flyboy62000 0 #1 December 10, 2002 Hey Dave, where are you? I need to ask you some questions about the Air Force. Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #2 December 10, 2002 QuoteI need to ask you some questions about the Air Force ASk away....I've only been out 2 years and one day.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlie 0 #3 December 10, 2002 Quote I've only been out 2 years and one day.... So I take it that you've discharged?My other ride is the relative wind. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyboy62000 0 #4 December 10, 2002 I'm considering enlisting in the Air Force in the short term future. I just wanted to get a perspective on how he likes it. It must not be too bad if he reenlisted. I'm just looking for something new to do and money to continue school. I'm looking at Air Traffic Control and aircrew (Inflight Refueling, Loadmaster, etc.) specialties. How did you like your career and would you recommend it to someone else? Any help would be appreciated. Blue Skies, AdamBlue Skies, Adam I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things . . . — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #5 December 10, 2002 Darn, I thought we were going to play like a "where's waldo" game.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyboy62000 0 #6 December 10, 2002 Well, if you know where he's at you win. There's no prize, though. I haven't seen him on IM recently. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wlie 0 #7 December 10, 2002 The last time I saw Wingnut was Friday. PM'ed him about the A-10 crash in Vegas. My other ride is the relative wind. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #8 December 10, 2002 OK.....the Air Force is really what you make of it. First....have a plan. Do you want to make a career out of it or do you just want some technical training, a job for 4 years, and some college money? What sort of job do you want? Do want to be a medical person, a mechanic, or would you like to paint your face camo, HALO from airplanes, blow things up, and kill people for a living? The Air Force offers probably THE WIDEST array of lifestyles of any of the services. In the AF some people will almost NEVER deploy anywhere although that is getting more and more rare. Other jobs are somewhat like the Army with important benes.... Anyway...there's some good things to ask yourself before you sign the dotted line. Military life is good for some....not so good for others. I spent 9 years 6 months and 6 days in the Air Force. At times I was having the time of my life and there are memories I wouldn't trade for anything. Other times it was definately like living in a dungeon. Kinda like real life....some of the jobs I would suggest looking into are MH-53 flight engineer, Combat Control, Pararescue, 1C4x1 Tactical Air Command and Control Specialist (thats what I used to do), and AC-130 Sensor Operator (if you watched that film in the other thread that's the guy that pulls the trigger) Don't pick air traffic control because you think you'll get a job afterwards. I hear that can be tough!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyboy62000 0 #9 December 10, 2002 I'm looking at Air Traffic Control because as a pilot it's something I have a definate interest in it. I'll definitely look in to the AC-130 sensor operator, though. I'm looking at joining as a very possible career, but also for the benefits. I want to finish up my bachelors degree while in the air force and apply for OCS. I already have my commercial pilot's license so that's what I want to do overall is fly, but I'm looking at the Air Force as a good way to get practical experience and funding for school. I've always wanted to be in the Air Force, mainly thinking officer, though. I've really pondered the opportunities available as enlisted and I really think it's what I want to do. I'm going Thursday to MEPS to take the ASVAB and get my physical. Adam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prepheckt 0 #10 December 10, 2002 Quote I spent 9 years 6 months and 6 days in the Air Force. How many minutes..???"Dancing Argentine Tango is like doing calculus with your feet." -9 toes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #11 December 10, 2002 OK...hold the phone!!! If you want to go in to finish your degree STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM SPECIAL OPS!!! That includes every job I just mentioned. Go with some hospital or supply job!! Something that doesn't travel. I can tell you any of the jobs I listed will keep you gone a lot. Especially as a low timer. With any job it will probably take you a year at least to get done with your school and then get a "5 level" which is when they will let you take college courses. Don't count on doing any courses before then. If you REALLY have your eye on flying check into the USAF Acadamy or Prep school. It gives some advantages to be prior enlisted but it can also make a lot of problems and road blocks to your goal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #12 December 11, 2002 Quote How many minutes..??? Hey the only reason I know that is because they put it on my DD-214. It was 127 and 38 seconds.....anyway...not that I was counting..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #13 December 11, 2002 Freeflir29 is correct....trying to take college courses as a special operator will be next to impossible....I've got 21 years of enlisted active duty AF under my belt (gosh shouldn't I retire!), and still love it.....I run an altitude chamber unit. It's all what you make of it. Right attitude goes a long way in my book. I don't regret staying enlisted all these years, wouldn't take nothing for it, but wish I would've crossed over to the "O" (officer) world long ago... Better pay would be the only reason. As far as ATC? Depends on your initial assignment out of tech school on how "busy" you will be. Here at my base (pilot training base) they put up over 300 sorties a day, and have a 70% washout rate for new controllers. How do I know? I have 5 guys that just washed out for various reasons that cross-trained into my career field. Now i'm finished jabbering........good luck..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyboy62000 0 #14 December 11, 2002 Thanks for all the information and support. I think I'd be really well suited for Air Traffic Control, but I have some backup career fields in mind. I'm definitely going for it. I've always wanted to go into the Air Force, and have put a lot of thought into it over the years. I just wanted hear from some people who have been there, done that and will tell it to me straight. Thanks guys. Blue Skies, AdamBlue Skies, Adam I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things . . . — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
