Enlisting and need assistance

I am currently in the process of enlisting into the Army. I want to serve active for 4 to 6 years. I have two problems:

1. What do I do with my Tacoma and insurance? (What have you guys done in these scenarios of being away for a long time?)

2. What MOS should I choose? (I am interested in engineering, computers, mechanical jobs, and communications.)

 

can't help on the first question.
I was a 68B. Aircraft power plant repairer. Which means I worked on turbine engines in helicopters. Best most satisfying job I ever had. It was a 6 year enlistment.

 

Is there a reason you can’t keep the truck?

Try this link to see if it helps at all. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/help-choosing-a-career-job.html

 

One thing that I know about the army is that there is absolutely a job for everyone. Good luck.

 

1) Make sure you’re damn sure you want to enlist over commissioning. I’m about to get out of the Navy as an E6 and I regret not commissioning all day every day.

Even if you don’t already have a degree, look into programs for each branch. Air Force and Navy will be the best life, but also most competitive for program acceptance. If you don’t have a degree, highly suggest ROTC.

2) Have you taken your ASVAB yet? If you score high enough, get into any networking field you can. Tell them you want to be the equivalent of a CTN for the navy and go to JCAC. You’ll get certifications in network defense among other things that make you highly attractive in the civilian sector (6-figure salary starting).

Boot camp lasts 2-3 months depending on service. You’ll have to leave you truck with someone while away at basic training and keep whatever mandatory insurance is required per your lien holder. After that, it’s completely on you to make arrangements to get your POV to your first training command, and you’ll only be told that timeline when you get to that command (different commands have different rules regarding initial entree trainees have POVs, when they can get them (think that you’re on a probationary period), etc).

Can’t stress to not commit to one service yet, too. Talk to all 5 major branches (USA, USAF, USN, USMC, and USCG). They’ll all offer different jobs based on their quotas, different benefits, and you’ll find out what your life will be like.

For instance: you only have to be an E5 to move off base in the USAF and USN when you’re single, and E4 if the barracks are near capacity / your chain of command approves it. USMC and USA is E6 with exceptions.

Edited for exceptions and people keep not reading the thread.

 

You can leave the truck with a trusting family member, such as parents or sibling. Once you are at your first station check out USAA for insurance. Its for military members and they offer good rates. They will also give you a discount during the times you are deployed.
Currently, you can call your insurance company and see if they offer something, or if you put your truck in storage you could get vehicle parked insurance rates.

I was in the Air Force as a Civil Engineer for 9 years, had a medical discharge. I was deployed mostly to sandbox bases because we were the ones going in and building the base up. It was hard work but I picked up so many mechanical skills that I am able to complete just about any home renovation project or just general upkeep on my house without hiring anyone to do it. I also used the G.I. Bill to get a degree in small engine mechanics.

 

That’s not true, it works just like you described in the Army as well. If the barracks are close to full the E5’s and more responsible junior enlisted are generally allowed to move off post.

 

Whichever branch of the military you choose, do not be a cop or a cook. Unless you want to work some crazy hours. I was an Army paratrooper, my wife retired Air Forrce. We have friends in all branches of the military, go Airforce or navy. And Kyle is correct about your truck, unless you go overseas on your first duty assignment. Good luck.

 

You are going to get a lot of different answers to this. Get ready...this is gonna be a little long.

The truck is easy. Leave it at your parents or with someone you trust that can keep it stowed and run it some. Once finish training, you will have a little time to move things to your new post.

Now... being someone that has served this is my advice. The single most important thing you can do is take time to figure out what you want to do when you get out. Once you have that figured out plan on using those education benefits to either go to trade school or to college. This includes even if you plan on retiring from the military.

Having the military experience is good for getting the interviews and scoring high on the selection process concerning a civilian job but what employers in career fields i.e. computer engineering, engineering, aviation, medical field, law, etc, want those blasted degrees. Personally I hate it but it is what it is.

If college isn't for you that's completely fine but you still need vocational training in a trade i.e. electrician, mechanic, A&P, welding, lineman, etc.

Some jobs in the military will help you on the outside but it's been my observation that not many do as far as good paying career type jobs if there were, there would'nt be programs for veterans like vocational rehabilation. Find some people that have been in and then gotten out that you can talk too in person. Do NOT trust everything the recruiter tells you man.

Good luck too you! For me it was the 2nd best decision I ever made. The 1st was marrying my wife. I spent 3 years in the infantry and then got out and used all my education benefits to accomplish my life long dream of becoming a pilot. You will make life long friends, learn way more than any stupid degrees will teach you (hence the employer appeal to interview you), and be equipped with ruggedness that will help you in life.....as long as you don't join the air Force.

Good luck again!

 

I’ve never witnessed it at any command yet and my friends have yet to relay it as an option. Good that it’s not the case, but still not the rule like other services.

 

Do airforce. You'll thank me later.

Edit: actually go and find out what exactly you want to do. Dont let anyone bullshit you. No " ask for that later on" or " no sorry you aren't allowed to do that" unless your test scores dont allow you ( waiver for that) you are physically unable ( very few jobs you'll be unable to do) get it all in writing before you sign anything. Also double check when you do sign. If you're gonna go commit. Work your ass off on the front end and it will pay dividends later on.

 

My cousin that did 20+ in the USMC called it a great alternative to the military life.

Even in the Navy, wish I talked to them haha.

 

I paid off the truck and keeping it. Just dont know what to do with it lol

 

I'm set on army at this point. Seems to be the most compatible with me.

I got a 96/99 on the ASVAB and am a sophomore in college. Thought of doing the officer program but got bored with schooling and wanted to try something new.

Thanks for the advice man.

 

Set your eyes on SOF

 

Anything IT related is super useful. Especially if you get a TS/SCI clearance and a bunch of certs. That shit is worth its weight in gold when you get out if you aren't a complete fucktard.

 

Not sure what that is...special op forces?

 

I just submitted my Warrant Officer packet. I am prior service, Marine Corps. Here are some things I've learned:

1) Park your Tacoma with someone you trust. When I went to boot and when I deployed overseas I left my Jeep with my dad. He started and drove it about once a week. For the insurance company, I listed it as "in storage". As long as it is not driven >30 days consecutively, you basically have full coverage at a reduced rate. Depending on what options you decide. It's very affordable and worked well for me.

2) For your MOS: choose something you are GENUINELY interested in. Choose something you can use outside of the military once you get out. Even if you plan to stay in, I cannot emphasize this enough. As much as I loved my job, there's not a market for it outside the military. Choose something that you can profit from, something in demand. A&P's, for example, are in constant demand and the pay is nothing to turn your nose up at.

Everything is personal preference. Do what you feel suits you best. Once you decide, hold out until your recruiter will guarantee it in writing. Do not, DO NOT, go in with an open contract - you will get fucked in the ass, guaranteed. Do not let anyone tell you which job you should choose, especially your recruiter. Be wary of anything with "special" in it's job description.

If you have questions, you and anyone else contemplating service, are welcome to PM me.

 

Thinking about it. Thinking about going into a comp sci field with high security clearance. Something in the 35 series...

 

The recruiters offered me every job I looked at in the office so far and what is A&P? Didnt know about the insurance thing. Thanks for the advice!