Anyone in the Air Force?
 

Just curious if anyone is currently or used to be in the Air Force. If so, how was it or how did you like it? I always wanted to join, but never got around to it, and thought I could get a good career going as a civilian. Seeing as I have been to college twice, and no degree from either, and I am stuck in a dead end job, and the economy is shit... I thought maybe it would be a good idea to look into it. Plus my grandfather was Air Force and I always looked up to him and wanted to maybe experience some of the stuff he did.

I'm not in the Air Force myself, but I think it's a good life (compared to the Army), the posts, barracks, chow halls, etc. are nicer, the PT is less severe, etc. The drawback is that promotion is slower and they're usually not hurting for people.

I'm going to be soon. I leave for basic training in a month. I was in AFROTC for a couple semesters before deciding college wasn't my thing right now. My dad was in for 20 years, my grandfather for 4. Both had some pretty awesome experiences and wouldn't trade their time in for anything. There are a lot of awesome benefits, nevermind the things and places you will get to see while you're in. There are a decent number of AF folks on the board.

If you're planning on going in, make sure to avoid any traffic tickets, offenses, etc...I had some issues (aka 3 month wait) getting waivers for mine.

The only thing that worries me is the fact that they aren't hurting for people like you said, and I only have a GED. Though I think I have 15 semester hours of college credit and can easily pass their ASVAB. So even if there is a spot open, I would probably end up waiting a year or more possibly. I guess I can always go talk to a recruiter. I have a clean record, so no issues there. Leaving high school at 16 was a mistake. I went straight to college with intent of getting a head start, and ended up screwing off and leaving college 6 months to a year before I would have gotten my degree. It was mostly an issue with not liking the school or people who ran it.

Yup, talk to a recruiter, take the ASVAB, that's what you're going to have to do to get the ball rolling so you might as well go ahead and do it.

Is the ASVAB a test they can give me there, or will I have to set up a test date and go to a test site. That would suck balls.

I took a practice ASVAB exam online and scored 83%, only need 65% to pass. No problem there I hope.

Every recruiting station I've ever been to had a little testing room.

Passing the thing is one thing, but the higher you score the better pick of MOSs you get.

Well I would say mid 80's is decent, if I can replicate. Plus I did all of the math in my head and rushed. Surely they give you scratch paper to write on with some of those larger number math problems. So I bet I can score much higher, at least upper 80's if its anything like the practice exam.

I also wonder if they can give you an ETA on your wait. I don't want to be expecting say 8 months, and plan my life around that time, then it really end up being 12-16 months.

I was in the Air Force in the late 80's Early 90's. At the time for me it was the right decision
The only advise I can give you is before you sign on the dotted line Be Sure TO GET YOUR TRAINING OF CHOICE ON YOUR CONTRACT. I didnt ( conned by recruiter that they would give it to me in basic). I ended up doing corrosion control ( painting planes ) & sheet metal ( repairing bird strikes). not bad work but not as lucrative on the outside like a Jet engine mechanic.
Also while you are in go back to school, I got my AA & they paid for it 100%.
Good Luck

I was in until 1988. Last stationed at 31'st Tactical Fighter Wing at Homestead AFB in FL. Went in right after highschool. It was great and the military experience landed my job that I'm at now. I prefer veterans for new hires.

Recruiters lie.

All Air Force bases have golf courses.

You will make more of a bonus going in if you score high on the ASVAB in a useful category. You will also be eligible for the good MOSs if you score high on the ASVAB.

You will make more money and faster rank in the Army if you qualify for a good specialty.

My brother got $38,000 worth of student loans covered and got a $12k signing bonus a year and a half ago when he joined the Army. He is a computer wiz and worked for IBM for a little while. Now he diagnoses and repairs satellite communications equipment. He's got new marketable skills now. He's already up for promotion.

If you are afraid of guns, join the Air Force. They don't use them in "rear areas" where the Air Force guys are.:)

Most bonus's military-wide went away about 4 months ago... economy and all. You can imagine with the number of people out of work, there is no shortage of applicants... and no shortage of overqualified never-would-have-considered-the-military-before-but-can't-get-a-job-anywhere-else type of applicants.

And when somebody says "I want to join the military"... that's kinda like saying "I want to work at Sea World", and all they can imagine is swimming with Shamu, but end up sweeping bathrooms.

Do you have any skillsets or any idea what you might want to do in the Air Force.

85% or above pretty much qualifies you for any job you want. I was told if you get a 95% or above your test goes into a "special pile" and if you want a hard to qualify for job (generally very technical -- think avionics) you have a much better chance of getting that job. I got a 96% and wanted a PMEL job, so I got my slot pretty quickly after MEPS. Actually, my good score and job choice was probably what got me in considering I'm a ROTC dropout and have a few recent traffic tickets.

Have any idea what you want to do yet? That site I linked above has all the ASFCs listed with their descriptions (cryptic as they may be).

I have an idea what to expect. I would like to do something mechanical, either aerospace propulsion or maintenance, and of course aerial gunner would be a lot of fun, but don't know of any civilian job that would benefit from that.

Went to the damn recruiting center, 20 minutes away and sat in the parking lot for over an hour an no one was there. Sign said back at 9, and it was 10-11. Waited as long as my Miata would let me before the a/c started falling behind and the HLA started chattering, then I left. Typical. I guess you have to schedule.

Recruiters suck, but it's a crappy job. It's worth finding a good one. I was ready to join Marines summer of '01, and found a nice devoted guy. Scored 95+ on ASVAB and had my pick of jobs, which in the marines means if you don't want to carry a rifle or cook, you're pretty much IT or intelligence.

I passed physical and all, but when I went to Amarillo to do MEPS they saw the X-rays from knee surgery and said I should try the AF. If I could go back I would have, but instead my friends came back in town (Lubbock) for school, and I started partying again. 9/11 happened the next month, and I've never regretted not joining more.

The Army *was* giving bonuses dependant upon MOS. The Air Force does not give Enlistment or Technical Training bonuses. - They do however pay Reenlistment bonuses for certain high demand AFSCs


As alluded above, the Air Force categorizes specialties (jobs) as AFSCs, not MOSs. (Air Force Specialty Code vs Military Occupational Specialty)


Current military operations are more Joint-Service ("purple") than they have ever been. As such, the AF folks are on the line more than you might imagine. - So much so that hand-to-hand combat, field and additional weapons training has become part of USAF Basic Training.

The ASVAB consists of not just one overall score, but a score for ten educational/knowledge categories. Your score in each helps determine your eligibility for various AFSCs.

There is a strong chance you will be disqualified for service in both the Air Force and the Navy because of this. Your college hours *may* requalify you, but you will have to ask the recruiter. - This is because both the USN and USAF traditionally have been the most technologically dependant of the Services and therefore tend to have higher training requirements than the Army or Marines.

Yes, Recruiter duty can be a pain in the A**. However, it is a completely volunteer-based special duty.

And Yes, Recruiters have quotas and recruiting goals the have to meet.

However, Recruiters are under orders not to lie. Though this does not prevent them from offering (or leaving out) pieces of information, allowing you to make an incorrect assumption. - If a Recruiter offers you information or a course of action, ask to see it in writing.

And don't forget to read the contract before signing. If it is not on the contract, it does not exist.

- L

(As a retired Service-member I strongly believe that serving the Nation is a worthwhile endeavor, whether it be for a single hitch or a life-long career. Regardless, the decision should not be taken lightly and therefore demands research and an informed decision. - If you choose to follow the path of Military Service, you will be challenged, you will be trained, you will form enduring friendships and you will experience aspects of life and this world few will ever see.)

I've been in for about 3 years now, not a bad job (although that just depends on your job and location)

All I can say is, if you decide for sure to get in, talk to someone about it first and decide what job you want. Then make sure you're guarenteed that job in writing before you go in.

Some jobs sound great until you get in and it ends up being some shitty job that the idiots get.

Haha! The fellow who lives across the street from me did a hitch in the Army. He was specifically looking to get technical training of some sort but the recruiter showed him a video of soldiers driving "badass dune buggies" and motorcycles. The guy was convinced on the spot to sign up to be a "scout" because it was the coolest job in the Army. He said, "After I got in, it wasn't nothin' like that."

"No shit," I thought.

I would believe the recruiter's sales pitches just like the one for Kinoki Foot Pads (they remove harmful toxins, don't you know).

I'm pretty discouraged about all of this. I already had very low hopes of being approved because of my GED, but now that I think about how there are so many unemployed people right now who surely look better on paper than me, I'm not even sure its worth my time and the hassle to even talk to a recruiter. Thats the story of my life anyway. Something stupid I decided years ago comes back to bite me in the ass. This is like the 3rd important thing that my GED has fucked me up on. So I'm going to do the pussy thing and not even set myself up for disapointment and just forget the whole thing before I give myself a chance to think about it any more. Thanks for all of the input anyway guys. I guess I will stick with the civilian life and keep on slowly getting my computer certifications out of the way and go that route. I have a lot of sick people in my family anyway that will probably kick the bucket over the next 2 or 3 years that I would like to spend time with while they are still here.

I wouldn't give up that easy, study up a little bit (if you think it will help) then go talk to a recruiter and take the asvab. If you have a clean background (clean-ish) and score well, the odds are not as bad as you might think.

But like I said, if you DO decide to go through with it, dont get suckered into some horrible job just because your recruiter said so, or you will end up hating life.

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 shit 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Would a letter go to a recruiter or send it off somewhere? How and the hell am I going to get transcripts from a place that as far as I know is gone... well shit.

You're worrying too much. My letters went to somebody higher up in the chain -- basically I wrote them "to whom it may concern" and my recruiter went through them to make sure everything was peachy and then sent them off.

All you can really do now is just go in, dress decent, and be professional so you make a good impression and show them that you are serious about joining.

I know I am worrying to much, its what I do. This could potentially be one of the most important things in my life, so of course I'm worried that shit won't work out. And it doesn't help that I learn that my $30k and 2 years worth of school may be lost since I don't know if I can get any kind of transcript. I still owe $10k too, which is BULLSHIT!

You seriously need to relax about it, although it may seem hard right now. Stressing out is just going to make the whole process worse than it already is, just go up to the recruiters tomorrow and sit down and talk with him, get an idea of what's really going on with your chances.

I will be if they call. I'm not driving back up there again to have them not be there. I guess I will call in the morning and see if anyone answers. They can't be that busy.

I joined (Army) about three years ago. I went into the recruiters office with the job I wanted, and made it pretty clear it was that or nothing. At first my recruiter tried to push a few other jobs on me, but saw I did my research and was serious about that job he pushed hard for it.

That was Army though. AF may be different.

BTW my actual job is 180 degrees different then what is described on goarmy/about.army/etc... Are some people who have my job doing exactly what the description says... yes.

Moral of the story... you can NEVER plan for everything in the military.

I attempted joining the air force a while back and can give you aa few pointers from my experience.. first like everyone else says settle down, get anything and everything in writing, and donyt listen to the stuff that sounds too good to be true...it is.

but some things noone mentioned, go in with all of your important documents (dl, ss card, birth cert., diploma (ged papers in your case) and any info you have from any law enforcement involvement you've ever had) recruiting sucks and of you need a waiver they are less likely to want to do the work for you (esp the AF since they don't need people) and the easier you make their job the better off you'll be.

talk to all of the 5 branches before signing anything, take your ASVAB through the AF then discuss things with other recruiters. army\marines may have the same damn job but vw able to offer you some better incentives for it and get you in quicker... dress isn't that big of a deal when going to the recruiter but if they send you ANYWHERE else look your best, you're speaking to someone higher up who may or may not be your ticket in, impress them.

get some letters of recimendation ASAP they can never hurt.

that's all the stuff I wish I'd known before going in to the recruiters office but at the same time I am more than happy sitting at redstone arsenal in huntsville learning to work on various combat missile systems for the army with my 40K bonus on the way..so have patience and don't be afraid of the 4 other branches despuite your family being an AF fam.

good luck!

One more thing...excuse the spelling errors in the last post..using a damn cell phone to type this out..

I've got 19.7 years in the Air Force now, looking to retire Jan 1st. One thing to consider on the jobs you might pick is the location you can be stationed. That first job you have listed sounds like cruise missile maintenance which is only in the midwest/the Dakotas. The Aerial Gunner will land you in Iraq and Afghanistan. (you might like that though)
The Aerospace Propulsion job is a jet engine mechanic, that's what I do. The AF just combined the jet engine and turbo prop carrier fields last year into one job so you could get stationed just about anywhere there are planes or helicopters or the new UAVs.
I enjoy it for the most part. I've been lucky enough to be stationed in Florida for a total of 17 years. Lots of short trips all over the world.