NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, after thinking it over with a cool head I decided to go through with it and at least see what happens. So what exactly will the recruiter try to screw me on? Will they try to talk me into liking another job more than one I decided before hand that I wanted? What is the reason behind them doing whatever they do with half truths and tricking people?

greenday3437

iTrader: (2)

There are spots in the military that need to be filled, spots that dont always require the most skill or intelligence, but need several bodies in that place.

Recruiters sometimes try to lure you into these spots that need to be filled, normally by trying to make the job sound cool or something.

Point being, if a recruiter is telling you about a job that sounds really awesome and he is acting like he really wants you to get into this job, dont do it. It's normally going to be something that sucks

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I'm not easily swayed once my mind is made up. I will let them talk, but I already know what I will apply for. Can they outright deny you from a job even if you scored high? Say if they just don't need anyone in that field? I know my scores in the mechanical and math end of the test would be very high. Only one that sort of slows me down (slightly) are the ones with this word is most like that word... thing. A lot of the ones on the practice exams were way out there.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

Absolutely. If they don't need anyone in that field, then you won't have a chance of getting that job until the AF decides they need more of that skill.

My highest line score was mechanical too (shocking...) but Army mechanic is not a job I wanted so I picked something else.

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

Do you get to list more than one job choice, highest priority to lowest so that if one isn't available they can give you the next one on your list? Or can they even really tell you what is open and what isn't right away. I'm guessing if they want they can pretty much give you whatever they want and you just "have a say in it" to the point that you request, but whether or not you get anything you like is up to them and the demand for the job.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

Well, my experience is with the Army, so some things may be different, others may be exactly the same.

/disclaimer

I got a laundry list of available positions after the ASVAB, my recruiter asked me what sounded good to me. He was a 33W (basically he repairs satellites and other high-tech equipment) so he was pushing for that. While we sat talking the list was updated and the Army no longer needed 33Ws, so I started looking at 98G (Cryptologic Linguist), but there was some obstacle which escapes me. So the recruiter suggested 96B (Intelligence Analyst) and I took that. Did that for a few years and decided I wanted a change of pace, so now I'm out here training to change to the linguist job.

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info. I guess I will just play it by ear. One step at a time, because I don't even know how this GED thing will work for me. Just sucks that something like that can hold you back. I have great work ethic, I'm skilled in many things, I am one of the most intelligent people I know (not smartest) with an IQ in the top 3%, I have no criminal record of any kind, never been a drug user and rarely drink and I am in good physical condition. I feel I'm fully qualified, but I guess they don't know you from Adam and all they have to go by is your formal education. I doubt it would matter **** to them, but I have 2 people in my family that were great airmen. My grandfather was a WWII and Korean fighter pilot and was shot down in Korea, and my great uncle who was a WWII bombardier who was shot down/hit in mid air by a German plane and suffered life long leg injury and was a POW till the end of the war. So I kind of want to carry on the tradition of what they did. Oh well, so is life.

greenday3437

iTrader: (2)

Seems to me (I could be wrong because when I went in they weren't all that picky because they still needed people) but I would think that as long as you met the minimum requirements for education, that they would go more off of asvab scores to accept you rather than your level of education. Afterall, they want you for this specific job, so they want to know how qualified you are already in that field and how much more they will have to train you for you to be what they want. If that makes any sense?

I wouldn't sweat it too bad though man, seeing the people that have come through basic and tech school and gotten into the "real air force" these days is somewhat embarassing. I'm sure you have a good shot.

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

We shall see. I left the recruiter a message at their local office. When they call me back I guess I guess I will set up a date and time and go visit them. I was hoping to do it now while I have some time off of work. Weekend is already here and I have to go back to work Monday.

Does anyone have any more info on specifics like when I go in to the recruiting office, will I take the ASVAB the same day? And will I be able to pick my jobs and stuff same day, or is this going to be a 4 or 5 visit thing over the next month or more? I don't have much time during the week because of my work schedule.

messiahx

iTrader: (2)

It'll be a multiple visit thing. Also MEPS will probably take a day itself.

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

What is MEPS? Is it like a different kind of recruiting station? Next level up. My nearest one is Montgomery, which is about an hour and a half drive. What do they do there? Wont the MEPS be right before I'm sent in to basic. So it wont come unless I can get past the GED thing.

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

...And I have narrowed my choices to three jobs:

-Missile and Space Systems Electronics
-Aerospace Propulsion Apprentice
-Aerial Gunner Apprentice

greenday3437

iTrader: (2)

MEPS is the place where you take the actual asvab, as well as getting your physical and other exams before entering the military. It's also where almost all of you processing happens before you leave for basic, basically its a big processing station for entering the military.

Do you have AFCS codes for those jobs? For example, my AFSC code is 2A6X6

l_bader

Before you settle on a job, do the following:

1 - Ask the recruiter if you qualify to join the Air Force. If not, go talk to the Army and the Marines.
2 - Take the ASVAB
3 - While waiting for the results, ask the Recruiter for the AFI (Air Force Instruction) that details ALL AFSCs within the Service and their associated qualification standards/requirements, detailed job description and career paths.
4 - Make a list of those that interest you, then research them on the 'Net
5 - When you have your list of "interesting jobs" and results from the ASVAB, take any additional test that are required. (ie: the ADPE (Automated Data Processing Equipment) exam for computer related fields
6 - Then ask the Recruiter when there are openings for each of the jobs you are interested in. Just because there isn't an opening today it doesn't mean there's not one next month or next quarter... Delayed entry is a viable choice to get the job you want!
7 - When you qualify for the position you want and the Recruiter says there is an opening, get it in writing on your Enlistment contract before you sign.

- L

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

So I will take a "ASVAB" at the recruiting office as well?

greenday3437

iTrader: (2)

Unless it's changed, the official asvab is taken at meps, you just take practice ones at the recruiters.

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, thats what I meant. A way for them to get an idea of your skills. I've been so stressed out over this for the last few days. I really hope this works out. This is the difference between a life long career and possibly being stuck in a dead end job the rest of my life in nowhere USA. I hope they get in touch with me soon. Its going to be hard to focus at work until I do.

kotomile

iTrader: (24)

Relax, even if your first job isn't your first pick, you can change it later. Just go step by step, nothing's carved in stone yet.

NA6C-Guy

iTrader: (1)

I'm not so worried about that, just getting in is what is stressing me. I'm going to be really REALLY bummed if I get turned away. This has always kind of been a dream of mine, even since I was a little kid. I'm just now finally getting around to it and I'm finding out it might not be possible because of the GED thing.

Oh, and one more thing that may help. I see that 15 semester hours of college puts you on the same level as high school graduates. I have many more than 15 hours of college, but it was a automotive technical school, though it was for a bachelor degree. I went for over 2 years and left like 6 months before graduation because of some differences in opinion with some of the staff and a problem with their financial aid program. Would this count towards 15 semester hours? Not sure what "college" exactly means. Technically it was a technical college... if so, would I need to provide proof or would they be able to find out somehow? I think the college has since gone under in the last few years or at least closed the portion of school I went to, so I have no idea how to find records or proof.

messiahx

iTrader: (2)

They'll want official transcripts if it's an issue. Also if you have an Associate's degree (doesn't matter what) you can go in as an E-3. It's one of their incentives.

I think you'll be fine. If worse comes to worse, they have to give you a solid reason and there is always an appeal process, so if you get a 'No' the first time, ask how you can appeal that decision.

After you talk to a recruiter, it might not be a bad idea to write out a nice letter to explain your situation, education, and why you're qualified. Also try and get some letters of recommendation. I had to get two and write out a couple letters -- one for why I left AFROTC and another explaining my traffic tickets. I had to get 4 waivers I think signed off on and I still got in, so I'm thinking you're better off than you think.