Military?

[V1P3Rt3Ch]

You should probably get to know the name of the thing you're attempting to join so when you get blowed up, you know who to blame.

The Taliban? Al Quaeda?

 

[knowsbleed]

Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol.

 

[The Kid]

How hard is basic training, bleed, my fellow airman? I'm 5'5", 150 lbs, gorgeous. Will I do ok?

Oh and my father says he had so many different girls from all over the world when he served. Is he just bsing me?

 

[V1P3Rt3Ch]

How hard is basic training, bleed, my fellow airman? I'm 5'5", 150 lbs, gorgeous. Will I do ok?

Oh and my father says he had so many different girls from all over the world when he served. Is he just bsing me?

Well it's been just over 5 years since I was in basic, but when I went it was a damn cakewalk. Sure it's stressful at first, but it's really not that long. When I went the emphasis was on folding your t-shirts & underwear in perfect squares; now they roll them. They've also added an element where you carry around a blue fake M-16 that actually comes apart and could be like a real one if it weren't for the materials and the chamber not being big enough to load bullets into. Much better than the "rubber duck" I had to carry around during warrior week. And by "warrior week" I mean "lets go camping!" week of goodness where they let you run the confidence course...aka... the playground.

Protip: Learn the rank structure for the AF before you go. It also helps if your recruiter can give you tips on marching. And finally, practice saying "Sir/Ma'am, trainee <insert your last name here> reports as ordered." Do NOT follow that phrase with a second "sir" or you will get harassed for making a "sir sandwich." (My biggest problem in basic was to not laugh at all the funny **** the TI's would say...haha)


As for your second question, he's not BSing you, go for an overseas assignment (other than Hawaii).

 

[Majic Walrus]

Anyone here in the U.S. Military? I'm thinking of joining the Air Force and I want to speak to someone that isn't a recruiter...

Don't do it.

 

[Silverstein]

Don't do it.

Why? It sounds marvelous..Did you hear what viper tech just said!?

 

[Silverstein]

Well it's been just over 5 years since I was in basic, but when I went it was a damn cakewalk. Sure it's stressful at first, but it's really not that long. When I went the emphasis was on folding your t-shirts & underwear in perfect squares; now they roll them. They've also added an element where you carry around a blue fake M-16 that actually comes apart and could be like a real one if it weren't for the materials and the chamber not being big enough to load bullets into. Much better than the "rubber duck" I had to carry around during warrior week. And by "warrior week" I mean "lets go camping!" week of goodness where they let you run the confidence course...aka... the playground.

Protip: Learn the rank structure for the AF before you go. It also helps if your recruiter can give you tips on marching. And finally, practice saying "Sir/Ma'am, trainee <insert your last name here> reports as ordered." Do NOT follow that phrase with a second "sir" or you will get harassed for making a "sir sandwich." (My biggest problem in basic was to not laugh at all the funny **** the TI's would say...haha)

Sir, What are the ranks? And can you give a small description of each and their duties?

 

[Silverstein]

Oh and thank you to everyone for answering the questions and helping, but extra thanks to Drakon and Viper Tech for explaining all of that to me and trying to encourage me. I know I hadn't said anything before, but it meant a lot. Thank you..

 

[captainrogers]

Goodfellow eh? You in an AETC program or are you stationed there?

Guhhh.....AETC STILL, unfortunately. I'm a 1A8.Took almost 2 years of language training, and pretty soon, later this month, actually, will be off to SERE. SERE is the part I've been looking foward to most, during this whole training phase. But So far, the USAF is pretty laid back. I'm kindof a gymrat, so I gripe about the lack of good PT, but I like being able breeze through PT tests. (I'm almost 28, joined the USAF late in life, and my goal is to physically keep pace with all the younger kids while I'm in)


But, yeah, Silverstein, definately listen to V1P3Rt3Ch, he's been in long enough, and I cosign on everything he has said thus far.

 

[Drakon]

Oh and thank you to everyone for answering the questions and helping, but extra thanks to Drakon and Viper Tech for explaining all of that to me and trying to encourage me. I know I hadn't said anything before, but it meant a lot. Thank you..

No sweat. I don't hate you, so I don't want your life to be full of fail. All I ask is that you consider the ramifications of your decisions.

 

[V1P3Rt3Ch]

Sir, What are the ranks? And can you give a small description of each and their duties?

Quick Rundown
E-1: Airman Basic (AB)
E-2: Airman (Amn)
E-3: Airman First Class (A1C)
E-4: Senior Airman (SrA)
E-5: Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
E-6: Tech Sergeant (TSgt)
E-7: Master Sergeant (MSgt)
E-8: Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)
E-9: Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)

Here are a few good links.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce/l/blafrank.htm?rd=1


This is the AFI (Air Force Instruction) for the enlisted force structure.
http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI36-2618.pdf

Truthfully, when you go through basic they'll give you a book that you study for a few weeks, then take a test on. It has all of this info in it, but it's a good thing to get a leg up on the easy stuff.

 

[V1P3Rt3Ch]

Guhhh.....AETC STILL, unfortunately. I'm a 1A8.Took almost 2 years of language training, and pretty soon, later this month, actually, will be off to SERE. SERE is the part I've been looking foward to most, during this whole training phase. But So far, the USAF is pretty laid back. I'm kindof a gymrat, so I gripe about the lack of good PT, but I like being able breeze through PT tests. (I'm almost 28, joined the USAF late in life, and my goal is to physically keep pace with all the younger kids while I'm in)

That's awesome man, good luck with SERE. I spent a few months at Goodfellow for my tech training. I'm a 1N6, but my career field is merging with the 1N0's. The funny part is, I don't do either of those jobs t:. I work in the cyber arena of things now. Brass is still deciding what they want to do with the new career field for my job.

 

[caretaker14]

Well it's been just over 5 years since I was in basic, but when I went it was a damn cakewalk. Sure it's stressful at first, but it's really not that long. When I went the emphasis was on folding your t-shirts & underwear in perfect squares; now they roll them. They've also added an element where you carry around a blue fake M-16 that actually comes apart and could be like a real one if it weren't for the materials and the chamber not being big enough to load bullets into. Much better than the "rubber duck" I had to carry around during warrior week. And by "warrior week" I mean "lets go camping!" week of goodness where they let you run the confidence course...aka... the playground.

Protip: Learn the rank structure for the AF before you go. It also helps if your recruiter can give you tips on marching. And finally, practice saying "Sir/Ma'am, trainee <insert your last name here> reports as ordered." Do NOT follow that phrase with a second "sir" or you will get harassed for making a "sir sandwich." (My biggest problem in basic was to not laugh at all the funny **** the TI's would say...haha)


As for your second question, he's not BSing you, go for an overseas assignment (other than Hawaii).

In retrospect, Basic was no cakewalk, but it wasn't the hardest thing ever.

Actually, according to some of my fellow cops, it's a lot different than when I went through in 07.

Apparently now, it's 8 1/2 weeks instead of 6 1/2 when I went through, and now Warrior Week is called "BEAST." During "BEAST" they do everything that we did, but have to do it with a heavy-ass flak jacket on.

Still, when I went through, Basic taught me that I was capable of pushing myself, both physically and mentally, farther than I ever thought possible. My flight became my brothers, and I got in the best shape of my life.

As for you, Silverstein, at first you'll hate your TI, but at the end I guaren-damn-tee you will shake his hand and thank him for all he's done.

And a couple of my own tips.

*Never make eye contact with the Snake Pit. Ever.
*No matter what anyone tells you, DO NOT get dessert in the chow hall.
*Don't fall asleep on EC Duty on the night of Honor Flight Inspections.
*When they ask for Chapel Guides, GRAB IT AS FAST AS YOU CAN! On Sunday, you get up before Reivelle, get to take your time at breakfast, and you basically have an 8 hour pass at no TI's yelling at you.

See, now I want to post some of my basic pictures...

 

[Silverstein]

Quick Rundown
E-1: Airman Basic (AB)
E-2: Airman (Amn)
E-3: Airman First Class (A1C)
E-4: Senior Airman (SrA)
E-5: Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
E-6: Tech Sergeant (TSgt)
E-7: Master Sergeant (MSgt)
E-8: Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)
E-9: Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)

Here are a few good links.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce/l/blafrank.htm?rd=1


This is the AFI (Air Force Instruction) for the enlisted force structure.
http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI36-2618.pdf

Truthfully, when you go through basic they'll give you a book that you study for a few weeks, then take a test on. It has all of this info in it, but it's a good thing to get a leg up on the easy stuff.

Sir, the following links were bookmarked and looked over, I will read them in detail.

Also, Sir, this is awesome and I can't wait...My only problem is still my girlfriend. I don't want to leave her. Drakon made good points.

 

[knowsbleed]

If you ever called me Sir, I'd punch you in the face.

 

[captainrogers]

Quick Rundown
E-1: Airman Basic (AB)
E-2: Airman (Amn)
E-3: Airman First Class (A1C)
E-4: Senior Airman (SrA)
E-5: Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
E-6: Tech Sergeant (TSgt)
E-7: Master Sergeant (MSgt)
E-8: Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt)
E-9: Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt)

Here are a few good links.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce/l/blafrank.htm?rd=1

This is the AFI (Air Force Instruction) for the enlisted force structure.
http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI36-2618.pdf

Truthfully, when you go through basic they'll give you a book that you study for a few weeks, then take a test on. It has all of this info in it, but it's a good thing to get a leg up on the easy stuff.

P.S. also, now they are making everybody learn the Airman's Creed at basic. Not too hard, but something else to help get a leg up on things prior to joining.

 

[Majic Walrus]

Why? It sounds marvelous..Did you hear what viper tech just said!?

If you aren't sure about joining. Don't. Wait until you are sure. Not based on anyone else's experience.

 

[V1P3Rt3Ch]

*Never make eye contact with the Snake Pit. Ever.
*When they ask for Chapel Guides, GRAB IT AS FAST AS YOU CAN! On Sunday, you get up before Reivelle, get to take your time at breakfast, and you basically have an 8 hour pass at no TI's yelling at you.

Haha! I was a chow runner t:

And he's not kidding about being a chapel guide. Everyone goes to church on Sundays because it's free "time off".

 

[V1P3Rt3Ch]

Sir, the following links were bookmarked and looked over, I will read them in detail.

Also, Sir, this is awesome and I can't wait...My only problem is still my girlfriend. I don't want to leave her. Drakon made good points.

Lol, yea, no need to call me Sir on the internet.

As for your girlfriend of three years, if she truly loves you, she will support you in this endeavor. I don't know about your personal situation, but if you feel you're ready for marriage, the AF will give you housing allowance (or a spot on base housing). Not to mention the free medical coverage for you and your spouse.

This will be a big change in your life, and all I can do is offer advice. You will ultimately have to make the decision for what you think is best for you. I can only speak for myself, but I have never met anyone who regretted joining the AF.

 

[Scarlet spidey]

Well it's been just over 5 years since I was in basic, but when I went it was a damn cakewalk. Sure it's stressful at first, but it's really not that long. When I went the emphasis was on folding your t-shirts & underwear in perfect squares; now they roll them. They've also added an element where you carry around a blue fake M-16 that actually comes apart and could be like a real one if it weren't for the materials and the chamber not being big enough to load bullets into. Much better than the "rubber duck" I had to carry around during warrior week. And by "warrior week" I mean "lets go camping!" week of goodness where they let you run the confidence course...aka... the playground.

Protip: Learn the rank structure for the AF before you go. It also helps if your recruiter can give you tips on marching. And finally, practice saying "Sir/Ma'am, trainee <insert your last name here> reports as ordered." Do NOT follow that phrase with a second "sir" or you will get harassed for making a "sir sandwich." (My biggest problem in basic was to not laugh at all the funny **** the TI's would say...haha)


As for your second question, he's not BSing you, go for an overseas assignment (other than Hawaii).

I can imagine I'd fail at doing this.t:

 

[caretaker14]

So long as we're talkin' bout Basic, any 323 Vipers here?

 

[zahanbil]

You might want to consider also talking to a few people who have served and retired. I have a lot of friends that have served and it's unanimous that they felt as though they were screwed over. I have a friend that was Special Ops, that I could probably get you in touch with if you wanted.

 

[knowsbleed]

Everybody in every job feels at one time or another that "they were screwed over". That's life. Those people who have served long enough to retire are sitting on at least a 50% retirement check after only 20 years. A far cry from having to wait til you are 60+ to retire. So if a person enlists when they are 18, they can retire at 38... receive their retirement check and still be valuable enough to get a job in the civilian sector if they so choose... depending on the experience they received in the military.

Boil down = the military is what you make of it as is everything else in life

 

[zahanbil]

Just figured it'd be nice to have two different perspective before he committed, because the only feedback he's been getting has been positive.

 

[knowsbleed]

Just figured it'd be nice to have two different perspective before he committed, because the only feedback he's been getting has been positive.

4.) Are there any parts that you regret in the air force?

4. Of course

As I've said before... every job is going to have good days and bad days. The friend you were referring him to is a Spec Ops guy... a very, very small percentage in the military. He is of course going to have some extremely bad days and is more likely to get screwed over from the politics of not being able to do his job, medical situation... etc.

Now I can go on and on about why I would love to get out of the military. Normally I would make a pretty damn good paycheck with the level of experience and my clearance... but with today's economy it's not very realistic for me. So weigh the goods vs the bads and right now I'm in a comfortable situation. Such is life.