're good. And that's in the Corps. I can't speak for the Air Force.

im planning on joining AF and im just thinking of it as a 9-5 type of job too, just with more benefits that a regular civilian job would provide.

[blade369]

Hey whats going on bro. If you end up going enlisted and you are absolutely sure you're gonna get out after 4, Dont go aircraft maintenence. its great and all but you get paid the same as someone sitting in an office with a/c for 8 hours with an hour long lunch compared to maintainers working possible 12's and giving up your weekends depending on what jets you work and lunch breaks dont always work out lol. the new gi bill seems too good to pass up now. i'm thinking about getting out now even though i do love my job fixing jets, its not so bad. and deployments... it really depends on your career field that determines how often you deploy. some people deploy every 6 months or so, some once a year, and some never have in like 8 years. you want a cake ass job like finance or something lol.

[ericcastro]

fliprayzin240sx (http://zilvia.net/f/members/fliprayzin240sx.html)

thats alot of really good info right there. You can make the military work for you if you go in knowing your plan.

[fliprayzin240sx]

Hey whats going on bro. If you end up going enlisted and you are absolutely sure you're gonna get out after 4, Dont go aircraft maintenence. its great and all but you get paid the same as someone sitting in an office with a/c for 8 hours with an hour long lunch compared to maintainers working possible 12's and giving up your weekends depending on what jets you work and lunch breaks dont always work out lol. the new gi bill seems too good to pass up now. i'm thinking about getting out now even though i do love my job fixing jets, its not so bad. and deployments... it really depends on your career field that determines how often you deploy. some people deploy every 6 months or so, some once a year, and some never have in like 8 years. you want a cake ass job like finance or something lol.

Umm...you know why those guys are sitting in the office and you aint? Cuz your a fucking 3-level that dont know the difference between a Philips and a Flat head...why dont you shut the fuck and earn your seat into the office by working your ass off first?!?! :fawk:

Anyways, Im gonna be completely honest. Reason I joined is simply put, to get a decent paying job, get my life straightened out and set my future up. Two different careers, two deployments, three different bases, three deployments (just got back from Iraq 2 months ago) and 8 years later, I'm still enjoying it. My current job right now, Im maintaining tactical radios and babysitting a MARK IVB Meteorological System (downloads weather satellite pictures used by every weather agencies world wide). Im actually contemplating on changing jobs again, just dont know what. Figured nows the best time since my careerfield is overmanned again and we're in the process of merging Radio careerfield with Satcom.

[jzepol1985]

I am very glad I joined at 18 . I got out at 23. I joined so I would not be in your shoes sorry to say that. If you are joining for money become a contractor and go to Iraq. The contractors are making good pay. You don't have to leave the base. You will hardly see danger. Contractors in Iraq/Afghanistan are young. Bad part is 1year tour. I was jealous and mad at the fact that I was not making shit for pay and this contractor was making 3 times as much as I was. Look into getting a contractor job if its money you are looking for. Here is a website Jobs in Iraq (http://jobsearch.about.com/od/internationaljobs/a/iraqjobs.htm)

[anthony240]

i'm thinkin of joining for a career, not just for money.

Ray has said what I wanted to hear. I just have to make the decision on my own. I'll probably go see a recruiter some time this week and do more research.

[fliprayzin240sx]

i'm thinkin of joining for a career, not just for money.

Ray has said what I wanted to hear. I just have to make the decision on my own. I'll probably go see a recruiter some time this week and do more research.

PM me or hit me up on AIM if you got question. Actually, my old roomie co-worker is a recruiter in Sac. Imma get with him and ill try to get his info to you...

But first thing first, brush up on stuff and prep for the ASVAB. Just saying that since you've been away from school for so long. Start off doing simple math shit, reading comprehension stuff, maybe freshen up on your mechanical and electrical knowledge.

[whyrun?]

PM me or hit me up on AIM if you got question. Actually, my old roomie co-worker is a recruiter in Sac. Imma get with him and ill try to get his info to you...

But first thing first, brush up on stuff and prep for the ASVAB. Just saying that since you've been away from school for so long. Start off doing simple math shit, reading comprehension stuff, maybe freshen up on your mechanical and electrical knowledge.


++

you said exactly what I wanted to hear. i am thinking about joining to get my life setup for a career and straighten out some things.

[Syncade]

Any pilots here?

[ericcastro]

Any pilots here?
Yeah,
I pilot a S13 SOHC.
Its sparkle pink and looks like the child of a unicorn and a "my little pony" orgy on the top of candy mountain.







Pilots......lol, this is a 240sx forum, not porche forums.

[DALAZ_68]

Yeah,
I pilot a S13 SOHC.
Its sparkle pink and looks like the child of a unicorn and a "my little pony" orgy on the top of candy mountain.







Pilots......lol, this is a 240sx forum, not porche forums.

come with me to candy mountain charlie, CANDY MOUNTAIN...yay!!!

[raz0rbladez909]

Any pilots here?

I'm not a pilot, but am pretty close with a few that i work with err umm for i guess if you want to say that. I may be able to answer some questions that aren't too technical.

As far as joining to better yourself, i totally agree with what many have posted already that it can help you alot if you know what your doing and show some initiative and not sit on your ass and expect to recieve handouts.

From the navy aspect I can tell you a good amount, in the little over three

years I've been in I've gone on one 6 month deployment and several months

time of workups for other deployments; But not all jobs in the Navy are the

same. I'm a helicopter mechanic and i've seen good days and bad days but in

no other job do you get paid for days off. In which I've gotten so much time

off in this past month that i'd never see in the civilian world, i.e. last

weekend had a 96 (four day weekend) the weekend before that another 96

and this coming fri,sat and sun off. All for us doing a good job; Provided you

do well on advancement exams you can make paygrades (e1-e5) rather

quickly and the faster you do that the more money you will have in your

pocket; Not to mention you get a payraise every year and the different types

of special pays you recieve while on deployment i.e. in bahrain the per diem

for being on a deployment in that country is just shy of $200 per day, thats

$200 dollars a day on top of your regular pay, not to mention tax free in that

zone and other hazardous duty type pays, fuck i'm goin on and on but it can

really work for you if you know how to play the system i'm out.

[ms!3]

One thing that sucks about the military is that you start off at the bottom are treated like shit, at least in the Corps you are. lol

No biggie though, just have to go find a straw.

Benefits/money are nice, but that shouldn't be the reason you join the military.

[Grendel]

I just got out of the AF, I was a 3c0x1 which is communications. It is like a 7am-4pm job, you will probably have to deploy once or twice, but deployments really aren't that bad in the AF. I had a great time on mine, made some really good friends and learned a lot.

Just don't get a shitty career field like cop/services/etc. I'd say talk to the recruiter, and ask about openings in the 3c0x1 career field (mostly sysadmin type of work, help desk, windows server, active directory, etc). There is also 2e2xi which are the router and switches guys, some 3c0x1s get to play with these too, but its rare. Both of these career fields are very marketable, and you will be getting out with at least a secret clearance, maybe a top secret ($$$).

Get some useful skills, make some contacts, don't burn any bridges, then get out and get a contractor job making more $$ for less drama.

The military (Air Force at least) isn't some sacred service, it's a job. Get in, get some benefits, get out. Talking to my friends who did similar jobs in the Army/Marines, AF seems the way to go.

[fliprayzin240sx]

I just got out of the AF, I was a 3c0x1 which is communications. It is like a 7am-4pm job, you will probably have to deploy once or twice, but deployments really aren't that bad in the AF. I had a great time on mine, made some really good friends and learned a lot.

Just don't get a shitty career field like cop/services/etc. I'd say talk to the recruiter, and ask about openings in the 3c0x1 career field (mostly sysadmin type of work, help desk, windows server, active directory, etc). There is also 2e2xi which are the router and switches guys, some 3c0x1s get to play with these too, but its rare. Both of these career fields are very marketable, and you will be getting out with at least a secret clearance, maybe a top secret ($$$).

Get some useful skills, make some contacts, don't burn any bridges, then get out and get a contractor job making more $$ for less drama.

The military (Air Force at least) isn't some sacred service, it's a job. Get in, get some benefits, get out. Talking to my friends who did similar jobs in the Army/Marines, AF seems the way to go.

Hows the job market out for 3C0s right now?

[okis14]

I just got out of the AF, I was a 3c0x1 which is communications. It is like a 7am-4pm job, you will probably have to deploy once or twice, but deployments really aren't that bad in the AF. I had a great time on mine, made some really good friends and learned a lot.

Just don't get a shitty career field like cop/services/etc. I'd say talk to the recruiter, and ask about openings in the 3c0x1 career field (mostly sysadmin type of work, help desk, windows server, active directory, etc). There is also 2e2xi which are the router and switches guys, some 3c0x1s get to play with these too, but its rare. Both of these career fields are very marketable, and you will be getting out with at least a secret clearance, maybe a top secret ($$$).

Get some useful skills, make some contacts, don't burn any bridges, then get out and get a contractor job making more $$ for less drama.

The military (Air Force at least) isn't some sacred service, it's a job. Get in, get some benefits, get out. Talking to my friends who did similar jobs in the Army/Marines, AF seems the way to go.

Exactly, I was a 3C0 and got out after 6 years with a TS SCI. I later got a CI Poly. My goal was to get the education benefits and any experience I could then get out.

Take advantage of learning on the million dollar systems and get the knowledge you need for when you get out. There are a lot of people that just browse the internet all day. It is a complete waste of space. I can go on all day about this. Once you gain the confidence from your supervisors life becomes much easier. There is a difference between brown nosing and just being good.

The clearance itself is job security. Even the guys that barely know anything easily get jobs since the demand is so high. It is so fustrating working with these guys. Again, I can go all day on this too. The only bad side to this is that you are somewhat limited on where you can work. DC has the largest amount of cleared jobs for obvious reasons.

If you don't make at the very least $70k (W2) with a clearance you are doing something wrong even with this bad economy. $75k - $95k is quite common.

Like Grendel said, don't burn any bridges. You'd be suprise how small the classified world is and who you'll bump into.

[ThatGuy]

Any pilots here?

I used to babysit pilots.

Now I train Marines to babysit them.

Nothing like using a little slip of paper from a State Institution to be able to fly an aircraft that you don't even know how to change the oil on, or even know what's actually wrong when it breaks. All while pretending you are somehow superior to the "lesser educated" individuals that keep your ass alive and flying, raking in more money then you're worth, and complaining about it. :squint:

[/bitter]

[blade369]

[quote=fliprayzin240sx;2736865]Umm...you know why those guys are sitting in the office and you aint? Cuz your a fucking 3-level that dont know the difference between a Philips and a Flat head...why dont you shut the fuck and earn your seat into the office by working your ass off first?!?! :fawk:

lol wow so much hate right off the bat xD nah dood i'm not complaining about my job. i love my job. and what are you talking about 3 level. o.O 3,5,7 all work the line. the only way you get an office job is if you're tech/master and sit at a desk. lol and if you can turn a wrench they'll keep you on the line to work. all i'm saying is if he wants to just do 4 and get out why work harder than noners and get paid the same? if he wanted long term then i'd say pick something you'd enjoy and love in the long run. T_T

[HalveBlue]

I was in for 6 1/2 years.

I'll be honest, I had some EXTREMELY shitty times while I was in. But I also had some of the greatest times of my life.

All in all, I'm glad I joined, and I'm even thinking about going back.

Whatever you decide, pick something you'll have fun doing. There's no use in picking a career field because it pays well in the civilian market if you hate the job.

Good Luck!

[fliprayzin240sx]

You wanna join the AF to work on this...
http://pix.motivatedphotos.com/2008/7/13/633515864641097213-stealth-technology.jpg

[A&M Boy]

figured I would just resurrect an old thread.

I've got about a year to a year and half left of college. I am engineering major. I finally finished up my private pilot license this past summer. I work at our local airport parking and fueling planes including military. I feel like I have had so many opportunities and I should give back. Plus I am already paying taxes on these machines why can't i be the one having the fun.I am wondering if there is anyone with some pointers on getting a pilot slot.

I've talked with a local pilot who is also an a-10 pilot in the guard about joining however since I didnt go through an rotc program or the academy he suggested I should enlist serve under the wing for a couple of years to build up a reputation till a slot opened. Basically I dont want to sign up only to get shafted into a desk job.

[s13.dark1]

been there done that got the t-shirt college paid 4. bamsis!!!!

[Grendel]

Didn't read the whole thread, so I don't know if this has been said.

I'd try to join the AF. Try to get a job in communications. 3c0x1 is a good field, 3c0x1.net is a good site to read about the job. Get a secret clearance and get out in four years with a contractor job.

Thats what I did, it worked out pretty good. Four years of bullshit and getting moved around, and now life is pretty calm.

[AE_Racer]

I joined for the money and the benefits...turns out I actually enjoy it...Like someone else said, get a job you're going to enjoy, not just something that pays well later...I run heavy equipment, and its fucking awesome.

[thatdrifterguy]

i'll be joining airforce

ship date is march 3rd
cyber operations systems

[Genovese.Jr]

i would go to the military if i didint have a good job by the time youre like 24 and youre making good money and youre friends are in collage or working some 8$ per hour job i think the military gives you a head start in life

[Walperstyle]

wierd, if you have the degree, and are willing to move anywhere the military sends you, how about just moving to a small town somewhere and be 'the' guy to go see for with electrical problems.

Start your own business and get the tax benefits.

[SochBAT]

^^^

You better not start creating robots..

Fucking SKyNET

[Walperstyle]

^lol skynet