Posted: 8/26/2006 9:13:51 AM EDT
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Ok I am in 11th grade and I have realized I dont have the grades and my parents dont have the money to pay for college. But the military will.....but that is not by far the only reason I want to join. I love this country (as much as a person who hasnt fought for it can) Ok well I was thinking of the navy and then trying for the seals but I then thought thats WAYYYY out of my league. So I then thought...I love guns...shooting why not the army? Now I am not one of those kids that joins just to fight in a war. Ok now for the questions....Is boot camp just like everyone says? I know they cant hit you but is it really that intimdating? Also what could I do...when one of my only intersets is guns? Thank you in advance :D Jason. |
The ammo specialist that I knew hated it. It seems like a lot of paperwork, heavy lifting, and no cool benefits. You don't really get to shoot much in the Army, so don't get too excited. Basic is not that hard, but can be pretty challenging at times. Just look at some of the dorks that made it through, if they can make it, you can make it. If you have any questions IM me, better yet do it anyway, I have some other stuff to tell you. Good luck |
| Basic training is just a mind game where they are trying to teach you to follow simple instructions like folding underwear and march in straight line. This gets you in mindset to follow more complex instructions later on. Anyone can get through basic if they keep that it mind and don't quit. Be careful about the Army too much as you could end up in Iraq as in infantry. I served five years active duty Air Force as a security policeman[now security forces]. I got to shoot plenty through annual qualifications and schools[M60 machinegun and Mk19 auto grenade launcher.] I also served two years in Army National Guard as Cavalary Scout. Air Force was a lot easier. Good luck, im me with any questions. |
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Basic isn't that bad. It is all a mind game. As far as MOS's there is armorer if you are so inclined. We have one son 11B (infantry) and the other is a combat engineer serving in Iraq right now as an MP. They are both National Guard. Son that is in Iraq was just finishing up AIT when his unit got called up. Our other son is in the same position, finishing AIT and looking at a deployment also. Just realize it is not IF you will deploy it is only a matter of WHEN you will deploy. I wish you luck on what ever you decide. We made sure both boys were well informed before they signed. Joys of both parents being prior service. They also joined while they were still in school. One did split option, and the other did OSUT. You could do basic next summer and then do AIT when you graduate. Also look into all of the branches to see what they have to offer. Get everything in writing. If it isn't in your contract you're not getting it. Best of luck. |
Armorer is not an MOS - it is a duty description, and normally filled by a supply specialist. Bigdaddy7010: There is a small arms repairer MOS (45B), but I would recommend against it. If you tend towards the mechanical side of gun things, I would look for something in Aviation armament (I forget the MOS) or maybe 45K. If you actually want to shoot a lot, you really need to go into a Combat Arms MOS, especially Infantry (11B). |
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The Army was the best thing that ever happened to me. If you are high speed there are plenty of opportunities for you to do all kinds of incredible things that you couldn't even dream of as a civ. Join up. You will meet people from all over the country, see cool places, most of the Army posts are nice and you might even get to blow stuff up. The sense of accomplishment that you get every time you pass a school really provides you with great confidence for later on in life whether civilian or military. Juss keep your head down, don't volunteer for anything, learn your rank structure and your general orders and most important get in shape before you join it will make life much easier. If you can pass a PT test prior to basic the rest is just staying out of trouble and passing your phases. Good luck. |
IM me. I just finished a 4 year tour on Recruiting. I can tell you everything you need to know, but I no longer care if you join or not. You've already done the smartest thing you could do, you're asking questions. |
In the 9th grade I was dead set on joining the navy just because my dad was in it. And I wanted to be a seal but I have grown up alot since then and joining th military isnt a dream anymore. I have researched all the branches and the army seems just right for me  I do have some more questions though :D..........When you shoot at basic I guess...what score or qualifaction do you have to have to pass? If you do poorly do they give you a lmg? (I dont think I am a bad shot though) Thanks again for the help I really need it :D |
RATING STANDARD EXPERT 36-40 SHARPSHOOTER 30-35 MARKSMAN 23-29 UNQUALIFIED 22-BELOW IM me if you like. I have a few targets that are used for qualification. Give you an idea of where you stand. I'd be happy to send you a few. If you do what the DI's tell you to as far as sighting in and knowing the basic principles of marksmanship you should be fine. Don't stress to much about it. Everything you need to know they will teach you in basic or in your other schools. The Army has been doing this for a little while and has a pretty good idea of how to do things. Once you are in the Army you have an instant camaraderie with many other vets. Just make sure you pick a career field you like. Of the MOSs I had I liked 91B, Combat Medic the best. I think they call it 91X Medical Specialist now. I was also a SAW gunner and that was fun as far a blowing shiot up. Those are great weapons. |
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I would personnally recommend tanker. You can really blow stuff up there. Infantry is also a good MOS, but as a tanker you get bigger guns and get to ride everywhere. There is alot of maintenance work necassary but thats part of the job. Also, if you are into it I would suggest finding a local airsoft group that has some ex-military types in it for a little extra training. Basic training sucked!!! Until you graduated sat down thought about it and realized that it was a mind game. It is vry physical, you are up all the time and constantly dong everything wrong. Thats OK you learn how to suck it up without realizing it. By the time it was over we were laughing whenever we got in trouble/disciplined. Its for the better. Good luck and god bless you. |
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im a tanker and would recommend really researching what you want beforehand. some jobs aint for everybody. i like what i do but would have rather gotten cavalry if the slots had been there for me. make sure you do something that you enjoy, or it will be a long 3-6 years. |
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If you like to work with weapons then 45B Small Arms Repairer is the job for you. Being a 45B is a good job the Army is currently looking into making positive changes for this MOS (military occupational specialty). On the down side this MOS does not translate into the civilian sector very well and yes I know the importance of doing something you enjoy. It is always smart to know what you are getting in to. As far as Basic goes thousands of soldiers have gone before you and made it so can you. Good luck and think ahead |
I was a late bloomer and joined the Army when i was 24. Man i wish i joined earlier. Best choice i ever made. If you want to shoot alot go 11 series. Im currently light but will be going mechanized soon if things workout. It probably wont because thats how the army works  . Infantry basic will prepare you for what is to come. You become very familiar with "hurry up and wait". It really is 90% mental 10% physical. But this is what you need because being an Infantryman is mentally tough more then anything. +1 on the laughing at basic. The DS in the army Infantry have some of the funniest material you will ever here. Unfotunatly you will be the ass end of the joke.
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| I just finished infantry (11B) OSUT (14 weeks straight combining basic and AIT). The regulations may prohibit hitting or hazing, but our DS had no trouble doing either. If you decide to go infantry, you will go to Ft. Benning most likely. All of my DSs were 11B and had at least one tour in Iraq or Afg. They training is excellent and very different from the way it used to be. A lot of emphasis is placed on MOUT (Urban training) and IED related drills. MAKE SURE YOUR IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. BEING ABLE TO PASS THE PT TEST IS NOT, I SAY AGAIN, NOT, ENOUGH! Be able to maintain a 220 or higher before joining. A 270 or higher is where you need to be. If you can, secure a ruck and starting rucking! You will need to be able to ruck 12 miles with around 80-100 lbs of gear keeping a 15-17 minute mile pace. Now, if you decide to go a non-combat arms MOS, you will have a MUCH easier time. Whatever you decide to do, keep your head up and take it one day at a time. Know that whatever your doing will pass and that 9-14 weeks is NOT that long. You will make it! |
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I am a good friend of Vulcan59... I was the one missing him the entire 14 weeks he was gone. Bigdaddy7010, before you think that college is out of your reach, let me tell you about some stuff. If your parents are poor, you can get grant money (this means, free money, you don't have to pay it back, you spend it as you like) through the FAFSA (just Google it). There are also student loans, which often are 0% interest if you look hard enough. Depending on the school, you can get college for pretty damned cheap (don't worry about grades). I did excellent in high school, took a TON of Advanced Placement and Dual Credit classes... gave me 45 hours of college credit without stepping foot on a college campus. You said your grades weren't good... well you're in the 11th grade, you have this year and next to kick some ass. You won't have steller grades in the end, but if you make up your mind to do good, you will. I don't know what part of Texas you're in, but I grew up in Houston and now I'm going to school at the University of Texas at Dallas on a full ride. While you probably wouldn't get a good scholarship, you'd be surprised how many institutions (like my own), will give you SOMETHING, especially if you're in need. The education system really doesn't want to see you give up. If you have a financial need, they have a financial package for you. If you're lucky enough to be like me and have both a financial need and a scholastic merit, you're set... even as a white male. I won't tell you not to join the armed forces because we need good people like Vulcan59 to fight for our beloved country, but I will tell you that it's a serious deal and that if you're not up for it, it's okay. There's also branches like the Coast Guard which are armed forces but TONS safer than the army. Consider these branches as well. You want to find what path will work best for you. If you would like to chat about colleges in Texas, send me an IM, my SN is Ein2015 (please say it's Bigdaddy7010 when you IM me). I will be happy to at least let you know what is out there and help you if I can. Texas football is hard, yes, but I promise you it's kiddy play compared to army basic. I watched Vulcan59 work out and beef up for a LONG time before he left, and army basic was still a challenge for him. Besides guns, what are your scholastic interests? Where do you live? What do you have by means of a job? Hopefully we all can help you make a good, informed decision that you will be happy with, no matter which direction it's in. |
As far as school insterests History is my best subject although I hate the essays we have to write.(I am in U.S. History AP) But I suck at math and science. I failed Ipc last year and I am only in Geometry for math :(. I live in Tomball. I dont have a job right now because I dont have my liscence...or permit :( . My faimly isnt poor at all its just my sister is going to college right before me so no real money to pay for me. But as I said joining the army wasnt just based on them paying for college sure its a great bonus but I have always wanted to do something in the military. I just have to be more specific now. |
BCT will help with the 'fat' and you do not need to be 'fast', just not so slow that I can beat you . . . I am a fat old man, so, no problem. |
| There are two types of people in this world. Those who are determined to succeed, regardless of the task set before them and those that watch others succeed. Do not fear what you want to take on. Just commit to yourself that there is no turning back and no stopping. You must see it through to the end. It is better to die than to quit. |
SEALS aren't the only ones in the Navy that pull triggers. |
AMEN! My only regret is that I wasn't smart enough when I joined to get those items and the GI Bill in my contract. Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault!! |
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Basic and AIT are easy. Just shut up and do what you are told. Physically its not as demanding as some high school football programs. If blowing shit up is cool to you, request 13F, Forward Observer. You will get to call in fire from all kinds of arty and mortars. If you get into a Ranger Batt, you will learn to call in fast movers from all branches of the services, naval gunfire, and AC130 gunships, not to mention your own unit's mortar teams. Plenty -o-Fun to go around, not to mention the training you get in a Batt. Get a contract for RIP (Ranger Indoctination Program) You'll get jump school along the way. Probably the most "fun" school in the military. There is a lot of running but big deal. But RIP will be a different story. If you wash our, at least you got to get your wings. If you graduate, you get one of the Ranger Batts, and a LOT of other schools. Noting worthwhile is easy. Sua Sponte, Prib |
Everyone gets the GI bill unless you decline it. If you signed a piece of paper at basic saying you didn't want the GI Bill, then you didn't get it. Other wise you did. |
you should think about 21B Combat Engineer too, we get all the same bonuses the infantry do, our secondary MOS is to be Infantry in a pinch, and our primary job is blow shit up with explosives, can't get more kickass than that. we're infantry with explosives, the best of both worlds(plus, the engineers will teach you to stea... requisition things better than other MOSs). |
I never planned to goto college so I didn't want them taking out the $100 or whatevere it was so I declined it. Stupidest thing I ever did. I thought I'm gonna be all combat style and won't need no stinking college. OOOPS.... 180 credit hours later here I am. |
Hmmmmmmmm you know my son? He's a combat engineer doing MP duties at Cropper right now. He prefers Comabat Engineer. Yes you had this part right...... the engineers will teach you to stea... requisition things better than other MOSs). |
my wife says over all, over all the crazy PTSD, and other problems I have from the Army, the stealing one is the one she least likes  . who can't turn down taking the entire bowl of matches at a bar? me thats who!
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It's what I'm afraid of when he gets back here soon. I know some of what he has done, but I am sure there is plenty I don't know. I've been reminding him he can't do that stuff back home.
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well, i'll tell you what, when i got back i was bonkers, but my family got me to go to the VA and get counseling and meds and I am better now, and thankful they did that for me |