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txglock21 wrote:

x007x wrote:Hey everyone, just seeing how it's going for you. AIT was easy and I got my requested duty station. Hello!! from South Korea! Enjoying it and making the best of it and going to explore this side of the world within a year from now. I am at Camp Humphrey's now. Have been here for almost 2 months now.

I was stationed at Osan AB about the time you were being born. If you get a chance, try to make it to Seoul. You will really enjoy it. I was there for the '88 Summer Olympics. South Korea was probably my best time in the Air Force.

angretired wrote:If you want a sense of what the miltiary is about, take the time to visit a VA hospital and talk with some veterans. Better yet, go to Walter Reed or even a National cemetary such as Arlington. Volunteer for a Wounded Warrior project. You will quickly realize all gave some and some gave all and many joined for the same reason(s) you are considering. In my opinion, there is no higher calling of a profession. It's a very serious commitment, particularly in the world we live in today. Some veterans had no choice (drafted) and others voluntarily joined for many reasons including the "opportunities". All will tell you; the pay is low, the hours are long, some places and conditions are deplorable. I am sure you will have a completely different perspective after joining than you do today.

Having said that:
I served 23 years in the Air Force and proud of it. All branches have the same opporuntiies for a noable career and none are any better or worse than the other. It all depends on you, your interests, physical ability and goals. The Air Force gave me training (3 career fields), education (Bachelor of Science and 2 AAS) and travel far beyond my expectations. I had some real crappy assignments and deployments as well as some awesome ones. My first enlistment was 6 years as a security specialist (AF grunt) guarding nuclear missile sites, aircraft, personnel and bases. I carried several types of small arms on a daily basis including m16,m203, m60, m9, 38. I then retrained on my 2nd enlistement into my 2nd career field in Aircraft maintenance including KC-135, B-52g/h, B-1B and the beddown of the B-2B. My 3rd career was on the AF Honor Guard and peformed at many events including parades, ball games, retirements, promotions, change of command ceremonies, dignitary arrivals/departures and of course providing honors to our fallen hero's. I volunteered to be at every funeral whether active duty, retired or veteran. I respectfully carried the casket, played TAPS, cased the flag, 21 gun salute and also presented the flag to the next of kin. I can tell you, there is nothing more humbling or sobering than carrying a casket with the US Flag draped over the veteran who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I could probably write a novel about my experiences in the AF but there has been none greater than honoring veterans for their service.

When I joined the AF, I was looking for a job and a chance to do something with my life. During my career, my perspecitve about the world, politicans, religion and people in general changed. I would like to believe, I became a better citizen, patriot and hopefully gave a small payment back to those who served before me.

The military has changed dramatically over the years and even during my short career. Familiy and friends would always ask if I was going to make a career of it every time I reenlisted. I often replied, "I'm not sure yet'. I wouldn't recommend or advise against a military career to anyone. Its not for everyone though. I guess I did make a career of it because I'm now in the retired reserves. I advise young people interested in joining the military a few things. If you decide to join; talk to veterans about the various branches - not recruiters, pick the branch that fits your abilities and desires, look into commissioned officer training, check out the air national guard & reserves (many well kept secrets), try to pick the best job possible and make the best of all the education, training and travel opportunites. The only regret you may have is not taking advantage of them.

Best of luck on your decision!

Respectfully to all veterans and their families,

Master Sergeant, AF, Ret

rotor wrote:Served 8 years in the AF but why would you join the military for the career that you desire? I respect everyone that joins the military but the service is NOT a stepping stone to being a gunsmith or opening up a range. Sign up for a gunsmith school if that's what you want. Especially do not listen to what a recruiter "promises". Their job is to recruit. You need to think this out a lot more before deciding on your future.

fizteach wrote:I joined the Marines because I wanted to learn from the best and I would do it again.

howdy wrote:Start this off by saying I was in the Marines, so I am a little biased. That being said....are you married. The Marines and Navy have very few overseas assignments that allow the spouse to go along. The Air Force is a gentlemans service...good bases, good barracks/housing, etc. The Marines have nice tents and the Navy has big grey boats. The Army has most of the money and great equipment. The Marines have the tradition. Lots of men join the service to be Army Special Forces, Navy Seals, Marine Recon, or Air Force Para Recue. Very, very few get accepted for those schools and even fewer finish those courses. All that said, look at the Coast Guard. They have great base locations, great bases, and they are always performing a mission, not just training for one. They are very involved with Federal Law Enforcement, so that might give you an "in" with them.

K.Mooneyham wrote:

x007x wrote:My schooling has not been the best. I was not a good grade student, and I'm coming to an end with schooling. I am 24 about to be 25 in couple months and I still don't have anything to go with. I've always had a priority problems, but I mean, it's me. No one else is to blame. I should of had a degree by now, but I was never taking the general degree classes and only taking classes for the major. I feel the military will be a good life changer. Also, if I do go and I am able to open a business; ill find some good buddies out there that will make a good team partner.

Have you taken the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test? That might be a good place to start, to see what areas you are strong in and what areas you are weak in...for instance, I was strong in mechanical and electronics areas and weak in administrative...I ended up being an aircraft electrician and mechanic in the USAF. Also, I agree with the person who said go talk to ALL of the recruiters...I also agree that the Army and Marines are likely going to put you more into contact with firearms, but that might not get you armorer training. Talk to the Navy and USAF and see what they have open for that sort of job...you won't know until you ask. BTW, I served with some folks that said they weren't all that great in school, but they did well in the USAF anyway. A clean background and the right attitude is much more important than straight As in school, IMHO. Good luck with whatever career choice you make.