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Post subject: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 1:50 am
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I haven't made a post on this forum in a few years. I've commented here and there on some of the ongoing posts that have been online for several years, and offered my opinion on a few posts asking for various opinions, but I can't remember the last time I've sought advice or an opinion from this board, and I've been sort of like a ghost. In this post I would love to hear your opinions, but also to share my experiences thus far that have led me into my current season, and offer a platform for any veterans or current service members (or even new recruits like me) to share their experiences involving the military.

So for the last few years, I went to college for Culinary Arts. It was a fun major with THE best field trips (gained a lot of weight at the time though). And I would absolutely open some kind of food service establishment some day, but I'm not interested in being a cook right now. It's not a job that's always easy to have for somebody who wants to be healthy. I've found most cooking jobs require little time for bathroom or food breaks, and it's bad for one's back beside that, as one has to lean over the counter all day. In addition, many restaurant don't pay very well. There are few restaurants who accommodate these problems, but if my aversion to cooking was simply these problems, I would just try to find a restaurant to cook at, work up the chain somewhere, and live a happy life in Anchorage.

My problem with being a cook is not cooking itself, but that I want to get more education and travel, and pay off my bills. I know now that I can live expense free in the military (food, housing, medical, etc) , and I'd like to pay off my bills with the money I'll earn. Because of my Associate's, they'll give me two ranks automatically, whether I go in for a 4 year or a 6 year contract. With a 6 year, they'll give me a signing bonus for the career field I'm choosing, but I'll get to that later.

I became interested in the Air Force while working at a deicing company (a company that sprays airplanes with glycol solution to rid them of snow). Many of my fellow employees were either retired from the Air Force or were currently in the Army or Air Force, deicing part-time. They were always talking about it, and I started asking them questions about how they started out in the military, about benefits, and about how it's helped them throughout their lives. One is retired from a major electronics company, another is the director of a big pharmacy chain's tech department, another is a 747 pilot, another is a 747 jet engine mechanic. All of these men spent over 20 years in the Air Force, earning retirement in addition to their current salaries and part-time pay. They all encouraged me to look into the Air Force, and said it really helped them to become more successful people.

Between their success and stories, I decided that I should really look into the military. I walked into an Air Force recruiter's office, scheduled an ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), and took the test within a week or so. I scored well, told my recruiter, and she told me that I had a lot of options. At the time, I wasn't set on the USAF, so I checked out the Army, Navy, and Marines. The Marine recruiter was after me; he tried very hard to convince me. I didn't mind, I knew it was his job. But he eventually asked me to take a physical exam at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). I asked him if it was "binding" to the Marines, as recruiters aren't allowed to step over each other when they are recruiting. I was asking him if my other doors would close because I took a medical exam with them. He told me it was not, and that I could still check out the "Chair Force" or the other services if I took a medical for the Marines. I scheduled one for the next week.

A few days later, I told a coworker (who was one of the only people who was not a vet or current service member, though he had medical'd out of Marine Basic Training) about what had happened. He told me my recruiter was lying to me, and that I needed to get out of that medical or I was going to be a Marine. He told me they swore people into the services soon after the medical exam is over (which I now know is true). I called the Marine recruiter to cancel the exam, and haven't been back in his office since. I have nothing against the Marines, but I don't think it's very professional to lie to a person. And since I've never experienced that in any other recruiter's office, I hope it's not something the Marine recruiters make a practice of.

But that hardly matters. I talked to the Air Force recruiter, and she told me I needed to lose some weight before I took a medical to become a recruit. Over several months, I lost the required 14 pounds. As soon as I was near my goal, I called her. She went on vacation for about 3 weeks, so I spent that trying to lose more weight. As soon as I got back into contact and she was back in town, I emailed her and got the ball rolling. I took my medical on August 25th, and swore in to the USAF Delayed Entry Program (All that means is that I'm a recruit waiting to leave). On November 19th, I passed the Physical Ability And Stamina test, a test requiring a mile and a half run, push ups, sit ups, and pull ups to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. I'm probably going into Air Force Basic Training on the 15th (I say that because they haven't gotten back to me whether it's set in stone or not; my recruiter is on a short vacation again, and her boss was supposed to get back to me on it).

I chose EOD because I wanted something challenging, interesting, and advantageous. One question that I have is whether or not I should do the 6 year and get the bonus. It's about $14,000, but only if I finish the tech school, and I don't get it all right away. But it would be so good to have to pay off my student loans. I know that EOD school is one of the hardest in the military, but I'm not afraid of failing out. I know that unless there was a huge drawdown on the military budget, I would just get a new career field assigned.

I'm excited for the adventure it'll be. I would love any insight on USAF BMT, EOD school, or the USAF in general.

Thanks for reading!

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cost it what it will
for he who hides the wrong he did
did the wrong thing still."
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Last edited by mac67 on Sat Dec 05, 2015 3:17 am, edited 2 times in total.

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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 2:59 am
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Just to set you straight......

"Ordinance" is a law, regulation, or covenant.

"Ordnance" is $hit that goes "BOOM".

You'll be attending an all-services tech school so you'll be interfacing with soldiers, jarheads, and rustpickers. Be on your best behavior.

:lol:

Arjay (retired USAF, 22 years)

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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 3:07 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
Just to set you straight......

"Ordinance" is a law, regulation, or covenant.

"Ordnance" is $hit that goes "BOOM".

You'll be attending an all-services tech school so you'll be interfacing with soldiers, jarheads, and rustpickers. Be on your best behavior.

:lol:

Arjay (retired USAF, 22 years)



Lol, sounds good. I'll edit it then. Thanks for the reply, and your service.

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cost it what it will
for he who hides the wrong he did
did the wrong thing still."
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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 8:53 am
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I spent a couple of years in the (royal) air force, before a medical discharge. It certainly was an interesting time, and helped me decide to study engineering afterwards. Good times.
The bad memories (apart from ideological ones) were mostly that there's a lot of paperwork, a lot of waiting, and a lot of smelly clothes[*].

[*]: Back then we got three shirts a week, but you were required to have a spare at all times, so in reality two. To get your Battle Dress[**] cleaned, you had to fill out three forms; one unscheduled laundry request, one for the two pieces to be cleaned, and an exception request to get your own jacket and pants back and not just ones from the depot. And you had to purchase a second jacket to have something to wear while it was being cleaned, because they would only give you one jacket and two pairs of trousers. So there were a lot of stinky blue men.

[**]: It looked like this (not me, obviously). I still have my boat hat and shoulder rank slides in a closet somewhere.
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My advice: Take advantage of as many free study classes they offer as you can. And always carry a deck of cards.


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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 10:24 am
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Sounds like you have laid out a good plan. If there is any possibility you might stay for a full 20 years, then you might as well go with the 6 year enlistment and take the money. You won't get rich in the USAF, but if you plan ahead and live within your means and make sure every month you pay yourself first, i.e., set aside some money and invest it you'll end up pretty well off.

EOD Techincal Training School (after BMT at Lackland AFB in San Antonio) is at Eglin AFB in the panhandle of Florida. Great base but being by the beach can be an easy place to get into trouble. Take care of your school business first and foremost and keep the beach partying under control and you will do fine. I was station right next door with the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field and being an both an AF instructor and 1st Sgt, saw many kids blow their careers before they ever really get started by being immature with the partying that goes down on the beach there.

You are going into a career field that is serious business and quite dangerous at times especially while deployed. Make sure you listen to the NCO's and SNCO's above you and learn from their experiences and leave any ego you have by the way side.

I retired in 2010 after 28 years at the rank of SMSgt (E-8) in the top 2% of the entire AF. I highly recommend once you complete tech training and reach your first base you seek out one of us crusty old SNCO's and learn everything you can.

I commend you for entering into something that will test you both physically and mentally, trust me when I say ignore that "Chair Force" crap, you will be expected to maintain a physical fitness regime and much needed as an EOD tech.

Respectfully,

T2

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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 11:51 am
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T2Stratman wrote:
You won't get rich in the USAF, but if you plan ahead and live within your means and make sure every month you pay yourself first, i.e., set aside some money and invest it you'll end up pretty well off.


:mrgreen:

Arjay (more comfortable than most retired field-grade officers)

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 2:25 pm
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Arth1, thanks for the reply. My friend Ben from the UK wants to join the RAF. We're both in similar spots right now in life. Sounds like a lot of paperwork though. I'll tell him about his potential stinkiness, he might want to join more. I definitely plan to take as much free schooling as possible. Thanks again!

T2Stratman, thanks for the great advice, and for being willing to share your experience. As far as the beaches go, I really just want to learn how to surf. But I can't say that I won't be tempted, so I'll definitely keep what you said in mind. What did you instruct, if you don't mind me asking? Also, what do you think about having a car at Eglin AFB? I'm trying to decide whether to sell it or ask a family member drive it down.

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cost it what it will
for he who hides the wrong he did
did the wrong thing still."
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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 2:41 pm
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mac67 wrote:
Also, what do you think about having a car at Eglin AFB?


How do you expect to get to Mardi Gras in February without a car?

:wink:

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 7:22 pm
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All good advice. I chose the USAF, when I was drafted by the Army in 1971 and then passed the physical... I joined the Air Force instead. 4 years active and re-upped 4 years active reserve. The G.I. bill helped me get an associates degree in science, and an associates degree in art. Thank you Uncle Sam. :D

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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 10:13 pm
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Retroverbial, I dunno. I'm not normally invited to catholic parties, but I'll consider your invitation, thanks.

SBLS, yeah man, looks like you benefited pretty well. That's one of my main motivations to go to the USAF. Thanks for the reply.

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"Speak the truth, and speak it ever,
cost it what it will
for he who hides the wrong he did
did the wrong thing still."
-Miss Uel


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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 10:45 pm
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mac67 wrote:
Retroverbial, I dunno. I'm not normally invited to catholic parties, but I'll consider your invitation, thanks.


I done a tour in Alaska -- you can't be that far out on the tundra that you don't understand Mardi Gras. It ain't about denominational worship, not by a long shot.

:lol:

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2015 11:43 pm
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Hahaha, I've seen the beads and all, but there aren't a whole lot of legitimate Mardi Gras parties in Alaska. Bars will have events, but nothing other than that.

That being said, I'm not too interested either. That's one holiday in tech school that I'll be okay with missing, I think.

I'm not gonna lie, I AM a little scared of sunburn in Florida. I'm so pasty, I haven't been out of state since 2009.

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"Speak the truth, and speak it ever,
cost it what it will
for he who hides the wrong he did
did the wrong thing still."
-Miss Uel


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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 4:43 am
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I'm a veteran who did 20 years in the Navy from 1979-99 and as the others have told you , stay in shape , keep yourself grounded , obey your superiors, and most importantly , stay out of trouble ! There's no reason why you can't have a successful career and get yourself a nice pension like I did . Doing the 20 years is definitely worth it.


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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:41 am
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Excellent advice.... I too am a veteran of the Coast Guard. Us "Coasties" were always viewed as "those other guys" among the other branches, but it's all good.

I ended up in the Coast Guard in 1979 after an altercation with my dad (WWII Vet and 6'3", 250 lbs), and I made the near fatal mistake of trying to take a swing at him. All I ended up doing was punching the cigar right out of his mouth. All I know is that he gave me a look that I will take to my grave... The look in his eyes was like, "Son, you're gonna die!"... But miraculously, he didn't kill me. Maybe it was God who saved me, I don't know... All I remember is my dad reaching over with a hand that looked like a grizzly bear paw and pressed downwards on my head. The more I swung and flailed away, the harder he pressed down. Soon, I was on my knees crumpled up and begging for him to stop. He backed away, looked me right in the eye and said, "Alright then. You are now at a crucial point in your life. You have an important decision to make. A very important decision."

1) Go pack a duffel bag and you and I are going down to the recruiting office.
2) Get out! Get out of here and don't ever come back! Go live on the streets like a worthless bum!

Long story short... I grew up around boats, small boats, lakes and rivers, marking shoals for rocks at the lake we had a summer cottage on, etc... So naturally, I was drawn towards the Coast Guard. I got a reality check in 0.2 seconds flat in boot camp. Remember the scenes from "Officer And A Gentleman" with Louis Gossett Jr and Richard Gere? That was my DI, Senior Chief Ethridge and myself. I reported to boot camp with hair down to my shoulders, jeans with holes in the knees and wearing a Led Zeppelin t-shirt. Ooooo, they had FUN with me my first few days!!

Looking back, joining the military was the best thing that my dad did for me. It straightened me out, it trained me, and gave me a solid career as a Yeoman, and I eventually retired. No, I didn't jump out of helicopters and swim after someone. I sat in an office doing endless paperwork and punching away on a computer screen. Somebody had to do it!


Last edited by ButchA on Sun Dec 06, 2015 7:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Going to Air Force BMT Soon
Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:32 am
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mac67 wrote:
T2Stratman, thanks for the great advice, and for being willing to share your experience. As far as the beaches go, I really just want to learn how to surf. But I can't say that I won't be tempted, so I'll definitely keep what you said in mind. What did you instruct, if you don't mind me asking? Also, what do you think about having a car at Eglin AFB? I'm trying to decide whether to sell it or ask a family member drive it down.


If you can learn to surf there more power to you, but it ain't gonna be easy as there is very little wave action there in the gulf, but it is possible to learn.

I taught a couple things, but primarily Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Training.

As for the car, you will be in what is called a Phase Program during Tech Training and you'll have to earn the privilege to actually have that car there. You will be in student status and most of your time will be controlled and filled with details. This is done to teach you to make good decisions and learn about consequences for your actions. During the first few phases you won't be allowed to have a car there. It has been a while, but I think when you get to phase 4 you can have a car, but you'll march to class every day, and if you get a weekend pass (written permission) to leave the base, then you may be able to drive down to the beach. Until you reach your first duty station you won't have much time to yourself to reinforce teamwork, something the AF is VERY much about.

T2

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