So, I'm joining the Army Reserves...

[RD]

Even if I did change my mind, it's too late.  I've already got everything set up.  I take the physical and other tests next tuesday.  Am I just supposed to tell them I changed my mind?

you can back out at anytime, do not let them tell you otherwise.  it is in the army regulations that you can back out on the first day of basic training!  they dont tell you that, but you can.

Not saying that you should, just informing you of the stuff that you DO NOT KNOW.  There will be a lot more where that comes from too... that is why I said call me.

[Steve P.]

Even if I did change my mind, it's too late.  I've already got everything set up.  I take the physical and other tests next tuesday.  Am I just supposed to tell them I changed my mind?

YES...............

RD makes all very valid points. I hope this is not too late.   Dig deep man.. This is YOUR life. Not some damn recruiters life. To him you are a number that he needs until you are on the other side of the signed line. Then you will never see him and he will never again think of you. I too wanted to go Air Force and was talked into something else buy slick recruiters. The Navy got my ass. 4 X 6 instead of 3 X 6 as I had planned. Also ended up running hot ass steam engines and evaporators instead of MILLS and LATHES and EDM Machines. Oh yeah, I was a Machinist Mate. Just ran different (machines) than I was told.... When I got out of the Navy and went home there was not 1 job to be had in steam engineering anymore. Everything was being converted to automatics and plants that had 300 people running them now only needed 9 or 10.   Dropping bombs is not what you want to do. Nor is Tank repair.. Get into something that is going to give you a good life on the outside..   Trust me, RD and about 300,000,000 others before you on this one....

[4402tuff4u]

My father was in the Army in Korea ended up with Purple Heart medal. I came very close on signing up in the Marines. I was at the recruiters starting to sign papers when I called home to get some information I did'nt have with me and my mom said that I just received a letter from NYIT with acceptance to the engineering program. I had told her where I was going and told her if I get a letter from any school I had apply to let me know asap. I got up and said "thank you gentlemen for your time, but I've changed my mind" They were'nt happy campers I must add.

Congratulations Ghost! best wishes for ya in the new endeavor and stay alert!!

[doctorpimp]

If you have the slightest doubt in your mind about being a soldier, then maybe consider one of the other arms.
Everyone has your best interest in mind and I don't see any alterior motives.
Is there any particular reason why you're joining the Reserve as opposed to the Regular?

The National Guard, Reserve and Regular Army deploy - For 1 year at a time.  The Air Force deploys for 4 months (I think) and the Marines for 6 months.  The Navy deploys all the time, but to far less dangerous places (there is danger everywhere for service people outside their country,) and that depends on your MOS.
I'm not going to get political or be an ass, I am a veteran who served in Afghanistan.  I believe in the War on Terror, you guys got sucker-punched by Al Queda. 
BUT, I don't believe that the coallition should be in Iraq.  It had nothing to do with 9/11 IMO.  Ask yourself if you believe in what the Bush administration is doing there before you fully commit to serving; you can't pick which war you are going to fight.
Bottom line is, do what you believe in.

[TheGhost]

Even if I did change my mind, it's too late.  I've already got everything set up.  I take the physical and other tests next tuesday.  Am I just supposed to tell them I changed my mind?

you can back out at anytime, do not let them tell you otherwise.  it is in the army regulations that you can back out on the first day of basic training!  they dont tell you that, but you can.

Not saying that you should, just informing you of the stuff that you DO NOT KNOW.  There will be a lot more where that comes from too... that is why I said call me.

Allright, I told them that I was going to cancel, in order to think things over.  I'll check out the Air Force tommorow.


The reason I'm going Reserve instead is because I'd like to stay home for a while longer.

[Steve P.]

Before you sign anything,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, talk over your options with people that have been there and that can guide you on a good career path. Don't just get all juiced up and sign what ever they say. You will wind up first in line. That's not a good thing. It's also known as POINT MAN..

[Chargerguy74]

I've been trying to find a way to make the reserves work for me...with schooling and all. Basic training would cut into my summer when I need to make boiler hours. I have already filled out the paper work for the light infantry, just need to set a date for the physical exam.

Many people tried to talk me out of it, but none of them have ever done it. Many have tried to convince me to go into another trade in the army, rather than the infantry, and those are the ones who have seen war. But one thing I ask them is that if they could go back and do it all over again, would they choose something else, or not have joined? Answer always seems to be the same.

[NHCharger]

Ghost, I salute you for wanting to serve and protect our country.
Please listen to the voices of experience above. Several years ago I had a 18 y.o. kid working for me on my construction crew. One day he announced he was joining the Navy to become a Seal, this kid had trouble working 9 hours a day. I tried to tell him the the percentage of recruits that actually make it to Seals is a tiny number, he wouldn't listen. The recruiter told him with the proper conditioning and "tude" he could do it. He is now working in the bowels of an old Navy ship degreasing the engine room floors. He said he's basically working in the bowels of hell and would shoot that recruiter if he ever see's him again.
I have several friend that have been in the Air Force and they have had no problem getting good paying jobs once they left the service.

[Steve P.]

Ghost, I salute you for wanting to serve and protect our country.
Please listen to the voices of experience above. Several years ago I had a 18 y.o. kid working for me on my construction crew. One day he announced he was joining the Navy to become a Seal, this kid had trouble working 9 hours a day. I tried to tell him the the percentage of recruits that actually make it to Seals is a tiny number, he wouldn't listen. The recruiter told him with the proper conditioning and "tude" he could do it. He is now working in the bowels of an old Navy ship degreasing the engine room floors. He said he's basically working in the bowels of hell and would shoot that recruiter if he ever see's him again.
I have several friend that have been in the Air Force and they have had no problem getting good paying jobs once they left the service.

Boy does that sound familiar!!   

When I signed up I wanted to go to school for machining and go on to work on ship tenders. They do repair work. Sort of a floating repair shop that comes to you.. I had taken a couple of years of machine shop in high school and was pretty good at it. I scored very high on every part of the tests taken at the recruiters offices.  So basically I could have been and done about anything I wanted (IF I HAD SOMEONE TELLING ME WHAT A BUNCH OF CROOKED BASSERDS THE RECRUITERS ARE)!!! They do have quota's... Don't let anyone tell you ANY DIFFERENT...   

I was a short timer with all my papers for early leave when my ship was suddenly on it's way to GITMO for training. (MORE LIKE TESTING)!!  They pulled my papers and I sailed again.

[AKcharger]

Don't listen to 'em Ghost!
I've been in the Air Force for 22 years now and we're all bunch of Pansys! I regret every day that I didn't become an 11 Bravo instead of a stupid F-15 & F-16 Crew Chief. Sure I got a few college degrees, A&P license, and got to stay in nice hotels on TDY/TAD but I couldn't set-up an effective DFP or field strip a SAW!

Just some friendly Sarcasm there...Do what you want, we need some ground guys and their job is mucho important now. If you don't like it get out or cross train. The fact of the matter is you have to learn some lessons on your own. I've had a ball in the Air Force but some people do like the Army (bless their hearts)

Good Luck!



SMSgt Bill Holm
Maintenance Superintendent, 80th Aircraft Maintenance Unit
Kunsan Air Base Korea

[Steve P.]

Don't listen to 'em Ghost!
I've been in the Air Force for 22 years now and we're all bunch of Pansys! I regret every day that I didn't become an 11 Bravo instead of a stupid F-15 & F-16 Crew Chief. Sure I got a few college degrees, A&P license, and got to stay in nice hotels on TDY/TAD but I couldn't set-up an effective DFP or field strip a SAW!

Just some friendly Sarcasm there...Do what you want, we need some ground guys and their job is mucho important now. If you don't like it get out or cross train. The fact of the matter is you have to learn some lessons on your own. I've had a ball in the Air Force but some people do like the Army (bless their hearts)

Good Luck!



SMSgt Bill Holm
Maintenance Superintendent, 80th Aircraft Maintenance Unit
Kunsan Air Base Korea

Hey AK, How's it going in KOREA??  I hear the weather is great there this time of year....

[hemi68charger]

Even if I did change my mind, it's too late.  I've already got everything set up.  I take the physical and other tests next tuesday.  Am I just supposed to tell them I changed my mind?

you can back out at anytime, do not let them tell you otherwise.  it is in the army regulations that you can back out on the first day of basic training!  they dont tell you that, but you can.

Not saying that you should, just informing you of the stuff that you DO NOT KNOW.  There will be a lot more where that comes from too... that is why I said call me.

Allright, I told them that I was going to cancel, in order to think things over.  I'll check out the Air Force tommorow.


The reason I'm going Reserve instead is because I'd like to stay home for a while longer.

Well, as you see, you can change your mind. I was going to tell you that it really doesn't matter until you take the oath right before you leave for basic... Where do you live? Are there any Air Force Bases near by? Also, if you're near the coast, the Coast Guard has reserve units as well, I think..........  If I was to do it all over again, I think the Coast Guard would have been my choice.

At any rate, just because you join the reserves/guard, that doesn't mean you'll be sticking around home for very long. There are countless Reserve and Guardsmen deployed now for 1 year hitches...  No one here is going to beat you up about one decision or another. We're trying to inform you on experience., something you don't have yet, but will and you'll be in our shoes before you know it.. Whatever choice you make, make sure it feels totally right by your gut. I thing the "gut-feeling" is one of GOD's safety tools he made in us.....

Also, see if you can get a MOS or AFSC that will teach you a skill to be useful when you get out.. Being a bomb loader on attack aircraft, not much was out there for me when I got out except working for one of the Aircraft companies that build the B-52's and F-16's.........

Troy

[hemi68charger]

Don't listen to 'em Ghost!
I've been in the Air Force for 22 years now and we're all bunch of Pansys! I regret every day that I didn't become an 11 Bravo instead of a stupid F-15 & F-16 Crew Chief. Sure I got a few college degrees, A&P license, and got to stay in nice hotels on TDY/TAD but I couldn't set-up an effective DFP or field strip a SAW!

Just some friendly Sarcasm there...Do what you want, we need some ground guys and their job is mucho important now. If you don't like it get out or cross train. The fact of the matter is you have to learn some lessons on your own. I've had a ball in the Air Force but some people do like the Army (bless their hearts)

Good Luck!



SMSgt Bill Holm
Maintenance Superintendent, 80th Aircraft Maintenance Unit
Kunsan Air Base Korea

SMSgt !!???  Wow !!!  I gotta make sure I'm walking behind you.. lol

Just took my Course 9 for Master and passed !!!!!  now, I just need a Master slot  open up.....

Troy

[TheGhost]

Even if I did change my mind, it's too late.  I've already got everything set up.  I take the physical and other tests next tuesday.  Am I just supposed to tell them I changed my mind?

you can back out at anytime, do not let them tell you otherwise.  it is in the army regulations that you can back out on the first day of basic training!  they dont tell you that, but you can.

Not saying that you should, just informing you of the stuff that you DO NOT KNOW.  There will be a lot more where that comes from too... that is why I said call me.

Allright, I told them that I was going to cancel, in order to think things over.  I'll check out the Air Force tommorow.


The reason I'm going Reserve instead is because I'd like to stay home for a while longer.

Well, as you see, you can change your mind. I was going to tell you that it really doesn't matter until you take the oath right before you leave for basic... Where do you live? Are there any Air Force Bases near by? Also, if you're near the coast, the Coast Guard has reserve units as well, I think..........  If I was to do it all over again, I think the Coast Guard would have been my choice.

At any rate, just because you join the reserves/guard, that doesn't mean you'll be sticking around home for very long. There are countless Reserve and Guardsmen deployed now for 1 year hitches...  No one here is going to beat you up about one decision or another. We're trying to inform you on experience., something you don't have yet, but will and you'll be in our shoes before you know it.. Whatever choice you make, make sure it feels totally right by your gut. I thing the "gut-feeling" is one of GOD's safety tools he made in us.....

Also, see if you can get a MOS or AFSC that will teach you a skill to be useful when you get out.. Being a bomb loader on attack aircraft, not much was out there for me when I got out except working for one of the Aircraft companies that build the B-52's and F-16's.........

Troy

I'm in Nebraska, so I'm pretty far from the coast.  I DID look at trying to get into the Coast Guard Academy when I was a Senior in High School, so I've thought about that option.  The CG would be my first choice for service, if I wasn't so damn far away from the coast.

The nearest Air Force reserve unit is 3 hours away from me, which makes it too far for me to regularly travel.  If I go Air Force, I'll go active instead of reserve.

[hemi68charger]

Even if I did change my mind, it's too late.  I've already got everything set up.  I take the physical and other tests next tuesday.  Am I just supposed to tell them I changed my mind?

you can back out at anytime, do not let them tell you otherwise.  it is in the army regulations that you can back out on the first day of basic training!  they dont tell you that, but you can.

Not saying that you should, just informing you of the stuff that you DO NOT KNOW.  There will be a lot more where that comes from too... that is why I said call me.

Allright, I told them that I was going to cancel, in order to think things over.  I'll check out the Air Force tommorow.


The reason I'm going Reserve instead is because I'd like to stay home for a while longer.

Well, as you see, you can change your mind. I was going to tell you that it really doesn't matter until you take the oath right before you leave for basic... Where do you live? Are there any Air Force Bases near by? Also, if you're near the coast, the Coast Guard has reserve units as well, I think..........  If I was to do it all over again, I think the Coast Guard would have been my choice.

At any rate, just because you join the reserves/guard, that doesn't mean you'll be sticking around home for very long. There are countless Reserve and Guardsmen deployed now for 1 year hitches...  No one here is going to beat you up about one decision or another. We're trying to inform you on experience., something you don't have yet, but will and you'll be in our shoes before you know it.. Whatever choice you make, make sure it feels totally right by your gut. I thing the "gut-feeling" is one of GOD's safety tools he made in us.....

Also, see if you can get a MOS or AFSC that will teach you a skill to be useful when you get out.. Being a bomb loader on attack aircraft, not much was out there for me when I got out except working for one of the Aircraft companies that build the B-52's and F-16's.........

Troy

I'm in Nebraska, so I'm pretty far from the coast.  I DID look at trying to get into the Coast Guard Academy when I was a Senior in High School, so I've thought about that option.  The CG would be my first choice for service, if I wasn't so damn far away from the coast.

The nearest Air Force reserve unit is 3 hours away from me, which makes it too far for me to regularly travel.  If I go Air Force, I'll go active instead of reserve.

What's keeping you from going active now? Go see the World !!!!   

Troy

[doctorpimp]

It's true!
When you are at home and everything is cool - cool parents cool friends...You don't want to leave.  It was like that for me.  I dabbled with the reserves for 6 years and then went regular at 23.  I would have been better off joining right away    I wanted to but I thought I'd be chill and stay around home.
Join the airforce, travel, get paid, save up for college.  If after 10 years, you still love what you're doing keep that money for a house/Charger    If you don't like what your'e doing get reassigned on reinlistment (if the AF can do that??) OR get out and go to college...
You can't lose, just fully investigate trades and jobs before you sign-up.

Paul

[Shakey]

Think of all the great ports of call, where the girls run up to you as you get off the ship -"me love you long time".   

You'll be able to tell the Grandchildren you got VD in Saigon, Singapore and Spain.

[TheGhost]

Think of all the great ports of call, where the girls run up to you as you get off the ship -"me love you long time".   

You'll be able to tell the Grandchildren you got VD in Saigon, Singapore and Spain.

That's Navy.  I'm looking at the Army or Air Force.

[Shakey]

Think of all the great ports of call, where the girls run up to you as you get off the ship -"me love you long time".   

You'll be able to tell the Grandchildren you got VD in Saigon, Singapore and Spain.

That's Navy.  I'm looking at the Army or Air Force.

Oh OK - so when you get off the plane or out of the tank.....

Good luck with whatever you choose and remember, it's never too dry to wear a raincoat!   

[Steve P.]

You can fly in the Navy too...... 


     Never
     Again
     Volunteer
     Yourself                   

     It took me a long time to forget all the reasons I DID NOT reinlist. It took this post to bring it all back....

[Steve P.]

I'm just messing with ya.. Doing your time is both an honor and an adventure..  Wait, did I say it was an adventure?? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha..........  Sometimes I crack myself up!!    It's a way of life. You don't get any choice in where you go or what you do. You do as you are told without question. You do only what you were trained for. Shoot a gun. Scrub a toilet. Stare at a monitor. Drop a bomb. Load a missile. Build a bridge. Dig a hole. Jump straight up in the air. It doesn't matter. That's what you are going to do. The guys that have been in for a longgggg time, (lifers), are the guys that made it through all that crap and it's a little different for them now. They are making better money and don't have the toilet scrubbing jobs. It gets better as you get better.

The best advice any of us can give is this. Make sure this is what you want and it's for the right reasons. Don't get bullied into it by anyone. Tell those pussy recruiters to get back to the real action and stay away from the shopping malls. Tell them you want proof that they recruited their brothers and cousins and nephews.

[RD]

Everett, i am glad that you are becoming an informed consumer.  that shows a lot of maturity on your end to look at the whole picture and decide what is in YOUR best interests.  If the Army is still what you want, then I will slap you , but I guess you will do it.  Talk to Bill (AKcharger) and Troy (hemi68charger) in reference to Air Force information after you hear what the recruiter says.  That way you can take the lies the recruiter may be saying and cross reference them with truth from our guys here on the board.

I am proud of you for considering the service, just do it on YOUR terms and not theirs.

[RD]

But one thing I ask them is that if they could go back and do it all over again, would they choose something else, or not have joined? Answer always seems to be the same.

I know that answer. YES, I WOULD DO SOMETHING ELSE.  I WOULD DO EVERYTHING DIFFERENTLY BY JOINING THE DAMN AIR FORCE.

74, go on with your gung ho self, no one here will stop you.  If you think being a ground pounder is the life for you, then by all means go for it!  That is great that you made a decision and now you will have to stick to it.  Just remember one thing.  The infantry is the only MOS besides being a cook that takes guys who will have to either go to jail or join the Army.  Does not take much to enlist bullet catchers if you know what I mean?

[AKcharger]

Ghost

Since it seems like you are giving some room for consideration in your career let me share a few things about the military from my 22 years in the Air Force. I love the Air Force, it's treated me well and I in-turn have work hard for it
The good?
My family and I have lived in Florida, Virginia, Japan, England, Alaska and vacationed all over Europe and Asia 

I've deployed with fighters to 6 of the 7 continents from simple training missions to combat to my recent "semi-secret" trip to Panama in Nov to fly Fighter cover for Air Force one while the President was in S. America

I've had the chance to earn 3 degrees and 4 FAA licenses

I make a good salary now and when I retire I'll be fine...while not rich, if I need a part for my charger I'm not going to have to worry about it

and #1 most important (this could be said for all services) I know what I do is IMPORTANT and I feel a sense of accomplishment.

The Bad?
Time spent away from family
Occasional idiots for bosses (but I don't have as many now)
...that's about it

Why is the AF better...MONEY we spend money on our peolple and it shows. better dorms, individual gear, more training, nicer hotel rooms ect
- Marines get their $ from the Navy...what's left of it
- Army doesn't get that much it seems
- Don't know what the Navy does but They don't live as good as us AF guys
- Coast Guard is equal to the AF in my option, at least from what I've seen

Also we use an "Air Expeditionay Force" cycle whice makes deployments predicatble. Once every 1 1/2 years you deploy for 4 months, unlike our Navy Friends (4-6 months a year..right guys?) Army and Marines 1 year tours in Iraq and Stans

We do have one-year remotes tours like the one I'm on now but those are usually once a career (twice for me)...that's the type of stuff that makes marrages last for 20 years...like mine to Mopar Suebear!


Good luck PM me if you have more questions

Bill

Steve - Weather is nice warm, low 80's and not humid yet. Since I don't have a Charger here I've been doing lots of flying, they have an aero club here and I'm an Instructor pilot (oh yeah one more plus for the air force)
Troy - Yup a SMSgt with great power and authority! With my 1 FW SNCO of the year and this tour to the Kun I've got a great shot at chief

[Steve P.]

Good to hear your doing well, AK... I could not agree more with you on all your recommendations... I pointed one of my cousins into the AF and he did very well. Still is and using his AF training every day at work.. He works on jets and loves it..  Big money too....   

Ghost, everyone here is trying to help. We all sit down to our own tables for dinner and have our own lives. This is your life to decide on. We are just giving you the best lived lessons we can. Would you have an experienced engine builder build your motor or the part timer at the local parts store?? Recruiters are not pro's. They don't even know what most of the rates are that they are sending you out to be!! They just know how many numbers of what rate needs to be filled. Be smart....