Posted: 4/10/2003 6:26:58 PM EDT
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I'm thinking about joining the Army. I know what the recruter's say and all sounds good. I want to hear from some people that is in the Army or has experiance with family in the Army. Someone that's not getting paid to get me interested and to join. Right now I'm working for a small business with no benifits, no retirement, no lunch break (I'm on salary so I take my lunch) and about a week vacation a year. My pay is descent but no benifits. I got a wife and two step-daughters. The girls have health insurance with their father but we still have to pay the deductable. I'm born and raised here and never really been anywhere. Most of the time I wish I could get away from here and get away from nosey family members. All the benifits sounds great and is what I'm looking for. Now that I have a family I want something that I know that my family will be taken care of. I love my job now and the people I work with is great. It's a hard choice, so I need to hear the whole story. I need all the input as possiable, good or bad. If you seen this post over in the AR15 section then sorry you had to read it again. They locked my post cause it was in the wrong section and I need as many replies as possiable. My wife is behind me 100% with whatever choice I make. Thanks in advance to everyone. Shawn |
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Well no one joins the Army for the money. Simply put, you won't get paid that well, but you understand. The Army is excellent job security, can take you anywhere in the world, and keeps you in good shape! Hell, IIRC, they might even pay for a masters degree! (Do you have a bachelors or any college degrees?) If you have qualifications like Masters already, the Army may not be the best place to go. You may want to look into another regular job. But if you have no college degree or one that's useless to you, ARMY ALL THE WAY! But remember, only do it if YOU want to. It's tough, and DON'T DO IT FOR THE MONEY, (because you won't get much lol), so only do it if YOU want to do it. Edited to add: Remember, joining the Army means a lot more time away from your family, but think of the benefits you can bring home. |
| I'm 27 and have a 2 year degree (60 hours) in Criminal Justice. I was told by the recruiter that I could go in an E2 for sure, and maybe an E3. I've been in the mobile electronics field for the past 3 years so I have some eletrical knowledge. I'm thinking about doing something eletrical with helecopters or something like that. I've always been fasinated with choppers and I enjoy the eletrical work. I would like to finish a 4 year degree one day but the main thing I'm wanting is job security, benifits, and seeing something else besides around here. |
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Quoted: I'm 27 and have a 2 year degree (60 hours) in Criminal Justice. I was told by the recruiter that I could go in an E2 for sure, and maybe an E3. I've been in the mobile electronics field for the past 3 years so I have some eletrical knowledge. I'm thinking about doing something eletrical with helecopters or something like that. I've always been fasinated with choppers and I enjoy the eletrical work. I would like to finish a 4 year degree one day but the main thing I'm wanting is job security, benifits, and seeing something else besides around here. Go Air Force. Hate to say it, but if you want to work on aircraft and take care of your family, you can't beat the flyboys. Advantage with the Army is that with CH-47s and UH-60s you can actually fly on the birds. Depending how lucky you are feeling, that may appeal to you. I have rarely met a man who regretted serving. I have met hundreds who regret having not served. |
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Look into the Navy's Advanced Pay Grade Program. It's a way for skilled worker to come in with some rank.(I came in as an E-4 as a medic)It's a program for the reserves but you can then apply for TAR status. I forget what it stands for but you're on active duty. 27 as an E-2? It wouyld suck royally. Otherwise...Is your wife ready to kiss you goodbye for six months or longer? Ready to mover every three years. Ready to have your kids/wife make new friends then have to do it all over again in another three years? Mil housing sux for the most part. Sure you have medical, but it ain't that great a level of care. Ready to move wherever the military tells you to? Some places don't rate dependent transfer. Like if you get sent to Korea for two years, say goodbye to your wife and kids for two years. Or if you get sent to a 7 month school, they won't come with you. Ask yourself "How independant is my wife?" "Can she get by without me for extended periods of time?" Don't let the wanderlust that fills so many people's heads lead you to a decision you'll regret. There may be a better option for you that hasn't popped up yet. What ever you do, talk to several different recruiters, get A LOT of info, and if they promise you something GET IT IN WRITING on your enlistment contract. They WILL promise you the sun, moon and stars, what you may end up with could be completely different that what they said you'd get. Also, your ASVAB scores go a long way to determine what job you'll be eligable for. YOU are a number for the recruiter. They will act as your friend, buy you lunch, adjsut their schedule for your to meet you when you can but you are a NUMBER to them. They have billets and quotas to fill and will do anything they can to do so. Be careful, and since your married, have your wife talk to some people on active duty about the military life of a spouse so she's ready for the change too. Just be sure it's right for both of you. |
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I was 27 also when I joined the Marines. In boot camp, every officer in my Company was trying to get me to go into avionics because I had some college (about 60 hrs like you) and I had scored very well on my ASVAB. I went in as an E2. If I were you, I'd think about the Marines due to more opportunities for advancement for someone like yourself. Having said that, military life can be hard on the family. Just something to consider. |
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I did 21 years active duty in the USAF (and 1 year in the ANG during a break in service). Having known people in other branches, I believe the USAF puts more resources into quality of life and family support. There is a broad spectrum of career fields (I was in aircraft maintenance) ranging from typical admin jobs (Beware: Guys in that field are called titless WAFs!) to Combat Controllers and Pararescue. A couple words on the more direct combat enlisted jobs. The Combat Controllers are usually assigned to Army combat units to direct air support. One of them was decorated for his action in a battle on a mountain in Afghanistan where his CH-47 was shot down. One of the things that the PJ's (Pararescuemen) like is that the career field is totally enlisted- no officers. These are the guys who go behind the lines to pick up downed pilots. These are tough dudes who do it all from small unit combat to HALO jumping to surgery in the field. Keep in mind that there is also a high washout rate with folks trying to get into that field. Extremely demanding, both physically and mentally. I'm just trying to pass on some of what I've seen. The decision of which way to go is totally yours. Think about what interests you and what you want to accomplish. Having a family, you of course need to consider them. Remember, if your recruiter doesn't put it in writing IT WAS NEVER SAID NOR PROMISED! Be a smart shopper. Talk to all of the recruiters, but remember they are like car salesmen. They are trying to make their quotas and some can be manipulative. Reserve the right to make all decisions and don't let anyone push you into something that you really don't want. Good luck and God bless. |
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given your age and experience i would look to the airfarce. I was army and do not regret it, but the army is not known for putting you in the best match for your skills. Also Army,navy, and marines could mean extended deployments away from home. You have a family to care for and they need to be your first priority. Pay in the military honestly sucks. You get benifits but you must jump through hoops to claim them. Consider the fact that as an e-2 at 23k per year you may end up in a VERY high cost of living area with no base housing available. 23k in some areas may give 10k a year after rent. Personally i hate to discourage anyone from service, but you have a start on a career and a family. Family life in the ARMY is TOUGH! Most enlisted folks i knew ended up divorced due to deployments and little home time when not deployed. Just remember uncle sam owns your ass when you enlist. Fair or inconvienient do not matter. When they say move you move. Consider what you are about to jump into heavily. it is not a light decision. mike |
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It is a decision you shouldn't enter into lightly, but I wanted to add my $.02 from a different point of view than those who have been there and done that. The only real regret I have in life is that I did not find a way to serve in the armed forces. I got appointed to the Air Force Academy, but my eyes prevented me from going. I should have asked for the Naval Academy and sought out carrier or sub duty, instead. Even going in enlisted and working my way up should have been on my mind...but I stupidly just wrote it off. Those of you who have put it on the line for my rights have my undying thanks. I only wish I'd been one of you. |
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Just my 2 cents worth. I served in the Army and my brother served in the Air Force. I do not regret my decision to go Army, but the Air Force is probably thebest way to go. They treat their people better and better for the family. I agree with everone else though make sure what ever you are promised is in writing before you sign anything. I would have gone Air Force but they would not gaurantee my job or that I would go overseas. I passed, went down the hall to the Army recruiter and the gauranteed everything I wanted and was in writing. It's not a bad life just crappy hours sometimes and not good pay. Would trade my time though I enjoyed it. Mrs. Wildweasel |
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Just my 2 cents worth. I served in the Army and my brother served in the Air Force. I do not regret my decision to go Army, but the Air Force is probably thebest way to go. They treat their people better and better for the family. I agree with everone else though make sure what ever you are promised is in writing before you sign anything. I would have gone Air Force but they would not guarantee my job or that I would go overseas. I passed, went down the hall to the Army recruiter and the guaranteed everything I wanted and was in writing. It's not a bad life just crappy hours sometimes and not good pay. Wouldn't trade my time though I enjoyed it. Mrs. Wildweasel |
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If you join any service branch today PLAN ON being deployed in a hostile environment. I say again: If you join any service branch today PLAN ON being deployed in a hostile environment. Military life is hard on families too. How will your family do with you gone for 9-12 months? This is in no way a reflection on you and your spouse, but in my experience infidelity at military sites runs close to 50%. There are a lot of good reasons to join the military. Make sure your looking at the big picture. College and Job upgrades are other ways to “get out”. And for the love of God, get a technical vocation out of your military MOS. Sounds like you are doing just that. I came out of the combat arms a changed man, but it did not do shit for my job marketability. Good luck. |
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Thanks for all the information. When I first starting to consider this I was interested in the Air Force and the Army. My wife's dad is retired Air Force. He was a crew chief on F4's and F15's. When he reitired he got a job with McDonald Douglas making some killer money. I was mostly interested in the Air Force to begin with. We live in a large Air Force comminity. We are between 3 AFBs. I live about 20 minutes from Eglin Air Force Base (the largest AFB in the world). Anyway, I happened to talk to the Army recruiter first and listened to what he had to say. He was very helpful and I was interested. A couple days later my wife and I stopped by the Air Force office. As soon as we walked in neither one of us was very comfortable. They were total jerks. Nobody in there had there story straight and everybody had a different answer for everything. Half the time they couldn't find what they were looking for. At that point remembered to how the Army guy was way more professional and I was totally comfortable with him. Like I said before, I'm 27 and the Air Force cut off is I'd have to be in basic training when I turn 28 (which is in July). So I already felt rushed. The Army cutoff is 34. So I got plenty of time. When I told the Air Force guys that I had 2 step daughters they remarked that I didn't qualify and had to sign a dependacy waiver and go through a bunch of crap. They commented that once you get in the Air Force you can have all the kids you want but they didn't like someone already with a family going in. I didn't like that at all and it kinda offended me and I heard all I needed to and left. I walked next door to the same Army guy I talked to before and asked him if that would be a problem and he assured me that it was not. I guess that the Air Force people around here (being a big AF community) just have young people that just walk in and join everyday. That's a big reason why I'm looking more at the Army. So I'm trying to get as much input as I can. I want to hear from the people that acually live it. Thanks again and please keep the post coming. It's a big step and just want to make sure that I'll do the right thing. Thanks again. Shawn |
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Pararescue and Combat Control career fields used to be all enlisted...used to be. A year or so ago, they were authorized officer slots. This was considered a good thing, because they had never had brass to smooth the way for them before. It is thought that having officers in the career field will ensure that they get the resources and attention they deserve. You want to put yourself on a solid career track. There simply is no competition here. Join the Air Force and try to get into the aircraft maintenance field. The Air Force has a lot of helicopters that need constant maintenance and has a reputation for providing the best family life for it's airmen. E2 grade should be a gimme. I would ask for E-3. You've already got some job skills and some education, you should be able to get that rank. Study for the ASVAB. The higher you score, the easier it will be to get the grade you want and the job you want. Military pay sucks. As a family man, you'll get some additional allowances, but your wife is still going to have to work to make ends meet. Good luck, if you choose to enlist, thanks for serving. |
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Quoted: I'm 27 and have a 2 year degree (60 hours) in Criminal Justice. I was told by the recruiter that I could go in an E2 for sure, and maybe an E3. I've been in the mobile electronics field for the past 3 years so I have some eletrical knowledge. I'm thinking about doing something eletrical with helecopters or something like that. I've always been fasinated with choppers and I enjoy the eletrical work. I would like to finish a 4 year degree one day but the main thing I'm wanting is job security, benifits, and seeing something else besides around here. If your not thinking about careering in the military, then at least let them school you for free. My brother went in enlisted/infantry and is now a officer and a flight surgeon. If you want to work on helos, go into that field (AF is a good suggestion). I see you have a criminal justice degree. Become a MP and you can work for any force you decide to if so inclined. Main thing though is "make sure" you want to join the military. Cause once you do, it's hard to back out at the last minute. |
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Quoted: I am looking into this also. I know lots of time away. Pay is about 23,000 a year for a E-1. startout no college ect. Good job security. Lots of moving. Lots of time away from home. Medical, dental, optical. HOLY SMOKES, BATMAN!!! you couldn't be more wrong. Current rate (2003) E-1: $1064.70/month. That's $12,776.40 a year. Provided you are single. If you are Single, you'll live on base, and eat at the chow hall. after 4 months, it goes up to $1,150.80. That's $13,809. $23,000 a year..lol......I'm an E-4, and Even with my BAH and BAS i just make that... edited to add linkage [url]http://www.dfas.mil/money/milpay/pay/2003paytable.pdf[/url] |