This is topic Air force anyone? in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners .
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Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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Hey guys just wondering if anyone on cafords is or was enlisted in the air force. I have been studying for the asvab trying to get a mechanical maintenance position and think I have a good chance. Does anybody have any pointers or feedback about the air force?
Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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Correction aircraft maintenance
Posted by Blacked-out-GT (Member # 2544) on
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Myself and JohnB are both active duty Air Force and are both Aircraft Maintainers. He is currently on C-5's but will be switching soon and I am on C-130s. Either one of us will gladly help you out. Are you looking to specialize IE Jets, Hydraulics, Comm/Nav, Electrics, or do you want to know a little about everything IE Crew Chief?
Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on
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It'll be 16 yrs for me tomorrow...all in aircraft Mx. I'm at Travis on C-5s. I've got no complaints...well, maybe a Commander here and there, but overall I've had a blast. Don't think it's cake just because it's the AF...we work our fair share of long hours and shitty locations. If you've got the desire, you'll be just fine.
Posted by Blacked-out-GT (Member # 2544) on
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Gotta concur with John. I just passed 15 years this May and I have loved every minute of it! Like any other career you have your ups and downs with long hours, deployments, TDYs, suspect leadership at times but that is what helps mold you to make you who and what you are. Come on in...the water is fine...also John and I are both FCCs (Flying Crew Chiefs) and have seen the world at the expense of the Government. The experiences that I have encountered would most likely never happened if not for what I do. I love my job.. I love my career.. I LOVE MY COUNTRY! ![[patriot]](graemlins/patriot.gif)
Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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This is all great news to me and really makes me feel this is the right decision. I bought an asvab study guide so I study that for math,word knowledge, and paragraph comprehension. Do you guys suggest anything else to study to make sure I qualify for this position? ...and I would learn about all aspects of aircraft maintenance on preferably combat aircraft.
Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on
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Good luck man, maintanence is probably the worst way to go IMO. Plenty of 12 hour days of non sense
Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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The reason I chose this field is because it's something I've always wanted to do and since I'm still pretty young I want to secure my future the best way I can. I don't mind hard work, I've always been challenged and did well in sports,academics, and career wise for the most part. ...now I hope you guys don't mind me taking advantage of the resources with all the questions but here I go. ...what is the pay like? How long is the training for aircraft maintenance? What can I study to make sure I have the best possible chance? Is it possie to obtain a B.S degree while enlisted? Once Again I hope those who are in the career field don't mind the questions, just trying to prepare myself and any info is greatly Appreciated
Posted by 347_C.I.D. (Member # 2956) on
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Im stationed at Travis with John as well. Ive been a C-5 crew chief for over 10 years now, and a flying crew chief for over 5 years. Its a good deal, but like others have said, in maintenance we work long hours and irregular shifts.
Posted by 347_C.I.D. (Member # 2956) on
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quote:
Originally posted by 87_Hatch:
...what is the pay like? How long is the training for aircraft maintenance? What can I study to make sure I have the best possible chance? Is it possie to obtain a B.S degree while enlisted? Once Again I hope those who are in the career field don't mind the questions, just trying to prepare myself and any info is greatly Appreciated
pay is great, just study to make rank fast
training is on-going, dont let the length of training affect your decision. the length of training also depends on your specific job.
If you have basic mechanical skills, you should do good on the ASVAB portion. I didnt study at all for the ASVAB and I scored a 94 in mechanical.
obtaining your degree while in will be difficult, but it is possible. the AF pays for 100% tuition, and you dont even have to touch your GI bill
Posted by Blacked-out-GT (Member # 2544) on
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Obtaining your degree will not be difficult. I am working on my Masters as we speak and I can tell you that the the only thing that will stop you from your degree is you. Classes are even offered in deployed locations as well as online college courses. Promotions for Crew Chiefs are considered fairly easy..for instance.. promotion rate to Staff (E-5). Is 49%!!!!! Granted they will not always be that high but it is very possible for you to go from being an E-1 or E-2 to an E-5 in 3 to 4 years! Seems to be the common place now.
[ August 16, 2009, 06:22 PM: Message edited by: Blacked-out-GT ]
Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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hey 347 thank you for taking time to answer..I think I have more than basic mechanical skills so hopefully I can do well on the asvab...what is it like working on aircraft?
Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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Thanks you guys for all the info i'm glad I came on cafords ..how about as far as choosing your staion?
Posted by 347_C.I.D. (Member # 2956) on
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quote:
Originally posted by 87_Hatch:
hey 347 thank you for taking time to answer..I think I have more than basic mechanical skills so hopefully I can do well on the asvab...what is it like working on aircraft?
Its awesome man, and im proud to say that i work on one of the hardest planes in the AF. Once you can work on a C-5, everything else is easy!
I just got hired on as an advanced systems instructor for the C-5, Ill be teaching advanced/in depth troubleshooting techniques, for already experienced mechanics.
So have you been talking to a recruiter already?
Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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damn that's crazy lol yeah I've already started talking to a recruiter but he seems like he doesn't really care About giving you the info . So I'm just trying to get the most info possible
Posted by Blacked-out-GT (Member # 2544) on
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Your station is a crap shoot as it really depends on the needs of the Air Force. The biggest thing is that if you choose to pull the trigger and come on board. Get your job GUARANTEED IN WRITING!
Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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Lol yea I think I'm making the right choice hopefully I'll be on soon..if once you recieve your B.S degree can you apply to be an officer?
Posted by Blacked-out-GT (Member # 2544) on
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Sure can! There are several programs for you. I would like to know what your recruiters name is. Shoot me a PM
Posted by Notch1320 (Member # 2647) on
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I have right at 15 years in so far. Stationed at Beale AFB as a U-2 Crew Chief. I am writing from the sand as we speak. I have worked T-38's, F-111's, A-10's, and U-2's. I have traveled and lived all over the world. Aircraft maintemence is a blast at times, and can be a real pain in the ass as well. Don't let your recruiter sell you on any BS. Try to work a sign on bonus, and don't settle for anything but a guaranteed AFSC. PM me with any specific questions. If I had to do it all over again, I would have tried to come in as a machinist. The benefits of the GI Bill, and education alone are worth a 4 year enlistment. Getting a degree can be hard if you deploy a lot, but can be done if you are commited. Best of luck with your decision.
Posted by QuadKing7o7 (Member # 9098) on
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IM LEAVIN FOR BASIC ON SEPT. 22!!! any tips?
Posted by 87_Hatch (Member # 6714) on
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So what job did you get?
Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on
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Good luck man, maintanence is probably the worst way to go IMO. Plenty of 12 hour days of non sense
Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on
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quote:
Originally posted by JohnCM:
Good luck man, maintanence is probably the worst way to go IMO. Plenty of 12 hour days of non sense
What do you do? And so help me you say something in MPF or Services, I'm clownin' your azz for DAYS! ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
If I were to do it all over again, it would be ATC (Air Traffic Controller) all the way.
Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on
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sheet metal, my wife is atc. good bonuses
Posted by QuadKing7o7 (Member # 9098) on
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My job is gonna be ATC, I'm pretty stoked
Posted by Notch1320 (Member # 2647) on
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quote:
Originally posted by JohnB:
quote:
Originally posted by JohnCM:
Good luck man, maintanence is probably the worst way to go IMO. Plenty of 12 hour days of non sense
What do you do? And so help me you say something in MPF or Services, I'm clownin' your azz for DAYS!
If I were to do it all over again, it would be ATC (Air Traffic Controller) all the way.
John, I will be right there with you if he ends up being a Services or MPF Nonner Puke!!!
Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on
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I'm not going to lie, there's plenty of days I wish I worked at the MPF making ID cards.
I guess it just depends where you work, and what you work on. F15= worst airframe ever.
Posted by Blacked-out-GT (Member # 2544) on
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Last I checked...there weren't any F-15's at Travis but I can see how sheet metal could confuse a HUGE CARGO airframe for a fighter
[ August 17, 2009, 04:15 PM: Message edited by: Blacked-out-GT ]
Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on
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lol
[ August 17, 2009, 04:55 PM: Message edited by: JohnCM ]
Posted by turbo50 (Member # 6700) on
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I was a computer systems communications technician in the air force. AKA Tech Control.
I was in for 5 years and loved it.
Got my education and some job experience in there.
Met a ton of good folks and keep in touch with alot.
I make a good living now because of the air force and my desire.
Good luck.
Posted by MikeD. (Member # 8060) on
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Ive been thinking about the air force recently. Im tired of getting layed off once I get good at something. I may go down tomorrow and have a chat with the boys. How long is boot camp?
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