How's the military treating you these days?

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Well, if that was it, it wouldn't be a big deal. But that's not it.

"To allow more recruits to join, the Army last fall amended its rule that it can sign up no more than 2 percent of recruits who score between 15 and 30 out of 99 on the Army's aptitude test. Now, up to 4 percent of Army recruits can score under 30 on the aptitude test..." source

ok, an area of concern, granted.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"The U.S. Army has lowered the physical requirements needed to pass basic training to accommodate recruits as old as 41, Defense Department records show.
The Army raised the enlistment age limit to just shy of 42 in June, five months after raising it to just under 40 from 35, USA Today reports." source

I already covered the enlistment age part. Do you want mandatory retirement at age 40? If not, stfu. It isn't a problem. Oh, and the only requirement that changed was the age, they still have to bass BCT and AIT with everyone else.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"Army officials said Thursday that for the recruiting year that started this week, at least 90 percent of new recruits must be high school graduates, compared with 92 percent last year." source

I don't think anyone can comment on this. Nowhere does it state what they actually mean. It likely is that they still have to graduate/get a GED by the time they go into service (you can join and go to BCT at 17, but must have your GED/diploma before you can actually be *in*).

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Late last year, a key drug test for recent use of marijuana was softened.

I would comment if there was any data on this.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
But in a country where the rate of teenage obesity climbed from 5 percent to 16 percent over the last 30 years, perhaps the most significant revision is a loophole that allows recruits who are too heavy to meet weight or body fat limits to take the fitness test anyway." source

You still have to pass the full PT test before you finish BCT, so it isn't really relevant.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"Last year, almost 1 in 6 Army recruits had a problem in their background that would have disqualified them from military service. In order to accept them, the Army granted special exceptions, known as recruiting waivers.
...There was a significant increase in the number of recruits with what the Army terms "serious criminal misconduct" in their background. That category includes aggravated assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, receiving stolen property and making terrorist threats, said Douglas Smith, a spokesman for the Army Recruiting Command at Ft. Knox, Ky.
The number of recruits in that category increased to 630, from 408 in 2004, reversing at least a four-year trend in which the number of recruits with serious criminal misconduct in their background had declined, Army statistics showed." source

Shocking, 600 out of how many 10's of thousands? First, cut some people some slack. Stuff happens. Nobody expects the military to be all harvard grads with 700+ FICO scores and spotless records. Second, IIRC, that class of items needs to be waivered by a person on the general staff (meaning, a General). Also, if these people have a problem, it generally gets sorted out in BCT (either the problem is fixed or they are kicked out).

Keep in mind here that everyone still has to pass the exact same PT test. Everyone still has to pass BCT and AIT. Sure, signing on the dotted line is easier, but the training is still much the same.

I never said otherwise (although I'm not familiar with the exact acronyms you mention, navy could have been different or it could have changed after I left a decade ago). I merely meant the requirements for ENLISTMENT were basically down to nothing. Although different people will have different definitions of exactly what that means, my overall statement remains valid.

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: AmerDoux

Originally posted by: MechaSheeba

Originally posted by: sward666

Comparitively with the hazards involved it really does seem like low pay.

If you're only looking at it from a job/income standpoint, you shouldn't do it. If things like service and duty aren't on your mind, it'll suck.

Definitely not, I don't agree with this administration or the current situation we're in AT ALL. I can't fit duty to my country and the war in Iraq together. I'm 19 and I have no idea what to do with my life, there's just nothing that interests me as far as a career. I think most people that join the military would tell you it was to 'serve their country' but I don't think hardly any of them actually mean that. I wouldn't mind being sent to South Korea in the event sh!t there ever got hot, or even Afghanistan for that matter if we were really focused on fighting terrorism and finding Bin Laden. But the fact of the matter is this administration isn't interested in anything other than whatever the hell we're in Iraq for, I can't see myself being sent anywhere else to be honest, the way things are going. If it's for a just enough cause, I'll put my life on the line for $8, considering I can't think of anything better to do. But to be sent to Iraq, and chance death for.... what? It better be a hell of a lot more. I dunno, maybe that seems selfish, but that's just the way I look at it.

My son is currently in the Army and feels the same way you do about the current administration and the situation in the M.E. However, he pointed out that there is much more to the military than the situation in the M.E. and the current president does not define our country, he will eventually be replaced by another president. He joined for the training, the experience, the travel, and the benefits. He doesnt wish to go to the M.E. but he will go if told to and will do his job. He is currently serving in South Korea, Camp Hovey (right on the DMZ), as a 96 B - CounterIntelligence Agent. As soon as he showed up he was told they had no 97 E - HUMINT, so he spent 2 months training in that capacity and finished out his first year. He is now beginning a second year in South Korea, but he requested to be re-assigned to another unit so he can actually do the job he was formally trained for. Great cross training and very few will ever get to do both jobs. He is now looking at future options. He is working on his college degree and considering if he wants to extend and go into their Linguistics program. He has approached this with the perspective of how this training will carry over into civilian jobs and what kind of pay he can expect in the private sector. I think the biggest thing is to take the ASVAB, find out what you qualify for, and then get it in writing from your recruiter before you sign anything. Find out what MOS you qualify for and then find out how it will translate into the civilian world/marketability. There are a lot of benefits in the military, as long as you are smart and take advantage of them.

Good luck on your decision.

Don't take this as a "thread crap".. but Camp Hovey is not "on the DMZ". Its a good hour away. I mean.. yeah.. thats close, but not close enough to define being "on the DMZ".

I remember taking company PT runs down to the Camp Hovey gate from Camp Casey. We usually did that when the 1st SGT caught scent of someone that may have had a good night out on the town the previous night. What better way to get the alcohol out of your system.. run the $hit out of ya!!

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Well, if that was it, it wouldn't be a big deal. But that's not it.

"To allow more recruits to join, the Army last fall amended its rule that it can sign up no more than 2 percent of recruits who score between 15 and 30 out of 99 on the Army's aptitude test. Now, up to 4 percent of Army recruits can score under 30 on the aptitude test..." source

ok, an area of concern, granted.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"The U.S. Army has lowered the physical requirements needed to pass basic training to accommodate recruits as old as 41, Defense Department records show.
The Army raised the enlistment age limit to just shy of 42 in June, five months after raising it to just under 40 from 35, USA Today reports." source

I already covered the enlistment age part. Do you want mandatory retirement at age 40? If not, stfu. It isn't a problem. Oh, and the only requirement that changed was the age, they still have to bass BCT and AIT with everyone else.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"Army officials said Thursday that for the recruiting year that started this week, at least 90 percent of new recruits must be high school graduates, compared with 92 percent last year." source

I don't think anyone can comment on this. Nowhere does it state what they actually mean. It likely is that they still have to graduate/get a GED by the time they go into service (you can join and go to BCT at 17, but must have your GED/diploma before you can actually be *in*).

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Late last year, a key drug test for recent use of marijuana was softened.

I would comment if there was any data on this.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
But in a country where the rate of teenage obesity climbed from 5 percent to 16 percent over the last 30 years, perhaps the most significant revision is a loophole that allows recruits who are too heavy to meet weight or body fat limits to take the fitness test anyway." source

You still have to pass the full PT test before you finish BCT, so it isn't really relevant.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"Last year, almost 1 in 6 Army recruits had a problem in their background that would have disqualified them from military service. In order to accept them, the Army granted special exceptions, known as recruiting waivers.
...There was a significant increase in the number of recruits with what the Army terms "serious criminal misconduct" in their background. That category includes aggravated assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, receiving stolen property and making terrorist threats, said Douglas Smith, a spokesman for the Army Recruiting Command at Ft. Knox, Ky.
The number of recruits in that category increased to 630, from 408 in 2004, reversing at least a four-year trend in which the number of recruits with serious criminal misconduct in their background had declined, Army statistics showed." source

Shocking, 600 out of how many 10's of thousands? First, cut some people some slack. Stuff happens. Nobody expects the military to be all harvard grads with 700+ FICO scores and spotless records. Second, IIRC, that class of items needs to be waivered by a person on the general staff (meaning, a General). Also, if these people have a problem, it generally gets sorted out in BCT (either the problem is fixed or they are kicked out).

Keep in mind here that everyone still has to pass the exact same PT test. Everyone still has to pass BCT and AIT. Sure, signing on the dotted line is easier, but the training is still much the same.

I never said otherwise (although I'm not familiar with the exact acronyms you mention, navy could have been different or it could have changed after I left a decade ago). I merely meant the requirements for ENLISTMENT were basically down to nothing. Although different people will have different definitions of exactly what that means, my overall statement remains valid.

BCT=Basic Training aka Boot Camp
AIT= The training for your specific job.

So what exactly is your point? Enlistment requirements have changed? Ok, and.......



And "nothing" is a strong term considering that at LEAST 25% of the eligible population is disqualified immediately for medical reasons. Just qualifiying for military service is not an easy thing. And at least 15% of people that do go to BCT are unable to complete (usually medical reasons).

 

[jlbenedict]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Well, if that was it, it wouldn't be a big deal. But that's not it.

"To allow more recruits to join, the Army last fall amended its rule that it can sign up no more than 2 percent of recruits who score between 15 and 30 out of 99 on the Army's aptitude test. Now, up to 4 percent of Army recruits can score under 30 on the aptitude test..." source

ok, an area of concern, granted.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"The U.S. Army has lowered the physical requirements needed to pass basic training to accommodate recruits as old as 41, Defense Department records show.
The Army raised the enlistment age limit to just shy of 42 in June, five months after raising it to just under 40 from 35, USA Today reports." source

I already covered the enlistment age part. Do you want mandatory retirement at age 40? If not, stfu. It isn't a problem. Oh, and the only requirement that changed was the age, they still have to bass BCT and AIT with everyone else.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"Army officials said Thursday that for the recruiting year that started this week, at least 90 percent of new recruits must be high school graduates, compared with 92 percent last year." source

I don't think anyone can comment on this. Nowhere does it state what they actually mean. It likely is that they still have to graduate/get a GED by the time they go into service (you can join and go to BCT at 17, but must have your GED/diploma before you can actually be *in*).

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Late last year, a key drug test for recent use of marijuana was softened.

I would comment if there was any data on this.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
But in a country where the rate of teenage obesity climbed from 5 percent to 16 percent over the last 30 years, perhaps the most significant revision is a loophole that allows recruits who are too heavy to meet weight or body fat limits to take the fitness test anyway." source

You still have to pass the full PT test before you finish BCT, so it isn't really relevant.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"Last year, almost 1 in 6 Army recruits had a problem in their background that would have disqualified them from military service. In order to accept them, the Army granted special exceptions, known as recruiting waivers.
...There was a significant increase in the number of recruits with what the Army terms "serious criminal misconduct" in their background. That category includes aggravated assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, receiving stolen property and making terrorist threats, said Douglas Smith, a spokesman for the Army Recruiting Command at Ft. Knox, Ky.
The number of recruits in that category increased to 630, from 408 in 2004, reversing at least a four-year trend in which the number of recruits with serious criminal misconduct in their background had declined, Army statistics showed." source

Shocking, 600 out of how many 10's of thousands? First, cut some people some slack. Stuff happens. Nobody expects the military to be all harvard grads with 700+ FICO scores and spotless records. Second, IIRC, that class of items needs to be waivered by a person on the general staff (meaning, a General). Also, if these people have a problem, it generally gets sorted out in BCT (either the problem is fixed or they are kicked out).

Keep in mind here that everyone still has to pass the exact same PT test. Everyone still has to pass BCT and AIT. Sure, signing on the dotted line is easier, but the training is still much the same.

I never said otherwise (although I'm not familiar with the exact acronyms you mention, navy could have been different or it could have changed after I left a decade ago). I merely meant the requirements for ENLISTMENT were basically down to nothing. Although different people will have different definitions of exactly what that means, my overall statement remains valid.

BCT=Basic Training aka Boot Camp
AIT= The training for your specific job. "Advanced Individual Training"

So what exactly is your point? Enlistment requirements have changed? Ok, and.......



And "nothing" is a strong term considering that at LEAST 25% of the eligible population is disqualified immediately for medical reasons. Just qualifiying for military service is not an easy thing. And at least 15% of people that do go to BCT are unable to complete (usually medical reasons).

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Well, if that was it, it wouldn't be a big deal. But that's not it.

"To allow more recruits to join, the Army last fall amended its rule that it can sign up no more than 2 percent of recruits who score between 15 and 30 out of 99 on the Army's aptitude test. Now, up to 4 percent of Army recruits can score under 30 on the aptitude test..." source

ok, an area of concern, granted.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"The U.S. Army has lowered the physical requirements needed to pass basic training to accommodate recruits as old as 41, Defense Department records show.
The Army raised the enlistment age limit to just shy of 42 in June, five months after raising it to just under 40 from 35, USA Today reports." source

I already covered the enlistment age part. Do you want mandatory retirement at age 40? If not, stfu. It isn't a problem. Oh, and the only requirement that changed was the age, they still have to bass BCT and AIT with everyone else.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"Army officials said Thursday that for the recruiting year that started this week, at least 90 percent of new recruits must be high school graduates, compared with 92 percent last year." source

I don't think anyone can comment on this. Nowhere does it state what they actually mean. It likely is that they still have to graduate/get a GED by the time they go into service (you can join and go to BCT at 17, but must have your GED/diploma before you can actually be *in*).

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Late last year, a key drug test for recent use of marijuana was softened.

I would comment if there was any data on this.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
But in a country where the rate of teenage obesity climbed from 5 percent to 16 percent over the last 30 years, perhaps the most significant revision is a loophole that allows recruits who are too heavy to meet weight or body fat limits to take the fitness test anyway." source

You still have to pass the full PT test before you finish BCT, so it isn't really relevant.

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
"Last year, almost 1 in 6 Army recruits had a problem in their background that would have disqualified them from military service. In order to accept them, the Army granted special exceptions, known as recruiting waivers.
...There was a significant increase in the number of recruits with what the Army terms "serious criminal misconduct" in their background. That category includes aggravated assault, robbery, vehicular manslaughter, receiving stolen property and making terrorist threats, said Douglas Smith, a spokesman for the Army Recruiting Command at Ft. Knox, Ky.
The number of recruits in that category increased to 630, from 408 in 2004, reversing at least a four-year trend in which the number of recruits with serious criminal misconduct in their background had declined, Army statistics showed." source

Shocking, 600 out of how many 10's of thousands? First, cut some people some slack. Stuff happens. Nobody expects the military to be all harvard grads with 700+ FICO scores and spotless records. Second, IIRC, that class of items needs to be waivered by a person on the general staff (meaning, a General). Also, if these people have a problem, it generally gets sorted out in BCT (either the problem is fixed or they are kicked out).

Keep in mind here that everyone still has to pass the exact same PT test. Everyone still has to pass BCT and AIT. Sure, signing on the dotted line is easier, but the training is still much the same.

I never said otherwise (although I'm not familiar with the exact acronyms you mention, navy could have been different or it could have changed after I left a decade ago). I merely meant the requirements for ENLISTMENT were basically down to nothing. Although different people will have different definitions of exactly what that means, my overall statement remains valid.

BCT=Basic Training aka Boot Camp
AIT= The training for your specific job.

So what exactly is your point? Enlistment requirements have changed? Ok, and.......



And "nothing" is a strong term considering that at LEAST 25% of the eligible population is disqualified immediately for medical reasons. Just qualifiying for military service is not an easy thing. And at least 15% of people that do go to BCT are unable to complete (usually medical reasons).

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

My point was, and is, that enlistment requirements are now so broad as to be laughable. 17-42 for age, 4% scoring under 30th percentile on a 6th grade level test (if it's equivalent ot the ASVAB at least), multiple legal problems perfectly fine (a friend just enlisted with 3 felonies), etc.

Not that this is my point, however there's quite a bit of research out there which shows that more capable recruits (ie smarter, score better on tests, etc) perform better in the military. Current standards will result in a less capable military. Just FYI.

It is NOT hard to get in the military. It's cake and almost any monkey can do it. Out of the group I enlisted with I'd only guarantee that one other was a fully erect homo-sapien. The rest, HOLY CRAP was I scared for our nation. It was easy as hell to get in 14 years ago, and the bar has been consistently lowered ever since. Boot was cake as well, unless you had an undiagnosed medical condition. I'd love to do boot every year for my summer break. There was nothing to it.

You're trying to make the military sound like this uber-elite force of warriors. Well, we have good technology and pretty good training. But we're still a military full of the lowest common denominator.

Gotcha on the acronyms. Yeah, the navy just used different jargon, or it's changed since I was in.

 

[Strk]

Not that this is my point, however there's quite a bit of research out there which shows that more capable recruits (ie smarter, score better on tests, etc) perform better in the military. Current standards will result in a less capable military. Just FYI.

This reminds me of a quote one of the military analysts on MSNBC said (a Colonel and Medal of Honor recipient). Almost verbatim, "I've had smart soldiers and dumb soldier, I'd rather have smart ones." It's kind of an obvious statement, but sometimes it needs to be said.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
My point was, and is, that enlistment requirements are now so broad as to be laughable. 17-42 for age, 4% scoring under 30th percentile on a 6th grade level test (if it's equivalent ot the ASVAB at least), multiple legal problems perfectly fine (a friend just enlisted with 3 felonies), etc.

Not that this is my point, however there's quite a bit of research out there which shows that more capable recruits (ie smarter, score better on tests, etc) perform better in the military. Current standards will result in a less capable military. Just FYI.

It is NOT hard to get in the military. It's cake and almost any monkey can do it. Out of the group I enlisted with I'd only guarantee that one other was a fully erect homo-sapien. The rest, HOLY CRAP was I scared for our nation. It was easy as hell to get in 14 years ago, and the bar has been consistently lowered ever since. Boot was cake as well, unless you had an undiagnosed medical condition. I'd love to do boot every year for my summer break. There was nothing to it.

You're trying to make the military sound like this uber-elite force of warriors. Well, we have good technology and pretty good training. But we're still a military full of the lowest common denominator.

I'm not saying that the military is elite, it isn't. My point was that the majority of the population is not capable of it. Of those that are within the age bracket, at least half of them are not capable of being a soldier. Of those that are, probably a quarter can't join for medical reasons (start looking around, the number of people that have medical problems [that are within the age bracket] is staggering. You have to be in good health to join. Sure, weight is an issue, but it isn't something permanent. That slight hearing problem a person is born with, the ocassional seizure, etc. It actually is quite common that people who want to join can't.

Also, it would be fantastic if everyone in the military had an IQ of at least 120 and a 90+ ASVAB. In reality, we have to take what is available. If you want to blame someone, blame the American public.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
My point was, and is, that enlistment requirements are now so broad as to be laughable. 17-42 for age, 4% scoring under 30th percentile on a 6th grade level test (if it's equivalent ot the ASVAB at least), multiple legal problems perfectly fine (a friend just enlisted with 3 felonies), etc.

Not that this is my point, however there's quite a bit of research out there which shows that more capable recruits (ie smarter, score better on tests, etc) perform better in the military. Current standards will result in a less capable military. Just FYI.

It is NOT hard to get in the military. It's cake and almost any monkey can do it. Out of the group I enlisted with I'd only guarantee that one other was a fully erect homo-sapien. The rest, HOLY CRAP was I scared for our nation. It was easy as hell to get in 14 years ago, and the bar has been consistently lowered ever since. Boot was cake as well, unless you had an undiagnosed medical condition. I'd love to do boot every year for my summer break. There was nothing to it.

You're trying to make the military sound like this uber-elite force of warriors. Well, we have good technology and pretty good training. But we're still a military full of the lowest common denominator.

I'm not saying that the military is elite, it isn't. My point was that the majority of the population is not capable of it. Of those that are within the age bracket, at least half of them are not capable of being a soldier. Of those that are, probably a quarter can't join for medical reasons (start looking around, the number of people that have medical problems [that are within the age bracket] is staggering. You have to be in good health to join. Sure, weight is an issue, but it isn't something permanent. That slight hearing problem a person is born with, the ocassional seizure, etc. It actually is quite common that people who want to join can't.

Also, it would be fantastic if everyone in the military had an IQ of at least 120 and a 90+ ASVAB. In reality, we have to take what is available. If you want to blame someone, blame the American public.

Again, I'm not blaming anyone, or badmouthing anyone for the sake of it, or anything else. I just said that it's EASY to get in, and getting easier. Remember, I was in too. I saw the kinds of people that came in, heard the questions they ask potential recruits. It was so easy to get in it honestly scared me. And that was under MUCH stricter requirements.

Also, I'm not talking about who can succeed in the military, just who can get in. Personality conflicts that result in a discharge are irrelevant to the conversation.
Probably, we just have differing views regarding what qualifies as 'difficult to get in'.

 

[BillyBatson]

Originally posted by: MechaSheeba

Originally posted by: BillyBatson
HAHHAHA Niceville Florida!!!!! I was in the Air Force stationed at Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach FL. I dated a girl (sorta) from Niceville.
I was in for 2.5 years (got out early cuz i hated it, applied to get out honorably). I wsa an Aerospace Propulsion Engineer Apprentice.... a jet engine mechanic on Pave Low MH-53 Helicopters. I was an e-3 (about to hit e-4 in a week) when i got out. It had its up sides, i made some good friends and a couple of CLOSE friends that i sitll keep in touch with and come fly out to cali to hang out. (Oh i got out 1.5 years ago). I hated it though because i didn't fit in there were a lot of "rednecks" and most ppl had no class all they ever wanted to do was drink and party and most thought the Military was the best thign ever because they had never experienced better before joining. In the end i missed home, my friends and family, and my old way of life. I also felt like i was going no where in life if i continued to stay in i had learned every lesson iw as going to so i decided to get out to go to school.

Heh, that's pretty cool. I used to work in Fort Walton a lot when I was an electrician. Niceville's a sh!thole though, there's nothing to do here lol. I know exactly what you mean about ppl only wanting to drink and party though, it's the same way in construction. They blow at least 1/4 of their paychecks on beer and dope. The guys in my crew used to do lines of coke and smoke weed in the work van on the way to job sites. Their spending habits fvcking amazed me, and then they'd always complain about bills and rent when they were dropping $50 a time on tiny little bags of coke that would get them high for a few hours. I think I have the personality for the military, at work I was the only guy that showed up everyday, I do whatever I'm told and don't cut corners. My dad says I'm perfect for the Air Force due to my 'work ethic', so I don't think I'd be one of those guys that's absolutely miserable at basic because they're catching a lot of sh!t for being fvck ups. I definitely plan on being able to pass all the PT's before showing up so I'm not the dude always dragging ass. I think it's like 42 push ups, 53 sit ups, 2 miles in under 15:12 now? I've got a long way to go lol.

Well i was the same way. I did what i had to do, i never had probs folowing orders or anything. I LOVED basic training so much that i thoguht the AF could become a career so i switched from a 4 year contract to 6. Tech school sucked but that is tech shcool and you are promised a betetr life once you get to your first duty station and a part of that was true you do get more freedom and live inyour own dorm but it still sucked for a lot of reasons which is why i got out after 2.5 years.
Also don't plan on living off base especially anytime soon, yes they pay you BAH (basic housing allowance) and BAS (supplement allowance (food)) both depending on the cost of living at where you are stationed but a lot fo the itme you have money left over for yourself if you live with someone else but it could take you YEARS because you can move off base depending on your base and the squadron you are assigned to. I was in 2.5 years and was still on a long waiting list to move off base, ppl i went in with are still living in the dorms. That is one of the reasons ppl get married because you get to move off base right away and you get like $500 more a month just for being married i think or if your spouse is military too you both get it.

 

[BillyBatson]

oh by the way i really miss Cici's pizza, and Yardbirds!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

OH and Helenbacks PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MechaSheeba]

lol I think there are a few CiCi's scattered around. I've eaten at one in Orlando, and one popped up in VA before I left. I've never eaten at Helenback's but I hear their advertisments on the radio all the time. I'll have to try their pizza one of these days.

So what are you doing now that you're out, still in school?

 

[chowmein]

Originally posted by: BillyBatson

Originally posted by: MechaSheeba

Originally posted by: BillyBatson
HAHHAHA Niceville Florida!!!!! I was in the Air Force stationed at Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton Beach FL. I dated a girl (sorta) from Niceville.
I was in for 2.5 years (got out early cuz i hated it, applied to get out honorably). I wsa an Aerospace Propulsion Engineer Apprentice.... a jet engine mechanic on Pave Low MH-53 Helicopters. I was an e-3 (about to hit e-4 in a week) when i got out. It had its up sides, i made some good friends and a couple of CLOSE friends that i sitll keep in touch with and come fly out to cali to hang out. (Oh i got out 1.5 years ago). I hated it though because i didn't fit in there were a lot of "rednecks" and most ppl had no class all they ever wanted to do was drink and party and most thought the Military was the best thign ever because they had never experienced better before joining. In the end i missed home, my friends and family, and my old way of life. I also felt like i was going no where in life if i continued to stay in i had learned every lesson iw as going to so i decided to get out to go to school.

Heh, that's pretty cool. I used to work in Fort Walton a lot when I was an electrician. Niceville's a sh!thole though, there's nothing to do here lol. I know exactly what you mean about ppl only wanting to drink and party though, it's the same way in construction. They blow at least 1/4 of their paychecks on beer and dope. The guys in my crew used to do lines of coke and smoke weed in the work van on the way to job sites. Their spending habits fvcking amazed me, and then they'd always complain about bills and rent when they were dropping $50 a time on tiny little bags of coke that would get them high for a few hours. I think I have the personality for the military, at work I was the only guy that showed up everyday, I do whatever I'm told and don't cut corners. My dad says I'm perfect for the Air Force due to my 'work ethic', so I don't think I'd be one of those guys that's absolutely miserable at basic because they're catching a lot of sh!t for being fvck ups. I definitely plan on being able to pass all the PT's before showing up so I'm not the dude always dragging ass. I think it's like 42 push ups, 53 sit ups, 2 miles in under 15:12 now? I've got a long way to go lol.

Well i was the same way. I did what i had to do, i never had probs folowing orders or anything. I LOVED basic training so much that i thoguht the AF could become a career so i switched from a 4 year contract to 6. Tech school sucked but that is tech shcool and you are promised a betetr life once you get to your first duty station and a part of that was true you do get more freedom and live inyour own dorm but it still sucked for a lot of reasons which is why i got out after 2.5 years.
Also don't plan on living off base especially anytime soon, yes they pay you BAH (basic housing allowance) and BAS (supplement allowance (food)) both depending on the cost of living at where you are stationed but a lot fo the itme you have money left over for yourself if you live with someone else but it could take you YEARS because you can move off base depending on your base and the squadron you are assigned to. I was in 2.5 years and was still on a long waiting list to move off base, ppl i went in with are still living in the dorms. That is one of the reasons ppl get married because you get to move off base right away and you get like $500 more a month just for being married i think or if your spouse is military too you both get it.

i'm current at tech school right now @ sheppard, AFB. yes it sucks balls, old dorms and the a/c comes and goes. Texas heat isn't as bad as Mississippi heat/humidity. but the overall experience so far, isn't too bad, it's how you make of it. basic was fun for me, PT was hard at first but you do enough of it so that you'll make the standards easy. right now i can do 70 pushups / min 60 situps / min and 9:20 on my 1.5 mile. i wasn't anywhere close to these numbers when i first came in.

depending on your assignment and how much the C.O.L is, you're better off keeping wifey at home and nothing dislocating all over the place. if i was ever to be stationed back home (NYC) i would be getting like $2000 for BAH alone, which is sweeeeet.

 

[BillyBatson]

Originally posted by: MechaSheeba
lol I think there are a few CiCi's scattered around. I've eaten at one in Orlando, and one popped up in VA before I left. I've never eaten at Helenback's but I hear their advertisments on the radio all the time. I'll have to try their pizza one of these days.

So what are you doing now that you're out, still in school?

actually for the last 1.5 years since i got out (man times goes by fast) i have just been having fun, i didn't find a job for the first 5 months and now i am at my 2nd job since i got out i finally start school september 5th.

chowmein, my tech school was at Sheppard too, WORST PLACE ON EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was there from new years till end of may so i saw a lot of the cold cold colddddd 13-17 degree F with wind chill weather lol

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

I've been a civilian for a month and five days now, and I'm starting to miss it. I'm still deciding between school and work, as that mostly depends upon if the wife can find a job to handle most of the finances. Everything just seems weird really. And going from military, to living in a college town is just that much weirder. But I'm finally getting all of my college and VA paperwork done, so that's good.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: savoyboy

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
My point was, and is, that enlistment requirements are now so broad as to be laughable. 17-42 for age, 4% scoring under 30th percentile on a 6th grade level test (if it's equivalent ot the ASVAB at least), multiple legal problems perfectly fine (a friend just enlisted with 3 felonies), etc.

Not that this is my point, however there's quite a bit of research out there which shows that more capable recruits (ie smarter, score better on tests, etc) perform better in the military. Current standards will result in a less capable military. Just FYI.

It is NOT hard to get in the military. It's cake and almost any monkey can do it. Out of the group I enlisted with I'd only guarantee that one other was a fully erect homo-sapien. The rest, HOLY CRAP was I scared for our nation. It was easy as hell to get in 14 years ago, and the bar has been consistently lowered ever since. Boot was cake as well, unless you had an undiagnosed medical condition. I'd love to do boot every year for my summer break. There was nothing to it.

You're trying to make the military sound like this uber-elite force of warriors. Well, we have good technology and pretty good training. But we're still a military full of the lowest common denominator.

I'm not saying that the military is elite, it isn't. My point was that the majority of the population is not capable of it. Of those that are within the age bracket, at least half of them are not capable of being a soldier. Of those that are, probably a quarter can't join for medical reasons (start looking around, the number of people that have medical problems [that are within the age bracket] is staggering. You have to be in good health to join. Sure, weight is an issue, but it isn't something permanent. That slight hearing problem a person is born with, the ocassional seizure, etc. It actually is quite common that people who want to join can't.

Also, it would be fantastic if everyone in the military had an IQ of at least 120 and a 90+ ASVAB. In reality, we have to take what is available. If you want to blame someone, blame the American public.

Again, I'm not blaming anyone, or badmouthing anyone for the sake of it, or anything else. I just said that it's EASY to get in, and getting easier. Remember, I was in too. I saw the kinds of people that came in, heard the questions they ask potential recruits. It was so easy to get in it honestly scared me. And that was under MUCH stricter requirements.

Also, I'm not talking about who can succeed in the military, just who can get in. Personality conflicts that result in a discharge are irrelevant to the conversation.
Probably, we just have differing views regarding what qualifies as 'difficult to get in'.

If it's so easy to get in, then why don't you give a shot at becoming a fighter pilot or Special Forces soldier or submariner Mr. tough guy?

Why the hell should they require a cook or a PV2 infantry grunt to have a 90+ on his ASVAB score? It's just unrealistic.

Different job require different requirements

Because I've already served, wouldn't serve under this administration if my life depended on it, and wouldn't do some of those jobs even under ideal conditions because I have no interest in them (sub duty and fighter pilot specifically).

Second, this part of the conversation had nothing to do with what it takes to get a specific job after entry. The ONLY statement was that entry requirements (what it takes to be allowed into the military at all) were laughable. I wouldn't expect everyone to pass the nuke qualification test, it's a bit more advanced than a simple ASVAB.

Finally, you are wrong. Research indicates that smarter people (or at least more capable people) do better in the military. They advance faster, accomplish more, and are overall better soldiers. Not just better engineers or cryptologists...better SOLDIERS. This has been shown to equate with very strong correlation to entry test scores. In other words, the better you do on military entrance tests, the better you can do in the military (most of the time). Sorry if you don't like that, but until you show me a peer-reviewed study which shows otherwise my argument stands.

Thanks for playing though.