thinking about joining

[titus7]

Alright so my career is about to end due to politics(but that's another story). Anyways along with being back in college I have been contemplating joining the air force reserves. A little background on me:
No prior mil
31yo
Married w/2kids
Instrumentation journeyman

I am currently working towards my Bachelors of science in unmanned aircraft.

I want to join for several reasons but to name a few are for the experience, the schooling, and the retirement.

I am looking for advice from guys who actually have been in and have advice whether its positive or negative.


Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[SeanRT]

Re: thinking about joining

If you're joining the Air Farce, I mean Air Force, it might be a good idea.

My only piece of advise is this: make sure that you're joining for the right reasons (love of country, etc.), not just to have a "job."

 

[Mike]

Re: thinking about joining

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: titus7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright so my career is about to end due to politics(but that's another story). Anyways along with being back in college I have been contemplating joining the air force reserves. A little background on me:
No prior mil
31yo
Married w/2kids
Instrumentation journeyman

I am currently working towards my Bachelors of science in unmanned aircraft.

I want to join for several reasons but to name a few are for the experience, the schooling, and the retirement.

I am looking for advice from guys who actually have been in and have advice whether its positive or negative.


Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2</div></div>

Why are you getting a BS in unmanned aircraft if you're NOT going to go into the military, especially the AF. Seems like you've not giving yourself any options. Next, it appears that you're only option is as a pilot? (of unmanned AC). Maybe as a maintenance officer?

If you're looking into joining the AF or any of the services, I would be very adamant about what you want, i.e. a commission; and don't fall into any of their used car sales pitches. The AF as an officer is difficult to get into so make sure your GPA is up there and all your ducks are in a row.

When you do get your degree, if they don't offer you a commission be very leery about what they do offer. I'm willing to wager your other civilian or other gov't options such as BP would pay you much better and be less stressful on your family than enlisted military.

$.02

 

[High Binder]

Re: thinking about joining

What school offers a degree in "unmanned aircraft"???

31 with 2 kids and a wife...

Stay in school, and contribute to your country by getting a good job and being home to raise good kids and stay married.

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: thinking about joining

I'll point out the Pros and Cons and I won't sugar coat anything.

First of all, do not join any of the US Armed Forces reserve just to have a job. You'd be better of in the National Guard. Secondly, think about what you would put your family through if you are called up to deploy. Do you really want to be away from your family for 6 months or more? I know that most people think that deployments are becoming a thing of the past, but do you think that will be the case for 4 years? Now, I'll get off of my soapbox and list the PROs and Cons.

Pros:

-Advanced training available for free.
-Steady supplemental income.
-Duty Weekends usually consist of drinking beer and eating steak.

-Air Force basic training is one of the easiest in the world to pass.

Cons:

-Your kids.
-Your wife.
-Any and all military personnel must always be prepared for a war-time deployment. Even in times of peace. Look at the US military involvement in the past 50 years.
-There is a reason 30- something year olds usually get out of the military around this age. It because of all the BS you have to put up with from the young teenagers and 23 yr/ old officers fresh out of Officers School.

 

[titus7]

Re: thinking about joining

Hey thank- you for the replies guys. I did say that there were several reason I figured serving my country was a given.

Fortunately when i was younger I went into an Instrumentation apprenticeship program, which apparently looks great on a resume and I could very easily get another job doing what I do now. But I just don't wanna go to work and collect a paycheck anymore(not that there is anything wrong with that). Just for myself I would like to try something new/challenging before I get too old to "try out new things", and one of the things I have always wanted to do is to be in the military...serve my country. Another fortunate thing is I live right next to a navy base whose main objective is r&d, and they hire ALOT of civilian instrument technicians. Which is another reason I was thinking of joining the reserves and doing something related to a job that I may have in the very near future which also relates to the degree I am working towards. Just figured I could kill 3-4birds with one stone, if that makes any sense.

But before doing so I figured I'd ask people who had actually been there and done that. Wanted to hear/learn of your experiences. Maybe get some advice on what to look for or what kind of questions to ask the recruiter.

As for the degree question Embry-Riddle offers a degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems. And whether I join the military or not I do want out of the power industry and would like to do something to assist our guys who are risking their lives everyday, because I do appreciate what they do.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: thinking about joining

An increasing number of ISR aircraft are flown by, and ISR UAVs operated by, contracted civilians.

Given huge pressure on the FAA by DoD, the number of UAVs operated domestically (both military and civilian) to increase exponentially over the next few years.

 

[High Binder]

Re: thinking about joining

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: titus7</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As for the degree question Embry-Riddle </div></div>

Ah, I love that school. Great choice!

 

[glocksig40]

Re: thinking about joining

Prior AF Jet engine mechanic here. Still in the industry after 25 years. 6 years active and 4 years in reserves. Times have changed now from me getting out in 1992. Consider the career field you look to go in. If youre going into a career field to work on or pilot drones or UAV's, there is a good chance for you to deploy. UAV's are being used for more and more applications around the world. Its easier to send a crew to operate them than a force of people to go operate aircraft. Plan on being gone from your family. Dont let them tell you bullshit like, being in the reserves doesnt require deployment. If youre fresh meat, your ass is in front of the line.
Once your in, your in. They say go, you go. Family matters dont concern Uncle Sam when its time for you to deploy.
Realize the commitment and not just your commitment, the one your wife and kids have to make while your living it up in the sand box.

SP

 

[maxpower220]

Re: thinking about joining

Since you are near a Navy base, you aren't near any AF unmanned aircraft locations. So, your drill weekends will be filled with travel, or you won't be doing that job.

UAV pilots are AF pilots who get the shaft at some point in their carreers (or at least it is that way right now). So, if you want to fly UAVs, you will need to go to flight school.

While one weekend a month, 2 weeks a year doesn't sound bad, it really becomes a hassle if you are drilling in a different city. I just retired, in my 24 yrs, there have been 3 "wars" and several "conflicts" Iraq and Afgan have really taxed the reserves and Guard.

Lastly, the military is a young mans sport. Entering at your age, you won't notice much now, but in 10-15yr, you will be an old man when compared to everyone else your rank.

 

[firefox]

Re: thinking about joining

think about what it will cost you and your famliy in the long run i had a lad who want to go army i said you have 2 children and you are 24 so you BOTH have alot to talk about on what it would mean to do this he did his wife was 100 persnt behind him and she knew what it ment so off he went took the test scored 99 and the guy said have not seen that in awhile so he is in on there on there way i am very proud of him like another son. do what is always best for your famliy you will not be sorry for it, good luck to what ever you do.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Re: thinking about joining

One thing positive that I can think of is the AF has better food then the Army

 

[firefox]

Re: thinking about joining

yea you guys at least the officers sleep and eat well.

 

[PaleRider77]

Re: thinking about joining

i downloaded a countdown widget on my phone so i know exactly how many days until i ets. 557. fuck

 

[titus7]

Re: thinking about joining

Well talked with a recruiter today just to see what my options were and he took the wind outta my sails. Oddly enough it had nothing to do with my age, race, job anything like that. It had to do with something stupid I did 12yrs ago. I have a nonviolent misdemeanor charge on my record and no I never did any jail time and no it wasn't a sexual charge, it was a possession charge. It is the only charge I have ever had and he told me that because of it I will never be allowed to serve in the Armed Forces.
No other words but it flat out sucks but there isn't much I can do about it now..

 

[Jong]

Re: thinking about joining

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PaleRider77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i downloaded a countdown widget on my phone so i know exactly how many days until i ets. 557. fuck </div></div>

Count paychecks. My uncle taught me that trick and it was a lot better then counting days because a paycheck is almost always positive.