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Enlisting in Air Force have a few Questions??

Discussion in 'Military' started by 99nmtaco, Jun 5, 2013.

  1. Jun 15, 2013 at 1:21 PM
    #41
    AFButters

    AFButters Rigger, Please!!

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    Nah.. those guys just fill out paper work and kick boxes..
     
  2. Jun 15, 2013 at 1:24 PM
    #42
    AFButters

    AFButters Rigger, Please!!

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    Welcome to my world.. I was color blind and their just are a real lack of jobs available..

    As for the comment about only the Army lets you pick a job before you join is bunk.. I have students that come to Techschool and lots of them picked the job.. Some did come in Open Mechanical, and some of the Reservist/Guard folks picked it because of the bonus.
     
  3. Jun 21, 2013 at 8:20 PM
    #43
    smd3

    smd3 Well-Known Member

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    My wife was NDI from about 2000-2005, she was medically separated.

    She liked her job, but it had very little in common with medical x-ray.

    X-ray was only one portion. NDI looks for cracks and defects using dye penetrant, ultrasonic and other means. There's some civilian equivalent jobs in industrial settings.

    I'd suggest a career that will give you useful skills when you get out. I personally don't see UAV Sensor Op as having a very good civilian market, although it is growing.

    I started out as Survival Equipment, working on parachutes and life saving equipment. We combined with Life Support and I had to start working on pilot's masks and such. The deployment rate jumped after that merger. I ended up retraining as a Training Manager. It's not glamorous, but the deployment rate is super low, I have office hours, and some marketable skills for when I retire. (these are the things that become important as you get older and your family grows, at least for most people)

    When you get to your first assignment, finish your CDCs quickly and use Tuition Assistance and keep pressing on with school. Take a class at a time, it's not bad. Get involved with a unit or base organization, volunteer your time and set yourself up for Below The Zone, which is an early promotion to Senior Airman (E-4).

    Study hard and make Staff Sergeant, the promotion rates are going way down, but you compete against peers in your job.
     
  4. Jun 22, 2013 at 1:16 PM
    #44
    jdodom87

    jdodom87 New Member

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    As others have said, look into OTS because you have a degree.

    Also, be extremely wary of just going in and "selecting" a job if you do enlist. I would try to find a job you want and be guaranteed that job before you enlist and go to boot camp. If you just enlist without that, they can send you anywhere, the old "needs of the AF" mantra. You may put in a dream sheet, which is called that for a reason, but ultimately you will go where they need bodies. Unless, of course, you enlist with a guarantee of a specific job.
     
  5. Jun 27, 2013 at 6:25 PM
    #45
    mltaylo3

    mltaylo3 Army Retired

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    I've served as both enlisted and officer, air force and army, and retired with the Army earlier this year. Here's my two cents. First, what folks are saying about selecting a "guaranteed" job is tough, but possible, here's how. It all comes down to your contract. There will be a box that says something to the effect of "all promises made to me are null and void unless written in the below box". Stop here, ignore everything else you have signed, and this is where you get your promises in writing. Be polite but firm from the beginning that you are only interested in one and only one job, and you need it in writing before you will do anything. Second, unless there is a compelling reason, suggest you don't rush into this. Do you really know what career you want to dedicate the next several years of your life to? Air Force was my first choice and I loved it, spent my enlisted and lieutenant years there, but ultimately interservice transferred to the army because they offered me the job I really wanted. Long story short, why don't you take your time, hook up with your nearest rotc, guard, reserve, or other military liaison and find someone who actually does the job that interests you? Shadow him/her for a week if possible (depends on security clearance), and see how you feel about the job after. You've got some great resources on this forum, but there is still more you need to know; don't let a bonus or other temporary incentive entice you into a hasty decision. Lastly, remember, this is the service we are talking about. Loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity, and personal courage is how Soldiers spell "LDRSHIP". There are times when all service members have to put the needs of the military first, deployments being one of those. It's not easy, and it's not for everyone. Don't mean to end on a sad note but I've got to run... Good luck with your decision!
     
  6. Jul 8, 2013 at 10:18 PM
    #46
    Yamaha Dave

    Yamaha Dave Well-Known Member

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    I'm going to have to disagree with this statement 100%. There really isn't any civilian market for UAVs. The reason why is because UAV experience isn't necessarily certifiable. Just because you have say 3,000 hours flying a Reeper doesn't equate to 3,000 hours in a fixed wing aircraft in the civilian world. In other words you can amass 20,000 hours flying a Reaper, and not even be qualified or have the flight ratings to get a civilian job as a charter pilot flying a small twin aircraft.
     
  7. Jul 10, 2013 at 11:38 PM
    #47
    99nmtaco

    99nmtaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks again everyone for all the great info! I just have a few more questions. I am done with MEPS and am waiting for a job to drop. They are trying to get me to take a weather job or 1W0X1 and its not exactly a job I'm interested in. I haven't signed off on anything yet and I don't really know all that much about the 1W0X1 job. One thing I did find while researching this job is that it requires normal color vision and I failed the color vision test at MEPS. I checked with my recruiter and he agreed that his book of AFSC's stated the same that color vision was required but his boss argued that I do qualify for that job and that I need to take it or I can't join the air force. So what happens if I book a job and find out after basic that I really didn't qualify for it because I'm color blind? Also is anyone a 1W0X1 and can you give me more info about what you do besides predict weather all day? I would hate to not accept the job because I do not have a ton of info on it and not be able to join.
     
  8. Jul 11, 2013 at 6:20 AM
    #48
    Guerrilla

    Guerrilla L(.)(.)K@G(.)(.)Dz

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    I'm sure the AF guys will help answer your Q a little more specific to those jobs..
    But I highly encourage NOT to go in to something you DON'T "really" want. If the book says you don't qualify bc of your sight, it doesn't matter what the recruiters boss is telling him, I may be wrong but sounds like he's got pushing numbers on his mind. And sounds like you don't want that one anyway.. You mentioned, if you get into basic and the book says you don't Q... Believe me they will not care what the "recruiter" told you or said.....Trust me. What would likely happen is they'll give you a list of jobs available at the time that you do qualify for and you would have to make a decision then, and honestly that's not the time for deciding what your going to be doing for your enlistment, they're not going to give you plenty of time to think about it and you could get stuck with where the AF needs a body, highly likely being an undesirable job... And I personally know of people that have made it that far and specifically bc of color blindness got discharged right then in bootcamp bc the job they signed up for required no color blindness, and they weren't interested in taking what they had to offer..

    I also see your situation in not wanting to miss the op to join. If possible hold off and try and find something more suiting to you, hopefully the AF guys can help you with your decision.
    And best of luck in the process, your now getting a little taste of the military. And how did you like MEPS? haha
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2013
  9. Jul 11, 2013 at 8:04 AM
    #49
    mltaylo3

    mltaylo3 Army Retired

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    Patrick, Guerilla's right. You are still in the negotiation stage with the recruiters, and ultimately, it's all a number's game with them (you are just a number to them, and they are rated based on how many recruits they bring in). They've played their last card with the threat of "tell him to do it or he can't join". Really? Are they the only door to the Air Force? My advice, go to another recruiter. Don't tell your first recruiter, but do tell the second one what happened, as he'll need to know you've already been through MEPS etc. They all need those numbers, and some will work harder than others for them. This might seem a little sneaky, but your first recruiter has basically given up on you. Without a pre-approved waiver from AFPC, don't think you will even get that weather job. One of two things will likely happen when you finish at Lackland. 1) You will be given a job based on the "needs of the AF", or 2) You will be given the choice of 2-3 jobs based on the "needs of the AF". All "needs of the AF" jobs will 99% of the time be undesirable, as the good ones will have already been heard about and taken.
     
  10. Jul 11, 2013 at 8:07 AM
    #50
    wayfaringman13

    wayfaringman13 Member

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    You're not just predicting the weather. You will be predicting the weather, and "briefing" the weather to the most critical, rudest and arrogant audience ever: pilots (aircrew). Not sure how you qualify for a job if you are color blind, when a majority of your day will be watching reds, greens, blues, and yellows float across a computer screen.

    And I'm with Guerilla..........what is YOUR priority: joining the AF or waiting for the right job? If it is the job, then wait!!!

    Joe = E-8, Wpns loader (flight line dude) with 18 years in.
     
  11. Jul 11, 2013 at 8:20 AM
    #51
    mltaylo3

    mltaylo3 Army Retired

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    Another thing, recruiters are "people" people. They can read you. One of my best friends to this day has awards from his recruiting days. No offense, but it occurs to me that you might be going in a little unsure of yourself and asking a lot of questions, maybe trying to ask them for too much. Keep in mind, the services are downsizing. I know this is true of the Army and AF at least. Guerilla might can speak to the Navy side of the house. Remember, this is basically a negotiation. You give and get a little, they give and get a little, you meet somewhere in the middle. Or, you walk away (or they do). Bottomline--you might not get your dream job, you very likely won't in fact, they only have so many tools to work with in a downsizing force.
     
  12. Jul 11, 2013 at 8:43 AM
    #52
    smd3

    smd3 Well-Known Member

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    Don't take the job, if you get disqualified in basic or tech school you'll get stuck with whatever the AF wants to give you.

    Weather is tough, I was in the same squadron as weather and they were really short manned, but it seemed like a good gig.

    Pilots aren't that bad, I worked with them directly in my last job. Most of the f16 pilots I worked with were great.
     
  13. Jul 11, 2013 at 9:32 AM
    #53
    99nmtaco

    99nmtaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for all the info Mike. I hadn't thought about seeing another recruiter and I will more than likely do this. My recruiter is on his way to retirement so that makes sense that he probably doesn't want to deal with all of this. As far as being unsure I probably do come across that way but I want to make sure that all of the info he's giving me is correct as I do know his job is to get people to join. I've been pretty open minded (at least I think I have lol) about jobs as I do know the chances of getting a dream job are slim just wanting a little bit of say in what I get before I sign away my life to the govt lol!
     
  14. Jul 11, 2013 at 9:35 AM
    #54
    99nmtaco

    99nmtaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Good to know. When I talk to another recruiter I will be checking about the color blind situation so that this does not happen.
     
  15. Jul 11, 2013 at 8:41 PM
    #55
    Guerrilla

    Guerrilla L(.)(.)K@G(.)(.)Dz

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    All good points above..
    I agree with mltaylo3 on going to talk to another recruiter and how he said do it (before joining I actually did that very thing, the first guy just wasn't of much help). If there's not another recruiting station in your town hunt another one down somewhere else.. Also you now have a little knowledge from what you have already experienced and some of what you're getting from us here. ( Now that you have your ASVAB scores, you should be able to find out what's available and narrow it down to the ones that don't require correct color vision and see if some of those interest you). I know this is all difficult when joining bc you don't know what you're getting yourself into, honestly you could ask all the questions possible and get the best answers possible, but you never really know what it's going to be like until you get in and to your first command and get rolling. Joining the military is kind of a leap of faith in a lot of ways.

    Yes The Navy has been downsizing as well.. And I know of people getting retired early or people not being able to switch to jobs they wanted etc or get the ones they wanted coming in (like this potential scenario here).

    Here's a scenario that could happen.. It could be at this time there's just not any jobs open that you q for that "really" floats your boat bc of the downsizing or maybe there just filled right now.. So then the decision you would be facing is how bad do you want to join now, does it over ride the job you're not so sure about? Up to you.
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2013
  16. Jul 11, 2013 at 11:04 PM
    #56
    99nmtaco

    99nmtaco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ya this whole process has been a learning experience some of it was expected. The downsizing has probably also played a huge part in the limit of jobs that I qualify for. I think the biggest thing that bothers me about the job theyre trying to give me is the fact that I keep finding info stating that color vision requirement and they don't seem to know or care. Like I said before I will talk with another recruiter because I'm not ready to just give up on joining. Oh and to answer you're earlier question MEPS was definitely a memorable experience lol!
     
  17. Jul 11, 2013 at 11:17 PM
    #57
    Murph

    Murph Go Pack Go!

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    Good luck and god speed to you in the USAF. Just don't join the army like i did!
     
  18. Jul 12, 2013 at 7:22 AM
    #58
    Guerrilla

    Guerrilla L(.)(.)K@G(.)(.)Dz

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    It should bother you. I don't wana sound repetitive and repeat what's already been said, just remember they are recruiters, and the more people they get in, the better it looks on'em.

    And MEPS, hated that place.

    Last but not least, if it is meant for you to get in, it will work out. Just don't give up. I don't want to go into a political rant, but regardless of what the gov. thinks by down sizing our military force's and cutting important programs etc. The country will always need a good strong military, this has been proven through the course of humanity over and over again... And point, we will always need people like you wanting to join and serve, they are few (and not just the Marines :D).
    And it has always bothered me, how in the beginning a lot of times people aren't helped properly get placed in something that really fits them. If that was done by all recruiters (or allowed to be done and it wasn't just a numbers thing).. It would be more likely hood of a win win situation all around , for the person, the military, our country, the recruiter, and the people working along side the person when they get in. There for we would have a more efficient military as well. IMO. I'd also like to add I don't think it would be fun or easy being a recruiter, I'm sure they're a lot that think the same way I do and get frustrated at times because of the people over them making their life more difficult.
     
  19. Jul 12, 2013 at 7:42 AM
    #59
    AFButters

    AFButters Rigger, Please!!

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    They are bullshitting you if they are saying you have to take that one job or you can't join the Air Force.. and if you are color blind and that job requires color vision you will get kicked out of the job and forced into a job that you likely don't want.. they are prob just trying to fill a spot for a quote they did the same thing to my sister.. they are likely full on quota for the other jobs and won't know when a spot will open up so you could be in the DEP program a while.. you should try another recruiter or try another region to join ..
     
  20. Jul 12, 2013 at 8:33 AM
    #60
    Old Crow

    Old Crow Well-Known Member

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    There is so much great advice in this thread. I think the bottom line boiled and condensed is DO NOT succumb to the recuiter's pressure, and hold out for what you want. In my career (USMC/AFRES/ANG), I have known many people who were stuck in jobs they hadn't bargained for, and were downright miserable. It's your life, you're making a serious commitment, and with few exceptions, you're not getting out of it anytime soon. Sounds like you're doing your homework, good luck and congrats on choosing to do what many never have the balls to do!

    BTW, run away from that weather scam they're trying to pull. It stinks to high heaven.
     

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