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Are there any guides to the US armed forces online for newbs?

SarcasticDwarf

SarcasticDwarf

Diamond Member
?


Edit:
Members of my family who have served:

Dad (USAF)
Grandfather(M): USN
Grandfather(P): USN
Grandfather(P-biological): ?
Aunt: USAF
Uncle: USAF
Cousin: USAF (AD)


so on and so forth
 
Originally posted by: pulse8
Did you try their respective web sites?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm looking at all branches including the NG, but that is obviously all polishes. I'm talking about guides written by members for people that have never serves, not PR crap.
 
Are there any specific questions you have that some of the Vets. in here could help you with?

I know there are several of us... first hand info is here.... just ask

-Sid
 
Originally posted by: Insidious
Are there any specific questions you have that some of the Vets. in here could help you with?

I know there are several of us... first hand info is here.... just ask

-Sid
Click to expand...

Disconnected thoughts follow...

I'm not sure yet. The major hurdle (I think) will be some medical issues I have (partially colorblind, nervous system condition that cause my hands to shake). I'm currently in my junior year of college majoring in Environmental Studies. After this, I want to go for a masters in Library and Informaiton Science, but was thinking of going into the military first (both for the experience and financial asistance). Because of the above medical issue, I doubt I will ever be able to shoot very well (gimme a nuke and I am sure I will be able to hit my target), which will cause some problems I am sure. Because of my degree and interests, I thought maybe the Army Corps of Engineers or something? I'm still trying to track down the local recruiters to see if I can talk to one tommorow morning. If I did go in, i'd prefer to have something where I went into basic training this summer maybe and not go active until after I graduate. Of course, i'd be a hell of a lot more interested if any benefits started before this summer.
 
Originally posted by: jumpr
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Originally posted by: jumpr
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Originally posted by: pulse8
Did you try their respective web sites?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm looking at all branches including the NG...
Click to expand...
What is the NG?
Click to expand...

Sorry, national guard
Click to expand...
Ha, gotcha...I thought it was a typo for Coast Guard.
Click to expand...

I don't like water.



no, seriously.
 
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Originally posted by: Insidious
Are there any specific questions you have that some of the Vets. in here could help you with?

I know there are several of us... first hand info is here.... just ask

-Sid
Click to expand...

Disconnected thoughts follow...

I'm not sure yet. The major hurdle (I think) will be some medical issues I have (partially colorblind, nervous system condition that cause my hands to shake). I'm currently in my junior year of college majoring in Environmental Studies. After this, I want to go for a masters in Library and Informaiton Science, but was thinking of going into the military first (both for the experience and financial asistance). Because of the above medical issue, I doubt I will ever be able to shoot very well (gimme a nuke and I am sure I will be able to hit my target), which will cause some problems I am sure. Because of my degree and interests, I thought maybe the Army Corps of Engineers or something? I'm still trying to track down the local recruiters to see if I can talk to one tommorow morning. If I did go in, i'd prefer to have something where I went into basic training this summer maybe and not go active until after I graduate. Of course, i'd be a hell of a lot more interested if any benefits started before this summer.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing it will be difficult to get any branch to send you to basic and then let you take a break before you 'go active'.

For the health issues, I wish I had a good answer for you. I know color blindness will cut you out of some specialties, but it wouldn't cut you out of the service all together. I couldn't speak to the nervous system condition. I think that might be a problem, but you would need a recruiter to answer that for you.

I assume you are looking to go in as a commissioned officer. I was enlisted so my experiences will not apply well to opportunities as an officer.

If I was in your spot, I think I'd be talking to the ROTC representatives at your college. They can answer questions about different vocational related opportunities in their respective services and help you understand your choices regarding timing of your entry to active duty. Besides, if you are going to be heading for the service following college, why not let them pay some of those bills?

finally and probably most importantly...... IF IT ISN'T WRITTEN ON A PIECE OF PAPER.... IT DOESN'T COUNT. Don't "take the word" of any recruiter... ANY.

-Sid

 
Originally posted by: Insidious
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Originally posted by: Insidious
Are there any specific questions you have that some of the Vets. in here could help you with?

I know there are several of us... first hand info is here.... just ask

-Sid
Click to expand...

Disconnected thoughts follow...

I'm not sure yet. The major hurdle (I think) will be some medical issues I have (partially colorblind, nervous system condition that cause my hands to shake). I'm currently in my junior year of college majoring in Environmental Studies. After this, I want to go for a masters in Library and Informaiton Science, but was thinking of going into the military first (both for the experience and financial asistance). Because of the above medical issue, I doubt I will ever be able to shoot very well (gimme a nuke and I am sure I will be able to hit my target), which will cause some problems I am sure. Because of my degree and interests, I thought maybe the Army Corps of Engineers or something? I'm still trying to track down the local recruiters to see if I can talk to one tommorow morning. If I did go in, i'd prefer to have something where I went into basic training this summer maybe and not go active until after I graduate. Of course, i'd be a hell of a lot more interested if any benefits started before this summer.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing it will be difficult to get any branch to send you to basic and then let you take a break before you 'go active'.

For the health issues, I wish I had a good answer for you. I know color blindness will cut you out of some specialties, but it wouldn't cut you out of the service all together. I couldn't speak to the nervous system condition. I think that might be a problem, but you would need a recruiter to answer that for you.

I assume you are looking to go in as a commissioned officer. I was enlisted so my experiences will not apply well to opportunities as an officer.

If I was in your spot, I think I'd be talking to the ROTC representatives at your college. They can answer questions about different vocational related opportunities in their respective services and help you understand your choices regarding timing of your entry to active duty. Besides, if you are going to be heading for the service following college, why not let them pay some of those bills?

finally and probably most importantly...... IF IT ISN'T WRITTEN ON A PIECE OF PAPER.... IT DOESN'T COUNT. Don't "take the word" of any recruiter... ANY.

-Sid
Click to expand...



Thanks for the response. I'm trying (and not getting good results) to talk to the Army people online, and will try to talk to a recruiter tommorow.
 
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Originally posted by: Insidious
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Originally posted by: Insidious
Are there any specific questions you have that some of the Vets. in here could help you with?

I know there are several of us... first hand info is here.... just ask

-Sid
Click to expand...

Disconnected thoughts follow...

I'm not sure yet. The major hurdle (I think) will be some medical issues I have (partially colorblind, nervous system condition that cause my hands to shake). I'm currently in my junior year of college majoring in Environmental Studies. After this, I want to go for a masters in Library and Informaiton Science, but was thinking of going into the military first (both for the experience and financial asistance). Because of the above medical issue, I doubt I will ever be able to shoot very well (gimme a nuke and I am sure I will be able to hit my target), which will cause some problems I am sure. Because of my degree and interests, I thought maybe the Army Corps of Engineers or something? I'm still trying to track down the local recruiters to see if I can talk to one tommorow morning. If I did go in, i'd prefer to have something where I went into basic training this summer maybe and not go active until after I graduate. Of course, i'd be a hell of a lot more interested if any benefits started before this summer.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing it will be difficult to get any branch to send you to basic and then let you take a break before you 'go active'.

For the health issues, I wish I had a good answer for you. I know color blindness will cut you out of some specialties, but it wouldn't cut you out of the service all together. I couldn't speak to the nervous system condition. I think that might be a problem, but you would need a recruiter to answer that for you.

I assume you are looking to go in as a commissioned officer. I was enlisted so my experiences will not apply well to opportunities as an officer.

If I was in your spot, I think I'd be talking to the ROTC representatives at your college. They can answer questions about different vocational related opportunities in their respective services and help you understand your choices regarding timing of your entry to active duty. Besides, if you are going to be heading for the service following college, why not let them pay some of those bills?

finally and probably most importantly...... IF IT ISN'T WRITTEN ON A PIECE OF PAPER.... IT DOESN'T COUNT. Don't "take the word" of any recruiter... ANY.

-Sid
Click to expand...



Thanks for the response. I'm trying (and not getting good results) to talk to the Army people online, and will try to talk to a recruiter tommorow.
Click to expand...
Beware, they'll likely tell you anything and everything to get you to join up. Do real research and ask non-recruiters for reliable information.
 
Originally posted by: jumpr
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Originally posted by: Insidious
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
Originally posted by: Insidious
Are there any specific questions you have that some of the Vets. in here could help you with?

I know there are several of us... first hand info is here.... just ask

-Sid
Click to expand...

Disconnected thoughts follow...

I'm not sure yet. The major hurdle (I think) will be some medical issues I have (partially colorblind, nervous system condition that cause my hands to shake). I'm currently in my junior year of college majoring in Environmental Studies. After this, I want to go for a masters in Library and Informaiton Science, but was thinking of going into the military first (both for the experience and financial asistance). Because of the above medical issue, I doubt I will ever be able to shoot very well (gimme a nuke and I am sure I will be able to hit my target), which will cause some problems I am sure. Because of my degree and interests, I thought maybe the Army Corps of Engineers or something? I'm still trying to track down the local recruiters to see if I can talk to one tommorow morning. If I did go in, i'd prefer to have something where I went into basic training this summer maybe and not go active until after I graduate. Of course, i'd be a hell of a lot more interested if any benefits started before this summer.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing it will be difficult to get any branch to send you to basic and then let you take a break before you 'go active'.

For the health issues, I wish I had a good answer for you. I know color blindness will cut you out of some specialties, but it wouldn't cut you out of the service all together. I couldn't speak to the nervous system condition. I think that might be a problem, but you would need a recruiter to answer that for you.

I assume you are looking to go in as a commissioned officer. I was enlisted so my experiences will not apply well to opportunities as an officer.

If I was in your spot, I think I'd be talking to the ROTC representatives at your college. They can answer questions about different vocational related opportunities in their respective services and help you understand your choices regarding timing of your entry to active duty. Besides, if you are going to be heading for the service following college, why not let them pay some of those bills?

finally and probably most importantly...... IF IT ISN'T WRITTEN ON A PIECE OF PAPER.... IT DOESN'T COUNT. Don't "take the word" of any recruiter... ANY.

-Sid
Click to expand...



Thanks for the response. I'm trying (and not getting good results) to talk to the Army people online, and will try to talk to a recruiter tommorow.
Click to expand...
Beware, they'll likely tell you anything and everything to get you to join up. Do real research and ask non-recruiters for reliable information.
Click to expand...

It does worry me that so many people I have talked to have said to get everything in writing from the recruiters. Oh well.
 
The easiest way to put those concerns to rest is read.. I mean REALLY read their stuff. When they describe how they can put you in a particular job or location, just make sure it is in the papers you sign. You would be amazed how many people will sign a 10 page document blindly because they are uncomfortable making the recruiter wait while they read it.

You will most likely find that the attitude of a recruiter will change when they know you are paying attention. They will give you the truth if you insist upon it and if they see you know that only written promises count.

-Sid
 
So what's the advantage of ROTC? My cousin just graduated and was doing AF ROTC and is going active this week. What's the benefit? Skip on other training?
 
So I talked with an Army recruiter today. I signed the papers for the preliminary stuff (tests and such). I'm going for the tests (medical, ASVAB, etc) this Thursday/Friday.

<--possible future Army Reserve
 
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
So I talked with an Army recruiter today. I signed the papers for the preliminary stuff (tests and such). I'm going for the tests (medical, ASVAB, etc) this Thursday/Friday.

<--possible future Army Reserve
Click to expand...

Ive been researching going into the marines alot recently. I aced the asvab the other day but im waiting a couple more days to take the medical because i want to make sure this is 100% what i want to do.
 
Good luck guys! I am soooo glad that I did my time in the early 90's. This crap that's goin on now will get someone killed in a hurry.
 
Gods speed to you both!

My six were '77 to '83 (USN). We weren't so popular then, but I am proud to have served and proud of you for the service you are considering.

God Bless America
 
Originally posted by: BigFatCow
Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
So I talked with an Army recruiter today. I signed the papers for the preliminary stuff (tests and such). I'm going for the tests (medical, ASVAB, etc) this Thursday/Friday.

<--possible future Army Reserve
Click to expand...

Ive been researching going into the marines alot recently. I aced the asvab the other day but im waiting a couple more days to take the medical because i want to make sure this is 100% what i want to do.
Click to expand...

From my understanding, you don't sign anything until well after the medical evaluation. It isn't until you talk with an addvisor and select a path that you sign anything (from what I was told).
 
Originally posted by: NorthRiver
This crap that's goin on now will get someone killed in a hurry.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but the odds still are not too high (depending on what you go as). I'm estimating that 250k troops have been sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. Under 2,000 have been killed.

 
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