Military folk

[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...

[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!

[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.

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.

[pinkeye714]

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.

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.

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. =[

[pinkeye714]

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!

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.

[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.

[pinkeye714]

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.

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?

[devildog_dk]

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

[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... Yesterday as a matter of fact...I already miss it...

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.

[pinkeye714]

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... Yesterday as a matter of fact...I already miss it...

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.

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!