Any Army people here? Advice?

[scotty]

I'm looking into joing the Army. I would like to hear 1st hand what people say about it? I did a lot of searching online but there are some many mixed reviews. I would be just enlisted, and would try to get into avation. The army recrut said that would be very possible for me being that they only have two jobs in that feild. Is it worth it to join the Army, did you guys enjoy your time? If your no longer in, why did you get out?

[fazer1sniper]

14 years, Infantry, PSYOP, SF. Spinal injury yanked my jump status so I limped away and had to become a cop. GM Lordstown wasnt hiring snipers. My 18 y/o daughter is now Military Intel /Airborne. 5th Generation Army.

[Big Green Valley]

I was Army Reserve way back when and I got what I wanted. But, that was easy because I wanted Infantry. The technical jobs are more difficult to get, just make sure that you know what you need to score on the ASVAB test to get that job training. Best wishes on your search and I say, GO ARMY! HOOAH!

[chevysoldier]

Four years active army, two years national guard. Heavy and light wheel and track mechanic. Wheeled and track recovery specialist. Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

Wife has 4 years active in as well. she was an MP, wrote for the post newspaper and in/out processing.

I got out after I had my daughter. I didn't want to put her through deployments, even though I didn't mind and enjoyed it. There are many times I wish I would have stayed active. It's a different lifestyle. I felt I had a purpose, had great benefits and grew very close with those I served with. They are my extended family.

PM me if you want, I'll give you my cell and you can give me a call. I'm always willing to help out with anything you need.

[ohdaho]

I assumed you meant aviation? If you want to go into aviation why not join the Air Force. There's more opportunity's there to get near aircraft (not necessarily MX since theyre scaling those numbers back).

With any service, you get what you take out of it. Walk in with a piss poor attitude not ready for the change in environment and you're bound to be one of those guys thats shits all over their military service.

Know as an enlisted troop early in their career theres alot of being told what to do...learn to play the game. Play it...get other shit done while youre in the service (school, training, etc.).

The end-goal, atleast for me, is to build my resume and develop as many tools possible that will be viable outside the service.

Its been an honor for me to serve the few short years I have, and the next few years ahead of me. After 7-8 years I think I may punch out, move back closer to family, friends, and my GF. Thats after getting the chance to fly in jets, earn 2 graduate degrees and have the GI bill in my back pocket.

Some of the smartest folks Ive ever met were in the service (USAF and Army). I loved alot about it...I also HATED alot about it. Time away from friends and family. Not being able to do certain things you want. Its give and take...just know exactly what you want to take from your service.

[chevysoldier]

With any service, you get what you take out of it. Walk in with a piss poor attitude not ready for the change in environment and you're bound to be one of those guys thats shits all over their military service.

Know as an enlisted troop early in their career theres alot of being told what to do...learn to play the game. Play it...get other shit done while youre in the service (school, training, etc.).

Take this advice as gold. Ohdaho is absolutley correct. The military can either be the best thing in your life or the worst, but that is up to you.

Ohdaha, why get out after 7-8 years? You'd be nearly to your 10 year mark.

[ReconRat]

You do have to pass the necessary exams to get the job you want. Ask if you can take the qualifying exams first, before choosing. I think they allow that. There will be more exams later, there always is. You have to place or pass them all. I also think you can get a deal where the school you want has to happen. Otherwise they can do anything with you if you flunk out.

Don't forget that if you can pass the exams for officer candidate, they will usually send you through college first. Well, they used to anyway.

Main reasons to join:

1. Learn self discipline. (And quit screwing around in life.)

2. After basic training, your strength and endurance is drastically improved.

3. Despite what we hear, most companies and employers are quite happy to hire veterans. Especially military officers.

4. It was fun. Hard work sure, but to me the entire experience was fun. Travel and see the world.

5. Honor and heritage. I think almost every man in my family tree all the way back to England, Ireland, and Germany, has been in military service, and fought in time of war. A few that I know of were fairly impressive.

Two things to have first before joining up. Two years of college for points on promotion boards. And get three recommendations/references for your entrance paperwork (name address and phone numbers), from the three highest ranking military officers you know of, any branch of service.

Two years active duty in Vietnam War Era, 1970-1972. SP-5 (E-5), payroll records clerk for special forces, USARYS, Ryuku Islands, Japan. Turned down a commission to officer's candidate school and went to college. The GI Bill back then paid enough to finish two degrees I had started.

edit: As much as I liked the Army, I still think the Air Force has the best technical training to offer.

Edited December 8, 2010 by ReconRat

[chevysoldier]

ReconRat fought for the North.

[jagr]

[ohdaho]

Take this advice as gold. Ohdaho is absolutley correct. The military can either be the best thing in your life or the worst, but that is up to you.

Ohdaha, why get out after 7-8 years? You'd be nearly to your 10 year mark.

I walked in with the mentality that if I dont like it anymore then Im getting out...whether it be at 4 yrs or 18 yrs. There are too many piss poor officers that stay in just for the job security (or lack of marketability outside). Though Im sure Id be a great O, I feel its better to let some other person have my position that is more passionate.

Retirement is at the 18 or 20 yr mark...not 10. Thats still another 8-10 yrs Id have to put in. Im young and want to enjoy life while I still can. The service has treated me well and I always cherish it. Who knows maybe ill join the reserves when I move back to TX.

[ohdaho]

ReconRat fought for the North.

Ill keep that in mind if I ever meet Recon.

P.S. Join the Air Force. Youre spouse/wife to be/GF will thank you later. I havent met alot of folks that havent regretted not joining the AF instead. Except Jagr, but I think he just enjoys it in the ass

Edited December 8, 2010 by ohdaho

[chevysoldier]

I walked in with the mentality that if I dont like it anymore then Im getting out...whether it be at 4 yrs or 18 yrs. There are too many piss poor officers that stay in just for the job security (or lack of marketability outside). Though Im sure Id be a great O, I feel its better to let some other person have my position that is more passionate.

Retirement is at the 18 or 20 yr mark...not 10. Thats still another 8-10 yrs Id have to put in. Im young and want to enjoy life while I still can. The service has treated me well and I always cherish it. Who knows maybe ill join the reserves when I move back to TX.

I respect that. I know retirement is at 20, but at 10 years you're halfway there. It's usually the point where most will stick it out until retirement figuring the've gone halfway.

[yotaman88210]

I cant wait to hump you when I sees you next!!

[ReconRat]

ReconRat fought for the North.

Actually, my ancestors fought on both sides of that one...

Technically, we're all from Williamsburg Virginia. One of the first ships. We've been here a long long time.

edit: actually, I can say my ancestors fought on both sides of the American Revolution, and I'd very likely be correct.

Edited December 8, 2010 by ReconRat

[chevysoldier]

Actually, my ancestors fought on both sides of that one...

Why you gotta go take away my fun? lol

But yeah, that's why it sucked, brother against brother. I couldn't imagine.

[scotty]

I assumed you meant aviation? If you want to go into aviation why not join the Air Force. There's more opportunity's there to get near aircraft (not necessarily MX since theyre scaling those numbers back).

With any service, you get what you take out of it. Walk in with a piss poor attitude not ready for the change in environment and you're bound to be one of those guys thats shits all over their military service.

Know as an enlisted troop early in their career theres alot of being told what to do...learn to play the game. Play it...get other shit done while youre in the service (school, training, etc.).

The end-goal, atleast for me, is to build my resume and develop as many tools possible that will be viable outside the service.

Its been an honor for me to serve the few short years I have, and the next few years ahead of me. After 7-8 years I think I may punch out, move back closer to family, friends, and my GF. Thats after getting the chance to fly in jets, earn 2 graduate degrees and have the GI bill in my back pocket.

Some of the smartest folks Ive ever met were in the service (USAF and Army). I loved alot about it...I also HATED alot about it. Time away from friends and family. Not being able to do certain things you want. Its give and take...just know exactly what you want to take from your service.

Yes, aviation. My spelling is bad:o. I forgot to use spell check. As much as I would love to join the Air Force, I can't. I was going to enlist into the Navy, but after I did all my paper work and wha not, they found I had to many traffic tickets. They counted all my tickets from when I was 16 years of age to now, 24 years old. Alothough I have not gotten any tickets for over three years they said I coul'nt. So I went next door to the Air Force and they said I could'nt enlist their also. So my options are Army and MC. I was able to study up on the Navy, being that was what I wanted and going for. A close friend on mine is serving the Navy, and he told me alot about that branch. I don't know what to expect though the other branches though. So I was trng to get a feel of how life would be. I know there are deployments, but I think it would be fun. A chance to help people.

Everyone has given great advice so far! I thank all you who have and have served in the military!

[scotty]

Four years active army, two years national guard. Heavy and light wheel and track mechanic. Wheeled and track recovery specialist. Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

Wife has 4 years active in as well. she was an MP, wrote for the post newspaper and in/out processing.

I got out after I had my daughter. I didn't want to put her through deployments, even though I didn't mind and enjoyed it. There are many times I wish I would have stayed active. It's a different lifestyle. I felt I had a purpose, had great benefits and grew very close with those I served with. They are my extended family.

PM me if you want, I'll give you my cell and you can give me a call. I'm always willing to help out with anything you need.

I really appreciate that. I may just take you up on your offer! I'm sure if I go though with this, I will have a lot of qestions. Can't belive everything a recruiter tells you sometimes.

[chevysoldier]

I really appreciate that. I may just take you up on your offer! I'm sure if I go though with this, I will have a lot of qestions. Can't belive everything a recruiter tells you sometimes.

Don't trust anything a recruiter says. Unless you have it in writing, it doesn't mean anything.

I'm always willing to help someone thinking about joining the army. And if you decide to go in, I'll even help you to prepare with stuff you'll need to learn. It will give you a head start in basic training. I guess that's the leadership mentality I still have from when I was in. Let me know.

[Tonik]

They counted all my tickets from when I was 16 years of age to now, 24 years old. Alothough I have not gotten any tickets for over three years they said I coul'nt........

First, see if you can get some of those tickets expunged. It is very possible. Often the recruiter will go to court with you and explain to the judge why it needs to happen.

Someone else said "Don't trust anything a recruiter says. Unless you have it in writing, it doesn't mean anything."

This very good advice. A recruiter's job is to get you to sign. He is on the side of the military, not yours. The current enlistment numbers are not so hot, you should be able to take all your tests and get your MOS before you sign. If not, walk away. They will call you back. The exception are the Marines, they will not play that game. They have no problem meeting their enlistment numbers.

Think long and hard about your MOS. You need to think beyond the military if it isn't for you. So you need to pick a job that will do you good in civilian life. Not a good idea to be a crack tank mechanic for example. Not much call for that in civilian life.

My son picked networking/computer in the Marines of all things. He went in and convinced them they needed to get into hacking. Apparently the Marines didn't have anything like that for forward bases. He ended up putting the unit together....he did some amazing stuff. Took them into some really high level stuff. To the point the NSA was asking him for help.....he got out, decided it wasn't for him and the civilian companies were beating his door down. He is now the youngest person ever to be made a Director at Diebold. Yes, he makes a crapload of money.

So think long and hard about your job/MOS.

[chevysoldier]

Not a good idea to be a crack tank mechanic for example. Not much call for that in civilian life.

I agree with everything except what I quoted. That's what I went to school for. It opens the doors to anything with a turbine engine. Granted that's not a job that is on every street corner, but there is a need for that on the civilian side. And the pay/benefits are decent too. As a matter of fact, I get a couple of calls or emails every couple of months for job offers in this field due to my resume being on monster.com and a couple other places.

I got some buddies that were tank mechanics with me and got awesome jobs either with the Air Force as civilians, Kellogg, Brown & Root or Blackwater. Those guys are banking pretty good.

[Tonik]

I got some buddies that were tank mechanics with me and got awesome jobs either with the Air Force as civilians....

Very glad to hear that it worked out for you and them, I didn't know that. I actually didn't really think about my example, I just pulled it out of my butt as an example. But it makes sense, there is probably a lot of call for what you would think is a service only MOS at many of the defense contractors.

That was actually what lead to a lot of the calls my son got as he was getting out were for. Computer security contractors for the Feds. He had the experience, the contacts, the reputation and the TS clearance.

[chevysoldier]

Very glad to hear that it worked out for you and them, I didn't know that. I actually didn't really think about my example, I just pulled it out of my butt as an example. But it makes sense, there is probably a lot of call for what you would think is a service only MOS at many of the defense contractors.

That was actually what lead to a lot of the calls my son got as he was getting out were for. Computer security contractors for the Feds. He had the experience, the contacts, the reputation and the TS clearance.

No biggie. I just wanted to clarify. But yet there are certain MOS's that are kind of a dead end when you get out.

[TSB67]

Military refuses people for traffic tickets?!

There goes my backup plan...

[chevysoldier]

Military refuses people for traffic tickets?!

There goes my backup plan...

They will refuse for really bad credit/outstanding debt too.

[scotty]

Military refuses people for traffic tickets?!

There goes my backup plan...

Yeah I know! Stupid! Here I am willing to leave today for the Navy and I am ONE ticket over. I don't understand, but I am sure there is a reason behind this. I will definitely research all the MOS they have to offer to see anything fits me. I would most likely get something in the mechanical area being thats all I really know. Who Knows though. I am supposed to talk to the recrut tomorow to get more info from him. I wont just jump into this, I thought long and hard about the Navy, so I dont make split second discussions. I try to know all the facts up front so I know what I am getting into. Like I said before, I really appreciate all the info frome everyone here!