Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legit?

[MFT1Air]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

LMAO!:laff: Hmmm, yeah and they can't meet their quotas either! No matter if it's the Army or Marines, your primary job is being a rifleman. I've had several friends learn that the hard way no matter what MOS they are.:crazy:

In a word, wrong. Your primary job is the primary job you're trained to do in AIT. Succinctly put. You put a noncombat arms trained person in a combat position, people die. . .period. The Army does dumb things, but never something THAT stupid.

 

[H46Bubba]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

In a word, wrong. Your primary job is the primary job you're trained to do in AIT. Succinctly put. You put a noncombat arms trained person in a combat position, people die. . .period. The Army does dumb things, but never something THAT stupid.

Okay we'll submit to it being secondary job being a soldier/infantry. I'm pretty sure you learned how to do combat stuff in bootcamp right? You learned how to shoot an M-16 and throw hand grenades too huh? Everone in the Army is combat arms trained, just as they are in the Marines. Just because everyone doesn't go to AIT (Advanced Infantry Training), doesn't mean they're not trained combat soldiers, but they are soldiers none the less. Unless there has been some name change since the 1770's, I'm pretty sure Army personnel are still called soldiers! Marines are actually weapons not soldiers! My buddy was combat engineer in the CA National Guard. What did he do when he was sent to Iraq? Patrols, raids and other infantry combat stuff. He rarely did what his MOS and unit specialty was...combat engineering.

So these Air Force and Navy guys being sent to help out the ever strained Army in Iraq doing armed convoy duties, carrying "combat arms" in a "combat zone" was the Air Force's idea? I think not. That one came from the Army's top brass asking for help to the Pentagon and the Joint Chiefs. So the bandaid for the Army's lack of recruiting efforts and attrition, is to send these Airmen and Sailors to a quick combat training course and send them on their merry way to Iraq to essentially fill the gaps. Splendid idea! Even Marine Officers no matter if they're pilots or supply officers are Infantry. They attend Basic School at Quantico after they grad from the Academy, NROTC, and OCS, where they are taught to be effective infantry officers.

 

[MFT1Air]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

Okay we'll submit to it being secondary job being a soldier/infantry. I'm pretty sure you learned how to do combat stuff in bootcamp right? You learned how to shoot an M-16 and throw hand grenades too huh? Everone in the Army is combat arms trained, just as they are in the Marines. Just because everyone doesn't go to AIT (Advanced Infantry Training), doesn't mean they're not trained combat soldiers, but they are soldiers none the less. Unless there has been some name change since the 1770's, I'm pretty sure Army personnel are still called soldiers! Marines are actually weapons not soldiers! My buddy was combat engineer in the CA National Guard. What did he do when he was sent to Iraq? Patrols, raids and other infantry combat stuff. He rarely did what his MOS and unit specialty was...combat engineering.

So these Air Force and Navy guys being sent to help out the ever strained Army in Iraq doing armed convoy duties, carrying "combat arms" in a "combat zone" was the Air Force's idea? I think not. That one came from the Army's top brass asking for help to the Pentagon and the Joint Chiefs. So the bandaid for the Army's lack of recruiting efforts and attrition, is to send these Airmen and Sailors to a quick combat training course and send them on their merry way to Iraq to essentially fill the gaps. Splendid idea! Even Marine Officers no matter if they're pilots or supply officers are Infantry. They attend Basic School at Quantico after they grad from the Academy, NROTC, and OCS, where they are taught to be effective infantry officers.

Again. . .combat engineer. The adjective "combat" describes where their primary activities will be performed. . .kinda like combat medic, combat artilleryman. Then there's combat support jobs followed by combat service support. Get the point? Each of those positions relative to your position can place you in harm's way. Each of those positions can give you the opportunity to receive combat pay for being in a combat zone. Yep, that means your specific job subjects one to IEDs, bullets or mortar rounds being shot from either near or afar.

Now, there's a military specialty called strategic satellite radio technicians/operators? Guess what? That individual is nowhere near harm's way nor can they ever be. Aint gonna happen. A strategic radio operator communicates with tactical satellite radio operator. Guess who's watching cable television and guess who's ducking mortar rounds?

There are many other occupations in the Army where they may never see a rifle after basic training unless it's annual rifle proficiency. That's a fact. Most jobs however in the Army with one being a soldier, depending upon the job, puts you in harm's way.

One question. . .combat engineers. In addition to building things, don't they also blow up stuff? Like demolish things using C4, grenades, and other incendiary devices?

 

[fish314]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

I think the point was that if you join the military, regardless of your "deal" or your MOS when you get in, there is always the chance that you can be sent to the war zone. If you get right down to it, nothing out there can REALLY stop the Army from retraining/reclassifying you to fill critical shortages if they need to. I'm Air Force, not Army, but I've seen guys get "stop lossed" on more than one occasion, plenty of non-voluntary reclassifications, and plenty of guys get sent to positions that don't fit their AFSC (USAF version of the MOS). Heck, right now we've got finance guys driving trucks with the Army! You can bet that they didn't expect to become "convoy operations" when they were in school studying the payroll system. And you can also bet they probably weren't eager volunteers, either.

Now, convoy operations isn't "infantry", per se, but when the convoy gets attacked, (and they do, frequently), I think the distinction is lost on the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen under attack.

 

[MFT1Air]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

True. . .there's always a chance. There's a chance I'll get robbed as well; there's a chance I'll get hit by a car.

Oh, and I'm playing the lottery tonight too. There's a chance I'll win.

 

[HeyEng]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

The odds of being sent into a "combat zone", no matter WHAT branch and/or job is VERY good today. I can't tell you how many HUNDREDS of folks I have taken to the "sandbox" whose jobs had NOTHING to do with combat ANYTHING. This has included Coast Guard folks whose "job" REALLY has nothing to do with stuff in Iraq. If you have an ID card, and the appropriate Geneva Convention category listed on the back, YOU CAN be carrying a weapon in the "combat zone."

Pretty sure the odds on winning the lottery are much worse.

 

[Hacker15e]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

the only thing holding me back from signing tomorrow after the ASVAB is my girlfriend of 1.5 years. sad day right?

On the girlfriend issue...As young men that is definitly one tough thing we all face when thinking about the military because, when talking about the military, we all know that means there will long times of seperation. When I was at USAF field training I was miserable being away from my GF. It made it very tough, in fact, more tough than it should have been. However, you have to look at things in the big picture.

If a girlfriend/fiancee/wife can't handle the stress or separation of being off to Basic or Field Training for 6-9 weeks, how do you think she's going to handle your first 4-month deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. How about the second or 3rd deployment? What about that 1-year remote tour? What about when you just moved her and your new baby to Europe, and THEN you go on that 4-month deployment? She is in a foreign country, doesn't speak the language or understand the rules of driving around, AND is taking care of a new baby solo.

Military spouses have to put up with an immense amount of crap. If you are going to be on active duty, and have a "high-maintenance" significant other that you are thinking of marrying...they need to know what it's about up-front.

If your girlfriend is a problem at this stage of the game, you need to combat-jettison her ASAP and get on with your life. You, as the guy whose pink butt is on the line in the sand container have enough on your mind just to stay alive and do your job well...you don't have time or brainpower to be handling problems on the home front at the same time.

 

[H46Bubba]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

ASVAB: Here i come. I will have more questions based off of my talks with MEPS today. Thank you for your opinions and information.

Good day to all!


edit- turns out that the recuiter just called 5 minutes ago to tell me that MEPS isnt taking anyone for testing today because it is close dor something silly. so much for taking off work for them. that really sucks. damnit!

Any updates on how things are going? The way it worked in San Diego was the recruiters would take you down to MEPS to take the ASVAB in the afternoon, then if you passed, you'd go to the hotel for the night then return the next morning to take the physical. From there depending on how you did on the physical determines where you go. If your PQ'd (physically qualified) you'd then head up to see the classifiers who will go over your ASVAB scores and determine if you're qualified for the rate and program for which you are applying for. If you're NPQ'd you're done, but you can apply to get a waiver for whatever particular thing you were NPQ'd for. I was originally NPQ's but I fought it, and got a waiver. If you make it to the classifiers, they'll type up your contract and have you sign it. Then they'll take you and get you sworn in. (This is a bogus swear in and you can back out at any time. Do not let them try to tell you that you can't!) The real swearing in is when you report back to MEPS to head to bootcamp.

 

[alphaone]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

If a girlfriend/fiancee/wife can't handle the stress or separation of being off to Basic or Field Training for 6-9 weeks, how do you think she's going to handle your first 4-month deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. How about the second or 3rd deployment? What about that 1-year remote tour? What about when you just moved her and your new baby to Europe, and THEN you go on that 4-month deployment? She is in a foreign country, doesn't speak the language or understand the rules of driving around, AND is taking care of a new baby solo.

Military spouses have to put up with an immense amount of crap. If you are going to be on active duty, and have a "high-maintenance" significant other that you are thinking of marrying...they need to know what it's about up-front.

If your girlfriend is a problem at this stage of the game, you need to combat-jettison her ASAP and get on with your life. You, as the guy whose pink butt is on the line in the sand container have enough on your mind just to stay alive and do your job well...you don't have time or brainpower to be handling problems on the home front at the same time.

Well Sir I agree and I was trying to get that point out. I think stuff like this is a learning process about what a person can/cannot take in life. Believe it or not, people left Field Training cause they missed their sig others so much.
However, I think it is stupid to limit yourself by not finishing something like field training at this stage of the game when so much can and will change.

 

[skidz]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

Unless you're married, don't base your life's decisions on women! It's a good general rule to follow in life. I really didn't give a rats azz if my girlfriend cared or not. It's actually a great test. If she loves you she'll support you in "almost" any decision you make, if not she's being selfish and it's not going to work. I've seen many a man pass up big opportunities to be with their girlfriends only to regret it later after they are sans girlfriends. It's make or break time and only you can make the decision.

This is the best advice anyone can give you and it is 100% true. I have the fingernail marks on my back to prove it.

 

[Lefty]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

This is the best advice anyone can give you and it is 100% true. I have the fingernail marks on my back to prove it.

:yar:

 

[88MPH]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

edit- turns out that the recuiter just called 5 minutes ago to tell me that MEPS isnt taking anyone for testing today because it is close dor something silly. so much for taking off work for them. that really sucks. damnit!

I remember taking off of work the entire day. I had to leave my house at noon30, being that the MEPS station was an hour away. I got a call from my recruiter literally as I was walking out the door telling me all the slots were filled for the day. Oh well, went back 3 days later and scored 96 .

Any reschedule?

I'm Active Duty AF, if you have any questions regarding that. Looks like you're most decidedly Navy though. That was my other option. I might haved liked it better, no telling.

 

[skidz]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

$570.00! You must have some allotments or you're getting taxed to death! You're an E-4 now, go out and live in town and get BAS and BAH man screw livin on the boat, plus you get more pocket change!

They don't wanna give them more because they know they gonna buy that muscle car, super bike right out of boot camp, get drunk and kill somebody.

 

[CampbellsChunkySoupra]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

whoa. sorry for not replying. ive been caught up in work quite abit. i take the ASVAB wednesday and will see what i score. i will know more on thursday. damnit, i wish i could have been able to take it last week. im running out of time to register for fall classes.

thanks for the advice so far.

 

[OCflyguy88]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

They don't wanna give them more because they know they gonna buy that muscle car, super bike right out of boot camp, get drunk and kill somebody.

No, not the case for me. I have money coming out for a charity that I signed up for in bootcamp, a retirement/savings plan through Northwestern Mutual, money being taken out to pay for the MGIB, and money going to my own "flight lesson" fund. $1100 is my take a pay period. Base pay for me is somewhere in the ballpark of $1800 a month.

You are right though, most guys blow their money on new cars or booze. Lame IMO.

 

[MFT1Air]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

If a girlfriend/fiancee/wife can't handle the stress or separation of being off to Basic or Field Training for 6-9 weeks, how do you think she's going to handle your first 4-month deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. How about the second or 3rd deployment? What about that 1-year remote tour? What about when you just moved her and your new baby to Europe, and THEN you go on that 4-month deployment? She is in a foreign country, doesn't speak the language or understand the rules of driving around, AND is taking care of a new baby solo.

Military spouses have to put up with an immense amount of crap. If you are going to be on active duty, and have a "high-maintenance" significant other that you are thinking of marrying...they need to know what it's about up-front.

If your girlfriend is a problem at this stage of the game, you need to combat-jettison her ASAP and get on with your life. You, as the guy whose pink butt is on the line in the sand container have enough on your mind just to stay alive and do your job well...you don't have time or brainpower to be handling problems on the home front at the same time.

:yeahthat:

Yeah that. . .I spent 25 years in the military. I've been married 30. We've gone through short tour separations, Saudi, Grenada, Panama, and other "conflicts" that have taken me away from family for extended period of time. With her, I'll do 30 more God willing. If it's long term, she'll know it and respect your decision. If your relationship isn't strong, this may be the true test to determine if you even wish to be with her anyway.

 

[Lefty]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

Seems like a perfect way for you to explore the world before you decide what you want relationship wise. If you and your GF are serious and it was meant to be, it will be...

Army FTW

 

[CampbellsChunkySoupra]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

took the ASVAB today... let me tell you... talk about a retarded test giver. she sat there adn talked on the phone the ENTIRE time. it was so hard to frickign concentrate. i pushed the help button 3 times and asked her to be quiet because it was hard to read the paragraph part of the test when people are yapping on the phone. i was very disappointed on her part. RAWR!

i felt terrible after taking the test. im sure i wont score very well. well see tomorrow!

 

[OCflyguy88]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

took the ASVAB today... let me tell you... talk about a retarded test giver. she sat there adn talked on the phone the ENTIRE time. it was so hard to frickign concentrate. i pushed the help button 3 times and asked her to be quiet because it was hard to read the paragraph part of the test when people are yapping on the phone. i was very disappointed on her part. RAWR!

i felt terrible after taking the test. im sure i wont score very well. well see tomorrow!

Weird, I had two Army guys. They sat in a glass booth just outside of the testing room.

Hmm... maybe you had a "jacked up" MEPS. Hopefully you will score better than you think!

 

[CampbellsChunkySoupra]

Re: Went to the USAF Recruiters today...advice? is this legi

well basically i "qualify" for the ATC job in the navy. i scored well enough to make 95% of the jobs that the military offers. anyways, im going to talk to the navy recuiter once more. he keeps talking to me about this new program called "Excellerate to Excellence."

does anyone know anything about Excellerate to Excellence?

-Tyler