The Army as a Career Option

[cchen]

Originally posted by: Spikesoldier

Originally posted by: cchen
also, NCO's don't make very much
as an officer, if you make it to O-6 (Major), you will make about $100k in total compensation

a Major is paygrade O4.

an O6 in the US army is a full colonel.

oops you're right. my mistake!

 

[KidTao]

Originally posted by: JDub02
get a college degree and go in as an officer. you won't regret it if you plan on making a career out of it.

Actually I do have a bachelor?s, but I doubt that I will be a career solder. 🙂

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: rudder
Just try getting a top secret security clearance as a civilian.

Um, many defense contractors give all their employees TS

 

[TheAudit]

Originally posted by: broon
I'd go with the Air Force. They have better living conditions, less likely to go into combat, and more "brains required" positions. Just make sure you have your job in writing (contract) before signing your life away.

Oh, the Air Force is great and they have plenty of tech jobs (either tech, mechnical or admin groupings). And their living conditions are a heck of a lot better than the Army. Take it from someone who was actually in the Air Force, me, who did tech school on an army base (Fort Gordon). After class, we, in the AF, would change into shorts, grab some beers and go play volleyball. Meanwhile, the poor Army folk were marching around. I felt bad for them.

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Sure your getting a job in IT.............. Army probably has openings for 100 spots a year and I'd think you'd need to sign a 6yr enlistment in order to get this job.

Call up a local Army recruiter or stop in, tell them you want a job in the IT, tell them unless they can gurantee you a position in IT, your not signing. You will have to go to MEPS go through all the testing, pmedical stuff adn then when you sit down with your job-specialist he will show you what your qualified for and what openings are in the system.

Best of luck!

There are actually more IT jobs than one would think but like someone else mentioned, it could be highly specific and would not have a civilian use.
Also, you can pick a job (if you qualify) and have that slot waiting for you. That's the way to go, you don't want them picking something for you, it might not be a job that you want.

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Would you have to move alot? you might want to think about that if you are going to start a family anytime soon.

I would not recommend becoming an NCO for anyone with a family. The pay is fine if you are single but not good for a family.

 

[KidTao]

Originally posted by: Aj_UF
Unless this has changed recently:

Every enlistment is an 8 year enlistment. IE 4 year enlistment is 4 years active duty + 4 years inactive duty.

I enlisted in '91 and didn't get fully discharged until '99* -- although my active duty ended in '95.

~AJ

* - I received my discharge paperwork (DD214) but not the "pretty" honorable discharge certificate until '99.

Does this mean I'll serve basically for 4 years? What am I supposed to do while on inactive duty? 🙂

 

[broon]

Originally posted by: KidTao

Originally posted by: Aj_UF
Unless this has changed recently:

Every enlistment is an 8 year enlistment. IE 4 year enlistment is 4 years active duty + 4 years inactive duty.

I enlisted in '91 and didn't get fully discharged until '99* -- although my active duty ended in '95.

~AJ

* - I received my discharge paperwork (DD214) but not the "pretty" honorable discharge certificate until '99.

Does this mean I'll serve basically for 4 years? What am I supposed to do while on inactive duty? 🙂

Those last four years are called inactive reserve. It means the military can call you anytime to go to your nearest base and report in uniform and be subject to things like a urinalisys. They can also recall you to active duty during this time. If you serve eight years active then you have fulfilled your obligation and will receive your discharge papers alongh with the crtificate and can't technically be called back.

During my four years inactive I didn't get a single call.

 

[KidTao]

Thanks a bunch for nice input, guys. I appreciate it. 🙂

The consensus seems to be Navy and Air Force, especially the latter would be a better option for my IT career afterwards. Does anyone know what is the minimum enlistment for Navy and Air Force respectively?

 

[broon]

Originally posted by: KidTao
Thanks a bunch for nice input, guys. I appreciate it. 🙂

The consensus seems to be Navy and Air Force, especially the latter would be a better option for my IT career afterwards. Does anyone know what is the minimum enlistment for Navy and Air Force respectively?

Usually four years active/four years inactive. There are signing bonus options which often obligate you to more like six years active. Best bet is go talk to a recuiter for each branch and then weigh out your decisions. Having a degree can help get into officer school so you go in as an officer.