US ARMY

[Z28 Heritage]

I'v started to talk to a Army Recruiter about Enlisting. So i'll be going to take the ASVAB in a few months so i'm good and ready to pass at a high score. Can you guys tell me some story's of BCT and MEPS? Just so i know what i'm getting my self into? I'v heard a ton of stories but would like to hear more. My uncle seems happy because he was in 11B and i might go for that.


Thanks
-Wes

[V]

I'll PM you later tonight about my experience and feelings of todays army.

[Z28 Heritage]

I'll PM you later tonight about my experience and feelings of todays army.Thanks V.



-Wes

[Slow-V6]

It all depends on your Asvab on how your career in the military will go. If you score High you will qualify for the better jobs the military has to offer, if you score low you will get the crappy jobs. Just remember its your decision. Dont let the recruiter push you. He has numbers to fill each month and they will throw signing bonuses at you to try to get there numbers filled. Most of the bonuses are for crap jobs that when you get out you wont have anything of value for a outside job.

I was lucky. I scored a 69 on the asvab and that got me into the electronic engineering field in the Navy. I worked on Jets. My 1st year in the Navy was nothing but schools.I did 9 yrs in active and got out and got a great paying job as a engineer in with Abbott Labs based off of my military career. I have a GED and no college when I got my job. Now I am going for a engineering degree and the college took 28 credits from my military schools I had and used those credits as transfer credits which got rid of 8 classes.

There are people I know who signed up for infrantry to be a grunt. Thats all they wanted to do. In the navy I had buddies sign up to build bombs. They just want to blow **** up. Now that they are out of the military they are unemployed or working @ Burger King.

Bottom line be smart. The military looks at you as a number that is all. Once you sign that contract you help fill there quota. I would check with the Navy, and airforce as well to see what jobs they offer. You can go back to the army and say the Navy is offering me this can you match there offer or not? Dont feel dedicated to one branch.

[Z28 Heritage]

It all depends on your Asvab on how your career in the military will go. If you score High you will qualify for the better jobs the military has to offer, if you score low you will get the crappy jobs. Just remember its your decision. Dont let the recruiter push you. He has numbers to fill each month and they will throw signing bonuses at you to try to get there numbers filled. Most of the bonuses are for crap jobs that when you get out you wont have anything of value for a outside job.

I was lucky. I scored a 69 on the asvab and that got me into the electronic engineering field in the Navy. I worked on Jets. My 1st year in the Navy was nothing but schools.I did 9 yrs in active and got out and got a great paying job as a engineer in with Abbott Labs based off of my military career. I have a GED and no college when I got my job. Now I am going for a engineering degree and the college took 28 credits from my military schools I had and used those credits as transfer credits which got rid of 8 classes.

There are people I know who signed up for infrantry to be a grunt. Thats all they wanted to do. In the navy I had buddies sign up to build bombs. They just want to blow **** up. Now that they are out of the military they are unemployed or working @ Burger King.

Bottom line be smart. The military looks at you as a number that is all. Once you sign that contract you help fill there quota. I would check with the Navy, and airforce as well to see what jobs they offer. You can go back to the army and say the Navy is offering me this can you match there offer or not? Dont feel dedicated to one branch.Yea i'm going in with a GED and i just want to score high so i can have some better choices. Well the Recruiter was nice and i was upfront about how they play there games. So she kind of backed off with the BS. :kneeslap: I'm more wanting to be a gunner on a hmmwv or M1A1 Abrams.

Thanks
-Wes

[WildBillyT]

It all depends on your Asvab on how your career in the military will go. If you score High you will qualify for the better jobs the military has to offer, if you score low you will get the crappy jobs. Just remember its your decision. Dont let the recruiter push you. He has numbers to fill each month and they will throw signing bonuses at you to try to get there numbers filled. Most of the bonuses are for crap jobs that when you get out you wont have anything of value for a outside job.
I was lucky. I scored a 69 on the asvab and that got me into the electronic engineering field in the Navy. I worked on Jets. My 1st year in the Navy was nothing but schools.I did 9 yrs in active and got out and got a great paying job as a engineer in with Abbott Labs based off of my military career. I have a GED and no college when I got my job. Now I am going for a engineering degree and the college took 28 credits from my military schools I had and used those credits as transfer credits which got rid of 8 classes.

There are people I know who signed up for infrantry to be a grunt. Thats all they wanted to do. In the navy I had buddies sign up to build bombs. They just want to blow **** up. Now that they are out of the military they are unemployed or working @ Burger King.

Bottom line be smart. The military looks at you as a number that is all. Once you sign that contract you help fill there quota. I would check with the Navy, and airforce as well to see what jobs they offer. You can go back to the army and say the Navy is offering me this can you match there offer or not? Dont feel dedicated to one branch.


I am not a military man but I have heard from many people that what's in red is the most important thing. Do not sign up for the "fun stuff you do in Call of Duty" because you will have to do something after you are out.

[Z28 Heritage]

I am not a military man but I have heard from many people that what's in red is the most important thing. Do not sign up for the "fun stuff you do in Call of Duty" because you will have to do something after you are out.Call of duty haha i'v gotten a'lot of that too. But either look for something in the military that will help me in the job world or get out and go to college. Seems legit and thanks for all the help.


-Wes

[ar0ck]

Join the Air Force, get paid to do less.

Yea i'm going in with a GED and i just want to score high so i can have some better choices. Well the Recruiter was nice and i was upfront about how they play there games. So she kind of backed off with the BS. :kneeslap: I'm more wanting to be a gunner on a hmmwv or M1A1 Abrams.

Thanks
-Wes

In all seriousness, think of jobs that will directly translate into the civilian world. What are you going to do if realize you don't like the Army as a Machine Gunner in 4 years? There aren't any jobs you can slide into after that? At an interview, Immediate Action & Remedial Action drills aren't valuable skills. BTW those aren't even actual MOS's in the Military. Gunners can be anyone, I've been a gunner on a convoy and I'm just a camera man...

I've been in the Marines for almost 3 years now as a Combat Camera man, the Military isn't a place for free thinkers like myself, and I plan to get out at the end of my 5 year contract, but I can get out with an honorable discharge and my job will carry over directly into the civilian world. Thats the main reason I joined. I hope Ian can chime in as he just completed his first deployment as a Grunt, he can tell you the nitty gritty. I've been in Afghanistan for 9 months, but I live a pretty cushy day to day with intermittent trips outside the wire.

[Slow-V6]

You dont even have to wait to get out to go to college.. You can go part time while you are in with tuition assistance. If you score high on the asvab then take a job that has the most training involved with it. Since those jobs are harder to get into the advancement in rank will be easier and the reinlistment bonuses will be higher if you want to stay. Same works with the ****** jobs because no one wants to stay in those fields so the Military will offer reinlistment bonus as well for those jobs just to try to get you to stay..

Meps for me was just a bunch of Doctors looking over me to make sure I was fit for duty and for when you raise your right hand to swear to defend the Constitution.

I dont know how the Army works it but in the Navy I had my full time job which was a Aviation Electronics Tech and we also had Collatoral Duties ( Part time Jobs). Mine on land was training and Tool Control in the workspace. I made sure that everyone in the Shop ( 60 Sailors) were all up to date with there training and that all the toolss in the Shop were in good working condition. When I was deployed I still did the same main job as a Electronics tech but my Part time job was a .50 Cal gunner and Damage Control locker. So we practiced with the .50 cal a couple times a week and during General QTRS I would go to either to my Gun Mount or a Damage Control locker depending on what my boss needed me at. My point is you want to be a Gunner but maybe in the Army you do that as a part time thing Like I did it in the Navy.

Basic Training I hear is a cake walk now compared to when I went through it in 1999. Now you get 8hrs of sleep a night. Back then we were lucky to get 4 hrs a night. The Hardest part of boot camp for me was the mental part. I had no problem running or doing pushups just the mental part of them trying to break you down by what ever means they could. The Drill instructors will find your weakness and try to exploit it. They will try the physical aspect @ 1st to determine who has some weakness there then for me it was the folding everything perfect and military bearing that I struggled with @ 1st.

Go into Basic Knowing your Chain of command, all your military ranking, knowing who to salute and who not to, and have your General Orders Memorized before you go. Everything is done uniform. Your laces on you shoe/boots are laced right over left, your Racks ( beds) sheets are folded @ a 45 degree angle, ECT.. Everything is done precise.

[Z28 Heritage]

Join the Air Force, get paid to do less.For me the only two that i would join is Marines or Army. If the USAF lets me fly a F-22 fine and if the Navy lets me be on a Sub then cool. But Marines or Army is the way i'd like to go.


Thanks
-Wes

[ar0ck]

re-read my edited post. You really need to find out what jobs are available, what you qualify and take it a little more seriously than "I want to shoot machine guns". Like I said I'm a Combat Camera man, I've been to my MOS School as a Videographer, I run my own shop doing two other MOS's on top of my own (Photography & Graphics) I've been to Basic Machine Gunners Course, Land Nav, and am going back to my MOS school for Intermediate Video and Digital Media classes.

[Slow-V6]

For me the only two that i would join is Marines or Army. If the USAF lets me fly a F-22 fine and if the Navy lets me be on a Sub then cool. But Marines or Army is the way i'd like to go.


Thanks
-Wes

If you score above a 80 on the asvab then you will be qualified for Nuke School and could be on a Sub if you want. Flying I believe the Airforce is just like the Navy, you have to be a officer to fly.

[Slow-V6]

re-read my edited post. You really need to find out what jobs are available, what you qualify and take it a little more seriously than "I want to shoot machine guns". Like I said I'm a Combat Camera man, I've been to my MOS School as a Videographer, I run my own shop doing two other MOS's onto of my own (Photography & Graphics) I've been to Basic Machine Gunners Course, Land Nav, and am going back to my MOS school for Intermediate Video and Digital Media classes.


Great point there. Whenever they offer you a different school for a Different MOS ( navy calls it rate) jump all over it. Those schools are great on you Evaluations for promotions and everything you do in the Military Schooling/Trainging wise has College credits attached to it. I was offered so much in my 1st 4 years and I didnt take none of it. I thought I was gonna do 4 and get out but I made E5 and realized I could do another 5 yrs @ least and make E7. I made E6 right before I got out but if I would have jumped on those schoolings and training the Navy offered me @ the begining I would have been a E7 and probably still in the Navy.

If you have any questions about anything just ask us. I hope I am not boring you or just blabbing to much..

[88WS-6]

I hope Ian can chime in as he just completed his first deployment as a Grunt, he can tell you the nitty gritty.

I'll text him, but I already know what he'll say.

[Z28 Heritage]

re-read my edited post. You really need to find out what jobs are available, what you qualify and take it a little more seriously than "I want to shoot machine guns". Like I said I'm a Combat Camera man, I've been to my MOS School as a Videographer, I run my own shop doing two other MOS's on top of my own (Photography & Graphics) I've been to Basic Machine Gunners Course, Land Nav, and am going back to my MOS school for Intermediate Video and Digital Media classes.That's just what i would like to do is be a gunner i'm sorry if i offended you in anyway. But i have to say a gunner would be my number one choice now thinking about it. Everyone here has great advice and i thank all of you.

[Slow-V6]

That's just what i would like to do is be a gunner i'm sorry if i offended you in anyway. But i have to say a gunner would be my number one choice now thinking about it. Everyone here has great advice and i thank all of you.

What goals do you have for the army? It sounds like you just want to go shoot **** and blow **** up. Thats fine but you also have to ask yourself what goals do you have for your life after the army? Make the Army whatever you want it to be. If you are just happy with being a grunt then thats great.

I look back on my 9 yrs and saw a whole bunch of missed opertunities I could have taken advantage of. I used the Navy as a stepping stone to a good job afterwards but I could be making double in the real world if I would have taking some of the training the Navy offered me.

[Z28 Heritage]

What goals do you have for the army? It sounds like you just want to go shoot **** and blow **** up. Thats fine but you also have to ask yourself what goals do you have for your life after the army? Make the Army whatever you want it to be. If you are just happy with being a grunt then thats great.

I look back on my 9 yrs and saw a whole bunch of missed opertunities I could have taken advantage of. I used the Navy as a stepping stone to a good job afterwards but I could be making double in the real world if I would have taking some of the training the Navy offered me.I do not simply want to blow **** up or shoot **** up i want to serve my country and because i would like to better myself at the same time. I would like to get out of the army knowing i helped the people of the US and helped myself out. I might end up at a crap job but i Accomplished a life Goal being in the military. So what i'v learned so far is a'lot of very helpful advice.

[LTb1ow]

Another voice for getting some skills applicable for real life. The company I work for just hired 3 or 4 new guys, all ex military and all with service/repair/diagnostic skills. If you can get a set of technical skills, you make yourself pretty useful for civilian work.

[zraffz]

Not implying this is your motivation towards joining but I overheard a man in the auto store last night talking about his son just finishing boot camp. Apparently he joined because he wants to kill people and be a sniper. If I wasn't wearing my work clothes I would have turned to him and told him what I thought.

[Z28 Heritage]

Nope i don't want to go in and kill people you have to be pretty nuts to do that. I have my reasoning of joining i'm not one of those kind of people who just think of something to do when they get bored. I'v wanted to join for a few years now and i feel that if i don't join soon i will never join. I'm putting 100% into this and not getting understanding why everyone just thinks i'm going into kill people.


Thanks
-Wes

[BonzoHansen]

'm putting 100% into this and not getting understanding why everyone just thinks i'm going into kill people.

maybe because of this?

I'm more wanting to be a gunner on a hmmwv or M1A1 Abrams.

That's just what i would like to do is be a gunner i'm sorry if i offended you in anyway. But i have to say a gunner would be my number one choice now thinking about it.


FWIW what I hear from all the guys in this thread is use the military as much as they use you. get any & all training they offer that in somehow relates to the outside world. That GED you have (I assume that means you quit school) won't take you very far.

Good luck and thank you for serving if you do indeed enlist in any of our fine armed forces.

[WildBillyT]

I do not simply want to blow **** up or shoot **** up i want to serve my country and because i would like to better myself at the same time. I would like to get out of the army knowing i helped the people of the US and helped myself out. I might end up at a crap job but i Accomplished a life Goal being in the military. So what i'v learned so far is a'lot of very helpful advice.


Wes,

Based on the responses and how I read them, it's not so much that people think you are just going to go in and be a killer, it's moreso that people want you to look past your career in the armed forces and see what you want to do then. If your chosen path leaves you with no advantages after your service you will regret it (as stated and implied).

And no disrespect to anyone or anything but what's in red is not a great way of looking at things IMO. Do you really think that thought will make you happy in 20 years if you are still struggling in a dead-end low-paying job? Somehow I doubt it.

[Paul Huryk]

I sometimes wonder how well I would do on those tests, although I'm a bit past 40 and have no actual interest, even as an officer...

[greenformula92]

unless you plan on making the military your career I suguest making sure you score high enough to get experience in a field you want to be in afterwards

[BullittSVT]

I'm on the get a pogey job and let it translate into a well paying career after you get out train, the Air Force would also be a great place to look into for technical jobs..and you earn a nice chunk of college credits too for tech school!

If I may ask, where does your uncle stand job wise after serving as an infantryman?

[Lt1_8U]

Get ready to do a duck walk in your underwear with a bunch of guys lol. Also drink water before your blood test. Do not drink orange juice the morning before!

[Jersyboyy]

After you take the asvab, and score high enough to get a good job that will transfer into civilian life and if you decide you want to go a more technical route feel free to text me 919 244 6903. 2 years now as a Jet Propulsion Mechanic in the Air Force. My basic and Tech school earned me college credits not to mention I fix million dollar engines everyday im at work. Great job for a gear head and has a bucnh of options for civilian work once youve done a few years active. Also know a bunch of security forces and crew chiefs if you wanted info there.

BUT seriously and im not trying to offend you but dammit this is just me calling it as I see it. You sound and obviously are IGNORANT. Your saying you want to do these badass grunt jobs and be a bad ass but deny say all you want to do is shoot ppl and **** **** up.
You have no idea what your asking to hop into, my ranger and marine grunt buddies will all tell you DONT BE A DUMBASS. Each and every last one of them got the hell out of dodge once their 4 year contract was up because as a grunt your USED AND ABUSED and thrown away. Now that they are out all they got going for them is the post 9/11 GI bill to go to school.

Guys in other fields get out with tons of useful skills and college credits already just from doing a job that takes some more brain power and still supports the grunts plus they got all their school benefits.


You really want a badass job, Youtube Pararescue, TACP or Combat Controller, all Air Force Spec ops.
Im currently training on my own time to CROSS TRAIN INTO Pararescue.
*CROSSTRAIN= being completely qualified at one AFSC(airforce term for MOS) and going into another, having double training earning more college credits along with a few other perks*

[greenformula92]

Each and every last one of them got the hell out of dodge once their 4 year contract was up because as a grunt your USED AND ABUSED and thrown away. Now that they are out all they got going for them is the post 9/11 GI bill to go to school.



Yeah I have a friend that was a Marine Grunt that is taking advantage of the GI Bill. that being said he got lucky to get a corrections job but its a minimum security prison on Fort Dix. That being said his first job after 2 tours in Iraq and some medals....his first civilian job after coming back was at Lowes

[Slow-V6]

Just dont be a idiot! If you score High on the Asvab and still pick a Grunt job then I am sorry but your wasting a great chance. I worked on aircraft and troubleshot problems in the Navy. from that experience now, I work on Medical equipment in hospitals troubleshooting and what not. All this with a GED. I beat out 4 other applicants who all had degrees as Biomedical engineers but little or no experience.

I worked on Jets on the flight deck of aircraftcarriers out in the middle of the Persian gulf on pitch black nights were you couldnt see your hand in front of your face. These planes had to be fixed promptly to supply air support for the Marines and Soldiers in the field. During my interview my boss asked me to give him examples of working underpressure on electronic equipment. Oh I had alot of examples. Pretty sure he asked the other applicants as well But for just coming out of College I am sure they were limited!

You dont need to be on the front lines to feel as though you served your country! I feel that pride every day. I use to love seeing a F14 that I just fixed the Heads Up Display on launch off the cat full of bombs and then 8 hrs later come back with no bombs! I wasnt there on the ground or on the front lines but I still had a big impact on the wars! The pilots would come down to the shop and show us the bombing videos and the best ones were when you saw a bunch of Marines outnumberd and out gunned about to get over run and then a big flash and nothing but Marines left! Some would even look up and wave!

We have been in your shoes and have made it through the Military or are still in it. We are all saying the same thing! There must be a good reason why we are telling you this!

[crazyl]

One of my Instructors from OK, is now out of the Marines and is working for a company that deals with Radar technology. He did 8 years active and now is making 6 figures a year because of his MOS. Pick something that can translate into the civilian world.

[RyanDestroysWorlds]

I went through the ASVAB and MEPS for the marines, All I know is that the army kids had it way easier. More jobs are offered in the army, just be careful cause recruiters like to say anything to get you in. PM me if you need any advice, I just had 2 of my best friends finish their last tour in the marines and are home for good so im sure they would be willing to help as well.

[PolarBear]

I scored a 69 on the asvab

When I took the ASVAB 15 years ago I scored a lot higher than that. The recruiter said he couldnt belive how high I scored. He hounded me for weeks/months to try to get me to join. He said I could have had any job I wanted

No slight against you Jeff, just makes sense why he bothered me for so long after I basically said I didnt want to enlist.

[Tsar]

I sometimes wonder how well I would do on those tests, although I'm a bit past 40 and have no actual interest, even as an officer...

They are super easy.. If you can add and have common sense you will be good to go.

+ 1 for going in and getting something that will lead to a more prosperous life down the line, not just shooting ****.

[Slow-V6]

When I took the ASVAB 15 years ago I scored a lot higher than that. The recruiter said he couldnt belive how high I scored. He hounded me for weeks/months to try to get me to join. He said I could have had any job I wanted

No slight against you Jeff, just makes sense why he bothered me for so long after I basically said I didnt want to enlist.


My brother got 1 question wrong on the entire test! He became a Nuke on a sub in the Navy. I scored pretty good considerring I was a hs dropout without a GED. I could have gotten a better grade if I put more effort into the test but whatever. That was a long time ago and I am happy that the job I got in the Navy got me into this bad ass job I have now out of the Navy..

[PolarBear]

My brother got 1 question wrong on the entire test! He became a Nuke on a sub in the Navy. I scored pretty good considerring I was a hs dropout without a GED. I could have gotten a better grade if I put more effort into the test but whatever. That was a long time ago and I am happy that the job I got in the Navy got me into this bad ass job I have now out of the Navy..

I think I only got one or two wrong too. I didnt know you had a GED. My understanding was that most people dont score very high at all, like 50% is a decent score for most people, so considering, you did pretty well too.

I would have liked to have your job in the Navy, working on planes must have been a really cool job.

[Z28 Heritage]

My uncle still works grunts jobs mowing lawns, cleaning out house's and a few other things. This is my choice and i'm going to go with what i feel is the best for me. Now i'm thankful for all of the input but i don't thank people who think i'm going in just to kill people. So i'm going to take the ASVAB and see how good i do and i'll go from there. But in the mean time i'm going to stick with the grunt choice untill i see my score.



Thanks
-Wes

[Slow-V6]

I would have liked to have your job in the Navy, working on planes must have been a really cool job.



It was cool at times. I basically reapaired circuit boards from radar systems and missle tracking system that are on the jets. I also replaced Stick grips and repaired HUDs. It was pretty cool being on carriers and watching the Jets I did fix go from being in the Hanger bay to launching off the deck.

I think a part of my interest in remaining in the Navy died when they retired the F14 Tomcats!! Those were my planes. There Pheonix Missiles and tracking systems were top notch. It could track 24 targets and could fire 6 missles @ 6 different targets at once! The Missiles would climb to 100,000 feet @ speeds of Mach 5 and had a range of 200 Km. Top speeds were around 1600 mph for the Jet. The new Super Hornets are cool but cant touch the Tomcat in speed and missle systems.

[crazyl]

I applaud you for looking into the military. That greats, but I read what you wanted to do and what you wanted after your contract. I am very confused. What is it that you exactly want to do ( if you got a high score and got to choose).
How is your medical background? Do you think you will have any problems at MEPS?


This is just my thoughts
Grunt = Marine
Infantry = Army

[Z28 Heritage]

I applaud you for looking into the military. That greats, but I read what you wanted to do and what you wanted after your contract. I am very confused. What is it that you exactly want to do ( if you got a high score and got to choose).
How is your medical background? Do you think you will have any problems at MEPS?


This is just my thoughts
Grunt = Marine
Infantry = ArmyMedical background i'm good there also. I'm willing to do any job i have to after the military to make it every month.

Infantry that's what i want to do.

[Tsar]

I'm willing to do any job i have to after the military to make it every month.

Seems like a very misguided decision. But hey, we don't have to live with the consequences.

[sweetbmxrider]

Seems like a very misguided decision. But hey, we don't have to live with the consequences.

You know, I have to agree with you. I know everyone has told you what to do and you seem pretty focused on just being at the bottom of the totem pole. Why do that to yourself? If you have opportunities given to you, why not take them? Why would you shut doors for yourself when you could really do great things for your life and have a successful life in the civilian world? Just make sure you keep all that has been said in the front of your mind when you enlist, its all great advice that will give you so much opportunity later on. It doesn't hurt to think about your future, it comes up quick.

[Z28 Heritage]

You know, I have to agree with you. I know everyone has told you what to do and you seem pretty focused on just being at the bottom of the totem pole. Why do that to yourself? If you have opportunities given to you, why not take them? Why would you shut doors for yourself when you could really do great things for your life and have a successful life in the civilian world? Just make sure you keep all that has been said in the front of your mind when you enlist, its all great advice that will give you so much opportunity later on. It doesn't hurt to think about your future, it comes up quick.Why do that? Because its my dream i'm going to live not anybody else's. Its my right to choose what i want my job to be after i pass meps. Its what i think i'm going to be good at and what will make me happy. I'm taking everybody's advice but i'm the one that has to make the decision. Thanks for the input guys. But i think i'm pretty good for now.

[crazyl]

I wish I was as motivated as this one! My job helped me land a career with Police and hopefully a Federal agency one day. But that me.

[NastyEllEssWon]

Seems like a very misguided decision. But hey, we don't have to live with the consequences.



We might have to if he gets out of the military and realizes that he's not qualified for anything else but working as a cashier in walmart or collecting welfare/unemployment.

stop clogging up the damn lines and taking money out of our pockets dammit.


honestly it sounds like youre afraid you'll fail if you do anything other than grunt.

[Ian]

I scored a 90 on my asvab and my gt score was 131. I've been in the Marine Corps for a little over two years as an 0311 (rifleman). Does my job transfer to the civilian world? Nope. Could I have gotten any other job in the military? Yup.

The infantry is a very demanding job. Its nothing like what you would think it would be though. The only time I truly enjoyed my job was in Afghanistan...and even that was very bitter-sweet (some close calls here and there).

If I had to do it over again, I'd probably do the same thing. As much as this job sucks, I will never regret doing it.

Now that that has been said, I would never EVER advise someone to join the infantry.

[Slow-V6]

Now that that has been said, I would never EVER advise someone to join the infantry.


Why not??

[Ian]

In my experience, there is way too much stupidity leading the effort.

[Slow-V6]

Why do that? Because its my dream i'm going to live not anybody else's. Its my right to choose what i want my job to be after i pass meps. Its what i think i'm going to be good at and what will make me happy. I'm taking everybody's advice but i'm the one that has to make the decision. Thanks for the input guys. But i think i'm pretty good for now.

Just remember you made this thread asking for peoples advice. People like us who have served or are still serving. They are all telling you the same thing.

It might not matter now that you are young and probably have no kids but later on when you have your own family ( if you dont allready do) and your dreams in life have to include them you will be kicking yourself for not taking the best job you could! Its the Military no matter if you are a infrantry man or a Nuclear scientist! You get paid the same while your in the Military. The difference is that if you get a job as a Nuke by the time you are out of Boot Camp your already a E4, and by the time you are done with your schooling your already a E-5. So less then 2 years in your already a E-5! You could make E-6 by 4 yrs in some cases and E-7 in 7 yrs!! Thats insane! There is about a 400.00 a month pay raise between E-3,E-4 and the same between E4,E5..

When your a E4 right out of boot camp then the trainging school you go to you get more benifits! In the Navy E4's got there own Barricks room! E3 and below had to share a room with 2 other people. There were 3 people in a room and our room was connected to a single bathroom ( head) and we shared that with 6 other people. When you get to your 1st command they give E4's the option to live in the barricks or move out into town! When you move into town the Military pays you 1300.00 ( based on were you live. In Philly area its 1700.00 ) a month for a apartment but if you find a roomate and an apartment for say 800.00 a month then your only paying 400.00 and you keep the rest! Most commands dont allow e3 and below this benifit. When your a E4 in your 1st command then you wont get the crap duty like cleaning heads or waxing floors.

There are so much more benifits that the recruiter dont tell you. If you score High enough for the great jobs then take one of those! You wont regret it. It only means higher ranking, more money, more benifits, better way of life. You still get every benifit a infranty person will get. Same GI bill, Same tuition assistance..

I find it odd that your dream is to be a Machine gunner/ infrantry person but you do not want to kill anyone? Kinda like building a 8 second race car and you never want to run it!

In my experience, there is way too much stupidity leading the effort.

I hear you.. Same is true in the Navy!

[Tsar]

Maybe OP has some romanticized way of thinking about being a "grunt"/infantry man?

You wanna do something fun OP? Sign up for 18x contract. Chances are you won't make it, as 90%+ people don't. If you do, you will probably try out some of the coolest **** you've ever seen and done in your life. If you fail, hey you have nothing to lose - 5 years in the infantry is your "punishment".

Should be a win-win for you.

[crainholio]

That's just what i would like to do is be a gunner i'm sorry if i offended you in anyway. But i have to say a gunner would be my number one choice now thinking about it. Everyone here has great advice and i thank all of you.

Tank crew roles aren't separate MOS's, they are assigned as a function of proficiency, training, and rank. When I was in, a new arrival from Ft. Knox (now Benning) got the loader slot. As he developed proficiency and a slot opened, he'd move to driver. Then back to school for PLDC, some training time in the gunner's seat learning how to boresight and acquire targets on the move, promotion to E-5 and a gunner assignment if he was good. After that, BNOC and some time commanding the tank and leading the crew while the TC was on leave...and a promotion to E-6 and a TC slot when one came open. If the guy was really good at gunning, and planned to stay in, I'd put him in for Master Gunner school.

There was at least one re-enlistment before gunner assignment, just based on the time it takes to get there.

[greenformula92]

No one here is saying that you can't do whatever you want but you asked for advice. All we are saying is pick a job that will translate in the civilian world after you get out. Otherwise you will be getting out and have to try and and find a job without any type of experience