Help me decide on a job in the military...

[monckywrench]

As a USAF MSgt with over 21 years in service, my advice is to shoot for the crypto-linguist slot and default to the comm/network admin if you wash out of the first field. The computer/comm gig would certainly be a nice vacation, and a clueful computer person could rocket past the other folks with lesser skills, but the crypto-linguist gig would still allow you to work with computers on the side. (This is because all units need intelligent 'puter literate troops.) Challenge yourself and go for it. Either AFSC wouldn't be a bad deal. If in doubt get your recruiter to take you to a base where ya can talk to people who do those jobs. G.I.s aren't shy and will tell ya all sides of their specialty.

BTW DO NOT enlist in Information Management!

They combined Admin (glorified secretaries) with low-level computer system administration and rotate troops between jobs.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: monckywrench
As a USAF MSgt with over 21 years in service, my advice is to shoot for the crypto-linguist slot and default to the comm/network admin if you wash out of the first field. The computer/comm gig would certainly be a nice vacation, and a clueful computer person could rocket past the other folks with lesser skills, but the crypto-linguist gig would still allow you to work with computers on the side. (This is because all units need intelligent 'puter literate troops.) Challenge yourself and go for it. Either AFSC wouldn't be a bad deal. If in doubt get your recruiter to take you to a base where ya can talk to people who do those jobs. G.I.s aren't shy and will tell ya all sides of their specialty.

BTW DO NOT enlist in Information Management!

They combined Admin (glorified secretaries) with low-level computer system administration and rotate troops between jobs.

Well, I come from an Air Force family. This is only the second time I haven't lived right near a base. My cousin's wife is in Intel, and my Uncle John almost went CIA. My dad was a billion different things, because he joined the Army right before the Army Air Corps split off in 1947. He was a Sherman tank gunner, a drill seargant, and a recruiter, so he's prepared me pretty well.

I have a pretty good feeling about the 1N3X3 thing.

 

[Pliablemoose]

1N3X3- Slavic Cryptologic Linguist, Russian, after you've been trained & put in your time, if you're not going for the full 20 years, go to work for a number of agencies, State Dept comes to mind rather quickly...

 

[UltraQuiet]

Quit fsckin' around and join the Navy.

 

[friedpie]

Originally posted by: notfred
The DLI is in Monterey, and Monterey is nice.

I really don't know though, I was under the impression that you do whatever job they tell you to.

No, the Air Force will let you enlist into a career field of your choice as long as 1) you qualify, and 2) it's available at the time you enlist.

I would pick the career field that you would either be comfortable with for a 20 year military career, or one that carries over into the civilian world if you decide to leave the Air Force. For instance, being a crew chief on an airplane might be really cool, but there's not a lot you can do with that once you get out.

Being a plumber, or an electrician, however, can be valuable once you get out.

 

[friedpie]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Well, I think I've decided on the 1N3X3. Thanks everyone.

Now go see a recruiter. You may be in for a shock to learn that they don't need anyone in that career field at the time you are ready to enlist. It changes all the time.

 

[Cyco]

I'd recommend 3C0X1. Good money on the outside when you're done, and a good SRB if you decide to stay in.

 

[omega366i]

hey air force veterans
tell me about satellite communications

 

[Cyco]

Originally posted by: omega366i
hey air force veterans
tell me about satellite communications

You want to know about Satcom, huh? I'm a 2E1X1, let me know what you want to know.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: friedpie

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Well, I think I've decided on the 1N3X3. Thanks everyone.

Now go see a recruiter. You may be in for a shock to learn that they don't need anyone in that career field at the time you are ready to enlist. It changes all the time.

I plan to have the recruiter crying. I've got his number

I'm qualified for it. I was the only person in my town to make a perfect score on the test I took at the recruiter's office.

 

[Jfur]

Originally posted by: notfred
The DLI is in Monterey, and Monterey is nice.

I really don't know though, I was under the impression that you do whatever job they tell you to.

Do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know/can learn the other stuff a million ways. Go for the linguistic one.

 

[b0mbrman]

Originally posted by: notfred
The DLI is in Monterey, and Monterey is nice.

I really don't know though, I was under the impression that you do whatever job they tell you to.

When you enlist, you choose your job. After that, you might do whatever. An intel analyst I knew ended up being a track driver

Officers request but get told what they do.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: b0mbrman

Originally posted by: notfred
The DLI is in Monterey, and Monterey is nice.

I really don't know though, I was under the impression that you do whatever job they tell you to.

When you enlist, you choose your job. After that, you might do whatever. An intel analyst I knew ended up being a track driver

Officers request but get told what they do.

Hmm, everyone that I know that's joined the air force has gotten whatever job they request.

 

[monckywrench]

Get your job options guaranteed as a part of your initial enlistmen contract. Any representations not made in writing are non-binding.
Never come in under "general enlistment".

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: monckywrench
Get your job options guaranteed as a part of your initial enlistmen contract. Any representations not made in writing are non-binding.
Never come in under "general enlistment".

My friend did that. He's a sewage pump operator for C130s in Alaska.

lol

 

[monckywrench]

My friend did that. He's a sewage pump operator for C130s in Alaska.

I'd be crosstraining as soon as the Careers program window opened.

TextFor instance, being a crew chief on an airplane might be really cool, but there's not a lot you can do with that once you get out.

Say what??? Any crew chief worth a rodents posterior will be a skilled aircraft mechanic by the end of his first enlistment, and have general mechanical, electrical, and maintenance skills that easily translate to many technical job opportunities. I've been in tactical aircraft maintenance (Comm/Nav, engines, crew chief) since 1981 and have seen plenty of _good_ crew chiefs go on to choice aviation jobs elsewhere. As for the ones too slothful to get their Airframe and Powerplant license or pursue complementary education, they scr3w3d themselves. Even the military can't issue clues.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: monckywrench

My friend did that. He's a sewage pump operator for C130s in Alaska.

I'd be crosstraining as soon as the Careers program window opened.

So who do I get it in writing from? The recruiter or the guys at MEPS?

 

[monckywrench]

The recruiter can generate the enlistment contract with whatever guarantees are made appropriately marked/typed in. When you actually are sworn in and sign that contract at MEPS it is then binding. Ask to see any pertinent material and regulations in printed form if you have any questions. Take your time and be thorough.
The USAF has been good to me and thousands of others, but to get the most out of it ya have to explore the system and make it work for you.

 

[propellerhead]

One more thing to consider, if you wash out of the linguist school, you might end up in a really lame job. Sometimes, depending on availability, the USAF may choose to send you to a job that does not require more training. You may end up stocking shelves at Base Supply.

 

[glenn1]

So i guess going airborne infantry is kinda out of the question?

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: propellerhead
One more thing to consider, if you wash out of the linguist school, you might end up in a really lame job. Sometimes, depending on availability, the USAF may choose to send you to a job that does not require more training. You may end up stocking shelves at Base Supply.

A lot of people have been telling me that!

I won't wash out. I'm intelligent enough to do any job that the military can give me.

 

[Chaotic42]

Well, I talked to my new cousin, who is a Spanish linguist with the Air Force, and she shed some light on the situation.

1. I get to make a wishlist of languages. I'm not guaranteed anything.
2. Most of my job would be just writing things down.
3. If I want to be a translator, I should join the Army.

I had never considered joining the Army, as I'm from an Air Force family. Now I don't know. I want to be a translator when I get out of the military, and I want to do Russian.

I know almost nothing about the Army. Hmm....

Any thoughts?

 

[Phuz]

What does it matter? Army.. Air Force.. you're still going to get the same education, opportunities, etc. that you wanted..

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Currently, and for the forseeable future, 1N3X5 seems to be a sure bet.

 

[JOSEPHLB]

Who mentioned "Have you ran 3 miles yet?"..?

I had to laugh at that.. Air Force.. running 3 miles? They ride a stationary bike for the physical fitness test. When I was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland.. 95% of the Air Force people there couldn't run to the dining facility without losing their breath

The Air Force does have the better quality of life though; but I guess that all depends on where you are stationed..

I know its not comparable to Camp Casey, Korea , or some of my time in Kuwait, Kosovo and my little 3 year adventure down in the First Cav Division at Fort Hood, Texas