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Abraham wrote:Just remember you enlisted.

No one forced you to take the oath.

Why do I say this?

Being constantly yelled at - madly rushed only to wait interminably - endless busy work - taking orders from folks you wouldn't socialize with in the real world and the list of other negatives stretches out quite far...

Get past this time, finally graduate from recruit and then see if you're still gung ho.

You very well may be and I hope you are, but I've seen more than one in the military start off with great enthusiasm and then think differently after experiencing a bit of it. Some are horribly chagrined to find their expectations quite different from what they imagined while others absolutely love it.

I hope you're in the love it category, cuz once in, you're in for what may seem a long, long stretch...

Welcome, once you actually get in and get past boot camp, to the brotherhood of US Veterans who have all written that blank check. I note that I enlisted 50 years ago next week, and survived boot camp and OCS, twice.

While boot camp makes it seem like everyone in the world has lost their minds, the only real goal is to get the young recruit used to attention to detail under pressure, to get used to teamwork. Once you clear that, it's a whole different ballgame. They'll make you do some things that seem unpleasant, but little in boot camp is actually dangerous. That comes later.

If they tell you your first job is to get in better shape, then you probably are not Ranger/SF/Recon material, or you would already be in better shape. Don't worry about the SEAL Challenge, either.

Pay attention, keep your mouth shut, unless a response is required, listen, listen listen, and don't ever leave your rifle unguarded, out of your possession.

I used to be able to tell upon meeting someone whether they had ever been in the military. Those carried themselves straighter, wasted less movement, more disciplined, more polite, more "squared away." It is a good experience, one you will never forget, friends you will never forget, if you live. And you will be eligible for USAA and the thanks of a grateful nation. Don't minimize that!

Good luck!

RiverCity.45 wrote:

jmra wrote:I think I would be tempted to look at something drone related. Seems to be where tech is going these days.

Drone related. That means Air Force pilot training if you mean you want to be the one flying the drone, rather than maintaining it or launching some of the smaller ones.

Slight drift!
I wish they would consider letting some of us old vets fly the drones. I wasn't a military pilot but have all the skills, instrument, multi engine etc., except carrier quals, and I can work cheap now

I was over at Yuma one day picking up our Mirage when a "gaggle" of Harriers came zooming in, showing off. Man, oh, man! I asked the Marine recruiter if I could re-up, but he said they have no jobs for old fat ex-Navy officers who think they know how to fly. What a pity! Anyway, I know I could handle the drones with very little check out. The great thing about flying the drones is that if you mess up you don't have to pick the gravel out of your teeth.

There are dozens, even hundreds, of us old vets who are pilots that would free up the young guys to fly real airplanes, earn promotions, lead, master PowerPoint, make the nation proud and qualify for USAA, like some of us did!

First of all good for you for being willing to serve and welcome, when you get there, to the brotherhood of veterans who have done so.

Military training doesn't hurt anybody. For all the bluff and bluster and saluting and cleaning and formality, what they are really trying to do is get you used to team work and attention to detail under pressure. Not bad skills to master!

If you are really really into it with firearms, I'd say join the Marines and shoot (pardon me!) for being an armorer. That seems to be gun smithing on steroids. The nice thing about being a Marine is that once a Marine, always a Marine, so you never have to re-enlist!

I was a Navy man myself, first as a radio operator in the reserves while in high school and college, then as an officer, although I didn't get to do much real Navy stuff. I got orders to shore duty in Coronado, CA in the middle of the VN war! Most of my experience was buying drinks for nurses. Still, I got VA benefits, the thanks of a grateful nation and eligibility for USAA! You will always remember the things you did, the buddies, the tough things, the stupid things that happen to you in the service. It can be very intense!

I enlisted 50 years ago this summer, and things have changed. I never thought in my wildest dreams I would lay eyes on a gorgeous chief petty officer, or be hugged by a Commander (O-5), and both have happened. I saw the chief in the grocery store here a few weeks ago, quite a looker! My daughter in law is the Commander.

Every service has its advantages and disadvantages. Whichever you pick, you can be proud and serve with enthusiasm.

Good luck!