Which branch of service?

[illflem]

Well,after almost a year of community collage my daughter has decided to go back to plan A,signing up for the Air Force. For some reason she's hung up on the AF without really checking into the other branches. Maybe the AF the best choice,all I know is none of them will take me, they say "I'm too old to be impressionable". I think it's the best thing she can do and have encouraged her to go for it.

She wanted me to ask here what you guys thought,believe it or not she enjoys reading the parts of this website that don't deal with diesels(Other forum) and respects the redneck opinion here. Guess that's what happens when you put 'em on a diesel tractor when they're six!!Remember she is a female.

 

[LSMITH]

I have been out over 6 years now (Navy), but when I went in the technical training was better in the Navy and Marines than Army or A. F. The reason is that Navy and Marines are usually away from any type of technical support and the limited unit size (ships and deployments) demands that the people are trained in a wider and more in-depth fashion because there is only room for so many. Not knocking the A. F. or the Army, just my view. If she wants to travel the Navy will provide the best opportunity. I have literally been all over the world. It was a good thing for me, and I would probably do it again. Hope I helped her a little at least. I forgot, there are jobs that are only available in one service, if that is the case I would tell her to go for the job she wants. Also remind her that she is the boss until she is "in", and to get the job she picks. I knew hundreds of guys that had been promised a certain job, but it "isn't available right now", they were told that they could get assigned to that job after they were in. NOT!!! Get the job she wants in the contract up front or don't go!

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[Idaho Native]

Illflem,

I can give a highly tainted opinion... I've been in the Air Force for about 17 years and have had a great time! I'm an officr and a pilot so my view will be slightly skewed...

The AF has a lot to offer, as do all branches of the service. I can honestly say that, after having served in a Joint (all services together) job the last three years... the AF is heads and shoulders above the rest of the services in the "quality of life" issues. Best housing, best off duty amenities, and probably some of the best locations throughout the world (although some of my good buddies in S. Korea, Turkey and Saudi Arabia would take exception to that statement #ad
)

What does she want to do? All of the services offer excellent opportunity to get training in skills that are highly marketable in the civilian workplace. Right now, for example, the AF can't keep enough computer technicians on active duty to do the job. If she's in it for the money, it isn't the place to be, though.

While you'll see a lot of media bashing of the "perks" for military, many are still pretty good. I can't really complain (knock on wood) about any of the medical or dental care my family has received to this point.
The college tuition assistance programs are really excellent, too.

Take the above information for what it's worth and if either of you have any more questions that you want answered off of this forum, please feel free to e-mail me at home. I think military service is an incredibly selfless thing to do in this day and age of a self-serving society, so my hat is off to her for even considering it. #ad


By the way, tell her that this "redneck" and "Idaho Farm Boy" has flown T-38s, B-52s and now 747s... and has a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Science. I also absolutely love my Cummins Turbo Diesel... maybe I'm a walking anachronism... anyway, good luck and drop me note when you can.

Loren

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1999 24V 2500 QC HD,5 Spd, Luverne Steps, Predator Topper
1995 Impala SS, Dark Cherry Metallic
1995 Dutchmen 26 foot travel trailer (the "excuse" for the diesel!!)
1997 Honda Shadow ACE 1100
(Too Many Toys)

 

[DASH]

Loren,
Could I buy about 500 hours of your flight time! HAHA! I am a Pilot myself, after college started working on licenses and ratings. It seems like it takes forever to get 1200 hours and 250 multi. I am sitting on about 650 right now, in hopes of some day finding that Airline Job. Who do you fly for? How many hours do you have? Just curious. I am working on my CFI right now, you know "the mother of all check rides". Well take care and Blue Skies- Mark

 

[Champane Flight]

Grandaughter is in the Air Force and she is enjoying it. Stationed at Andrews and going to Saudi in July. My personal choice would be the Coast Guard. Maybe because of training and experience going toward after military career. Mainly imigration and law enforcment. I think it is her choice,but encourage her in any she makes.

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop. 72000 as of 3/1/01,not even broke in yet. Old Dodge 126000 miles and running better than new.

 

[The patriot]

Bill, I never was in the service, but my little brother was.
He picked the Army. I might be misunderstanding you, but a college education sounds like her primary goal.
My brother did 2 years active, then went into the national guard for about 6 years.
He went to a major college for free. He now has his BS in Mechanical Engineering. You have to fish for these grants etc etc(GI bill wont cover it all), but theyre there.
A neice of mine is going through the same dilemna, and he told her "when your 2 years is up in the active army, research who has the most college bucks before you sign up. " Seems as though he turned out much better going the N. G route than the reserves. This will vary from state to state.
He now has a cushy job working on Navy jet propulsion development. All of his previous military exp will count as full time with uncle, and he can retire at 37 with 50% pay!!!
I know he wouldnt mind talking to her if she wants more info. Let me know.
Eric

 

[illflem]

Eric,she isn't looking for a college education as much as she realizes that a college education doesn't guarantee her a job as much as the service would. She has even talked of making a career out of the AF if she likes it. Her main worry at this point is "what if I don't like it and I'm stuck for four years. "All I can say is you'll probably like it and four years isn't that long. She's a smart hardworking kid and will do well with whatever she chooses to do. I wonder if she will be able to put up with the BS redtape that seems to go along with anything the government puts their hands on though. It's probably one of the biggest decisions she will have to make in her life,sure glad I'm all growed up,I remember what it was like.

 

[The patriot]

Bill, she sounds like a smart kid. I'm sure she'll do OK at whatever she decides on.
BTW I didnt know the AF was 4 years minimum?
I knew certain MOS's were, but not all?
Eric

 

[Jammar9082]

The previous replies are right on target based on by past experiences, however, I have been retired for 19 years and things have changed and will contiue to change. I think the future for the military is looking better every day with the political change in Washington. The military is going to be recognized and rewarded for their dedicated service. Educational opprtunities will get better and should be a great incentive to the young person. Pay will get better and none of the families in the lower ranks will be on food stamps.

I joined the Navy just for the educational opportunities. I wanted to be an electrician and was trained in that field. The comment about getting the desired career field in writing is most important;don't be bashfull! Sometimes the needs of the service does not match the desires of the enlistee and if that is the case then look elsewhere or go to college or work for a while and wait to see if the military needs change. Because of the continuing shortfall in recruitment (except for the Air Force in 2000) the new person should have a lot more leverage to get into the desired career field.

Looking long term it seems to me that advancement has slowed down so making rank now is not as easy as it was during "war" times. And looking still further forward when marriage and family appears some of the services just don't or can't meet the family needs. That is why I separated from the
Navy. I can attest to the the previous
comment on the Air force and their positive attitude for the family. It is far and above the best military branch based on my experiences. After my enlisted Navy hitch I used my GI Bill to go to college and then returned to the Air Force with a commission. The educational opportunities were excellent and after a tour in missile operations I applied for and was selected for the procurement/logistics career field with formal training that was outstanding. This kind of experience is in demand by the big name companies that produce military hardware as well as other industries. These companies view the military experience as a very positive factor due to the discipline and organizational skills learned in the service.

If the person considering the military can make a definite career choice they will be able to focus on that area. But if no decision is possible then maybe the previous suggestion on a tour in the National Guard or Reserves would help guide a career decision and provide an opportunity to experience the military organization and the associated discipline that is required.


Education is the name of the game and choosing a career field that has a long time-line demand is important as an insurance policy against possible unhappiness with a military career.

I wish you good luck in this important decision.

 

[Amianthus]

illflem,
The Air Force is the way to go for women. Second, the Navy. But that is a far second. What is she interested in? That may help us to give her more information. These guys were right about getting everything in the contract. Don't fall for the old, "We'll take care of it once you're in. " crap. Once you're in, you're stuck. If what she wants to do isn't available, then have her wait until it is. If she has any other questions about military life, have her email some of us. Specific questions would be good, as some of us can be slow sometimes. Hope we can help her make a good decision.

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'99 2500 ISB QC SLT (No Leather!), 4x4, 5sp w/McLeod, 4:10, BD-II, PE, PE-EZ, 4"exh. , Pac-Brake, A-Pillar gauge pod w/boost and pyro, Line-X, V-1, lights, siren, lic. plt. frame says "Diesel Fumes Make Me Horny!", and much more goofy stuff.

 

[thepitts]

I am a member of the Indiana Air National Guard and have served for 22 years. I have been able to travel all over the world, currently I am a Maintenance Analysis E-7. I am also a full time tech during the week as a GS-9. I feel the Air Force offers the most to choose from. How ever I do get tired of weight control and chem warfair training. Plus the Air Force has the Community College of the Air Force. I have been able to obtain two Associate degree's. As always your mileage may very


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Eric Pitts 2001 Properly Valved 2500 Qcab 4X4 auto Transgo shifts it 4. 10 LSD Weston Nerf Bars Smith built brush guard Command Remote Starter Scotty Air DD stage 1’s, PS boost module , elbow 32psi boost 247hp,657tq Neophyte B. O. M. B. er
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[This message has been edited by thepitts (edited 03-14-2001). ]

 

[Champane Flight]

My grandaughter had NO choice with the Air Force,which seemed strange. They place you,unless you have college degree. Thats what she told me at least. She is going to school as she serves.

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop. 72000 as of 3/1/01,not even broke in yet. Old Dodge 126000 miles and running better than new.

 

[Ramboy00]

Someone stated that Navy was best for travel. Well, I spent 4 years in the Air Force and every move took me farther from home. Enlisted in Fresno, Ca, went to San Antonio for basic training, on to Biloxi, Ms for 11 months of tech school, then to a mountain-top radar site in Penn. , then to Toul-Rosiere, France, on to Tripoli, Libya, then to Leopoldville, Congo and finally back to Charleston, SC for discharge. That much travel pretty well fills up one hitch.
Phil

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'99 D3500, auto. ,2WD,3. 55 LSD, all options, Banks Power Pack w/K&N filter, '99 40ft. Alfa Gold Triple-slide 5'er

 

[Rammin On]

I've been in the Coast Guard for 26 years ... depending on what she wants to do ... get her to check out the CG. We have alot of fun and we are on the "front lines" 24/7/365 ... humanitarian service and one of the armed services. Few really know what we do ... and alot don't even think we are military!

 

[rmrc]

I also agree with Rammin On. I was in the Coast Guard in the early 70's. It was a great branch of the service then and from what I understand, it has even more to offer now!

 

[Chad Sheets]

To Bill:
Coast Guard or Air Force if it was my girl.

Naturally, a U. S. Marine would be very nice, but I am a little proud. It is very hard on you mentally and physically. However, once you are in, you are a proud Marine for life. Its hard to explain, but you are a positive part of something larger than yourself and your surroundings. No matter what challenge comes your way in life, you always look at it with a "can do" mind set.

I will second the more "well rounded" individual coming from the Corps. A prime example, if you are a hydraulicsman, you are also an airframes mechanic. If a bird has a broke cowl, you go out, take it off the aircraft, do the repair and all necessary paper work, reinstall the piece. In other branches it was more like union work. One guy went out and loosened the screws. Another would have to go out and EZ out the screws this person broke. Another person would go out and bring the part in. Another person would do the repair to it, and then a final person would reinstall the part. I knew one kid I graduated school with who went into the Air Force the same time I went into the Marines, and spent 4 years as a bolt specialist changing bolts out and doing corrosion control inspections on them... screw that.

It all depends on the person. You get out of it what you put into it, regardless of branch. End result is, everyone gets the same benefits from Uncle Sam, and everyone gets the same pay according to rank. The pride you take with you for the rest of your life is up to you and is influenced by your surroundings. NBC once asked Larry Bird how his life would be different if he never would have left the street department in French Lick Indiana to go into the NBA. Larry Bird said "it wouldn't be different". The guy looked at him and asked what he meant by that, and without cracking a smile, Larry Bird said "I would be a supervisor now, and French Lick would have the cleanest streets around". Its all about your attitude. This is something the Marines Corps taught me. Positive "can do" attitude is a must.

To Bills girl:
Go in for something you can make money at in the civilian world. Look around and see who makes the big bucks. No need to BS yourself. We all go to work everyday because we like the money. Not because we like work. I have alot of friends who went in to be MP's and Embassy Guards, and all the other "look at me" type M. O. S. 's. Every one of them is struggling to make $25,000 a year now. Dont be like them. Another person you dont want to turn into is the guy/girl who goes out and blows all their pay in town. I seen guys do leave after 4 years and all their worldly possessions would fit in a U-Haul with some old broke down car on the dolly behind it... dont be like that. Save your cash and make them educate you. I spent a many of weekends in my room alone studying up on Marine Corps knowledge and learning everything I could about my job. Always do your job and take the responsibilities of the guy/girl in the job above yours. It paid off big time. I went half way up the entire rank structure (E-5) in 1 year and 9 months, and I had enough cash saved when I got out to build a new house and buy my "dream car", my 72 Cuda, plus buy my lovely wife a nice wedding ring.

Sorry about the long post, I could go on with many more examples of "do's and don'ts" but I am sure you get my point, and have a good enough head on your shoulders to make something of yourself. Whatever you choose, nothing but the best of luck to you and safe passages wherever you go. Regardless of who you go with, you are representing the United States Military. Your life will always be different compared to non military people, and you will be a part of something very important... protecting this Nation, and others who can not fight for themselves. My Aunt was an Officer in the Woman's Air Corps during W. W. II. I didn't even know it until I went to her funeral and saw the flag draped coffin. You will come to respect the words "On behalf of a grateful Nation... " and you will forever get a hollow feeling when you hear "Taps". The choice to go military is not an easy one, but once you make it, you never regret it. Heck, if it was easy everyone would do it.

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[Chad Sheets]

The CG is a Department of Transportation if memory serves me correct, however the CG gets all benefits Department of Defense people get I believe... check into it to be sure.

Heck, Marines aren't even under the Department of Defense umbrella. We are a Department of The Navy. That's why we are the "Presidents Own". He doesn't need to consult Congress to send us anyplace. That is how we got the reputation of "First to Fight".

 

[illflem]

Hello I'm Dawn Fleming, I asked my dad to go on his computer and ask people what they thought of me going into the military. I was amazed by all the responses they have been really helpful, thank you very much. I think I want to go into the Air Force, it seems like they have the most to offer college, travel etc. . I want to try and get a job as a EMT or something else in the medical field. I also want to travel and see the world. Does anyone know if the Air Force has a demand for people wanting to go into the medical fields? Thank you again for all your comments and if anyone else has any input on the subject please feel free to respond. Off the subject I washed my dad's Dodge for him today, I hope you guys don't let your trucks get as dirty as his. It was a different color when I was done, there was even red Utah mud on the windshield!!!

 

[Amianthus]

Hi Dawn! It's good to hear that you are considering a profession that will help people out when they most need it.
As far as the A. F. goes, they treat their people the best. No one can or will argue that. The training that airmen get is good. But the A. F. seems to give very specialized training. So you will be a specialist at whatever you choose to go with. Now, this does not preclude you from learning others' tasks or picking up extra training. But your primary job will always be the same. It's similar in the Navy. The Army and Marine Corps have the philosophy that you are a soldier first and a whatever second. The training is okay, but more technical skills can be had in the Navy of Air Force.
As far as your choice of career fields, I believe that the Air Force uses Army medical personnel. On this I may be wrong. I'm sure someone will correct me. But I am sure that the Marine Corps use naval medical personnel. If you are considering EMT, the Navy will give you the best application of your skills with the Marines. I wouldn't recommend it though. Even though the Marines will worship the very ground you stand on, a stray bullet can hurt. The AF has a specialized group of medics. Very hard to get in to, but a very respectable group. Both services' training will provide you with what you are looking for. I would like to recommend to you that should you decide to go as an EMT of some sort, just go all the way to Paramedic. I am an EMT now. If you can get someone else to pay for it, go paramedic.
I guess it all boils down to what openings are available and what you really want to get out of the service with (if that is your plan). I hope this helps. If not, let us know. We'd love to help you make the most informed decision you can.

Amianthus

 

[Champane Flight]

Dawn,you can write to my grandaughter. She is stationed at Andrews right now as a EMT. She will soon be deployed to Saudi. Janel M. Minerich . I am sure she can give you the scoop on medical training ect. Good luck girl.
E-mail Address(es):
gsuslvr98@aol.com



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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop. 72000 as of 3/1/01,not even broke in yet. Old Dodge 126000 miles and running better than new.