Who here has served in the military?

[CharlieMac]

I'm just curious. I was looking into joining the Texas National Guard, but it's really just a thought right now. Repaying college loans sounds like hell. The website doesn't offer much info, and I am not THAT interested that I'll go visit a recruiter.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

My brother is currently in the Army. Located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Serving in the military involves sergeants. This is all I know.

[IceColdBrewski]

My brother is currently in the Army. Located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

That's where I was stationed with the 82d Airborne Division.

What exactly do you want to know eriks? The Army paid off all my Wife's student loans. And she went to big money USC. Active duty though.

Don't commit to anything unless you're ready. A lot of people join the Natl Guard and reserves thinking they'll only be doing the "one weekend a month and 2 weeks a year" thing. It doesn't work that way. Just becuase you're Guard or reserves doesn't mean your unit won't be shipped off to Iraq for a year.

[AFBlue]

http://education.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-overview

Not sure how the new GI Bill affects Guard or Reserve troops, but this isn't a half-bad overview, since you're looking at the prospect of paying off loans.

One thing I would caution....understand that guard and reserve units are being heavily tasked in the current environment and that you would likely be activated. Don't believe any recruiter that tells you it's just 2 weeks a year and a weekend a month.

[AFBlue]

Oh and this is just me but.....go Air Force.

[CharlieMac]

That's where I was stationed with the 82d Airborne Division.

What exactly do you want to know eriks? The Army paid off all my Wife's student loans. And she went to big money USC. Active duty though.

Don't commit to anything unless you're ready. A lot of people join the Natl Guard and reserves thinking they'll only be doing the "one weekend a month and 2 weeks a year" thing. It doesn't work that way. Just becuase you're Guard or reserves doesn't mean your unit won't be shipped off to Iraq for a year.

Yeah, that's exactly what troubles me. With my luck, I know I'll get shipped off. I can't keep deferring my loans forever. I should have never graduated.

I was curious about pay, time actually put in, and enlisting rank. They have a very bare website. I read somewhere the cap is 60,000, so I wouldn't mind going back for my masters. I'm unsure of what the commitment terms are as well.

[DannyT]

Just be smart about what you do. Going to have your student loans paid off is actually pretty smart if you ask me...and if you have a degree might as well get paid more and be an officer. just dont sign up for more then 4 years unless you have to and make sure you pick a decent job that will keep you safe if you do get activated...the reserves actually isnt a bad idea either...but also look into the air force they seem to be a bit more chill and seem to take care of their people a little bit better. And lastly if you want to join the army reserves and do computer shit like networking or scanning let me know in a pm

[CharlieMac]

Yeah, I'd be open to the Air Force as well.

A teachers pay wont cut it for now. I need the money to pay off loans and go back to school.

[DannyT]

Oh and this is just me but.....go Air Force.

^ ^

Eriks:
but also I have a unit that is getting ready to take off in 2010 but only to kuwait...and believe me if you are going to get activated its best to be in Kuwait then up north of it

seriously man let me know

and another note on this unit... it really is two weeks a year one weekend a month until they are activated in 2010 unless something tragic happens like floods or other disasters because they already have mission dates. They also have like two week to two month missions in other states if you ever want to take a break from san antonio and get away its pretty cool just sometimes retarded...working for stupid people has never been a great trait of mine

[IceColdBrewski]

The Air Force is a little more chill, but promotions to a higher rank are MUCH harder to come by.

With a college degree, you'd be a fool not to go in as an officer. It won't guarantee your safety in a combat situation, but being one of the people in charge will definitely give you better odds. Much better pay and perks too.

[macdude06]

i leave for the air force 19 aug..

so if you have any questions about the whole processing let me know

[macdude06]

The Air Force is a little more chill, but promotions to a higher rank are MUCH harder to come by.

With a college degree, you'd be a fool not to go in as an officer. It won't guarantee your safety in a combat situation, but being one of the people in charge will definitely give you better odds. Much better pay and perks too.

only thing about being an officer is they do not pay as much back as enlisted do for school loans

[CharlieMac]

How long does one typically enlist for?

If I have a BA, what do I go in as exactly? What's the pay? Do reserves get benefits? What is "training" in teh reserves like. I'm about to be 29, I'd die through any type of extensive boot camp.

[Marcus Bryant]

Basically you should assume that your ass will be in a war before signing up.

[Original Banner]

That's where I was stationed with the 82d Airborne Division.
.


post a picture.......

[macdude06]

How long does one typically enlist for?

If I have a BA, what do I go in as exactly? What's the pay? Do reserves get benefits? What is "training" in teh reserves like. I'm about to be 29, I'd die through any type of extensive boot camp.

since you are 29 you would have to go in as an offcier..i beleive 28 is the cut off for enlisted unless you get a medical waiver.. officer training school is a diff kind of boot camp i dont think it is as physically tough..but im not sure.. but i cant answer any of ur questions about the reserves...

the pay
http://www.airforce.com/careers/paychart/index.php

doesnt seem like much but when you get housing allownance clothing allowance medical and dental insurance..it really adds up and the money thy pay for college loans

[Logan]

Six years in the Air Force!!

:hat

[Heath Ledger]

I served in the Navy. If you don't want to worry about being on the front lines defintely don't join the Army or Marines.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Don't you need perfect normal vision to be in the air force?

[AFBlue]

Don't you need perfect normal vision to be in the air force?

:lol

No, you don't need perfect vision to be in the Air Force...just to be a pilot. Hell, even Navigators can have correctable 20/20 vision. Plus, they offer "rated" officers (pilots, navs, etc.) lasik surgery on a case-by-case basis.

[AFBlue]

Eriks,

I'll add to my initial suggestion of Air Force by saying...go officer corps. You would have to go through the selection process for Officer Training School (OTS), which is a 12-week modified boot camp where they mix the physical training with stuff that ROTC and Academy guys learn in 4 years. It's no picnic, but it's not unbearable either.

As I said before, it's a selective process and alot of your selection will depend on GPA, physical fitness (they'll do an initial test), and what major you graduated with. The reason the last one is important is that it helps them place you into a job series when you're activated. For example, if you were a business accounting major they might make you a Finance officer.

The commitment out of OTS is 4yrs active followed up by 4yrs of INACTIVE reserves. Fortunately, the Air Force is much less likely to activate in that second 4yr period than the other branches.

Pay is good...competitive in today's market. Your "base pay" is the only thing that's taxable and you get some tax-free allowances, the biggest of which is your housing allowance. Medical benefits are second to none. Also, should you choose to go back for your Masters Degree, it's comped 100% by the Air Force. The caveat is a 2yr commitment from receipt of the degree.

Okay, so that's alot of the information on becoming an Air Force officer in your position. Not sure it's what you're looking for, but it may be another option. Let me know if you have any questions.

[AFBlue]

i leave for the air force 19 aug..

so if you have any questions about the whole processing let me know

:tu

Good luck!

[macdude06]

:tu

Good luck!

thanks man i appreciate it..gettin a little nervous but i cant wait! :downspin:

[Spuradicator]

my thanks to all that have/are serving :toast

[E20]

Watch out for them Gomer Pyles. Each part of the mlitary and subdivisons have one of their own. Worst case scenario is you become one.

[Heath Ledger]

whatever you do dont eat the cake it has peter salt in it.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Watch out for them Gomer Pyles. Each part of the mlitary and subdivisons have one of their own. Worst case scenario is you become one.

I guess one could say, if you can't spot the Gomer Pyle in your platoon within the first fifteen minutes, then you are the Gomer Pyle.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

whatever you do dont eat the cake it has peter salt in it.

Do they really do that? Something like this should be unanimous because a normal male would always notice if his desire to fuck was completely gone after a few days.

[Gino]

I'm just curious. I was looking into joining the Texas National Guard, but it's really just a thought right now. Repaying college loans sounds like hell. The website doesn't offer much info, and I am not THAT interested that I'll go visit a recruiter.

I was in the Air Force Reserve for six years and just got out last year. We went to the same basic training as the the national guard (actually, there appears to be both an army and air force national guard....the air national guard is similar to the air force reserve).

I can tell you that its a great way to pay for college. I did and my unit was never activated. Thats not a promise, Im just saying that not all units get activated.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, sign up to do security forces or you'll end up in Iraq or Afghanistan.

If college is your motivation, certain jobs in the air force (Im not sure about the Guard but I assume its the same) pay more under the reserve GI BIll. They call this the "kicker", and you get more every month if you have one of these jobs.

Drilling isn't bad at all. You go one weekend a month and you get paid for it. The annual tours are a BLAST. This is the "two weeks a year" that you hear on the commercials. What they don't tell you is that you don't spend those two weeks on YOUR base, you go to another base for two weeks. If your lucky, you'll get to go to Japan, Hawaii, Italy, Germany etc.
During these two weeks, you get days off where youre allowed to do whatever you want. When picking your "job" with your recruiter, ask which ones have the most over-seas tours. If you miss out on your best opprotunity to see the world, you will regret is.

As far as money goes, Congress just passed that huge pay increase, but I dont' know that affect the reserve GI Bill or not. When I finished in 2005, the GI Reserve Bill gave around 800 a month if you had a job with the "kicker", plus what you made for your "one weekend a month". So I was looking at about a grand a month after taxes. I also got a signing bonus that was dispensed out evenly every year for my six years. It came out to around a thousand bucks a year after taxes. Plus I made a little cash during the annual tours.

You'll probably still need a part time job to get through school. If youre lucky, though, you'll be able to do your air force job in the civilian world part time if you want.

Lastly, everything I told you is for RESERVE. The ACTIVE DUTY GI Bill is completlely different. They get a lot more money but you have to be active for four years (IIRC). Once youre done, you cash in big time.

If you want to go to school right away, go reserve/guard. If you want to wait a little while, it might be better to go active for a few years, ESPECIALLY with that RIDICULOUS GI Bill upgrade Congress just passed.

[Gino]

Yeah, that's exactly what troubles me. With my luck, I know I'll get shipped off. I can't keep deferring my loans forever. I should have never graduated.

I was curious about pay, time actually put in, and enlisting rank. They have a very bare website. I read somewhere the cap is 60,000, so I wouldn't mind going back for my masters. I'm unsure of what the commitment terms are as well.

I just realized that you already graduated. I don't know how the GI bill works for reservists who want to pay off previously accrued college loans. They give you money while youre going to college I believe. Talk to your recruiter.

Also, why on God's green earth would you want to be enlisted when you have a degree? Why wouldn't you want to be an officer? You can be a reserve officer, you know? Are you familiar with the difference? Your recruiter won't tell you about being an officer because he is an enlisted recruiter and he wants to meet his quota (A recruiter told me that out of every ten people who want to join the reserves, one is eligable).

If you have a degree, you want to talk to an OFFICER recruiter. Don't ask the elisted recruiter to refer you to one. He'll probably advise you against it. Just google it.

What was your GPA?

[CharlieMac]

I'm not sure what I would do. I didn't know the difference between a reserve officer and just regular reserve. I've googled a few facts online, but as far as pay scale goes, I don't know how to read those charts because I don't under the ranking abbreviations. I'd be curious as to what I could do in teh reseves with my degree. I'm also certified to teach English at the HS level.

My degree is in English. My major GPA was 3.0 and overall was 2.7. Currently I teach computers at a local school, but since I am not teaching in my area, I still fall under the "paraprofessional" category. I do the same work and have same workload as others in my profession, just half the pay. Whaaa-whaaaamp.

I owe over 35,000 in loans and could use a hand. I also want to complete my masters.

I heard that about about security forces. That sounds liek work. No thanks.

[AFBlue]

I'm not sure what I would do. I didn't know the difference between a reserve officer and just regular reserve. I've googled a few facts online, but as far as pay scale goes, I don't know how to read those charts because I don't under the ranking abbreviations. I'd be curious as to what I could do in teh reseves with my degree. I'm also certified to teach English at the HS level.

My degree is in English. My major GPA was 3.0 and overall was 2.7. Currently I teach computers at a local school, but since I am not teaching in my area, I still fall under the "paraprofessional" category. I do the same work and have same workload as others in my profession, just half the pay. Whaaa-whaaaamp.

I owe over 35,000 in loans and could use a hand. I also want to complete my masters.

I heard that about about security forces. That sounds liek work. No thanks.

Can't tell you how the reserve pay scale works, but I can break out the officer pay for you pretty quickly...

You make a taxable base pay around teacher's salary ($30K), which doesn't sound like much, but you also get a food allowance around $300/month and a housing allowance. The Housing Allowance varies depending on where you're stationed, but you can expect it to cover housing, electricity and cable if you live in an apartment or cookie-cutter three bedroom house. Your housing allowance will go up as you increase rank and/or if you're married (dependents).

The Base Pay goes up each year at an average of 3-5% (higher in Bush Administration), and that is without promotions. The first three pay raises are the best....at two year point ($6K), three-year point ($5K), and four-year point ($6K) if you stay in. From when you come in it is over a 50% raise.

I went the ROTC route and had a scholarship (no loans!) to cover my school, so I don't know if the military could help you post-college with your loans. As I mentioned before though, they will pay for your Masters degree 100% and what you owe them is two years from attaining the degree....but if you earn the masters within the first two years of your four year commitment, it's no additional time to your original agreement.

So that's pretty much a financial breakdown of the active duty officer.

[BigBeezie]

I was in the Marine Corps from 1998 to 2002. I had a really good experience, but I never had to fight in combat. I was an engineer for the base networks in California and Japan. The Marine Corps paid for my college, certifications and I still get paid today because I was medically discharged for various injuries. The military is something very honorable that a person can serve in. If I had my own business, then I would definitely prefer those that had served their country. Just my .02 cents...

[AFBlue]

Also, it seems you're confused about reserve and reserve officer....

The military rank structure is broken down into two categories....Officer and Enlisted.

The military forces have three components....Active, Reserve, Guard.

So you could be an Active Duty Officer, Reserve Officer, Guard Officer, Active Enlisted, Reserve Enlisted, or Guard Enlisted.

Most are suggesting you go the Officer route because having your degree is a pre-requisite to being an Officer. In simplified terms, Enlisted troops are the "specialists" in any one field whereas Officers are their more "generalized" managers/leaders.

The entry pay is much better for officers, which is also why some might be suggesting it. :lol

[AFBlue]

I was in the Marine Corps from 1998 to 2002. I had a really good experience, but I never had to fight in combat. I was an engineer for the base networks in California and Japan. The Marine Corps paid for my college, certifications and I still get paid today because I was medically discharged for various injuries. The military is something very honorable that a person can serve in. If I had my own business, then I would definitely prefer those that had served their country. Just my .02 cents...

:tu....thanks for your service!

Lost in all this financial talk is a discussion about what it means to serve. People join for all kinds of different reasons, but no matter who you are or what you do in the military....you're part of something bigger than yourself. It really isn't just a job, and that should be considered as well when you're thinking about joining up.

[CharlieMac]

:tu....thanks for your service!

Lost in all this financial talk is a discussion about what it means to serve. People join for all kinds of different reasons, but no matter who you are or what you do in the military....you're part of something bigger than yourself. It really isn't just a job, and that should be considered as well when you're thinking about joining up.


Absolutely. I have 4 brothers and they all served in the military. I always felt left out to be honest for being the only one not to serve in some way.

[Gino]

Ok...so here goes.

First of all, their is a BIG difference between elinsted and officer. Officers are the guys in charge. They have their own ranks, isignia etc. They are not allowed to fratenize with elisted members. They have their own private clubs, quarters etc. Captains, Majors, GENERALS, ADMIRALS are the types of ranks you see for officers. Sergeants, privates, corporals etc. are the types of ranks you see for elinsted. When an elisted member sees an officer outside, they have to salute the officer. Most characters you see in the movies are usually officers. As you can guess, being an officer is extremely advantageous over being elisted. Not to mention officers get paid much, much more. The lowest ranking officer makes about the same amount as a 5-level elinsted individual.

You seem pretty set on being reserve or guard (not active duty). The amount you would receive for your "one weekend a month" can be found here:
http://www.defenselink.mil/militarypay/pay/bp/paytables/fy2008_jan_4drill.html

You would be an 0-1 (second lieutenant) making around 340 bucks a drill weekend to start off. As you can see by the chart, you would be making more in your first year during this weekend that a 5 level elinsted member with ten years of experience would be making.

Im not sure you much you would be making for your "two weeks a year" trip, but Im guessing between 2-3k.

What you need to find out is:

1) Find an officer recruiter

2) Ask what programs are available for paying back an officer's education debt (your main concern, and I don't believe the standard GI BIll applies to you since you already have a degree...however, Im pretty confident that they have some programs for you considering all officers have a degree and Im sure plenty of them have school debt).

3) Can you get in with your GPA (its a little low, I think you may have to have a 3.0, but they have waivers for EVERYTHING in the military).

4) If you can get in, when do you want to go to OTS (Officer Training School). Its 12 weeks long. You get paid while your there. If you want to know what thats like, watch "An Officer and a gentleman" which is a famous film about Richard Gere going through OTS.

As for your fears of picking a unit that could get activated, Im sure your officer recruiter could probably help you pick a job that has a low chance of activation.

[sabar]

Anyone have any firsthand experience with OTS? I'll be graduating next year with a (very likely) high GPA and this looks like an excellent career opportunity. I know it is very selective.

[travis2]

Not recently...mine is over 20 years ago...

[SKINNYPIMP210]

I'm still in the Air Force Reserves right now. I was 4 1/2 years Active Duty (Air Force) and now 2 years and counting in the Reserves. It's straight, the Reserves is more laid back but to me but the 1 weekend a month 2 weeks a year is bullshit. They always have a weekend here or there that they need me or my unit to come in and due some some type of crap. I got lucky though because my civilian job is pretty cool with it. Active Duty was fun too but for real only sign for 4 years and then decide what you want to do after that. Also expect to get deployed, it's not such a bad thing. I've been twice already and now I am heading to Iraq in Sept. I got lucky the first two times and I was deployed to Oman. But seriously if you have any questions PM me man. It's a big step however for me it was worth it.

[JoeChalupa]

Semper Fi!!! :tu

[JoeChalupa]

Oh, and when I was in I partied with officers all the time.

[AFBlue]

Anyone have any firsthand experience with OTS? I'll be graduating next year with a (very likely) high GPA and this looks like an excellent career opportunity. I know it is very selective.

Not firsthand, but I've got three good friends who did it. They have it at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL. It's a 12-week course where they intermix the classroom stuff with your physical fitness, team-building, and leadership training.

The in-class stuff will go through four phases...

1) Basics of military dress, customs and courtesies, etc.

2) Air Force History, beginning with WWI and the Army Air Corps on up to today.

3) Management and Leadership principles.

4) Active Duty prep, which involves bullet-writing (Performance Reports are big!) among other things....regional breakdown of governments/nation-states.

With all that you'll probably have a handbook filled with basic information to memorize....Major Commands, Code of Conduct (POW), birth date of the USAF...stuff like that.

All of it is pretty interesting, but it's hard not to fall asleep because you've been up since 5, had Physical Training, eaten breakfast, and walked to your classroom....it's now 8AM and your day is just getting started. :lol

Again, what I described above is just the classroom portion of it. You also have to participate in team-building and leadership activities with your group of peers.

If you've got anymore questions, let me know.