Thinking of joining the Air Force...
- Thread starter Dionysusigma
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I was in the AF from 1983 - 1987. Lots of good times and friendships that exist to this day. Some of the nicer benefits included basically 1 month of leave(vacation) a year - would take many years to get that much time off in most other jobs. I had so much leave saved up that I was able to go on "terminal leave" - more or less left the AF approximately 60 days early and was paid for the entire duration.
If you run out of cash you can always eat at the mess hall for free so you will not starve. Lots of educational opportunities - some of my friends took advantage of them - I did not , which was a mistake. Some bases have auto hobby shops where you can take your car and put it on lift to change your own oil for a very minimal fee - really liked that!
I lucked out in many ways - was stationed at the base of my choice for my enitire duration except for participating in a few excercises. Was able to get the job I wanted , before I even went into basic training. Was sent to Florida and Germany. The Germany exercise was more like a vacation in itself - saw France and Luxembourg as well.
As far as getting into shape - unless you are built like Jabba the Hutt I would not be overly concerned. I thought the AF PT was a joke as did most of the others who were in basic with me. Unless things have changed. It was not physically challenging in the least. If you were going into the Marines that would be entirely different.
The military life was not for me so I did not re-enlist. I would have retired earlier this year but I have no regrets of not staying in. Nor do I have any regrets of my 4 year enilstment except for the fact of not taking advantage of some of the educational opportunities.
If you run out of cash you can always eat at the mess hall for free so you will not starve. Lots of educational opportunities - some of my friends took advantage of them - I did not , which was a mistake. Some bases have auto hobby shops where you can take your car and put it on lift to change your own oil for a very minimal fee - really liked that!
I lucked out in many ways - was stationed at the base of my choice for my enitire duration except for participating in a few excercises. Was able to get the job I wanted , before I even went into basic training. Was sent to Florida and Germany. The Germany exercise was more like a vacation in itself - saw France and Luxembourg as well.
As far as getting into shape - unless you are built like Jabba the Hutt I would not be overly concerned. I thought the AF PT was a joke as did most of the others who were in basic with me. Unless things have changed. It was not physically challenging in the least. If you were going into the Marines that would be entirely different.
The military life was not for me so I did not re-enlist. I would have retired earlier this year but I have no regrets of not staying in. Nor do I have any regrets of my 4 year enilstment except for the fact of not taking advantage of some of the educational opportunities.
BowStreetRunner
Member
good luck with your decision! 
Gillster
Member
Just my $.02. Your residence when you enlist becomes your "home of record" which comes into play when you seperate as far aswhere the military will pay to move you too. Can also have an effect on certain state veterans benefits ie Texas Vet land loans and the like. If you are join the USAF, like I did in '86, make sure you have a guaranteed job before you leave for basic training. Don't go in "open medical" or "open mechanical" make sure you have a job commitment. Also, if you know you might want to do 6 years instead of just 4, you can get rank (and money) earlier and use it to bargain for a better Tech school and AFSC assignment. Good luck and have fun, I did.
Chris
Chris
AZLibertarian
Member
First of all, Mods, Thanks for keeping this open...
I was AF from 80-87. Career-wise, it was the best thing I've ever done.
While my experience is somewhat dated, and I'd agree that today's military is much different than the 'Cold War' military I was in, I'd still recommend it.
Almost every military indoctrination program is designed to accomplish a couple of things...get you to think less like an individual, and more like a team-member; and to challenge you to the point where you recognize that the limits you believe are in front of you are really nothing more than self-imposed mental barriers.
For starters I'd recommend you Go with an open mind; Work hard; Help the team win.
Once you get established in your career, take every opportunity to learn something new...This will open more doors than you knew existed.
BTW, Thanks for your service.
I was AF from 80-87. Career-wise, it was the best thing I've ever done.
While my experience is somewhat dated, and I'd agree that today's military is much different than the 'Cold War' military I was in, I'd still recommend it.
Almost every military indoctrination program is designed to accomplish a couple of things...get you to think less like an individual, and more like a team-member; and to challenge you to the point where you recognize that the limits you believe are in front of you are really nothing more than self-imposed mental barriers.
For starters I'd recommend you Go with an open mind; Work hard; Help the team win.
Once you get established in your career, take every opportunity to learn something new...This will open more doors than you knew existed.
BTW, Thanks for your service.
Geezer
Member
MILITARY SUCCESS STORIES
My son, my son-in-law, and my nephew are all lifers.
My son is a mustang Major in the Corps, they sent him to college at OU, and then to graduate school at Monterrey. He now has a MS in Applied Mathematics and is assured of an outstanding future anywhere in the world when he finishes his 20.
My son-in-law is a mustang Captain in the AF, (on the list for major). He drives Blackhawk helicopters, and because of his outstanding record in the various flight schools, he can go to fixed wings any time he feels like it. He picked up a bachelors degree from Emory, and is absolutely assured of an outstanding future when he has his 20 in.
My nephew is a mustang Lieutenant in the Navy, (on the list for Lt Commander). They sent him to college to learn to be an enginer. He is now CHENG on a USS Frigate. Need I repeat that he is also assured of an outstanding future when he finishes his 20.
All three are married, with children, all of the marriages have withstood the frequent separations and the anxiety when the warriors were posted to combat zones. All are within a few years of finishing up. I am so proud of all three of them that I can hardly stand it. They are outstanding young men, and they have been recognized and rewarded for their talents and self-discipline in a manner far greater than would have been offered them in civilian life.
I teach construction management courses at a well known University in Southern California. I advise all of my students to never hire a superintendent unless he or she can produce a DD214. That tells me more about your teamworking abilities, your initiative and your character than all the BS anyone can put on a resume.
God bless and y'all be careful out there.
PS To all of you who have served. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My son, my son-in-law, and my nephew are all lifers.
My son is a mustang Major in the Corps, they sent him to college at OU, and then to graduate school at Monterrey. He now has a MS in Applied Mathematics and is assured of an outstanding future anywhere in the world when he finishes his 20.
My son-in-law is a mustang Captain in the AF, (on the list for major). He drives Blackhawk helicopters, and because of his outstanding record in the various flight schools, he can go to fixed wings any time he feels like it. He picked up a bachelors degree from Emory, and is absolutely assured of an outstanding future when he has his 20 in.
My nephew is a mustang Lieutenant in the Navy, (on the list for Lt Commander). They sent him to college to learn to be an enginer. He is now CHENG on a USS Frigate. Need I repeat that he is also assured of an outstanding future when he finishes his 20.
All three are married, with children, all of the marriages have withstood the frequent separations and the anxiety when the warriors were posted to combat zones. All are within a few years of finishing up. I am so proud of all three of them that I can hardly stand it. They are outstanding young men, and they have been recognized and rewarded for their talents and self-discipline in a manner far greater than would have been offered them in civilian life.
I teach construction management courses at a well known University in Southern California. I advise all of my students to never hire a superintendent unless he or she can produce a DD214. That tells me more about your teamworking abilities, your initiative and your character than all the BS anyone can put on a resume.
God bless and y'all be careful out there.
PS To all of you who have served. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Campusninja
Member
Air Force Res.
I too have been thinking about enlisting in the Air Force...reserves actually.
First a little about me, I volunteered for the Civil Air Patrol back in HS(1997-2000). I advanced in my training, and promotions. Was called up for several actual Search and Rescue missions(1 Successful). Then in the summer of 1999, I went to a program called OJT, On the Job training, where I ate and lived with a local Security Forces unit. OMG what a awsome time!!! We conducted various forms of patrol, a traffic stop(intoxicated Brig. Gen
). Went on a very "sensitive" tour of the base. I helped build a mock-church for a urban warfare center at CRTC Phelps Collins Air National Guard Base , Michigan. This is the root of my interest in the Air Force, and a unique one at that. So now I am thinking about enlisting in the Reserves. I have been thinking long and hard at the big picture towards my career goal and how this will effect the goal. Bottom line is, I want to join, should I put off my goal and do something I want too. Also I have a part of my eduction taken care of. Wow my post was longer than I had planed. Thanks for info on this thread!
I too have been thinking about enlisting in the Air Force...reserves actually.
First a little about me, I volunteered for the Civil Air Patrol back in HS(1997-2000). I advanced in my training, and promotions. Was called up for several actual Search and Rescue missions(1 Successful). Then in the summer of 1999, I went to a program called OJT, On the Job training, where I ate and lived with a local Security Forces unit. OMG what a awsome time!!! We conducted various forms of patrol, a traffic stop(intoxicated Brig. Gen
). Went on a very "sensitive" tour of the base. I helped build a mock-church for a urban warfare center at CRTC Phelps Collins Air National Guard Base , Michigan. This is the root of my interest in the Air Force, and a unique one at that. So now I am thinking about enlisting in the Reserves. I have been thinking long and hard at the big picture towards my career goal and how this will effect the goal. Bottom line is, I want to join, should I put off my goal and do something I want too. Also I have a part of my eduction taken care of. Wow my post was longer than I had planed. Thanks for info on this thread!USAFA
Member
4 years in a few days...
I think these gentlemen have it mostly pinned down, I just have a little to add
1. Study for the ASVAB. I know that sounds half stupid, it's an easy test, but the higher you score on it the more options are open to you, and it's always a good thing to have options.
2. DO NOT GO IN "OPEN GENERAL" Doesn't matter what you're recruiter tells you, don't do it. If you have to wait a few weeks/months until a slot comes up in the field you want, then wait.
3. In basic just keep your ears open and your mouth shut. If you're TI knows your name before the 4th week you did something wrong;} Don't volunteer for anything in basic, volunteer for EVERYTHING after basic.
4. Don't sign for 6 years instead of 4. If you do you'll put on rank a little faster (but not enough to matter), but if you don't like the military that's two extra years you're in, and if you like the military that's two extra years before you can get a reenlistment bonus.
Anyways, thats all I can think to add to what the others have said. If you're thinking about any of the medical fields feel free to get in touch and I can give you the skinny on most of them (or find someone who can).
I think these gentlemen have it mostly pinned down, I just have a little to add
1. Study for the ASVAB. I know that sounds half stupid, it's an easy test, but the higher you score on it the more options are open to you, and it's always a good thing to have options.
2. DO NOT GO IN "OPEN GENERAL" Doesn't matter what you're recruiter tells you, don't do it. If you have to wait a few weeks/months until a slot comes up in the field you want, then wait.
3. In basic just keep your ears open and your mouth shut. If you're TI knows your name before the 4th week you did something wrong;} Don't volunteer for anything in basic, volunteer for EVERYTHING after basic.
4. Don't sign for 6 years instead of 4. If you do you'll put on rank a little faster (but not enough to matter), but if you don't like the military that's two extra years you're in, and if you like the military that's two extra years before you can get a reenlistment bonus.
Anyways, thats all I can think to add to what the others have said. If you're thinking about any of the medical fields feel free to get in touch and I can give you the skinny on most of them (or find someone who can).
Teufelhunden
Member
I wouldn't start down that road.
We managed to get a thread locked a couple of weeks ago due to interservice rivalry. I don't know enough about the Air Force to give advice about it, and I don't have anything good to say about the Army, so I just won't say anything... -Teuf
PS. All I CAN say about the Air Force is that they all seem to be happy & enjoy in their work/life - outsiders perspective though...
280PLUS
Member
inter-service rivalry???
where???
advice for anyone joining any branch...
do NOT get totally hammered on cheap tequila and beer the night before you report to boot camp...
as far as physical training,,,after the first few weeks you get to be in such good shape that you can run, pushup, jumping jack, squat thrust and whatever else they throw at you non stop,,,so IT (or intensive training as we in the canoe club called it and which is what you got for not folding your undies right) became almost a joke
pushups for an hour? no problem,,,
where???
advice for anyone joining any branch...
do NOT get totally hammered on cheap tequila and beer the night before you report to boot camp...
as far as physical training,,,after the first few weeks you get to be in such good shape that you can run, pushup, jumping jack, squat thrust and whatever else they throw at you non stop,,,so IT (or intensive training as we in the canoe club called it and which is what you got for not folding your undies right) became almost a joke
pushups for an hour? no problem,,,
elkhunter
Member
The one service that has not been brought up is the Coast Guard. Not really an advantage over the other services unless you like the water and weapons. I've been in a little over a year and so far have enjoyed it a lot. If you want to drive boats or be a water cop it's something you should look into.
Not much chance to travel the world, although the oppurtunities exist. You'll spend about half you time in the service on afloat units which means half of that time will be spent underway.
I have gotten to see and do a lot of cool stuff including burn up a few hundred rounds through the 50's and we have these uber-cool tactical shotguns that have a 14 inch barrel. Overall the Coast Guard will give you the oppurtunity to pick from a wide field of rates like mechanical, medical, and most importantly gunner's mate. (I'm waiting to go to this school.)
Whatever branch of the service you go into make sure you get a guarunteed school, or at the least a nice fat bonus, or both. After getting to boot camp I found out that I didn't get nearly as good a deal as some of the other guys. Boot camp was fairly easy physically, It's just the mental games that get to you some days, but eventually you get used to that too.
Also I know a lot of people in the CG that are ex-air force, navy, army etc. and most of them like the Coast Guard, but about half the air-force guys wish they had never left. Just my .02.
Good luck with your choice.
Not much chance to travel the world, although the oppurtunities exist. You'll spend about half you time in the service on afloat units which means half of that time will be spent underway.
I have gotten to see and do a lot of cool stuff including burn up a few hundred rounds through the 50's and we have these uber-cool tactical shotguns that have a 14 inch barrel. Overall the Coast Guard will give you the oppurtunity to pick from a wide field of rates like mechanical, medical, and most importantly gunner's mate. (I'm waiting to go to this school.)
Whatever branch of the service you go into make sure you get a guarunteed school, or at the least a nice fat bonus, or both. After getting to boot camp I found out that I didn't get nearly as good a deal as some of the other guys. Boot camp was fairly easy physically, It's just the mental games that get to you some days, but eventually you get used to that too.
Also I know a lot of people in the CG that are ex-air force, navy, army etc. and most of them like the Coast Guard, but about half the air-force guys wish they had never left. Just my .02.
Good luck with your choice.
dww
Member
USAF 14 years active - 13 reserve
Just do it.
Just do it.
Stealthfixr
Member
dionysusigma,
I sent you a direct email to contact me and talk about the Air Force--I'd love to help.
The military has been very, very good to me, and I've seen it be a springboard to great things for many--enlisted and officers. Although I've been commissioned for 12+ years and presently serve as a USAF squadron commander, the enlisted ranks have achieved an amazing degree of professionalism, and we take care of each other quite well. The Enlisted Corps is the pride of our military, and the ultimate strength behind our military might. People who were in the USAF/military as little as 15 years ago would be surprised to see how well we take care of our troops these days--a lot has changed in a short time. That said, when the time comes for work--we work our butts off. When you get the notice to deploy, you grab your pre-packed bags and get on the airplane, period. It's what we ultimately serve for (we don't serve for ourselves, but rather our country/constitution).
And, unquestionably, the Air Force has the best quality of life, the most education opportunities, the most (in most cases) applicability to civilian jobs and some of the best locations in the military. With the 100% tuition assistance for college, chances for OTS, ROTC and the Academies, you just cannot go wrong enlisting, IMHO. That said, carefully, carefully choose your career field (please contact me for insights from one current, field-level perspective). If you've already got your college degree, then OTS is a simple choice. If not, enlist with pride!
Cross into the Blue!
I sent you a direct email to contact me and talk about the Air Force--I'd love to help.
The military has been very, very good to me, and I've seen it be a springboard to great things for many--enlisted and officers. Although I've been commissioned for 12+ years and presently serve as a USAF squadron commander, the enlisted ranks have achieved an amazing degree of professionalism, and we take care of each other quite well. The Enlisted Corps is the pride of our military, and the ultimate strength behind our military might. People who were in the USAF/military as little as 15 years ago would be surprised to see how well we take care of our troops these days--a lot has changed in a short time. That said, when the time comes for work--we work our butts off. When you get the notice to deploy, you grab your pre-packed bags and get on the airplane, period. It's what we ultimately serve for (we don't serve for ourselves, but rather our country/constitution).
And, unquestionably, the Air Force has the best quality of life, the most education opportunities, the most (in most cases) applicability to civilian jobs and some of the best locations in the military. With the 100% tuition assistance for college, chances for OTS, ROTC and the Academies, you just cannot go wrong enlisting, IMHO. That said, carefully, carefully choose your career field (please contact me for insights from one current, field-level perspective). If you've already got your college degree, then OTS is a simple choice. If not, enlist with pride!
Cross into the Blue!
Zundfolge
Member
Air Force seems like a good choice to me.
I'm reminded of a comparison of the 4 services:
Army - Boy, it sucks here.
Navy - Boy, it looks like it sucks over there.
Marines - I LOVE HOW IT SUCKS HERE!!
Air Force - What? No cable?! THAT SUCKS!
I'm reminded of a comparison of the 4 services:
Army - Boy, it sucks here.
Navy - Boy, it looks like it sucks over there.
Marines - I LOVE HOW IT SUCKS HERE!!
Air Force - What? No cable?! THAT SUCKS!
Lennyjoe
Member
Stealthfixr, Next time I'm up Holloman way I'll holler at ya.
Maybe we can get together and send some rounds downrange.
A-10 maintainer here.
The hog was the only ugly slow bomber in the Air Force till the Stinkbug came into play.
Maybe we can get together and send some rounds downrange.
A-10 maintainer here.
The hog was the only ugly slow bomber in the Air Force till the Stinkbug came into play.
kc2ixk
Member
I don't know your age, but if you are less then 18 I would suggest that you look at joining the Civil Air Patrol. The Civil Air Patrol will teach you the basics of drill, customs, followership, and leardership. Advancement is achieved by taking test. If you achieve a certain grade and go on and join the AF you will be a E3 instead of a E1. Please ask any questions by emailing me at [email protected].
C/SRA Albertine
C/SRA Albertine
MeekandMild
Member
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2002
- Messages
- 1,877
I was in the Air Force and reserves for many years. One very important thing to remember:
In the Army and Marines the enlisted men go off to fight their wars with the officers right behind them giving support and direction.
In the Navy the enlisted men go off to fight their wars with the officers right there beside them.
But in the Air Force the enlisted men give a snappy salute and stand at attention on the flight line to give their officers a warm happy proud feeling when the officers fly off to fight their wars.
Biiiiiiiiggggg difference.
In the Army and Marines the enlisted men go off to fight their wars with the officers right behind them giving support and direction.
In the Navy the enlisted men go off to fight their wars with the officers right there beside them.
But in the Air Force the enlisted men give a snappy salute and stand at attention on the flight line to give their officers a warm happy proud feeling when the officers fly off to fight their wars.
Biiiiiiiiggggg difference.
Lennyjoe
Member
The "BUFF" was in a class all by itself. Sexy, not ugly
Geezer
Member
SMALL WORLD
My son-in-law, the helicopter driver, used to be a BUFF crew chief at Beale, before my daughter and I convinced him it would be more fun to fly things rather than wrench on them.
He is getting a little long in the tooth to be driving helicopters in high-stress situations (too many decisions to be executed too quickly) and he has contemplated getting a billet flying the new gas stations.
God bless and y'all be careful out there.
My son-in-law, the helicopter driver, used to be a BUFF crew chief at Beale, before my daughter and I convinced him it would be more fun to fly things rather than wrench on them.
He is getting a little long in the tooth to be driving helicopters in high-stress situations (too many decisions to be executed too quickly) and he has contemplated getting a billet flying the new gas stations.
God bless and y'all be careful out there.
FPrice
Member
MeekandMild...
"But in the Air Force the enlisted men give a snappy salute and stand at attention on the flight line to give their officers a warm happy proud feeling when the officers fly off to fight their wars."
I am gonna pass this by all the Security Forces, Combat Controllers, PJs, and TALCE enlisted I know, and I can bet that they all will be asking exactly where is this "flight line" so that they can stand on it also instead of being in places where unfriendly people are shooting on them. Except that most of them I know would not run from combat.
I'll also show it to the C-130 enlisted crew members, aircraft maintenance, services, and I whole bunch of other people who do not have the luxury of standing on some safe "flight line". Many of the "flight lines" they are standing on today might as well have big bullseyes painted on them.
I guess what I am trying to tell you in a kinda light-hearted way id that today there are a LOT of AF enlisted men and women standing in harms way.
And I, among others, are proud of every single one of them for their efforts and sacrifice.
"But in the Air Force the enlisted men give a snappy salute and stand at attention on the flight line to give their officers a warm happy proud feeling when the officers fly off to fight their wars."
I am gonna pass this by all the Security Forces, Combat Controllers, PJs, and TALCE enlisted I know, and I can bet that they all will be asking exactly where is this "flight line" so that they can stand on it also instead of being in places where unfriendly people are shooting on them. Except that most of them I know would not run from combat.
I'll also show it to the C-130 enlisted crew members, aircraft maintenance, services, and I whole bunch of other people who do not have the luxury of standing on some safe "flight line". Many of the "flight lines" they are standing on today might as well have big bullseyes painted on them.
I guess what I am trying to tell you in a kinda light-hearted way id that today there are a LOT of AF enlisted men and women standing in harms way.
And I, among others, are proud of every single one of them for their efforts and sacrifice.
Lennyjoe
Member
Friends of mine that are crewing A-10's right now in the "Stan" have been shot at a number of times since arriving in country.
Teufelhunden
Member
Being that I've had a hard time keeping up with most of the Lt's & Capt's I've come into contact with, I would say the Corps does anything but encourage its leaders to direct from the rear...
-Teuf
MeekandMild
Member
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2002
- Messages
- 1,877
THAT WAS A JOKE! Didn't you see the neener smilicon? Reality should not detract from our ability to laugh at ourselves or poke fun at stereotypes. In the building where I did my advanced training there was a memorial wall devoted to members of my specialty who'd been killed on duty. But it didn't mean we couldn't laugh at ourselves.
FWIW the death rate among WWII Air Force heavy bombardment command enlisted aircrewmen was greater than that of officer crewmen and the number one most dangerous Air Force job in Viet Nam was the enlisted men who rescued downed pilots. Not to mention that in the cold war era enlistees fully expected to be vaporized along with their ten thousand closest friends if they ever really did have to wave goodbye to a plane which took off in anger.
I recall EB Sledge's discussion in his second book how he returned home after serving as a combat marine in WWII and having seen his favorite officers and enlisted friends killed. One of his postwar associates was complaining of a sore shoulder and so he asked him if the guy had been shot in the war. No, it turned out he'd been in the Air Force and had slept in a leaky tent one rainy night.
FWIW the death rate among WWII Air Force heavy bombardment command enlisted aircrewmen was greater than that of officer crewmen and the number one most dangerous Air Force job in Viet Nam was the enlisted men who rescued downed pilots. Not to mention that in the cold war era enlistees fully expected to be vaporized along with their ten thousand closest friends if they ever really did have to wave goodbye to a plane which took off in anger.
I recall EB Sledge's discussion in his second book how he returned home after serving as a combat marine in WWII and having seen his favorite officers and enlisted friends killed. One of his postwar associates was complaining of a sore shoulder and so he asked him if the guy had been shot in the war. No, it turned out he'd been in the Air Force and had slept in a leaky tent one rainy night.
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