Calling All Veterans and current Military!

[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.