Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: MaSonZ on March 14, 2011, 09:24:54 PM
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17 and a half, wanna serve so bad...but I'm not sure what I wanna do. for a while I was thinking Army, but ive yet to hear much good about after your serve. it seems they offer the world and you dont get toejam. I havent really looked into the Air Force or Marines, but I'm lookin for some vets thoughts on which branch to do. thoughts?
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personally, im going army. i wish to become an ah64D apache pilot. jobshadowing at fort knox made the decision for me. your 17, if you want call up a nearby army/navy/marine base, ask them if you could jobshadow someone, see what there daily duties are. wwhat they get to do. etc. and make your decision that way.
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I'm not so much looking for the here and now while I serve. I'm lookin for the benefits / services after. If I lose my leg or arm or am paralyzed from the waist down (all which are very likely) I dont want to be left high and dry with little or no help that I was promised. I see what your sayin though.
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if you're contemplating marines..."all marines are riflemen first, everything else is gravy"...they are the redheaded step children of the dept of the navy...if you're wanting to serve, but not fight...go airforce, with the right m.o.s. you could have a lifetime career...navy would be about the same.
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Keep in mind the "after" you mention is DoD in general. No one branch or the other offers any special treatment beyond of the general DoD.
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if you're contemplating marines..."all marines are riflemen first, everything else is gravy"...they are the redheaded step children of the dept of the navy...if you're wanting to serve, but not fight...go airforce, with the right m.o.s. you could have a lifetime career...navy would be about the same.
i wanna fight. I know Hollywood glorifies everything, makes it look like nothing can go wrong, you go in and shoot some terrorists pack your stuff and go home. I know it aint that easy, but thats why I wanna do it. I want the challenge. the Challenge is something I can never get anywhere near me.
Keep in mind the "after" you mention is DoD in general. No one branch or the other offers any special treatment beyond of the general DoD.
DoD? aint heard the term before.
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In addition, regardless of branch, take advantage of everything you can get your hands on. Look at any assistance offered for outside courses and programs. Most of this stuff is hidden, and rarely offered up without prodding. If you end up with a decent career counselor, you'll be in decent shape.
I can only speak of my experience in the Navy, and I wish I had done more with what was there.
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Dept of Defense.
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well what type of job are u looking for?
Im a Army Infantryman, if u got questions about 11B feel free to ask.
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personally, i'd wanna fly shot gun in a black hawk with a sniper rifle :rock
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Like Selino said. Depends also if you can see yourself doing that job for 20+ years if need be. Im a helicopter mech.
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personally, i'd wanna fly shot gun in a black hawk with a sniper rifle :rock
Just fyi, you ride in the cabin. Not shotgun.
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I know i'm kidding around :lol
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well what type of job are u looking for?
Im a Army Infantryman, if u got questions about 11B feel free to ask.
give me what you know. I'm really feelin infantry, if I do go about Army. send me a book in my PM's if you want to.
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17 and a half, wanna serve so bad...but I'm not sure what I wanna do. for a while I was thinking Army, but ive yet to hear much good about after your serve. it seems they offer the world and you dont get toejam. I havent really looked into the Air Force or Marines, but I'm lookin for some vets thoughts on which branch to do. thoughts?
Have you considered the service academies? I guess not because you must be a senior at your age and should've applied already. However, if you are a junior you still have time to apply.
Also west-point grads make on average 0k more after they leave the service then other academy grads so the army must do something right after you retire.
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Have you considered the service academies? I guess not because you must be a senior at your age and should've applied already. However, if you are a junior you still have time to apply.
Also west-point grads make on average 0k more after they leave the service then other academy grads so the army must do something right after you retire.
im a junior, in the 3rd marking period out of 4, my grades arent so hot this year... had an 80 GPA goin into this year, but my english teacher gives so much work I focus on her class and still fail, but ti drags my other classes down too. I'm not lookin for an ecuse or sympathy there, but with anything below a 70 failing at my school, and a 60 average in english its gonna hurt me a little. I doubt my grades will get me to west point.
I know i'm gonna sound like a typical ignorant stereotypical teenager, but I do wanna get out of school and strt something soon too.
I know I opened a can of worms with this post, but thats my thoughts here.
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finish high school...the military has raised some standards these days...you go in with a g.e.d. and the "after" you're looking at won't be there.
and the education doesn't end...some branches require you to go to "schools" to become expert in your m.o.s. just so you're eligible for promotions...
if you're wanting the challenge...army or marines...if you're wanting a career to fall back on once you decide to get out...airforce or navy.
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I plan on walking next year, I just want to get as many opinions and point of views as possible before jumping into any one branch.
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im thinking about joining airforce rotc
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im thinking about joining airforce rotc
I would go for rotc, but that would require my bachelors in something at an accredited college. no worries, I could do that with ease, but I would never use that bachelors degree for something. The town I grew up in is very blue collar and working man, same with most of the neighboring towns for a 15 mile radius. a very blue collar community. I know I could do better then blue collar and working man, but that isnt me. I just cant see getting my degree in something I will never use. thats been my issue with air force. I would love to be a pilot.
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I wanted pilot like every dweeb, but when I looked at my math, and when I looked on the height scale (6-3) I thought. "aint gonna happen"
So I decided, Army, part of the Aviation battallion (Air Mobile Equiv in Australia)
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What do you want to do? I spent time in the Army playing with tanks and loved it. My bro-in-law is Special Forces/Green Beret in the Army. He has done 5 or 6 tours in Iraq. As of late he has been doing training with CIA, actually offered a job to be an agent for them but turned it down since the CIA will abandon you in the field in a heart beat.
I would spend a lot of time figuring out what you want to do. Make sure you figure getting an education. Think about the GI Bill, college, etc. Have fun but make sure it prepares you for the next step. One day will get married and have kids. Spend the next many years putting yourself in a good position for this.
Boo
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personally, im going army. i wish to become an ah64D apache pilot. jobshadowing at fort knox made the decision for me. your 17, if you want call up a nearby army/navy/marine base, ask them if you could jobshadow someone, see what there daily duties are. wwhat they get to do. etc. and make your decision that way.
Hope your good in math. Its just like USAF flying, gotta be a sharp stick.
-BigBOBCH
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I would go for rotc, but that would require my bachelors in something at an accredited college. no worries, I could do that with ease, but I would never use that bachelors degree for something. The town I grew up in is very blue collar and working man, same with most of the neighboring towns for a 15 mile radius. a very blue collar community. I know I could do better then blue collar and working man, but that isnt me. I just cant see getting my degree in something I will never use. thats been my issue with air force. I would love to be a pilot.
You would never use your bachelors degree for anything :headscratch:? You would use it as a 2nd lieutenant in your branch of choice and ROTC gives out great scholarships. It is not like if you join the military you will be able to stay within 15 miles of your town the entire time if you have the opportunity to go to college why not take it? As a pilot you would be using your college degree. My dad was a flight test engineer in the Air Force and you use your degree for sure in that field for example he measured the radar cross-section of the f-117 while he was a captain, worked on the original Airborne Laser Lab as a lieutenant, helped test and design stealthy cruise missiles that fire out of the MLRS. The Air force also paid for him to go to Princeton to get a masters in Aeronautical Engineering. If you go into the military with a degree you will go out with so much more and I can guarantee you that you wouldn't want to work a blue collar job after so much experience gained, in fact it would be a waste or a good human resource.
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Hope your good in math. Its just like USAF flying, gotta be a sharp stick.
-BigBOBCH
Math? how about spelling first?
I recommend going AF and getting a good job that pays well outside. Do not go general that's for sure. Study for ASVAB and get a good score. If you're going to spend next 4-6 years serving, mind as well get some training in return. Medical field seems popular. You can try to be a sensor operator on MQ-1/9.
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if you're contemplating marines..."all marines are riflemen first, everything else is gravy"...they are the redheaded step children of the dept of the navy...if you're wanting to serve, but not fight...go airforce, with the right m.o.s. you could have a lifetime career...navy would be about the same.
Interesting bit about serve but not fight... USAF members have been deploying non-stop for 20 years for AF missions, PLUS serving as augmentation for the Army for things like convoy security and drivers, etc. USAF has been doing both USAF's job AND Army's job since 9/11. Same with the Navy... In addition to their normal cruise cycle, the Navy has also been augmenting the Army for jobs that are delegated to the Army by law (a law that has been waived yearly by the secdef btw).
Join the Army and enjoy watching the USAF and Navy bail you out by doing your job in addition to their own, is more like it.
Don't get me wrong, Army does a great job. But they apparently don't have enough people to do the job so USAF and Navy have been stepping in to fill the shortfalls ever since 9/11. It's a terrible waste of money since every augmentee is already fully trained for their normal job and then have to be retrained from scratch to be able to do the Army jobs they're filling, but that's how it is.
As for which service to join, just look at what they do every day. Army gets down and dirty and does the bulk of the ground fighting and logistics. USAF gets dirty when the job requires it, but 90% of the USAF's job is highly technical and not quite so dirty. Plus the USAF is "normally" operating in support of the Army whenever there are troops on the ground. USAF often only operates on it's own agenda between wars or in the first few weeks of a war before the Army crosses the line. Navy spends a lot of time at sea, go figure :) Marines do everything the other services do, but on a smaller scale, with less money, and more attitude.
They're all good choices if you want to serve, but they're also a good way to get killed and the BS factor is pretty high too, so you must REALLY want to serve if you want to have a good experience in the military.
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Airforce is VERY academic. I spent over a year in techschool before i even saw my first duty station. What i got out of it was a great background that carried over as college credits and a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
I would take the ASVAB and see how well you do. . . I have known a number of people that had their minds made up for them after the test was taken and scored.
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I look at it this way.
You can look up several stories just like this.
There was a Marine in his 50's (i believe) that needed a heart transplant (he was a combat vet) and there wasn't an available heart, but once one came up the USMC put the heart on a helo and flew it to the hospital he was at and had it delivered by Marines.
We look out for each other. They all pretty much have the same "benefits" but I joined the Marines for the history, the camaraderie, the pride of being a Marine.
If you want life-time benefits go find a civilian government job. You won't be so broken off in the long run.
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zoomies rule! Jarheads drool!
:neener:
:bolt:
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Interesting bit about serve but not fight... USAF members have been deploying non-stop for 20 years for AF missions, PLUS serving as augmentation for the Army for things like convoy security and drivers, etc. USAF has been doing both USAF's job AND Army's job since 9/11. Same with the Navy... In addition to their normal cruise cycle, the Navy has also been augmenting the Army for jobs that are delegated to the Army by law (a law that has been waived yearly by the secdef btw).
Join the Army and enjoy watching the USAF and Navy bail you out by doing your job in addition to their own, is more like it.
eagl, dropping ordnance with laser guided accuracy from 20,000 feet is not fighting...and when a pilot needs to be rescued, it's the marines, army or navy that goes in...on the ground.
with the exception of the airforce special operations command, the airforce does not train ground troops in advanced infantry combat...they get a medal for just being able to fire a weapon down range, hitting the target is optional.
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zoomies rule! Jarheads drool!
:neener:
:bolt:
lol assuming you're talking about pilots?
That's why the Marine Corps has it's own air force ;)
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If at all possible, go in as an officer.
The military has many standardized tests. Stick to your education, especially 'testmanship.' It will benefit you in every branch and every rank.
Be patient. The military has A LOT of silly rules.
Stay sharp.
Good luck. :salute
Oh yeah, Marines have fancy uniforms . . . but AF guys get the girls. :bolt:
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Oh yeah, Marines have fancy uniforms . . . but AF guys get the girls. :bolt:
Really? My experience around the fairer service proved to me that we Marines never had to worry about dates as long as there was an Air Force base nearby... :cheers:
Look, there are combat and non-combat MOSs in all 4 services, and all 4 services can be found risking their lives in some capacity in Afghanistan right now. Air Force Security forces and EOD teams are pulling convoy/route security and looking for IEDs--Navy EOD doing the same. That being said, if you want to enlist, be challenged, and kill people and break their stuff, you have a better chance of finding that in a combat arms MOS in the Army or Marine Corps.
Don't worry about college benefits, or VA benefits, or joining the VFW. You've got to finish up at least one hitch before you can think about any of that and all are poor motivations for joining a job where you can get killed in a blink of an eye. You join because you want to serve, because you believe in putting your fellow citizens before yourself.
VA benefits aren't going to get you through a week where you're getting shot at constantly, watching your buddies get evac'd out, and getting no sleep.
Good luck and I hope you find what you're looking for.
Stoney
Formerly, Captain, USMC
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Stoney has it right.
With the new "Post 9-11" G.I. Bill, you have to go through 4 combat deployments in order to get 100% of your GI bill.
If you don't deploy, you'll only get about 300 bucks a month and ZERO tuition assistance.
That goes for EVERY branch.
Oh yeah, Marines have fancy uniforms . . . but AF guys get the girls. :bolt:
Yeahhh...you've never been the the USMC ball AFTER the ceremony when all the Marines are in town in their dress blues. ;)
Free drinks, the women come easy because it's the sexiest uniform in the world, and well....you've got a set night. :devil
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If you are really good at math and score well on your ASVAB, I'd go Navy. The Nuke program will pay you gold, you get hazardous duty pay virtually right off the bat, you are immediately an E3, and when you finish school you will be an E5.. meaning tenure. You are now an E5 without even leaving school, and school you get pampered along with the studying (there's alot of that). Plus, you can have a Bachelors in Nuclear Physics within 6mo of school completion. Also, you get to choose Sub or Carrier. Carriers are awesome because you're in the belly of the CV, and the rest of the 30 or so tenders sole duty in life is to protect your CV. So here you are, on the ocean, with massive bulk to begin with, shielded by a multitude of others and aircraft while making your own personal hot water and having a good time about it. (it has some hard spots, but it's awesome). If you do really well, they will also offer you Officer School.
Navy sees more of the world as well. Ports are awesome for the leave etc etc. If you want a sub, go boomer, you'll most likely never see combat but have to sleep between the worlds second largest nuclear arsenal. You can plan a life, it's always a 3 on 3 off deployment. Meaning you can plan you children's births so you are home!
Oh, the signing bonuses... I'm not sure what they are giving now for Nuke's, but when I was in, it was about $100k for signing. (most was schooling, rest was cash). I know they still pay well though, Nukes are hard to get through school. It's like a 6-8yr college education in less than 18 months so they need to get people signed up to compensate for a 75% drop out rate (that's before the fail outs). Bad side is if you don't make it, you are immediately a submariner.
Good luck on your choice, I have friends and family in every Branch. They all suit different types. If you do choose Navy, don't do boot in the summer or winter. Great Mistakes is hell during those seasons.
Marines get the most women of all the branches.
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eagl, dropping ordnance with laser guided accuracy from 20,000 feet is not fighting...and when a pilot needs to be rescued, it's the marines, army or navy that goes in...on the ground.
with the exception of the airforce special operations command, the airforce does not train ground troops in advanced infantry combat...they get a medal for just being able to fire a weapon down range, hitting the target is optional.
:rofl
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Really? My experience around the fairer service proved to me that we Marines never had to worry about dates as long as there was an Air Force base nearby... :cheers:
Look, there are combat and non-combat MOSs in all 4 services, and all 4 services can be found risking their lives in some capacity in Afghanistan right now. Air Force Security forces and EOD teams are pulling convoy/route security and looking for IEDs--Navy EOD doing the same. That being said, if you want to enlist, be challenged, and kill people and break their stuff, you have a better chance of finding that in a combat arms MOS in the Army or Marine Corps.
Don't worry about college benefits, or VA benefits, or joining the VFW. You've got to finish up at least one hitch before you can think about any of that and all are poor motivations for joining a job where you can get killed in a blink of an eye. You join because you want to serve, because you believe in putting your fellow citizens before yourself.
VA benefits aren't going to get you through a week where you're getting shot at constantly, watching your buddies get evac'd out, and getting no sleep.
Good luck and I hope you find what you're looking for.
Stoney
Formerly, Captain, USMC
^^^
This
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The Nuke program will pay you gold, you get hazardous duty pay virtually right off the bat, you are immediately an E3, and when you finish school you will be an E5.. meaning tenure. You are now an E5 without even leaving school, and school you get pampered along with the studying (there's alot of that). Plus, you can have a Bachelors in Nuclear Physics within 6mo of school completion.
. . .
Oh, the signing bonuses... I'm not sure what they are giving now for Nuke's, but when I was in, it was about $100k for signing. (most was schooling, rest was cash). I know they still pay well though, Nukes are hard to get through school. It's like a 6-8yr college education in less than 18 months so they need to get people signed up to compensate for a 75% drop out rate (that's before the fail outs). Bad side is if you don't make it, you are immediately a submariner.
. . .
Marines get the most women of all the branches.
I was wondering why the OP left out the Navy. I currently work with the commercial nuclear industry. It is a Navy vet club. It is not a matter of if the guy served, but on what ship?
:salute to the Marines for being good sports on my shameless troll about how studly AF guys are.
Good luck on your choice, I have friends and family in every Branch. They all suit different types.
Stoney being a Captain, USMC got me thinking about the differences. I was a Captain, USAF. 75% of the flight I commanded were officers. With the exception of Marine Aviation, the USMC (and Army and Navy) officer/enlisted ratio has got to be the inverse.
When asking around, as you can see in this thread, there is a lot of interservice rivalry to filter out. All branches have cultures and traditions, some good, some bad. Which ever you choose, it will stick with you for the rest of your life. The bottom line is that all take the oath to uphold and defend the Constitution.
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:salute to the Marines for being good sports on my shameless troll about how studly AF guys are.
we all kid each other...it's all good...inter-service rivaly comes from having pride in what you do. :salute
i was always amazed that i didn't see a lot of fat bodies in the airforce...the base chow halls were better than some civilian restaurants... :D and the px had stuff you couldn't find anywhere else, for cheap.
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Out of those three, I'd go with the one that is part of the Dept. of the Navy.
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Just my thoughts and not meant to offend anybody.... :cool:
If you are looking for a Handout from Military service... Join the Coast Guard.
If you are looking to be among the most dedicated, motivated and self reliant people ever on the planet. If you want to get a serious CranialRectEctomy and learn how to get anything done and deal with anything that you might ever encounter in life. If you want be something other than one of the Boyz on Da Block jus Dittyboppin around... then I would highly recommend either the Marines or Airborne. Not gona find too many Sickbay Commando's there and Dont Ask Dont Tell and just flat Dont Care about your Personal Issues is the Order of the Day.
Two Tours, III MAF, 1st Brigade, 3rd Marines,
KayBay :cool:
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Out of those three, I'd go with the one that is part of the Dept. of the Navy.
The men's department...
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Don't just settle being infantry in any service or the general ground pounder. If your into that type of thing get something out of it by challenging yourself in the SPECWAR community. Each service/branch has special fields in the operator and support roles, you wont be disappointed in that choice of serving and the satisfaction of being involved with missions and operations no matter what role you participate in cannot be measured with words.
The Navy has SEALS, SWCC, RIVRON, and many other support elements within these specail units, The Marines have MARSOC and several other special support roles as well. The Army has SPECWAR units as well as air support units and other support elements.
I have spent 10 of the best years of my career in one such unit, wouldn't trade that experience for nothing. Trust me if you can get into that area you will never want to look back. Good luck.
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Stoney has it right.
With the new "Post 9-11" G.I. Bill, you have to go through 4 combat deployments in order to get 100% of your GI bill.
If you don't deploy, you'll only get about 300 bucks a month and ZERO tuition assistance.
That goes for EVERY branch.
Where did you hear this BS from? This is not true. Get your facts straight Marine. Ask the Chief, not a Captain for Christ sakes. :neener:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/index.html
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eagl, dropping ordnance with laser guided accuracy from 20,000 feet is not fighting...and when a pilot needs to be rescued, it's the marines, army or navy that goes in...on the ground.
with the exception of the airforce special operations command, the airforce does not train ground troops in advanced infantry combat...they get a medal for just being able to fire a weapon down range, hitting the target is optional.
I heard about these guys called Air Force PJs I kind of recall that they may do something like rescue shot down pilots but I don't know maybe they are just made up?
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I heard about these guys called Air Force PJs I kind of recall that they may do something like rescue shot down pilots but I don't know maybe they are just made up?
PJ's are very real, and very air force. They usually are embedded with SPECWAR elements as well that being Army, Navy, platoons.
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This is from a fathers point of view, First of all I was in the army years ago and I am proud of the Army. That being said I am very happy that in this day and age that my son joined the Marine Corps. I feel that all the training he has gone though has given him an advantage when he deploys.. Also it seems that the marines put more leadership responsibilities at lower rank...Plus he is always doing something cool :cool: . Any thing you pick :salute thank you for serving.
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I would go for rotc, but that would require my bachelors in something at an accredited college. no worries, I could do that with ease, but I would never use that bachelors degree for something. The town I grew up in is very blue collar and working man, same with most of the neighboring towns for a 15 mile radius. a very blue collar community. I know I could do better then blue collar and working man, but that isnt me. I just cant see getting my degree in something I will never use. thats been my issue with air force. I would love to be a pilot.
First off, if you don't have enough motivation to graduate high school, then you can kiss any career as a military pilot goodbye. Seriously.. they don't just give anyone control of a multi-million dollar aircraft. You have to at the very least be an officer which basically means having a degree.
Secondly, if you don't care about secondary education and don't plan on taking advantage of any of the numerous career-building programs that the military has to offer, then you might as well join the Army and grab the job with the highest paid 'bonus' you can find, because you're going to need every cent of it. These are usually either the high-risk jobs, or the jobs that no one really wants to do. You'll be working with "second-chance" criminals (you know.. the kids that get on the wrong path and are ordered to either join the Army or go to jail) and other uneducated and unmotivated people who are just in it because they have no other option. You'll be putting your life at severe jeopardy every day and you'll make little more than minimum wage (actually significantly less if you figure out dollars per hour)... working your :ahand off and hating every minute of it.
If you can find it in yourself to motivate yourself even a little bit, you need to graduate high school, and you *NEED* to join the armed forces with the idea of "milking them for every thing they have to offer". You'll want to take advantage of every education opportunity they have to offer, and you'll find yourself out on the front lines a lot less, and in the classrooms a lot more. It's your choice. You can walk away from the military with hearing loss, an arm blown off, and a boot kicking you out of the door... or you can walk away from the military with education, a college degree, and a HECK OF A JOB REFERENCE! It's kind of like playing for a pro sports team.. once you are significantly injured you are useless. They patch you up, pay your hospital bills, and then boot you out the door and then you're on your own, unable to get a job because of being injured, and with almost no assistance whatsoever.
I know a guy who got blown up in Iraq. His two buddies in the Humvee with him were both killed. He was jacked up pretty good. He didn't lose any limbs, but had to get a considerable amount of plastic surgery on his face and walks with a permanent limp and is usually in pain. He is doing OK enough, but only because his dad's ex-boss gave him a job. If he were to lose this job he's be SOL. He's got a five year old that was just diagnosed with Leukemia. Good thing he gets good insurance from his job, because beyond that he'd be getting no help. He joined the Army as an infantryman to get the $15,000 sign-on bonus which he blew on a new car and weed. He really hates his job but simply has no other choice. I worked with him for a time and I ended up transferring to another location because I couldn't stand his "arrogant and entitlement" attitude that he developed while in the Army. Don't worry, I don't necessarily blame the Army for that because his Dad wasn't really much better.
My point is that you DO NOT want to end up in a similar situation. Believe me, I completely understand about your blue-collar upbringing. When I was growing up I had really good grades and my parents always acted all proud and whatnot about how I would be the first in our family to go to college. Then times got tight and I started working full time to help support the family (and still going to school) just before I turned 14. I somehow managed to keep my grades up, but by my Senior year I was literally BURNED OUT! I actually ended up getting a full engineering scholarship but then once my parents realized I might be going away, all of a sudden all I got were guilt trips about how they won't be able to make ends meet without me, and how they would not be able to offer me ANY help if I leave and how I would truly be on my own if I left and blah blah blah so I ended up turning down the scholarship. Pretty dumb move. I ended up moving out right after I graduated high school and I've been on my own ever since, and only just now starting to get somewhat comfortable financially. By the way, I'm 35. Looking back I know I handled it all wrong because you know what? I ended up moving out anyway and my parents lived through it! That is one big reason why I don't maintain a relationship with my mom but that's another topic altogether.
Come on... step up and be a man! Nothing in life is worth the easy route. Don't be afraid to put some effort into it.. and don't be afraid to endure the bad times because it makes you a better person. Even in the military, nothing is EVER handed to you and if you wait for that to happen you'll end up with the lowest, crappiest assignments that could get you killed. You have to step up to the plate and put some effort into life, as you'll only get back what you put in. You said that you want a challenge. Life *IS* the challenge. Picking up a gun and walking into a battlefield isn't a challenge.. it's a roll of the dice. And if you crap out, then you die. Think about it that way.
And you're right about Hollywood glorifying everything. You'll find life to not be that exciting, and it will be more like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuTkgi7scKo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuTkgi7scKo)
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First off, if you don't have enough motivation to graduate high school, then you can kiss any career as a military pilot goodbye. Seriously.. they don't just give anyone control of a multi-million dollar aircraft. You have to at the very least be an officer which basically means having a degree.
Secondly, if you don't care about secondary education and don't plan on taking advantage of any of the numerous career-building programs that the military has to offer, then you might as well join the Army and grab the job with the highest paid 'bonus' you can find, because you're going to need every cent of it. These are usually either the high-risk jobs, or the jobs that no one really wants to do. You'll be working with "second-chance" criminals (you know.. the kids that get on the wrong path and are ordered to either join the Army or go to jail) and other uneducated and unmotivated people who are just in it because they have no other option. You'll be putting your life at severe jeopardy every day and you'll make little more than minimum wage (actually significantly less if you figure out dollars per hour)... working your :ahand off and hating every minute of it.
If you can find it in yourself to motivate yourself even a little bit, you need to graduate high school, and you *NEED* to join the armed forces with the idea of "milking them for every thing they have to offer". You'll want to take advantage of every education opportunity they have to offer, and you'll find yourself out on the front lines a lot less, and in the classrooms a lot more. It's your choice. You can walk away from the military with hearing loss, an arm blown off, and a boot kicking you out of the door... or you can walk away from the military with education, a college degree, and a HECK OF A JOB REFERENCE! It's kind of like playing for a pro sports team.. once you are significantly injured you are useless. They patch you up, pay your hospital bills, and then boot you out the door and then you're on your own, unable to get a job because of being injured, and with almost no assistance whatsoever.
I know a guy who got blown up in Iraq. His two buddies in the Humvee with him were both killed. He was jacked up pretty good. He didn't lose any limbs, but had to get a considerable amount of plastic surgery on his face and walks with a permanent limp and is usually in pain. He is doing OK enough, but only because his dad's ex-boss gave him a job. If he were to lose this job he's be SOL. He's got a five year old that was just diagnosed with Leukemia. Good thing he gets good insurance from his job, because beyond that he'd be getting no help. He joined the Army as an infantryman to get the $15,000 sign-on bonus which he blew on a new car and weed. He really hates his job but simply has no other choice. I worked with him for a time and I ended up transferring to another location because I couldn't stand his "arrogant and entitlement" attitude that he developed while in the Army. Don't worry, I don't necessarily blame the Army for that because his Dad wasn't really much better.
My point is that you DO NOT want to end up in a similar situation. Believe me, I completely understand about your blue-collar upbringing. When I was growing up I had really good grades and my parents always acted all proud and whatnot about how I would be the first in our family to go to college. Then times got tight and I started working full time to help support the family (and still going to school) just before I turned 14. I somehow managed to keep my grades up, but by my Senior year I was literally BURNED OUT! I actually ended up getting a full engineering scholarship but then once my parents realized I might be going away, all of a sudden all I got were guilt trips about how they won't be able to make ends meet without me, and how they would not be able to offer me ANY help if I leave and how I would truly be on my own if I left and blah blah blah so I ended up turning down the scholarship. Pretty dumb move. I ended up moving out right after I graduated high school and I've been on my own ever since, and only just now starting to get somewhat comfortable financially. By the way, I'm 35. Looking back I know I handled it all wrong because you know what? I ended up moving out anyway and my parents lived through it! That is one big reason why I don't maintain a relationship with my mom but that's another topic altogether.
Come on... step up and be a man! Nothing in life is worth the easy route. Don't be afraid to put some effort into it.. and don't be afraid to endure the bad times because it makes you a better person. Even in the military, nothing is EVER handed to you and if you wait for that to happen you'll end up with the lowest, crappiest assignments that could get you killed. You have to step up to the plate and put some effort into life, as you'll only get back what you put in. You said that you want a challenge. Life *IS* the challenge. Picking up a gun and walking into a battlefield isn't a challenge.. it's a roll of the dice. And if you crap out, then you die. Think about it that way.
And you're right about Hollywood glorifying everything. You'll find life to not be that exciting, and it will be more like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuTkgi7scKo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuTkgi7scKo)
... or he could be a CWO and enjoy the best of both worlds.
(after becoming an Airborne Ranger, of course) :devil
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:lol :aok :lol
The men's department...
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The last I checked and if there are any recruiters here to correct me.
All services for many years now will no longer accept anyone without at a minimum of a High School Diploma, not even high school equivalency certs are acceptable or waiverable to join the military any longer.
So if you think you can quit school and get your GED and join the military, you will be in for a shock when they turn you away. Also, the days of sending drunks, druggies, derelicts of society to the military vice jail have been eliminated long ago.
Don't confuse these youngsters with Vietnam era shenanigans of old when our military was comprised of these types of undesirables.
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Where did you hear this BS from? This is not true. Get your facts straight Marine. Ask the Chief, not a Captain for Christ sakes. :neener:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/post_911_gibill/index.html
That's what the VA office AND my VA rep told me.
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That's what the VA office AND my VA rep told me.
I gave you the link directly from the VA website, ask them to show you where it says that.
Matter of fact, this pisses me off the more I am thinking about it, you said your VA rep said that to you, PM me this guys number or the means to contact him.
If this guy is really putting this crap out like that when he should not be, maybe he shouldnt be doing that job.
Or is it just you?
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Stoney being a Captain, USMC got me thinking about the differences. I was a Captain, USAF. 75% of the flight I commanded were officers. With the exception of Marine Aviation, the USMC (and Army and Navy) officer/enlisted ratio has got to be the inverse.
It is. I come from a Marine Aviation background myself, so in my units, there were no shortages of officers, but the rest of the Corps has a pretty lean command structure. I would imagine the Air Force has some too, outside of the aviation units.
That being said, while I'm severely proud of my chosen service, all four have an important mission. Some may be more important inside Afghanistan these days, but in another war in the not so distant future, roles could easily be reversed quickly. All it would take is a belligerent with an Air Force or Navy that wants to fight to knock the shine off the perceived Air Force or Navy living/operational environment. I will go to my deathbed with the opinion that the hardest working individual in the peacetime military is a sailor underway. Anyway, the OP just needs to decide what it is he wants to do. If he wants a desk-job, fine. No branch of the military can exist without everyone in the Table of Organization, and the military in general can't function without all four services.
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That's what the VA office AND my VA rep told me.
Are you Active Duty? If so, where are you stationed? MOS?
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17 and a half, wanna serve so bad...but I'm not sure what I wanna do. for a while I was thinking Army, but ive yet to hear much good about after your serve. it seems they offer the world and you dont get toejam. I havent really looked into the Air Force or Marines, but I'm lookin for some vets thoughts on which branch to do. thoughts?
I have been in the Army for coming up on 3 years now....let me tell you my story
1-1/2 years after high school im struggling with school not because college is hard but because I hated going. the thought of going in the Army came about at the age you are but I was busted on a drug charge which held me back until my probation charge was up. I joined in Aug 21 2008 and reported to Ft Benning GA where I attended Infantry training for 14 weeks(I think :confused: )
In january following Basic I got assigned to Korea. In Korea I served in the UNC Honor Guard as a guard for a high ranking general over there. After 1 year I got orders to head to Ft Drum New york.
feb 2010...Ft Drum cold as crap my unit 2-87 was still on block leave from Afghanistan, they came back and I was hazed into the team ;) We trained since then to redeploy there...
I leave within a few days.
What I found about the Army....It's what you make of it, some people like it...most people don't :D What I can tell you is to go to College if you can and get into an ROTC program, see if you can become an Officer and make the big bucks calling the big shots.
Myself, I'm a team leader...havn't played much Aces High since that change came about, mainly because I have to worry about 3 other guys then worry about myself....and let me tell you 3 guys can have a million problems :rofl .
Pick a job you want to do, score higher then a 110 on your GT score during your asvab and you will be able to do what you like. Try to get a Top Secret clearance and go 15P....if you like aviation this is the way to go, its like an air traffic controller for the Army's helicopter brigades :aok
Dont take no for an Answer...and I say screw all the other branchs...we make them look like turds ;)
:salute good luck in your future
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So, I've seen some posts about airborne things. I was lookin PJ, prestigous job, dont need anything fancy other then a high school diploma, and its the air force...how much better can it get for a kid who has a thing for planes? with arthritis in my knee i doubt im getting far there with the physical exam when that pops up..and same with the other airborne jobs in the other branches.
although, after reading all the posts so far, I'm leaning to the marines a whisker. Navy has never really had my attention, but someone had posted about Nukes in the navy...sounds interesting. amazing the amount of jobs the recruiters wont tell you about when you talk to one...
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AIR FORCE FTW
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So, I've seen some posts about airborne things. I was lookin PJ, prestigous job, dont need anything fancy other then a high school diploma, and its the air force...how much better can it get for a kid who has a thing for planes? with arthritis in my knee i doubt im getting far there with the physical exam when that pops up..and same with the other airborne jobs in the other branches.
although, after reading all the posts so far, I'm leaning to the marines a whisker. Navy has never really had my attention, but someone had posted about Nukes in the navy...sounds interesting. amazing the amount of jobs the recruiters wont tell you about when you talk to one...
Get airborne prior to signing....just sayin and know you will have to pass a bit higher scale PT test.
Rangers Lead the Way...I want mine sooooo bad...deployment is in the way...you should go Ranger become a reall bad arse...
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AIR FORCE FTW
would PJ accept an arthritic knee? I cant see them accepting me, or any branches airborne for that matter, because of the arthritis. my knee is fine, but we all know how people are these days.
Get airborne prior to signing....just sayin and know you will have to pass a bit higher scale PT test.
Rangers Lead the Way...I want mine sooooo bad...deployment is in the way...you should go Ranger become a reall bad arse...
same thing here about my knee. I probably could do it, but there is iairborne jumps in the Rangers, right?
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Get airborne prior to signing....just sayin and know you will have to pass a bit higher scale PT test.
Rangers Lead the Way...I want mine sooooo bad...deployment is in the way...you should go Ranger become a reall bad arse...
LMAO!!! ya... :lol bad arsed for the army and airforce.
since when did army boot go longer than the marine corps? last i heard it was 9 weeks actual, maybe 2 weeks extra building the training platoon...or did you got to benning for a.i.t.?
mason, if you have a bad knee...even if you pass the physical, you do not want anything jumping out of or even rappeling out of...you're going to need to be able to run up to 5 miles and march with full combat gear up to 20 miles to get through marine boot camp...that's not including all of the bends and thrusts you're gonna do...as it is, if you make it through boot and that knee gets bad they will med you out, no choice.
i hate to say it but, with that knee issue...don't even consider a combat duty assignment...rangers, pjs, marines or seals...that's putting other people at risk. i can think of only one branch where you can have a long career and learn some very cool skills without someone shooting at you all the time...and that knee won't be a serious issue...coast guard...just have to be able to swim really good.
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..... i can think of only one branch where you can have a long career and learn some very cool skills without someone shooting at you all the time...and that knee won't be a serious issue...coast guard...just have to be able to swim really good.
I dont think so, if he cant make a physical exam and pt test in any service he wont make it in the Dept of Transportation Canoe Club either...... Just sayin.
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Are you Active Duty? If so, where are you stationed? MOS?
I was active duty but I got jacked up and they put me on TMPQ with some reserve unit in, Savannah GA. (And now I'm deploying with them? lol)
3112 MOS with 0331 billet.
I'm attached to 2BTO 4LSB 4MLG right now. (seems to me that I'm just floating around the Corps.)
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I gave you the link directly from the VA website, ask them to show you where it says that.
Matter of fact, this pisses me off the more I am thinking about it, you said your VA rep said that to you, PM me this guys number or the means to contact him.
If this guy is really putting this crap out like that when he should not be, maybe he shouldnt be doing that job.
Or is it just you?
Everyone in the Corps is being told that. In order to get 100% of it you have to deploy 4 times. You get 25% tacked on every time you go.
Recruiter told it to me, D.I. told it to us, MCT instructor told it to us, MOS instructors...
I'll look at the link though.
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I was active duty but I got jacked up and they put me on TMPQ with some reserve unit in, Savannah GA. (And now I'm deploying with them? lol)
3112 MOS with 0331 billet.
I'm attached to 2BTO 4LSB 4MLG right now. (seems to me that I'm just floating around the Corps.)
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Everyone in the Corps is being told that. In order to get 100% of it you have to deploy 4 times. You get 25% tacked on every time you go.
Recruiter told it to me, D.I. told it to us, MCT instructor told it to us, MOS instructors...
I'll look at the link though.
Your official status is a reservists? correct?
National Guard/Reserve
Veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001, will qualify for Chapter 33 (the new, post-9/11 GI Bill). Unlike in Chapter 1607 (REAP), benefits for active duty service are based on cumulative active duty service, not the single longest deployment. National Guardsmen and reservists with three years of active duty service post-9/11 now qualify for full benefits under Chapter 33 (the new, post-9/11 GI Bill). As a general rule, only federal activations count toward total active duty service. Training, state call-ups and 32 AGR service do not qualify.
The following chart outlines the breakdown of benefits based on amount of service.
Service Benefits*
36 Cumulative Months 100%
30 Cumulative Months 90%
24 Cumulative Months 80%
18 Cumulative Months 70%
12 Cumulative Months 60%
6 Cumulative Months 50%
90 Cumulative Days 40%
Service Connected Discharge 100%
Is this what you are referring too? Yes this is for Reservists. I always thought you were AD for some reason.
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As of this moment? Yes.
Something along those lines. We were all told it was per deployment. 25% per.
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I dont think so, if he cant make a physical exam and pt test in any service he wont make it in the Dept of Transportation Canoe Club either...... Just sayin.
i was thinking if he was able to pass the physical...coast guard boot is only 8 weeks and the pt isn't quite as bad as army or marine corps...swimming is a big deal though, but that won't bother his knee as bad as bends and thrusts or 5 miles worth of confidence course.
Push-ups (60 sec) 29
Sit-ups (60 sec) 38
Run (1.5 mile ) 12:51
Tread Water 5 minutes
Jump off 5ft platform into pool, swim 100 meters
i thought dhs took over the coast guard from the dod?
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i thought dhs took over the coast guard from the dod?
Your correct, its dhs, that was just some Navy humor to our sister navy.... ;)
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PJ's are very real, and very air force. They usually are embedded with SPECWAR elements as well that being Army, Navy, platoons.
Dads you must have missed my sarcasm
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since when did army boot go longer than the marine corps? last i heard it was 9 weeks actual, maybe 2 weeks extra building the training platoon...or did you got to benning for a.i.t.?
Army Infantry basic is 14 weeks its the basic and MOS school combinded but you get the same treatment
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As of this moment? Yes.
Something along those lines. We were all told it was per deployment. 25% per.
What I am not so sure about is, when you say "at this moment your a reservist". Your official status on your enlistment should not change. You either are Active Duty, or a reservist on Active Duty, but not an Active Duty marine as a Reservist. Get what I am saying.
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Yes but instead of putting me on 2+ years of "light duty" they changed me to reserves until my back could heal.
(going towards my inac. res. status)
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I have never been a big fan of the Reserves or the National Guard for just these reasons, they put way too many stipulations on serving and the compensations are used as incentives rather than giving them outright for serving as Active Duty troops do.
The definition of veteran for Federal student aid purposes is not necessarily the same as the definition of veteran for VA purposes. This can lead to potential problems, since the FAFSA processor performs a data match with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records to confirm a student's veteran status.
Members of the National Guard or Reserves, however, are only considered to be veterans if they were called up to active Federal duty by presidential order for a purpose other than training. A member of the National Guard or Reserves who is called up to active State duty is not considered a veteran. A key issue is whether they were under the control of a regular component of the US Armed Forces or remained under the control of the National Guard or Reserves.
A member of the Reserves who was called to active duty but who was discharged before serving on active duty (e.g., due to medical reasons) is not considered a veteran.
If a member of the armed forces was discharged during basic training for medical reasons, they are still considered a veteran for Federal student aid purposes so long as they served at least one day before being discharged.
If a member of the National Guard or Reserves was called to active duty and released, but then remained in the National Guard or Reserves, they are still considered a veteran. So long as they were called to active Federal duty by presidential order for a purpose other than training, served at least one day on active duty, and then were released under a condition other than dishonorable, they are considered a veteran for Federal student aid purposes.
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Yeah. These guys in my unit all had to sign 6 year contracts just to get VA benefits. If they signed any less they got nothing. (Plus 2 years inactive Reserve so 8 years all together). I feel bad for them.
I hate A.D. guys that rag on them. These guys hold down a civilian job (as do I), they go to school (I didn't have the funding, had to drop out), and they try to be full time parents. While doing this they manage to squeeze drill in every month (unless the CO messes it up and it is every other month and they have to go for a week at a time), and every time they go they get treated like garbage by the I&I staff. Shows that they're tough though because they keep coming back.
Know what the messed up part is about my situation? Since they slapped me on reserve status they took away all of my medical benefits. They tell them all "You may be up here once a month, but you're a Marine 24/7 (which is cool), but if you get hurt the gov't won't pay for a DIME. Hell I got messed up running the CFT (Combat Fitness Test) and doc just gave me a Motrin. Come to find out I have a pinched nerve that I have to find some way to pay for and fix.
The reserve side is Jacked up like no other.
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uh marine...the corps signs all enlisted personnel up for 6 years...4 years active, 2 inactive reserve...even full time reservists...it's been that way i believe since nam...
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I know i'm kidding around :lol
I also bet that you'd miss every round as well.
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uh marine...the corps signs all enlisted personnel up for 6 years...4 years active, 2 inactive reserve...even full time reservists...it's been that way i believe since nam...
I know - I meant 8 years all around. They HAVE to do 6 to get ANY benefits PLUS 2 inactive.
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eagl, dropping ordnance with laser guided accuracy from 20,000 feet is not fighting...and when a pilot needs to be rescued, it's the marines, army or navy that goes in...on the ground.
with the exception of the airforce special operations command, the airforce does not train ground troops in advanced infantry combat...they get a medal for just being able to fire a weapon down range, hitting the target is optional.
Mostly you're full of it (ie. completely wrong). My base has deployed a few hundred USAF members for ground duty in Army units. Some of them find themselves drivers or gunners in Army convoys, some find themselves walking the streets as they augment Army infantry units. Not one of these augmentees are involved in air operations, rather they are bailing out the Army, doing the Army's job for them, because the Army can't get the job done without USAF troops filling in the roster.
My current job is as an air advisor to the Iraqi Air Force, but before I deployed I had to go through a rather intense combat skills course taught by ex-SEALs, ex-Rangers, 100% special forces or experienced SWAT officers. That's ground combat training, in case you're not following along.
And guess what - because of my job, if I ever end up on the ground, it'll be me, my 9mm, and a radio, by myself, pretty much in the situation that every Army troop is trained from day one to avoid because isolated troops end up dead. But that's MY combat environment, me and my M-9 and a radio against all comers until rescue shows up. That's why our SERE training takes so long (minimum 6 weeks plus advanced courses for high risk of capture and conduct after capture training), because when we find ourselves in ground combat, we're pretty much alone hoping to stay alive long enough for some snake eaters to bail us out.
And still, my wing has deployed only about 6 guys per year to flying jobs. The other several dozen per year are doing ground duty, many of them filling Army jobs in Army units, eating Army chow, shooting Army bullets, doing the Army's job. You don't see many Army troops filling in to fly nuclear capable strike aircraft... We got that covered, and we'll keep doing the Army's job as long as the SECDEF keeps signing the title 10 waivers (google it if you don't know what that means).
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would PJ accept an arthritic knee? I cant see them accepting me, or any branches airborne for that matter, because of the arthritis. my knee is fine, but we all know how people are these days.
same thing here about my knee. I probably could do it, but there is iairborne jumps in the Rangers, right?
If you can't run, all of the services are going to be difficult. Everyone runs nowadays.
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so the airforce has started turning overpaid boy scouts into real ground pounders? :huh definitely something new...the only "infantry combat trained" airforce ground troops i had any contact with were a company strength detachment attached to 82nd ab units training in aberdeen md (no, i have no idea what they were doing there)...and they couldn't hold off a fireteam of bootcamp fresh jarheads.
you don't need to try and oversell the role the pj's or cct's, or whatever the af has going now...and it's not like they are really "doing the army's job"...augmentation is just that, fill in...especially areas where seasoned combat troops shouldn't be utilized...not that it isn't just as dangerous where they are, it's just that commanders don't like putting front line troops in rear guard duties.
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My cousin is an 0-6 (AF), another cousin is an E-5 (AF), don't seem like they hear much about AF Ground pounding it out.
They do fill gunner positions/dismounts though. :)
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If you can't run, all of the services are going to be difficult. Everyone runs nowadays.
i can run fine. I just need to work on my stamina a bit.
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i wanna fight. I know Hollywood glorifies everything, makes it look like nothing can go wrong, you go in and shoot some terrorists pack your stuff and go home. I know it aint that easy, but thats why I wanna do it. I want the challenge. the Challenge is something I can never get anywhere near me.
DoD? aint heard the term before.
Mason, honestly if you are joining because you want to fight, don't join. That is probably the worst tenant of a soldier who has to fight in combat. I am not trying to be mean but coming from 24 years Infantry and Ranger I speak from experience. Look deep and try to determine what is really is that you want to do, then find out which service can give you that option. They all offer something different and something the same. But if in the end you are really joining because you want to fight then do not enlist. You will be sorely disappointed and in the end, if you do see combat, personally saddened by your desires. I always ask a new soldier coming to my unit in a combat zone why they joined. Whenever one answered they were there because they wanted to fight I kept them as far away from the fight, and my soldiers, as I could. I never regretted that decision.
Best of luck and salute for your desire to serve.
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air force, that way you dont have to deal with that one stupid guy in your platoon...
(http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i336/igotafro/whoopsie.jpg)
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He's got it right.
Every single "I wanna fight/kill bodies etc." Marine I've ever met has been one of the worst to encounter. The stories that precede their actions in combat are worse.
There needs to be more than "I want to fight" because honest to God, you won't do much of it (at least what you're thinking). The military is 80% "hurry up and wait.". Ask any of these guys who have been in. Grunt units do nothing but train for combat and sit in the barracks, then they deploy, ride in convoys, get hit by an IED and normally not see any other sign of the bad guy.
Don't get me wrong, Haji will fight it out, but not as often as you'd assume. It's not like WWII where it's a battle everyday of the week with an enemy in a uniform.
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your also right MarineUS, people also only go there because they think it will be "fun" or that because they are good at call of duty they will press X and respawn... it doesnt work like that. you get killed you DONT respawn. period.
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your also right MarineUS, people also only go there because they think it will be "fun" or that because they are good at call of duty they will press X and respawn... it doesnt work like that. you get killed you DONT respawn. period.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/34dsldg.jpg)
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Sissies. I'm thinking about killing & eating all of you.
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Mason, honestly if you are joining because you want to fight, don't join. That is probably the worst tenant of a soldier who has to fight in combat. I am not trying to be mean but coming from 24 years Infantry and Ranger I speak from experience. Look deep and try to determine what is really is that you want to do, then find out which service can give you that option. They all offer something different and something the same. But if in the end you are really joining because you want to fight then do not enlist. You will be sorely disappointed and in the end, if you do see combat, personally saddened by your desires. I always ask a new soldier coming to my unit in a combat zone why they joined. Whenever one answered they were there because they wanted to fight I kept them as far away from the fight, and my soldiers, as I could. I never regretted that decision.
Best of luck and salute for your desire to serve.
He's got it right.
Every single "I wanna fight/kill bodies etc." Marine I've ever met has been one of the worst to encounter. The stories that precede their actions in combat are worse.
There needs to be more than "I want to fight" because honest to God, you won't do much of it (at least what you're thinking). The military is 80% "hurry up and wait.". Ask any of these guys who have been in. Grunt units do nothing but train for combat and sit in the barracks, then they deploy, ride in convoys, get hit by an IED and normally not see any other sign of the bad guy.
Don't get me wrong, Haji will fight it out, but not as often as you'd assume. It's not like WWII where it's a battle everyday of the week with an enemy in a uniform.
both of you. thank you for posting this. I never thought about it much, but now that its been posted and in plain writing I thank you for pulling my head out of my ass. I'll go back and re-evaluate my reasons. Thank you. :salute
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You're very welcome.
We're here to help....and of course, give you a hard time.
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I'd rather have someone with expierence be a pain in my bellybutton then a heart wreck on others a few years down the road cause i did something beyond stupid.
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so the airforce has started turning overpaid boy scouts into real ground pounders? :huh definitely something new...the only "infantry combat trained" airforce ground troops i had any contact with were a company strength detachment attached to 82nd ab units training in aberdeen md (no, i have no idea what they were doing there)...and they couldn't hold off a fireteam of bootcamp fresh jarheads.
you don't need to try and oversell the role the pj's or cct's, or whatever the af has going now...and it's not like they are really "doing the army's job"...augmentation is just that, fill in...especially areas where seasoned combat troops shouldn't be utilized...not that it isn't just as dangerous where they are, it's just that commanders don't like putting front line troops in rear guard duties.
You....
Mostly you're full of it (ie. completely wrong). My base has deployed a few hundred USAF members for ground duty in Army units. Some of them find themselves drivers or gunners in Army convoys, some find themselves walking the streets as they augment Army infantry units. Not one of these augmentees are involved in air operations, rather they are bailing out the Army, doing the Army's job for them, because the Army can't get the job done without USAF troops filling in the roster.
My current job is as an air advisor to the Iraqi Air Force, but before I deployed I had to go through a rather intense combat skills course taught by ex-SEALs, ex-Rangers, 100% special forces or experienced SWAT officers. That's ground combat training, in case you're not following along.
And guess what - because of my job, if I ever end up on the ground, it'll be me, my 9mm, and a radio, by myself, pretty much in the situation that every Army troop is trained from day one to avoid because isolated troops end up dead. But that's MY combat environment, me and my M-9 and a radio against all comers until rescue shows up. That's why our SERE training takes so long (minimum 6 weeks plus advanced courses for high risk of capture and conduct after capture training), because when we find ourselves in ground combat, we're pretty much alone hoping to stay alive long enough for some snake eaters to bail us out.
And still, my wing has deployed only about 6 guys per year to flying jobs. The other several dozen per year are doing ground duty, many of them filling Army jobs in Army units, eating Army chow, shooting Army bullets, doing the Army's job. You don't see many Army troops filling in to fly nuclear capable strike aircraft... We got that covered, and we'll keep doing the Army's job as long as the SECDEF keeps signing the title 10 waivers (google it if you don't know what that means).
.... and you. your argument is now invalid.
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Mason,
Its whatever u prefer, each branch has there downs and ups. This is for something ur going to have to reaserch on your own, Talking to servicemen can be a pain, Each branch is going to say completely diffrent things, and rag on the other branch. The 3 branches you r looking at , Army, Air Force, Marine Corps. All are simular and diffrent in ways. just to kinda sum it up.
Air Force- TOUGH to become a pilot, thats why faar majority of the AF is on the ground, doing mostly administive task and of couse all the ground jobs that need done for the air force mission, select jobs are "highspeed" and go out on missions and do Army like tasks. Yes, as stated before they do augment airmen to work with Army units. In general you probably wouldnt do too much in the Air Force unless u got a select job.
Marine Corps- Big in Tradition, but lack in technology. But make up for it in there skill. Downside is good chance somewhere down the road u'r likey to get screwed over in someway, (has happend to 4 of my friends, and they've only been in about a year :uhoh )
Army- LARGE branch, pride is taken more unit based vs branch wide like the marine corps. In general, the latest and greatest technology (haha not in my unit *cough). Wide selection of jobs and also plenty of advanced skills that you can learn not offerd in the marine corps such as Airborne, Ranger, SF, Pathfinder, Air Assault and Arctic School. and you get guarenteed job selection (which is a BIG DEAL).
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In the end, It is What you want to do. Been Navy and been Army. both have their good and their bad.
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Mostly you're full of it (ie. completely wrong). My base has deployed a few hundred USAF members for ground duty in Army units. Some of them find themselves drivers or gunners in Army convoys, some find themselves walking the streets as they augment Army infantry units. Not one of these augmentees are involved in air operations, rather they are bailing out the Army, doing the Army's job for them, because the Army can't get the job done without USAF troops filling in the roster.
My current job is as an air advisor to the Iraqi Air Force, but before I deployed I had to go through a rather intense combat skills course taught by ex-SEALs, ex-Rangers, 100% special forces or experienced SWAT officers. That's ground combat training, in case you're not following along.
And guess what - because of my job, if I ever end up on the ground, it'll be me, my 9mm, and a radio, by myself, pretty much in the situation that every Army troop is trained from day one to avoid because isolated troops end up dead. But that's MY combat environment, me and my M-9 and a radio against all comers until rescue shows up. That's why our SERE training takes so long (minimum 6 weeks plus advanced courses for high risk of capture and conduct after capture training), because when we find ourselves in ground combat, we're pretty much alone hoping to stay alive long enough for some snake eaters to bail us out.
And still, my wing has deployed only about 6 guys per year to flying jobs. The other several dozen per year are doing ground duty, many of them filling Army jobs in Army units, eating Army chow, shooting Army bullets, doing the Army's job. You don't see many Army troops filling in to fly nuclear capable strike aircraft... We got that covered, and we'll keep doing the Army's job as long as the SECDEF keeps signing the title 10 waivers (google it if you don't know what that means).
Hopefully the original post quoted was a joke. All branches can come into harms way. Plus I've seen some of the Air Force Pararescue course and it appeared to be a real impressive kick in the nads. Air Force spec ops wings certainly get down and dirty. What about close air support as well from A10s and others?
I'm not an AF guy but just trying to help set the record straight.
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17 and a half, wanna serve so bad...but I'm not sure what I wanna do. for a while I was thinking Army, but ive yet to hear much good about after your serve. it seems they offer the world and you dont get toejam. I havent really looked into the Air Force or Marines, but I'm lookin for some vets thoughts on which branch to do. thoughts?
Figure out what trips your trigger and go sign up with an appropriate branch. You will get out of it what you put in...
And in relation to college:
Kenny: I went to the University, got a Bachelors degree and it won't help me get a job.
Bobby: What did you study?
Kenny: Majored in 17th century Belgian philosophers with a minor in modern graffiti.
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Marine Corps- Big in Tradition, but lack in technology. But make up for it in there skill. Downside is good chance somewhere down the road u'r likey to get screwed over in someway, (has happend to 4 of my friends, and they've only been in about a year :uhoh )
Army- LARGE branch, pride is taken more unit based vs branch wide like the marine corps. In general, the latest and greatest technology (haha not in my unit *cough). Wide selection of jobs and also plenty of advanced skills that you can learn not offerd in the marine corps such as Airborne, Ranger, SF, Pathfinder, Air Assault and Arctic School. and you get guarenteed job selection (which is a BIG DEAL).
It's called the Green weenie
And the bold statement is false. As a Marine you can go to Jump School, Ranger school etc.
We cross train - REGULARLY with all branches - even SEAL training.
The unit I'm with had an air drop platoon (recently disbanded due to lack of use).
You get guarenteed job selection in the Corps too. You just do more. We have hybrid MOS's.
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(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff442/Vuduvince/069.jpg)
Ill hang on to my window seat <15T UH-60mech/repair and now crewchief.
snag you Airframe and powerplant licence and you can work pretty much and where that has helos.
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Mason just remember these quotes during missions from our past :)
Soldier: This sucks
Ranger: I like it when it sucks
Special Forces: I wish it sucked more
Air Force: Geez, it looks like it sucks down there!
just my 2Cents :banana: :banana: :banana:
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Oh, and never forget those patriotic women who love men in uniform. And they wonder why we do it :)
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(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff442/Vuduvince/069.jpg)
Ill hang on to my window seat <15T UH-60mech/repair and now crewchief.
snag you Airframe and powerplant licence and you can work pretty much and where that has helos.
i shall be looking in the papers more now for this headline:
"Man takes down Russian MIG-29 with epic tomahawk throw"
:lol
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It's called the Green weenie
And the bold statement is false. As a Marine you can go to Jump School, Ranger school etc.
We cross train - REGULARLY with all branches - even SEAL training.
The unit I'm with had an air drop platoon (recently disbanded due to lack of use).
You get guarenteed job selection in the Corps too. You just do more. We have hybrid MOS's.
not anymore. 2 of my friends in the marine corps enlisted as 0311's. during basic they got switched. 1 is now IT and the other is commo. the're pissed
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Hopefully the original post quoted was a joke. All branches can come into harms way. Plus I've seen some of the Air Force Pararescue course and it appeared to be a real impressive kick in the nads. Air Force spec ops wings certainly get down and dirty. What about close air support as well from A10s and others?
I'm not an AF guy but just trying to help set the record straight.
All the flying jobs are extremely hazardous, without exception. Every second of every flight is a disaster waiting to happen, even in a training environment. We try to mitigate the risks and hazards by going overboard with procedural training (generally at least 2 full years before a new pilot is sent off to do a real-world mission as aircraft commander, sometimes longer than that) but we still fight against the mishap rate even after ruthlessly washing out anyone who shows a lack of ability or improper attitude about the whole business of flying. No aircraft type is immune to the risks, which is why an AWACS driver gets the same flight pay as an A-10 driver or a nuke qualified B-2 driver. That said, some missions do have higher immediate risk factors, and those tend to be fighter/attack types. Airframe doesn't really tell the tale however... When the fight at Roberts Ridge kicked off, the first flight on the scene was a pair of F-15Es, and they went down low to strafe, something that just a few years earlier would have been harshly discouraged because nobody ever thought it made sense to send a $75 million strike fighter down low to strafe. But when the guys in trouble on the ground called for 20mm instead of 2000lb LGBs, the strike eagles went in and strafed. Did a damn good job of it according to the after action reports.
Any time you go low (below about 15,000 ft), everyone gets to take a shot at you on the way by. Low is dangerous, low and slow is worse, which is why the A-10 is built like a flying tank.
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not anymore. 2 of my friends in the marine corps enlisted as 0311's. during basic they got switched. 1 is now IT and the other is commo. the're pissed
well, the word "guaranteed" in the marine corps simply means they give you your first choice if other factors don't stop you from getting it...in the marine corps everyone is 0311 first and foremost, regardless of what your daily job is...all marines are issued a rifle and all are expected to know how to use it if called upon to do so...
i'm betting your buddies asvab scores showed higher than average apptitude which would make them prime candidates for assignment to other mos's that may be seeing a sudden short fall due to attrition...especially if the 03 field is already full with manpower...if the corps was suffering heavy casualties and losing front like grunts, your buddies would have gotten their wish.
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well, the word "guaranteed" in the marine corps simply means they give you your first choice if other factors don't stop you from getting it...in the marine corps everyone is 0311 first and foremost, regardless of what your daily job is...all marines are issued a rifle and all are expected to know how to use it if called upon to do so...
i'm betting your buddies asvab scores showed higher than average apptitude which would make them prime candidates for assignment to other mos's that may be seeing a sudden short fall due to attrition...especially if the 03 field is already full with manpower...if the corps was suffering heavy casualties and losing front like grunts, your buddies would have gotten their wish.
I showed 1 of my buddies who's a 0313. he HIGHLY disagrees with that. he said that there is too big of a diffrent from SOI and MCT. he says MCT is almost crap training, the basic's on how to "get by". while SOI goes over what "Infantrymen" need to know. so you can not say that everyone in the marine corps are infantry. you can say Everyone in the marine corps knows how to shoot a RIFLE, but then again.. dont most of the other branches do that too?
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I showed 1 of my buddies who's a 0313. he HIGHLY disagrees with that. he said that there is too big of a diffrent from SOI and MCT. he says MCT is almost crap training, the basic's on how to "get by". while SOI goes over what "Infantrymen" need to know. so you can not say that everyone in the marine corps are infantry. you can say Everyone in the marine corps knows how to shoot a RIFLE, but then again.. dont most of the other branches do that too?
your buddy is a new age marine...tell him to go talk to an old sergeant major...someone with more than 10 years in the corps...it's what all marines were taught before the clinton era turned boot camp into scout camp...somewhere within the last 12 years or so, the concept of "joint operations" has changed basic training in the corps even more than the clinton era which forced a large number of old time veterans out before they were eligible for full retirement.
i have no idea what soi is but i'm guessing it's what used to be called ait (advanced infantry training)...that's what 03's received out of boot...06's (field radio operators) would get assigned to grunt units and train with them out of comm school...some 18s would do the same thing depending on their assignments...and yes basic didn't cover everything that was taught in ait...however, when i was in, anyone from any mos could get transferred to a grunt unit and be able to function as part of the unit with very little additional instruction.
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not anymore. 2 of my friends in the marine corps enlisted as 0311's. during basic they got switched. 1 is now IT and the other is commo. the're pissed
I call bulltoejam.
They probably had an "open ground contract" or w/e it's called. The recruiter always says it's the MOS they want - but it just means the Corps places you wherever the hell it wants.
Your friends are misinformed.
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SOI is school of infantry. It's JUST like MCT but more in depth for combat missions. MCT isn't a "get by" course. Only someone with an ASVAB too low to do anything other than 0311 would say that.
MCT you still learn to breach and clear buildings, suppress and move etc. - you just do it faster because you have more than 1 job to do. Anyone other than 0311's prove they can multi-task.
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SOI is school of infantry. It's JUST like MCT but more in depth for combat missions. MCT isn't a "get by" course. Only someone with an ASVAB too low to do anything other than 0311 would say that.
MCT you still learn to breach and clear buildings, suppress and move etc. - you just do it faster because you have more than 1 job to do. Anyone other than 0311's prove they can multi-task.
wonder who's bright idea it was to rename and split ait like that? not sure i would like the change but...that's progress i suppose...thanks for the info marine. :salute
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no idea and no problem! :)
:salute
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Speaking as someone that fought a long time ago, VietNam, 5th Group. Stay in School, get a good education. Stay as far away from these wars as you can. I've come to believe that everyone that goes to war and experiences combat, comes home wounded. if not from an actual wound, then from a mental one.