Anyone Here in the US ARMY?

[Atomic Punk]

I might join tomorrow. Does anyone have any advice for me before I sign? I just need to get out of this town.

Also, how long until I can resume weight-lifting, after basic training is over? I realize I won't be able to lift during.

 

[MissJanet79]

I might join tomorrow. Does anyone have any advice for me before I sign? I just need to get out of this town.

Also, how long until I can resume weight-lifting, after basic training is over? I realize I won't be able to lift during.

For the LOVE of God...don't do it! LOL Sorry but my fiancé is in the Army Reserves - he'll be getting discharged soon though 'cause he really cannot stand it! The Army can be so disorganized, and it won't be like you thought it was going to be! Bootcamp is probably the only good thing about the army because it disciplines you. Other than that, if you're not crazy about getting deployed (either to Iraq or stateside), then don't do it! There are many people who actually WANT to be deployed.
My fiancé decided to get into the Army b/c he wanted to leave ATL & move to CHI to be w/ me. Which he could've done w/out the damn Army!
Whatever you decide to do, good luck! PM me if you have any questions!

 

[Atomic Punk]

Also, I would like to get trained as an Electrician. Is that possible in the Army?

 

[Atomic Punk]

For the LOVE of God...don't do it! LOL Sorry but my fiancé is in the Army Reserves - he'll be getting discharged soon though 'cause he really cannot stand it! The Army can be so disorganized, and it won't be like you thought it was going to be! Bootcamp is probably the only good thing about the army because it disciplines you. Other than that, if you're not crazy about getting deployed (either to Iraq or stateside), then don't do it! There are many people who actually WANT to be deployed.
My fiancé decided to get into the Army b/c he wanted to leave ATL & move to CHI to be w/ me. Which he could've done w/out the damn Army!
Whatever you decide to do, good luck! PM me if you have any questions!

I really need the discipline to be honest. I need this move in my opinion. I realize that it isn't glamorous, and I'm not expecting it to be either. I just need to get out of here.

 

[Silent Method]

What do you want to do in the Army? Why do you want to go into the Army?

Are you kidding about the last question? The answer is subjective. You may be ready to roll into the gym in superb condition upon graduation, or you may feel like taking a week or two off.

 

[Atomic Punk]

What do you want to do in the Army? Why do you want to go into the Army?

Are you kidding about the last question? The answer is subjective. You may be ready to roll into the gym in superb condition upon graduation, or you may feel like taking a week or two off.

I want to get trained in a field that I can actually use upon release. Like an Electrician. Yes, I was serious about the last question. Lifting is important to me, and I would just like to know where I stand with it before I enter into this.

 

[MissJanet79]

I really need the discipline to be honest. I need this move in my opinion. I realize that it isn't glamorous, and I'm not expecting it to be either. I just need to get out of here.

Well if you really think you NEED to be in the Army ...then I guess go for it. Just be aware that you can be deployed at any time. My fiancé's unit has 65% deployed...he's one of the "luckier" one's that has not. & his buddy from Bootcamp/Basic, is in Germany for a year! There's a lot to consider. Good luck!

 

[Silent Method]

Also, I would like to get trained as an Electrician. Is that possible in the Army?

Bro, do a bit more research before you sign up tomorrow.

If I were looking to get training as an electrician, I'd look into the Air Force. Yes, the Army can train you as one too, but the Air Force is on top in regard to technical training. In addition, if you look half-way promising in regard to sticking out the related training schools, you will be more likely to be able to actually stear your way to those schools in the Air Force. Not to mention the quality of life is a step up.

Do you have a degree of any kind? Why not go in with a commission?

 

[Atomic Punk]

Bro, do a bit more research before you sign up tomorrow.

If I were looking to get training as an electrician, I'd look into the Air Force. Yes, the Army can train you as one too, but the Air Force is on top in regard to technical training. In addition, if you look half-way promising in regard to sticking out the related training schools, you will be more likely to be able to actually stear your way to those schools in the Air Force. Not to mention the quality of life is a step up.

Do you have a degree of any kind? Why not go in with a commission?

I have 50 College Credits bro. I am too old to join the Air Force. I checked them first. My problem is that I need to get out of this area. I have gotten into the drug scene around here, but have given it up. I had a slipup recently, and don't want to go back to doing that type of thing. I just really feel the need to get the fuck out of here. It almost feels like a life/death decision. Trust me, the Army, at this point in my life, can NOT be a downgrade.

 

[Silent Method]

In regard to weight training, your ass will be doing conditioning oriented PT in boot - there will be plenty of resistance exercise. After boot you can lift on your own all you want for the most part.


Keep in mind, no matter what you go into, you will likely sifted into whatever position they need your ass to fill for a while - especcially in this climate. It's usually a struggle to get a crack at what you want to do. Again, the Air Force tends to be better in this regard.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Did my time.

Jeez I wish you asked me sooner.

Only advice I can give is

GET EVERYTHING YOUR RECRUITER SAYS WILL HAPPEN IN WRITING. IF THEY SAY IT, IT MEANS NOTHING. IF THEY WRITE IT, YOU CAN GET IT.

Lot of skills one can learn, ask your recruiter for as much information as you can get about all the skills. Don't let them give you the gung ho shit about infantry if you don't want to be a grunt. (I was that).

The Arm can change your life for the better. It can also put you in the middle of a lower-class group of assclowns hat routinely make the wrong decisions about anything.

My advice:

get as much info as you can

decide what you want to do

demand it and do not sign anything unless it articulates exactly what you want.

Join on your terms only.

 

[Silent Method]

One question. Are you willing to take the oath with your heart?

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Are you willing to serve, ready to fight if called upon? Right now it's very likely you will be.

 

[Atomic Punk]

One question. Are you willing to take the oath with your heart?

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Are you willing to serve, ready to fight if called upon? Right now it's very likely you will be.

If that's what it takes to get my life back ontrack, then yes bro. It's an even tradeoff then, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Atomic Punk]

Did my time.

Jeez I wish you asked me sooner.

Only advice I can give is

GET EVERYTHING YOUR RECRUITER SAYS WILL HAPPEN IN WRITING. IF THEY SAY IT, IT MEANS NOTHING. IF THEY WRITE IT, YOU CAN GET IT.

Lot of skills one can learn, ask your recruiter for as much information as you can get about all the skills. Don't let them give you the gung ho shit about infantry if you don't want to be a grunt. (I was that).

The Arm can change your life for the better. It can also put you in the middle of a lower-class group of assclowns hat routinely make the wrong decisions about anything.

My advice:

get as much info as you can

decide what you want to do

demand it and do not sign anything unless it articulates exactly what you want.

Join on your terms only.

That's what my Dad told me too bro. The Recruiter did say, that you get everything in writing too, so I have at least the heads up on that much. So it is possible to get tech training in the service then? I don't want to be a grunt.

 

[Silent Method]

I don't want to be a grunt.

One word: commission.

 

[Atomic Punk]

One word: commission.

Meaning?

 

[Deus Ex Machina]

atomic punk, answer your AIM... don't listen to some of the naysayers on here

 

[Silent Method]

Meaning?

A non-commission soldier, even the non-coms of rank, ARE grunts. Sure, there are more comfy positions than others, but the commissioned officer really seperates grunt from non-grunt. (Even if you don't call some of the non-commissioned officer positions a "grunt" position, it takes an enlisted man a while to get there.)

In the Army, you currently need a 4 year degree to go to officer training school or become a direct commission officer, or join the ROTC.....OR go to West Point.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Are you in college? Looking to get the college $$$?

I was an officer, infantry officer / Ranger, it;s just as much grunt work as the enlisted light infantryman.


Put the military in context - is it a career? A stepping stone to better things? Money for college?

If you don't have a long term plan, don't do it....

 

[Becoming]

You sound like a good dude atomic- good luck bro....

 

[Longhorn85]

It's not for everyone, but it has been a rewarding career for me (18.5) years so far. PM me if you have specific questions.

 

[Atomic Punk]

It's not for everyone, but it has been a rewarding career for me (18.5) years so far. PM me if you have specific questions.

Thanks big man. I realize we don't agree Politically, but you still come off as a smart, intelligent brother, despite being a Conservative. I have my appt. at 2PM. I'll post later what went down.

 

[dj1000]

Some interesting points so far. I joined the Air Force Air National Guard in Aug of 1996 and have been in ever since and plan on staying in until retirement. Came across some great opportunities to travel all over the world for some 2 week trips as well as some several month long deployments. I also got the opportunity to be hired on as a full time Federal employee. I work as an Aircraft Electrician so I can do my job for the airlines as well. I can honestly say that I love everything about my job and what I do for our country. I have gladly volunteered numerous times in the past few years to be sent over to Iraq and Afganistan to support the US. Yes, it meant leaving my family behind, but that is part of the job and they respect that.
Everyone has their complaints about the US Armed Forces, but it is all up to the individual as to what they want to get out of it.
I wish you the best of luck on whatever you decide and if you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

[The_Ghost]

I am in the KISS ARMY, guess that don't help eh?

 

[dj1000]

I am in the KISS ARMY, guess that don't help eh?

Maybe with QT.

 

[Atomic Punk]

It seems like a good deal. Hell, they pay for everything. If you live on base, you don't have rent. If you live off Base, and are married, they give you a housing subsity, food subsity, and other shit. What's so bad about that??

 

[dj1000]

You have to be able to take the ups with the downs. Active duty life may sound good, but it isn't pleasure island 24/7. Depends a lot on what base you get stationed at and who you work for. Good luck either way!

 

[Longhorn85]

Thanks big man. I realize we don't agree Politically, but you still come off as a smart, intelligent brother, despite being a Conservative. I have my appt. at 2PM. I'll post later what went down.

Thanks. Good Luck!

 

[Silent Method]

It seems like a good deal. Hell, they pay for everything. If you live on base, you don't have rent. If you live off Base, and are married, they give you a housing subsity, food subsity, and other shit. What's so bad about that??

Being poor.