Armed Forces? I need advice.

**MagMan5446** · 05-31-2002, 07:17 PM

Go to your local recruiter...talk to them.

**shartley** · 05-31-2002, 07:40 PM

Go to your local recruiter...talk to them.

**bsusigep18** · 05-31-2002, 08:35 PM

Thanks shartley, that was the advice i was looking for. I am definently not going to a recruiter if i don't know everything that i can know. My research is going well.

**-J�ker-** · 05-31-2002, 09:11 PM

just to add...talk to people who are currently in the service not retired...the military has changed a lot in the past 10 years and even more so in the past 50, if i were you id call a relative or CLOSE family friend or friend to get their opinion if possible id recomend ROTC or OCS if your aimming for a career

**oldsoldier** · 06-01-2002, 03:45 PM

I agree w/Shartley...to a point. Definitely steer clear of recruiters...they will bug you incessantly. As far as getting job training...it really depends on what you want to do. Try to picture yourself 10 years from now...waht you want to be doing. The military can be a great place...depending on your MOS, your duty station, your chain of command...there are a lot of variables that need to be taken into consideration. I definitely recommend a 2 yr hitch to start; that will give you a feel. Just remember this; you will be moving every year or so...although, they are trying to change that, at least in the Army. So, if you plan on starting a family, you may want to seriously weigh all your options.
Anyway, good luck on what you want to do. As a side note; if you want all the high speed stuff like airborne, ranger, and all that, go young. It hurts WAY too much going through all that after 27 yrs of age!

**Tactical Neural Implant** · 06-01-2002, 03:55 PM

I also agree with Shartley. Also just to give you options consider the Reserves and the Guard .(National or Air) In that way you can continue to work in the civilian world and possibly stay closer to home.

**Restola** · 06-01-2002, 11:14 PM

going in with no goals or direction might not give you what you are looking for.

if you are 20 and have NO IDEA what you want to do with your life maybe you should figure that out before locking yourself into a place that could potentially hold you back from what you really want to do.

also seeing that you live in toledo check out the Air National Guard. They have some F-16s at Toledo Express which would not be too bad of a drive for you. I also hear they are a realy close-nit bunch out there and really like to hire people from their own base for the pilot jobs, if becomming an officer and flying F-16s interests you. Recruiters may tell you stuff about the guard, but most of the stuff the Army told me I found out was just lies (literally not true). Haven't signed yet, but I plan to ship out after the fall semester if I could just lose these last 10 lbs! (lost almost 20 already, gooo me:) )

**TooDamnSweet** · 06-02-2002, 02:56 AM

Re: Armed Forces? I need advice.

Originally posted by bsusigep18
I need some advice on what to do with my life, no big deal right? Basicially my situation is this, im 20 years old, i've wasted 2 years of college, i have no money and i have zero clue what i want to do with my life. When i graduated from high school i never considered going into the armed forces, but now that i find myself with too many paths while having little confidence in my decisions. I know that going somewhere, whether it be the Army, the Marines, or whatever branch, i know that it will lead me in the right direction. So basicially im looking for advice on what to do, and also some personal stories on what you've experienced through your experiences in the armed forces, good and bad. Thanks!

Hi bsusigep18,

I wasn't in the military, but I dated someone who was in the 82nd Airborne. Even if you decide to join the military, you still have to choose an MOS, so you kind've have to have an idea of what you want to do. My ex-boyfriend was in demolitions. He worked really long hours, and was always in the field. A friend of mine was also in the army, but he had an administrative job and basically worked 8 - 5. Being in the military is tough. I have a lot of respect for men and women in the military, because they put up with so much and get very little in return. It's a big decision.

When I was 20 I had no idea what I wanted to do either. I decided on college, but changed my major a few times.

**Doobie** · 06-02-2002, 06:59 AM

I am currently a Drill Sergeant and see new recruits who come in for all the wrong reasons, all the time. Out of a 70 person platoon on day one, we may seperate about 10 for behavior, injury, or other reasons. I don't think the military should be viewed as a "Last Resort", as it seems you are. I guess the real question is "What do you hope to get out of military service?". The answer to that will drive what job and which branch you go for.
The Army is a great place, I would not have stayed in here for 12 years if Ii didn't enjoy it, but it is a SERVICE. Meaning...service to your country.

oldsoldier:

As a side note; if you want all the high speed stuff like airborne, ranger, and all that, go young. It hurts WAY too much going through all that after 27 yrs of age!

You ain't kiddin' brother! I went through Ranger school at 28 and it was a kick in the a$$! But I made it.

**FutureMagOwner** · 06-02-2002, 12:54 PM

one thing i have never been able to figure out. are you able to choose what part of the military you go in(such as combat administrative etc)

**TooDamnSweet** · 06-02-2002, 01:59 PM

It's my understanding that you have to take a test. Your score will determine what you are qualified for. It should give you several options to choose from. But don't quote me, I could be wrong.

**oldsoldier** · 06-02-2002, 03:41 PM

TDS is correct...you need to take the ASVAB. Score well on that, then see what each service has to offer. And recruiters dont really lie...they nedver did. They just dont tell the whole truth. So, take the test, score well, see what everyone offers, then decide. But, like Doobie said...dont do it as a last resort. You will be miserable.
To Doobie, a quote; "there is a fine line between hard and retard, and you crossed it."

j/k. 28 huh? Man, that is old for a ranger though. Bet it felt real good to graduate, knowing you beat out all the tough talking kids huh? Me, I stayed straight leg...got out after 3 yrs then went Guard. I enjoy (or did, till I got activated) civilian life too much now. But, my hat is off to you, I know how tough a school that is. My bro was one down in GA...3rd bat I believe? Anyway, just wanted to ramble...

**Restola** · 06-02-2002, 04:32 PM

The ASVAB isnt that tough so dont worry about it, I think once you place above 50 there are few to no restrictions.

When you go to the MEPS (which will probably be the worst day of your life, "hurry up and wait" has new meaning...) you do your physical and then you talk to a liason who looks at your ASVAB score, physical, and what you want, and gives you a list of available jobs, where you'll go to basic at, etc. Still no guarentee that you'll get to STAY at the job you pick, but I believe the Army does offer a chance to get out if you finish basic and your AIT and they no longer need you at that position. Not sure what the penelties for that would be though.

**alf** · 06-02-2002, 10:01 PM

hey ryan!

i also struggled after my second year in college...trust me, thats the toughest...its all downhill after that

stay in skool, get your degree...im not saying this because im anti-military (im not)...my dad was in the army for 28 years, and i spent about 4 years working in civil service and as a contractor with the military...and i really really enjoyed it...

anyway, although i have the highest respect for people that chose the armed forces, it was not the decision for me...course, it might be right for you, but my advice to you is to finish your edge-u-katshun first

-alf

Armed Forces? I need advice.

Armed Forces? I need advice.

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