Tweet

Originally posted by Skarn
I was in the Army Special Forces. Haus said it right, go to as many specialty schools as you can. It's extra money also, jump pay (hazardous duty), etc. always helps.

As for choices, the Army actually gives you fairly good choices compared to the Marines if you score high. That was one of the reasons I joined the Army over the Marines right out of high school. I could pick any specialty I wanted in the Army, but the Marines would just place me where they needed. I was guarantee'd Airborne and that's what I chose. I have no regrets. Once Airborne, you will get put in an airborne unit and if lucky SOCOM (Special Operations Command). Being in a SOCOM unit is a completely different world from the regular Army.

My last recommendation is to choose a skill you will like and be able to use in the outside world. You might not want to get out, but at least you'd have options. I chose Communications and have a very well paying job now that I love because of it.

To sum it up (IMO): Choose a marketable skill, go special ops (airborne, ranger, special forces, scuba, etc.), get into a high-speed unit, travel the world, and enjoy life!

Good luck bro!

HOOAH .....................Skarn.

TweetI think USMC is def a good choice for you considering your degree. And what HAUS said about your NCO's....is true. If you go USMC.....find yourself a good Gunny and let him (or her) teach you the ropes.

Navy here.....hadda speak up for the other service...was feeling left out.

C.B.

TweetCouldn't agree with you more Squid. I can't stand fresh LT's (or Ensigns) that try and pull rank on a Gunny, Master Sergeant or Warrant Officers - those are the guys that help them survive to Captain.

TweetLOL they know better in MY Navy. LOL. I can out lift most the officers (hell, most the Chiefs) where I am ..... so the juniors don't mess with me too much :-).

HeeeeHeeee

Come to think about it....maybe that's why I can't get a date.

Sigh...

C.B.

Tweet

Originally posted by Skarn
My last recommendation is to choose a skill you will like and be able to use in the outside world. You might not want to get out, but at least you'd have options. I chose Communications and have a very well paying job now that I love because of it.

To sum it up (IMO): Choose a marketable skill, go special ops (airborne, ranger, special forces, scuba, etc.), get into a high-speed unit, travel the world, and enjoy life!

Good luck bro!

This is one of my main factors for going in. I want to gain experience in a field that will help me with my carear when I get out.

After 21 weeks of OCS, if you pass, you then sign for four years? I am little confused on this? 2 years in the army and 4 years in the marines..or am I way off.

TweetOfficers have an INDEF ID card. They can basically get out when they want to. Enlisted have reelistments they go through everytime they comlete a tour.

As far as an intitial obligation, it depends on a few factors. If you got the Naval Academy you pay back 6 years at least (you got a free ride to an outstanding college). If you go the Air Wing, I believe you have to go for at least 6 years (the air wing schools are usually at least a year long in themselves, and they want you to actually work in the field they trained you for - not take the occ field schooling and just get out). It mostly depends on your job - but I am not sure what a new Officer would "have to" sign up for. Probably 4 years for most jobs. But like I said, Officers don't reenlit - they are indeffinate and can leave whenever... but probably have to have an initial obligation. Not sure awhat that is... probably 4 years...

TweetCool...do you know what average income is for officers?

TweetIt totally depends on if you live out in town and other things, but here are the current basic pay allowances:
https://www.dfas.mil/money/milpay/pay/

Tweetdamn, there are a lot of variables that come into play.

TweetAlso use of Commissary, tax exemptions, ...

Hey CB - what do they say an 0-2 (you'd make 0-2 rather fast) makes as a civilian equivalent? About an average of $38,000 per year?

Not to mention where you are at. You can go on a pump for a few months and come back with thousands... no taxes (overseas) and hazardous duty pay... family seperation... checking your account balance is like winning a jackpot... well more so for the enlisted who don't make the officer big bucks.

I financed a divorce with some overseas pay Oh yeah - DO NOT GET MARRIED!!!

Tweet

Originally posted by Warrior
Also use of Commissary, tax exemptions, ...
You can go on a pump for a few months and come back with thousands..... Oh yeah - DO NOT GET MARRIED!!!

Looks like I'll check those books out that you recommended, but until then, "pump," I take is equivalent to a tour/mission...or no?

For the other part about marriage, thats not even an option for me, so I guess you can say I'm lucky...

TweetWinnie - Your pay will definitly depend on your choice of assignments, locations, and training. If you become a pilot, you get flight pay, haz duty pay (depending on where you are), etc. If you go to Kuwait, you get the tax free pay, and a few other really great benifits. Of course....you might be too dead to enjoy it, but your family will benifit. Of course if you are allowed to live off base you get allowances for housing, utilities, etc. Your medical and dental is taken care of (not sure it's worth it sometimes) and of course you have the commissary and PX to shop in with great prices. If you are assigned to a state with Sales tax (like I am) the added benifit is NO SALES tax on your purchases there. Also, one benifit I get...being from Oregon, and I am sure there are other states that do this too....I don't pay any state income tax as long as I don't serve in Oregon.

You get great training, depending on what your field of choice is, that you don't pay for, you get a chance to see the world, and gain some maturity before you enter the civilian sector (not saying you aren't mature but...you know what I mean). Job security is great....unless you screw up majorly you don't get fired. The one disadvantage to being an officer is.....if you get passed over for promotion 2x, you have to get out (in the Navy anyway).

Think long and hard before you chose a career path. Do your research. Make sure that what you want to do will translate into a civilian job. I have a few friends that are in the SEAL teams and right now they are scrambling to get their college degrees in education because there isn't much call for mercinaries on the outside.

Warrior....

I am not sure about the O-2/Civi translation of pay. Honestly, I've been at this so long....I don't even have a clue what minimum wage is. I decided to get a part time job to keep myself occupied here and for the first time in over 18 years I have had to fill out applications and I haven't got a clue what to put for desired salary. I just want to write.....give me a job before I go insane with boredom.

I either need to find a MAN or a JOB soon.

C.B.

TweetAre there any good forums for the armed forces to read and post?