Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2009 you can get much more than 8k depending on the demand for the MOS and your accrued bonus based on education. unless the dude was lying to me about it. but yeah, at least half of it is tuition and gi bill. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2009 My figures are based on independent sites whose data is sometimes as dated as 2005. Some of it might have changed, but I've had to rely on the internet due to my recruiter oftentimes not being able to answer my questions with specifics. Sounds like he's not doing his job, but I'd rather he say "I couldn't tell you" rather than "oh yeah man, you'll be golden" and that not be the case. I just took the ASVAB for the first time on Thursday night, so I don't even know what job the Army would want to stick me in. Ideally I want to be in Civil Affairs or Administrative or Journalism somethingoranother, but I can be persuaded by lotsa cash. The original idea was to be an MP, but a drug arrest keeps me from getting clearances that an MP would require. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2009 do you have a degree? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2009 Nope, only about a year and a half of college credits. I need to get my college transcript to them, but based on how many hours I think I've got I'll go into basic as a PFC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted February 16, 2009 good times. fwiw, arrests are not disqualifying for clearances as long as there is a demonstrated effort to reform the offending behavior. if your overall resume is fairly strong, i wouldn't settle for something you don't want to do if MP is your real desire. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SamoaRowe 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2009 I grew up in a military family, as you may or may not know. My dad, who is recently retired, loved it and really wanted all of his aimless middle-class kids to go in. I almost did, but elected not to. My brother ended up joining the Army, and did a few years in Iraq. He survived, and can now afford to do adult things like buy his wife a car and own a dog. Whereas I can't even afford to buy myself a car and am openly mocked by every dog I see. So take that for what you will. You're not going to like this then. This dog owns his own car. And has a wife AND girlfriend on the side. For shame. I want to thank you for that response. It was the first time anything on TSM has ever made me laugh so hard that I had to call my fiance into the room to see it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twisted Intestine 0 Report post Posted February 17, 2009 I just watched on CNN that underaged girls are always snuck into army barracks... Yes!! Hit it Kotz! Oh yeah, and one of 'em died or something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FroGG_NeaL 0 Report post Posted February 18, 2009 Re: Arrest records, as long as it's minor shit like simple possession, public intox, shop lifting, shit like that, you're all good. If they REALLY want you, they'll take care of that shit for you. And if you're a good soldier, they'll get shit dropped for you if you get arrested on leave for, say, assault with a MP baton on a dude outside of a club. Both of my brothers had records before they went in. One of 'em had the assault situation, and they sent him to court with military lawyers and got everything dropped. He didn't catch shit from the army for it, either. And yes, underage girls were always on base fuckin dudes. They usually went to raves with 'em and shit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrRant 0 Report post Posted February 18, 2009 The military can disqualify you based on bad credit? Goddamn. I couldn't tell you what my credit score is right now. It's whatever they give you when you have tons of debt and decide to stop paying your bills. They do that because if you have high amounts of debt, you are more likely to be bought by the enemy or influenced to give away secrets and such. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyjaymzretro 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 -If anyone says they're an MP, they scored the drizzling shits on the ASVAB....single digit drizzling shits -Also, never be impressed when somesone says they're airborne...any soldier can go airborne...I've seen cooks who were airborne. -You will not get a hard-on in basic training, due to the salt peter. This doesn't affect the girls, and they will get horny. -The day you go into the gas chamber, they will offer you as much milk as your heart wants...don't take it. -Don't fall asleep with your dog tags out...keep those under your shirt no matter what. -Don't be an idiot and get engaged/married right before you leave for basic...it will not work out...ever. -Don't know if this is everywhere, but if you goto Ft. Leonard Wood, for the love of god, do not step into the killzone. Ever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyjaymzretro 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 My figures are based on independent sites whose data is sometimes as dated as 2005. Some of it might have changed, but I've had to rely on the internet due to my recruiter oftentimes not being able to answer my questions with specifics. Sounds like he's not doing his job, but I'd rather he say "I couldn't tell you" rather than "oh yeah man, you'll be golden" and that not be the case. I just took the ASVAB for the first time on Thursday night, so I don't even know what job the Army would want to stick me in. Ideally I want to be in Civil Affairs or Administrative or Journalism somethingoranother, but I can be persuaded by lotsa cash. The original idea was to be an MP, but a drug arrest keeps me from getting clearances that an MP would require. Don't take this the wrong way, especially if you really want it, but you're more than likely far too qualified to be an MP. Civil Affairs Specialist is actually a pretty decent MOS, as is Combat Documentarian if you're looking at Journalism. But MP? MP is usually the guys that scored so bad on the ASVAB that they couldn't even be Infantry. Again, not a knock on you, but you could probably do something better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Got my scores back, sort of, over the phone. I'll see the full readout whenever I go to the recruiter's office again, but I got a 95 overall and over 100 on all of my line scores (whatever those are) on the ASVAB. Being an MP has a lot to do with my uncle being one when he was in from the late 60s to the early 80s. He's told me so many stories that it sounded pretty fun. That and a guy I work with and talk to a lot on a regular basis was a Marine MP, so there's some influence there too. I won't be allowed to do it, but I checked on the fields I mentioned and none of them will need clearances so it's looking pretty good. Depends on what they need/want now, I know that I'm not guaranteed anything until I sign that contract. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 the military is all about how bad you want it. if you really want MP, work with your recruiter and be relentless about it. he'll get it for you, and he'll work to get you the character references necessary to pass the clearance. a secret clearance, which is all you should need, is so frickin easy to get; as long as your arrest isn't part of a large pattern of obvious mischief (which would normally disqualify you from enlistment anyways), you can get it if you really, really want it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuperJerk 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 The Navy wants me bad, but nah. If they want you for Nuclear Power Training, you made the right choice. I took the ASVAB as a junior, knocked it out of the park, and the Navy nabbed me for that the summer before my senior year. The recruiter was really good at giving me incomplete information about my training options to make it sound like going nuke was my best option to learn electronics, and being a naive 17 year old kid, I believed him. When it came time to do my physical and entry paperwork, the guy at the MEPS told me my only two options were nuclear power or storekeeper. I wanted electronics, so I picked nuclear, honestly believing that they wouldn't let me have a spot in regular Electronics Technician school if that's what I wanted. So, of course, after boot camp they stuck me in Machinist Mate school to learn about the pipes and valves instead of anything having to do with electronics or even electrician's work for that matter. For the next 4 months I was a miserable mess, hating every minute of my life and pissed off at myself for letting myself getting tricked into signing up for 6 years (nukes weren't allowed to sign up for the standard 4 years because the training took so long) of this shit I didn't want to have anything to do with. Since this was 1994 (back when the military was down-sizing), getting granted a discharge wasn't that difficult. I spent the next month scrubbing pots and pans for 12 hours a day in the base galley, happy to finally be free of having to spend 12 hours a day learning 1000 different kinds of hoses and valves, pop quizzes over wrenches, answering essay questions over water pressure, on top of standing watch in the middle of the night and standing for constant uniform and barracks inspections (which wouldn't have been so bad had that actually been the school I was trying to get in to). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
geniusMoment 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 My best friend joined the Navy about a year after he graduated college. But he joined as an officer, so it's probably a different scenario. He loves it. He joined as a Public Affairs Officer, essentially he does PR stuff, writes press releases, sets up interviews with the national media, writes stories for the associated press etc.. He's a few years older then me so he's in his 3rd year now of officer pay, he makes about 60,000 a year and the best part is his current assignment is going to grad school in San Diego, which the Navy is paying for, so he's making 60,000 a year to go to school for free. Also, for officers your housing and food is paid for, along with being a member the of the officers club, as well as being able to nail pretty much any girl you want if you're in an officer uni. I've thought about joining as an officer, as my undergrad degree could get me the same job he has. But, it's still a big commitment, and it would probably mean the end of my relationship, as I don't think my girlfriend and I could survive everthing that goes with it. I'm not sure how far you have to go for your degree, but if you're a decent way to it I'd really try and get in as an officer. The pay is much better, and you'll have the opportunity to get a good assignment, not just given a gun and sent to Iraq. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 I'm still more than two years from a degree and can't get back in until I pay off my student loans. I mean, I could get readmitted, but paying for it is another story. If I could go into officer school I would have been all over that instead, believe me. Right now I'd be satisfied to go in a PFC and come out of my training as a Specialist/Corporal and plan to bust my ass to make it happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 I'm not sure how far you have to go for your degree, but if you're a decent way to it I'd really try and get in as an officer. The pay is much better, and you'll have the opportunity to get a good assignment, not just given a gun and sent to Iraq. that's really a terrible way to look at it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
geniusMoment 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 Well, I was just exaggerating it, I understand you'd get good training, have room to advance, and have the ability to make a nice career out of it. I was just curious if he could maybe transfer his credits to a cheaper college, and really run through some classes by going year round (in the winter intersession, summer etc...), and get in with a higher pay rate, and maybe an assignment he'd like. As if you're planning on making the military a career you could sacrifice a year, but really get a much better deal in the long run. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted February 20, 2009 This will NOT be a career. When I'm done, I'm out. Period. Maybe a year or two in the Reserve or Guard, maybe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted February 21, 2009 officer careers aren't plum, at least they shouldn't be. with the additional pay comes an enormous amount of pressure and responsibility. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Agent of Oblivion Report post Posted February 22, 2009 Just hired a guy at work who was in Ordinance Disposal. He has no fingernails on his right hand. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted February 26, 2009 That sure as shit isn't what I'll get into. I'm sure I'll end up with people shooting at me, but I'm aiming for Civil Affairs or Journalism, with a really deep-seated want to be in Law Enforcement as a corrections officer instead of an MP. I mean goddamn, you're going to teach me how to kick ass without a rifle, let me put it to real use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricMM 0 Report post Posted February 26, 2009 ... Spoon has changed a lot since 02. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
godthedog 0 Report post Posted February 26, 2009 This will NOT be a career. When I'm done, I'm out. Period. Maybe a year or two in the Reserve or Guard, maybe. this is more difficult than it would seem at first. unless you have some kind of definite plan when the time comes to re-enlist, the choice ends up being "keep doing this for more money" or "i have no idea." leaving just for the sake of leaving will lead you to ask, "wait...so what do i do then?" this happened to my best friend. he enlisted just because he'd hit bottom & needed some temporary direction, and he's stayed in for a while only because it's easy to stay. he wants to do other things, but doesn't have ambitions for anything in particular. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted February 26, 2009 Oh, it's back to college to do it right this time after I'm out, and get my life back to where it was really supposed to be all along. I'm gonna milk the shit out of that GI Bill. That degree will be handy if I ever decided to go back in since I'd be able to go to OCS then. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonyjaymzretro 0 Report post Posted February 28, 2009 depending on were you are stationed and what you are doing, take classes while in If you're stationed at someplace like Ft. Meade, Ft. Huachuca(totally misspelled but its in AZ) etc. theres some really good community colleges nearby and there is always AMU, take classes online. OCS is hardcore btw. My buddy went through it, and he told me it was about 20x worse than Basic, which makes sense though, considering Officers have to be great leaders. I would still suggest not being an MP if you can...promotions don't come as fast, you'll be stuck on guard duty most of the time, etc. Every MP I know hates it, they stand at the Fort's gates holding an M16 all day, then go home and drink, then back up the next day, rinse, repeat. If you want something fun, that will def lend towards a law enforcement future, try psy ops. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Art Sandusky 0 Report post Posted March 22, 2009 Okay, my medical stuff's all in now and it's a matter of waiting to hear that I qualify to go to MEPS and get my physical and all that. Just a formality. As far as my MOS goes, I've had an extreme change of heart in the last week since I found a way to get that Marine-like exclusivity, pride, and general badassery: 19D, Cav Scout. It's got everything I was looking for with this adventure (fuck journalism, etc., there'll be time for being brainy once I'm out) I'm about to go on. Anyone here know any Scouts or their impression of the life? I'm honestly more excited about this than any of the other options I've considered. Assuming I don't wash out somehow, I'm dying to don the Stetson and earn my spurs. Another bonus is that my OSUT at Fort Knox will be shorter than any of the other MOSs I was considering. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0 Report post Posted March 22, 2009 meps is awful Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edwin MacPhisto 0 Report post Posted March 22, 2009 I work with a former Cav Scout. Biggest douche/asshole I know. Fortunately, I think he would have been a huge asshole regardless of his MOS. Judging from some of his stories, you'll get to do exciting things like stay on your stomach in the woods for 4 days. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snuffbox 0 Report post Posted March 22, 2009 unless the dude was lying to me about it. Recruiter's Job Description. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
