Military or ex-military?

[Charger1973]

Just wondering who here has served or is currently enlisted?  I have been out for about 2 years now, I was a Cavalry Scout in the Army.

[hemi68charger]

I've been active duty for 5+ years from '87 to '91 and then again for a year after 9/11....  Still in the Air National Guard and getting ready for another Iraqi deployment.. I'm going on my 18th year.....  When I got out from active duty, I used my GI Bill to get my BS degree.......

TSgt. Troy

[mikepmcs]

US Navy
Combat Aircrewman
20 years in about 2 months.....retiring.

Wouldn't trade it for the world. Had alot of fun and some not so fun, but i'm still here and proud to have done the deal.  I remember when i joined like it was yesterday, and now it's over.

[Charger1973]

I was in from Jan 03 until Mar 05.  There is alot of times I miss it, and alot of times I am just glad to be home. 

[Charger71]

I was in the USMCR from 1991-1998. Was recently told I was too old to rejoin the Corps.  Whatever...

Charger71

[BLACKWOLF]

I was a 5 ton wrecker driver and light wheel vehicle mechanic in the Missouri Army National Guard from nov. 83 to nov. 89 in the HQ 135th in Sedalia, Mo. . I got a medical discharge. Because, i blew a disc in my lower back which required surgery.

[Afflyer]

I was a proud member of the Indiana Army National Guard from June 15th, 1985 through December 26th, 1988.
On December 27th, 1988, I left my hometown of Muncie, Indiana and went to Lackland AFB in Texas where I began my Air Force career.  That was just over eighteen years ago. 

I am making plans on putting in my retirement paperwork on the 16th of July, and forecasting my retirement out one year from then.  That will put me right at twenty years of faithfull, steadfast and proud service to our country.  I will be 42 when I hang my flight suit up for the last time next summer of 2008.

I salute all who have served our proud nation before and those who still do to this day- and lastly to those who will serve after I retire.

Bradley

[Guns N Rotors]

I was an aeroscout/observer (93B) in P Troop 4/107th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the
Ohio Army National Guard. I enlisted 07 DEC 89 and ETS 12 DEC 99. We were based at
the Akron/Canton Airport (CAK) in North Canton, Ohio.

We flew scout missions with AH-1S Cobras as a part of Scout/Weapons team.
I logged almost 2500 hours in the left seat of an OH-58 Kiowa. Most of my time
was dedicated to drug interdiction missions over northern Ohio. "You grow it and we will come."

In 1999, the 107thACR was disbanded and my MOS was gone. I miss flying everyday
and I still dream about it.

I checked my log book on this OH-58A+ and I had 79.4 hours in this aircraft.
She is now in a museum at CAK.
http://www.mapsairmuseum.org/kiowa.htm

It's sad when you see your airframe retired to museums or scrapped.
Makes you feel old.

Scouts out!

[69-DodgeCharger]

I just turned 18 a couple months ago and Im thinking about joining the Army after high school. Would anyone recommend it or should i just stick with college?

[Mean 318]

I'm in the same boat! I have a massive respect for all who have and who do serve our country! I would like to join, but I have a free college education now and am not sure if I should give that up after I finished my first semester "18 credits and working 40hr weeks"... That and my dad is against the idea... I got lots of thinkin to do!

[AKcharger]

Air Force 23 years, Aircraft Maintenance, currently in Korea and just put on Chief this month (E-9)..."It's a Great way of life"

[charger490]

US air force 1950 to1954 loaded bombs and ammo on b 26 airplanes .1 year in korea at pusan k-9 i loved every min. of it and would go agian. charger490

[doctorpimp]

6 1/2 years Canadian Army Reserve - Infantry Section Commander
10 Years Canadian Army Regular - Vehicle Technician



"T.V. Hill" Kabul, Afghanistan Sept 2005

[tomonty]

Started off in the Marine Corps Reserve and currently have 1 1/2 years left of my contract with the dirt sailors, aka Seabees, as a Construction Electrician. I think it is funny when I tell people I am in the Navy, but I have never been on a ship Still a Marine at heart and always will be though. Just got back from Iraq in October and hoping to get in college this spring

Mike

[Charger74]

Army,

Was a weapons specialist on the Cobra.  Unfortunately my knees didn't like all the running as much as I liked being in. Otherwise I would have been working on the Apaches instead.

As for the two thinking about joining, I would personally recommend it.  Not because we are at war, but due to the experience you will get.  Not just work, but life experiences.  Mean 318, you can always join after school and then you will also be a higher rank when you go in.  Let the decision be yours, no one else's....

[d72hemi]

Active duty Air Force since 25 Sept. 2001. I am a Ground Radio Technician (2E153), and just put on SSgt (E-5) in 1 Dec 06. Since tech school, I have been in an "unusual" unit, the 729th ACS (Air Control Squadron), and have spent more time in the Middle East than any of my USMC, Army, or Navy friends from high school, and I am often TDY (deployed) to various locations within the US. I have had the opportunity to see places and meet great people from both the US and around the world. I would not trade my experiences for anything. The best part is that I can spend the next 14 years doing what I love, and retire at the age of 38 in 2021. Then I can do whatever I want.

I just turned 18 a couple months ago and Im thinking about joining the Army after high school. Would anyone recommend it or should i just stick with college?

I'm in the same boat! I have a massive respect for all who have and who do serve our country! I would like to join, but I have a free college education now and am not sure if I should give that up after I finished my first semester "18 credits and working 40hr weeks"... That and my dad is against the idea... I got lots of thinkin to do!

If you can go to collage now, I would recommend it. Do your best to go to a school with ROTC. I suggest that you talk to recruiters from all branches, and talk to officers and enlisted people from all branches and from different ranks, junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4), NCOs (E-5/6), SNCOs (E-7 to E-9), and officers. You will find that the different ranks, thereby more time in and experience, will tell you different thing about the branch they are in. It is common to talk to junior enlisted personnel with only a little time in who will tell you "how much it sucks", but that is only because training for new recruits always sucks, but after that, I bet you will enjoy it. I gave my little brother (21 years old) the same advice, and now he is happily in the USAF, training as a medic. I am still trying to get my BS so I can apply for OTS to earn my commission.

On a side note. If you either of you two get a commission and put on your "butter bar", remember that even if your enlisted troops may not have a degree, they probably know more about your job than you do. Take advantage of their knowledge, by learning from them and with them. I have seen the officers what worked hard with their enlisted troops, and those troops would go the extra mile for that officer. I have had the privilege to work with leaders like that first hand. If you take my advice and choose to talk to the different ranks in different branch, and want to talk to a member of the Air Force with a just few years in send me a PM, I am more than sure that other members of this site will be willing to answer you questions about their respective branch.

Ian

[69-DodgeCharger]

I am looking to be a police officer after Im done with college and soemone told me that going into the Army and training as an MP would look awesome on an app for a police officer. I agree but I wanna go to college, is there a way to do both or should this be discussed with a recruiter?

[Magnumcharger]

Military.....Canadian Air Force to be exact.
1983-90 Photographic technician

1990-98 Civilian (Multiple trades)
1998-04 Aviation Systems Technician
2004-Present  Non-Destructive Testing Technologist

"There's no life like it"!

[d72hemi]

I am looking to be a police officer after Im done with college and soemone told me that going into the Army and training as an MP would look awesome on an app for a police officer. I agree but I wanna go to college, is there a way to do both or should this be discussed with a recruiter?

One thing you can do is join the reserves or guard. You will want to look at the deployment rate for the MP/SF carrier field. Also the other braches have MPs (the USAF call it Security Forces, SF). I know that most active USAF SF personnel are pulling 6 months at home station then 6 months TDY. I don't know the deployment rates for the guard or reserve units. I have a friend that got out of the USMC about 6 months ago, as an MP, but his IQ is about the same as the stereotypical "jock", and can't pass the tests to get into any of the local PDs (So Cal).  Talk with the recruiters, and see what they have to offer and see if it is what you want.

Ian

[RD]

United States Army, Sergeant.  9 years active, 1 National Guard.  MOS: 14S, Avenger Crewmember

ADA all the Way!  It flies, it DIES!  (sorry AKCharger hehe)

Served:  Ft. Hood, Texas 1st Cavalry Division, 4th Battalion 5th Air Defense Artillery
Ft. Bliss, Texas C Battery, 1-34 ADA
Ft. Riley, Kansas C Battery 1-4 ADA & 3rd Brigade HQ

Deployments:  3 Foal Eagle exercises in Korea and 3 Reforgers in Germany

Greatest Moment:  ETS'ing

Worst Moment:  Falling out of a Helicopter   

[mikepmcs]

I am looking to be a police officer after Im done with college and soemone told me that going into the Army and training as an MP would look awesome on an app for a police officer. I agree but I wanna go to college, is there a way to do both or should this be discussed with a recruiter?

One thing you can do is join the reserves or guard. You will want to look at the deployment rate for the MP/SF carrier field. Also the other braches have MPs (the USAF call it Security Forces, SF). I know that most active USAF SF personnel are pulling 6 months at home station then 6 months TDY. I don't know the deployment rates for the guard or reserve units. I have a friend that got out of the USMC about 6 months ago, as an MP, but his IQ is about the same as the stereotypical "jock", and can't pass the tests to get into any of the local PDs (So Cal).  Talk with the recruiters, and see what they have to offer and see if it is what you want.

Ian

I totally agree with that one, do em both at the same time!  I've been associated with the reserves for the entire 20(although i'm active) years and I know plenty of Reserve/Police Officers/Law enforcement.

I also agree with the 2 gentlemen wanting to join specifically the one who said college first.  I'm a Navy Chief and although my CPO brethren would not agree with me, I say go officer if you get the chance.  Example, I'm out in a couple months with no college degree, plenty of credits, but no degree.  How do you think my job search is gonna go???  Exactly, get that education brother if you can.

Good luck and thank you all who have served and are still in.

and big congrats to CMSGT AKCHARGER.   Well done sir, err i mean "Chief"  My dad was USAF 32 years, also a 9.

v/r
Mike

[HITMAN 149]

USMC!!!!!!!! HOOOOO-RAAAAA!!!!!!! 89-91!!!!!! some good ole times down in South Carolina!!!!!!
bill & mary's?!?!?!? anyone...anyone!?!?!?!
heheheh"e
"C-Dog" aka "hobobbum149"

[69-DodgeCharger]

Alright thanks for all the advice, Ill get in touch with a recruiter soon, ill let yall know what happens!

[Mean 318]

I am meeting with a Marines recruiter at 1:00 tomarrow!

[Steve P.]

MM2 / USN  79' - 83'     MM is not even a rating anymore. They got rid of it once gas turbine  became the IN THING..


Hey AK,, Congrats brother..         

[Charger1973]

The only advice I can give you guys that are wanting to join, is dont let the recruiters "talk you into it".  That is their job, to get you to sign up.  Im not saying dont join.  Just keep in mind that unless its in writing, chances are you wont get it.   Use them as a way to get information and then go home and think about it.  Discuss it with others who have been in, or are still in (but arent recruiters).  The recruiters have alot of access to different sources of information.  There are places they can take you to learn as well.  For example I took a trip with the Army recruiters to an Army post and watched some of the privates in basic training, and took a tour of the post.  Make them do their job.  Whatever you do, just make sure you are well informed and that it is your decision not what someone else wants you to do.  It is definately a big, life changing decision. 

[Beer]

Ex Navy NFO
P-3C UII and UII.5 Orions

[chargerman68]

active duty navy involved within naval special warfare since jan 2000 just signed up for 6 more years.3 deplyments to iraq currently sitting on my third right now in fallujah.

[Charger Aficionado]

USMC!!!!!!!! HOOOOO-RAAAAA!!!!!!! 89-91!!!!!! some good ole times down in South Carolina!!!!!!
bill & mary's?!?!?!? anyone...anyone!?!?!?!
heheheh"e
"C-Dog" aka "hobobbum149"

Sipin' a brew at Driftwood in Jacksonville watchin' IVY...  Pickin' up some surplus at "Siagon Sam's"...  Pawning my crap to go to Myrtle Beach for the weekend libo...

Semper Fi, do or die, hang em' high at 8th and I, GUNG HO! 

                                 

[Rocky]

USMCR 3RD ANGLICO (Air Naval Gun fire Liaison Company)  Radio operator/ Forward observer.  3/03 to 5/03 Iraq.

We were attached to 3Para/16 Air assault group.  (The British Airborne, except more impressive.) 

[Charger Aficionado]

Rocky,
I remembered you were a Mean & Nasty, Fire-Pissing, Constantina Eating, Killing Machine.  What was your old Avitar on here?

[Rocky]

Rocky,
I remembered you were a Mean & Nasty, Fire-Pissing, Constantina Eating, Killing Machine.  What was your old Avitar on here?

Hey Jude,
   On the old site I was Rocky05, I used to get into the odd internet pissing matches with the trolls(mostly on political issues), but my net maturity has grown a little, and I have learned that anyone can play a tough guy on the interwebs; therefore, I now take out my aggressions on fixing my house and quarterdecking my children.    That and drinking a nice Single Malt.

It is nice when a Recon Marine knows we have essentially the same job.

[440AirForce]

Air Force here at Travis AFB, CA.  retiring in 62 days!  C17 Loadmaster.... I'm going to concentrate on my 69 Charger resto

[Charger1973]

I am meeting with a Marines recruiter at 1:00 tomarrow!

How did it go?

[Telvis]

Navy Seal...Super secret op's...I could tell you about it but I would have to kill you..... ......Nah...just kidding...No military service unless you consider JROTC in high school. I did my service locally. I am a retired Police Officer. I retired in 2004.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Delayed Entry into USMC here...    waiting for the word to go - slotted for boot in South Carolina...      

[chargerboy69]

I am looking into joining the reserves of some sort. Not sure what branch yet. My wife and I have discussed it before, and she is not happy at all with the idea. In fact, she said no way. I am 33 years old, and feel it is something I want, and need to do. I have talked with my job about it, and they support me for doing it. I will be making some phone calls this week or next.

[george68hemirr]

USAF...1970 thru 1973....Jet machanic....Vietnam war

[Lord Warlock]

Ex military- 1984-1988, reserves thru 92.  USAF Nuclear Missile combat crew commander, then an Executive Officer of the 45th missile security squadron.  Did my tour, now its time for others to do their part. 

[GTX]

Never did it myself. Wanted to join Navy or Air force but my dad convinced me that the way I was at the time I would have spent more time in the brig than anywhere else. I'm wasn't big on taking orders.
Dad was Air force, younger brother was Air force and Army.
Now after 9-11 etc if I were younger and could pass the physical I'd likely go in. Difference was that before I wanted to do it for me and now I'd do it for my country.

[Lord Warlock]

You're only too old if you are older than 35 for active duty...but reservists can be older. 

[GTX]

Yup, well over 35.
I'm quite sure that they would look at my back now and laugh me out of the office anyway.
Even if they did take me they'd probably call me gramps!

When we bombed Libya I was more the age of going.

[41husk]

I was 10 years in the Navy.  Boiler Tech was my job, I wrestled and played judo for the Navy most of the time.  1989-99.  USS Midway Yokuska Japan, USS Simon Lake Kingsbay GA.  NAS Memphis Millington TN. USS puget Sound Norfolk VA.

[Irisharse]

USMC active duty 85-89 Semper Fi

[Bob]

1976-1997
U.S. Army

[hemi68charger]

Air Force 23 years, Aircraft Maintenance, currently in Korea and just put on Chief this month (E-9)..."It's a Great way of life"

Holy Guacamole !!!!  You're a Chief now !!??   

I'm not worthy !!!!, I'm not worthy !!!!, I'm not worthy !!!!

[CaptMarvel]

US Navy, 1984-88. Plankowner onboard USS Ford (FFG -54) Went to Persian Gulf immediatley after USS Stark was hit by "innocent" Iraqi missles. Engineman 2nd class. Best day: my discharge date, I went straight to a Dead concert in Irvine Ca.. Wouldnt take a million bucks for the memories and friends, wouldnt give a nickel to do it over again...

[twilt]

USAF 87-91  F-4 E/G WCS (backshop avionics)  Joined to "see the world" and got to see Goldsboro, NC for 3+ years.

[golden73]

USMC Active duty, currently in the Fallujah area.

MOS; 0351 (assaultman)

grunts are the way to go!

[68chrgrwife]

active duty navy involved within naval special warfare since jan 2000 just signed up for 6 more years.3 deplyments to iraq currently sitting on my third right now in fallujah.

While wifey sits at home with three kids and worries about if he's coming home.

[mikepmcs]

active duty navy involved within naval special warfare since Jan 2000 just signed up for 6 more years.3 deployments to Iraq currently sitting on my third right now in Fallujah.

While wifey sits at home with three kids and worries about if he's coming home.

I'm guessing you are Chargerman68's better half.  Hang in there, he'll come home!  Naval Special Warfare is the best of the best!!!
You are a good one for sure.  Obviously you support what he does, so i applaud you.  You have a very tough job!!!
Your reward will come when he is retiring and thanking you and ya'lls children.  Navy is kind of great about that one. 

v/r
Mike
Navy CPO retiring very soon(next Wednesday is my last day)

[68chrgrwife]

active duty navy involved within naval special warfare since Jan 2000 just signed up for 6 more years.3 deployments to Iraq currently sitting on my third right now in Fallujah.

While wifey sits at home with three kids and worries about if he's coming home.

I'm guessing you are Chargerman68's better half.  Hang in there, he'll come home!  Naval Special Warfare is the best of the best!!!
You are a good one for sure.  Obviously you support what he does, so i applaud you.  You have a very tough job!!!
Your reward will come when he is retiring and thanking you and ya'lls children.  Navy is kind of great about that one. 

v/r
Mike
Navy CPO retiring very soon(next Wednesday is my last day)

Yeah , I'm his better half.  And I am a good one..I supoort his Navy career and his MOPAR hobby! And helped change out the rear end in the charger!

[mikepmcs]

And looked good doing too I bet.  Chargerman68 is one lucky man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HDCharger]

Master Sergeant, US Army retired 1 July 2006
Intelligence Analyst (96B)
2 tours with 5th SFG Iraq

Miss it!

[chargerman68]

Yeah , I'm his better half.  And I am a good one..I supoort his Navy career and his MOPAR hobby! And helped change out the rear end in the charger!

she is like me when it comes to chores..honey i just bought down the dirty clothes.....yelling real load so i know she heard me do something she askes......never lets up about helping me with the rear end.....love ya

[68chrgrwife]

Yeah , I'm his better half.  And I am a good one..I supoort his Navy career and his MOPAR hobby! And helped change out the rear end in the charger!

she is like me when it comes to chores..honey i just bought down the dirty clothes.....yelling real load so i know she heard me do something she askes......never lets up about helping me with the rear end.....love ya

OMG  you're a booger..you never bring down the dirty clothes...I always do it.  I screwed up my back helping you with that damn rear end and how many wives would do it in their garage with like no tools, no light, no lift, and no pay!  LOL  Love you more.  Miss working on the car with you...can't wait till you come home so we can finish this SOB.  Putting in the distributor next weekend maybe...gotta go to LA sunday so we'll see.  Don't want to mess up the new nails though.