Military

[TENINCH]

9 hours ago, Sugashane said:

Active Duty Air Force 2009-2010

Was medically discharged after blowing out my ACL, normally of course is not a disqualifying condition but having already torn it once 3 years prior I had to enter with a waiver for it. Once I was diagnosed with a torn ACL I didn't even have the opportunity to fight it. It was an automatic discharge without appeal, just had to wait for the committee to take months to finally get me processed.

 

It wasn't exactly a noteworthy service, I never left Lackland until I was shipping home. It is still considered an Honorable Discharge of course.

I would have given you a dishonorable discharge and an article 15 that busted you down to a slick sleeve for being a Bears fan.

[TVScout]

9 hours ago, jonu62882 said:

I am also fluent in Russian

Military intelligence.

[Sugashane]

11 hours ago, jonu62882 said:

I do have a BS in Business Management and a Juris Doctor (Law Degree).  I am also fluent in Russian and Spanish.  I am not sure if I really want to invest in obtaining another degree.  I would like to get an opportunity at JAG somewhere.  If not, I am also thinking about pursuing something in IT.  I hear that can be a lucrative path.

That is some interesting info that you provided there.  So, you basically negotiated to receive a certain rank earlier than most in your contract?  You can do that?!  Where does the leverage come from?  Is it because that recruiter gets a bonus or something?  Or they need you for a particular skill in a certain branch?  Also, how can a recruiter guarantee a certain rank/promotion like that?

 

This was the Air Force. Normally you start as an E1 unless signing a 6 year deal. I wanted to be an E3 and since the advancement is pretty nominal it wasn't a big deal. It wasn't uncommon for Airmen to go in as E1s and about a year after their tech school was finished finding themselves as a Senior Airman (E4). So I didn't even really get that much of a boost, it was about $250 a month though.

 

With you going into OCS (if you go into the AF) there won't be near as much control or leverage. Commissioned Officers have more regulations and each promotion is a bigger deal than E1 through E4. Your level going in is way above what I had any experience in. Certain specialties might allow a higher rank starting than others but I believe time in is the biggest contributor. The head of the 319th was Major Prilick who was an RN, and his right hand man was Capt. Benavidis (an MD). The Major likely started lower like an O1 or O2, but the MD might have started at O3 due to the length or schooling and demand. With JAG being a terminal degree rather than BA or BS, you would start at O2 and get to O3 pretty quickly I assume. After than promotions get much slower.

 

What I meant was at the processing station where you actually do the ASVAB, physical checks, and signing up. I was past the recruiter, and honestly have no clue if they get a commission or it is just a pride thing. You couldn't get a boost in signing bonus or anything like that, but if someone said a guy who was becoming an enlisted airman HAD to go into general they are full of it. Maybe if the ASVAB is 40 or below they might but mine was much higher than that. The recruiter can promise the world but they are out of the picture while you are there, the liaisons are the ones who can alter contracts a bit. IDK if soon-to-be COs go through the exact same thing of if it is a blunt take it or leave it deal, sorry.

 

3 hours ago, TENINCH said:

I would have given you a dishonorable discharge and an article 15 that busted you down to a slick sleeve for being a Bears fan.

Good luck. I was in the 323rd for 2 days and went directly from E3 to Colonel of the Urinal (I refused to be called Latrine Queen). Aside from a civi becoming POTUS you couldn't promote faster than I did.

 

Side not for anyone going into the AF, do NOT have the most well organized locker the first few days. That was how I was volun-told to that job... and it SUCKED.

 

 

[jonu62882]

7 hours ago, TVScout said:

Military intelligence.

Is that like code breaking?  Basically listen in on conversations and such? 

I think I saw that was listed under one of the AFSC's that provided a larger signing bonus.

[jonu62882]

6 hours ago, Sugashane said:

This was the Air Force. Normally you start as an E1 unless signing a 6 year deal. I wanted to be an E3 and since the advancement is pretty nominal it wasn't a big deal. It wasn't uncommon for Airmen to go in as E1s and about a year after their tech school was finished finding themselves as a Senior Airman (E4). So I didn't even really get that much of a boost, it was about $250 a month though.

 

With you going into OCS (if you go into the AF) there won't be near as much control or leverage. Commissioned Officers have more regulations and each promotion is a bigger deal than E1 through E4. Your level going in is way above what I had any experience in. Certain specialties might allow a higher rank starting than others but I believe time in is the biggest contributor. The head of the 319th was Major Prilick who was an RN, and his right hand man was Capt. Benavidis (an MD). The Major likely started lower like an O1 or O2, but the MD might have started at O3 due to the length or schooling and demand. With JAG being a terminal degree rather than BA or BS, you would start at O2 and get to O3 pretty quickly I assume. After than promotions get much slower.

 

What I meant was at the processing station where you actually do the ASVAB, physical checks, and signing up. I was past the recruiter, and honestly have no clue if they get a commission or it is just a pride thing. You couldn't get a boost in signing bonus or anything like that, but if someone said a guy who was becoming an enlisted airman HAD to go into general they are full of it. Maybe if the ASVAB is 40 or below they might but mine was much higher than that. The recruiter can promise the world but they are out of the picture while you are there, the liaisons are the ones who can alter contracts a bit. IDK if soon-to-be COs go through the exact same thing of if it is a blunt take it or leave it deal, sorry.

 

 

 

Thank you for the info.  That is helpful.  

[BullsandBroncos]

I did 4 years in the Air Force. I was at RAF Mildenall in England. Security Forces. Yes, very boring. Went 2010-2014. I tested high but my biggest regret is choosing SecFo because it's just so damn boring. I did a 4 year contract. Some parts I thoroughly enjoyed. I tried to Volunteer to go to Iraq but even when I made E5, I wasn't high enough on the totem poll for seniority to go. They only took 25 volunteers.

[JDLefebvre]

4 hours ago, BullsandBroncos said:

I did 4 years in the Air Force. I was at RAF Mildenall in England. Security Forces. Yes, very boring. Went 2010-2014. I tested high but my biggest regret is choosing SecFo because it's just so damn boring. I did a 4 year contract. Some parts I thoroughly enjoyed. I tried to Volunteer to go to Iraq but even when I made E5, I wasn't high enough on the totem poll for seniority to go. They only took 25 volunteers.

Retired AF MSgt,  F-16 maintenance and Pro-Super on CV-22s...  I now work at a casino and we have this very, very  beautiful young woman who works as a security guard joining in Oct and she's going into Security Forces.  I'm sure she thinks it's a way to get experience and become a state cop when she gets out.   But most kids joining don't have much of a clue what they're getting into.  I know I didnt   

[kingseanjohn]

On 9/13/2018 at 12:34 AM, jonu62882 said:

I would like to get an opportunity at JAG somewhere.

Seriously look into the reserve and air guard. When you join them your job is guaranteed, provided you pass the technical schools for that job. For something like JAG, the active duty may give you a similar guarantee but make sure it's in the contract if you go that route.

[TENINCH]

7 hours ago, JDLefebvre said:

Retired AF MSgt,  F-16 maintenance and Pro-Super on CV-22s...  I now work at a casino and we have this very, very  beautiful young woman who works as a security guard joining in Oct and she's going into Security Forces.  I'm sure she thinks it's a way to get experience and become a state cop when she gets out.   But most kids joining don't have much of a clue what they're getting into.  I know I didnt   

Security Forces gets stuck standing and carrying a lot of heavy gear. It only takes about 4 years before their joints, bones, and muscles begin to wear down. Many times it disqualifies them from becoming policemen. Many times their body is literally a wreck and they rely mostly on their VA check. I hope this young lady has better luck. I'd talk her into something else that she can make better money at when she gets out.

[TVScout]

16 hours ago, jonu62882 said:

Is that like code breaking?  Basically listen in on conversations and such? 

I think I saw that was listed under one of the AFSC's that provided a larger signing bonus.

I suppose you already read this?

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/intelligence-and-combat-support/military-intelligence-officer.html

Also:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Intelligence_Corps_(United_States_Army)

 

 

[Hunter2_1]

14 hours ago, BullsandBroncos said:

I did 4 years in the Air Force. I was at RAF Mildenall in England. Security Forces. Yes, very boring. Went 2010-2014. I tested high but my biggest regret is choosing SecFo because it's just so damn boring. I did a 4 year contract. Some parts I thoroughly enjoyed. I tried to Volunteer to go to Iraq but even when I made E5, I wasn't high enough on the totem poll for seniority to go. They only took 25 volunteers.

Did you live in Lakenheath?

[jonu62882]

3 hours ago, TVScout said:

I suppose you already read this?

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/intelligence-and-combat-support/military-intelligence-officer.html

Also:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Intelligence_Corps_(United_States_Army)

 

 

I did now.  Good reads.  Psychological Operations Officer sounds like some CIA-type stuff.  Unfortunately, I am too old to enlist in the Army.  I was told their cutoff is 35, and I am 36.

[jonu62882]

12 hours ago, kingseanjohn said:

Seriously look into the reserve and air guard. When you join them your job is guaranteed, provided you pass the technical schools for that job. For something like JAG, the active duty may give you a similar guarantee but make sure it's in the contract if you go that route.

Good tips, thanks.  What is the difference between the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard?  The latter protects domestic territory?

[Non-Issue]

Nine years active duty army as an engineer. Two years in the guard as an artilleryman. Now I work at the VA taking care of all our old war horses. Best job I have ever had.

[Non-Issue]

On 9/14/2018 at 2:40 PM, jonu62882 said:

I did now.  Good reads.  Psychological Operations Officer sounds like some CIA-type stuff.  Unfortunately, I am too old to enlist in the Army.  I was told their cutoff is 35, and I am 36.

Everything is waiverable. EVERYTHING. If you have something to offer the Army, they will get you in. Walk in and talk to a recruiter.