Calling All Veterans and current Military!

[500hp_440]

I'm 16, always been intrested in Marines, Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Army.
If your a Veteran or currently serving, please, post about your life. (This goes out to all branches Military)
I want to know if this is something I should plan to do, or if I should avoid it, I want to know all about life in the Military.
Thanks.
P.S. You all are my heroes and deserve more respect then you get!

[Ponch ®]

I dont know man...some things happened when I was in the 'nam that I would rather forget.

[hemi68charger]

I'm on my 20th year of Air Force service, both active and guard/reserve.... I was active from '87-'91 (post Desert Storm) and then joined the Guard pretty much after a year gone from active.. I've enjoyed my guard/reserve status and it has called me to active duty 3 times; nearly a year after 9/11 (Operation Noble Eagle) and then two hitches in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom)... I've been on some killer TDY's to "compensate" for the bad ones.. I've been to Hawaii and Denmark via the Air Force and have experienced things that most civilians would never ( like my incentive flight in a F-16 for an hour and I flew the thing for over 30 minutes and experienced G's up to 8.5 ).

If you find a job that you like, you could easily do 20 years......... believe me, 20 years will fly by and there you have retirement the day after you get out. On the other hand, you could join the reserves and go to school and get your degree.. If you're passionate about the military, you could join the ROTC and then get a commission after graduation and become an officer. Another thing, if you still have more years of high school, kick butt in your studies, join the ROTC if they have it and get to know a Congressman or Senator. That way, you could get the cream-dela-cream, either of the Military Academies.

It's a good life, but it's got to be one of structure and discipline.. Otherwise, you're wasting your time...............

Cheers,
Technical Sgt. Troy Hawkes
Aircraft Munitions Systems Specialist (fancy name for bomb loader !!!!)
United States Air Force

[mopar0166]

LT inthe Coast guard , 4 years active duty 2 Reserve as a Senior marine inspector 

[500hp_440]

LT inthe Coast guard , 4 years active duty 2 Reserve as a Senior marine inspector 

how hards the training? I hear its a pretty sweet gig

[hemi68charger]

LT inthe Coast guard , 4 years active duty 2 Reserve as a Senior marine inspector 

how hards the training? I hear its a pretty sweet gig

If I was ever going to do it over again, (of course I can't), the Coast Guard would be a serious choice.........   

[500hp_440]

thanks

[lisiecki1]

My friends in the coasties tell me their basic training is second only to the marines......

[teamroth]

My friends in the coasties tell me their basic training is second only to the marines......

I agree, as an 8 year former Marine, I can only attest to Marine training, but my understanding is the amount of time spent in the water is almost as physically demanding as Marine boot camp.

[Back N Black]

Go Air Force, lots of good technical trades to choose from, that you can use when you get out. Join the Army and become a Mall Cop when you get out.

[Ponch ®]

Go Air Force, lots of good technical trades to choose from, that you can use when you get out. Join the Army and become a Mall Cop when you get out.

BURN!

[hemi68charger]

Go Air Force, lots of good technical trades to choose from, that you can use when you get out. Join the Army and become a Mall Cop when you get out.

Or, get your degree and work as a special agent for the FBI or Treasury Department... I was 2/3 of the way in becoming a FBI special agent and it was all because of my military background.. Not much use for Geophysicists in the FBI, so it had to be my Air Force training........  But, Thank You Mr. Clinton for putting a hiring freeze back in '99............ I'm still sort of ticked about it to this day...... 

[bull]

I'm not trying to start anything, because I've never been in the military and have no vested interest in any branch, but isn't the Coast Guard not technically considered a branch of the military? I mean other than the fact they are DOT instead of Defense Dept. and have a lack of really big guns like the rest. I dunno. Just askin'

[Bob]

Smartest thing I have ever done. I was 17.
1976-1997
Ft Knox Kentucky
1/72 Armor Battalion
437th Military Police Company
HHC 2X, 2nd Infantry Division
142nd Military Police Company
Aberdeen Proving Grounds
Ft carson Co.
4-40 Armor Battalion
4-68 Armor Battalion
10th Mountain Division
And the list goes on. Some are still classified.

Go Army!

[hemi68charger]

I'm not trying to start anything, because I've never been in the military and have no vested interest in any branch, but isn't the Coast Guard not technically considered a branch of the military? I mean other than the fact they are DOT instead of Defense Dept. and have a lack of really big guns like the rest. I dunno. Just askin'

No, the Coast Guard IS a branch of the military, an often overlooked branch...........  Most of the public hasn't a clue.......

Glad to be of service..............  Like one of the Air Force Core Values state, "Service before Self"......................  But, noone's getting my Hemi..      ........  Unless they have a Daytona..........

Definition of the branches of the military

Troy

[mopar0166]

I'm not trying to start anything, because I've never been in the military and have no vested interest in any branch, but isn't the Coast Guard not technically considered a branch of the military? I mean other than the fact they are DOT instead of Defense Dept. and have a lack of really big guns like the rest. I dunno. Just askin'

OK , this is the third attemp to post this !


The Coast Guard is an integral part of the Dept of Homeland Security, It has been under the Dept of Transportation since 9/11. 


To: 500hp_440

It is a sweet job, but takes a lot of time and dedication to become an experienced senior marine inspector.   

I love working on and inspecting boats but lately ever since i bought my CHARGER last spring, its takes the cake for my hobby right now.   hopefully in the future id like to design my own boat and do public marine surveys. 

[SFRT]

My Air Force time was the best thing that ever happened to me. I went in as a 18 year old useless dipshit and emerged able to analyze and solve any problem. I use the skills they taught me every single day, as logic and discipline is a universal application. I am 100% sure if I hadnt joined I would have ended up in prison or homeless as i was a total fuckup.

If you have   no clue and are ready to get your shit together I recommend it. HOWEVER, you will get back what you put in, go in with a bad attitude and it will slap you back, hard. Go in ready to rock and you will benefit enormously.

[d72hemi]

I'm 16, always been intrested in Marines, Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Army.
If your a Veteran or currently serving, please, post about your life. (This goes out to all branches Military)
I want to know if this is something I should plan to do, or if I should avoid it, I want to know all about life in the Military.
Thanks.
P.S. You all are my heroes and deserve more respect then you get!

Lets see. I am 25.5 years old and have been in the USAF since I turned 18. I am a Ground Radio tech (2E173), a SSgt (Staff Sergent, E-5), on my second enlistment. My family has a big military background so I knew what I was getting into. Like SFRT said, your attitude is key. For example, I have two young Airmen, that have been here for 6 months from tech school. Their attitudes suck, so none of the other good Airmen go out of their way to work with them (they also commited a couple of crimes and are about to be out of the military). Then I have a guy that has been here for less that two weeks with a great attitude, we even took him out with us this week on an exercise that sucked (it is winter in UT, and 16-18 hour days), but he liked it when the other two hated it.

I personaly love the Air Force. I have to opportunity to do what I want. I can deploy all the time or stay in home station. I have deployed to the Middle East 4 times (3 Iraq), and have a 5th tour this year. Every one I volunteered for.

it is late and since I was at work for 16 hours today I am going to pass out now. If you have any questions for me let me know. 

[ACUDANUT]

   THE FEW, THE PROUD...THE MARINES.  www.marines.com
P.S. The Coast Guard falls under the Dept. of Transportion (or it did)

[Beer]

At 16 you still control your fate. 

If your interested in the Military, I would recommend hitting to books and being active in Sports. This can lead to ROTC scholarship and when you graduate College you are commissioned as an officer.  Image rolling out of college and then going for flight Training, Nuc training or whatever path your eligible for.  Cost is nothing more than staying focused and meeting your goals.  If your not interested in College then enlisting is the route to go.  You can go as far in the military as your attitude and ability to be professional allows you.   

I did NROTC, picked up a three year scholarship, got commissioned, went to Pensacola and got my Naval Flight Officer Wings and flew P-3C UII Orions.  I got out of the Navy seven years later and now I am Capt (US Merchant Marine) of a Oil Exploration Semi Submersible (I went to a Maritime School) in the Gulf of Mexico, this of course was after working my way up to Capt from Third Mate (which is the license you get when you graduate from a maritime School with a Marine Science major).  I work three weeks on, three weeks off.  Every day at work is a Monday, and every day home is a Saturday. 

Maritime schools include the State academies:
Maine Maritime
Mass Maritime
California Maritime
Texas A and M
and the "Federal" Academy Kings Point (free, similar to the service academies, must be nominated and selected to go).


Jim


 

[mikepmcs]

What Jim said.   I was on the Enlisted side of the P-3 Navy as an Aircrewman(in-flight avionics technician), did time as a Maintenance Chief, Quality Assurance Chief, Division Chief, and Command Chief and all I can do is echo Jim's advice for now.  As you get closer and still want to join, I'll post more on the subject.  Education my man, education!!! Get it now, or get paid to do it in the Military, but get it, and don't even think about not getting a degree.  My 20+ in the Navy doesn't mean squat to a lot of civilian companies nowadays, kind of sad really.  But a degree is a whole different ball game.
One thing is for sure, the Military is a great gig no matter what career path you select, officer or enlisted, etc.....
The Navy has given me everything I have and more life experience than I could ever ask for.
One thing I have to suggest is that you really work on your spelling, and I'm not saying that to bust your stones. Spelling/Communication is a very important part of life IMO and should not be taken lightly.  Every one of us makes mistakes but you should take pride and put forth the effort.
 
Off topic: Jim,  I should have taken you up on that job offer a while back.
Hopefully working for the VA here pretty quick though.

Mike

[chargerboy69]

I am in the Army National Guard. Not a bad gig. Went for training as a 68 Whiskey Combat Medic. It took a little getting used to, however I do enjoy it. Depends on where you get sent for bootcamp on how difficult your training will be. I have been told that for example Fort Benning for the Army is quite rough. The MRE's are getting better. Don't forget to take the laxative. 

[500hp_440]

Thank yall!
I've never really liked air travel.
To someone that knows: In the army or wherever, how much time are you acually working as aposed to being able to go screw around a bit?

[mikepmcs]

That kind of question makes me think that you are not headed in the right direction already.

I'll come back to this thread when you are seriously thinking about serving and protecting our/your country.  It is a great experience but isn't to be taken lightly.

Good luck.

Mike

[Tilar]

I didn't go in. I was ready to join the Navy with a friend of mine, But that little furry triangle got the best of me and I stayed home and got married.

3 marriages and 33 years later, I think back and cant imagine why I didn't go in. If I had it to do all over again, I would have joined the Air Force and retired after 30 years, which would have been 3 years ago.

[Back N Black]

Thank yall!
I've never really liked air travel.
To someone that knows: In the army or wherever, how much time are you acually working as aposed to being able to go screw around a bit?

Awesome, looking to goof off before you even join. I say McDonalds is the place for you, maybe you can make it all the way to shift manager. 

[AKcharger]

To someone that knows: In the army or wherever, how much time are you actually working as aposed to being able to go screw around a bit?

I'll take your question at face value...if you get "screw off time" you earn it. Spend 15-30 days out in the field then you deserve a day or two off, but there is ALWAYS things to be done, there's no free lunch.

I think the Marines actually has the most "screw off time" that might be a good route for ya' 

[ACUDANUT]

To someone that knows: In the army or wherever, how much time are you actually working as aposed to being able to go screw around a bit?

I'll take your question at face value...if you get "screw off time" you earn it. Spend 15-30 days out in the field then you deserve a day or two off, but there is ALWAYS things to be done, there's no free lunch.

I think the Marines actually has the most "screw off time" that might be a good route for ya' 

^^^
^^^
^^^
  Ya, right.

[500hp_440]

Everyone took up arms at that , relax you took it wrong.
I want to know how long am I going to be digging trenches compared to how long I'm going to be able to take a break? (not literaly but you know what I mean)
I mean I am I going to be pushing full steam all day or am I going to be going half speed-slow speed?
I dont think I'm saying it right.....

[AKcharger]

When you're deployed yes, you'll be going full steam, in the Air Force we would work 6 days on, one off, 12 hour shifts in the AOR (Aera of Responsibility). When your at home station it's pretty much like a normal job.

I've like it for the past 25 years and when I retire (maybe next year) I'll be making $20 an hour while I sit home and work on my car.

[Lifsgrt]

You are in a good position to affect the rest of your life.  It's good you are asking the question.
I'm currently on active duty with the US Army, have been in service to our Nation for 25 1/2 years.  I enlisted in 1983 as a Utility Aircraft Repairer (after 2 1/2 years of college to attain an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license to get a job working on aircraft.), then applied for Warrant Officer Flight School to fly helicopters for the Army.  After Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood and AIT at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, I attended flight school.  I flew UH-1 Huey's for a couple of years (including a stint in Korea), then transitioned to the UH-60 Blackhawk.  Flew that in Honduras, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Bosnia, and other places.  Assessed to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and flew the AH-6 Attack Helicopter for about 5 years, then went to Officer Candidate School. Returned to the regular Army flying the UH-60 for a while, commanded a company in Korea, flew multiple aircraft in another assignment and served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF-A, Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF, Iraq), then returned to the 160th as an MH-47E/G pilot/platoon leader with continued service in OEF-A and OIF.  I have been in command for 18 months, with about  6 months to go.  I'm still on Airborne status, so I get to jump with a parachute regularly. Although I have a Bachelor's degree, I still have Montgomery GI bill funds available to go to college when I retire, or I can pass it along to my children.  If I chose to, I could return to Illinois and go to a university and attain a Bachelor's degree on the Illinois Veteran's Administration's tab (school would be paid for).
I still get the 30 days paid vacation each year, and have save up more than that.  I've skied in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland; have traveled to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, England, Austria, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Alaska, Portugal, Greenland, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala (you get the picture, I need a map to capture everywhere).  There is a 1970 Mustang coupe sitting on the streets of Kabul, Afghanistan...it's interesting to see what's elsewhere in the world.  I can retire with 65% of my base pay now...which would be on the order of $4000 per month, all I have to do is keep breathing.  I recommend join the service of your choice, serve our Nation (give it your best, do a good job), and don't worry about having enough time to "screw off".  If you do your job well, you'll have time and the funds to make if fun - as well as 30 days paid vacation in case weekends are not enough.  I was off Friday and today and still get paid.  Oh yea, I've had the Charger in the picture for over 29 years, and it gets better all the time.  Good luck, Jerry 

[500hp_440]

Did I just read $20 an hour when your retired?!
And thanks!

[500hp_440]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0-0PtHNHQU

Alan Jackson- Where were you when the world stopped turning
Really makes me want to join, worst thing they did was stop showing it on tv, they need to re-air it.

[CB]

do they have spelling class in the army?
do they have sort of psychological tests for addictions, add/adhd, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, dissociative disorders, ... to see if you fit?

just my  , not trying hurt your feelings.
CB

[Ponch ®]

Everyone took up arms at that , relax you took it wrong.
I want to know how long am I going to be digging trenches compared to how long I'm going to be able to take a break? (not literaly but you know what I mean)
I mean I am I going to be pushing full steam all day or am I going to be going half speed-slow speed?
I dont think I'm saying it right.....

You know, if you're really all that worried about who's give you the easier bootcamp and easier time once you're active...maybe you shouldn't be thinking about the military in the first place.

[500hp_440]

do they have spelling class in the army?
do they have sort of psychological tests for addictions, add/adhd, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, dissociative disorders, ... to see if you fit?

just my  , not trying hurt your feelings.
CB

I dont have any of that hippie mubbo jumbo bull, my only problem would be I'm flat footed

Everyone took up arms at that , relax you took it wrong.
I want to know how long am I going to be digging trenches compared to how long I'm going to be able to take a break? (not literaly but you know what I mean)
I mean I am I going to be pushing full steam all day or am I going to be going half speed-slow speed?
I dont think I'm saying it right.....

You know, if you're really all that worried about who's give you the easier bootcamp and easier time once you're active...maybe you shouldn't be thinking about the military in the first place.

Well I'd rather ask now, then get into it and quit.... Thats the whole point of asking questions!

[ACUDANUT]

Quitting is not a option...PEROID.

[68beepbeep]

I was in the Navy in the late '70s into early '80s, on the USS America (aircraft carrier) ~saw the world.
Away from home a lot, witch can be good or bad.

[hemi68charger]

Dude, Lifsgrt said it quite eloquently.. One thing comes to mind.. You can pay me now, or pay me later. You're going to have to work for the rest of your life regardless (unless you win the lotto). Life is what you put into it. You can "cruise" along, but understand you'll be cruising and having to pay the toll for much longer if you have to work longer in life in order to retire. As you can see, there are many of us military-types that can play, own Mopars and still earn a living by serving our country. Granted, you won't get rich in the military, but you could have better peace of mind of a stable future. There are plenty of military jobs out there that don't put you in harms direct way and you can still be serving your country with a pay check. Starting early in life to get things squared away is one of the most wise things anyone can do. Just by posing the question that you have assures me you're aware of this. Now, you can take the hard way or the easy way.. The easy way will last a whole lot longer than the hard way... With that being said, the hard way really isn't all that hard...

You're still young.. But, you won't be forever..........................  Take it from us "old-timers"..................

TSgt. in them-there U.S. Air Force....................................

[Magnumcharger]

You are in a good position to affect the rest of your life.  It's good you are asking the question.
I'm currently on active duty with the US Army, have been in service to our Nation for 25 1/2 years.  I enlisted in 1983 as a Utility Aircraft Repairer (after 2 1/2 years of college to attain an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license to get a job working on aircraft.), then applied for Warrant Officer Flight School to fly helicopters for the Army.  After Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood and AIT at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, I attended flight school.  I flew UH-1 Huey's for a couple of years (including a stint in Korea), then transitioned to the UH-60 Blackhawk.  Flew that in Honduras, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Bosnia, and other places.  Assessed to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and flew the AH-6 Attack Helicopter for about 5 years, then went to Officer Candidate School. Returned to the regular Army flying the UH-60 for a while, commanded a company in Korea, flew multiple aircraft in another assignment and served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF-A, Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF, Iraq), then returned to the 160th as an MH-47E/G pilot/platoon leader with continued service in OEF-A and OIF.  I have been in command for 18 months, with about  6 months to go.  I'm still on Airborne status, so I get to jump with a parachute regularly. Although I have a Bachelor's degree, I still have Montgomery GI bill funds available to go to college when I retire, or I can pass it along to my children.  If I chose to, I could return to Illinois and go to a university and attain a Bachelor's degree on the Illinois Veteran's Administration's tab (school would be paid for).
I still get the 30 days paid vacation each year, and have save up more than that.  I've skied in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland; have traveled to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, England, Austria, Italy, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Alaska, Portugal, Greenland, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala (you get the picture, I need a map to capture everywhere).  There is a 1970 Mustang coupe sitting on the streets of Kabul, Afghanistan...it's interesting to see what's elsewhere in the world.  I can retire with 65% of my base pay now...which would be on the order of $4000 per month, all I have to do is keep breathing.  I recommend join the service of your choice, serve our Nation (give it your best, do a good job), and don't worry about having enough time to "screw off".  If you do your job well, you'll have time and the funds to make if fun - as well as 30 days paid vacation in case weekends are not enough.  I was off Friday and today and still get paid.  Oh yea, I've had the Charger in the picture for over 29 years, and it gets better all the time.  Good luck, Jerry 

All I can say is - WOW!!!

[dkn1997]

Everyone took up arms at that , relax you took it wrong.
I want to know how long am I going to be digging trenches compared to how long I'm going to be able to take a break? (not literaly but you know what I mean)
I mean I am I going to be pushing full steam all day or am I going to be going half speed-slow speed?
I dont think I'm saying it right.....

That's twice you said it and that's twice it comes off like you aren't interested in working hard.  I don't know you but my 25+ years in the workforce as both rank & file and management tells me that anyone who asks the questions you asked has it in their heart that they don't want to work hard.

[500hp_440]

Everyone took up arms at that , relax you took it wrong.
I want to know how long am I going to be digging trenches compared to how long I'm going to be able to take a break? (not literaly but you know what I mean)
I mean I am I going to be pushing full steam all day or am I going to be going half speed-slow speed?
I dont think I'm saying it right.....

That's twice you said it and that's twice it comes off like you aren't interested in working hard.  I don't know you but my 25+ years in the workforce as both rank & file and management tells me that anyone who asks the questions you asked has it in their heart that they don't want to work hard.

Well I guess your experience just wasn't quite right

[69_500]

Simple advice with any job, military or not. You get out of them what you put in. If you going in to anything looking for a way to just cruise or work half speed, then all you'll see is half of the possibilities/advances.

I've always lived by the motto and advice of do everything you can to the best of your abilities. If that means working 16 hours a day 6 days a week, then that is what you do. Does that mean I liked working that many hours, NO. Did I do it because that is what the job required, YES. Did I complain about it, NO.

[Lifsgrt]

OK, so there was this Soldier that worked for me, SPC Travis Vaughn.  He had his wife and his young (step, but he wouldn't tell you that, he was too good of a father) son.  His mom and dad were divorced, his brother was in jail, etc, and Travis liked to fight, UFC style.  He was good, and every time he'd been in the ring he knocked the other guy out.   He'd seen his fighting buddies get beat down bad enough that it messed them up for life, so due to his responsibilities he'd given that up.  But, he'd seen the problems in his family and had determined he wanted to break out of that mold, do right by his family, and be a better person.  My Soldier Travis was doing exceptionally well as a Soldier.  One night, he got aboard a mighty MH-47E in his door gunner position, manning his machine gun (he was a crew chief) in Afghanistan, doing what we do.  The weather was marginal, but closed in behind them and continued to get worse.  While flying just over 100 feet above the ground using Night Vision Goggles and TF/TA RADAR to avoid terrain, as there was no visibility, one engine quit and the aircraft crashed.  We buried 5 of our Soldiers, including Travis...and 3 of the Servicemen (one an 18 year old Soldier, one of our guys who two weeks before had turned 21, plus another Warrior)we were carrying, for a total of 8.  14 of the remaining 22 on board had varying injuries, from major permanent disability to, amazingly, minor injuries.  I would've fought to the death for SPC Travis Vaughn, and him for me.  None of us are worried about how much screw off time we have.  We do what we do because we believe in what we're doing and in our Nation.  This was in support of the Global War on Terror, remember what started that in 2001? 
Freedom is not free.  Do us all a favor - don't join any service if your heart is not in it.  Go flip burgers for a living or sleep under a bridge, but leave our Nation's security to us.  If you want to join us because you want to serve our Nation, we welcome you with open arms.  Thanks

[SgtSearcy]

Before I start this I would like to say R.I.P to the crew of Flipper 75. The best bunch of guys you could ever meet.



So here's my story, I enlisted in the army in 2001 as a 13B(Cannon crew-member). Did Basic at Knox, and AIT at sill. Stationed first at Stewart. Spent all of 2003 in Afghanistan. Then I realized that this job sucks and I need a productive job skill. I re-enlisted, and reclassed. Now I'm a 15N(Avioinics Technician). Lifsgrt probably knows a lot about me and my kind. Aircraft do not fly without avionics. Anyway, after 39 weeks in that school, I went to Bragg, and back to afghanistan. Now Look at me, I'm 26 years old, a Staff Sergeant, and am directly responsible for 23 soldiers and junior NCO's as well as $3.2 mil in equipment. Now throughout all this madness, I'm married with a wonderful daughter, and a son on the way, I have time to work on my car. Life is good. I'm getting ready to re-enlist again and make it NOTA(Needs of the Army) this time. Retirement here I come.

You wanted to know about screw off time. There are days when if there is no work to be done, and you've accomplished your mission for the day, you're NCO will let you go(assuming he/she is in a good mood and is not me). Then there are those days where if the day had 500000 hours in it, and you had 20 arms, you would not get everything done. The Army is just like civillian work except you wear a uniform. However, understand there is no get in and quit, or get in decide you don't like it and get booted. If you have good NCO's, they will make sure you have EVERYTHING you need to succeed and EXCEL in everything you do. Good Luck with your decision.

ALL THE WAY!

[500hp_440]

Thanks guys! God Bless Flipper 75 crew

Anyone know about border patrol?
DONT GET EXCITED
From what I've seen and heard (tv and non reliable things) You get to ride in or drive jeep/hummer/truck and chase mexicans, and shoot them if need be....
I know there's way more then that, but theres 6 things I wouldn't mind doing driving a 4x4, shooting, working on trucks, serving the country, making a pay check, staying in the U.S. and there's probably somemore, but someone please tell me how far off I am on how cool that sounds, I'm going to go read up on it.

[dkn1997]

almost no job turns out to be as "cool" as you thought it would be once you are doing it every day.  any of the jobs you mentioned here, different military branches, border patrol...ask any of the guys who do this stuff and I bet they tell you that 'cool" and 'screw off time" are way down low on the list of stuff you do.  even the "coolest" job in the world is work first, cool way down the list.  you think that the border patrol is about riding around, shooting mexicans and working on the truck?  getting shot at by drug smugglers, paperwork, routine partols are likely part of it too.  I'm not in the border patrol, but i'd be shocked if anyone who is would come on here and say yeah, that's all there is too it.  you will get a lot of guys come on from any job and say the love what the do...but only because hard work comes first.

[500hp_440]

almost no job turns out to be as "cool" as you thought it would be once you are doing it every day.  any of the jobs you mentioned here, different military branches, border patrol...ask any of the guys who do this stuff and I bet they tell you that 'cool" and 'screw off time" are way down low on the list of stuff you do.  even the "coolest" job in the world is work first, cool way down the list.  you think that the border patrol is about riding around, shooting mexicans and working on the truck?  getting shot at by drug smugglers, paperwork, routine partols are likely part of it too.  I'm not in the border patrol, but i'd be shocked if anyone who is would come on here and say yeah, that's all there is too it.  you will get a lot of guys come on from any job and say the love what the do...but only because hard work comes first.

Thanks, I know that's not all they do hence me saying don't get excited, that's all they ever talk about (because that's the fun part, maby ) in movies anyways, that's why I want to know more about it.

[ACUDANUT]

 Ever heard of the saying "Women love a Man in Uniform"  That is serious B.S.  I never got laid because of a Uniform.

[SgtSearcy]

not complete BS(or so I think). The women that live around bases, which is where you spend 99.99% of your time see uniforms all the time, and are simply not impressed anymore. Go to a town that is a good distance from any base, and bammo. Now that being said. You are not authorized to be in uniform while traveling, and not authorized to be in uniform after 1900, emergencies not withstanding. You are also not authorized to use the uniform to market, advertise, endorse, or aquire personal gain. So no, you really won't ever be able to use the uniform as a dating tool.

What can I say, I was a private one time. I remember the ins and outs.

[rav440]

what about the salvation army ? the bell ringing doesnt look like much work and if you get stationed at a wal mart there a mcdonalds just inside so you can take a break and eat a happy meal . 

[ac_knight]

Thank yall!
I've never really liked air travel.
To someone that knows: In the army or wherever, how much time are you acually working as aposed to being able to go screw around a bit?

OK, I know whats it like to want some down time.  Like stated before in the Army it is much like a civilian job.  You wake up, do PT, go to work and come home.  Now it all depends on your MOS, Military Occupational Specialty.  I was in the field artillery as a mechanic (63B) at Ft. Campbell, KY, and we worked hard.  From 0630 to at least 1900 everyday, except weekends.  Now the rest of the unit, the fisters and gun bunnies didn't.  If we weren't in the field training, they pretty much didn't have a job.  They would wake up 0630 for Formation, PT, eat breakfast, lay around their rooms, make an appearance in their respected office so the NCO's could do count, eat lunch, play video games, and then make the last formation of the day at 1600.  Then they were free to f@#k off the rest of the time.  So it really depends on the MOS.  We did alot of field work, training in combat situations, because like I said before, if the fisters and gun bunnies weren't in the field, they didn't have a job.  We were in the filed for 2 to 4 weeks at a time.  We would be in the field probably over half the time I was in the field artillery.

But when we were off, we were off.  I did more things in the Army then most do in their early life.  See the best thing is that you have a ton of guys and gals (although there were none in my unit) to do things with.  In the Army it depends on the attitude to have.  So it is what you make of it.  Make sure you pick the right job and be positive. 

Thanks guys! God Bless Flipper 75 crew

Anyone know about border patrol?
DONT GET EXCITED
From what I've seen and heard (tv and non reliable things) You get to ride in or drive jeep/hummer/truck and chase mexicans, and shoot them if need be....
I know there's way more then that, but theres 6 things I wouldn't mind doing driving a 4x4, shooting, working on trucks, serving the country, making a pay check, staying in the U.S. and there's probably somemore, but someone please tell me how far off I am on how cool that sounds, I'm going to go read up on it.

OK, now from being in the Army to Law Enforcement.  As a police officer I can tell you that the Boarder Patrol is looking for 21 or older.  This is pretty standard with most LE agencies.  The Boarder Patrol does alot of good work.  I thought about joining when I was younger.  Know this, it is LE.  That means you will be dealing with people that wont want to be caught and will do almost anything to avoid it.  Illegals are more desperate then most to get away in the country for a free ride.  This means they are willing to beg, steal, and kill to make it.  It is a never ending battle, and it is important that you speak atleast alittle Spanish, mainly slang not the high school version.  So if you want to do the Boarder Patrol then join a branch of the Military.  You will get the training you will need to be disciplined and able to survive, plus you have a few years between high school and the any LE agency, so might as well kill time in the military. 

If you want to take the college route that is fine too.  But may I suggest looking into the Green and Gold program in the Army.  It allows you to join enlisted, Go to college of your choice on an E-5 pay scale, then once you graduate and get commissioned your an officer.  You have to sign a 4 year contract after college, but you wont have to struggle like some do while studying.  You get paid college tuition, and a salary, but you are committed for 4 years of college and 4 years service after that, eight in all.  But if I had it to do all over again, I would do it this way. 

[dkn1997]

My best friend did it this way after we graduated high school in 87.  I don't know if it was called that back then, but he went for 4 years, graduated an officer, and he really did get to travel the world. I'm not sure he got paid while in college, but the army did pay for a lot of his tuition, if not all. I forget exactly.  He got stationed in Hawaii, Kentucky, and Germany.  3 great places as far as I'm concerned.  He's done 2 tours in Iraq, but he's a Lt. Colonel and is due to retire in 2011.  He will be 42, retired with an officers pension and since the army paid for his MBA, he can write his own ticket in civillian life.  He agrees it's all about the attitude and he has made the most of it. 

[500hp_440]

thanks

[500hp_440]

Thank yall!
I've never really liked air travel.
To someone that knows: In the army or wherever, how much time are you acually working as aposed to being able to go screw around a bit?

OK, I know whats it like to want some down time.  Like stated before in the Army it is much like a civilian job.  You wake up, do PT, go to work and come home.  Now it all depends on your MOS, Military Occupational Specialty.  I was in the field artillery as a mechanic (63B) at Ft. Campbell, KY, and we worked hard.  From 0630 to at least 1900 everyday, except weekends.  Now the rest of the unit, the fisters and gun bunnies didn't.  If we weren't in the field training, they pretty much didn't have a job.  They would wake up 0630 for Formation, PT, eat breakfast, lay around their rooms, make an appearance in their respected office so the NCO's could do count, eat lunch, play video games, and then make the last formation of the day at 1600.  Then they were free to f@#k off the rest of the time.  So it really depends on the MOS.  We did alot of field work, training in combat situations, because like I said before, if the fisters and gun bunnies weren't in the field, they didn't have a job.  We were in the filed for 2 to 4 weeks at a time.  We would be in the field probably over half the time I was in the field artillery.

But when we were off, we were off.  I did more things in the Army then most do in their early life.  See the best thing is that you have a ton of guys and gals (although there were none in my unit) to do things with.  In the Army it depends on the attitude to have.  So it is what you make of it.  Make sure you pick the right job and be positive. 

Thanks guys! God Bless Flipper 75 crew

Anyone know about border patrol?
DONT GET EXCITED
From what I've seen and heard (tv and non reliable things) You get to ride in or drive jeep/hummer/truck and chase mexicans, and shoot them if need be....
I know there's way more then that, but theres 6 things I wouldn't mind doing driving a 4x4, shooting, working on trucks, serving the country, making a pay check, staying in the U.S. and there's probably somemore, but someone please tell me how far off I am on how cool that sounds, I'm going to go read up on it.

OK, now from being in the Army to Law Enforcement.  As a police officer I can tell you that the Boarder Patrol is looking for 21 or older.  This is pretty standard with most LE agencies.  The Boarder Patrol does alot of good work.  I thought about joining when I was younger.  Know this, it is LE.  That means you will be dealing with people that wont want to be caught and will do almost anything to avoid it.  Illegals are more desperate then most to get away in the country for a free ride.  This means they are willing to beg, steal, and kill to make it.  It is a never ending battle, and it is important that you speak atleast alittle Spanish, mainly slang not the high school version.  So if you want to do the Boarder Patrol then join a branch of the Military.  You will get the training you will need to be disciplined and able to survive, plus you have a few years between high school and the any LE agency, so might as well kill time in the military. 

If you want to take the college route that is fine too.  But may I suggest looking into the Green and Gold program in the Army.  It allows you to join enlisted, Go to college of your choice on an E-5 pay scale, then once you graduate and get commissioned your an officer.  You have to sign a 4 year contract after college, but you wont have to struggle like some do while studying.  You get paid college tuition, and a salary, but you are committed for 4 years of college and 4 years service after that, eight in all.  But if I had it to do all over again, I would do it this way. 

Wow, Thanks