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Old 11-02-2009   #1
[SSr]LouSaynis
 
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Hey you military guys

Hey all,

I've been thinking for some time now about enlisting in the Air Force and becoming a security forces apprentice. So I would like to hear a little bit about what you guys like and dislike about being in the military as to maybe help me a bit in my decision to either join or not join the military. Anything would be great, but it would be nice to get something that's not on a recruiting poster (I can get that from a recruiter)

Thanks in advance for what you guys have to say!
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Old 11-03-2009   #2
Bassani
 
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Well, make sure whatever they tell you that youre going to get is in writing & in your contract, such as signing bonus and duty stations, so on, so on. If its not in writing, youre not guaranteed shit, so remember that, lol

There wasn't really anything that I didn't like when I was in. Chief may be the best person to talk to where you can address any concerns as Im fairly certain that he will be able to get you your answers. I could be wrong though so don't hold me to it.

It is going to be more or less a choice that you are going to have to make on your own though. Where you may want to join the AF I'm going to come back and say go in the Marines. So this is where you are going to need to make up your own mind on what you want to do.

I will say though, the benefits that the military has to offer are 2nd to none, so keep that in mind if youre on the fence of joining any branch. I think its a very good choice especially with the limited jobs that seem to be out there now. Youll get all the training you need, housing, food, clothing, paid vacations, all that good stuff that Im sure youre already aware of.

I think youre going to need to be a bit more specific on what you want to know though...
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Old 11-03-2009   #3
[SS]Showstoper
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Well, as far as likes and dislikes, all I would be telling you would be a grunt's point of view in the Army. I've been in over 20 years, so I love the Army. It has it's good days and bad days, just like in any regular/civilian jobs. It's what you make out of it that counts.

Just make sure, like Bass said, get everything in writing on what they are actually offering on your contract initially. After that, it's pretty much where they need you or send you, if you decide to stay in longer.

I'm sure you see the news and know that we are involved in operations in other countries. Remember, you will be away from home ALOT.

When it's all said and done, the choice is all up to you. There are many, many great benefits of being in. Steady income, promotions, medical insurance, health benefits, dental benefits, you travel to beautiful countries (other than the middle east). Are you single or married? You never mentioned that. That plays a big factor in your decision. I'm glad to read that you may join the forces one day. Good luck.






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Old 11-03-2009   #4
[SS]Chief
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Both of these guys have hit all the right points! Bass is 100% right about 'get it in writing'. I can not tell you how many times I have heard a young kid tell me 'the recruiter said I could.....'. It happens ALL the time. What they will do is tell you what you 'could' do once you're in. Not what you 'will' do. So if they are selling a job skill, get it in writing!!!

As far as what service is the best? Well that is all subjective again. Just like Show who loves the Army...I'm a Navy guy and love the Navy. But then that is the only life I've known as Show has only known his Army life. Him and I as well as Bass and yes...don't forget Grunt could go back and forth. I think the real choice is yours. Here are somethings to think about:

Why are you joining? Is it to see the world? You need a job? etc.

Once you join, are you trying to stay close to home? If so keep in mind that it is harder than you think. Unless you live near a large concentration of one military type. For example: Navy if your from Norfolk or San Diego...easy day. Those are our two most conscentrated areas. You could easily live there for 20 years and retire and never leave your hometown (sort of lame in my mind). But if you live in backwater US....there would be a problem.

Do you want to advance fast? Some services have quicker advancement than others as well as MOS's or Rates as we call them in the Navy. Look into it.

What do you want to do i.e. Blow shit up? Or build stuff? Dig a hole or feed people? Perhaps you might want to look at military job skills that translate to the civilian world once you finish. Take mine for example. I'm an Operations Specialist...Oooo what you say? Exactly. There isn't a civilian job equivalent out there. So when my time is up...I'm going to have a bit of hard time finding something that is close to what I've been doing over the last 25 years. Not sure if McDonald's has a Tomahawk missile shooter in the take-out line?

So all-in-all, you're doing the right thing. Ask questions and get different points of view. But keep in mind..the one thing that is the common denominator is the ASVAB exam. That exam will open or close doors for you. So the better you do on that test...the more doors that will be open to you! Good luck, and keep us up to date.

Also...sorry. They will sell you these 'special forces' programs. Of course what kid doesn't want to be a Navy Seal or Green Beret or Delta Force? Here is the catch. Only about 5% of the folks make it that far. So they sell you a chance...and when you don't make it, you're at the mercy of that service. Again, I can't tell you how many BUDS wash-outs I see come work for me. So, be honest with yourself. If you truly think you can do a 'Special Program' and make it through...more power to you. But if your kidding yourself, you will find yourself chipping paint or digging ditches for whatever service you choose. It happens ALL the time....







"Give a man a beer, he'll waste an afternoon. But teach a man to brew, and he'll waste a lifetime!"
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Old 11-04-2009   #5
[SSr]LouSaynis
 
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Thanks for all of the input, guys it's, been a lot of help. Show, I'm not married, I'm a little young for that yet at 18. I was thinking about becoming a law enforcement officer in the civilian world, but I would have had no funding and no place to live. Since then, I've been looking at the AF as a means to do what I want to without the issues of doing it here(not to mention they train me on bigger guns). So getting away from my parents and travelling isn't really a reason for doing it, but more of a bonus. If everything goes to plan this week, I will be going to the recruiter and talking to him and taking the ASVAB sometime next week to see where I end up with what I have to choose from.
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Old 11-04-2009   #6
[SS]Midnight
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If you want to be a cop later then SF is a good place to start. SF = Air Force cop. Every branch has a 'cop' MOS or rate.

Good luck bud. Keep us posted on your progress. And hats off to you for even seriously considering this. Personally I think that 90% of Americans (not all...heh) would benefit from even a 2 year stint in any of the military branches. (don't think they do 2 years any more...3+ I think but still good) Builds character and teaches good life skills.







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Old 11-04-2009   #7
[SS]Wally
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Quote:
Originally Posted by [SS]Midnight View Post
If you want to be a cop later then SF is a good place to start. SF = Air Force cop. Every branch has a 'cop' MOS or rate.

Good luck bud. Keep us posted on your progress. And hats off to you for even seriously considering this. Personally I think that 90% of Americans (not all...heh) would benefit from even a 2 year stint in any of the military branches. (don't think they do 2 years any more...3+ I think but still good) Builds character and teaches good life skills.
I agree 100%.







"Guns don't kill people, lasers do." - Wally
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