Considering the Army.

dad · 04-27-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STi 5

I guess it all depends on what you like to do, what would your ideal job be in the military? Then let that determine what branch you would want to go in. If you wanna fly helicopters...well, the Army is your best bet. If you wanna be on the front lines w/ a rifle in your hands, then go for the Marines. If you want to work with computers, or fly the latest cutting edge fighters, go for the Air Force, Etc Etc Etc. Don't listen to the clowns that say "your not a man unless you are a grunt." That is complete and utter horse****. Not everyone enjoys the sound of bullets flying over their head, me included. I've been in the Air Force for 12 years now and assembling the bombs, missiles, and loading bullets for the F-16 in the rear with the gear is fine by me. Make fun of me all you want, but I love my job just fine.

Worst thing you can do is going into something like this, enlist in a certain service and job and hate it for 4-6 years. Think long and hard about what YOU want to do now and in the future, cause chances are, if your job carries over into the private sector, you can also make good money doing the same thing you liked doing on the inside.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Your doing you duty, and that is what counts!

But damn, we missed out on retiring at age 37, and getting $3,000.00 a month for life!

STi 5 · 04-27-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red370

Dont let others sway your decision on your branch based on "if you dont wanna get shot at" or "you'll find more technical fields in this branch" type of comments, the Army has just the same or better opportunities believe me.

I know everyone is partial to their service, myself included, but you can't honestly say the Army has the same technical opportunities the Air Force does. The last time I checked, most of the stuff you guys get already says "Property of U.S. Air Force" on it. That and look at the Aviation aspect of it, I know the helicopters are pretty maintenance intense, and have a lot of good tech on them, but look at our jets and their weapons systems...no comparison. I'm not trying to start an Army vs Chair Force thread, (pun intended) I just don't agree with you telling him the Army has the same technical opportunities as the other branches, it's just not true and that isn't fair to him for the making of a very important decision!

With that being said all this goes to pot if the OP has no interest in a technical career field, so I'll shut up and let this get back on track.

zentropy · 04-27-2010, 04:07 PM

I appreciate everyone's responses thus far. Its an important to decision and i'm not taking it lightly. I was originally only interested in hearing about the Army in specific but because i'd like something more technical I am considering the Air Force as well. My dad is retired USAF and so I am familiar with the retiring at 38 idea. Please keep your comments coming.

Matt · 04-27-2010, 07:45 PM

I got out of the military after about 6 years. Honestly, it was the best decision I ever made in my life.

Now that I'm out, I'm 27, fully trained in Networking / Information Technology, and making great money. Not only that, but the values you live while in the military, should you take them seriously, follow you for life....and people notice.

As Red said, pick your job and stick to your guns. Score high enough on the ASVAB, and you shouldn't have a problem getting the job you want.

Go in knowing that Basic and AIT are going to be more mental than physical, and learn to listen well and pay attention to details.

If you end up retiring, lucky you. I work with nearly all retirees, and seeing how well-off they are with a retirement check, VA benefits, AND a huge contracting paycheck makes me so jealous. I was medically chaptered, so I didn't really get the option to stay in for 20.

Good luck. It'll change your life.

Lemers · 04-27-2010, 08:20 PM

Red370 said a lot of the advise I tell my soldiers. Main thing treat it like buying a car. Research it, don't just listen to the recruiter (salesman). Know your goals going into it. Different goals could be 20 yrs and retire to 4 yrs for the GI Bill for college. Some jobs are more marketable in the civilian world than others, but they all teach yu work ethics and leadership. If you do enlist don't enlist for long periods. Things in your life may change but also reenlistments give you chances to move, go to school, or get another bonus. Always remember military service is a life style not a job. When you're in the military it's 24/7.

PapoZalsa · 04-27-2010, 09:14 PM

Retired U.S. Army with over 20 yrs of Active Duty.

First, the Army or the Armed Forces is not for everyone. For sure after Basic and Advanced Training you will be go to Iraq or Afganistan. then if you are lucky Korea.

However, you get a lot of benefits for the Army. GI Bill, TSP, Medical, Dental, 100% Tuiton Assistance while in Active Duty and a lot more benefits

Try to get a job that you will have a future in the civilian field, for example IT, Aviation, etc. Don't let the recruiter suck yoi in to one of those need it MOSs.

Last, even that you sign for 4 or 6 yrs you are committed for 8yrs. Read the small prints!!

JB-370z · 04-27-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red370

shyt man, they are offering SF guys 70K+ just to reenlist in the warzone, insanity.

My life is worth more than 70k. However I got a buddy that is fl_lcked up in the head from being in war. Well two buddies, and the acohol flows everytime I see them. They pay one of them 2k a month as long as he goes and sees a shrink once a month. I guess its not a bad deal if you dont have to go to war and stay away from bad habbits that are brought on by boardom and other physical and mental hurdles. Also if you like the ladys good luck meeting them on the daily, well unless you like going the cyber route.
Its for some, and if you dont have it in you to take another route to sucsess or stability than it might be an option worth looking into. Whatever you do buddy I wish you luck.

Red370 · 04-28-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad

Staff Sergeant top pay after 6(six)years is 32 thousand. How are you making 60K+?

How much of a bonus do they pay you if you get zentropy to enlist?

GoArmy.com > Benefits > Money > Basic Pay: Active Duty Soldiers

Thats base pay fella, you must be a military expert, I respect my elders but you have ZERO clue what you're talking about. My base pay is 44k with an additional $1400 a month for housing allowance and $350 more a month for additional duty pay. If you're not in the military or have been within the last 15 years, then please keep your comments to yourself.

Red370 · 04-28-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PapoZalsa

I don't think so, check your facts. Deployments to war and that extra money you get doesn't have anything to do with your retirement. Unless you Retired CSM with like 28 yrs in the Army you will not be getting $3,000 a month in retirement.

I did over 20 yrs Active Duty and don't get pay close to $3,000 a month.

Actually my warrant packet recently got accepted, i'll be retiring as a W3 minimum, YES, I will be collecting 3k a month for sitting on my ass or more, man you guys are experts here. None of you know me or my life, I gave the guy info on what he can accomplish with his career, thanks for the advice. And as far as the Army not having technical careers...Military Intelligence comes with a top secret clearance, and there are countless jobs in that field. You could also be a topographic surveyor... there are tons of communications jobs, satellite communications, fiber optic repair, etc. Flight Officer of an Apache helicopter (no air force stamp on that buddy), the possibilities are endless, dont listen to the AF or Navy BS when it comes to technical jobs, being an in flight fueler just SCREAMS technical to me... Oh, maybe you can be an F16 mechanic or a load master! lmao.

Lemers · 04-28-2010, 01:33 PM

Yeh and that isn't even adding in the medical care and other bennifits of military service.

Lemers · 04-28-2010, 01:37 PM

How about this. With 10 yrs of service I make more base pay than SGM with 20 yrs of service.

PapoZalsa · 04-28-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemers

How about this. With 10 yrs of service I make more base pay than SGM with 20 yrs of service.

Yeah ok, WHATEVER!!!!!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red370

Thats base pay fella, you must be a military expert, I respect my elders but you have ZERO clue what you're talking about. My base pay is 44k with an additional $1400 a month for housing allowance and $350 more a month for additional duty pay. If you're not in the military or have been within the last 15 years, then please keep your comments to yourself.

Please, give me a break! Now from retirement pay the topic change to basic pay.

Anyone can go to the military pay chart and see what the active duty get pay, plus all the incentives.

So don't try to insult people here, ok! Especially those who served in the military and deserved the same respect as you do!

Lemers · 04-28-2010, 03:36 PM

You're sooooooooooooooo good at looking up military pay charts. Then look this up O3 with 10 yrs of service and E9 with 20 yrs of service. My base pay works out to $178.50 more a month. That's $2142 a year more.

PapoZalsa · 04-28-2010, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemers

You're sooooooooooooooo good at looking up military pay charts. Then look this up O3 with 10 yrs of service and E9 with 20 yrs of service. My base pay works out to $178.50 more a month. That's $2142 a year more.

And you soooooooooo sensitive, must be a Captain!

BTW, that E9 is the one that is going to teach you everything you will ever know in the military.

dad · 04-28-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red370

Thats base pay fella, you must be a military expert, I respect my elders but you have ZERO clue what you're talking about. My base pay is 44k with an additional $1400 a month for housing allowance and $350 more a month for additional duty pay. If you're not in the military or have been within the last 15 years, then please keep your comments to yourself.

First you posted you made 60k+! Now it's 44k , plus now you're including housing allowance, and duty pay!

04-27-2010, 04:07 PM	#18 (permalink)
zentropy Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Irving, Texas Posts: 407 Drives: 2013 Ford Focus ST Rep Power: 16	I appreciate everyone's responses thus far. Its an important to decision and i'm not taking it lightly. I was originally only interested in hearing about the Army in specific but because i'd like something more technical I am considering the Air Force as well. My dad is retired USAF and so I am familiar with the retiring at 38 idea. Please keep your comments coming. __________________ Stillen CBStillen G3Stillen bumperCobb HFCTein BasicsVossen CV35% TintLED Bulbs http://www.facebook.com/groups/The370ZDfw http://www.facebook.com/paul.lum

04-27-2010, 07:45 PM	#19 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 42 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 19	I got out of the military after about 6 years. Honestly, it was the best decision I ever made in my life. Now that I'm out, I'm 27, fully trained in Networking / Information Technology, and making great money. Not only that, but the values you live while in the military, should you take them seriously, follow you for life....and people notice. As Red said, pick your job and stick to your guns. Score high enough on the ASVAB, and you shouldn't have a problem getting the job you want. Go in knowing that Basic and AIT are going to be more mental than physical, and learn to listen well and pay attention to details. If you end up retiring, lucky you. I work with nearly all retirees, and seeing how well-off they are with a retirement check, VA benefits, AND a huge contracting paycheck makes me so jealous. I was medically chaptered, so I didn't really get the option to stay in for 20. Good luck. It'll change your life. __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.

04-27-2010, 08:20 PM	#20 (permalink)
Lemers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Izmir, Turkey Posts: 15,371 Drives: 2012 Traverse LTZ Rep Power: 53	Red370 said a lot of the advise I tell my soldiers. Main thing treat it like buying a car. Research it, don't just listen to the recruiter (salesman). Know your goals going into it. Different goals could be 20 yrs and retire to 4 yrs for the GI Bill for college. Some jobs are more marketable in the civilian world than others, but they all teach yu work ethics and leadership. If you do enlist don't enlist for long periods. Things in your life may change but also reenlistments give you chances to move, go to school, or get another bonus. Always remember military service is a life style not a job. When you're in the military it's 24/7. __________________ 2010 Black Cherry Touring/Sport/Nav Now - 2012 Travese LTZ until I leave for Turkey

04-27-2010, 09:14 PM	#21 (permalink)
PapoZalsa A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Not in Sunny Florida Posts: 6,358 Drives: 16 Nismo w/Tech Pack Rep Power: 4500	Retired U.S. Army with over 20 yrs of Active Duty. First, the Army or the Armed Forces is not for everyone. For sure after Basic and Advanced Training you will be go to Iraq or Afganistan. then if you are lucky Korea. However, you get a lot of benefits for the Army. GI Bill, TSP, Medical, Dental, 100% Tuiton Assistance while in Active Duty and a lot more benefits Try to get a job that you will have a future in the civilian field, for example IT, Aviation, etc. Don't let the recruiter suck yoi in to one of those need it MOSs. Last, even that you sign for 4 or 6 yrs you are committed for 8yrs. Read the small prints!! __________________ 2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

04-28-2010, 01:33 PM	#25 (permalink)
Lemers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Izmir, Turkey Posts: 15,371 Drives: 2012 Traverse LTZ Rep Power: 53	Yeh and that isn't even adding in the medical care and other bennifits of military service. __________________ 2010 Black Cherry Touring/Sport/Nav Now - 2012 Travese LTZ until I leave for Turkey

04-28-2010, 01:37 PM	#26 (permalink)
Lemers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Izmir, Turkey Posts: 15,371 Drives: 2012 Traverse LTZ Rep Power: 53	How about this. With 10 yrs of service I make more base pay than SGM with 20 yrs of service. __________________ 2010 Black Cherry Touring/Sport/Nav Now - 2012 Travese LTZ until I leave for Turkey

04-28-2010, 03:36 PM	#28 (permalink)
Lemers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Izmir, Turkey Posts: 15,371 Drives: 2012 Traverse LTZ Rep Power: 53	You're sooooooooooooooo good at looking up military pay charts. Then look this up O3 with 10 yrs of service and E9 with 20 yrs of service. My base pay works out to $178.50 more a month. That's $2142 a year more. __________________ 2010 Black Cherry Touring/Sport/Nav Now - 2012 Travese LTZ until I leave for Turkey

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