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03-19-24 07:13 AM
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Xeogaming Forums - General Chat - Joining the United States Air Force | |
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Lord Alexandor

Knight
Discord Manager








Since: 10-15-06
From: Dayton, OH

Since last post: 1136 days
Last activity: 385 days
Posted on 08-22-12 01:09 AM Link | Quote
So, I'm thinking about joining the USAF or US Air National Guard. I've already put in for taking the MEPS physical and ASVAB. After I get the results, I'll know for sure what jobs I can get into, which will tell me if I want to go ANG or USAF. I know someone here is military, but I don't remember who (sorry!).

As a side note, I am blogging my experience on my website (link), but I only have one (long) post so far. Once I get some additional questions answered, I'll be posting some more entries.

I'm also compiling information to show to family, friends, and other USAF hopefuls as a kind general knowledge base on that same blog site. If anyone has any great websites or general comments/knowledge, please let me know!

I don't post often on Xeogaming, but I do lurk at least 5 days/week. I still like knowing what goes on here on Xeogaming and I really enjoy the board. Its like a super secret club that I'm lucky enough to be a part of...=P
Elara

Divine Mamkute
Dark Elf Goddess
Chaos Imp
Penguins Fan

Ms. Invisable








Since: 08-15-04
From: Ferelden

Since last post: 64 days
Last activity: 64 days
Posted on 08-22-12 11:22 AM Link | Quote
Sorcha Rohan is the military one... but she's army. Still, some experiences translate over branches I would assume. My nephew was in the Navy so I can ask him stuff as well.

Hope your scores come back soon. I've never really understood them... though I remember taking a sample ASVAB in high school during American Government. Didn't do that well on the technical stuff.

If I may ask, what influenced your decision to join, and choosing the Air Force specifically?
True Flight

The One








Since: 08-21-04

Since last post: 2654 days
Last activity: 2639 days
Posted on 08-22-12 09:28 PM Link | Quote
if you're going in and you don't have a solid plan go active

but if you want my greener side of the grass opinion I think you should go Navy and do Mass Communications. The MCs have it made man. Trips all over the world and they are journalists at the same time.


(Last edited by Sorcha Rohan on 08-22-12 09:30 PM)
Lord Alexandor

Knight
Discord Manager








Since: 10-15-06
From: Dayton, OH

Since last post: 1136 days
Last activity: 385 days
Posted on 08-24-12 09:44 AM Link | Quote
Why Air Force? I've always loved planes and I like the fact that the Air Force is run more like a business than anything else. They also take care of space and electronic warfare/monitoring, so that would be fun too.

Why not Navy? Even though I have a degree in Communications with a focus on Mass Media Communications, I can't stand boats. Also, I'm already married and would like kids in the next 2-3 years, so traveling all the time would not be good. Air Force sounds great for my wife and I.

I encourage you to read the first (and so far, only) post on my blog (link) for more details on the whys of me joining and where I stand. Its a long post, but it covers everything about my choice up to now. Another post there should be coming in the next day or two as I put up questions I've asked and been asked along with answers I've given and received.
Elara

Divine Mamkute
Dark Elf Goddess
Chaos Imp
Penguins Fan

Ms. Invisable








Since: 08-15-04
From: Ferelden

Since last post: 64 days
Last activity: 64 days
Posted on 08-24-12 10:52 AM Link | Quote
A lot of AF crewman have to serve on Navy aircraft carriers... how will you handle that if you are assigned to one?

And I assume that lasik is accepted by the AF now?
Lord Alexandor

Knight
Discord Manager








Since: 10-15-06
From: Dayton, OH

Since last post: 1136 days
Last activity: 385 days
Posted on 08-24-12 01:24 PM Link | Quote
Lasik is now a viable option for pilots, but I'm too poor to afford it. If I get assigned to a boat, I'll just have to complain all the time and not go near windows or the edge of the boat. I'm not afraid of the water, but I don't like boats in any case.
True Flight

The One








Since: 08-21-04

Since last post: 2654 days
Last activity: 2639 days
Posted on 08-25-12 06:20 PM Link | Quote
I totally understand. There are also journalists in the AF too. Less traveling from what I hear. If you deploy it's only for 6 months not the whole 11 to 15. You won't get a two week break though... that's what I hear.

The best broadcast techs I ran into were AF and Army.

Seriously go active. Don't do the guard stuff if you have your degree already. Try to go officer.
Lord Alexandor

Knight
Discord Manager








Since: 10-15-06
From: Dayton, OH

Since last post: 1136 days
Last activity: 385 days
Posted on 09-10-12 09:51 PM Link | Quote
Bump with updates!

So, I went and took the ASVAB and went through MEPS today. Turns out I am really smart compared to most of the other applicants. I got an AFQT score of 95. But, on the medical side, I got DQ'ed for being under weight. I only weigh 114 lbs, and there is a minimum of 128 lbs. No one told me there was a minimum weight requirement and it isn't exactly listed on the Air Force website.

Anyway, I have to gain 14 pounds by November 5th of this year to join without taking the medical exams again. Yay weight gain! Anyone have any tips for gaining weight? All I found was "eat everything you can cram in your stomach" and "eat lots of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches" but that is going to be tough for me. I like pasta and I don't like over-eating. =/

In any case, I already picked out and blocked out a job (enlisted) in case I can make it. I'd be doing Knowledge Operations Management (AFSC 3D0XX). If I can make it in by October 1st, I can get a $10k bonus and an automatic rank-up to E3 (Airman 1st Class). I've emailed my recruiter about applying to OTS (again) and won't enlist until I know I'm denied for OTS...unless I should just go for enlisted and apply for OTS later?

Everything about my journey thus far is on my blog.
True Flight

The One








Since: 08-21-04

Since last post: 2654 days
Last activity: 2639 days
Posted on 09-10-12 10:20 PM Link | Quote
Protein shakes. The come in powder form and you can work out and gain muscle.
Elara

Divine Mamkute
Dark Elf Goddess
Chaos Imp
Penguins Fan

Ms. Invisable








Since: 08-15-04
From: Ferelden

Since last post: 64 days
Last activity: 64 days
Posted on 09-11-12 08:09 AM Link | Quote
I second True on that, protein is your best friend when trying to bulk up.
True Flight

The One








Since: 08-21-04

Since last post: 2654 days
Last activity: 2639 days
Posted on 09-15-12 08:06 PM Link | Quote
Just DON'T over load on it.
Lord Alexandor

Knight
Discord Manager








Since: 10-15-06
From: Dayton, OH

Since last post: 1136 days
Last activity: 385 days
Posted on 09-16-12 07:43 PM Link | Quote
I already gained quite a bit of weight, so I'm not too concerned. I went out and got some of that weight gainer stuff, and had one shake...I got heavier, fo' sho'! I'm shooting for 135-ish before I go to weigh in, that way I have a bit of swing. I'm also working out every weekday to help keep in shape while I put on pounds. I am only drinking the weight gain shakes on days when I am working out, and I'm only having 1 shake per day (as opposed to the "recommended serving" of 2 shakes) due to the fact that my stomach doesn't like that much dairy...=P

Anyway, I should be good to go in a few weeks. 14 lbs is not much to add...XD
Lord Alexandor

Knight
Discord Manager








Since: 10-15-06
From: Dayton, OH

Since last post: 1136 days
Last activity: 385 days
Posted on 09-24-12 10:57 AM Link | Quote
I just got a date to take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test! Woo! I go on October 3rd at 8am at Selfridge ANGB 2nd at 7:30am at Detroit MEPS!

[Blog post]

EDIT: changed time and date for faster results - MEPS is faster than taking on base.


(Last edited by Lord Alexandor on 09-24-12 02:11 PM)
Lord Alexandor

Knight
Discord Manager








Since: 10-15-06
From: Dayton, OH

Since last post: 1136 days
Last activity: 385 days
Posted on 05-25-13 11:22 PM Link | Quote
8 month bump, but I finally have a real update.

I've taken the oath of enlistment and am submitting my officer packet. If I don't go officer (which I very much hope I do get!), I'll be shipping out on August 27th, 2013 as a Crypto Linguist. If I get officer, I'll be trying for Pilot, Navigator, or Air Battle Manager.

Thanks for all the support and I'm so happy I get to lurk on this board. =P

PS: sorry for the mega-bump, I didn't think adding a new thread was worth while. =/
True Flight

The One








Since: 08-21-04

Since last post: 2654 days
Last activity: 2639 days
Posted on 05-27-13 04:35 PM Link | Quote
great another guy coming for pilot that my dad has to look out for.
Elara

Divine Mamkute
Dark Elf Goddess
Chaos Imp
Penguins Fan

Ms. Invisable








Since: 08-15-04
From: Ferelden

Since last post: 64 days
Last activity: 64 days
Posted on 05-29-13 11:24 AM Link | Quote
Mega bump in a thread like this is permissible. Here is hoping you get officer, even though crypto linguist sounds cooler.
True Flight

The One








Since: 08-21-04

Since last post: 2654 days
Last activity: 2639 days
Posted on 05-31-13 11:16 AM Link | Quote
best of luck to you. I have found that when you come into the military with a college degree and you want to be an officer they put you in as officer anyway.

From what I hear (my dad works with the testing of pilots and EOD) if you want to fly fighter jets you're going to have to work hard and graduate at the TOP of your class. I mean number 1. Once you get through your pilot's school there's only a certain amount of slots open for fighter jets. From what my dad has told me there are only 5 slots open now due to budget cuts. They are trying to fix that by giving DoD civilian contractors or civil servants furloughs and unpaid vacation so that there is still funding for military training.

Don't be surprised if suddenly your paycheck just goes away one day. It's happened to me and some other soldiers over on deployment. We only got half our pay because of this budget crisis thing.

But

You're going to have to work hard to get to where you want to be in school. Apparently the Navy doesn't have the budgeting to train fighter pilots so the students who have been chosen to take that course are out there waiting at Pensacola Beach. The air force has been sending them out like mad though. Kinda makes me mad that they are doing that. I don't know what it is, maybe it's a paper work hang up. I learn a lot of stuff from my dad who does help desk work and actually helps make the exams for EoD and Initial Flight School

It seriously is a bad time to join the military. Too bad you weren't like me and joined got a bonus and now I'm still thinking about reupping because my bonus is 10,000.00.


(Last edited by Sorcha Rohan on 05-31-13 11:19 AM)
Lord Alexandor

Knight
Discord Manager








Since: 10-15-06
From: Dayton, OH

Since last post: 1136 days
Last activity: 385 days
Posted on 05-31-13 03:55 PM Link | Quote
Well, I have been having trouble getting in touch with the officer recruiter (SSgt. Filkins in Flint, MI), but if I end up going enlisted, I get an $11,000 signing bonus. I still want officer, since the pay is better, but I'm going either way.

I'm going to stay away from fighter piloting, since its so elite and demanding. I'll look for large plane piloting, navigator (on any plane), or Air Battle Manager. I'm thinking ABM would be most awesome.

I've been hearing a lot about these cuts and know that this isn't the greatest time, but I have been trying for almost a year now... I just finally gained the weight I needed. I'm one skinny mofo...
Xeoman

Ball and Chain Trooper
Administrator








Since: 08-14-04
From: 255

Since last post: 9 days
Last activity: 7 days
Posted on 06-02-13 07:34 PM Link | Quote
ABM does sound pretty crazy, haha.

Best of luck man, it's not sounding easy from what you and everyone else are saying.
True Flight

The One








Since: 08-21-04

Since last post: 2654 days
Last activity: 2639 days
Posted on 06-03-13 10:39 PM Link | Quote
ha! Now I'm happy my re up bonus is 12k. XD
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