:O You're restricted to 250 words in a PM, or something stupid like that Curtis.

 

i know it's full of mistakes, but i got all of that out in one shot, with no edits, and it's fairly read-able... I'm proud

I'd be happy to skype you up.

Are you currently a High School Senior? if so you can pull a bit more weight in getting what you want since you are what we want. A HS senior that scores OVER 50 on the real ASVAB is the hottest commodity for any branch of service. You have a little weight to throw around if need be there. BUT SCORE HIGH.

 

Can't argue with a thing here...

but I will say, as a 26 year retired Navy vet, your ideas for wanting to join are all wrong, IMHO. If the only thing you are after is what is best for you rather than to serve your country, something is askew. You will not be happy in the least, even if you fight it out to the end of your enlistment to receive your benefits.

I have seen it time and again of those who only join for the college benefits only to be kicked out. They can't hack it, thought it would be a cake walk.

You stated you are not ready to lay down your life for this country. If so, I suggest you look elsewhere for you college money. There have been MANY individuals who joined the service to serve, not to get money to go to college. Unfortunately, they are no longer with us and cannot express their opinions.

I personally know of a nurse who serverd in Iraq. She was proud to serve her country and did her job to the utmost of her abilities. She went out jogging one evening, like she did most evenings, in the Green Zone, when a mortar hit not five feet from her.

She died instantly. She wasn't in it for the schooling, not for the experience. She wanted to serve her country. She left behind a husband and two kids. She was also my friend. I am proud to have served with her.

This fine woman is the type of person I was proud to serve with. Unfortunately, she was few and far between as most people in todays services are only in for what the country can do for them, not the other way around.

Not trying to come down on you, but as been stated numerous times before, know what you are getting into. I've seen too many young people get in WAY above their heads.

 

are you sure Pat? 'cause i'm positive i've rambled on for more than that a few times.

 

Curtis to the rescue. I knew hed have a freaking book to say on this. Hey man I did the active duty thing and kick myself in the *** for getting out now. But now that Im in school I dont want to do active agian. Not yet anyways so therefor that leaves me with Reserves or Guard. Ill be a weekend warrior for a few years. Curtis is absolutly correct though about you being happy with your job. And just because you qualify for a certin job doesnt mean its avaliable that day at MEPs.. Well heres a hint.. just cause your there and you got this (for me a civilan) jackass that is trying to pressure most people into signing the damn papers doesnt mean you have to sign them. If they wont offer what you want come back another day. I promise they will evenutaly give you what you want. Ive seen it done. I knew this one guy that went to MEPs 5 times before the job opened that he wanted. SO REMEMBER TO GET WHAT YOU WANT IF YOUR QUALIFIED!!!!! ok Im done.

and btw joining the military in the time of war you accept the fact you WILL deploy and you MIGHT have to put your life on the line. Indirect fire sucks. I know from personal experience and when rockets or motars start landing people freak. For me and my guys we expected it and we were on QRF (quick reaction force) so we had no time for being pandsys about it we had to freaking roll and try to catch the jackasses that was trying to blow us up. But read the reread and the reread again Curtis (ABN31B) post and since hes on recruiting duty he can tell you the best and he didnt sugar coat it for ya. A lot of recruiters do just cause it gets them guys that sign paperwork. Ok Im really done now.

 

I'd like to x2 what (i think) cochran07 said:

DO COLLEGE WHILE YOU SERVE. Even if it's only one class a term, STEAL COLLEGE! Your training converts to college credit at 1900 schools across the country. In addition to the cpious ammounts of cash they fling at you, you also get $4500 a year in free tuition assistance... that goes a long damn way at a local community college when soaking up pre-req classes! you should have no less than a 2 yr degree after your 4 years!

I was lazy and went to cool guy schools instead of college. i do no 'regret' that choice per se, but having a degree would have kept me trucking along in promotion instead of stagnating out at E-6 for the last almost 4 years... no one needs an Customs Agent SRT Tactical Rappel instructing Counter Drug Air Marshal Paratrooper Sniper whos skills are out of date due to a BS duty assignment...

It's hard work to do college and AD, but if you are in it to steal college, DO IT!

With Military Experience, practical leadership experience, interpersonnal communication skills, work ethic, discipline, a degree AND WORK EXPERIENCE... you will be very very bankable in a civillian career field. If you want to tool on choppers, you should be able to find at least a tech cert for that to get while in.

If you can line up something better for yourself than the Army, take it. Find a job with 100% medical/dental coverage, pays the rent/food/clothes/utilities for you and still gives you a pay check, loads you top heavy with college $, pays for your continued ed while you work, gives raises as large and as quickly as we do in the first 2 years.... but does it all with out joining the military and you'd be a fool to pass it up. Lock that down, then put in a good word for me

 

when I joined the Navy I signed all the papers and all that was left was to take the Oat and I chickened out. The recruiter was very upset and hardly spoke to me on the way back home. I continued in my job and thought about for antother week or two and called the recruiter and he told me he was not going to drive me there to have me chicken out again. I went back and finished things up and did a delay entry for 30 days.

 

Well if you dont choose a job and sign a contract you cant swear in. But if you went that route and they didnt offer you the chopper mechanic (if you qualify for it, remember that) make sure your recruiter knows why you didnt do it. I dont know h ow it works now but recruiters back when I joined got a bonus per how many guys they put in. And my recruiter was my brothers best friend that Ive known since I was like 5 or 6 and he was like 11 so he didnt bull**** me or anything. But I was his frist guy he put in so he didnt know a lot of stuff that he could of helped me with that he knew later on. This was all 5 years ago now so Im sure a lot has changed since then.

 

who really wants to take responsibility for Bush's dumb idea's

i'd join the taliban before the united states army

 

Well its not about taking responsibilty for anyones dumb ideas. Its about having the honor and integrity to serve your country. To stand up and fight for something even if it is dumb.