Joining the Air Force...

[Cassavus]

Well, I'm really considering it. Actually, 4 years ago when I first started training I was doing so to ready myself for basic. Well I never ended up going because honestly I got scared. I also couldn't join right away because I only had a GED and they wanted me to obtain 15 college credits. But more than anything it was because I was afraid of leaving my family and friends for a world that was unknown. So I just went to college and told myself I'd just get a degree and start a career. Some 4 years later I'm 30lbs heavier, strong than I ever thought I would be, and in the same position I've always been in...in debt, living back at home, and no future with the company I work for. I can't take it anymore. I've got to get going with something in life or be stuck like this forever.

I think joining the military is probably what I need. I've never been able to decide on things in life. I've always wanted to do so many things that I could never decide on just one. Joining makes me decide on something and then also makes me have to honor that decision. It also gets me out of my comfort zone, away from family and all that I've known. It causes me to seek a greater strength within myself (and from God who also strengthens me). Not only that but I'll finally have some decent health coverage, a career path, the ability to support myself, and be able to get rid of my debt (mainly college).

I know there's got to be some of you who are currently in the military or have served before. Would you say that my reasoning is good? I believe it is because like I said it forces me to break away from all that has kept me in the same place in life. I think I can only benefit from going in. I would like to hear some opinions.

 

[Zero V]

I know its about a 2 year waiting period for the Airforce here in Ohio(crap load of wussies joined it for money reasons and college).

The basic though, is 1/10th of one of our average gym sessions...seriously, I know alot who go through it, its pitiful. So physically you should be fine. They are very knowledge based though, so have your mind ready to accept alot of information that will qualify you as a specialist in some field in the tech industry.

But physical fitness wise, every airforce member I know are not physically capable of much. And fighting wise, they would not survive in CQC against an enraged 15 year with a lolipop lol. So you should have no troubles doing it physically. That being said, some guys join the airforce and are personal trainers and such. They are not the norm, and could still whoop my butt.

Just be sure its a path you want. I was considering going into the air guard for kicks(like the other wussies, an easy out for hard times in life) but the 2 year waiting period sucks, and the tendinitis in my ankles prevents it as well. FUBAR eh?

Military is 95% of the time a one way street.

I was in the Army Reserve a few years back. I got one of the few chances a man ever gets to reverse signing your entire life and ownership of your life over to the government. And took it, but honestly...I regret taking it every time I think about it.

The comraderie, the experiences, its all great things. There will be hard times, and you will sacrifice years of your life yes. Relationships if you get deployed usually fail, all kinds of issues. And we are heading into a future of possible wars all over the globe.

But its worth it, IF you feel called to it. You mentioned God. Consult him, more than anyone here on AM. Make sure its your path, make sure its your calling to take up that burden. Because if its not, you will find yourself in a living hell.

Best wishes. And by the way, I can never make decisions either, and am in fact in a quicksand pit in life. Rule #1 I learned. Never take the easy route.

 

[bigdognhb]

If your looking at going Active Duty there shouldnt be any waiting period. Look at the different branches and see what they have to offer in a field that you enjoy. But keep a few things in mind. You may go to war. You have to be willing to do this. No bitching. I hate hearing military people bitch about going to war. No one forced you to sign the paper and you knew the risk. You talk about money. You are not going to get rich in the military. Alot of active duty guys have part time jobs on the side to make ends meet. Depending on your personality it is a wonderful place however. You dont have to worry about backstabbing in the work place. Even if you dont like someone your still going to fight til the death with them in a fox hole without a second thought. Basic training isnt bad. Your paid to workout and go to classes. It will be difficult in that not knowing what your going into they kind of have a shock and awe technique. But when you look back on it, Its fun. I cant speak from an airforce point seeing that I was Army. But like I said. Find a job you want to do and find which branch will offer you the greatest chance to progress in that field

 

[Cassavus]

Thanks for the response Zero. I'm not concerned about the physical aspect of it at all. In fact, I really have no doubt that I'll practically ace that part. 4 years ago it was something I was worried about, because I was nothing...I was lucky to bench 95lbs for 8 reps. All that's changed. But joining will not be easy for me. I believe it would be the most difficult thing I've ever done. I'm not one for drastic life changes, and leaving everything I've ever known behind scares me. But I just feel it is the best thing I could do for myself. To give myself some direction and force myself into doing something with my life.

 

[Cassavus]

If your looking at going Active Duty there shouldnt be any waiting period. Look at the different branches and see what they have to offer in a field that you enjoy. But keep a few things in mind. You may go to war. You have to be willing to do this. No bitching. I hate hearing military people bitch about going to war. No one forced you to sign the paper and you knew the risk. You talk about money. You are not going to get rich in the military. Alot of active duty guys have part time jobs on the side to make ends meet. Depending on your personality it is a wonderful place however. You dont have to worry about backstabbing in the work place. Even if you dont like someone your still going to fight til the death with them in a fox hole without a second thought. Basic training isnt bad. Your paid to workout and go to classes. It will be difficult in that not knowing what your going into they kind of have a shock and awe technique. But when you look back on it, Its fun. I cant speak from an airforce point seeing that I was Army. But like I said. Find a job you want to do and find which branch will offer you the greatest chance to progress in that field

Believe me, I have no worries about deployment. That's what the military is for...if someone doesn't want to get deployed, don't join. I'm also not thinking I'll get rich or anything. But it's more than what I've got going for me now. And at the very least I will be able to support myself. I'm not in an insane amount of debt. I'm looking into the Air Force because of my love for Aviation. I would like to shoot for Air Traffic Controller or at least Air Field Management. But we'll see.

 

[CopyCat]

I've been a Navy Corpsman for 10 years and have been stationed of course with Navy units as well as Marine Corps units. In fact most of my career has been spent with the Marines. I joined for a few different reasons. Things were bad between my folks and I and I had no where to really go for one. I had tried college and all I did was drink and drug, which got me know where. If I was honest with myself I knew I needed structure in my life, especially at that time in my life. I knew I liked medicine, but also knew I wasn't going to be able to make it through traditional means, I was immature. I wanted to break away and do something completely different than what people I knew were doing. And ultimately I needed to do something because what I was doing wasn't working. I joined May of 2000 so it was before the wars and I was fully aware of the possibility, I never really believed it would happen.

I had a rough start to my career and got into a lot of trouble, but got past it all and excel quite well now. I have always enjoyed being in, and of course have had to deal with some bull$hit every now and again. However, everyone has to deal with bull$hit, it's just what kind are you willing to deal with. Also, everyone answers to somebody, even people who work for themselves have to answer to themselves or the customers otherwise they would fail in their business. It all depends on your personality and what you are willing to work with. For me I have seen awesome places/things, have done tremendous stuff and can give you phone numbers to people who are alive today because of me and my medical skills. I had fun deployments to Asia and hard deployments to Iraq. I've been on the ground with infantry, in the air with medevacs, and at hospitals. I've got wonderful and bad memories, the best brothers in the world, and most important for me I have a sense of pride and accomplishment.

With that being said, I'll keep checking back in on this thread. If you have any further questions etc. feel free to probe those of us who do are have served. We'll be more than happy to part with our 2 cents.

 

[Cassavus]

Thanks CopyCat for sharing your experience. I truly appreciate it. You are right, there's bs no matter where you go or what you do. It's just life, and everyone has to deal with it.

 

[bigdognhb]

CopyCat would be able to tell this more in detail but if your into aviation the Navy also does alot

 

[CopyCat]

CopyCat would be able to tell this more in detail but if your into aviation the Navy also does alot

That is true. It's commonly said that the Navy has more aircraft than the Air Force. I'm not sure if this is really true, but the Navy is at least on par with the AF in aircraft. The AF most likely beats out Navy in fixed wing and Navy most like wins in the Helo department.

 

[lilnardey]

Sounds like you've been pondering about joining for a while. From what you've said it seems like your smart and know what your getting into. All the branches of the military offer aviation especially the Air Force and Navy. If its something you really want to do make sure you sign up for the job you want and dont always believe the recruiters when they try to tell you to sign up for this and it will get changed.... Its a big decision so make sure you get what you want out of it. Good luck.

 

[bluehealer]

Go for it brother!! I miss the AF lifestyle.

 

[plenny]

I served in the USAF active duty from 1992-1997. Physically, dont worry about basic training..a mile and a half is all you run to pass basic. The worse part of basic training was the intense San Antonio heat and being away from home for the first time. I was 18 when i joined and had little experience on life. They teach you in 6 weeks about teamwork, ethics, and more discipline than your parents will ever teach you. You're 26, so you know where you stand so far, and your descision im sure is a wise one. If i can do it again, I would make a career out of it. On base housing, free medical, job training, fighting for this great nation, and seeing the world....what more can you ask for? I can kick myself in the a$$ for getting out. I was young and wanted to revert into a more rebelious life for awhile i guess.

 

[rubberring]

If I could do it again, I would make a career out of it. I could kick myself in the a$$ for getting out.

Ditto here. I'd be two years away from retirement. (Wait... did we just agree on something? :suspect

 

[SOUTHCAR27]

I am currently in the military and I don't regret it at all. It is hard sometimes if you have a family but if you are single it is a lot of fun. I think you really cant go wrong because if you sign for four years and you hate it you can just get out afterwards and use the new gi bill to pay for your home while you go to school for three years. My only reccomendation is to try and pick a career field that you can apply to whatever you want to do when you get out.

 

[Cassavus]

Thanks a lot for the replies! Oh I'm definitely looking into careers that would benefit me if I choose not to stay in. But truthfully I would really like to stay in and retire. It's hard to find the benefits and stability that a career in the military can offer. I think what excites me the most is just getting to go places and meet new people while learning something new.

 

[plenny]

Ditto here. I'd be two years away from retirement. (Wait... did we just agree on something? :suspect

yeah..2-3 more years for me too. I still talk to my Air Force buddy's via facebook and they say the same thing we are saying (regret getting out)..

btw...agree now rubbering...because we will have diffrences of opinions come september....GO STATE!!:smite:

 

[bluehealer]

Ditto here. I'd be two years away from retirement. (Wait... did we just agree on something? :suspect

I would have retired 5 years ago.:sad6:

 

[CopyCat]

I would have retired 5 years ago.:sad6:

After how long? 20 years would make you 14 when you joined. Well, according to the age in your profile.

 

[thenomad]

I am Active Duty Air Force currently deployed, and I love it! I can definitely agree with everyone when they say the benifits are great, not only health and dental, but you get $4,500 a year for college classes, and your GI Bill on top of that. Sometimes it does suck though, but you get used to it and can work past falling into the same boat with everyone else and complaining about it all the time. That is my only problem with any branch of the military: adults do not know how to act like adults.

There is a lot of great info out there about the military jobs, check out www.usmilitary.about.com it sure helped me out. Basic training is about 9 weeks now give or take a couple days, but I am sure that it isn't as tough as Army or Marine basic training. I lost about 28 lbs when i went through basic, and I entered at 212 lbs 11% BF, so just make sure you get enough food!!!

It sounds like you have your mind made up already. It's time to take the leap and Cross Into the Blue. Just don't let your recruiter mess you over. WAIT for the position that you want!!! Air Traffic Control is a much better job than Airfield Manager. The Airfield Manager just drives around the Flightline in a truck all day. You should also consider flying jobs. Just check out the website and hopefully you will be enlightened!

Good luck! Hope to serve with you soon.

 

[bluehealer]

After how long? 20 years would make you 14 when you joined. Well, according to the age in your profile.

I was keeping a low profile when I registered. I didn't put in the correct info, age on profile is wrong, I'll be 45 in June.

 

[CopyCat]

If you want to be a bad ass in the AF be a PJ or Combat Controller. PJ's especially have the respect of every special force bubba out there. Just saying, if you want excitement that'll be where its at for sure.

 

[Cassavus]

I am Active Duty Air Force currently deployed, and I love it! I can definitely agree with everyone when they say the benifits are great, not only health and dental, but you get $4,500 a year for college classes, and your GI Bill on top of that. Sometimes it does suck though, but you get used to it and can work past falling into the same boat with everyone else and complaining about it all the time. That is my only problem with any branch of the military: adults do not know how to act like adults.

There is a lot of great info out there about the military jobs, check out www.usmilitary.about.com it sure helped me out. Basic training is about 9 weeks now give or take a couple days, but I am sure that it isn't as tough as Army or Marine basic training. I lost about 28 lbs when i went through basic, and I entered at 212 lbs 11% BF, so just make sure you get enough food!!!

It sounds like you have your mind made up already. It's time to take the leap and Cross Into the Blue. Just don't let your recruiter mess you over. WAIT for the position that you want!!! Air Traffic Control is a much better job than Airfield Manager. The Airfield Manager just drives around the Flightline in a truck all day. You should also consider flying jobs. Just check out the website and hopefully you will be enlightened!

Good luck! Hope to serve with you soon.

Thanks for the website! And thanks for the insight into Airfield Manager...I'm some what open to job ideas. I've been looking at Load Master, In-Flight Refueling, and maybe even Aeriel Gunner (that's a BIG maybe btw). Also interested in Weather Apprentice. I was reading about Flight Engineer, but I'm still unclear as to what they actually do.

 

[Cassavus]

If you want to be a bad ass in the AF be a PJ or Combat Controller. PJ's especially have the respect of every special force bubba out there. Just saying, if you want excitement that'll be where its at for sure.

Haha...I would be lying if I said I haven't thought about Special Ops. Truthfully, I'd probably only do Special Ops Weather if I did choose one. Problem with Specials Ops is I can't swim! No one ever taught me.

 

[BigRed86]

hey man Air Force is the way to go. I have been in for 4 1/2 years now. Only minor complaints but looking at the big pic, the AF takes real good care of me. Gives me a Free Gym, Gives me extra money for food if not a chow hall, Gives me money to live off base, and a paycheck, and did i mention full health benefits, They pay for any injuries you might sustain. All in all man I love it and am doing 20 if not longer, to easy to not do 20. And there should not be a waiting period there are quite a few criticaly manned fields right now. Go LOADMASTER..... you would get to see the world. I am waiting another 2 years and i am crosstraining to that. Trust me dude that is the best job at the moment if you like to travel. Get loadmaster on c-130's, you could see thailand, germany, maylasia, singapore, etc. etc. you get my point.

 

[thenomad]

hey man Air Force is the way to go. I have been in for 4 1/2 years now. Only minor complaints but looking at the big pic, the AF takes real good care of me. Gives me a Free Gym, Gives me extra money for food if not a chow hall, Gives me money to live off base, and a paycheck, and did i mention full health benefits, They pay for any injuries you might sustain. All in all man I love it and am doing 20 if not longer, to easy to not do 20. And there should not be a waiting period there are quite a few criticaly manned fields right now. Go LOADMASTER..... you would get to see the world. I am waiting another 2 years and i am crosstraining to that. Trust me dude that is the best job at the moment if you like to travel. Get loadmaster on c-130's, you could see thailand, germany, maylasia, singapore, etc. etc. you get my point.

I have to agree. Loadmaster is definitely one of the best options out there, but if you did decide that you wanted to be an aerial gunner, (which I don't recommend) we definitely would be serving together. If I don't get accepted to Officer Training School in a year or two, I will be crosstraining to Loadmaster.

FYI, a Flight Engineer (FE or Eng) looks over the plane before it flies and is responsible for knowing how the systems are supposed to work. They monitor the instruments during engine starts, shut-down, and during flight. The FE is responsible for writing down discrepancies that air crew found while flying so that maintenance can take corrective action. You also have the distinguished honor of getting the pilot's their coffee!

 

[Cassavus]

I have to agree. Loadmaster is definitely one of the best options out there, but if you did decide that you wanted to be an aerial gunner, (which I don't recommend) we definitely would be serving together. If I don't get accepted to Officer Training School in a year or two, I will be crosstraining to Loadmaster.

FYI, a Flight Engineer (FE or Eng) looks over the plane before it flies and is responsible for knowing how the systems are supposed to work. They monitor the instruments during engine starts, shut-down, and during flight. The FE is responsible for writing down discrepancies that air crew found while flying so that maintenance can take corrective action. You also have the distinguished honor of getting the pilot's their coffee!

Haha, yeah Aerial Gunner was really just an ambitious thought. I'll definitely consider Loadmaster then. Thanks for the info on Flight Engineer...that sounds really boring, lol! Do you happen to know any ATCs and how they feel about their job? ATC is the one I'm most interested in, even though I hear it's crazy stressful.

 

[Deeerdre]

Haha, yeah Aerial Gunner was really just an ambitious thought. I'll definitely consider Loadmaster then. Thanks for the info on Flight Engineer...that sounds really boring, lol! Do you happen to know any ATCs and how they feel about their job? ATC is the one I'm most interested in, even though I hear it's crazy stressful.

I was in load master training for almost a year pm me if you have any questions about it !

 

[thenomad]

I don't know any ATC's. Well, my uncle was an ATC back in the day. From what I hear, the job is just really stressful. Sorry for the long wait for the reply! Best of luck!

 

[Deeerdre]

Ya no problem dude, and yes you have to swim, but I think I remember you have life vests on. You have to complete a Water Survival Course which is about a week in Pensacola Florida. Its really fun tho, you get to para sail and get picked up out of the water by a helicopter.

I think they might give you a yellow helmet to wear if you don't know how to swim so they can keep an eye on you, it wont be to big of a deal.

But ya man if you like planes and are good at math, you'll like Loadmaster, the training is pretty long one of the longest on the enlisted side but its also one of the best jobs in the airforce for enlisted

You get a flight suit which is pretty bad ass, because everyone else in the air force will be jealous, unless they fly the planes haha

And yes you do travel a ton as a load, but you do get stationed somewhere.

So if you dont mind being up in a plane and some pretty stressful situations and dont get air sickness you'll like the job:thumbsup:

Let me know if you have any more questions, good luck bro

 

[Cassavus]

Ya no problem dude, and yes you have to swim, but I think I remember you have life vests on. You have to complete a Water Survival Course which is about a week in Pensacola Florida. Its really fun tho, you get to para sail and get picked up out of the water by a helicopter.

I think they might give you a yellow helmet to wear if you don't know how to swim so they can keep an eye on you, it wont be to big of a deal.

But ya man if you like planes and are good at math, you'll like Loadmaster, the training is pretty long one of the longest on the enlisted side but its also one of the best jobs in the airforce for enlisted

You get a flight suit which is pretty bad ass, because everyone else in the air force will be jealous, unless they fly the planes haha

And yes you do travel a ton as a load, but you do get stationed somewhere.

So if you dont mind being up in a plane and some pretty stressful situations and dont get air sickness you'll like the job:thumbsup:

Let me know if you have any more questions, good luck bro

Nice! Thanks for the info! Now I just got to get a hold of the recruiter again. He went on vacation 3 weeks ago and we had set up an appointment for Mar 30th. But when I went in they told me he had to take emergency leave but should be back April 1st. So I left him a message. Went down there today to see when if he was back and the office is closed.

 

[Deeerdre]

Nice! Thanks for the info! Now I just got to get a hold of the recruiter again. He went on vacation 3 weeks ago and we had set up an appointment for Mar 30th. But when I went in they told me he had to take emergency leave but should be back April 1st. So I left him a message. Went down there today to see when if he was back and the office is closed.

I wouldn't worry about it, the recruiter will definitely get back to you when he can. In the mean time just make sure you are ready for what your going to get yourself into.

Let me know what happens :AR15firing:

 

[Cassavus]

I wouldn't worry about it, the recruiter will definitely get back to you when he can. In the mean time just make sure you are ready for what your going to get yourself into.

Let me know what happens :AR15firing:

For sure, I'll keep ya posted. :thumbsup:

 

[urbanski]

you can always call and ask for the recruiters boss

 

[Cassavus]

you can always call and ask for the recruiters boss

I'm going to try the office again in the morning and at least see when he'll be back. If it's going to be awhile I'll see what I can do about talking to someone else. I mean, I would hate to ditch the guy, but I also don't want to be stuck in limbo for an unknown amount of time. The only good thing about waiting is the longer it takes, the better prepared I'll be. Cause let me tell ya, my endurance blows. Lol

 

[Deeerdre]

I'm going to try the office again in the morning and at least see when he'll be back. If it's going to be awhile I'll see what I can do about talking to someone else. I mean, I would hate to ditch the guy, but I also don't want to be stuck in limbo for an unknown amount of time. The only good thing about waiting is the longer it takes, the better prepared I'll be. Cause let me tell ya, my endurance blows. Lol

Haha well if you like to wait the AF is the right place for you....

 

[CopyCat]

Hurry up and wait!!

 

[Deeerdre]

Hurry up and wait!!

yep, exactly haha

 

[Cassavus]

Well looks like I'll only have to wait till Monday to meet up with him, haha! Went down to their office today and caught up with him. We set up an appointment for Monday where I'll turn in all my paper work and then set a date to go take the ASVAB.

 

[Deeerdre]

Well looks like I'll only have to wait till Monday to meet up with him, haha! Went down to their office today and caught up with him. We set up an appointment for Monday where I'll turn in all my paper work and then set a date to go take the ASVAB.

The process has begunnnn! haha goodluck man I scored a 69 and got load so you should be ok.

 

[CopyCat]

Oh yeah, and... Stand by to stand by

 

[Cassavus]

Oh yeah, and... Stand by to stand by

Lol, I could stand to wait a little bit...just hopefully not TOO long.

 

[brandon411]

You have to be careful about what recruiters tell you. They'll tell you whatever you want to hear to get you in. I've been in the AF for 5 years now and I love it. They are sending me to PA school for free. You'll have so many opportunities you can't even imagine. Honestly you'll get out what you put into it.

 

[thenomad]

You have to be careful about what recruiters tell you. They'll tell you whatever you want to hear to get you in. I've been in the AF for 5 years now and I love it. They are sending me to PA school for free. You'll have so many opportunities you can't even imagine. Honestly you'll get out what you put into it.

ditto.

 

[Cassavus]

You have to be careful about what recruiters tell you. They'll tell you whatever you want to hear to get you in. I've been in the AF for 5 years now and I love it. They are sending me to PA school for free. You'll have so many opportunities you can't even imagine. Honestly you'll get out what you put into it.

Oh for sure. They're just trying to meet their quota. Not to say that some aren't helpful, but I know what you mean. Thanks for the heads up! I really can't wait to get in and start doin my part.

 

[Cassavus]

Well, I took the ASVAB this last Thursday. Did pretty well. Recruiter calls me yesterday morning and asks if I could head up to MEPs. I said of course. So I leave in 3 hours! :thumbsup:

 

[brandon411]

CONGRATS BRO! Just remember DENIAL isn't just a river in Egypt. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[Deeerdre]

Sweet good job

 

[CopyCat]

Have fun man

 

[WhatsaRoid?]

Good luck and keep in touch on facebook!

 

[thenomad]

Good deal buddy! Just remember, nothing is certain until you step on that bus to basic, you can always say no. Good Luck my friend!! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions