Military folk

Just getting on the nervous side. I am planning on joining the US airforce and have been reading Asvab. the more i read the more nervous i become. I have not really talked to a recruiter. Just would like some stories on how you joined the military and if you studied for the test. (which turns out most didn't)
Were you married?
shipped over seas?
just like an idea.
sadly i do not know what i even want to do when i join. what MOS i would even want...

Don't be nervous about the asvab, the average person does just fine on it.

I grew up an army brat, so joining the military myself wasn't such a big choice. (Of course, this was back in the early 90's, before all hell broke loose.)
I took the asvab in high school, and scored well. I never studied. I had it in my head that I wanted to become a state trooper once I got out, so I picked Military Police as an MOS. They told me it wasn't available, and I told them I wasn't signing anything until I got my choice. It's amazing how quickly a class spot opened up for me.

I was not married when I went in, but I did get married while I was in. I didn't get shipped overseas, though I wanted to be. (Wanted Germany, I miss it.) I spent all five years at White Sands Missile Range, NM and then came back to WV when I finished my duty.

As far as picking an MOS, take a look at the list, and think of the things you enjoy doing and what you might like to do once you get out. You'll definitely pick up some valuable job skills that will aid you in your future endeavors. It wouldn't hurt to talk to a recruiter if you've got questions - they're there to answer them.

Good luck!

Ahhh... I can't answer your questions, unfortunately. I'm only a spouse and never joined the military myself, outside of marrying into it. And my hubby went the ROTC route, so, so far as I know, he didn't ever take the asvab himself. I wish Nate was here (one of our admins) because he just signed up last year (Air Force). He finished up basic and is now almost done with tech school. I'm sure others can answer those direct questions, though.

What I wanted to say is to remind you to have a very clear plan about what to do with your animals while going through military commitments. You wouldn't be able to take them to basic...and probably not tech school either, depending on living situations. If you're single, I think you have to live in a dorm-type setting for tech school. And some base housing, even outside the dorms, have strict rules about what kinds of pets and how many are allowed. Not to mention deployments (they WILL happen, no matter what field you go into) and potential moves to exotic locations overseas.

Even as a spouse who stays home, with 20+ years in the military, we still have to give a LOT of thoughts to our pets each and every time we move. Finding a home that will not just fit our family but allow our pets. Transporting our pets. Checking on local restrictions on exotics. It's a lot to consider and deal with...and we move a LOT. Eight moves in the last eleven years. I can never have more than a small collection of critters....and I've got a pretty good routine down for transporting them....but it's a huge pain in the butt every time, let me tell you. Nothing like driving for twelve hours straight across the desert in the summer time with a car full of heat-sensitive animals. :P

I am in NO way wanting to discourage your thoughts about joining the Air Force. Personally, I think it's one of the best things a young person can do for themselves...especially if they want to go to college, but don't have the financial means to do so. Stay in for just a few years...or for a full, life-time career....it's an amazing experience. Just know going in that pets and military don't mix well together.

:salute:

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Originally Posted by JLC

Ahhh... I can't answer your questions, unfortunately. I'm only a spouse and never joined the military myself, outside of marrying into it. And my hubby went the ROTC route, so, so far as I know, he didn't ever take the asvab himself. I wish Nate was here (one of our admins) because he just signed up last year (Air Force). He finished up basic and is now almost done with tech school. I'm sure others can answer those direct questions, though.

What I wanted to say is to remind you to have a very clear plan about what to do with your animals while going through military commitments. You wouldn't be able to take them to basic...and probably not tech school either, depending on living situations. If you're single, I think you have to live in a dorm-type setting for tech school. And some base housing, even outside the dorms, have strict rules about what kinds of pets and how many are allowed. Not to mention deployments (they WILL happen, no matter what field you go into) and potential moves to exotic locations overseas.

Even as a spouse who stays home, with 20+ years in the military, we still have to give a LOT of thoughts to our pets each and every time we move. Finding a home that will not just fit our family but allow our pets. Transporting our pets. Checking on local restrictions on exotics. It's a lot to consider and deal with...and we move a LOT. Eight moves in the last eleven years. I can never have more than a small collection of critters....and I've got a pretty good routine down for transporting them....but it's a huge pain in the butt every time, let me tell you. Nothing like driving for twelve hours straight across the desert in the summer time with a car full of heat-sensitive animals. :P

I am in NO way wanting to discourage your thoughts about joining the Air Force. Personally, I think it's one of the best things a young person can do for themselves...especially if they want to go to college, but don't have the financial means to do so. Stay in for just a few years...or for a full, life-time career....it's an amazing experience. Just know going in that pets and military don't mix well together.

:salute:

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AH, That is defiantly one thing i am worried about. My animals. I have been with my boyfriend now for 5 years. We are not sure if we want to get married before i join due to the stress of joining and newly married drama but at the same time we have been together for a while and think what does a piece of paper due to our relationship anyways. but, i know training is in Texas for 8 weeks. maybe have him take care of my snakes for me till i know how or where i will end up to see if i can bring them and my small dog with me. but at the same time not sure if it would be best for me to rid my collection and stay with the dog till i am more stable so i do not have to have someone who has little knowledge in keeping reptiles, with the responsibility if MY animals.

Maybe i should send a little message to Nate and say JLC says you have good info for a newbie. =]
"Not to mention deployments (they WILL happen, no matter what field you go into) and potential moves to exotic locations overseas. "
Why i am also scared to join. I have no idea how to go about sending my animals over seas! if i was to be based in Germany....

I know i cant let things keep me from trying to make a career specially in this economy. but, animals is all i ever had. I never had friends >.< so, i would be scared for them and how to go about moving them. Guess i am more scared about oversea then in the states moves. =[

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Originally Posted by Shadera

Don't be nervous about the asvab, the average person does just fine on it.

I grew up an army brat, so joining the military myself wasn't such a big choice. (Of course, this was back in the early 90's, before all hell broke loose.)
I took the asvab in high school, and scored well. I never studied. I had it in my head that I wanted to become a state trooper once I got out, so I picked Military Police as an MOS. They told me it wasn't available, and I told them I wasn't signing anything until I got my choice. It's amazing how quickly a class spot opened up for me.

I was not married when I went in, but I did get married while I was in. I didn't get shipped overseas, though I wanted to be. (Wanted Germany, I miss it.) I spent all five years at White Sands Missile Range, NM and then came back to WV when I finished my duty.

As far as picking an MOS, take a look at the list, and think of the things you enjoy doing and what you might like to do once you get out. You'll definitely pick up some valuable job skills that will aid you in your future endeavors. It wouldn't hurt to talk to a recruiter if you've got questions - they're there to answer them.

Good luck!

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Ahah military brat. My sister is in the air force herself but she is not so great on the communication part of it. she also has a thing about her trying to make me leave my boyfriend. because we had A break up one time for 3 weeks during our whole 5 years together...so, i feel her information might be biased as to helping me determining a job i would enjoy or ways for me to stay close to home (meaning us).

i looked up some of the jobs but just got over whelmed. I thought when i got out i could do some fun in vet care specializing in exotics or having to play with genetics and chemically messing with them under a telescope. though not sure what kinda job i could get liking animals XD I did do lots or artsy fartsy stuff and building things. though i got certificates in lots of art subjects in high school and college. just never put it to use since the art field is so hard to get into, just realistically never thought it could get me someplace.

i think i will talk to one. i do need to work out too >.> scared of basic training and how much it will kick my butt.

ASVAB is a joke, don't even worry about it.

I joined the Marine Corps cause I didn't want to go to college right away, best decision I ever made.

Just be prepared that your life won't be your own anymore, you basically "clocked in" 24/7/365. Airforce is probably less so than the Marine Corps though, they're much more relaxed.

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Originally Posted by devildog_dk

ASVAB is a joke, don't even worry about it.

I joined the Marine Corps cause I didn't want to go to college right away, best decision I ever made.

Just be prepared that your life won't be your own anymore, you basically "clocked in" 24/7/365. Airforce is probably less so than the Marine Corps though, they're much more relaxed.

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AHAH every male, no a good percentage of them tell me it is a joke and most women say they wished they studied to get a better position.
guess it never hurts to brush up on math though right?

Yea that would be the biggest section to look at if you're going for a technical MOS

The Asvab is no big deal. If you're really concerned, pick up a study book and prepare. Most don't and do just fine. Although, in the Coast Guard at least, the better you did, the more schools you qualified for. And if you're not too commited to the Air Force as of yet, check out the Coast Guard. Best branch of service by far...although I'm partial as I just retired after 20 years...:P Yesterday as a matter of fact...I already miss it...:tears:

Here's a forum where you can learn about the different ratings (jobs) and general info about the CG...
http://forums.military.com/eve/ubb.x/a/cfrm/f/67919558

Joining the CG was the best thing I ever did...they'll give you every opportunity to go as far and accomplish as much as you want.

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Originally Posted by sho220

The Asvab is no big deal. If you're really concerned, pick up a study book and prepare. Most don't and do just fine. Although, in the Coast Guard at least, the better you did, the more schools you qualified for. And if you're not too commited to the Air Force as of yet, check out the Coast Guard. Best branch of service by far...although I'm partial as I just retired after 20 years...:P Yesterday as a matter of fact...I already miss it...:tears:

Here's a forum where you can learn about the different ratings (jobs) and general info about the CG...
http://forums.military.com/eve/ubb.x/a/cfrm/f/67919558

Joining the CG was the best thing I ever did...they'll give you every opportunity to go as far and accomplish as much as you want.

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Thank you!
I might be biased to air force since my older sister is in it. I have heard coast guard was a good place to go. just something new is scary ahah! plus i never been on a boat...ever......
but congratulations on retirement!

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Originally Posted by pinkeye714

Thank you!
I might be biased to air force since my older sister is in it. I have heard coast guard was a good place to go. just something new is scary ahah! plus i never been on a boat...ever......
but congratulations on retirement!

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The best times I ever had were on the boat...and that was when I was chipping paint and peeling potatoes! And scary??? I was fresh out of boot camp and on the ship for maybe 2 or 3 months before we got a call to get underway for a SAR case. We left Boston harbor at around 1am. Seas were pretty rough...this was back in October/November of '91...it was a pretty nasty storm...someone actually wrote a book about it and later they made a movie about it...starred some guy named Clooney and Wahlberg, I think...:D
You'll meet people who will become the best friends you've ever had...you'll put your life in their hands without a second thought, and they'll do the same...shipmates stick together through everything. Unless you've been there, it's really hard to explain...but don't forget...the Coast Guard isn't all boats...there are tons of shore stations...all over the country. Just depends on what you want to do.

I can't tell you much about the Air Force, being as I was Navy, but really, don't worry about the ASVAB. The worst you can do is stress out about it, most of it is multiple choice and most of the answers are super obvious. And you only have to score like a 35 to pass.

If you aren't set on the Air Force, the Navy DOES have two points to recommend it.

1. You get to pick where you want to go. You're given a list of openings for your rate and paygrade, and you give back your top five.

2. PORT. VISITS. I've been to over a dozen countries, including Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Russia, Guam, and quite a few others. You'll see more of the world when with the Navy than with anything else.

At MEPS, regardless of the branch, don't let them bully you into a job you don't want. If they try, threaten to walk. You'd be surprised how quick they'll give in.

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Originally Posted by SilverDemon

I can't tell you much about the Air Force, being as I was Navy, but really, don't worry about the ASVAB. The worst you can do is stress out about it, most of it is multiple choice and most of the answers are super obvious. And you only have to score like a 35 to pass.

If you aren't set on the Air Force, the Navy DOES have two points to recommend it.

1. You get to pick where you want to go. You're given a list of openings for your rate and paygrade, and you give back your top five.

2. PORT. VISITS. I've been to over a dozen countries, including Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Russia, Guam, and quite a few others. You'll see more of the world when with the Navy than with anything else.

At MEPS, regardless of the branch, don't let them bully you into a job you don't want. If they try, threaten to walk. You'd be surprised how quick they'll give in.

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Thank you.
but, cant they threaten me back? saying i signed up already and cant walk out now anyways type thing?
I have looked into a couple jobs i might wanna do, but would like to see where i score before making a set decision.

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Originally Posted by pinkeye714

Thank you.
but, cant they threaten me back? saying i signed up already and cant walk out now anyways type thing?
I have looked into a couple jobs i might wanna do, but would like to see where i score before making a set decision.

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First, you can walk away pretty much anytime you want in the beginning. Even after you do the enlistment oath and "sign the dotted line" (you'll hear that phrase a LOT), you can still walk away. There's a special type of discharge you can get. Do NOT let them bully you into a job that you're not interested in.

I spent 4 years in the Air Force, and I wasn't thrilled to be there when I signed up, but it really was one of the best decisions I've made. I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up, (and I was getting awfully grown up in the meantime :O), but I actually enjoyed my AF job so much that it gave me direction for what I wanted to do with my life AND it's paying for all of my college now. (ALL tuition, PLUS textbook stipend PLUS tutoring stipend PLUS housing allowance. You just don't get any better than that.)

Jobs: it depends on your aptitudes. The ASVAB is not tough, but your score does determine what type of jobs you're qualified for. If you really want a particular job that requires a high ASVAB, you may want to study. Of course, if you have to study to qualify for a job, it's going to be really tough for you in tech school and you may end up "washing out" (failing) into another, less desirable career field, so I would almost say you shouldn't study and then you'll actually get a job that fits your skill levels. Also, keep in mind that when you do promotion testing, you're competing against other people in your career field, so if you're smarter than most of the people in your job, you're going to get promoted faster.

When you go talk to the recruiter, you can either request to join "open general", or you can pick a list of up to 5 jobs. If you go OG, you will get a date for basic faster and will be getting paid more quickly, but you have no control over which job you get--they'll just stick you where they have the most openings. If you pick the 5 jobs, you're saying, "I will not enlist unless you can guarantee me one of these jobs." Sometimes, if you pick a job with very few openings (like Public Relations, or AF Band), you could be waiting years for one to open up. I picked moderately in-demand jobs, signed the MEPS paperwork in September and started basic training the following January, so it wasn't too bad.

I was a Bioenvironmental Engineering Tech (4B0X1), and I LOVED it. It's a tough job, and you have to be smart and have good professional judgement, but every day was different, and it's usually a M-F, 0730-1630 type of job, though there were definitely exceptions. Also, because we had to work so closely with our officers, a lot of the "military" stuff was more background noise than an everyday thing (instead of standing at attention and knocking on my Captain's door to talk to him, I leaned out of my cubicle and said "Hey, Captain..."). I'm pretty anti-authority, so that was nice.

Try to stay away from flightline jobs--they tend to deploy a lot, work very long hours in nasty conditions, and are pissy to all the "non-ers" (people who don't work on the flightline). Medical jobs are good, and transfer well to the civilian world if you decide you don't want to make the military a career. Civil Engineering jobs can be kind of a mixed bag, but don't pick a "Red Horse" squadron unless you want to be deployed ALLLLL the time. Some jobs, like Cryptolinguist and Weather have really long tech schools. Security Forces (cops) and Services (chow hall, gym, etc.) have the lowest required ASVAB scores, and are where you usually get sent if you "wash out" of another job's tech school. This is a great link: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joini...joining_up.htm Read everything you can on there, and if you click on "enlisted jobs", you can read the job description for every possible career field.

Overall, good luck with your choice. I don't have the right temperament to be career military (I like making my own choices about the big things in life, like where to live, what I can do, etc.), but it was a really good experience that taught me a lot of self control. The pay's about the best you're going to find without a college education, the benefits are awesome, and you never have to worry about which outfit to wear to work each day. ;) (Unless you're Navy...those guys have about a million different types of uniforms, and none of them are flattering except the super-duper dress uniforms :P)

Hope that helps!

I'm an Army reservist, and I just got back from Afghanistan earlier this year. Honestly it was one of the Navy guys I worked with that convinced me to jump into snakes (already had lizards and a turtle).

The Asvab is silly. I didn't study, or really sleep, or eat before taking it, and still got like an 89 or something. So really, as others have said, don't worry too much.

I joined after high school merely because it seemed like a good idea, which it was. Though I almost have a regret or two. I didn't think of threatening them of walking if I didn't get what I wanted. So I suckered into looking at the list there, and even beyond that, I should have chosen MI (military intel) when it was offered.

Though if there is any other branch that I would join, it would be the Navy. Really only because they get to see so much more of the world.

Also, I've been in a long term relationship now, I think it's somewhere around 4-5 years. The beginning of it was questionable to me, but whatever. However, whenever I've been gone, my girlfriend has taken care of all of my pets. It was fun making her get used to the idea of caring for a snapping turtle (she wanted me to get rid of him, but I couldn't)

Anywho, Just make sure you do your research, but regardless, you will love the military. Sometimes it really does suck when you're in the moment, but as soon as the moment has passed all you can do is remember it and laugh for some strange reason.

haha thank you everyone. Last question...>.>
How well were you guys prepared for the basic training....
I cant do more then 3 push ups! I think i need a gym membership.

I'm a male, and I couldn't do one push up to their standard at first.

Don't worry, they'll take care of you.

I couldn't do one when I went in. Not many of the ladies could. No worries, you will leave there able to do many once they're done with you. There's no lacking in the physical fitness department. :rofl:

My dad was a drill instructor at one point when I was growing up, so I was definitely mentally prepared for things. That was the big thing, that a lot of it is mental.

True, one of the biggest keys to the training is -----Don't take it personal----------

Seriously, they are doing their job, and you are training to do yours. The people who had the worst time were those who took it personal, or made it personal.

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Originally Posted by pinkeye714

Just getting on the nervous side. I am planning on joining the US airforce and have been reading Asvab. the more i read the more nervous i become. I have not really talked to a recruiter. Just would like some stories on how you joined the military and if you studied for the test. (which turns out most didn't)
Were you married?
shipped over seas?
just like an idea.
sadly i do not know what i even want to do when i join. what MOS i would even want...

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The asvab is easier than you think, kinda like taking the written test fro a drivers license. If you want to know what questions you should ask a recruiter, pm me and I will have my husband give me a list for you (he is an army recruiter).

My advise is talk to more than one recruiter, and if they cant offer you a job you really think you will enjoy dont take it, it is at least 4 years of your life so you will want to enjoy it :)

I have been an enlisted member of the Air Force for almost 3 years in January. One thing I don't believe anyone has mentioned is when you talk to a recruiter they will give you a practice ASVAB. This will give you a good idea on where you stand and what kind of careers you qualify.

I am a meteorologist. It is not an easy tech school or jcareer but the people I work with a great. The majority of airmen do not get deployed from their first duty station, unless they go out of their way to volunteer in my career field. THIS DOES NOT MEAN IT CAN'T HAPPEN.

Trust me, I would prepare for basic but they WILL get you to their standards before the end of your 8 weeks. All tech schools varies in time and base you will have. Mine was 8 months in Biloxi, MS. If you are married you can have your spouse move down to your tech school and you can move off base or have on base housing if available after around a month of being there.

Make an educated choice, DO NOT join open general. Take the time to research every career you have an interest in, try to talk with people that are actually doing it.

Good luck.

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Originally Posted by pinkeye714

haha thank you everyone. Last question...>.>
How well were you guys prepared for the basic training....
I cant do more then 3 push ups! I think i need a gym membership.

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Don't worry...they'll beat you into shape...:D

What MissMowgli (Heather) said is probably the best advice anyone could give you as far as the Air Force goes. Everything she said is on point and couldn't be said any better.

One thing to remember. Yes the recruiters are there for you, but remember they are there for themselves first and foremost. They need you. They will tell you whatever you want to hear to get you in. It's all about numbers and quotas. They have to make quota or they look bad. They also get paid more money to be recruiters. If they can't maintain, then they gota move on and go back to a regular assignment. It is never too late to walk out. You can even walk out the second you get to boot camp.

Thank you everyone! I am less nervous now defiantly!

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Originally Posted by TessadasExotics

You can even walk out the second you get to boot camp.

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That's pretty much what boot camp was for...weeding out those who couldn't cut it...