Author Topic: Thinking about joining the air force (Read 2242 times)

SAPO · « **Reply #75 on:** February 16, 2002, 11:11:20 PM »

Nope, walked off the boat, onto the pier, walked to my truck, and drove to my house. Contrary to what some other services would want you to think. All Navy boats are not at sea 24/7. At sea, it is not as boring as you might think. We have flat panel widescreen TVs, DVDs, you name it, for entertainment. I personally would rather enjoy these luxery items than being in a tent in some remote part of the world.

-ammo- · « **Reply #76 on:** February 16, 2002, 11:42:19 PM »

Personally, I think the AF is a much better choice than the navy. The maintenace folks that support the fighters do about 45 days on average a year deployed in support of whatever thing has been going on since DS. The navy guys spend a whole lote more time than that at sea....conflict or not. They say the food is good though onboard those ships, they have nice things too, but you aint going to drive to the outback for a steak whenever you feel like it:)

SAPO · « **Reply #77 on:** February 17, 2002, 12:03:55 AM »

I guess it all depends on what you want. I choose Navy for it tech programs, and advancement. Made E-6 in 5 years and applied 155 credit hours (from Navy schools) to get my BS and I am now 1 semester away from a Masters. Only been in 7 years. Heard horror stories of non-advancement in AF from friends that joined. But that too would depend on your MOS.

-ammo- · « **Reply #78 on:** February 17, 2002, 12:11:56 AM »

how does the navy promote sapo?

it is true it seems if you made E6 in only 5 years!! your promotions based on board and record reviews? The AF uses the WAPS (weighted airman promotion system). Witrh this syustem, you dont even test for E5 till your 4 year mark, if you make it (based on 2 test, how you score against others in your AFSC) then you must wait 18 months after sew on till you can test the next cycle for E6. It is extremely competitive, but your promotion is strictly in your hands. You hold the key, not some O-4, or E-7. I like the AF's way of promotion.

The AF has some very exclusive technical programs as well. We use cutting edge technology integrated into the same wepons systems that the navy use, only we use them first, and provide the sweat and research. I am refering to weapons platforms, and intel gathering technology.

SAPO · « **Reply #79 on:** February 17, 2002, 12:34:37 AM »

Navy uses a test. Test are giving in March and September. The promotion depends on your scores and job performance. A weighted average of each. They decide how many E-6 they need for the coming 6 months, like they'll need 100 new E-6 for your MOS. Then the top 100 from the scores and performance get E-6. But with some MOS in the Navy you can test for E-5 at your 9 month point. (I took it at 12 months, but didn't make it the first time, not enough time to learn the job well). Then you must wait 2-3 years to test for E-6. My good friend made E-6 at his 4 year mark.

I know nothing of weapons that the navy uses, I was a nuclear engineer. To be more specific, a nuclear chemist.

The navy promotes E-7 and up on "board and records review", but they must first score well on the test. I'm not fond of this method, but I won't be eligible for E-7 till 3 months before I get out.

What weapons does the AF test and research for the Navy? I was on subs, so I know little beyond torpedos and Tomahawk missles.

Wotan · « **Reply #80 on:** February 17, 2002, 12:41:00 AM »

Same here with the exception of watch every 4 days while in port I was at my house everyday by 5 o'clock.

Submarines are a bit different then surface pukes though.

-ammo- · « **Reply #81 on:** February 17, 2002, 12:52:40 AM »

All Air to ground precision stuff like GBU-10, gbu-12, GBU-28, etc.. all the laser guided stuff was tested by rockwell, boeing, now rockbowell:) and the air force. the famed AIM-9 was originally an Air force juncture that turned out good for all the services. Basically, if its carried by a fighter bomber, or an Air supiriority fighter, it was built to AF standards for the AF, and the navy bought it. There is a few exceptions, for example the AGM-154 pheonix, is purley a navy missile. The FA-18 was originally a platform that Macdonnel Douglas used to compete against Gen Dynamics F-16 for the AF's bid for a new fighter. The AF went with the falcon, but the NAvy saw promise in the FA-18.

BTW, thats a fancy name for your MOS, a term like chemist in the AF means a commision, or GS-11 or above.

We promote the same way it seems. We test and our duty performance and job knowledge (plus time in grade, time in service, decorations) play a role in our promotions. It is possible to sew on E6 before 6 years in the AF, but you must make it the first time for both E5, and E6.

I have a friend that was an E5 in 1990, he is now an E9. He has done well.

I always wondered this, how come they wont let you guys wear the nice uniform till your an E-7?

Sancho · « **Reply #82 on:** February 17, 2002, 01:08:59 AM »

whats wrong with crackerjacks ammo??

Samm · « **Reply #83 on:** February 17, 2002, 04:37:03 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by SAPO
I guess it all depends on what you want.

I think SAPO hits the nail on the head here, Bigcrate if you're are struggling now and all you have is a HS education then joining the military, whatever branch, is about the best thing that you could do for yourself, aside from wining the lottery . The service was one of the best things that happened to me . Did four years as a combat medic playing soldier and having a good time, I liked it, many don't . Reenlisted when I was offered nursing school, spent the next 2 years working (yuck), in an army hospital, hated that, was like having a job, and I got out as fast as I could . Now I make more than a lot of officers . Much better than if I'd stayed home with a factory job or something at anyrate .

SAPO · « **Reply #84 on:** February 17, 2002, 09:53:23 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by -ammo-
BTW, thats a fancy name for your MOS, a term like chemist in the AF means a commision, or GS-11 or above.

MOS is actually called Engineering Labarotory (ELT). Best described as Nuclear Chemist, and Radiological Controls. Mass. Inst of Tech (MIT) wrote the Navy cirriculum for Nuclear Engineering. But most of us nukes, do get our BS if not more in our first enlistment. The Navy pays big bucks to try and keep us. Your first re-enlistment bonus is $60,000, just so they can keep you for two and a half more years. And if your not an E-5 yet, they give it to you the instant you re-up.

Quote

I always wondered this, how come they wont let you guys wear the nice uniform till your an E-7?

I guess your talking about the kahkis. I personally like the black uniforms that we call the Johnny Cashes. But when you are asssign to a sub or boat, we all wear the same uniform, except for the belt. E-6 and below wear black belt, while E-7 and above wear tan ones.

WOTAN, hell duty rotation is up to 6 or more now. I was at 9 section (EDPO) when I left. NUB were at 5 or 6. Lots different than when I first got there.