Joining the Army(Long read)

Nuggun · Post by **Nuggun** » March 29, 2004, 6:13 pm

Ok, so me and a friend were considering joining the army. Why? Because of OMGIAMRETARDEDCAUSEALOTISTWOWORDS of reasons, mostly to get a start on life and a beginning to a good career. It just so happened a recruiter called and wanted to stop by and give me some packets and info(impecable timing).

At first we just listened to what he had to say and all that. After some stories though, and him having such a likable demeanor, we started to consider it heavily. After about a week we went up for the ASVAB test at the MEPS building. I scored 90 out of 99(avg of 115-120+ in each category) and my friend scored 99/99 with like 120+ in each category.

Well we realized we did pretty good and we wanted to go in on the buddy system. So we gave our list of possible MOS's...MP-Chem Ops-Psych Ops-Intellegence Anylist. We met the head honcho recruiter and he said he would do his best, but that he couldn't just put it into the computer like the rest because we were going in on the buddy system so he would have to make phone calls.

He also said that the physical examination was tomarrow (tuesday) and they told us this on saturday. So today is monday...they didnt' tell us our MOS...and also told us that the physical examination would pretty much put commitment on our heads.

My question to you people is this(because i desperately need out-of-family advice). He called today to my house while i was at work and said "get ready to go at 4am tomarrow for the physical examination" BUT didnt' tell us..our MOS..if he succeeded in getting us the buddy system...departure date...permanent base..or any other iinformation except basically (your commited and need to go to the examination).

Is he rushing us? I mean.. i feel rushed..he was supposed to sit us down and talk about all this but now thinks that we have no alternatives..help..

Sionistic · Post by **Sionistic** » March 29, 2004, 6:19 pm

whats an mos? some other terms in there i dont know either.
If you feel rushed, just ask him. Its better to ask then sit around and wonder.

sarpranous · Post by **sarpranous** » March 29, 2004, 6:21 pm

you dont have to actually join until the day you ship off, thats when you swear in, once you swear in your stuck. so you can go to meps and sign your contract and all, and it wont mean shit till you swear in. oh yeah, they will make you swear in when you go to your physical and pick your mos and stuff, but thats just for show.

hes pushing you cause he prob wants to get all the people he can to fill his quota(sp?) for this month.

MOS is what you will be doing in the army.

Nuggun · Post by **Nuggun** » March 29, 2004, 6:24 pm

whats an mos? some other terms in there i dont know either.

MOS is like a job...like what you do while your in there..MEPS is the testing facility...the ASVAB test is....just the army test for what you can be..etc

If you feel rushed, just ask him

I did talk to the guy..but he got all pissed at me because he sais i ruined their "reserved slots" at the physical examination place for not wanting to go now. He sounds mad ><

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » March 29, 2004, 6:28 pm

Get ready for some Q-tip fun!

Pahreyia · Post by **Pahreyia** » March 29, 2004, 6:31 pm

First off, never ever let them tell you that you're committed to anything. The physical examination costs the recruiters money, but it in no way obliges you to anything.

Secondly, even after you sign the bottom of the page, up until you step onto the bus, you can withdraw from the contract. It's written in there.

Thirdly, recruiters get bonuses for distributing people to all sorts of MOS'. If a recruiter is just recruiting people into infantry or intelligence or flight school, they're not doing their job properly. They can put you anywhere, don't let them tell you otherwise.

Basically: Prior to setting your contract, it's your time to play hardball with them. You're signing yourself over to them for 8 years. You had better get everything you want out of it.

Tell them what job you want to do. Tell them where you want to be stationed. With ASVAB scores like that, tell them what you want for your bonus and that you want the GI bill for college. When they draw up your contract, request a copy and 48 hours to review it with your family before signing up. Also request to see the information that they have compiled on you during their background searches.

If you don't like any of it, you can back out at any time. If you're serious about joining, let them know, but also make the recruiter aware that you will not settle for second choices. Be sane about requesting things (i.e. Language school is in Monterey, Ca.. Intel school is in Texas, etc.) You will have to train at the schools they have, and certain bases have specific focii and may not support the job you want to do. (i.e. you won't find an arabic intel analyst's position in a base in Washington state, chances are you'll be on the east coast or in Texas, if not in Germany/Saudi Arabia).

Good luck.

Ashur · Post by **Ashur** » March 29, 2004, 6:39 pm

Military Occupational Specialty = what you will be given training to do to fill a specific spot in the an organizations Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE).

EVERYTHING has a spot in a TOE. A rmilitary unit will have a TOE that includes every person (and rank limitations) and every piece of equipment.

i.e.

1 Unit Commander (O3)
300 Rifles M16A1
154 Riflemen (E4) 11B (actually MOS is the first 3 digits, in this case 11B = "Eleven Bravo" or Infantry Rifleman, which means you spend an additional few weeks after Basic Training learning more weapons and tactics. In the case of other MOSs you will get different training, Medical, Comuter, Equipment Repair, Mobile Weapons Systems etc. There are 2 trailing digits that can specify additional specialties, such as Airborne etc or NPC specialists within a non-NBC MOS)

blah blah blah

sarlen · Post by **sarlen** » March 29, 2004, 6:47 pm

Pahreyia wrote:First off, never ever let them tell you that you're committed to anything. The physical examination costs the recruiters money, but it in no way obliges you to anything.

Secondly, even after you sign the bottom of the page, up until you step onto the bus, you can withdraw from the contract. It's written in there.

Thirdly, recruiters get bonuses for distributing people to all sorts of MOS'. If a recruiter is just recruiting people into infantry or intelligence or flight school, they're not doing their job properly. They can put you anywhere, don't let them tell you otherwise.

Basically: Prior to setting your contract, it's your time to play hardball with them. You're signing yourself over to them for 8 years. You had better get everything you want out of it.

Tell them what job you want to do. Tell them where you want to be stationed. With ASVAB scores like that, tell them what you want for your bonus and that you want the GI bill for college. When they draw up your contract, request a copy and 48 hours to review it with your family before signing up. Also request to see the information that they have compiled on you during their background searches.

If you don't like any of it, you can back out at any time. If you're serious about joining, let them know, but also make the recruiter aware that you will not settle for second choices. Be sane about requesting things (i.e. Language school is in Monterey, Ca.. Intel school is in Texas, etc.) You will have to train at the schools they have, and certain bases have specific focii and may not support the job you want to do. (i.e. you won't find an arabic intel analyst's position in a base in Washington state, chances are you'll be on the east coast or in Texas, if not in Germany/Saudi Arabia).

Good luck.

Pah is right, make damn sure you call the shots not the recruiter. Until you sign your name on the doted line AND take the oath your have zero commitment (though it sounds like the contract may have changed since I was in and able to call it off even at the airport). Dont let them bullshit you, lie to people and bend the truth is what they are paid to do. If he doesnt want to give you the MOS you want tell him you will go down the street or the next town over and talk to another recruiter, that will shake him up.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » March 29, 2004, 6:52 pm

why the hell do you want to get perforated by some iraqi's AK47 to make dick cheney wealthier?

Dregor Thule · Post by **Dregor Thule** » March 29, 2004, 7:07 pm

Hey, by the time he's done with training they may not be in Iraq anymore. Could be North Korean or Syrian bullets perforating him. I know you're doing this for the educational benefits, but just remember that it's very realistic you'll see combat.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 29, 2004, 7:14 pm

Simma down you canucks!

Nuggun · Post by **Nuggun** » March 29, 2004, 7:15 pm

Thanks Pahreyia. donated all my vv's to ya =)

Bojangels · Post by **Bojangels** » March 29, 2004, 7:20 pm

I'd look into other services if I was you, particularly the Air Force and Navy. If you just want a starting point, they're a hell of a lot better than the Army imo. Pretty much everyone I've talked to admits that the Air Force has a much higher quality of living than the Army.

Brotha · Post by **Brotha** » March 29, 2004, 7:27 pm

kyoukan wrote:why the hell do you want to get perforated by some iraqi's AK47 to make dick cheney wealthier?

Maybe he'll get the chance to liberate Canada. Or wait, my bad, he's joining the army not the air force- doubt it would even take any ground troops to accomplish that.

Dregor Thule · Post by **Dregor Thule** » March 29, 2004, 7:30 pm

Brotha wrote:
kyoukan wrote:why the hell do you want to get perforated by some iraqi's AK47 to make dick cheney wealthier?
Maybe he'll get the chance to liberate Canada. Or wait, my bad, he's joining the army not the air force- doubt it would even take any ground troops to accomplish that.

Damn, you got us

We rest easy knowing the weight of the world would fall on America because we're a well-liked nation! But have your funny jokes, they are teh humorous.

Bojangels · Post by **Bojangels** » March 29, 2004, 7:34 pm

We actually have troops stationed in Canada =) I know some people who are trying to go up there. Would be a pretty nice assignment I'd imagine.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » March 29, 2004, 7:46 pm

We'd have only one thing to say to the rest of the world after swallowing up Canada.

"burp!"

In this ridiculous scenario, the rest of the world would be pissed but couldn't do anything (militarily). While the US is the self proclaimed world police and can go trash other countries to boost our leaders bank accounts, there aren't any other countries that could mobilize to come to canada's defense.

I'm sure we'd get a strongly worded letter from the UN though! Like those really did anything to sway Iraq!

We could pay off Japan with lumber to keep a strong economic ally. Europe doesn't really matter. The French will be tied up defending Saddam during his warcrime trials. British Prime Minister Tony Blair is Bush's bitch. China wouldn't care, we're all equally evil whether united or divided and are targeted for assimilation in the 2020's.

I can see why Canadians would be upset though. You'd have to start paying for the DirecTV you've been stealing!

Aaeamdar · Post by **Aaeamdar** » March 30, 2004, 2:26 am

My two questions would be:

1. How does "buddy system" recruiting interact with "Don't ask, don't tell."?

2. Why is there a "buddy system" for "an Army of one" ? Is it, in fact, "an Army of two" ?

Siji · Post by **Siji** » March 30, 2004, 2:40 am

First, I admire your bravery and patriotism for wanting to join..

Second, I think you're nuts for wanting to join at this time, but still admire your craziness.

Make sure you get what you want, and that you've looked into all of the military branches before signing up with any particular one. Once you're in, you are literally government property. You break your leg on leave? They'll charge you with destruction of government property. Happened to a friend of mine. It's nuts. If you're being rushed, or feel you are, step back and pause. It's a huge decision you're making.

Best of luck, and stay safe.

AlanhaStarbreeze · Post by **AlanhaStarbreeze** » March 30, 2004, 2:43 am

Im curently a 2e1x1 in the USAF / (MOS Satellite Wideband and Telemetry Systems) .. iv eworked with the army and also did training on an army installation in Ft. Gordon, GA. -- Given the chance to do it all over again after living AF life and living army life id do AF any given day.

You want a good starting place for a career? get a 3C0 job in the AF doing networking or if you do choose army, do GMF controller for Satellite Access. Get something with Comm / Computers if you want something you can do on the outside.

The AF is more about quality of life and trying to give you *SOME* stability. I know when my rotations for deployment are coming up, i know when im gonna be coming home from the desert when i go. If you wanna play rambo, look into Combat Control / Para-rescue in AF .. those guys are the shit. But, I must say .. GO TALK TO Navy, Marines, Air Force. Get all the information and make an informed decision afterwards.

Recruiters are there to make the army strong in numbers not make you happy. Thats the truth.

kyoukan · Post by **kyoukan** » March 30, 2004, 4:46 am

Brotha wrote:
kyoukan wrote:why the hell do you want to get perforated by some iraqi's AK47 to make dick cheney wealthier?
Maybe he'll get the chance to liberate Canada. Or wait, my bad, he's joining the army not the air force- doubt it would even take any ground troops to accomplish that.

We'll just build a tunnel network in the snow, get your entire fucking armed forces addicted to cheap low quality heroin and your congress will be begging us to show you the door outside of two years. if you poorly trained bullies can't even beat vietnam in a war you haven't got a fucking prayer against anyone else. if you're lucky, we won't march south and burn down the fucking white house again. hey, you can watch it on CNN and pretend to care while using it as an excuse to kill more arabs and steal their natural resources.

fucking faggot.

Karae · Post by **Karae** » March 30, 2004, 4:54 am

Why in the hell would you want to enlist in the middle of a war? You must be the stupidest person I've ever met.

Arsecn · Post by **Arsecn** » March 30, 2004, 7:00 am

Deward · Post by **Deward** » March 30, 2004, 11:27 am

First off, the ASVAB is a staged test. It is a recruiting tool to get people to sign up and get put on a list. I scored a 98 on it in the 10th grade (1988) and back then it was given as a written test. Now that it is computerized I hear it is even easier. Recruiters will use your numbers to figure out where to put you but they are more interested in the contact numbers they get in order to find you.

That being said I have no problem with the military. I served in the Army National Guard for 9 years and got out just last November. I have a lot of good memories but the Army has a lot of bullshit tied to it as well. The biggest recommendation I can make is too choose your job. It is almost impossible to change once you get in. I was stupid and started out 12B (Combat Engineer) because the recruiter talked me into it. There isn't a lot of choice though in the National Guard.

The recruiter will try and force you into a job. He will let you pick one or two MOSes that you like and then he will nonchalantly put a third on the list and tell you "I just have to put three jobs on the list. You won't ever get stuck with this one." Don't believe it. For the best jobs, get your name put on a waiting list. It can take up to a year for some spots to open up. Enjoy your freedom because it won't last long.

If I had it to do over again, I would not have joined the Army. I was sweet talked into into it by a recruiter. I would have joined the Air Force because they have a greater selection of high tech jobs that are actually useful after you get out. They treat their people better as well from what I have heard. Army life pretty much sucks when you are on active duty.

Bubba Grizz · Post by **Bubba Grizz** » March 30, 2004, 12:24 pm

Air Force 84'-88'. I don't regret my decision to join at all. I signed up when I was 17. I highly recommend military service to anyone. Congrats to you for deciding to go in.

I wouldn't be all that worried about Iraq, at least not right now. I don't believe they are going to send in green troops to a place where seasoned troops are getting picked off. Maybe in a few years. If you want to avoid that then I suggest you choose a different branch of service.

About your MOS. The military can promise you up and down that you are going to be doing exactly what you wanted to do but then give you a different job altogether. Why? Because in your contract it reads that the Needs of the Army come first. That means you really don't have control.

Also, when they offer you your "Dream Sheet" (those who know will understand) I suggest avoiding putting down any base in Europe. You will be playing "Games" all the time. Japan was an outstanding station when I was in though Korea you get to play the same "Games". If you wish to avoid going overseas then don't put any overseas locations. This includes Hawaii and Alaska which are considered overseas.

Good luck.

Crystinia · Post by **Crystinia** » March 30, 2004, 2:12 pm

Me: US Navy 93- Present

Brother: US Army, Blackhawk Pilot, Former Ranger

If you would like some Info on either paths PM Me

Raistin · Post by **Raistin** » March 30, 2004, 4:16 pm

Go Air Force!

My bestfriend is in the Airforce. The Army fucks too many people around.I know first hand.

Ashur · Post by **Ashur** » March 30, 2004, 6:49 pm

My younger brother-in-law is a Major in the AF flying Search and Rescue - he loves it. He's been stationed in Japan, but regularly does short tours in the Middle East/Europe.

My sister (his wife) got out after 5 years because she wanted to be a professional bum and not worry about her assignments impacting her husbands.

Lor · Post by **Lor** » March 30, 2004, 7:21 pm

DO NOT LET THE RECRUITER TELL YOU HE HAS NO SLOTS OPEN FOR THE MOS YOU WANT!!!

The Meps station tried to tell me that when I signed up back in 1984, I wanted MP.. (95B) and he said" sorry, there are no slots open, you can sign up as infantry until a slot opens though and we can switch you over" I told him ok, thank's for your time but I'll go back to the Air Force office, they already told me there were spots open for me. The guy then said "woah, woah, woah... let me check again, Hey look at that, a slot opened up! " so I signed up...

The point to my story is this, You are the one signing up to serve, don't let them bullshit you into something you don't want to do. As for the buddy system, just tell them that neither one of you will sign up unless you get into the buddy system, you'll be supprised how fast they will get it done.

Good luck in the Military, It was a Great experience.

Kilmoll the Sexy · Post by **Kilmoll the Sexy** » March 31, 2004, 1:06 pm

kyoukan wrote:
Brotha wrote:
kyoukan wrote:why the hell do you want to get perforated by some iraqi's AK47 to make dick cheney wealthier?
Maybe he'll get the chance to liberate Canada. Or wait, my bad, he's joining the army not the air force- doubt it would even take any ground troops to accomplish that.
We'll just build a tunnel network in the snow, get your entire fucking armed forces addicted to cheap low quality heroin and your congress will be begging us to show you the door outside of two years. if you poorly trained bullies can't even beat vietnam in a war you haven't got a fucking prayer against anyone else. if you're lucky, we won't march south and burn down the fucking white house again. hey, you can watch it on CNN and pretend to care while using it as an excuse to kill more arabs and steal their natural resources.

fucking faggot.

Alternatively, we could drop 200 kegs of Moulson into a central place in Canada and advertise the fact that the beer will be at that location and free. Then we can do one bombing run to kill every Candian outside of Quebec. We can then send a lone gunman there to force the French into surrendering. We would label it with some catchy title...like Operation Sled Dog...although future generations will probably have a new name like The 12 Hour War.

Bubba Grizz · Post by **Bubba Grizz** » March 31, 2004, 1:10 pm

Ummm the Mongol Hoards couldn't defeat Viet Nam also.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » March 31, 2004, 1:13 pm

get your entire fucking armed forces addicted to cheap low quality heroin

Actually, the Vietnamese didn't do that. We did it to our own soldiers. It's one of the most tragic situations I can imagine.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... s&n=507846

Klydon · Post by **Klydon** » March 31, 2004, 1:19 pm

<-- Retired Navy (10 years active, 11 years reserve).

I did well with the ASVAB scores as well and thank goodness I did not go nuke power like the recruiter wanted.

I learned an excellent and interesting trade and also got my college education paid for mostly by the navy (what little they did not pick up, the state of Illinois paid the rest as I was a Illinois vet).

As far as recommending a service:

The navy and airforce are the best for getting schooling. The airforce does spend more on their people as far as they have nicer barracks, etc. The issues I have seen with the airforce are very slow promotion rates, some really crappy duty stations and also that they are almost too narrow in some of their fields of specialization.

The navy has some good advantages if you like to travel. During my time in, I was stationed in Iceland for a couple of years (recommend that to anyone, great place), visited Acapulco, Bahamas, Panama canal, Jamaca, Gitmo, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and a couple other islands as well. As a reservist, I was in San Diego, Denver, San Fran, Mayport, and also hit Japan 3 times.

Goodluck and watch the recruiter like a hawk. They can be worse than a used car salesman and one of the first jokes after you are in and on your way to basic is hearing all the promises the recruiter made to people that turned out to be BS.

Shaerra · Post by **Shaerra** » April 1, 2004, 6:16 pm

you poorly trained bullies can't even beat vietnam in a war

We could have won Vietnam if bleeding heart liberal jackasses didn't run around screaming "Stop the fighting! Get out of Vietnam!" followed immediately by "haha Look, they stopped fighting and left Vietnam! Pussies!"

Make up your retarded fucking mind.

We lost Vietnam BECAUSE we are not the animals that some people make us out to be while hiding behind the wall of protection that the United States provides. If it wasn't for the United States, you'd be speaking Spanish, dipshit.

sarpranous · Post by **sarpranous** » April 1, 2004, 6:25 pm

I did well with the ASVAB scores as well and thank goodness I did not go nuke power like the recruiter wanted.

whats wrong with that!

Bojangels · Post by **Bojangels** » April 1, 2004, 6:30 pm

Turns your testicles into raisins.

Raulthiel · Post by **Raulthiel** » April 1, 2004, 7:57 pm

Ive been active duty Air Force for about 5 years now, but plan on seperating next year. I fell into the same trap with my recruiter. He said that I should go in "open" which means that you can pick a career field once you are done with basic, so I did exactly that. I got a munitions job, which isnt that bad, but I know that if I had taken my time and looked into the career fields more, I wouldve gotten a better job that I wouldve enjoyed much more.

Aruman · Post by **Aruman** » April 1, 2004, 9:47 pm

Pahreyia wrote:Thirdly, recruiters get bonuses for distributing people to all sorts of MOS'. If a recruiter is just recruiting people into infantry or intelligence or flight school, they're not doing their job properly. They can put you anywhere, don't let them tell you otherwise

There are no monetary bonuses in recruiting, at least not in the US Army recruiting system.

What some others said is true though:

1. Recruiting does have missions(quotas), by category based on the ASVAB and by sex, prior service etc.

2. Recruiters put in quite a bit of time doing prospecting (probably 90% of their time is taken up with this) and so have limited time for other things, like taking applicants and people taking the ASVAB to testing locations, paperwork, etc...

If the recruiteer is acting this way, most likely he is in the position where he is going to miss his mission and is trying to put pressure on you so he doesn't miss it.

The recruiter cannot tell you in advance what MOS you will be in, since you still have to take the physical. After you take the physical you will see another recruiter who will do what he can, but you can be assured he has a mission also, to fill certain MOS's.

It all depends on what you want, some MOS' have bonuses and others don't. This varies depending on many things, like length of enlistment an MOS. Combat arms MOS's generally have the highest bonuses.

With scores of 90+ you should have a wide range of options open to you. Whatever you do, do NOT let the recruiter pressure you. Realize though that the recruiter is not an evil person, he is just trying to accomplish what any other salesman does, except he has nothing tangible to show you.

Even if you do decide to wait, believe me, you will not be forgotten by that recruiter. People who have that kind of score on the ASVAB but back off do not just get discarded.

Oh, and yes, in the Army, the MOS you signed up for is what you will be doing, unless for some reason you fail the school after Basic Training, then it's up in the air.

Bubba Grizz · Post by **Bubba Grizz** » April 1, 2004, 11:12 pm

Another truth about the Asvab testing is the posted requirements are for certain jobs. For example you only need to score 25 out of 100 to be a mechanic. I believe the highest requirement wasn't more than 65. that is a solid 'D' in any grade school across the nation.

Aruman · Post by **Aruman** » April 2, 2004, 4:06 am

Bubba Grizz wrote:Another truth about the Asvab testing is the posted requirements are for certain jobs. For example you only need to score 25 out of 100 to be a mechanic. I believe the highest requirement wasn't more than 65. that is a solid 'D' in any grade school across the nation.

You won't get into any of the military forces with a 25.

50 minimum was the cutoff the last I knew, and that was pushing it.

Spang · Post by **Spang** » April 2, 2004, 5:30 am

i guess i was lucky.

i told the dude at meps "i want airborne and computers"

by the end of the night, i had an MOS dealing with computers.

i never jumped out of any planes

but i had the MOS i wanted and no one tried to talk me into any other MOS.

the MOS was 74B for anyone that cares.

nobody · Post by **nobody** » April 4, 2004, 2:28 am

Pahreyia wrote:
If you don't like any of it, you can back out at any time. If you're serious about joining, let them know, but also make the recruiter aware that you will not settle for second choices. Be sane about requesting things (i.e. Language school is in Monterey, Ca.. Intel school is in Texas, etc.) You will have to train at the schools they have, and certain bases have specific focii and may not support the job you want to do. (i.e. you won't find an arabic intel analyst's position in a base in Washington state, chances are you'll be on the east coast or in Texas, if not in Germany/Saudi Arabia).

Good luck.

actually intel school is in AZ, but you're right, you've got the recruiter by the balls you just don't know it. and i would recommend the army for anyone as long as their single. it's rough on relationships.

Zebulak · Post by **Zebulak** » April 4, 2004, 8:22 am

Bubba Grizz wrote:Another truth about the Asvab testing is the posted requirements are for certain jobs. For example you only need to score 25 out of 100 to be a mechanic. I believe the highest requirement wasn't more than 65. that is a solid 'D' in any grade school across the nation.

65 is a solid 'F' where I come from. Up that score by 5 pts.

nobody · Post by **nobody** » April 4, 2004, 1:47 pm

Aruman wrote:
Pahreyia wrote: It all depends on what you want, some MOS' have bonuses and others don't. This varies depending on many things, like length of enlistment an MOS. Combat arms MOS's generally have the highest bonuses.

i knew a kid who got a 20,000 dollar bonus to be a cook becasue they need them so bad.

Zetar · Post by **Zetar** » April 4, 2004, 7:44 pm

I just got out of the Army. I was 95b Military Police. It was the best time of my life I loved every minute of it. You just have to go in knowing what you want and dont let them talk you out of it. There is no time limit even though they may try to tell you there is one. I didnt give my recruiter an answer until They had everything in writing. I told him I wanted Military Police with airborn school and a signing bonus, they said MP's didnt get a signing bonus I said bye they said well let us see what we can do. I am Airborn trained MP and I recieved a signing bonus.
As the other Armied forces they are all good and each serves their purpose. You decide which one fits what you want to do. Level of difficulty for basic would be Marines are the hardest, then Army, navy, and lastly the Chair Force with their stationary bike PT test. As for standard of living one duty station shared a gate with an AF base , they had the better chow hall we had the better gym. So we would go eat there then work out, go swiming hit the tanning booth on our post. We had the better BX/PX (Store) too.

About your MOS. The military can promise you up and down that you are going to be doing exactly what you wanted to do but then give you a different job altogether. Why? Because in your contract it reads that the Needs of the Army come first. That means you really don't have control.

You do have control in the Army if you are contracted to be a MP you will be an MP. Otherwise you can leave due to breech of contract. I was told (by a recruiter so not sure how accurate it is) that the other branches do what you said (contract you to a job but can change it if they want), but I know the Army has no such loop hole.

As for people like kyoukan and karae you people make me laugh you are the type of people that complain how awful the US is and how they are sticking their noses into other peoples business, then turn around and say where was the US at the begining of WW2.. yadda yadda im sure you all know the agrument.

Xanupox · Post by **Xanupox** » April 4, 2004, 8:22 pm

I guess you decided on the Army after taking a look at the Air Force, Navy and perhaps Marine Corp?

The last I heard the Air Force did not offer any buddy programs on which you seem to be pretty content on getting, since your pal is going in with you.

I have served for almost 12 years now, and have done a few jobs. During that time I have worked with and for the Army on some duties, and I can tell you its much rougher in the Army than the Air Force but that is not the issue here is it? We are talking about you and the Army.

I will skip the AF is better then USA speech for ya, and just let you know about the Army way of life.

Promotions are much faster in the USA (US ARMY), compared to other branches, AF being the slowest to promote.

Getting promoted in the Army is gonna take a whole person concept from you. They look at things and give you points based on what you have done recently, like Fitness Test, Military Education, Job Performance Reports, Medals, etc... Since so many factors apply it leaves more room for ass kissers to get ahead, or to jump ahead of you if you dont go that route. Just be aware of that.

The USA also is less concerned about its people, or Soldiers as it calls them. You will have lower quality of life than compared to the other services when it comes to on base/post buildings, living quarters, etc.

Deployments, which means you get your bag and get sent to some far off place in the world happen more often and last much longer in the Army, and when you are off in those areas your living quarters usually sucks if compared to some Air Force people staying in the same areas as you.

For instance, on my last deployment I took a hand held weather instrument kit with me and a 9MM pistol. I lived in a local hotel and took weather reports from the balcony of it. The rough life. Compare that to the Army guys who all had to bring 2 bags weighing around 70 pounds each, full body armor, an M-16 and hundreds of rounds of ammo. They lived in a tent with 6 guys per tent, and a shower about 100 yards away.

Just consider how important it is for you to go in on a buddy system, versus picking a brach of the service you would enjoy down the road.

Just an FYI, they buddy system is only good for the first assignment. Thats it. After a year both of you will most likely get split up and go your separate ways.

nobody · Post by **nobody** » April 5, 2004, 11:35 am

Inantry: "this sucks!"

Ranger: "i love the way this sucks!"

Green Beret: "i wish this would suck more!"

Chair Force (sitting on a recliner watching tv): "sure sucks out there"