The reason is that I greatly admire men who serve their country that way, and I'd feel a better person for it.
Admittedly, I don't know too much about modern military jobs. I'm wondering if anybody reading this can steer me to some good info or advice.
My current situation is as follows:
I finished my BS in Computer Science this July. I'm still working in my academic internship, and have been searching for a full-time job (lots of interviews lately). But I have absolutely nothing holding me down in San Diego, and this is the time in my life where if I'm going to do it, it's going to be now. I'm in good shape, 26 yrs old. Some juvenile convictions, but nothing on adult record. I don't know what else is relevant.
Especially any military people out there, let me know what you think. I was specifically thinking about joining the Air Force because I heard they have the most technical jobs. Also, is there any benefit to having a bachelor's degree when signing up?
Air Force is easy time compared to the other branches. You could go to training to become an officer or do some computer stuff since you have that degree.
You are an educated man and you want to join the military?......
Get your cisco certs and maybe your MCSE and you can do IT work anywhere in the world (even contract for the military like my brother does).
Don't do it. Structure is not a good thing.
I am sorry to give you my rant. I just think you already have discipline and you'd be serving your country in just as noble a way by joining the work force, paying taxes and finding a hobby worth investing your excess money in.
If you do go my friends who maintain cargo planes or whatever there called ended up making a pretty good living after leaving the militiary. I think it was 6 years or 8 .... anyway I know he makes at least 50-55k a year working a sac international and loves his job(He probably makes more, I just know he has a nice guy and a pretty decent home)
I know finnish army isnt anything like the american one, but i was at the airforces.
It sucked, any motivation to defend my country was blown away. Almost everyday was waiting, waiting waiting and after that having some major hussles just to wait some more. My physical condition lowered in there, and i got lazy.. im still lazy, wasnt lazy before military.
But it wasnt all bad, got couple new friends there and could play some games like floorball and billiards almost every evening
*edit: About the pretty pictures, movies and such, military was nothing like that. It just felt like faking. Hard to say "FUCK YEAH!!" when youre sitting whole night in some cold mudhole or cleaning your gun for the 100th time.
Personally, given the instability of the world now, I wouldn't join. But hey, respect for your decision. I'd think it out a lot though.
But yeah, you get more technical jobs in the air force. I'll give my buddy a call, he's in year two now and he's moved his way up in the air force. He was working on jets for a while, but coordinates airstrikes now I think. And I'm almost positive the bachelor's will make you officer when you go in. Again, ask, but you're better off asking a friend who is in, as opposed to a recruiter. They're paid to sell you shit, just like car salesmen =]
The shitty thing is though, and I'm sure you've heard this, is that the military doesn't care what YOU want, it goes by what they need. So you could sign up for one thing, but if there's a shortage of meat, they might stick you elsewhere. I don't know if that means you could sign as a Air Force guy and end up an infantry grunt, but you're not necessarily gaurenteed anything.
Especially any military people out there, let me know what you think. I was specifically thinking about joining the Air Force because I heard they have the most technical jobs. Also, is there any benefit to having a bachelor's degree when signing up?
Yes, Air Force is easily the most highly educated of the three and you're going to find a lot of guys with BAs and PhDs there. I don't know what the training regimen is like, but it is the most technologically advanced and probably most comfortable. Definitely not the most exciting though.
On November 04 2008 22:30 Hawk wrote: Nice pic, haha.
Personally, given the instability of the world now, I wouldn't join. But hey, respect for your decision. I'd think it out a lot though.
But yeah, you get more technical jobs in the air force. I'll give my buddy a call, he's in year two now and he's moved his way up in the air force. He was working on jets for a while, but coordinates airstrikes now I think. And I'm almost positive the bachelor's will make you officer when you go in. Again, ask, but you're better off asking a friend who is in, as opposed to a recruiter. They're paid to sell you shit, just like car salesmen =]
The shitty thing is though, and I'm sure you've heard this, is that the military doesn't care what YOU want, it goes by what they need. So you could sign up for one thing, but if there's a shortage of meat, they might stick you elsewhere. I don't know if that means you could sign as a Air Force guy and end up an infantry grunt, but you're not necessarily gaurenteed anything.
Yeah I've heard some horror stories here and there. Most of the military people I know were Navy or Marines, and didn't get their ideal jobs. I'm hoping that degree gives an advantage :O
Joining as an officer would be awesome, I was looking at their pay scale:
Officers start at minimum salary 30,668, not bad. I'm below poverty level right now; that would be high life!
I've known about 5-7 people that joined the military it either being the army, marines, navy and air force. Only friend I still catch up with is the two of them from the marines. 1 is really noble and estatic about serving for the branch but the other one regrets ever signing his life over with bonus or no bonus. Also the army branch 1 of my friends was discharged and the other one is stationed in Hawaii filling military vehicles up with gas....Also the one that was discharged is happy he left and the one in Hawaii just misses home at times. The navy guy got discharged as well but b/c he hurt himself and was medically discharged but he didn't mind being there.
Now to the lesbian that I knew joined the Air Force which I haven't had much contact with her went in about 3-4 years ago. I lost touch with her of course but the main reason is b/c i wanted to bone her and really just lost interest after she told us she was a lesbo. So sorry I will not have much info on this branch.
All I can say for the people that i've known that joined any branch in particular either half of them liked it or the other half just totally regretted it. As Hawk said with the way the world is going and our new presidency I would stray away from any military branch.
I would like to hear more about ur motivation about recruiting when ur standing in line and 6years younger then u and 10cm shorter sergent is yelling at you "WHAT THE FUCK R U SMILING ?!?" And of course it raining and ur hungry + in week, u have slept about 8h.
About Air Force, theres lot of requiments, about ur height for excemple, cant be too tall, otherwise eject wont be possible...
"About Air Force, theres lot of requiments, about ur height for excemple, cant be too tall, otherwise eject wont be possible..." Air force isnt all about being a pilot, kroko
Instead of becoming an army men, why don't you apply to one of those FBI, CIA jobs where they can use your degree and give you like a forensic, security type of assignments? that would be mad leet and you would fight terroists on a much bigger and sophiscated scale.
On November 04 2008 22:34 suxN wrote: AND FUCK RANGERS, GO WINGS
You dirty, dirty hooker, you.
I'd really give it some thought man. YOu've got a degree, so it's not like you'd be totally out of options for a job. I don't think you should base it on that. But if it's a family service kind deal and you feel strongly about it, then yeah, props to you for continuing that. Just make sure you're doin it for the right reasons.
On November 04 2008 22:30 Hawk wrote: Nice pic, haha.
Personally, given the instability of the world now, I wouldn't join. But hey, respect for your decision. I'd think it out a lot though.
But yeah, you get more technical jobs in the air force. I'll give my buddy a call, he's in year two now and he's moved his way up in the air force. He was working on jets for a while, but coordinates airstrikes now I think. And I'm almost positive the bachelor's will make you officer when you go in. Again, ask, but you're better off asking a friend who is in, as opposed to a recruiter. They're paid to sell you shit, just like car salesmen =]
The shitty thing is though, and I'm sure you've heard this, is that the military doesn't care what YOU want, it goes by what they need. So you could sign up for one thing, but if there's a shortage of meat, they might stick you elsewhere. I don't know if that means you could sign as a Air Force guy and end up an infantry grunt, but you're not necessarily gaurenteed anything.
Yeah I've heard some horror stories here and there. Most of the military people I know were Navy or Marines, and didn't get their ideal jobs. I'm hoping that degree gives an advantage :O
Joining as an officer would be awesome, I was looking at their pay scale:
Officers start at minimum salary 30,668, not bad. I'm below poverty level right now; that would be high life!
in no time you have BS degree for CS. And you will definitely make more than a measily 30k. Right now my payrate is equivalent to 60k a year(tax not calculated) and I'm only half way to BS degree.
BTW the Air Force may not be as exciting as it might be. With your degree I suggest applying as a programming/techie for them. But as an officer.. i think that's a waste.
Think of how much your ELO will drop when you join the Airforce. I would private contract. And by the way if they saw your banner they would screen you for OCS anyways.
I've only watched the first part of the Chomsky video and I can't disagree with much of the facts he's presenting, except that I don't see all that much questionable about it. Populism is not desired for a number of reasons and true democracy has only been implemented for a brief period of time in France. The idea of the representative republic is quite good and it's essentially what all modern governments use. Furthermore, US citizens do have more direct input than just 4 year votes by way of recalls, referenda and initiatives.
The idea that oil played a factor in our decision was never a big secret; Wolfowitz made it a point early on that Iraq's oil revenue should help fund the war and for people who consider our action a service, then it makes sense. That doesn't necessarily mean it was the purpose, but that it did factor into our decision.
Anyways, this is irrelevant to HeadBangaa's problem. I think military service is an excellent crucible for later in life and they'll hook you up afterwards as well. I can see why someone might consider it unethical to become a cog in the system but that's really up to each person to decide. And if you feel that way, is there an obligation to join in order to make the system more ethical?
EDIT: I guess it depends on what you do but private entities do pay much better but they usually recruit people the military has already trained, which honestly seems dishonorable to me. The military invests a million dollar into their specialists and then they get bought from Blackwater for absurd salaries.
Go Air Force officer program because you already have a bachelor's.
I joined the military right out of high school because I've always felt that people have a duty to serve their country. Over twenty countries, three languages, one hot fiance, and six years later, it turned out to be a pretty solid decision.
Now I'm jobless, but because I decided to go back to college (hell, they're paying me free money monthly as long as I'm enrolled; how can you beat that?) rather than continuing working. (I got offered many jobs when I got out of the military, one almost immediately - working on satellites for NASA - and others shortly after, all starting at about 70k/year with the likelihood of continuing increase). The military can open a lot of doors for you, physically, mentally, and socially. I forged a lot of great friendships in the military and many useful contacts while in it, and now after it; whenever it comes up that I'm a veteran, I always get offered jobs by people I don't even know. This has happened like five times already at a sports bar my Dad and I go to.
Edit: Yea, Jibba, I got offered like 150k to spend one year (with 30 days vacation at the six month period) in Iraq or Afghanistan with a private company because of my expertise with tactical satellites. Private companies pay absurd amounts!
On November 04 2008 22:30 Hawk wrote: Nice pic, haha.
Personally, given the instability of the world now, I wouldn't join. But hey, respect for your decision. I'd think it out a lot though.
But yeah, you get more technical jobs in the air force. I'll give my buddy a call, he's in year two now and he's moved his way up in the air force. He was working on jets for a while, but coordinates airstrikes now I think. And I'm almost positive the bachelor's will make you officer when you go in. Again, ask, but you're better off asking a friend who is in, as opposed to a recruiter. They're paid to sell you shit, just like car salesmen =]
The shitty thing is though, and I'm sure you've heard this, is that the military doesn't care what YOU want, it goes by what they need. So you could sign up for one thing, but if there's a shortage of meat, they might stick you elsewhere. I don't know if that means you could sign as a Air Force guy and end up an infantry grunt, but you're not necessarily gaurenteed anything.
Yeah I've heard some horror stories here and there. Most of the military people I know were Navy or Marines, and didn't get their ideal jobs. I'm hoping that degree gives an advantage :O
Joining as an officer would be awesome, I was looking at their pay scale:
Officers start at minimum salary 30,668, not bad. I'm below poverty level right now; that would be high life!
in no time you have BS degree for CS. And you will definitely make more than a measily 30k. Right now my payrate is equivalent to 60k a year(tax not calculated) and I'm only half way to BS degree.
BTW the Air Force may not be as exciting as it might be. With your degree I suggest applying as a programming/techie for them. But as an officer.. i think that's a waste.
Be sure to roll as an officer. I have friends in all branches of the military, including Air Force officer. You're good to go for like at least 4 years of good pay if you're really willing to make the commitment. Apparently the officer boot camp isn't that bad either, just tedious as fuck. (Compared to the Marines, let's say.) There's tech jobs and whatnot, but in all honesty, the 'thrill' of serving your country will likely thaw after a short while of doing your roundabout job on base.
That's just my 2 cents. Good pay, good security, good conditions, but all in all, it's just another job. It just has USA stamped on it. That is, unless you want to be a pilot or something like that... In that case fucking go for it.
On November 05 2008 03:16 Rayzorblade wrote: Go Air Force officer program because you already have a bachelor's.
I joined the military right out of high school because I've always felt that people have a duty to serve their country. Over twenty countries, three languages, one hot fiance, and six years later, it turned out to be a pretty solid decision.
Now I'm jobless, but because I decided to go back to college (hell, they're paying me free money monthly as long as I'm enrolled; how can you beat that?) rather than continuing working. (I got offered many jobs when I got out of the military, one almost immediately - working on satellites for NASA - and others shortly after, all starting at about 70k/year with the likelihood of continuing increase). The military can open a lot of doors for you, physically, mentally, and socially. I forged a lot of great friendships in the military and many useful contacts while in it, and now after it; whenever it comes up that I'm a veteran, I always get offered jobs by people I don't even know. This has happened like five times already at a sports bar my Dad and I go to.
Edit: Yea, Jibba, I got offered like 150k to spend one year (with 30 days vacation at the six month period) in Iraq or Afghanistan with a private company because of my expertise with tactical satellites. Private companies pay absurd amounts!
On November 04 2008 22:30 Hawk wrote: Nice pic, haha.
Personally, given the instability of the world now, I wouldn't join. But hey, respect for your decision. I'd think it out a lot though.
But yeah, you get more technical jobs in the air force. I'll give my buddy a call, he's in year two now and he's moved his way up in the air force. He was working on jets for a while, but coordinates airstrikes now I think. And I'm almost positive the bachelor's will make you officer when you go in. Again, ask, but you're better off asking a friend who is in, as opposed to a recruiter. They're paid to sell you shit, just like car salesmen =]
The shitty thing is though, and I'm sure you've heard this, is that the military doesn't care what YOU want, it goes by what they need. So you could sign up for one thing, but if there's a shortage of meat, they might stick you elsewhere. I don't know if that means you could sign as a Air Force guy and end up an infantry grunt, but you're not necessarily gaurenteed anything.
Yeah I've heard some horror stories here and there. Most of the military people I know were Navy or Marines, and didn't get their ideal jobs. I'm hoping that degree gives an advantage :O
Joining as an officer would be awesome, I was looking at their pay scale:
Officers start at minimum salary 30,668, not bad. I'm below poverty level right now; that would be high life!
in no time you have BS degree for CS. And you will definitely make more than a measily 30k. Right now my payrate is equivalent to 60k a year(tax not calculated) and I'm only half way to BS degree.
BTW the Air Force may not be as exciting as it might be. With your degree I suggest applying as a programming/techie for them. But as an officer.. i think that's a waste.
I'm a bit confused. I thought you had to either sign up as "enlisted" or "officer". They have tech/programming jobs that are neither?
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On November 05 2008 01:58 VegeTerran wrote: Don't. Just don't. There's nothing admirable in following orders in a system of lies and deceit.
I'm not in the air force, but I'm going to try to tell my uncle's story the best I can.
He is a programmer, I think it is a BA in CS like you, and he worked on designing the first stealth bomber, the f14 I think. He got paid very well, never saw combat, got good job offers after he left the service (works as a military contractor and manager at some place where they do a lot of programming), and completely destroyed his first marriage because he was gone for six days at a time.
I was just chatting with an AF recruiter online and found out that my school's (UCSD's) Computer Science program is not accredited by some third party called "ABET". Even the shitty State school down the street is ABET accredited, most other UC campuses, too. I think the problem is that the CS program at my school is so new, and the facilities are < 3 yrs old. Accreditation was last sought in 2003 here.
As a result, I cannot directly apply to technical positions in the Air Force.
I can still enlist as an officer because i have a bachelor's... but I don't think I'll join if I can't be used to do what I'm best at....
Huk save ur soul! don't sell it! Why is military so well paid is that you're selling yourself to fit into a giant machine which you have nothing to say about how it should run. It'll be bad for ur health... Just find a good job, raise kids and family and smoke weed and have fun.
This is some good advice from a friend who has had a family history of people joining the military: "if you have any doubt whatsoever, any doubt at all, then don't even consider joining the military." Think about it, you are going to be spending all of your time with some small breaks in between to serve in the military. This is the same level as a life commitment, and you never know for sure what you will be doing. Talk to family about it too.
My brother just joined the RAF Regiment and will possibly be going to Iraq or Afghanistan in the not too distant future. He's definitely the type of guy that's suited to some kind of military service so I think he'll do alright. I, on the other hand, am not so up for it.
EPT![[image loading]](http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5184/fuckyeahww3.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/9811/airforcepayscalexw7.png)
