I'm officialy enlisted into the Air Force

[KK]

That's where I stayed the night before heading off to basic. I can tell you that I was in better shape prior to going in than when I completed basic. of course back then, basic was only 6 weeks.

You will have fun in the AF, just don't take anything too seriously.

 

[Bateluer]

Prior enlisted seem to make the best officers, from what I've seen in my 5 years in. Prior enlisted officers won't make it past O5/6 range though, most of your O6+s are Academy grads.

TallBill, if you manage the funds in your TSP at the website, it can be very effective. I made the mistake of putting everything in the safe G Fund for years though, unfortunately. You are right about it being great for people who are bad with money though, but then again, most airman coming in right out of high school are pretty bad with money.

 

[drum]

good luck to you :thumbsup:

 

[musha shugyo]

Enjoy your 20 year vacation.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: Cadop

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands
Wow, Feb 2nd was my official in date for the Navy...oh so many years ago.

Are you still in the Navy?

No, no. I did about 2 years and took an honorable administrative.

 

[AndrewR]

OP, be prepared to deploy and travel a lot with your career field. You're young so that should be terrific at this point in your life, but I would advise you to keep an eye on other career fields you are interested in along the way in case you have to reclassify or would like to reclassify when you start a family, assuming you do go career. Basically, deploy now when you're young and unattached!

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Setting up your TSP while you're in there would be a very good idea as well.

Tsp is great for people who suck at money, because they cant touch the money. But otherwise it sucks. If the government actually matched contributions like they are authorized, it'd be great.

Actually, according to Money magazine, it's considered one of the best retirement programs available. The advice I've received from numerous financial experts is to max out IRA(s) then contribute to TSP. With a fairly aggressive portfolio (heavy on Int'l, Small Cap, and common stock), the growth can be substantial. The Int'l fund gained 20.57% last year (then 11.46% and 14.52%, respectively, for the other two).

 

[daytrader7]

Congratulations.Prepare for some good times. Focus on Basic, Tech School and getting your upgrade training done aftwerwards. You will meet people and make friends in a way that you didn't as a civilian. These guys really are a second family.

 

[Cadop]

Thanks for all the kind words. I can't wait to leave in May.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: Cadop
There I had everything check from my eyes to my ass crack.

are they still doing that? make you bend over and spread your butt cheeks?

aw , the fond memories of MEPS :sun:

 

[EvilYoda]

My friend's leaving for the air force 3/6 I believe...we don't really understand his decision, but we wish him the best of luck.

 

[TehMac]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: Cadop
There I had everything check from my eyes to my ass crack.

are they still doing that? make you bend over and spread your butt cheeks?

aw , the fond memories of MEPS :sun:

They did that??
Anyway, best of luck, blow something up.

 

[overst33r]

Keep us updated! Best of luck.

 

[WA261]

I always wish I would have. It is something I think about so often. I am now 34, married with 2 kids....so I am kinda out of luck. At one point I had talked to a recruiter and taken placement tests and everything. But, my GF at the time said she would not move with me if I was stationed out of the US. I was such a fu*king stupid love struck kid that I passed it up for her. This was after I already had my bachelors. I would have been sitting pretty. I kick my self in the ass almost daily for not doing it. I watch Military channel all of the time and just wish I would have. I think it is cool as hell you did it, bro. Best of luck!