View Full Version : I meet with an army recruiter today
Kind of can't wait to be honest. I hope to get in after I graduate in June and go to college after I finish.
Have a good day all
Erica
01-18-2007, 08:05 AM
Though admirable, I'm speechless, under the current Bush administration, no end in sight. I wish you the best of luck Kid, they wisk the young recruits off fast and into harms way. A good college career is promised, but at such a high price, just my 2 cents.
That's one of things I'm going to mention to him...
1) I do NOT want to be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan no sooner than a year.
2) Give me time. I don't want to join the army RIGHT after finishing school - I need a mini-break atleast
I see your point Erica. Honestly they have stepped up the recruitments in public schools a lot. I was called atleast 3 times by recruitment officers (never signed up for anything) and I said no to all except one. Why? He didn't give me BS - he did not say "Tim, do you want to improve your life and find a way to college without paying? How about joining the army?". I HATE that BS. The recruiter i'm meeting with today got right to the point "Ever think about joining the army?" and no BS.
Sledge
01-18-2007, 10:48 AM
As a combat military vet (Vietnam war), there are a few things to keep in mind when talking to a recruiter.
1. Never believe anything he says. His adjenda is to get you to enlist and add to his quota.
2. Make sure everything you are looking for is in writing. It is, after all, a contract.
3. Consider special types of MOS skills. (jobs) Remember that with basic training for everyone, your first MOS skill is a grunt infantryman. Its your second and possibly third MOS that becomes important. There are many jobs in the service outside of combat. If you thirst for combat then go for it, but remember that there is little call for trained combat soldiers outside of the military.
There are Electronic, Computer Systems, Missile Command, Accounting, and a whole slew of non combat jobs that need to be filled. They will point you towards the areas where they have the greatest need, not necessarily the best job for you.
I expect there are books and other information available outlining these options. Press them for the info before signing anything.
Once you are ready to sign, review the contract very closely. Look at it very carefully.
I fully enjoyed my time in service and applaud anyone that does serve. It is one of the best ways for a young person to grow up and learn responsibility and honor.
I can only wish you the best of luck in your decision, whatever you decide to do.
Thanks for the tip Sledge.
I talked to him and he basically gave me the outline of jobs that there are and how long I'll be in basic training (9 weeks), and all the other things. I didn't sign anything yet but I think I will after I graduate. I really want to start working out more and make sure I keep the promise to myself before I actually do anything that will poop me out (aka basic training).
The recruiter was pretty honest about everything though.
Holt Politician
01-18-2007, 06:41 PM
Kid,
If you are concerned at all about going to Iraq or Afghanistan my word of advice is to look into the other branches of service.
The decision you make will effect you the rest of your life and you should visit each branch before making your decision. Have you taken the ASVAB yet? They can tell you anything you want, but if you score low on your ASVAB, certain MOS's and/or ratings will be offlimits to you.
I'm taking the ASVAB either next week or the week after.
I've heard that the reserves DO have 2 year contracts so I think I'll go for that if I do for the army reserves incase I don't like what I'm doing. Also I've been told that it's very likely that I could be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan and to be honest, I really wouldn't mind.
I don't know about the other branches. I heard that the air force was pretty tough to get into and that they have a pretty big load of personnel plus I really have no desire to join the air force or the navy.
Holt Politician
01-19-2007, 07:45 AM
Why the army? Elder family members were in the army?
What do you want to do with the rest of your life? Aviation? Electronics? Law enforcement? Networking/computers?
Don't forget about the coast guard or marine corps. You should visit every recruiter. Or visit a different army recruiter station in a neighboring town and see if both recruiters give the same answers.
Why the army? Elder family members were in the army?
What do you want to do with the rest of your life? Aviation? Electronics? Law enforcement? Networking/computers?
Don't forget about the coast guard or marine corps. You should visit every recruiter. Or visit a different army recruiter station in a neighboring town and see if both recruiters give the same answers.
Grandfather was in the army reserve.
And networking/computers, yep.
MaddyFF
01-19-2007, 01:03 PM
they wisk the young recruits off fast and into harms way. A good college career is promised, but at such a high price, just my 2 cents.
Depends on your career path in the military.
Holt Politician
01-19-2007, 05:52 PM
Grandfather was in the army reserve.
And networking/computers, yep.
Well that was more or less my field in the navy and I knew guys that spent 6+ years and never went to sea. If that is what is holding you back from the Coast Guard and Navy.
Not that Im pushing those...after all I must be out for a reason. :p
Just saying that you shouldn't just go to 1 Army recruiter. Go to 2 Army recruiters (in different offices) or 3+. I signed up for 6, because my schooling was so lengthy...and somehow managed to actually use 2 full years for schooling. Don't sign up for 4 years, get a 4 week course in basic computer repair and then get handed a rifle.
Yeah, I'm going to check out the Navy's site out and see what they have to offer. If I'm interested, I'll call up an recruiting officer.
What if you go in and you don't like it from the get-go? I don't believe that will happen for me because I pay attention well (atleast I think do I :p). They get jailtime + a fine, right?
And where did you go for training?
Na'gol
01-19-2007, 08:21 PM
Iraq really isn't the only place you can be sent to. My cousin is stationed in Korea right now. He's in the airforce, and he repairs the planes. Make sure that they are saying "you won't be sent anywhere" rather than "you won't be sent to Iraq."
Well, I really wouldn't mind being sent to Iraq or Afghanistan period. If I rotate and get some guys out of there, I would be happy. I know some people that are doing a few tours there (2 in Afghanistan).
Holt Politician
01-20-2007, 02:54 PM
Yeah, I'm going to check out the Navy's site out and see what they have to offer. If I'm interested, I'll call up an recruiting officer.
What if you go in and you don't like it from the get-go? I don't believe that will happen for me because I pay attention well (atleast I think do I :p). They get jailtime + a fine, right?
And where did you go for training?
The army has several boot camps, Navy has 1 north of Chicago, marines have 2 (one in southern cali, one in paris island, sc), coast guard I believe is in NJ, and not sure where Air force has there boot camp.
After boot camp, you'll go for your primary training (Navy calls them "A" schools). My primary training was in San Diego, but alas...depending on what branch you select and what primary training you take..who knows where you'll go.
While talking to your recruiter(s), figure out what your ASVAB score opens up to you. If you are set on the Army, ask him what secondary schools you can get after your primary school. My primary training made me an electronics tech., but I had 6 secondary schools that were more specific (i.e. I was an electronics tech that was qualified to work on high frequency and ultra-high frequency radio, crypto gear, and various satellite systems.
You don't want to go to school for Computers, then find out that the MOS the recruiter signed you up for was to be a computer operator with a 2 week course in how to log on/off of windows. Ya know?
I was in the Navy 2 years before I seen my first duty station. So, my advice to you Kid, is to do as much research into Army schools and all the other branches of computer/networking schools and then make a choice. Figure out your career path as best as you can. Plot the next 4, 8, or 20 years down on paper.
*edit* Ask your recruiter(s), if it would be possible to talk to someone that has the MOS/rating you are considering. For all you know, the recruiter you are talking to is general infantry and has no idea about anything computers (accept that he can set up lifetank and macro all day long while he's recruiting your rearend...lmbo)
Skeksis
01-20-2007, 03:07 PM
What if you go in and you don't like it from the get-go? I don't believe that will happen for me because I pay attention well (atleast I think do I :p). They get jailtime + a fine, right?
And where did you go for training?
Jailtime is a rather harsh punishment.
Unfortunately, some ppl don't like the service and choose to go UA (Unauthorized Absence). The general punishment for that is 45 days restriction (confined to the ship (but, get visitors)), 45 days extra-duty (basically working an extra 2-3 hours after normal working hours) reduction in rate to the next lower paygrade and forfeiture of half-months pay for 2 months. Over 30 days is "Deserter" status and is punishable by Court Martial. There are many counseling services that the military can offer to help you through your transition and, ultimately, these same ppl can help you get a hardship discharge. Keep in mind that the military is another corporation and it's a job. Some jobs you like, and some you hate.
As far as basic training, I can only inform you to the Navy side since that's what I'm familiar with. Basic Training is in Great Lakes, IL. Just north of Chicago. Just across the street from basic is the Naval Training Center and they teach about 80% of the A-schools there. Your follow-on equipment specific schools are taught all over the US, mainly on the east and west coasts.
If you are interested in Computers/Networking and want to check out the Navy, I'd recommend:
IT (Information Systems Technician) - Generally work with all types of communications and the ship's LAN, from installation, configuration and repair.
ET (Electronics Technician) - Basically split into two areas. Comms types work with the ITs and their equipment and the RADAR types work with the ship's RADAR systems.
FC (Fire Controlman) - Operates and maintains the ship's various weapon systems.
I'm currently a FC1 (E-6) and I'm stationed in San Diego teaching the newest Tomahawk system to the new sailors.
I hope this info helps you with your decision on whether or not to contact the Navy recruiter.
Holt Politician
01-20-2007, 03:31 PM
Information Techs., for the most part, are bricks. So if you're semi-intelligent Kid, you'd probably advance pretty quickly.
Make sure you are informed with each branches advancement path. Army is armywide, if Im not mistaken. Navy, on the otherhand, is job (rating) specific.
Skeksis,
I was thinking of joining the reserves. You know anything about navets cross training when they re-enter?
The army has several boot camps, Navy has 1 north of Chicago, marines have 2 (one in southern cali, one in paris island, sc), coast guard I believe is in NJ, and not sure where Air force has there boot camp.
After boot camp, you'll go for your primary training (Navy calls them "A" schools). My primary training was in San Diego, but alas...depending on what branch you select and what primary training you take..who knows where you'll go.
While talking to your recruiter(s), figure out what your ASVAB score opens up to you. If you are set on the Army, ask him what secondary schools you can get after your primary school. My primary training made me an electronics tech., but I had 6 secondary schools that were more specific (i.e. I was an electronics tech that was qualified to work on high frequency and ultra-high frequency radio, crypto gear, and various satellite systems.
You don't want to go to school for Computers, then find out that the MOS the recruiter signed you up for was to be a computer operator with a 2 week course in how to log on/off of windows. Ya know?
I was in the Navy 2 years before I seen my first duty station. So, my advice to you Kid, is to do as much research into Army schools and all the other branches of computer/networking schools and then make a choice. Figure out your career path as best as you can. Plot the next 4, 8, or 20 years down on paper.
*edit* Ask your recruiter(s), if it would be possible to talk to someone that has the MOS/rating you are considering. For all you know, the recruiter you are talking to is general infantry and has no idea about anything computers (accept that he can set up lifetank and macro all day long while he's recruiting your rearend...lmbo)
Yeah, I took computer classes at an vocational school which taught me some of the stuff they teach at community colleges and colleges (web programming in general).
Yeah, I'm going to take the ASVAB and see what my choices are. I'm not going to sign an contract with the army or anyone soon because I want to wait a bit.
Jailtime is a rather harsh punishment.
Unfortunately, some ppl don't like the service and choose to go UA (Unauthorized Absence). The general punishment for that is 45 days restriction (confined to the ship (but, get visitors)), 45 days extra-duty (basically working an extra 2-3 hours after normal working hours) reduction in rate to the next lower paygrade and forfeiture of half-months pay for 2 months. Over 30 days is "Deserter" status and is punishable by Court Martial. There are many counseling services that the military can offer to help you through your transition and, ultimately, these same ppl can help you get a hardship discharge. Keep in mind that the military is another corporation and it's a job. Some jobs you like, and some you hate.
As far as basic training, I can only inform you to the Navy side since that's what I'm familiar with. Basic Training is in Great Lakes, IL. Just north of Chicago. Just across the street from basic is the Naval Training Center and they teach about 80% of the A-schools there. Your follow-on equipment specific schools are taught all over the US, mainly on the east and west coasts.
If you are interested in Computers/Networking and want to check out the Navy, I'd recommend:
IT (Information Systems Technician) - Generally work with all types of communications and the ship's LAN, from installation, configuration and repair.
ET (Electronics Technician) - Basically split into two areas. Comms types work with the ITs and their equipment and the RADAR types work with the ship's RADAR systems.
FC (Fire Controlman) - Operates and maintains the ship's various weapon systems.
I'm currently a FC1 (E-6) and I'm stationed in San Diego teaching the newest Tomahawk system to the new sailors.
I hope this info helps you with your decision on whether or not to contact the Navy recruiter.
Ahhh ok. Yeah, I'm going to contact an Navy recruiter also and see what he/she has to say also. I'm going to pick whatever one works out the best (obviously).
Erica
01-22-2007, 07:37 AM
Depends on your career path in the military.
Hope it's not latrine duty, :eek:
Sledge
01-22-2007, 02:50 PM
Lots of great advise here.
Just keep in mind that whatever you decide to do, it is an 8 year commitment. X active and X inactive.
Also, Look at it as being a good kickstart to your future career in life.
Go into this with a plan of having a good time, learning new skills, meeting lifelong friends and seeing and doing things you can't even imagine right now.
Good Luck to you.
Atarax
01-22-2007, 05:25 PM
Why not go to college and get a degree. Then if you're still interested, you can join as an officer. Maybe you'll change your mind an go join the NSA and become a spy.
Holt Politician
01-22-2007, 07:14 PM
Why not go to college and get a degree. Then if you're still interested, you can join as an officer. Maybe you'll change your mind an go join the NSA and become a spy.
Bah! Why pay for college when you can have the GI BIll, get miltary schooling (some military schools are accredited, so some colleges will accept them as credits), on the job training, and more or less get a job after your enlistment like *snaps fingers* like that.
I came in for my interview and they didn't even interview me. That's how alot of companies view prior service applicants.
Zakon
04-08-2007, 12:44 AM
Hey Kid, you still joining the Army? What MOS did you choose?
conserve12
05-02-2007, 09:08 AM
Hey Kid, im in the army and haven't gone to basic yet but Holt really knows what hes talking about, I made the mistake of listening to my dad and not going to different branches, but after looking some stuff up and meeting with some recruiters from marines and navy i think army is the best choice. Hope you join cuz maybe ill get to see you sometime hehe. If you have any ?'s lemee know and ill ask my recruiter if he can answer for me, hes prolly the most honest guy i have met in the army and so far hes hasn't been there for me when i have a ?, so jus pm me if you want to and good luck with your decision k :)
conserve12
05-02-2007, 09:10 AM
lol he hasnt ever NOT been there for me :)
Itablie
05-02-2007, 09:22 AM
Don't buy anything on base. My buddy was in the NAVY and ended up owning them like 2k after his first year lol. He got it paid off, but what a waste of money.
I haven't signed anything yet but I do keep in contact with my army recruiter a bit (this is a few months old). Still venturing through my options at the moment but as for now it looks like I will not be joining anything this summer but maybe this fall.
TheKnight
05-02-2007, 11:45 PM
Take your time and pick out which best suits your goals, as you will be doing this for quite some time. I wish you the best of luck in your future military career, whichever you decide to choose.
Regards
Strode
05-03-2007, 11:04 AM
My son goes in the army on the 27 of June. I am very proud of him. I told him to go in the Air Force, but he decided that if the army was good enough for me it's good enough for him. He is going into networking. Apparently his school is 22 weeks after basic's initial nine. There is a lot to be said for getting training in the military. I have many friends that have become quite successful beginning their career there. Myself included. Make the choice that is best for you Kid. We were all scared when we went in, but believe me, you can handle it.
Ayyub
06-04-2007, 02:22 PM
I'll go ahead and echo what most of the others have said regarding talking to many recruiters and many branches.
My brother was well on his way to joining the Marine Corps, but he wasn't allowed in for a reason I don't really find relevant.
I've considered it also, and my interests fit well with one of the most important MOSs these days: Linguist. I've studied linguistics for a long time, I study many languages -- right now, Arabic is my focus (and it's coming along very nicely). I spoke quite briefly with my brother's Marines recruiter about how that might work.
I'm still not sure whether it's something I might want to pursue, but then again, I'm only 16. I've plenty of time to think about it. Who knows where I'll end up.
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