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Cry Havok and let loose the dogs of the [Military Thread]

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Posts

  • Iceman.USAFIceman.USAF Major East CoastRegistered User regular
    JWFokker wrote: »
    JWFokker wrote: »
    I fully intend to join either the Air Force or the Army in the next 2-4 mohths, but I have a few questions before I enlist.

    Relevant info - I'm 27, turning 28 in August. I can ace the ASVAB, but I have a GED, not a high school diploma.

    I'm leaning toward the Air Force, but the age cutoff is 27. Is it likely that I can get in despite my age and having only a GED?

    If I can't, I would enlist in the Army (I don't want to be stuck on a boat), but I'm unsure of what MOS I should choose. I'm open to many technical jobs, networking, radar, air traffic control, etc. but I would like one that would qualify me for employment when I eventually leave the military (I can't say I'd go career military without trying it first).

    Your chances of getting in if you're not very competitive are slim right now. The Army is trying to cut tens of thousands of soliders, and the Air Force a few thousand.

    All the best luck, but have a backup plan.

    Are there any jobs that the Army is still in need of? I would ideally take a tech oriented MOS, but if they're in short supply I would go for what is in demand.

    Unfortunately I'm not plugged into the Army, so I can't really say. As a rule there are always demands for certain fields though. Someone Army smart can chime in, or ask your recruiter what fields are actually open.

  • JWFokkerJWFokker Registered User regular
    I really want to enlist. I can foresee going career potentially. I can ace the aptitude test (based on practice tests I've taken) and the physical standards are no problem either. If age and my GED are going to seriously hurt my chances of being selected (is it really that hard to get in these days?) would it be advisable to seek out a lower traffic recruitment center?

  • LaemkralLaemkral Captain Punch King Chester, VARegistered User regular
    Army Times usually has from time to time a list of high demand MOSes and low demand MOSes, along with the level of bonus being offered for voluntary reclassification. I don't have a recent list right now but I know that signal jobs, special forces, linguists, trigger pullers (any combat arms job), and some field artillery support jobs are in high demand.

    Found this: http://www.usmilitary.com/10541/15-high-demand-military-jobs-with-excellent-enlistment-bonuses/

    Speaking from personal experience...Motor Transport Operator and Petroleum Supply Specialists aren't in that high a level of demand. Promotion rate is notoriously slow in the higher ranks because there are lots of jobs for low levels but very few jobs at higher levels because you have to compete against other career fields. Then again, the push to cut dead weight at the top could see a lot of Sergeants Major retiring and opening up room for promotions.

    Avatar courtesy of MKR, and the strip I appeared in.
  • QuidQuid Definitely not a banana Registered User regular
    edited April 2012
    Taranis wrote: »
    That doesn't really make sense. It sounds like you're talking about position instead of grade.

    How does it not make sense? If your branch desperately needs competent personnel for a much needed MOS why wouldn't they want to further incentivize reclassing by allowing soldiers to keep their grade? Also if someone loses rank for something they usually lose their position as well, but they may need to keep their grade in order to pay bills and feed their family. I have seen several married joes lose rank but keep their grade. That is how it should be, given that dependents shouldn't have to suffer for the failures of the primary breadwinner.

    So you're saying that someone can go from being an E7 (SFC), and then get busted down to PFC, but still be an E7? That makes ZERO sense. Rank and grade are synonymous. If you get busted down to E4, you're a SPC. The claim that you need a certain pay grade to feed your family is ridiculous. You get allowances for all your basic survival needs.

    If someone's picked up for advancement the Navy regularly ups someone's rank before they're entitled to their pay grade.

    Suspended bust is also a thing.

    Edit: And I now see this has been covered.

    Quid on
  • LaemkralLaemkral Captain Punch King Chester, VARegistered User regular
    JWFokker wrote: »
    I really want to enlist. I can foresee going career potentially. I can ace the aptitude test (based on practice tests I've taken) and the physical standards are no problem either. If age and my GED are going to seriously hurt my chances of being selected (is it really that hard to get in these days?) would it be advisable to seek out a lower traffic recruitment center?

    GED is good enough to get in. Age won't hurt you much, just realize careers end at 62. Period. Hence why the cutoff age is 42, minimum for getting the full 20 to achieve some type of retirement. If anything, a little age means you'll have (in theory) the maturity to not do stupid shit that hurts making and keeping rank, and have a little more common sense to get you through stuff you don't know. Just realize you will eventually need some higher education at some point so you'll need to do a college degree and correspondence courses on your own, but that's something to worry about later. A lower traffic recruitment center might help with the actual getting in, but as far as a specific MOS you're up against everyone in the US trying to join and we're over halfway into the fiscal year in a downturn economy with an over strength force. You can try to get something you want, but you may end up what we need (though really, it will always be needs of the Army first). The worst thing you can do is not ask, you can always say no until you sign the actual paperwork and even then they have some escape clauses.

    Go, ask what is available and what you meet the criteria for, then come back and get some more advice from us. Just know what it is you want to do, do research on what the recruiter tells you, and remember that no plan survives first contact.

    Avatar courtesy of MKR, and the strip I appeared in.
  • CarpyCarpy Registered User regular
    edited April 2012
    Arent reductions in rank based off pay grade? We dont frock but every one I knew in the navy who got a njp While frocked lost a pay grade, which equaled them losing two ranks.

    Carpy on
  • Iceman.USAFIceman.USAF Major East CoastRegistered User regular
    Typically any kind of negative action will cause a line number (IE, promotable status) to be revoked. There are, however, requirements to take actions against senior enlisted. In the Air Force, I believe it takes a Group Commander to take a stripe from an Senior NCO (E-7 through E-9). I believe the most any commander O-6 and below can take is 2 stripes, though I don't know all the ins and outs.

    While the AF doesn't frock as a rule, if we WERE to frock you could in theory lose 3 stripes right off the bat if you did something dumb like getting a DUI or adultery. In general, I've seen 2 for serious infractions and I've seen a lot of CC's take 1 stripe and suspend a second for lesser infractions. Or just suspend it entirely.

    For those who don't know, a "suspended" bust is basically being on probation. It means you're keeping your rank, for now, but if you look at the boss wrong he can rip it off without so much as a second thought. I believe it also puts some of the power back to the first line supervisors, but I could be wrong about that.

    Also, this all only applies to enlisted. Officer punishments are much different.

  • LaemkralLaemkral Captain Punch King Chester, VARegistered User regular
    So I got my post-Captain's Career Course orders: 4th Brigade, 101st Airborne with a report date in late September. I'm almost certainly headed towards the Brigade Support Battalion, though there is a chance I might be put on Brigade staff for a short time if there's no Company commands available. My questions are: any advice for Air Assault because I'll undoubtedly be going at some point? what's the area like in terms of good places to live off post (I have no dependents) and things to do? What's the gaming like, particularly D&D?

    Avatar courtesy of MKR, and the strip I appeared in.
  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    edited April 2012
    I've found an entry level position with an employer who doesn't give a shit about my lack-of-orders situation post graduation with the USAF, one that pays more than active duty would (50-65k). They want me to take a four hour drive to Tallahassee for a day long interview, possibly have dinner with them the night before the day-long interview, where I will see the company, take a programming test and so on. My situation came up because I have TS Clearance and they got concerned because one of my potential bosses is a non-citizen. This is too good an opportunity to pass up. It would be a crazy amount of money, and when duty calls I can pack up and take off to Keesler.

    I didn't elaborate on the whys of it all because I don't know them. What's the most professional way to explain 2nd Lt Limbo?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL7Xr0DJ49g

    Cantido on
    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    edited April 2012
    *double post, stupid intertubes...*

    Cantido on
    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • ZenitramZenitram Registered User regular
    Redeployment to the rear suuuucks, nothing but layouts. 100% layouts for inventory, sensitive items, TA-50, nonsensitive items, less-than-nonsensitive items, etc. Approximately six more weeks and I'll be out of this motherlovin' country for good though.

  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    I commissioned! Who wants to make fun of my butterbars?

    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • VeritasVRVeritasVR Registered User regular
    Cantido wrote: »
    I commissioned! Who wants to make fun of my butterbars?

    Kind of early in the year to get bar'ed. I thought university graduations were late May or early June? Specifically, the Academy doesn't want their line numbers to be later than any ROTC grad, and they commission at the end of this month.

    Welp, you're still later than me, and I'm no longer the active greenhorn in the thread. Consider your bars fun made of.

    CoH_infantry.jpg
    Let 'em eat fucking pineapples!
  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    VeritasVR wrote: »
    Cantido wrote: »
    I commissioned! Who wants to make fun of my butterbars?

    Kind of early in the year to get bar'ed. I thought university graduations were late May or early June? Specifically, the Academy doesn't want their line numbers to be later than any ROTC grad, and they commission at the end of this month.

    Welp, you're still later than me, and I'm no longer the active greenhorn in the thread. Consider your bars fun made of.

    Hmm. Well, commencement was Thursday at my university.

    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • LaemkralLaemkral Captain Punch King Chester, VARegistered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Cantido wrote: »
    VeritasVR wrote: »
    Cantido wrote: »
    I commissioned! Who wants to make fun of my butterbars?

    Kind of early in the year to get bar'ed. I thought university graduations were late May or early June? Specifically, the Academy doesn't want their line numbers to be later than any ROTC grad, and they commission at the end of this month.

    Welp, you're still later than me, and I'm no longer the active greenhorn in the thread. Consider your bars fun made of.

    Hmm. Well, commencement was Thursday at my university.

    Quiet Butters. Consider yourself mocked.

    But for reals, welcome to the brotherhood.

    Laemkral on
    Avatar courtesy of MKR, and the strip I appeared in.
  • Iceman.USAFIceman.USAF Major East CoastRegistered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Cantido wrote: »
    VeritasVR wrote: »
    Cantido wrote: »
    I commissioned! Who wants to make fun of my butterbars?

    Kind of early in the year to get bar'ed. I thought university graduations were late May or early June? Specifically, the Academy doesn't want their line numbers to be later than any ROTC grad, and they commission at the end of this month.

    Welp, you're still later than me, and I'm no longer the active greenhorn in the thread. Consider your bars fun made of.

    Hmm. Well, commencement was Thursday at my university.

    Commencement =! EAD. Air Force? When do you report to your base?

    I "commissioned" on 17 May 08 but for date of rank purposes my DOR was 28 May, so as not to piss off the Academy "we commission first!" bs.

    Congratulations! It's a huge step! You're now "responsible" and stuff!

    Iceman.USAF on
  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    Half my classmates have no EAD date and I'm one of them. We took the oath and signed the papers today. But we all have to get jerbs.

    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • Iceman.USAFIceman.USAF Major East CoastRegistered User regular
    Cantido wrote: »
    Half my classmates have no EAD date and I'm one of them. We took the oath and signed the papers today. But we all have to get jerbs.

    Ah, right. Sorry forgot about that.

  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Cantido wrote: »
    Half my classmates have no EAD date and I'm one of them. We took the oath and signed the papers today. But we all have to get jerbs.

    Ah, right. Sorry forgot about that.

    We had a slide show with baby pictures and music and nearly all the males had alt rock n shit. Not me. I had Ozzy singing Never Say Die :D

    I told a Veteran Owned company my story, and they totally loved my resume so there's full time options for me after all.

    Cantido on
    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • QuidQuid Definitely not a banana Registered User regular
    Anyone familiar with cyber warfare? One of my options for orders is to a department for it in NIOC Hawaii. I assume I'd still be focusing on language but want to know how much of the tech side I'd be learning.

  • OpposingFarceOpposingFarce Registered User regular
    Leave for Field Training on the 29th. Max 2. Excited and nervous. At least the equipment won't be all grody from previous Maxes and I have my summer afterwards, no worrying about it then.

    Any tips?

  • CarpyCarpy Registered User regular
    Quid wrote: »
    Anyone familiar with cyber warfare? One of my options for orders is to a department for it in NIOC Hawaii. I assume I'd still be focusing on language but want to know how much of the tech side I'd be learning.

    If your a linguist quid then the answer is slim to none. You'll be focused on analysis and reporting.

  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    Carpy wrote: »
    Quid wrote: »
    Anyone familiar with cyber warfare? One of my options for orders is to a department for it in NIOC Hawaii. I assume I'd still be focusing on language but want to know how much of the tech side I'd be learning.

    If your a linguist quid then the answer is slim to none. You'll be focused on analysis and reporting.

    I'll be training as a 17 Delta (Cyberspace Ops) if I ever start Active Duty. Some of my friends told me that while the tech school teaches everybody from the ground up, the CCNA networking seminars put you at an advantage. Like hell I'm gonna do that...

    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • QuidQuid Definitely not a banana Registered User regular
    Carpy wrote: »
    Quid wrote: »
    Anyone familiar with cyber warfare? One of my options for orders is to a department for it in NIOC Hawaii. I assume I'd still be focusing on language but want to know how much of the tech side I'd be learning.

    If your a linguist quid then the answer is slim to none. You'll be focused on analysis and reporting.

    Boooooooooo.

    Then here's hoping one of my choices for the mainland comes through.

  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    Navair reccomended usajobs.gov for my situation since I have TS Clearance.

    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • TraceofToxinTraceofToxin King Nothing Registered User regular
    [Russian Guyovich voice]Look at all the silly butterladies going for being joining of the United States military.

    Freedom being for sacrificed in the name of betterment of American society!

    Haha! Soon shall I have being escaped the grasp of cruel lady liberty and husband of destruction Uncle Sam![/Russian Guyovich voice]

    But seriously, congrats guys. Hope you enjoy your time in and make the best of it. Don't be a dick to your troops but don't be a pushover. Figure out which NCOs are worth a damn and listen to their advice. People can see through bullshit in an instant so don't try to be something you're not.

    Everyday I wake up is the worst day of my life.
  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    I promise that when they figure out when the fuck my EAD date is I will be a humble and respectful butterbars.

    I just hope its before the loan grace period ends.

    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • VeritasVRVeritasVR Registered User regular
    [Russian Guyovich voice]Look at all the silly butterladies going for being joining of the United States military.

    Freedom being for sacrificed in the name of betterment of American society!

    Haha! Soon shall I have being escaped the grasp of cruel lady liberty and husband of destruction Uncle Sam![/Russian Guyovich voice]

    But seriously, congrats guys. Hope you enjoy your time in and make the best of it. Don't be a dick to your troops but don't be a pushover. Figure out which NCOs are worth a damn and listen to their advice. People can see through bullshit in an instant so don't try to be something you're not.

    Ha, I wish I could use that advice now. I work with only officers and civilians. There is no one under me, and there won't be for at least 10 years if I stay in this career field.

    CoH_infantry.jpg
    Let 'em eat fucking pineapples!
  • zepherinzepherin Russian warship, go fuck yourself Registered User regular
    Cantido wrote: »
    Navair reccomended usajobs.gov for my situation since I have TS Clearance.
    You may also want to check out contractors that handle TS work. It is harder to get someone a TS than it is to train the appropriate skills into them. So often times contractors will hire underqualified TS people.

  • CantidoCantido Registered User regular
    zepherin wrote: »
    Cantido wrote: »
    Navair reccomended usajobs.gov for my situation since I have TS Clearance.
    You may also want to check out contractors that handle TS work. It is harder to get someone a TS than it is to train the appropriate skills into them. So often times contractors will hire underqualified TS people.

    I actually met a small contractor composed all of vets. The dude at the booth was a huge hulking dude and I figured he was a vet so I told him my story and he asked for my resume and said he could help.

    3DS Friendcode 5413-1311-3767
  • JWFokkerJWFokker Registered User regular
    Ok, I need an honest answer. Were any of you guys slackers or otherwise pretty lazy before you enlisted? I am and I know this is going to be the hardest stuff I'll ever do, but I think it's also the best thing I can do for myself. I think structure and direction will get my ass on track. That's not the only reason why I'm joining, I just want to get some feedback from guys who may have been in a similar situation.

  • VeritasVRVeritasVR Registered User regular
    JWFokker wrote: »
    Ok, I need an honest answer. Were any of you guys slackers or otherwise pretty lazy before you enlisted? I am and I know this is going to be the hardest stuff I'll ever do, but I think it's also the best thing I can do for myself. I think structure and direction will get my ass on track. That's not the only reason why I'm joining, I just want to get some feedback from guys who may have been in a similar situation.

    First off, not all of us serving have enlisted. Semantics maybe; some commission as officers and don't "enlist" as per the definition.

    Second, you will get a HUGE range of people serving, from yes, lazy, to the most altruistic and Type A people on the planet. I think the folks here tend toward the latter.

    Third, it doesn't even matter. All that matters is you and how you adapt to the environment that you are in right now. You could have been lazy before, but if you're not now (or won't be soon), then you're good.

    CoH_infantry.jpg
    Let 'em eat fucking pineapples!
  • QuidQuid Definitely not a banana Registered User regular
    JWFokker wrote: »
    Ok, I need an honest answer. Were any of you guys slackers or otherwise pretty lazy before you enlisted? I am and I know this is going to be the hardest stuff I'll ever do, but I think it's also the best thing I can do for myself. I think structure and direction will get my ass on track. That's not the only reason why I'm joining, I just want to get some feedback from guys who may have been in a similar situation.

    To be perfectly honest I am still lazy. The important part though, like Veritas said, is that you adapt to the environment. I did in basic, then didn't have to on shore duty. But every time I deploy then and now I have to again and I do. And at this point I'm liked not because I'm the most amazing worker ever, but because I'm reliable.

  • spookymuffinspookymuffin ( ° ʖ ° ) Puyallup WA Registered User regular
    I've always been a little slow to do things I don't want to do, but I wouldn't consider myself lazy. I show up on time every day, and I do my job to the best of my ability. I procrastinate about things like doing the dishes, but not something that affects other people and their daily life.

    PSN: MegaSpooky // 3DS: 3797-6276-7138
    Wii U NNID: MegaSpooky
  • CabezoneCabezone Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Laemkral wrote: »
    JWFokker wrote: »
    I really want to enlist. I can foresee going career potentially. I can ace the aptitude test (based on practice tests I've taken) and the physical standards are no problem either. If age and my GED are going to seriously hurt my chances of being selected (is it really that hard to get in these days?) would it be advisable to seek out a lower traffic recruitment center?

    GED is good enough to get in. Age won't hurt you much, just realize careers end at 62. Period. Hence why the cutoff age is 42, minimum for getting the full 20 to achieve some type of retirement. If anything, a little age means you'll have (in theory) the maturity to not do stupid shit that hurts making and keeping rank, and have a little more common sense to get you through stuff you don't know. Just realize you will eventually need some higher education at some point so you'll need to do a college degree and correspondence courses on your own, but that's something to worry about later. A lower traffic recruitment center might help with the actual getting in, but as far as a specific MOS you're up against everyone in the US trying to join and we're over halfway into the fiscal year in a downturn economy with an over strength force. You can try to get something you want, but you may end up what we need (though really, it will always be needs of the Army first). The worst thing you can do is not ask, you can always say no until you sign the actual paperwork and even then they have some escape clauses.

    Go, ask what is available and what you meet the criteria for, then come back and get some more advice from us. Just know what it is you want to do, do research on what the recruiter tells you, and remember that no plan survives first contact.

    This info is from when I enlisted like 15 years ago, dunno if it's still current. If you only have a GED it will significantly limit the MOS options you have. The recruiter also had a limit of how many GED recruits they could enlist.

    Cabezone on
  • jungleroomxjungleroomx It's never too many graves, it's always not enough shovels Registered User regular
    JWFokker wrote: »
    Ok, I need an honest answer. Were any of you guys slackers or otherwise pretty lazy before you enlisted? I am and I know this is going to be the hardest stuff I'll ever do, but I think it's also the best thing I can do for myself. I think structure and direction will get my ass on track. That's not the only reason why I'm joining, I just want to get some feedback from guys who may have been in a similar situation.

    Extremely lazy.

    Honestly, most people that are lazy are just lacking something that lights a fire under their ass. Once you discover the joy of a job well done (and nobody screaming at you for being a fuck up), you'll realize that of all the awards, accolades, or what the hell ever you get in this organization the single greatest prize is being left the fuck alone so you can do your job.

    Seriously. I'm facing a medical board, but my past performance has allowed me to not only not go to the field until I'm booted, but also to take care of my family in the process. I could probably show up for formation in the morning and go home and nobody would give a fuck.

  • JWFokkerJWFokker Registered User regular
    Cabezone wrote: »
    Laemkral wrote: »
    JWFokker wrote: »
    I really want to enlist. I can foresee going career potentially. I can ace the aptitude test (based on practice tests I've taken) and the physical standards are no problem either. If age and my GED are going to seriously hurt my chances of being selected (is it really that hard to get in these days?) would it be advisable to seek out a lower traffic recruitment center?

    GED is good enough to get in. Age won't hurt you much, just realize careers end at 62. Period. Hence why the cutoff age is 42, minimum for getting the full 20 to achieve some type of retirement. If anything, a little age means you'll have (in theory) the maturity to not do stupid shit that hurts making and keeping rank, and have a little more common sense to get you through stuff you don't know. Just realize you will eventually need some higher education at some point so you'll need to do a college degree and correspondence courses on your own, but that's something to worry about later. A lower traffic recruitment center might help with the actual getting in, but as far as a specific MOS you're up against everyone in the US trying to join and we're over halfway into the fiscal year in a downturn economy with an over strength force. You can try to get something you want, but you may end up what we need (though really, it will always be needs of the Army first). The worst thing you can do is not ask, you can always say no until you sign the actual paperwork and even then they have some escape clauses.

    Go, ask what is available and what you meet the criteria for, then come back and get some more advice from us. Just know what it is you want to do, do research on what the recruiter tells you, and remember that no plan survives first contact.

    This info is from when I enlisted like 15 years ago, dunno if it's still current. If you only have a GED it will significantly limit the MOS options you have. The recruiter also had a limit of how many GED recruits they could enlist.

    Got some good news from the recruiters. As of December 2011, you need to score a 50 or higher on the ASVAB if you have a GED. No other restrictions really. Tighter background check requirements but that's about it. I got a 93 on the short practice test and was told that I can even do Signals or Intelligence if I get above a 90 on the real thing when I go to MEPS.

  • spookymuffinspookymuffin ( ° ʖ ° ) Puyallup WA Registered User regular
    When I came into the AF, I needed 30 college credits in addition to my GED to enlist. Luckily, the semester that I was wrapping up put me over that.

    PSN: MegaSpooky // 3DS: 3797-6276-7138
    Wii U NNID: MegaSpooky
  • CabezoneCabezone Registered User regular
    edited May 2012
    JWFokker wrote: »
    Cabezone wrote: »
    Laemkral wrote: »
    JWFokker wrote: »
    I really want to enlist. I can foresee going career potentially. I can ace the aptitude test (based on practice tests I've taken) and the physical standards are no problem either. If age and my GED are going to seriously hurt my chances of being selected (is it really that hard to get in these days?) would it be advisable to seek out a lower traffic recruitment center?

    GED is good enough to get in. Age won't hurt you much, just realize careers end at 62. Period. Hence why the cutoff age is 42, minimum for getting the full 20 to achieve some type of retirement. If anything, a little age means you'll have (in theory) the maturity to not do stupid shit that hurts making and keeping rank, and have a little more common sense to get you through stuff you don't know. Just realize you will eventually need some higher education at some point so you'll need to do a college degree and correspondence courses on your own, but that's something to worry about later. A lower traffic recruitment center might help with the actual getting in, but as far as a specific MOS you're up against everyone in the US trying to join and we're over halfway into the fiscal year in a downturn economy with an over strength force. You can try to get something you want, but you may end up what we need (though really, it will always be needs of the Army first). The worst thing you can do is not ask, you can always say no until you sign the actual paperwork and even then they have some escape clauses.

    Go, ask what is available and what you meet the criteria for, then come back and get some more advice from us. Just know what it is you want to do, do research on what the recruiter tells you, and remember that no plan survives first contact.

    This info is from when I enlisted like 15 years ago, dunno if it's still current. If you only have a GED it will significantly limit the MOS options you have. The recruiter also had a limit of how many GED recruits they could enlist.

    Got some good news from the recruiters. As of December 2011, you need to score a 50 or higher on the ASVAB if you have a GED. No other restrictions really. Tighter background check requirements but that's about it. I got a 93 on the short practice test and was told that I can even do Signals or Intelligence if I get above a 90 on the real thing when I go to MEPS.

    That's cool, one thing to watch out for, don't let them pressure you into a job you don't want. Also, consider the difference between a job that will be fun as an actual army career and one that will translate into outside employment. They are not always the same. I picked a job I knew would like, and I did, but it didn't offer much in the way of outside work when I decided I did't want an army career. Another thing to consider, the more advanced jobs require longer enlistments. A satellite operator has a 6 year enlistment, so if you end up hating military life, you're in for a while but have better civilian options.

    The most important thing to remember, before you sign a contract, you can tell them you want to go home and think about it and research. I cannot stress this last point enough. Do not let them pressure you into signing until you are satisfied.

    Cabezone on
  • VeritasVRVeritasVR Registered User regular
    This just in:

    Promotion ceremonies can be super awkward. Mitigated somewhat by buying out the bar I can't believe this is a thing holy crap yes.

    More at 11, or after I stumble back home.

    CoH_infantry.jpg
    Let 'em eat fucking pineapples!
This discussion has been closed.