Quoted:
Ok so after about two years since ETSing I'm looking at getting back in. I'm a former 19D Cav Scout and several of my friends have made the suggestion to look into Air Force. The local base is home to an air refueling wing and some command and control unit. My bigger concerns are how I would feel stepping into some of the available MOS positions offered there versus the combat arms role I'm use to.

Ive been told it would likely be boring beyond belief if I'm not use to it and it does seem every picture of air force people I see they're always smiling and setting at a computer or radio having a grand ol time. Never see pictures of airforce guys getting smoked in the middle of a creek in 40 degree weather or suffering much outside of air conditioning.
there are plenty of outside jobs in the Air Force, that is just what they typically like to show is the sitting using technology stuff in recruiting ads.

Is it really as casual and laid back as its always made out to be?
Depends on unit and AFSC (AF MOS). I have been in some laid back ones, then a change of command and next thing you know its like a super max prison.


In a unit such as air refueling what MOS options might be available typically?
all kinds, but lots of aircraft maintenance stuff ; crew chiefs, avionics, electricians, fuels or flying jobs like load master, boom operator, flight engineer. you could even do the office type jobs; personnel, computers, finance, etc.

I'm 30yo and already have plenty of aches and pains so something longterm and abit more sufferable could be a big plus I suppose.
I cross trained into an office job and it sucks going from being outside all the time and constantly moving to sitting down all day. my back usually hurts worse from sitting all day.

How quick do enlisted personnel tend to climb rank in the AF.
in the guard if there is an open position in your AFSC and or work center and you are qualifed then its only a board away. well unless you're a dirt bag

also what do you guys typically see in terms of length of deployments and what are your experiences deployed with the AF?
 haven't deployed with the guard but I'm guessing depends on the AFSC and location. could be 60-90 days could be 180.


I want to get some feedback before actually calling a recruiter and being hounded daily about it.
good luck, I hounded my recruiter  for about 4 weeks or so before he called me back and took me seriously. The AF and the Guard/Reserve components are not hurting for people right now. so they are very choosey and typically not in a rush to get you in.  

Also thoughts on Air Guard vs the Reserve component aside from the obvious fed/state difference?
not really sure, i made my choice based on location not what component

Also does the AF do AIT like the Army for MOS training and what would that be like?
yes its called Tech school. depends on the AFSC, my first AFSC was all hands on turning wrenches and climbing on aircraft. My new AFSC tech school was 9 hour days of death by power point.you would be prior service so it would be very relaxed and not like the pipeline kids just coming out of basic. PT on your own, your own room in billeting or off base in a hotel.

Any other input would be appreciated. In my head I just picture 8 hours of sexual harrassment/rape prevention followed by pretending to put gas in a jet lol.
this is excatly whats its like except more kumbaya and holding hands  

Quoted:
Ok so after about two years since ETSing I'm looking at getting back in. I'm a former 19D Cav Scout and several of my friends have made the suggestion to look into Air Force. The local base is home to an air refueling wing and some command and control unit. My bigger concerns are how I would feel stepping into some of the available MOS positions offered there versus the combat arms role I'm use to. Ive been told it would likely be boring beyond belief if I'm not use to it and it does seem every picture of air force people I see they're always smiling and setting at a computer or radio having a grand ol time. Never see pictures of airforce guys getting smoked in the middle of a creek in 40 degree weather or suffering much outside of air conditioning. Is it really as casual and laid back as its always made out to be? In a unit such as air refueling what MOS options might be available typically? I'm 30yo and already have plenty of aches and pains so something longterm and abit more sufferable could be a big plus I suppose. How quick do enlisted personnel tend to climb rank in the AF and also what do you guys typically see in terms of length of deployments and what are your experiences deployed with the AF? I want to get some feedback before actually calling a recruiter and being hounded daily about it. Also thoughts on Air Guard vs the Reserve component aside from the obvious fed/state difference? Also does the AF do AIT like the Army for MOS training and what would that be like? Any other input would be appreciated. In my head I just picture 8 hours of sexual harrassment/rape prevention followed by pretending to put gas in a jet lol.