Author Topic: Air Force enlistment questions (Read 641 times)

nirvana · « **on:** February 09, 2006, 04:45:41 PM »

I was looking at enlisting in the AF if things don't work out great in 2 years when I graduate from high school. I was hoping to be an aerial gunner on Pavelows (nothing like going 100 knots 25 feet above the ground). Was looking at airforce.com and couldn't really find anything with regards to minimum requirements or whatnot. Really don't want to be a ground pounder, would rather be a mechnic.

BlueJ1 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2006, 04:53:23 PM »

Best advice is to go and talk to a recruiter. And talk to one from each branch. Come with a list of questions written down. And dont be afraid to ask alot of questions, its their job. Also, dont sign anything your first time in their office. Maybe your second trip. Dont jump into anything your gona regret. If your dead set on signing up make sure you get into DEP as soon as possible. For the Navy atleast it counts as time in rate. I'll be advancing to E-4 right out of basic and into my "A" school. Only requirement for the Navy is a highschool education. Besides all the basic physical parts, such as having all your fingers and toes. Although the CO of the local recruiting area said that in the near future a college degree will be required. SO for you in 2 years it may change.

Sandman · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2006, 05:17:28 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by BlueJ1
Although the CO of the local recruiting area said that in the near future a college degree will be required. SO for you in 2 years it may change.

Which has me wondering. Right now, the only real difference between enlisted and officers is the degree (excluding things like flight training).

Suave · « **Reply #3 on:** February 09, 2006, 05:18:13 PM »

Bluej1 if you like tanks why the hell did you join the navy?

BlueJ1 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 09, 2006, 05:29:53 PM »

My first chpice was the Marine Corp. as a tank commander. I love tanks, I cant get enough of them. But I thought about it real hard, and decided to work on the next best thing. Jets. Although I wont be flying them, I will be fixing the computers on them. I figure that after doing my 20 years of service I will beable to best provide for my family with a background in jet computers. Also, when signing up for the Navy I started off at a paygrade of E-3 instead of E-2 in the Marines. The positives of joining the Navy over the Marines were just to great.

Gunslinger · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2006, 07:19:13 PM »

as somone who's served in both the Marines and the Air Force let me help you out a bit.

Marines allways get the short end of the stick.....the USAF usually get's the fattest end of the stick and the carrot as well.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Corps and still proudly call myself a Marine.

If you want to enlist make sure you pay attention in English and math. Assuming your good at your jiffy lube job the mechanics portion of the ASVAB shouldnt be too tough.

Keep in mind this. A door gunner is considered "Air Crew" or "Flight Crew" Mechanics usually do not fly or fill thos positions. Door gunners in the USAF usually only exist in the Special Operations carreer fields. If you are stuck on being air crew make sure you learn how to swim and run REALLY well, and I do mean well. The USAF has alot to offer in the armed forces and there's alot of high speed low drag jobs to do. I hear loadmaster is a pretty good one. Lots of travle, good base choices, and can cross over into real life.

If you do enlist in the USAF there's a good chance that I could end up your MTI (USAF Drill Instructor) cause that's gonna be my next job.

Gunslinger · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2006, 07:21:10 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Sandman
Which has me wondering. Right now, the only real difference between enlisted and officers is the degree (excluding things like flight training).

Yes, and even that gap is closing/more pressure on officers to pursue post graduate studies.

I know alot of enlisted guys who have masters. The USAF is currently cutting a TON of 0-3 and below. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 zeros..er..officers.

BlueJ1 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2006, 07:21:34 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Gunslinger

If you do enlist in the USAF there's a good chance that I could end up your MTI (USAF Drill Instructor) cause that's gonna be my next job.

LMAO! How funny would that be. Go to basic only to get yelled at for trolling on a BBS.

Hornet33 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 09, 2006, 07:25:17 PM »

Ha I can hear it now...

Airman Nirvana, please explain the proper procedures to HO in a La7.....wrong answer maggot...drop and give me 5 (this is the Air Farce we are talking about:lol )

Go Coast Guard

crowMAW · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2006, 09:43:29 PM »

Nothing wrong with going into the military as an officer...finish college first.

nirvana · « **Reply #10 on:** February 09, 2006, 11:09:36 PM »

Pffft college, military is second choice after college, if things don't quite work out. Was planning on going for mechanics and small business. Tell me more about this gunners, Drill Sgt. Gunslinger.

Gunslinger · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2006, 01:12:39 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by nirvana
Pffft college, military is second choice after college, if things don't quite work out. Was planning on going for mechanics and small business. Tell me more about this gunners, Drill Sgt. Gunslinger.

From what I understand most of the arial gunners in the AF are spec op types or at least in spec op units. The USAF doesn't use or have many helos that run cargo. The are mostly for special insertion and for pilot rescue. Again you have to be a strong swimmer and physically fit for most of these. Again I don't think the USAF helo community is that big. Eagl might have a different perspective. I work fighters and bombers myself. The biggest carreer field in the USAF is security forces (cops). If you ever had a desire to get into law enforcment that's a good route to take.

Take this to heart though. Unless you are dead set on joining the military go to college first. Even if it's for a couple of semesters and you realize you don't like it, get that expereince out of the way. I enlisted when I was 17 more than 11 years ago. I missed most of my senior year and graduation and never go to screw college chicks in the dorms indescriminatly. I kick myself for passing that up.

It sounds like you have a few years to think this over and things definatly change in that time. Do your research and study.

cpxxx · « **Reply #12 on:** February 10, 2006, 07:23:08 AM »

What about flying with the army, Nirvana? They have plenty of choppers and need lots of door gunners etc etc. You can even fly helicopters without a college degree and without becoming an officer.

But really I would recommend going to college too. It is always my biggest regret. If only I could go back in time and advise myself.

tce2506 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2006, 07:48:06 AM »

Why not just join the service and let Uncle Sam pay for college? Decide what you want to do when you grow up, Go to your recruiter of choice, get a guarenteed job, they train you on the technical aspect of that job and pay you to boot. When you get to your first assignment, start taking elective classes on base for $10 to $20 each and complete your degree. When you're done with your enlistment, you've got your degree and 3+ years of OTJ experience, while someone who just goes to college has a degree and a huge college loan to pay off.

Maverick · « **Reply #14 on:** February 10, 2006, 12:05:13 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by cpxxx
What about flying with the army, Nirvana? They have plenty of choppers and need lots of door gunners etc etc. You can even fly helicopters without a college degree and without becoming an officer.

But really I would recommend going to college too. It is always my biggest regret. If only I could go back in time and advise myself.

If you are going to fly (not ride in) a helicopter but not as an Officer, you will have to be a Warrant Officer. Don't drop those college ideas either as a Warrant will need college as well.