Things have changed and I may make a big decision soon

Bean

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Guys I'm thinking of going into the armed forces.
Recently, I had found out from my best friend, that he would be joining the Navy.
On Monday he took his Asfab (however you spell it), and on Tuesday he had his physical and signed 4+1 years of his life to the United States Navy for delayed entry. He leaves December 6th.

My other best friend left 3 Mondays ago for the Air Force under some kind of avionics/repair type thing.

I was reading up on the Air Force because I've always said, if, under the most unlikely of circumstances, I were to join any armed services, it would be the USAF mainly because of my taste for jets. That was years ago; but its still the first place I checked out.

After a bit of research 1st party and 3rd party, I've found that I find Pararescue (or PJs for short) to be something I would really enjoy striving for. Its completely unrelated to anything I do in my life except maybe its physically strenuous indirectly related to working out in the gym (But still thats very far off)

The washout rate for PJs is 70%. It is the hardest group of special forces to get into in the entire US military. Basically, from what I gathered, you are not unlike a SEAL or other special forces unit but you are a combat medic able to be inserted anywhere in the world at a moment's notice. HALO jumps, scuba diving, Helicopter insertion, amphibious, etc are all parts of it. The training involves a multitude of different places from Navy, Marine, USAF, and Army bases. It is EXTREMELY hard. And its something that I really want to do because it IS hard. Always been telling myself and been told by others (friends and family and teachers) that I can do anything I want to do because I have the intelligence and the willpower (when I want it).

I just feel that it may be time to put up or shut up.
Benefits aside (though they are very intriguing), I feel that I would be very honored if I could get to the point of donning the maroon beret.

If anyone has any info they'd like to share, please do so...

-Brian
 

cr4ytonic

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Good luck if you do it! I respect anyone that gives a few years of their life to serve our country, wish I wasn't so selfish and could do it.

Mad props to you if you go that way.
 
Beelzebub

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Good luck if you go through it bro. I'm been in the Marines for a little over 7 years now and my time is almost up. You'll definately meet some good people while you're in, people that you'll remember for the rest of your life. A little bit of advice, once it stops being fun, it's time to get out.
 

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Good Luck, Spent 10 years in the Air Force. Was stationed in Las Vegas, Japan, North Dakota, and Nebraska. Good times, Taught me a lot about life in general. Just make sure you take advantage of the college bennies, its well worth it.
 
BingeAndPurge

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Been in the army 4 years, wife's been in almost five, we have a 2 year old son. Before 9/11 the army was the greatest place in the world. All I can say to you now is "Aim High" and I hope you're single.
 
TheChosen1

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Let me break it down to you straight.

After you've taken the ASVAB test, make sure that you know exactly what YOU want to get into. DON'T LET THEM TELL YOU THAT IT'S WHAT YOU QUALIFY FOR or IT'S WHAT YOUR SCORE MATCHES. If your score is too low for the job that you want ot work, tell them that you want to do the OJT system, which is on the job training. The recruiters will screw you without you knowing. My best friend and I was supposed to join the Navy on a Buddy Program but they tried to get me in 3 months earlier. Also, I wanted to work as a Dispersing Clerk (bookkeeper) considering that I was an Accounting major in college. But they wanted to get me in as a Mess Management Specialist a.k.a. cook. I told them no on both. They may even offer you a bonus just to get you in what they need more of and not what you want to do. FACE IT, BRO, this is something that you will be doing for the next 4-6 years of your life.

Another slice of advice........don't take a job or training on a job that is meaningless in civilization. For example, I don't think there'll be any need for tank mechanics or torpedo specialists anytime soon. The Army and Marines have a tendancy of doing that to an individual.

All and all, good luck, bro. Physically, you're ahead of the rest of the recruits. :thumbsup:
 

LCSULLA

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I don't know much about the AF, but I think that LakeMountD is a CCT in the Airforce right now. Try PMing him with some Q's. And listen to what the other Bro's are telling you. Don't let the recruiter bamboozel (sp?) you into some crappy job. If he says he can't do that then tell him the US Army will be more then happy to give you a Ranger contract. He'll change his toon pretty quick.
 
jarhead

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I spent 5 years in the Marine Corps and I agree with everything these guys are saying. My advice - Stay single-the military is rough on a marriage(I was married in the corp. WAS). It's just hard to be sent away from your family(on both you and wife), and you will be away. The recruiters are only lying when they are talking. Para rescue is tough. Start running now if you really want to do it. Lifting won't be as important as running. You don't see bodybuilding type physiques on Recon, SEALS, etc., but they CAN run three miles in 18 minutes. If you go in with the right attitude you'll be ok- it is what you make of it. Lastly, IMO any miltary service is more valuable than you'll imagine. You won't meet too many guys who say they regret it. Good luck bro.
 
TheChosen1

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I can't agree with Jarhead more. I know too many women who are naive and think that marrying a military man will guarantee them world travels. What end up happening is that you'll be going to Italy or Japan and she'll be sitting her ass home in San Diego or Orlando (depending on the branch).

I'm going to add one more thing in regards to what LCSULLA says: If the recruiter tells you that you can't get into the field of your interest, you have several choices to make. (1)You can choose to go through on the job training. You'll go through the academy/boot camp and then another 6 weeks of job schooling before going on the job. (2) As what LCSULLA, tell the recruiter "Thanks but *name another branch* can set me up with it". (3) You can choose not to join any of them and tell your recruiter "See ya, glad that I don't have to be ya :run: . Earlier I mentioned how the Navy tried to get me in as a cook and telling me that I had to quit college to join in 3 months. Well with that came a $1500 bonus. Bro, I can make that in 1-1 1/2 weeks, as oppose of a month. So don't let them bribe you. If you really divide it all up, they actually pay those guys less than minimum wage. The only plus is that you hardly have to pay for ANYTHING. Your food, housing, utilities, everything is paid for by US. And we're happy to pay those bills since the military is keeping us free and safe.
 
Bean

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Some of you may remember; ex-gf broke up with me in the middle of July and I havent looked back :) Another reason to join :D

The shape I'd have to be in would be some work.

Anyone know if there's roid testing upon entry? I know they do a lot of other stuff. I would like to gain about another 10-15lbs to get to around 190ish and then shred a bit of fat... when the cardio begins, I guess I can begin my own training; i'd like to be able to pass the PAST before I even apply.
 
TheChosen1

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Some of you may remember; ex-gf broke up with me in the middle of July and I havent looked back :) Another reason to join :D

The shape I'd have to be in would be some work.

Anyone know if there's roid testing upon entry? I know they do a lot of other stuff. I would like to gain about another 10-15lbs to get to around 190ish and then shred a bit of fat... when the cardio begins, I guess I can begin my own training; i'd like to be able to pass the PAST before I even apply.
Although roid testing is more in the federal employment than any other, I don't think it is in the military. There's a Staff Sgt. on one of the boards that I MOD who's just gone pro in bb. So I doubt it. Although, that don't mean that they won't test you if they suspect something. But I wouldn't worry about it. And I'm sorry to hear about your breakup, bro. She'll be pissed when you're driving a new car, living in a cool place, and have money to burn (well, at least some.....LOL).

In fact, I think I see her right now>>>>>>>>> :frustrate
 
Bean

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hahah thanks for the cheerup :) I'm over it; I'm all good with it :) She's getting along good stealing away my few remaining friends; but there's always more; and if she was able to steal them away in the first place; then fuckem.
 

red_devil1469

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Every PJ I ever met loved it.If its something you want to do go for it.Just remember if you change your mind, you can leave before you have been in for 6 months and it's like you were never in.No discharge,etc.Dont let them talk you into something you dont want either.
 
Beelzebub

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The roid testing was discussed a few times on the board already but basically it comes down to "no", they don't test for it. The only way they can test you for roids is if they have beyond a reasonable doubt suspicion. I've yet to see anyone have this test and I've known more than a few military guys who juice like no other.

And bro, if I were you, I'd go for the officer program. That's where the money is and knowing what I know now, I would have taken this step 7 years ago.
 
jarhead

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I agree with Beelzebub on the Officer subject. If you have a degree or are close(if not there are other routes) definitely go officer. Much better pay, treated better,etc. Enough can't be said about that one.
 
Cuffs

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I've never been in the armed forces, and often kick myself for not signing the papers I had in front of me my senior year in high school. However, if you have a love for jets, then don't count the Navy out. They have some of the finest. I work near a Naval Base and see their jets all day long. Also, it would be wise to look into something that you can carry back into the civilian life with you. Be it education or job experience/training.

Best of luck with whatever you decide on.
 

Manwhore

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If you do deside to go,make sure you get your head straight and get what you want. Don't do like i did and party all 4 years. Although,it was fun :) I'm sure the Air Force gives alot more money for school than the Marines do. The Air Force has all the damn money. We always thought of the Air Force as more of a college than the military,but i guess those PLs are alot different. Make sure you choice something you can use when you get out,if you want to get out before retiring in there,because i don't think Sky divers and Scuba instructors make that much :)
 

Manwhore

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I've never been in the armed forces, and often kick myself for not signing the papers I had in front of me my senior year in high school. However, if you have a love for jets, then don't count the Navy out. They have some of the finest. I work near a Naval Base and see their jets all day long. Also, it would be wise to look into something that you can carry back into the civilian life with you. Be it education or job experience/training.

Best of luck with whatever you decide on.
They have the fastest plane in the world. The SR-71 blackbird can make it from LAX to Newark in 18min. If you worked in newark but wanted to take lunch in LA,you can with time to spare lol
 
BingeAndPurge

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Off topic here, but I swore blackbirds were put out of commission a long time ago, and they leak fuel like crazy on the ground because their speed makes the plane change shape in flight so they built everything not to fit right on the ground. It actually needs to be refueled right after take off. I swore the stealth put the thing out of its misery a while ago.
 

Manwhore

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Off topic here, but I swore blackbirds were put out of commission a long time ago, and they leak fuel like crazy on the ground because their speed makes the plane change shape in flight so they built everything not to fit right on the ground. It actually needs to be refueled right after take off. I swore the stealth put the thing out of its misery a while ago.
It used half it's fuel on takeoff so a refueler had to be sent up some time before it took off. I thought it wans't used anymore but then i thought i heard they still use it but very little. Either way,It's still the fastest in the world. The stealth fighter couldn't even come close to the blackbirds speed. The blackbird couldn't carry weapons because it was so fast it could run right into the ammo. A Marine Corp friend of mine told me he saw it take off and he said it doesn't even need a runway because it takes off like the space shuttle and there's a thick white cloud of smoke behind it. It was capable of traveling 2 miles in 1 sec.
 
jarhead

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They have the fastest plane in the world. The SR-71 blackbird can make it from LAX to Newark in 18min. If you worked in newark but wanted to take lunch in LA,you can with time to spare lol
A little Blackbird trivia from a Marine corp air winger:
Actually it's the fastest "air breathing" jet in the world. The X-15 is the fastest, although it's engine isn't the same type. The SR-71 exceeds Mach 3 (not the razors) which is 741.4mph....times 3!!! That's haulin serious ass. It was designed for recon and was the first "stealth" plane in a round about way- the material it was made out of(russian bought titanium and plastic), paint and design had radar absorbing properties. I don't believe any are still flying, they're all in museums and stuff. Except the one the X-men use.
 
Bean

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I plan on getting a degree in some computer field while I'm in there; prolly in engineering of some sort; but I'd like my main job to be pararescue... Once I graduate I'd prolly go officer...

i'm very new to this, going officer just means that right? you can still be a PJ or whatever even when you're an officer?
 
jarhead

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I plan on getting a degree in some computer field while I'm in there; prolly in engineering of some sort; but I'd like my main job to be pararescue... Once I graduate I'd prolly go officer...

i'm very new to this, going officer just means that right? you can still be a PJ or whatever even when you're an officer?
You'll have different jobs and responsibilities as an officer, so check into the specific job you want to make sure you pick the right route. The difference could be as simple as this- enlisted you jump out of a plane, as an officer you TELL somebody to jump out of a plane. It's not easy to become an officer either, depending on how you enlist. You'll have to go thru OCS(Officer Candidate School) as well. My advice- If your goal is to jump out of planes, be hard core and just do it for the experience- then go PR. If, however, you want to use the AF as a way to finish school and set yourself up for a career when your done, then you might want to consider other job possibilities like others have mentioned. They have things like tuition assistance where they pay something like 75% of it while your enlisted and taking classes, so that you still have your GI BILL to use when you get out. There are plenty of jobs that are like civilian 9-5 jobs in the military that give you time to do that stuff where as things like PR and other specialties might not. Either way, enlisting is a positive move that you're unlikely to regret.
 

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Keep in mind, that it is not always easy to take classes. Depending on where you get stationed and all. That and when you first go in you enthuseasm (sp?) for school will go way down, unless you are EXTREMLY motivated. When I joined the AF (back in 87) that was my goal as well, to get my degree and go Officer. Well to make a long story short, I finished my degree 11 years later (8 months after I got out), with the last 2 years full time school and full time work (I worked nights). I was on the Squadron commanders **** list so I was denied the oportunity to got to OCS. In short I got out.

Just some things to keep in mind.
 
Bean

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I want to do this for the challenge but I know how I can be sometimes; so I'm going to put myself to the test over the next few months.

Two stage goal...
1st; gain 10-15lbs of muscle (hell even more if i run a cycle)
2nd; begin high rep weight training and endurance training in the various forms (running, swimming, etc)

PJ training involves LOTS of running... 5-6 miles or more every other day or so... while I am training here at home to prove that I can do this; any tips on keeping the running/swimming from burning too much muscle (can I carry supps with me while i run or something that can help?)
 

hogiejoe

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dude,

i think you might be looking at this the wrong way. think about the future. so you want to gain 15 pounds and be a bad ass pj. there is alot more involved in life than just physical strength. now start thinking about what you got. how close are you to getting your degree, if your close go talk to a recruiter and have him refer you to an officer recruiter. the pay is insanely much more and your quality of life is by far far far btter than an enlisted guy's. use what you got man to do everything you can. you can still get your jump wings and everything as an officer. if i was you i would start out being the boss instead of low man on the totem pole. jmho

and just fyi you wont be able to take classes as pj. there is going to be long periods of time that you wont have acces to a computer to do your classes
 

cr4ytonic

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Hey just out of curiosity why are you doing it? I know you said your friends are doing it, and I think in this thread or another you said something about breaking up with a girl... (could have been someone else).

Just want you to be sure you are doing it for the right reasons, and are not looking at a long-term solution for a short-term problem.
 

Manwhore

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A little Blackbird trivia from a Marine corp air winger:
What air wing? O and the X-15 has reached Mach 6.7 but i don't believe they ever maxed out the SR-71. They said it can clear 2 miles in 1sec. That's 7,200 MPH
 
jarhead

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What air wing? O and the X-15 has reached Mach 6.7 but i don't believe they ever maxed out the SR-71. They said it can clear 2 miles in 1sec. That's 7,200 MPH
Marine Corp Air Wing.
Actually they did max it out, sort of. In 1974 the set the world speed record from new york to london in just under 2 hrs with a top speed exceeding 2000 mph and averageing around 1800 due to refueling. It's specs are that it flies at 33 miles per minute which is .55 miles per second, not 2. It can exceed mach3 but won't touch 7200 mph. The X-15 was the fastest in history at 4520mph or as you said mach 6.7.
 
Bean

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Hey just out of curiosity why are you doing it? I know you said your friends are doing it, and I think in this thread or another you said something about breaking up with a girl... (could have been someone else).

Just want you to be sure you are doing it for the right reasons, and are not looking at a long-term solution for a short-term problem.
nah none of my friends are doing it at all

one friend already left for avionics repair or something like that... my other friend leaves for the navy for electronic engineer or something like that on a submarine in december...

Several reasons:
-because I am totally unhappy with anything and everything in my life
-i'm sick of working with computers for no $$$, i'm sick of them in general; i have no degree and i've been working with computers pretty hardcore since i was ~10-11 years old
-all my friends are leaving, so i have nothing holding me here
-i've always been told and i've always believed and preached that belief that I can do anything I want to do
-i want a physically demanding job that still means something (not blue collar labor like construction or something)...
-i do not want a job that involves anything with computers at its core... later in life, yes... not now
-because of the challenge, i like doing things because they are hard; i know i get satisfaction from it because i proved to myself i could do it... gaining weight is a good example, it is so tough for me yet i still bust my balls all the time to get it done
-satisfaction with myself for once in my life

i'm not doing anything for the ex-girlfriend; i have absolutely no ties to her nor ever would; i'm over it just fine, she doesnt play into this equation even a bit... if i were with a girl, i wouldnt go simple as that (unless it wasnt serious)

i've been feeling this way for ~4 years now... i've just realized i'm not happy nor satisfied with anything
 
Bean

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dude,

i think you might be looking at this the wrong way. think about the future. so you want to gain 15 pounds and be a bad ass pj. there is alot more involved in life than just physical strength. now start thinking about what you got. how close are you to getting your degree, if your close go talk to a recruiter and have him refer you to an officer recruiter. the pay is insanely much more and your quality of life is by far far far btter than an enlisted guy's. use what you got man to do everything you can. you can still get your jump wings and everything as an officer. if i was you i would start out being the boss instead of low man on the totem pole. jmho

and just fyi you wont be able to take classes as pj. there is going to be long periods of time that you wont have acces to a computer to do your classes
i know there's a lot more to a PJ than physical strength; never once did i ever state this :)
i am at LEAST 2 years away from getting any sort of degree; and for me to start from where i stopped; i'd take another 6 months to get back on top of things...

going back to school and getting a degree is an option; but if i do it in computer engineering like i was, i will have to start over from scratch... i wont take a 2.0 gpa that i stopped with; i cant remember any of the math (i'm good at it, will just have to start over from calculus :) )... couple other reasons too
 

hogiejoe

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well you sound kind of like me when i enlisted. and it will probably be very good for you. but you have to think about a few things first. first, you are getting off to kind of a late start so if you want to get out of the military after 4, it would be great to have a degree under your belt or you will pick up right where you left off which i stated earlier would probably be diificult. if it becomes a career though, well then that's another story. like i said you sound like me and if i am right you are going to get tired of the rules and regulations and will be ready to get out and make something of your self after 4 years. i just needed a little kick in the ass. just food for though man.


by the way its not like you are going to be old if you get out, just older than most that are still going to college

i hope i have helped some, but good luck and try to make the best of everything
 

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If you are going to be pj or cct, I suggest you really get into doing pullups, since you will be doing them any time you leave or come to the barracks during initial training.

Oh, and when you go anywhere on base you will be running everywhere.

I wouldn't waste a cycle packing on muscle and pure strength, concentrate more on stamina and endurance relative to bodyweight.
 

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Several of my close friends are enlisted infantry in the marines. Another is a blackhawk pilot in the airforce. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the bros who donate so much of their life and possible safety to protect our way of life. From what I've seen, if you do things right you'll come out with your head screwed on tighter than ever and with a new outlook on life. Best of luck to you!
 

coofoostu

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Well my personal recomendation is that you be carefull about what you tell them. I was on adderal for a year when I was like 16, and I told them and have never been able to get in. I first went through meps hoping to join the navy, only to have the senior doctor at the end of the day say "so you were on adderal for a year so that means you need to come back and see us next January (a year away)." What kind of bs is that? Why couldn't they tell me that before I spent the whole day being violated by doctors?

Anyway I couldn't bare the thought of living at home w/ my rents for a year so I decited to go to college, and go the officer route through Army ROTC. My family has fought in every war since WWI as officers in the Army so I figured with the family connections I had to the Army getting in would be no problem. Wrong. After spending a whole year in ROTC they told me that I was unelegable to recieve commission in the Army through ROTC, but that OCS was still an option.

I still love the Army though, Hooah! It's just these dicks at the DOD that make up some stupid rule. I've known so many kids who have taken adderal, ritilin, and other drugs like this and gotten in fine. In fact, an upper classmen said that the whole 'toon used to pop adderal before their pt test as a booster!!! I also see kids who smoked pot and did other illegal drugs for years get in no problem.

So anyway I transfered schools and got into bodybuilding since I didn't have to be running for 40-60 mins every day. Also growing the hair out which im loving! I may go through OCS when I finish college but Im really not too sure at this point.

I've got bro's in all branches of the military and like growmore said, you give up a lot of your life. But its also one of the best times of your life and you'll get friends and memories stronger than anything you can imagine. IMO if you want to continue bodybuilding I would recommend the Navy, as they often (depending on your job) leave pt up to you. So as long as you're passing the pt tests, you can go about you're own routine. Believe me, trying to lift while running 40 mins 5 days a week and doing mass pushups and situps mwf is a bitch. Oh yeah and be sure and grow you're hair out and put it in every style possible before you ship out b/c once you are required to keep it short, you'll want it long more than anything else. If you're still reading this post I'm amazed because its so damn long!

Good luck!
 
Lifeguard

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funny thing

I am in the navy and I am a Corpsman. PJ's are the best medics in the world along with the SEAL medics and SARC (Special Amphibious Reconnaisance Corpsman....medics for Marine Recon).

I start the training pipeline to become a SARC in January... about 18 months of grueling training is headed my way.

PJ's are badasses...go for it.

PJ's Motto: "....So that others may Live..."
 

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