Armed forces ???? - Northern California Ford Owners

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Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

So times are getting hard around here and I've been out of work for almost 6 months and I'm thinking about signing up to one of the U.S. forces. I would like to know if any of you, those who have signed up or are thinking of signing up, could share some of your real life experiences with me. What are the pros and cons? Thanx

Posted by Infamous5.0 (Member # 1745) on :

Pro- You will live
Con- You will die

Posted by turbo50 (Member # 6700) on :

Best thing I did in life next to marrying my wife and having my son.

Dan

USAF

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

I have a son and he'll be 3 this year and the only real concern is how much time I'll have to be away from him. Anyone know how long that could be?

Posted by kennebellgt (Member # 8395) on :

Join the Coast Guard..

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

Y the coast gaurd?

Posted by phonso302 (Member # 9260) on :

First off I have never served, but from friends and families I have noticed the military life isn't for everyone. Some people love it others hate it. Keep in mind if you are deployed you will be gone for up to 6 months. My friends girl left with his kid she got fed up when he was shipped overseas back to back...

You have to love/like what you do for a living to be happy and successful.why not attend some college/trade school? There is work out here,companies are. Just being picky

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

Me and my baby mother not together and I already have a degree from UTI plus certs from their Ford Fact program that's proving to be worthless. In short I feel like I'm loosing my mind jus staying at home all the time

Posted by SEMPERFI510 (Member # 627) on :

It really depends on what you want to do. I joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 2000 to have some change of pace in my life and shoot weapons while I went to college. Ended up getting activated during the war in 2003 and spent a year on active duty and got to travel to Iraq for some fun [Big Grin]

. I've been to many states for training as well. I also decided of making it my career half way through college and did OCS (officer candidate school) in Quantico, VA. Changed my mind when I was done as the job market was looking a lot better then. If deploying to foreign wars and spending time at sea is your thing, then the Marine Corps is you choice. Just my .02 cents. [patriot]

[ May 27, 2011, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: SEMPERFI510 ]

Posted by cali95gt (Member # 8940) on :

Don't take this he wrong way bro but to be hones. Nowadays a degree from some type of accreditted University is required... Heald, Devry, etc.. all me jack squate...

I'm tired of school, but to be honest I'm just going to stay until I obtain my Master of Science.. No rush to finish

Posted by ls1 miguel (Member # 10053) on :

i depped into the marines in january i'll be leaving in september. im pretty excited and i hope i made the right choice.

i have a couple family members and they both love it

if you want to talk to a USMC recruiter let me know i'll give you his phone number

Posted by SEMPERFI510 (Member # 627) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ls1 miguel:
i depped into the marines in january i'll be leaving in september. im pretty excited and i hope i made the right choice.

i have a couple family members and they both love it

if you want to talk to a USMC recruiter let me know i'll give you his phone number

Good luck man. Bootcamp is a three month vacation [Wink]

Posted by sleeping stallion (Member # 8162) on :

usmc
yea its a 3 month vacation but after all that is over with it gets better im in missouri at an army post we got all the branches here and the most respected is us marines i say if ur gonna join join the best im not saying the rest of the branches are worthess but we do train harder but we also party harder talk to a recruiter any branch is good depends what you are looking to get out of it

Posted by kingroy (Member # 7736) on :

If you go in, go in with a full commitment, and go in with a plan.

1) 4 years and out, then school?
2) 4 years, get some job experience then get out?
3) possible career?

If possible career, then it doesn't matter what your job will be in the military because that will be your career. But if plan to get out, then choose a job in the military that will transfer easy into civilian life.

I enlisted in the navy and was attached to the marine corps for 3.5 years. Best decision of my life.

Lastly, make army the last option. They provide the largest enlistment bonus, but they also provide the longest deployments of at least a year and up to a year and a half. Navy and marine corps will deploy you for 6 months. All branches of service pay the same with the same benefits, so don't believe a recruiter if he tells you otherwise.

This will be the best decision for your family, you can sign up for the Montgomery g.I. bill and you can go to college or transfer over to your wife or kids. Also there's the 9/11 g.I. bill which is free and use or transfer as well.

You can't lose by joining, it'll take some sacrifice, but sacrifices are needed to better ourselves. Hope this helps and good luck.

Posted by ls1 miguel (Member # 10053) on :

quote:
Originally posted by SEMPERFI510:

quote:
Originally posted by ls1 miguel:
i depped into the marines in january i'll be leaving in september. im pretty excited and i hope i made the right choice.

i have a couple family members and they both love it

if you want to talk to a USMC recruiter let me know i'll give you his phone number
Good luck man. Bootcamp is a three month vacation

thanks man

Posted by 2Foxes2Five0Coupes (Member # 9154) on :

I would get free training through one of unemployment's programs and get a commercial driver's license. There's always driving jobs available that pay just as good or better than your last job. Assuming you already have a decent driving record. The military has a lot of benefits in the long run though for u and your kid.

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

I would like to thank everyone for their info it really helped but any more info would be greatly appreciate thanx 2 all

Posted by phonso302 (Member # 9260) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 2Foxes2Five0Coupes:
I would get free training through one of unemployment's programs and get a commercial driver's license. There's always driving jobs available that pay just as good or better than your last job. Assuming you already have a decent driving record. The military has a lot of benefits in the long run though for u and your kid.

Its funny how some dudes at work can barely speak english and are making 90-100k a year... waste management ftmfw

Get a commercial license and apply at waste management all the ot you can work/full benefits/pension

Posted by PeNiNsula302 (Member # 1061) on :

6 years Army, Airborne Infantry - PM me with any questions you might have.

Posted by Eddie510- (Member # 2354) on :

quote:
Originally posted by phonso302:

quote:
Originally posted by 2Foxes2Five0Coupes:
I would get free training through one of unemployment's programs and get a commercial driver's license. There's always driving jobs available that pay just as good or better than your last job. Assuming you already have a decent driving record. The military has a lot of benefits in the long run though for u and your kid.
Its funny how some dudes at work can barely speak english and are making 90-100k a year... waste management ftmfw

Get a commercial license and apply at waste management all the ot you can work/full benefits/pension

lol....You work for waste management ? My dads friend does the oakland hills route, barley can speak english, he used to work at a pizza uno and rented a room at my fathers house. Now he has 2 houses making over 80k. He wants me to get in but i haunt got my commercial L's yet. I just need to stop going out and get the funds for the school program. I been wanting to get in so bad with that company. I love being a driver (fedex driver) but want to make more.

Posted by 2Foxes2Five0Coupes (Member # 9154) on :

quote:
Originally posted by phonso302:

quote:
Originally posted by 2Foxes2Five0Coupes:
I would get free training through one of unemployment's programs and get a commercial driver's license. There's always driving jobs available that pay just as good or better than your last job. Assuming you already have a decent driving record. The military has a lot of benefits in the long run though for u and your kid.
Its funny how some dudes at work can barely speak english and are making 90-100k a year... waste management ftmfw

Get a commercial license and apply at waste management all the ot you can work/full benefits/pension

+1 Lol @Barely can speak english. I have to turn off the commercial radio channel cause dudes wont't speak english on it. I'm like shut that sh*t up. WM FTW when it comes to feeding your family and having a few toys at the same time. You got options out here Rok (civilian life) I say let the military be your last option.

[ May 28, 2011, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: 2Foxes2Five0Coupes ]

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

Not tryna put anybody down and plz believe me I do know that a job is a job but I really think I can do better than driving around garbage all day plus my driving record ain't in the best condition anyway but I do appreciate the advice

Posted by DLo (Member # 6133) on :

First off, it is Memorial Day weekend - so thanks to all of you who served! [patriot]

Secondly, I never signed up but I talked to a few different recruiters and was really interested in it. Fortunately I landed jobs so I kind of lost the drive to sign up. But I'm surprised to see Kingroy's advice about all branches paying the same. I was told by more than one recruiter that the Marines had to pay for some of their own stuff, that they got paid less, etc as compared to someone in the Air Force or the Army.

To the OP, how about schooling? Lots of people went back to school to get some sort of degree since they lost their jobs. I was suggested by many to join up as an officer since I have my degree now. Just wanted to throw something else out there. Good luck.

Posted by WildFire532FB (Member # 1482) on :

Coast Guard is not hiring, No Money.

and don't believe anything a recruiter tells you, don't trust they will file the correct paperwork for you from the job you want, and don't expect to get the job you want either.

[ May 29, 2011, 03:28 PM: Message edited by: WildFire532FB ]

Posted by phonso302 (Member # 9260) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 2Foxes2Five0Coupes:

quote:
Originally posted by phonso302:

quote:
Originally posted by 2Foxes2Five0Coupes:
I would get free training through one of unemployment's programs and get a commercial driver's license. There's always driving jobs available that pay just as good or better than your last job. Assuming you already have a decent driving record. The military has a lot of benefits in the long run though for u and your kid.
Its funny how some dudes at work can barely speak english and are making 90-100k a year... waste management ftmfw

Get a commercial license and apply at waste management all the ot you can work/full benefits/pension
+1 Lol @Barely can speak english. I have to turn off the commercial radio channel cause dudes wont't speak english on it. I'm like shut that sh*t up. WM FTW when it comes to feeding your family and having a few toys at the same time. You got options out here Rok (civilian life) I say let the military be your last option.

I'm so happy I made the switch only regret is I didn't do it earlier....

Posted by acmikee (Member # 5568) on :

your recuiter will lie to you

GET A GUARANTEED SCHOOL IN WRITING befor you sign anything

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

So my decision has been made. I'm. Joining the millitary and now all I have to do is pick a branch to join. Anyone care to give input on which branch is better than the other?

Posted by Notch1320 (Member # 2647) on :

Do you have any interest in a particular field?

USAF 16+ years....The only way to go IMO!

Posted by Costa510 (Member # 10978) on :

they dont lie you get school it goes to everyone unless you fuck up and get discharged for anything.

i joined army my old boss works as a recuritor in hayward he wont bull shit you and will tell you as it is. I too didnt have any money, job, or GED and alot of tickets. army helped me with all that i got paid good lived in hawaii and i now make $850 a week just doing online classes from the VA. i did do tour cus i joined as infantry and yea it was crazy but you have more of a chance dying here then there. and also pick a job where you can make good money on the out side and maybe one where you wont go out side the wire of a bass.

best thing i ve ever done, great change of pace then here, and you meet alot of cool new people. and they take care of you. and the benifits are great in the army your kid will be able to go to any college for free but only state ones nothing crazy. its a good move.

Posted by Costa510 (Member # 10978) on :

if you wanna join army see Staff sergeant Jay in hayward and if not army he can show you the other guys.

Posted by turbo50 (Member # 6700) on :

For what it is worth the USAF sure helped my quality of life.

It gave me the schooling and the real world experience in the field I am in.

That way when I ventured out into the civilian world with the same degree as the person that just got out of college, I had one up on them because I had been doin the job for 4 years and had the degree to back it up.

Just my .02 pennies.

If I had it to do over I would have stayed for 20. Id be retired in 3 years from now.......then I would have started a civilian job after that.

I dont make doctor or lawyer wages but I am working in this time of shit economy and I make nearly 6 figures with great benefits.

I know that is not a TON to brag about and I am not but on the other hand I could have continued down the path I was headed on having grown up in a trailer park............

[ June 07, 2011, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: turbo50 ]

Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on :

I'm in the Air Force, 6 years now. It's gone by quick so far, I'm sure it'll hit a wall here soon though. There's just not near as many people in the Air Force anymore, makes more work for everyone else. At least in my career field, we're hurting for people.
Make sure you pick a good job, it makes a huge difference.
Btw my recruiter didn't lie, I just didn't listen haha

If you're interested in the Marines also my brother is a recruiter in the Sacramento area and he can hook you up. Just pm me

Posted by JohnB (Member # 969) on :

18 yrs in August, active duty Air Force. Been all over the world, wouldn't trade that for anything. My degrees and certs are paid for, decent life for my son and I, and I retire before I'm 38. Rough life. [patriot]

Posted by Zeke (Member # 9432) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ROK5.0:
So times are getting hard around here and I've been out of work for almost 6 months and I'm thinking about signing up to one of the U.S. forces. I would like to know if any of you, those who have signed up or are thinking of signing up, could share some of your real life experiences with me. What are the pros and cons? Thanx

I joined the Air Force straight out of Highschool and served for 8 years. It was by far the best decision I've ever made in my life because it really affected my life in a positive manner. Pros: Quality of life (have yet to have met anyone from any of the other Military branches to tell me their quality of life is better than the AF), and Job Security. Cons: Deployments (depending on your job, you could be away from your family for 6 months to 1 year), and Salary pay (if you aren't an admin person or someone who doesn't get dirty, be prepared to work 12+ hr shifts as well as weekend duty without being paid overtime). One thing I will also say that I experienced in the Air Force is the fact that they're big on education. Every single supervisor I ever had (with the exception of one) always encouraged going to school. Not only will it help you make rank, but it also sets you up for civilian life, should you choose to seperate once you've fulfilled your enlistment. Checkout http://usmilitary.about.com/ for unbiased info about the Military.

Instead of joining the military, you could always apply for federal jobs you may be qualified for. Some jobs may have minimal qualifications but offer some sort of on job training. Checkout www.usajobs.gov

Posted by sleeping stallion (Member # 8162) on :

Wow alot air force
It depends what u want outta of it in the long run education airforce or navy for sure wanna be busy always working hard and be the best respected branch marines no matter where u go u c. Tell a marine from any other branch marines changed me alot from physical to mental discipline it's all up to u Ur doing the right things

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

Well I've narrowed it down to 2 choices. I wanna get involved in law(possibly a lawyer) or the medical field(something other than nurse). Anyone have any insight on these career fields in the millitary or know anyone I can talk to. I've already talk to a marine recruite can anyone suggest a good recruiter from the other branches close to the oakland area?

Posted by 2TONE (Member # 4216) on :

mexican armed forces,,,,,,09 bullet proof escalade ext with a 50 cal mounted on back

Posted by Zeke (Member # 9432) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ROK5.0:
Well I've narrowed it down to 2 choices. I wanna get involved in law(possibly a lawyer) or the medical field(something other than nurse). Anyone have any insight on these career fields in the millitary or know anyone I can talk to. I've already talk to a marine recruite can anyone suggest a good recruiter from the other branches close to the oakland area?

You can find a set of recruiters from all branches just across the street from Bay Fair. As far as them being good, it's been 8 years since I've been back so I'm not sure about who is there now. As far as the career fields you're looking into, those are both some really good choices. Personally I'd stick with medical particularly due to the fact it is a much safer (in terms of job security)in the civilian world. If you don't like the job, you could always crosstrain into another career field. Another added bonus to being in the medical field is the fact that the guy to girl ratio is significantly better than other fields such as maintenance, logitstics, etc.

Posted by 915.0gt (Member # 9518) on :

i did 4 years as a combat engineer active duty army.

you WILL get deployed
you WILL spend as much time AWAY from your family as you do with them
they CAN and WILL treat you however THEY want.
mass punishment is a BITCH

base pay is decent, if your married you will get rent allowence and food allowance.

basic is 3 months your job training varys on what job you get.

you can also pm me with any questions, its not for everyone but sometimes you gotta do wt u gotta do

Posted by 915.0gt (Member # 9518) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ROK5.0:
Well I've narrowed it down to 2 choices. I wanna get involved in law(possibly a lawyer) or the medical field(something other than nurse). Anyone have any insight on these career fields in the millitary or know anyone I can talk to. I've already talk to a marine recruite can anyone suggest a good recruiter from the other branches close to the oakland area?

first thing before any of that see if you can get in as a warrent officer or a officer. thats were the money is at. then decide on a job

Posted by 68stanger (Member # 7842) on :

I got no real advice on which branch of service will be best for you. Are you trying to do something technical or be the super killer warrior? just talk to a recruiter from every branch and see where you fit in.

Don't believe what ANY recruiter says no matter how cool they are with you, make sure what YOU want is in writing and on your contract prior to swearing in. Its your life make sure its what YOU want.

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

Can anyone suggest things that I should have in my contract before I sign it? Also are there any things I should ask for to be put in my contract maybe perks?

Posted by 68stanger (Member # 7842) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ROK5.0:
Can anyone suggest things that I should have in my contract before I sign it? Also are there any things I should ask for to be put in my contract maybe perks?

Off the top of my head just the basic shit like any signing bonuses for your rate (job), guaranteed A school, rank out of basic training (E2/E3)

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

So how do I go about getting an A school and a E2/3 rank out of basic training? I mean I know to jus ask but how do I qualify for that stuff?

Posted by Zeke (Member # 9432) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 68stanger:

quote:
Originally posted by ROK5.0:
Can anyone suggest things that I should have in my contract before I sign it? Also are there any things I should ask for to be put in my contract maybe perks?
Off the top of my head just the basic shit like any signing bonuses for your rate (job), guaranteed A school, rank out of basic training (E2/E3)

+1

- The job you will have upon graduation from Basic military training
- Rank you will have upon graduation from Basic military training or technical training (if applicable)
- Signing bonus: how much you'll be getting, and date of when you'll be getting it (if applicable)
- The amount of years you agree to be enlisted for (i.e. 4 or 6 years)

Posted by Zeke (Member # 9432) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ROK5.0:
So how do I go about getting an A school and a E2/3 rank out of basic training? I mean I know to jus ask but how do I qualify for that stuff?

As far as rank goes, you could get E2/3 for signing up for 6 years (depends on the job) or having completed a certain amount of college credit hours (I don't know the exact amount). As far as "school" goes, do you mean technical school for your military job? If so then that all depends on what your job is, each job has a certain base/post. Some may require you to travel to several bases/posts as opposed to others where you'll do all your schooling at one base/post. Speak with a recruiter to see what job(s) you quailify for, if none of them interest you then do not feel obligated to join. If they can't guarantee you (on paper) the job you want then forget it. Also, don't sign up as an Admin general, Maintenance general, because you could often be stuck with slim pickens when it's time to verify the job you'll have (which happens when you're in basic training [at least in the Air Force]).

Posted by ROK5.0 (Member # 8589) on :

Anyone remember there asvab scores and what jobs they qualified for?

Posted by Zeke (Member # 9432) on :

quote:
Originally posted by ROK5.0:
Anyone remember there asvab scores and what jobs they qualified for?

Checkout the link below, scroll down to where it says "Enlisted Jobs." Select the branch of service and you'll be taken to another page that lists jobs in the service you selected. Click on the job title and you'll get all the information you need about the job including ASVAB scores.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/u/joining_up.htm#s3

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