<![CDATA[Latest posts for the thread "Request for those who are US or allied military"]]>

<![CDATA[Latest posts for the thread "Request for those who are US or allied military"]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/54.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net Request for those who are US or allied military http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664262.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664262.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664289.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664289.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military

dienekes96 wrote:You aren't too old, but you aren't young anymore. I was a military brat, so I thought it was normal. The pay is asstastic, the hours miserable, and you might be a bit too mature to deal with the boot camp mickey mouse nonsense. But if you do join, check each of the branches of the military, and pay special attention to the Marines. They have the best basic training by far. And I am a Navy guy.

Why do you say they have the best basic training?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664290.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664290.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664307.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664307.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military
30 isnt too old for enlisting. Just make sure you do your research before you enlist and pick a MOS that suites you. Dont let a pushy MEPS butterbar shove you in a direction you dont want to go.

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664311.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664311.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military
Anyway you go, good luck and if you join, thank you.

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664314.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664314.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military

jp400 wrote:Jarhead isms aside....

30 isnt too old for enlisting. Just make sure you do your research before you enlist and pick a MOS that suites you. Dont let a pushy MEPS butterbar shove you in a direction you dont want to go.

Explain your terms. remember I'm a complete newbie here]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664317.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664317.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military MOS = Military Occupational Specialty. Basically the job you do while in the service.

MEPS = Military Entrance Processing Station. They test applicants for physical, mental, and emotional aptitude against the standards set forth by the various services. The actual results of these tests can be massaged in order to fill needs as determined by the larger Department of Defense.

Edt: Here is a decent rundown on what MEPS is, and how it fits into the process of pursuing a military career.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664320.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664320.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military

I choose my MOS (Cav Scout 19D10) because I love the idea of operating as part of a small group 10-15k infront of the main body looking for the enemy and makeing their life a living hell.

Not to mention since you operate in such a small group, you get alot of really cool toys to play with and get to meet and work with other small group figures at times. (Lotta respect for em!)

Plus at the time that I enlisted, Recon was still considered one step above the rest below special units. The training at Knox reflected that. Also Cav has a very rich and vibrant history that even today holds a special place in my heart.

You will be hard pressed to find a group in any branch that has as much rich history and members that are actually proud to be where they are.

While I Was in I visted:
4 states in the US....
England
Ireland
Germany
Kuwait
Iraq
Qatar
Canada

Granted Iraq is Iraq and its not a pleasure cruise anyway you look at it (Unless your Guard) But I spent the better part of a week drinking myself stupid in Ireland at the Governments expense.

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664327.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/664327.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/705109.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/705109.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military bs", thats a roger. I was SO sick to death of it. Got old so fast. At 30 you will have to try an swallow it down pretty hard.

I wouldn't join just for the quality of the basic training. On the one hand, you will certainly take more away from USMC Basic than the other services. On the other, thats a tiny fraction of your time in service. Take it into consideration, but weight it appropriately. Take MOS in consideration (NEC for the Navy people out there, exact some thing) heavily, ideally I would pick something that is at least somewhat useful in the civilian realm. I know in the Navy they used to pay some ridiculous bonuses to people in certain NECs for re-enlisting. You can truly make out like a bandit. Computer fields are always good, except Data Processors. Just punch in data, what the hell is that? Nuclear power field is rugged, prepare to hit the books hard, but the money is great. Post-military career options may be limited. There are recruiting sites that specialize in ex-military, go cruise them and see what they are looking for. Contact them for some data.

Dont jump solely at the money, but it has to be part of the consideration in my opinion. I would look at the lifestyle the MOS offers you as well. There are weird niches in the military as well. Want to join the Navy, but don't want to deploy on ships all the time? Cool! Go AE (Aviatian Electronics?), specialize in naval aircraft that are too big to land on carriers. You just got yourself a landside job, pardner. Niches, see?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/705138.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/705138.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/705150.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/705150.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military
THink long and hard about your MOS/NEC, and research it online before you EVER go to a recruiter. They cant lie to you. But if you trust them you are a fool.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/705205.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/705205.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military .

No, seriously - do your research online and talk to a few different recruiters from different branches. I'd even go so far as to talk to different recruiters from the same branch at different stations. Recruiters are people too and can make mistakes.

Here are a few (though no means exhaustive) of the reasons people join.

Patriotism/defend the country - I think to a certain extent, most service members (SMs from now on) join for this reason. It may not be a primary reason, but it's there. Most of the guys who do join for this reason tend to go into the more hardcore MOSs. I have a friend who joined the cav scouts when he was young because he wanted to "shoot terrorists for Unlce Sam."

College Money/benefits - I don't know your school situation but the benefits are pretty outstanding. Montgomery GI bill will pay for most, if not all of school - especially the new GI bill coming out. Benefits include free healthcare at military hospitals for the SM and immediate family, VA loans, VA health benefits, and a host of other lesser benefits.

Skill/job training - There are alot of useful skills in the military - especially in the more high-tech services like the air force and navy. The army and marines tend to spend alot of time pushing the "rifleman first" concept. If you're interested in doing something that may come in handy later in life, I'd start with those two services (all services have useful civilian related career tracks though).

Stability - Alot of people crap on the military for having horrible pay - which I can't really argue with. Again, not knowing your situation, I would say that the upside is that you WILL get a pay check every two weeks along with all those health benefits for free. You'll also earn a month of paid leave every year which is alot more than most jobs. Your total compensation package is alot more than the net pay box on your LES (leave and earnings statement). When you deploy (I said when, not if) you'll most likely earn your paycheck tax free. Another thing to consider is most active duty locations (at least for the army) are in fairly rural/suburban areas and the cost of living is quite reasonable.

Me personally - I have 7 years in now. I've spent almost 3 of those in Iraq but I mostly volunteered for that. My forum name is old, I'm now a Chief Warrant Officer Two. My MOS is 153D which is UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot. I'm actually typing this in my room at Fort Dix, NJ as I demobilze from my latest deployment.

I joined at 19 because for a mix of reasons. In immediate aftermath of 9/11 I really started thinking about it, but decided to put it off until I could at least get my associates. Long story short, I ended up enlisting as a PVT (E-1, the lowest rank there is) on May 9, 2002. Yeah, I joined the Guard (and Iraq wasn't a pleasure cruise in 2004- even for the Guard) because I wanted to stay close to home and finish college while I served. Well, one thing led to another and I've made it my career.

I guess I've rambled on enough for a while. If you have any questions or if you just want some info, hit me up. Also, if you get any info from recruiters that you feel is a little *too* good to be true... let me know I'll give you my version of what they said

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/711712.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/711712.page GMT Re:Request for those who are US or allied military
I've been in 7.5 years now. There have been times I've regretted it, sure. But without a doubt it's the best choice I've made in my life. I'd suggest military service to anyone. Whether it's a 4 year enlistment, or a 20 year career. You will get something good from it.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/711727.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/711727.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military
Only Sub Base did better breakfast.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/711779.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/711779.page GMT Re:Request for those who are US or allied military http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/711844.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/711844.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military
If you can go Air Force for the quality of life, but the Navy has done good by me. I second what's been said about finding your niche, you just have to look. I've found a few opportunities in the Navy and I've taken them. I started as an Avionics Technician, a technical job that gets you a lot of knowledge and a lot of education, and went on a cruise of the Pacific Rim, I learned two valuable things: I hated my job and I hate ships.

So I cross-rated to Illustrator-Draftsman (graphic arts). The Navy then promptly merged that job into a mass media one. I volunteered to go to Iraq and out there a Senior Chief (senior enlisted Sailors with God-like abilities) taught me the basics of journalism and speaking for radio. So now, after another round of Navy schooling, I'm a broadcaster about to spend a long spell (by choice) on a tropical island. Like I said, there's a lot of opportunity to be had, you just have to look and try hard.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/713457.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/713457.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military you will need a very good reason to sign your life away.

i signed up for 3 years once i left school to give me time to think about a career.
to start with its like living in hell, only worse.
but as time goes on and you get used to the run of things its pretty good.

Just make sure you are 100% certain before you sign

and no, 30 isnt too old atall, when going through my basic training the average age was around 25 ish.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/713462.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/713462.page GMT Re:Request for those who are US or allied military http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/713569.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/713569.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/713811.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/713811.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military MOS, the infantry, if you go into another job field things will be much easier for you and yours. Hope you make the right choice.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/723627.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/723627.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military

and no, 30 isnt too old atall, when going through my basic training the average age was around 25 ish.

IIRC 32 is the oldest you can be for regular forces and 42 is the oldest for National Guard Reserve. Which I find kind of funny as in Canada the oldest age for enlisting is 57. At the reserve unit I am trying to get into they actually have a couple new recruits who are over the 50 mark. As long as they pass their medical and fitness they don't really care how old you are.

In the US though I beleive its 32 for regular with extra years allowance for every year served in the service prior to re enlistment.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/723656.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/723656.page GMT Re:Request for those who are US or allied military See: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/a/enlage42.htm]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/729244.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/729244.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military

Grignard wrote:I have a question for any of our Dakkaites who are in one way or another affiliated with the US military. How did you decide on the military as a career. Do you enjoy it? I'm thinking about applying, am I too old at 30 years of age? I'm just bored to death with my career right now and I'd like an opinion about service from someone in our armed forces. I'm in fairly good shape, if not a super athlete ( I can run a mile or two, no problem). What is your honest opinion?

Have you got a college degree? If yes, you want to be a commisioned officer rather than an enlistedman. Officers have more responsibility and authority, are better paid, and have a better lifestyle. Your age and experience will be an asset.

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/729441.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/729441.page GMT Re:Request for those who are US or allied military th uS.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/735061.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/735061.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military BP and his Spanish wasn't good enough for them when he joined and he had to get remedial Spanish. The kicker- He's 100% Mexican.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/735242.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/735242.page GMT Request for those who are US or allied military OP is still interested in this information but my best advice would be to joint the Air Force as opposed to the USMC and Army. The Air Force spends a lot of its budget on creature comforts for its personnel and you'll be out of harm's way. However it is more of a corporate setting than military. Less chance of injury during basic training compared to the rest as well.

If you don't have a college degree I'd suggest making use of the GI Bill. Even pursue Reserves/National Guard to see if the military is for you - however you will likely be deployed no matter the route you take.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/738431.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/236414/738431.page GMT