Interested in advice about joining

12,291 Views | 92 Replies | Last: 11 yr ago by Diyala Nick
JonLobb
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I think you'll do well to set up some time to at least speak with the Navy. From what I gleaned from the thread the Navy seems a more appropriate choice.

I was USAF for 8 years (3 active, 5 FT guard) and if I could do it over again I would go Navy. In fact I may apply for a Navy Reserve commission next year depending on a few factors.

Navy has quality of life on par with the Air Force and excellent career choices. In particular the Navy seems to have a greater range of career choices for officers that are more closely aligned with civilian sector careers than any of the other services. The Navy is also possibly the best service with regards to encouraging professional development in your field and minimizing extraneous military specific training that your career field won't ever use.
Ulysses90
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AG
Pirate04
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I just wanted to give everyone a brief update.

I met with the Army yesterday. Everything seems to be going in the right direction. However, I did find out some interesting facts about joining at this time. I will have to enlist, which with my degree will get me in as an E4. According to the station commander, OCS is currently closed to new applicants indefinitely. Once it reopens, I will be able to apply to go.
I was a little disappointed to find out that enlistment bonuses and student debt repayment are not available at this time for active duty either. I will be going back tomorrow to find out more information about specific career bonuses if available. We have to discuss which jobs are open currently that will match up with my goals.
I take the ASVAB tomorrow as well. I did very good on the practice test, so I'm confident my scores will open up all career opportunities.

As of right now, I will be joining the Army. I am extremely excited, terrified, and humbled. Thank you everyone for your encouragement and advice.

Now comes the scary part.....I have to tell my mom.
HBCanine08
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Whatever your plan is make sure you get it in writing before you sign.
Tango Mike
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Scimitar
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quote:

Mameluke - No woman has yet to pass the IOC yet but something like 15 have tried. Females are allowed now to choose ground intelligence officer


Not to derail, but how is this possible? Ground Intel Officers go to IOC first
Bodie Broadus
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Very cool Pirate. Looks like you got yourself a pretty good deal. That E4 perk is pretty nice pay bump from the get go. Good luck!
Fly Army 97
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You can also look into the Army Warrant Officer Flight Program. We take people off the streets. Just gotta have a good application, and about 20% of our folks come straight out of the real world.

Your recruiter will most likely not know what to do, but it is very doable assuming you are competitive.
Seven Costanza
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I wish you the best of luck on this bold career path, but I would personally wait until OCS reopens. You are 28 and enlisting with no bonuses, no loan repayment, and no guarantee that you will ever be able to go to OCS (they can tell you that you will go when it reopens, but that doesn't mean that they will actually let you when the time comes). I just feel like there's a lot of potential for things to not turn out the most optimal way. A loan repayment would have been a nice hedge to make it worth your time even if you wound up just doing four years enlisted. You seem like you've thought everything through and you're making informed decisions, though, so I hope that it turns out for the best. Keep us updated!
Diyala Nick
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Recruiters lie.

www.armyocs.com

Don't do a thing without having your Mos locked in.

If I were you I would listen to flyarmy
Pirate04
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After I take the ASVAB today, I'll know a little bit more about which MOS I want. I am very concerned about all that y'all have been mentioning (OCS and zero bonuses). I do not plan on signing for at least a week, maybe two. I still want to talk to the Navy, which I won't be able to do until next week anyway.
BurnetAggie99
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Pirate - Just make sure you do all your homework and make sure if anything is offered its in writing. Also you might want to also talk with a Coast Guard recruiter. My neighbors daughter who tried getting into Marine OCS & Navy OCS unsuccessfully, got into the Coast Guard OCS successfully. Might be something worth looking into after you talk with the Navy. It frustrating but hang in there.
Seven Costanza
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Pirate04
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Howdy!
First off, what an amazing game last night!! Whoop!

Second, I made a great score on the ASVAB and qualified for any MOS that I want. However, due to some...cough...bad decisions on my part when I was in college leading to poor credit, I am not going to get Top Secret Clearance which sucks because it'll cut out the intel jobs that I was really looking at.
So, as of right now I have made the decision to wait until the fiscal year ends. My hope is that more MOS opportunities will open up that I can look at. October isn't that far away but will also allow me to make sure I get all the info I need. I'll also have some time to talk to the Navy.

Lastly, I talked to my mom in person about this choice. She is down for the weekend. She reacted in a way I did not expect and it was very touching. It lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and I am feeling even more confident in this decision.

Y'all are awesome! Thank you!!
JonLobb
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If your credit is an issue for the Top Secret and you have to take a year anyways I suggest aggressively trying to clean up your credit. There are a number of ways to do this, and some of them are pretty legit.

You don't have to settle for the credit you have. There are people who can help.

There are also a number of intel jobs that only require a Secret level clearance, which isn't as dependent on finances. So don't rule it out entirely.

I'm glad to see you putting more stock in the Navy. I think you'll be happy with the road this takes you down. Best of luck.
Tango Mike
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quote:

I'm glad to see you putting more stock in the Navy. I think you'll be happy with the road this takes you down.


Based on what? Your intimate knowledge of her personality, abilities, and desires? Or just simply the fact that YOU like the Navy?
Bodie Broadus
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It's probably because the Navy is the best branch.
JonLobb
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quote:
Based on what? Your intimate knowledge of her personality, abilities, and desires? Or just simply the fact that YOU like the Navy?


yeah, pretty much. Or at least based on what she's said in this thread about her personality, abilities, and desires.
Pirate04
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Well, I finally have an update. I took some time, prayed, and have decided to enlist in the Army Reserves. MOS is 68W. I go to enlist on Friday and I ship off Oct 27(which is entirely too soon and I'm freaking out over )

Thank you again everyone!!
Fly Army 97
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Great now get yourself to a MEDEVAC unit and fly in a Blackhawk. Best job out there if you are flying in the back of a bird. Then from there, go to flight school.
VictorCharlie
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Enjoy your time at Fort Sam Houston
JonLobb
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quote:
Well, I finally have an update. I took some time, prayed, and have decided to enlist in the Army Reserves. MOS is 68W. I go to enlist on Friday and I ship off Oct 27(which is entirely too soon and I'm freaking out over )

Thank you again everyone!!
That's awesome. Congratulations and good luck!
Pirate04
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quote:
Enjoy your time at Fort Sam Houston

16 weeks...yippeeeee!!
Diyala Nick
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Ignore them entirely.
 
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