Today I was pulled out of class to go to the office. Nothing out of the oridnary as I normaly get called down for tardys or wandering the halls. I get put in the office and 2 National Guard guys come in. I think i bit the big one, and pissed off the higher ups. Turns out they want ME of all people to go to collage and to be a full time MP in the local area. I would be an MP and live on base and everhting. I go to collage, get paid for it, and get a future I can be proud of. BUT I have to be away from home for a long time for the training and assorted stuff. Then there is a base about an hour from me where I *should* be.
All this aisde, has anyone else done this? Or does this seem like a good idea. I graduate in 14 schoool days and have NO clue what I wana do after. This just umped out at me and I seem to like it.
Oh yeah, I get a signing bonus of $5k when I finish basic, $2.5k when my 6 months is up, and I can have the Fila at the base.
There's good and bad. It depends on how/whether you can handle it. For instance, a friend of mine is a cop and he's in the NJ National Guard for extra bucks, but two years ago he got sent to Germany for 18 months to fill in for people who went to Iraq. That's hard when you've just had your second kid.
GF supports me. I'm 18, no drugs, no drinking, no prior cop record in good shape. They said it's perfect for me. I'll do what needs to be done. I fi get shipped off I think of it as seing the world
As long as your open to the idea of being deployed then you should do fine. I've got about a week left after 12 years of service before I'm out. I could have reenlisted but after 2 tours to Kuwait, 1 in Korea, and 3 times in Iraq, I was tired of missing out on watching my little girl grow up. The service was great but family had to come first now since the rotation here at Ft. Hood is pretty much 1 year deployed and a little over a year at home. Even the national guard guys aren't safe anymore. I have talked to many of em while deployed who thought that they would stay stateside but didn't. Not trying to scare you out or anything but just giving you some real life info.
Go Air Force... You'd like that better.
Its really your call, but I have a nephew who joined the NG, got his bonus,got a nice check every month,free education and a year and a half later,they sent him to Iraq. It put his life on hold for awhile but it did straten his butt out.
I have to say though,anyone who would join now or anytime after this silly war started, I think the world of them.
good luck with your decision !!!!!!
I'm seriously considering joining the Air Force. Been thinking about it for a long time now. I'm not liking my job and how things are going at the moment.
It may be good for you Mike.
This thread makes me laugh.
I consider anyone entering the military to be the only people worthy of the title "Citizen". It shows they are willing to take a personal responsibility for the safety and well being of our country.
I did a 4 year stint in the Navy and while I didn't enjoy all of it, I have no regrets and am proud to have served.
Going and getting deployed doesn't scare me. It's peobaly going to be good for me, strighten me out for sure, good paycheck ( better then none), and free education. Odds are I'll either go NG or Army.
kiss the car hobby good by.
MP?As in "Military Police"?Military is a very good thing.I was 5 years Air Force,.They paid for my college.I loved it.There were down sides as well.Basic Training sucks.Don't ever think you are THE man in basics.the drill instructers will shut you down FAST,and don't ever think they can't.Basics is the hardest part,after that,it's a lot better,and,it'll do a lot for you.If you need to hold on to Momma's skirt,military isn't for you.I have never had a regret of joining.I wanted to serve my country,and I'm proud I did.It can make a man of you.Teach you responsibility,and how to take car of your self,instead of depending on Mom and Dad (not saying you do,just speaking in general).These days,kids live at home until they're 20 or 25.What the ????Once high school is over,it's time to make a living,join the military,or go to college.Think about it long and hard,once you sign your name and take the oath,you belong to Uncle Sam.It can really make someone out of you.
Thanks Vinnie. That just about sealed my fate. I'll give the guys a call tomorow and see where I can take my life. If I'm gone, anyone wana take care of the Fila for me
When your living on base you can work on the Fila, they have tools and stuff to do it. I have a friend in the Marines, and I seriously considered joining, a recruiter told me I might not be able to enlist even if I wanted to. I have asthma. I could have made some real big cash and had college paid for, I should have done it, and Marines Basic is BRUTAL. My friend just left for a 7 month tour in Iraq I talked to him last night, he is attached to base now. He is a radio operator and an electrician. 19 years old. Man life is too short.
the States must pay there military better then Canada does. The pay over here sucked ass! That is why I got out, couldn't afford NOTHING on that wage.
Our base had an "auto hobby shop",which,was a 6 bay garage with 2 paintings boothes,and you just checked out your tools like you'd check out books at a library,except you can't remove the tools from the shop.Each bay had a lift,and they had welders,a sand blaster,everything you'd need.It cost about $7.00 a day to use the place.I don't know which bases do or don't have them.I was an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist (Jet mechanic)."Crew Chief" in Air Force lamen terms.I made E-5 before I got out,Staff Sgt..I also got to do a lot of things I may not if I hadn't joined,see the world (sounds stupid to hear myself say it,but it's true).Pay for college,and learn a LOT.You have to do what's right for yourself.It sure beat working somewhere flipping burgers trying to pay for school,pay for my car,support myself and keep money for myself and the Girlfriend.I was active duty,a little different than the Gaurd or Reserves.Good luck with whatever you do.
If you do decide to join any branch of the Military, just know that it is very, very likely that you will go to Iraq, regardless of how much b.s. a recruiter throws at you.
Decide on what type of job you want to do and focus on getting it.
I went into the Marines at 18 and got the job I wanted (electronics)....however I went into the wrong branch.
I have no regrets...except that I should have gone Air Force.
5 years later I did go Air Force. Loved the tech school.;) ;)
honestly,, the "active duty side" of the army is a huge dissapointment to me. 15 out of 20 are slackers and always on the lookout for a place to skate be it medical or whatever.
Working with the national guard was one of the most greatful time i had in the past as most of these people come aboard with "life" skills.
the active duty army get py short schools with an m.o.s. and they are highly unlikely to actually get to work in that specialty they trained in. Anyone who wants to argue that one step on up.
If you feel that in your heart our country needs you because you feel there is a national effort in support of our conus and oconus affairs,, then you probably will score a 20 on the asvab.
Ive been down this road three times and ill have to say it loud and clear,,,,,,if you want to walk away with a future and appreciation for your service as well as respect,,,STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THE ARMY in anyway shap or form. Those guys over there are just speaking up on how they see things. I call it treason as it voilates the ucmj but in a soft military envorment as we are today, its just one supreme example of how soft we really are at the core. These guys are speaking in the very unpopular tone i spoke of 3 years ago to another fella who was wanting to join.
I got bashed back then but im here to tell you,, im consistent and true to my values.
If i were active duty now,, i would not speak a word of these things i feel because it would be disrespectful to my country at large , and , it would leave the general public wondering what was going on and could cause some nervousness in general. I would just suck it up cause "i signed the contrac"
Since im not active,, i would tell you that i can not see any reason for you to die for me under are current cerspoogestances. I wish you the best and if you join,, you are highly respected for your intentions and your service if that is what this all leads to.
The army is rather soft now and you can pretty much get away so much. We in the navy use to handle slackers our own way and we called it "building character".
Getting shipped out is possible and a reality. What is not expected is the "stop loss" provision that you have not been told about yet. ((THANK YOU PATRIOT ACT)) You need to find out what is meant by "STOP LOSS" and grill your recruiter on the different senerios that would cause you to be stop lossed. Watch thier body language when you bring this up because its a sensitive topic they'd rather not expand on if it might cost them a number (ie-another recruit).
In retrospect,, your reasons are the same as what mine were when i joined at age 17. I guess there is no real difference other than the fact that we are in a battle that cant be won with a military, it can only be won at the political level.
Having wasted all my breath, you will do what you want,, and whats best. Just make sure that if you go in,, you groom yourself into a school pattern that complements your future endevors in the ever growing world of e commerce.
vinnie,,
what kind of fire fighting agents were in the power plant bays?,,
also, did you do any NDT work?
Mikey,
Listen to me now, you listening? I retired from Active Duty in the US Coast Guard, except I went to college first. It was the BEST thing I ever did for my life. I've sailed the Panama Cbuttstuff, had my birthday in Acapulco, Mexico, spent Christmas in Nicaragua, and served my country. I've been deployed as a rescue swimmer into the Pacific, arrested Russian drug runners, and towed stranded boaters home safely. Their is no greater joy then knowing you did your part to be a Citizen of your country. I was deployed to six foreign countries, earned four medals, and earned by G.I. Bill, which I am currently using to go back to college again. If you want to make a little money, grow up and be a real man with your own life away from home, and be a proud veteran, then by all means DO IT! That being said, I *HIGHLY* suggest you stay away from the Army or the Guard. Unless you plan on being a 25-year "lifer", they have NO future. There simply are not ANY jobs for a "gunner". I was a Machinery Technician in the USCG, I got to rebuild motors from 1 cyl 5HP jobbies to V12 Twin-Turbo monster diesels that pumped out 2,000 HP. The training I got was first-class and landed me IMMEDIATE job offers. You NEED to go Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, or if you really are a bad-ass, Marines. Get a REAL M.O.S., like Vinnie and I did, not "MP", you won't get any training. BTW, the "bonuses" MUST be IN WRITING on your entry papers if you actually want them. With my college I was able to get E3 guaranteed right out of boot (which was a cakewalk for me, I was a champion swimmer in HS) and a $2,000 bonus. PLUS you NEED to get a guarenteed A-School (what your M.O.S. will be) BEFORE you sign up, otherwise you might be "ordered" into being a cook. If you have ANY questions, post, PM, or email me. The military is a great life, and I'm PROUD to fly a big American flag on the front of my house.
I remember the Auto hobby shop at Mcguire AFB.
Like Aerobird says, look into a career field that could be used in the civilian world as well.
I am still considering the Marines and becoming a field mechanic, that way I can finish my time there and go back to working on cars like I am now. Thats what I plan to go to school for to. Its one big decision though to determine the rest of my life. The Marines are Badass, they go through the toughest training I have ever heard of. I give my friend the utmost respect for going through Boot Camp.
I'm near right on lake erie so I wonder if they have a branch of the coast guard? It sounds even better then Army. Marine might be good. The guy came back to talk to me about full time army as a Mechanic in the motorpool. It is something I wana puresue but not sure as to what I wana do. Coast guard sounds good to me. Not really a navy person but I bet I could swing it. Army would be Meh but I know I can get in. I'll let eveyone know at the end of they day, I have another meeting in a bit with the Navy guys.
You can get into basically any military branch if you know what your doing.
Thats the thing. I want to do my service for my country. Get the pay ( not the only reason but it's a job for 6 years min), go to collage at this is about my only hope to do so, then come back and do someting good with my life. I figured MP in the army then come back home and be a cop. I can still help people and it's related to the at home job.
Coast Guard has a HUGE presence on the Great Lakes. You'll be able to work them no problem.
I'll look into that, and an Army mechanic in the motorpool are the ones that have me sold. Now just to contact both and see who can sucker me first
USCG Machinery Technician training is light-years ahead of motorpool. You'll be trained on small 2-stroke and 4-stroke motors, internal combustion gas motors, 4-stroke outboards, inboards, jet-drives, and diesels from little piddly-wink to hose-sized MONSTERS. When I was in I learned how to rebuild roots blowers, turbos, reduction gears, and all sorts of other cool stuff. MK's are the ONLY mechanics in the USCG (cept the flyboys) and have to know how to fix EVERYTHING. You'll really enjoy it and it gives you a TON of training for civvie life after. Plus 0% chance of Irag deployment (all volunteer in the USCG).
Got any inside idea's on how to get in touch to join? And do they offer the same sign on bonus's and collage shiznit as the army does?
I was in the guard here in Wisconsin. I started off in the field artillary with a maintenance bn. I worked on everything from Dueces to self propelled Artillary Peices. I eventually went to the Infantry when my unit was re-organized. In June of 04 I was activated in support of operation Iraqi Freedom. After 6 months of rotting in Mississippi and California, I was deployed to Iraq. It was the hardest thing ive ever had to go through ( I got married 9 DAYS before I actually left) But I'd do it all over again if given the chance. Its a big decision. Not everybody is cut out for that kind of commitment. All i ask is that you think long and hard about the pro's and con's before you make your mind up. College money is nice.... I joined because that is the only way i was going to pay for college. By the time I got through Basic at Ft. Benning GA, I wasn't in it for the money anymore. It was definitely something different. To this day, when I hear Reville or the National anthem, I get tears in my eyes. I'm proud to have served. I give you respect for even thinking about it.
Good luck, I think it would do you good.
Cougrrr302:
Marines have some tough basic, thats for sure. But from what I've heard, it doesnt hold a candle to the Army's OSUT program in FT Benning GA. US Army Infantry School. I went through it.....It was not pretty at all. It was the most physicly and mentally challenging thing (Next to Iraq) that Ive ever done. One of My good buddies is an ex Marine. He came to the national guard about 4 years after completing his training as a Marine. Due to a lapse in service and some messed up paperwork, he ended up having to go back to basic and go through the OSUT program. He said that it made the crucible took like childs play. No shiznit.
That being said, one of the reasons that Benning is so tough is that its an all male training base. All male classes. Most of the other bases turn out soft recruits...... i was amazed at the lack of dicipline in people from other training bases.
Mikey,
The Montomery G.I. Bill is the same for all branches as long as your Active Duty. You pay $1200 into it your first 12 months and when you Honorable Discharge you get ~$85,000 for school. I've been getting $1100/month for tuition, books, etc from it since January. Extra nice is the fact that my school has reduced tuition for veterans :D
http://www.gocoastguard.com/
http://www.gocoastguard.com/offices/Ohio.html
http://www.gocoastguard.com/offices/Pennsylvania.html
I don't know how it is today but another thing to look into is the quality of the training. When I went in the Navy guys were getting a lot longer and more in depth training than the Army for similar jobs. It's not a big deal as long as you take advantage of the college opporunities both while you're in and after you get out but if you plan to rely on the job you have in the military getting you a civilian one when you get out you'll want the branch that has the best initial training. You can be a cop in the AF, Navy or CG too, I think they still have SPs anyway....
On a side note - I wonder how recruiters cope these days? Before the Internet us uneducated dumba__es just wandered in and signed up, no questions to speak of and certainly no detailed grilling like you're prepared to do from reading all this. I didn't even know I was committed to a 6 year enlistment until I'd been in a year.
Whatever you do - get that 4 year degree. Consider it the minimum requirement for a decent job.
you actually have two options for your education while active duty or even perhaps NG.
While active duty an "AT" , i was pretty much fu@#ed for additional education as my first 4-5 years was sea duty in the navy. I reup'd for 4 more years and got s duty in oceana va. While on s duty, i registered with ODU and ECPI in va beach va. I was working midnights in the navy and going to school in the evening.
The navy covered 75% of my school as long as i made a "C" or better in the class. This process was called Tuition Assistance back then. Anyway, I also had the GI bill but back then it was 1200 out of pocet for 12000 return plus a bonus amount for each nationa defense medal you had, to which i have three.
I did not have to touch my GI bill since TA covered most all of the expenses. the remaining was covered by either Pell's and then Staford Student loans. No bills for school arrived until i graduated.
School,, in addition to your military school while active is very achievable if you just make it a vision. Picture yourself with a plan and build that path to sucess.
In the long run, you can join up with the rest of the united states job hunting about every 2-5 years :D .
Just pick an industry that will be interchangeable with just about anywhere you go. The MP training and what has been said previous actually goes against what is "popular" today. There are many job options for prior military with "Humint" and Security training. If thats what you want, go for it.
If i had it all to do over again,, would have gotten my BA or BS degree by now. Working all the time makes it hard but i am currently looking into On line sites that are accredited. Ill need to ask around about this with people who have done the same.
You make sure you see yourself doing the same industry you are going to train for 10 to 20 years from now.
I suggest you rewind on that "motor pool" thing. Ive been embeded within units as a civilian and that side of the house sux ass. I was recently in Ramadi iraq and this on motor pool sgt had a problem. The harmonic balancer on his RG31 MPV (diesel) flew off (for unknown reasons i later on figured out) and he put it back on but it wobbled real bad when at idle. Im like WTF, so i got a hemit and towed it up to where all my shiznit was so i could be near my tools and such. I discovered that he did not line it up with the Keyway and just tightened the center bolt.
His response as a motor pool sgt,,"i didnt know the crank had a keyway":toilet: This is unexuseable.
I was their DS/GS level rep or what the navy calls Depot level maintinance. I had to make repairs to ANYTHING that got broke due to an IED blast. When i went out on mission with the army and marines, we would do route clearance. Knowing everyday you could get blown up sux and im not to happy with the close calls i had. We had a hull penetration when the insurgents figured out how to pierce armor plating 1'' thick using our own trash dump as a resource for this easy to find ingredient.
On an unrelated note,, i was also deeply humbled and troubled (and i usally dont talk like this) at the attitued of the soldiers and thier kills. When they get a kill, they call it "getting some". So often id be hollered at by one of the guys,, "hey cass, check this shiznit out,," only to find thier watching a vidio of the kills and sporting pics of the flesh burned, skin of ones head flipped inside out , skull busted open and braines leaking and the such. It bothered me that people like us dont find that disturbing anymore. Things like this happen everyday over in iraq but i cant seem to find in myself to enjoy the results of "getting sum" Ive got countless vidios of this type of stuff as "gifts" from the units cause i was in the team and i saved / they saved my ass on countless occasions. I guess i just turned a blind eye so no one would get in trouble cause in reality, these guys will "finish" growing up (they are all so young) later on and probably break down in tears. I wanted so bad to have feelings over there, but i had none, i still have none, when you have to put your ass out there for another man, you dump feelings inplace of self preservation. I feel guilty for doing something wrong and i know that someday i might find what that wrong doing was. Until then,, ill call it "serving my country" and well did i serve her. I may not have believed in the war over there, but i did believe in the soldier, thats what kept me going. I know all too well, what you face.
scott
When I was layed off from my previous job, I myself looked into joining the Coast Gaurd. I was trying to join either through the OCS (Officer Candidate School) or Direct Commision as an engineer. At the time I held an Associates Degree in Electronic Engineering, and an Associates Degree in Telecommunications. I wanted to go full enlistment. The "problem" I was told is that the college that I had received my degrees from didn't have a 25% minority population. By the time they had figured everything out, I had already started a new job. (I was out of work for about 3 months). I am currently working for the same company and am back in school majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Design Engineering. The best part is the company I work pays my tuition 100% as long as I get a "C" in the class. They also pay for 50% of the book. So if I sell the book back at the end of the semester, I usually only end up paying about $15 a semester.
military service is an honorable way to serve your country, that will pay dividends down the road. true you get a free education, and you get decent medical and other benefits, as well as you work part time. the downside? i dont see any downside. i say go for it.
I got it down to full time arny or coast guard. Army looks better for now but coast guard would be better long run. I'll know by the end of the week what I wana do, as I'm talking to a CG guy on thrusday about it.