Kevin, I don't know what rating you are but, my rating was not bed of roses. It was definetly portrayed as one when I was classified in "boot camp" 42 years ago. I wanted to be a draftsman and was told there was no call for them and, after being in the Navy a while I realized that there was only a few in the Navy. I retired as a Senior Chief Engineman (submarine service, diesel boats) and I was very fortunate during my career. I got over three years of schooling (civilian & military) on diesel engines, heating and air conditioning, hydraulics, compressed air systems and of course recruiting. After I retired, I continued working in the heating and air conditioning trade and retired from there as a design engineering technician three years ago. I do agree that anyone thinking of joining any branch of the service should indeed speak to someone that has been there and has no interest in your enlisting. I do also believe that any recruiters that are out there that are telling outright lies should be terminated from recruiting duty. The military service is not any different than any other career, you get out of it what you put into it. The best point is retiring early. I was 37 years old when I retired.

 

I'll stick up for my recruiters, they gave me a great deal!!! They were up front and helpful, they got me a guaranteed school too. I am very satisfied. They can only offer you what you are qualified for at the time you enlist. There are quotas to fill and popular ratings are over-billeted and they can not promise you a particular job if it is over manned. If any one is thinking about taking the ASVAB or whatever entry test they offer these days, make sure you buy some practice tests at the book store and learn how to take a test!!! If you can get a higher score, it will open up better jobs. You may be bright, but you can get flustered and screw up the test. In 1984 I got a 97 on the Asvab which opened me up to a possible Nuke reactor job. I am not that smart, I did alot of practice asvab's and beat the system. I settled for Avionics and was happy.
The practice tests might be in the "study aids" section of your local bookstore.

 

I signed on friday for 5 years in the army as a special opps recruit. Im going regular enlisted instead of officer canditate school for a couple reasons. The main one being that i wouldnt feel that i had earned the rank. If things go well, i may look at being an officer at a later date.
I was told they have revised the ASVAB a couple times over the years. In order to enlist i think you have to get a 40. I also believe each branch calculates the score differently.
I have been speaking with a friend of mine from school that had gone thru this program afew years ago, so i have an idea on what ill be going thru.
I ship out May 9th for 14 weeks of basic at Fort Benning, Georgia. The only thing im not looking foreward to is the crap from the younger kids not used to being told what to do.
Thanks for all the advise and info, you all know how tough it is to get anything from the government.
PS. i have no ill feelings toward recruiters, theyre just doing their jobs, and filling their quotas.

Thanks

Tony Warren
Nebraska

 

Good Luck Tony,

I feel you have made a wise choice. Boot Camp generally sucks--just remember that 99% of the time there is nothing personal with what's going on, it's just part of the conditioning.

I still remember the pride I felt when I first was a full fledged sailor wearing my Service Dress Blues, I'm sure you will fell the same when that day comes! My family was even more proud than I was (they still are.)

I would recommend joing the TSP program. Basically where you invest what ever amount of pay you choose tax free into what ever mutal fund you choose. Even if it's only $50 a month--before you know it, you will have a pretty nice nest egg. $$$ for truck parts!!!! :-)

Keep us abreast of what's happening in your career once it begins.

Best of Luck!!

Kevin

 

Tony,
First and foremost, I want to thankyou for your decision. The military is a great place to grow and learn. My 18 year old son enlisted in the Navy last month. He ships out this fall. I spent 6 years in the Army and came away a better man. The only advice I can give is:

1) NEVER VOLUNTEER

2) NEVER VOLUNTEER

3) NEVER VOLUNTEER

J/K enjoy your time in and once again ....Thankyou

 

Thanks guys for all the advice. Ill check in when i can, im sure it will be a while.

Tony Warren
Nebraska

 

I say go for it too. I wouldnt trade my experience in the Marine Infantry for anything. Good luck! Oh and about the recruiters, maybe if more people were willing to join they wouldnt have to hound so much.