Is the military for me?

This is funny. Justed helped one of my junior Sailors ( navy diver) get accepted into OCS for pilot. Young man is going to be a astronaut one day. Why? Because that is what he wants to do and does what it takes.

 

Probably said here before, but sounds like you are looking for a career with some meaning to it. I would join. It’s probably the thing that will be most formative in your life, in a positive way. If you go in wanting to do something worthwhile, and good for the world, you will likely do those things to some extent, and get the benefit of personal growth and the benefits the military offers you if you choose to later leave.

It wasn’t my choice in life, but I have huge respect for the people who chose it, when there are many other easier, safer, options. If I was younger, wiser, and could live my life again, I would have joined for sure.


Sorry if this is all a repeat.

 

They weren't perfect but he had lasik, and now they are.

 

I guess it depends on how you look at it.

Civilian life can/will throw the same scenarios at you as well. It’s not a Military thing, if it’s even a thing at all. Criteria changes all the time while others are set in stone. This applies to both Civilian employment and Military.

Nature of the beast.

 

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Just curious- why AF at the bottom?

(And thanks for serving)

 

Yeah things change and standards change. Enough procedures have been completed to know that it is safe and doesn't make a difference.

 

Op, take a nice hike in the woods... clear your mind and there is no rush on making a decision. Do the research you need to do (sorry can't help cuz I'm a civilian carpenter).

I do believe learning a trade is a great thing. I went to school to be an engineer like the rest of my family and I did well in school, other than my English classes lol. Whatever you decide do make sure it is right for YOU. You can't let anyone else make that decision for you.

If you do go into the forces im sure there are plenty of things you can do trade wise (I have no clue). I have a long time friend that went in wanting to hold a gun and fight for his country... he is still around and done pretty good for himself but he is definitely alot different. So am I guess but at the same time I've always wanted a sling-shot before a gun

Edit- @_anthony_

 

It was safe when I was eligible to fly. The same studies had been out for years before I applied and they used the same studies to justify the surgeries for new recruits. I got screwed. The .gov moves so goddamned slow that I wasn't even given a chance.

 

Dude, every other post is seems is yours complaining. It sucks im sure... you got screwed but this OP is asking for advice not this shit. I am out of my realm right now because I never thought about going into the service and don't know much about it.

Let's turn this around and try to be positive either way. I put my 2 cents in and ill stop here.

I'm sorry you were fucked over because it sounds like you are very passionate and were ready to serve this country well

 

Good lord, Dude. We get it. Move on already. Every third post doesn't need to be you crying about something that happened 20 years ago.

 

But did you get to fly? Please tell us once again about how you didn't get to fly because you didn't have perfect eyes. We all want, for the fifteenth time, hear again how you wittle feewings were hurt when you couldn't fly f18's. I want to know more abou the emotional pain you are still struggling with because you can't be maverick. Tell us again how your entire life is in ruin because the Navy wasted all that time 20-fucking years ago. Please, again. tell us again how you weren't allowed to fly f18s.

 

Don't change the subject. Tell us again how you are emotionally scared because you wish didn't come true. Seriously, I don't think you've gone on and on and on about it enough yet. Why can't you fly f18's?

 

I read it before my post. I understand you are hurting and passed but go talk to a therapist about it.

I work in Alaska grew up in Alabama and girlfriend lives in North Carolina... even though I'm not the pilot I miss flying myself this year due to the ongoing crap thats happening. I get it (to a point) I would love to be a pilot myself.

You can still get your pilots license. It'll still take hard work and money but quit bitching and do something about it

You can still make a difference as a pilot like shuttling supplies to far off villages in northern Canada or Alaska

 

See ya! I hope to see you crying about not being an F18 pilot in the next thread. It's a very compelling story.

 

I know. I'm not even mormon, and I only have one wife. He was way off. He could have made fun of me for being short or going bald or something a little more personal.

 

Air Force is at the top.

 

You would need to provide a hell of a lot more information about yourself for anyone to give you a useful response to this question tailored to you.

Some general thoughts. The Navy primarily serves on ships. Do you like spending months at a time on a ship? Somewhat similar for CG though their sea time is in much shorter chunks and much closer to — you guessed it — the coast.

The Air Force has the best and nicest of everything but in general the easiest training. It’s perfect for people who like to fly cool planes and/or live in the lap of luxury, stateside AND forward deployed.

Marines deploy the most, have arguably the hardest training minus other services’ special forces, have the least money, and live in the worst conditions.

I have no useful comments about the Army.

 

I would highly consider the military. I did 4 years as a Marine tanker and mechanic. Got out. Went and got my mechanical engineering degree. Working for the Army building helicopters the last few years, actually still here, and am now pursuing a masters. It opened alot of doors for me after i got out. And i feel the experience has helped me out alot in college. I understand and have seen the process behind the theory they drone on about from an hour every other day for 4 months.

 

Throughout the existence of this great nation....somebody has always had to step up and defend it. Freedom isn't free. Serving in the military isn't easy. Good times and bad times. Some good advise in this thread to this young man.....some pretty sorry.
I served 20 years, good memories, and bad/scary memories. I'm answering you from a compound in Afghanistan right now. As I sit here pondering what I would consider to be advise for a young fella willing to step up and serve his nation, here's what I would say....
Consider a scholarship to a university with ROTC, it's a whole different animal going in as an officer. ROTC scholarships offer so many avenues to military service, and an education. Please take the time to contact an admissions officer at any university which offers the training. Have a good long conversation with them, make them explain all the options. Try and include your parents in this conversation. Next would be, like others have mentioned, if you go in as an enlisted troop, pick a military occupation that crosses over to a good civilian job. There are tons of them. I spent all my years in aviation...planes are fun. They are fun to crew and maintain, and offer employment in the civil sector.
Military service teaches young people lots of life's lessons and you'll get to travel. Do it while you're young. Four years goes by quick. You'll never be sorry you served your country. Trust me on that.
What branch to serve in is a tough question. I was a Navy man, my son is a Naval Aviator, but there are other ways to go...
Good luck, God Bless....