OT: off to meps to join the air force

[k0ruptr]

needless to say, im nervous as heck. Gotta take my asvab when i get to oahu today, and then tomorrow take my physical , pick my job, and swear in.
im this nervous and i probably wont leave for basic for another 4 months, eeeeek. lol

[The_herd]

Good luck. The process wasn't too bad on the Army side of things, so I'm sure you'll be fine. And it could be worse, I decided to look into joining the Army, went to MEPS 2 days later, and was told I had 10 days before shipping off to Missouri for Basic Training.

I also advise you to pick your job without the influence of the people there. Their job is to try to steer you toward jobs with a shortage of manpower, but make sure you're comfortable with your decision before going any further.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by The_herd

I also advise you to pick your job without the influence of the people there. Their job is to try to steer you toward jobs with a shortage of manpower, but make sure you're comfortable with your decision before going any further.

Ditto.

[damnMikeBrown]

MEPS is a long, long day. Get up extremely early, and get ready to just hit the lines all day long.

Air Force basic? I'm pretty sure that consists of checking for a pulse and learning how to push a button.

[The_herd]

Originally Posted by damnMikeBrown

Air Force basic? I'm pretty sure that consists of checking for a pulse and learning how to push a button.

[The_herd]

Dola

I'm at Lackland AFB now, I'm pretty certain that's where you'll be for Basic. So if you ever want to sneak away for a beer, just look me up (unless you're underage, if so, can't help ya).

[Calis]

Yeah, you'll go to Lackland. Only place we send 'em.

Definitely have an idea what you want to do job-wise going down there. You will get screwed otherwise. Seen it happen to too many people.

3 jobs I'd steer clear of are SP, Crew Chief, and CE. I'm sure they'll be pushing at least the first two of those.

Don't sweat basic too much, I went there straight out of High School, never having been away from home. It was a bit of a shock, but looking back at it now it really was pretty easy. Just keep a low profile and be quiet, there were always be some people that will manage to draw most of the attention to themselves.

It's also only 6 weeks, so just remember that..it goes by quick. I wouldn't worry about it too much though, just be ready for a lot of screaming, yelling, and folding clothes for hours and hours on end, you'll be fine.

[Poli]

My camp wasn't much harder.

[Noop]

Don't join man go to college or something don't let it be your only option. If all else fails you can do porn you get paid for getting laid and if you invest in those pills that enlarge your friend. You just my get to the top of the business



noop

[MrBug708]

My HS made me take it. I got a 98 and they called me like 5 times a week. I guess that's how a 5 star recruit feels

[tucker342]

Originally Posted by damnMikeBrown

MEPS is a long, long day. Get up extremely early, and get ready to just hit the lines all day long.

Air Force basic? I'm pretty sure that consists of checking for a pulse and learning how to push a button.

LOL

I hope things go well for you k0ruptr.

[Fritz]

edit: dummy question, didn't read enough.

Good luck with your training. Save money every chance you get. Don't go get high interest loans on cars. Don't get married for while. Resist the urge to be dumb ass. Do what your noncoms say. keep a good haircut and look sharp whenever you are in uniform. Put you cover on outside and take it off inside. And for gosh sake, don't go walking around K-Mart in your BDUs like every other slack fucker.

Thanks for your future service.

Originally Posted by k0ruptr

needless to say, im nervous as heck. Gotta take my asvab when i get to oahu today, and then tomorrow take my physical , pick my job, and swear in.
im this nervous and i probably wont leave for basic for another 4 months, eeeeek. lol

[Fritz]

And you didn't even have stress cards (did you)?

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

My camp wasn't much harder.

[Poli]

Originally Posted by Fritz

And you didn't even have stress cards (did you)?

I had the predecessor, the "Blues" card. It was pretty sad.

[Calis]

When did this whole stress card thing start?

I must've got done just before it started it up, as I went Dec of 2000 and we didn't have them. I can't imagine that.

I'm just trying to picture the TI's actually caring about it, most of the "rules" they had to follow don't seem to actually apply in practice.

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

I had the predecessor, the "Blues" card. It was pretty sad.

When are you going to get Norfolk duty anyway?

[Poli]

Originally Posted by Fritz

When are you going to get Norfolk duty anyway?

I hope I never get it again.

I was stationed out there for two years on a frigate. It'd be cool to meet up with you, though.

My wife still goes back to the area on business...I've thought I might accompany her some time if I had some days off. Highly doubtful in the near future since I've taken 46 days of leave this fiscal year. The great part is that I have some 28 days or so left on the books.

The stress card and blues card are Navy deals, as far as I know.

The blues card had things to try and pick up your spirit, and told you if you ever felt down to let a chaplain or RDC (recruit division commander) know.

I hear now a days that the 0400 to 2200 days are over as well.

[FargoFreez aka fof playa]

Those at MEPS fucking blow. Went off to basic training in Lackland back in June of 2002. Got through about two and a half weeks only to have a second eye test done by a Major (more like a major dumbass) and was told that my eyesite didn't meet minimum Air Force standards. And no I wasn't training to become a pilot. The first eye test was done at MEPS. Low and behold, the major was tipped off since I had the worst possible vision you could have and still get by. So it's not so bad, right? Wrong. I get sent to the fucking 319th. I'm sure that a few of you have heard about the 319th. It's where all the cripples, the "suicidals", the "I lied when I said I never did drugs besides marijuana", and your everyday hazers get sent. So here I am with a bunch of fucking lunatics getting treated like I'm a defector. Got to stay there in what's basically a rotting prison for another two and a half weeks. Suffice to say, I'm still very bitter about all of this to this day. Besides the 4-5 weeks I wasted in Texas, my life before and after this was significanly altered. I felt like I let my parents down and everyone else who was so proud of me when I decided to go into the Air Force. Felt like a fuck-up.

I'm sorry if this steps on anyone's toes. Obviously not everyone goes through or hears of this sort of experience. I know there is good men and women in the armed forces and still have respect for those who remain true to their cause.

But fuck MEPS and fuck their stupid quota.

Excuse me. I was just thinking out loud.

[The_herd]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

The stress card and blues card are Navy deals, as far as I know.

The Army tested the stress card for a cycle or 2 of Basic Training. Late '98 maybe?

[The_herd]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

I hear now a days that the 0400 to 2200 days are over as well.

The Army had to get rid of shake-down I've heard. 3 of the worst hours of my life. My company probably lost at least 15 people from these first hours.

[Poli]

Originally Posted by FargoFreez aka fof playa

Those at MEPS fucking blow. Went off to basic training in Lackland back in June of 2002. Got through about two and a half weeks only to have a second eye test done by a Major (more like a major dumbass) and was told that my eyesite didn't meet minimum Air Force standards. And no I wasn't training to become a pilot. The first eye test was done at MEPS. Low and behold, the major was tipped off since I had the worst possible vision you could have and still get by. So it's not so bad, right? Wrong. I get sent to the fucking 319th. I'm sure that a few of you have heard about the 319th. It's where all the cripples, the "suicidals", the "I lied when I said I never did drugs besides marijuana", and your everyday hazers get sent. So here I am with a bunch of fucking lunatics getting treated like I'm a defector. Got to stay there in what's basically a rotting prison for another two and a half weeks. Suffice to say, I'm still very bitter about all of this to this day. Besides the 4-5 weeks I wasted in Texas, my life before and after this was significanly altered. I felt like I let my parents down and everyone else who was so proud of me when I decided to go into the Air Force. Felt like a fuck-up.

I'm sorry if this steps on anyone's toes. Obviously not everyone goes through or hears of this sort of experience. I know there is good men and women in the armed forces and still have respect for those who remain true to their cause.

But fuck MEPS and fuck their stupid quota.

Excuse me. I was just thinking out loud.

Hey buddy, it doesn't step on my toes, but I had to do some work to get in myself. I know almost exactly how you feel. If you want you can PM me and I'll fill you in on what happened and what I did to correct it.

[damnMikeBrown]

Shake down, is that when you get off the bus for the first time?

Hell, I don't think that stopped for a few days I went through a long time ago, well, seems like anyway. I went through Army Basic in the summer of '94 I believe it was.

Then it worked right into Drill & Ceremony. Nothing like 90+degree weather, sitting on a blacktop doing D&C with your rifle. Touch the barrel and -ouch-.

I dispised it for the first two weeks. Week one was the holding pen when you do in-processing. You're treated well, but like a piece of meat, if you catch my meaning. The next week was the hell week, the first real week with your Drill Sergeants. I didn't care for that too much either.

The worst part was maybe the 3rd day the Drill Sergeants had us. We were doing a huge ass paperwork day, and part of it was listening to the Chaplain speak for what seemed like 4 hours. His topic? Depression and suicide. I tell you what, if you weren't depressed heading in, you sure as hell were when you left.

The corner for me, was turned after I began to get the rhythm of how things worked. You're so harried that things seem random and, well, insane at first. After a bit of tme, I adjusted to the patterns. Once that happened, my mind started catching up to what was happening, and I actually had a blast. First 2 weeks though, I thought I'd made a huge ass mistake. Eight weeks in, and I didn't want to be doing anything else.

[Bearcat729]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

Hey buddy, it doesn't step on my toes, but I had to do some work to get in myself. I know almost exactly how you feel. If you want you can PM me and I'll fill you in on what happened and what I did to correct it.

Be warned, it involves a poodle, industrial lubricant, a shotgun and a years supply of Turtle Wax

[Poli]

Originally Posted by Bearcat729

Be warned, it involves a poodle, industrial lubricant, a shotgun and a years supply of Turtle Wax

Wow, Paul. That was years ago. How did you remember that?

[mauchow]

I took my ASVAB in high school and got scores off the charts...

Needless to say I got many calls weeks later asking if they could come visit me. I say sure, why not. One thing I guess they didn't know is that I have hearing aids. And people with hearing aids aren't allowed to go into the Army or anything of the sort.

Well, they come over to my house one afternoon, and they gave me a BLANK stare as I let them into the house. We talked for a good half hour, they left, and I never heard from them again. They liked my scores! But not me.

Anyways, this isn't about me. Good luck

[maxwarrior]

Nothing to fear from Basic. They just want to make you all equal. The haircuts, same clothes, etc. They also are testing your ability to handle stress. It's a piece of cake. Fold like they want and remember it's not personal. I've got 20 years in the Air Force and counting. It has it's drawbacks, but I love the job. I wouldn't trade it for anything. The benefits are better every day.

[Young Drachma]

Originally Posted by Fritz

edit: dummy question, didn't read enough.

Good luck with your training. Save money every chance you get. Don't go get high interest loans on cars. Don't get married for while. Resist the urge to be dumb ass. Do what your noncoms say. keep a good haircut and look sharp whenever you are in uniform. Put you cover on outside and take it off inside. And for gosh sake, don't go walking around K-Mart in your BDUs like every other slack fucker.

Thanks for your future service.

Haha.....Yeah, I have to agree here. Especially the whole don't get married thing. Keep your credit in good shape and yes, save your money.

Wow, I didn't realize so many people on this board had been/are in the Air Force. I'm surprised more and more by this place everyday. In a good way...(like you care)

I was in from '98-'02....best of luck to you!

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Good Luck Bud!
Ah I remember MEPS ..... one f my most vivid experiences in the military ....though it was over 4 years ago I can still remember everything ....even the doctor who told us to spread our cheeks . Good Luck and if you can go into The Chemical Corps ,dont know what the AF calls that MOS ...Oh and dont let those recruiters there haggle you ....remember you are the potential recruit ..

[RawIsDan]

Originally Posted by ardent enthusiast

I hope I never get it again.

I was stationed out there for two years on a frigate. It'd be cool to meet up with you, though.

My wife still goes back to the area on business...I've thought I might accompany her some time if I had some days off. Highly doubtful in the near future since I've taken 46 days of leave this fiscal year. The great part is that I have some 28 days or so left on the books.

The stress card and blues card are Navy deals, as far as I know.

The blues card had things to try and pick up your spirit, and told you if you ever felt down to let a chaplain or RDC (recruit division commander) know.

I hear now a days that the 0400 to 2200 days are over as well.

Lol, they are creating a cream puff navy, I didn't have any "blue" cards when I went through. I got popped for not bringing my M-1 up smartly during a drill in camp.

As for Norfolk, I was stationed there for 6 years (89-95) aboard the JFK CV-67 and Nctams lant for 2 years. I had a good time. Use to drive up to Georgetown in DC and party.

I also advise you to pick your job without the influence of the people there. Their job is to try to steer you toward jobs with a shortage of manpower, but make sure you're comfortable with your decision before going any further.

He's right. They'll try it. If the girl had her way I would have gone to Deck. :P

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

Wow, I didn't realize so many people on this board had been/are in the Air Force. I'm surprised more and more by this place everyday. In a good way...(like you care)

I am not, and have never been, in the service. I guess you could say I'm a big fan...

[MacroGuru]

Well, first of all, Thank you all for what you have done for us.

Second, I took the ASVAB, scores off the charts. Failed the hearing test, told no one would take me.

Well, a year later, the Navy called me, had an offer for UDT for me, loved my scores, and it boiled down to, I didn't need my hearing underwater. At this point, I was engaged, in school, and getting on with my life. I told them thanks but no thanks.

6 months later, I received a letter from the US Navy, congratulating me on my choice of the Navy and I was due to report in 1 week, if I didn't, I was considered AWOL.

I spent that week on the phone, had a newlywed wife freaking out, that I was going to go and play with bombs.

Anyways, it was a paperwork mishap, but no one knows, how the hell my papers ended up where they were, for me to receive that letter. My wife, actually received a formal letter of apology from the U.S. Navy, I thought it was pretty cool of them to do that.

[Dutch]

Let us know how it turns out. Good Luck!

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by Dutch

Let us know how it turns out. Good Luck!

You know how it turns out. You end up living in some god forsaekn place called Barksdale hoping the gators don't eat your kids or pets.

[Dutch]

Yes, one of the wonderful things about the Military is you can go live in really cool places like Turkey and then go to Louisiana and wonder, "Why the Fuck does Ankara have 7-11's and Louisiana doesn't?" What's up with that???

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by Dutch

Yes, one of the wonderful things about the Military is you can go live in really cool places like Turkey and then go to Louisiana and wonder, "Why the Fuck does Ankara have 7-11's and Louisiana doesn't?" What's up with that???

If we still had the QOTM, I would put that up.

[Poli]

Originally Posted by indoorsoccersim

...I received a letter from the US Navy, congratulating me on my choice of the Navy and I was due to report in 1 week, if I didn't, I was considered AWOL.

That's where I messed up. I believed the letter.

[k0ruptr]

Thanks for all the remarks guys, got back last nite. got my physical/job interviewing/ almost everything done. but i had to take X rays on my back for scoliosis. they said its probably minor and I can just get a waiver. I didnt even know I had it until I got there. So I have to go back next week to get my job (hopefully 3c0x1 - computer operations.) and swear in.
P.S whats wrong with crew chief?

[Calis]

Being a 3C0X2, I'll say your choice sounds pretty good. I think you'll like the job.

Crew Chief might not be too bad if that's your thing. It's just crappy hours, crappy work conditions, and crappy everything. Most of the guys I know who are Crew Chiefs work on B-52, which is considered one of the worst jobs in the AF pretty much all around. It might not be as rough if you're working on other planes.

I just try and make it a point to stay away from the flight line, I had to do READY team augmentee out there quite a bit when the whole Afghanistan ordeal started, and it's not a place I'd want to work every day.

[Poli]

Interestingly enough, I just read an article about the year in review for Great Lakes.

(boot camp is here in Great Lakes)

They cut out on probably the worst week you have...service week. Who in the Navy doesn't remember service week and the sucky fun you had? All anyone in my division dreamed about was being able to be turnstile and be in control of the chow lines.

They cut that out in September of last year. Sissies.

Now, I've heard that they're getting rid of the march to the classroom. Always the adventure, you had to march completely around the classroom building. From there, you filed in, one at a time and marched in a military manner inside the building. Inside, you had to stay along the right side of the passageway's wall. Do something else and you were asking for it.

They've tossed this idea aside for a training classroom inside the recruit barracks, where they'll have individual computer learning stations.

Toss in the relaxed hours as compared to what I went through and the stress cards.

What for? To improve the amount of "training" each recruit receives, and to shorten boot camp 3 friggin' days.

Great, so the fleet is getting a recruit that is less disciplined. Perfect.

[HornedFrog Purple]

I hear now a days that the 0400 to 2200 days are over as well.

wusses...

Thanks for your service k0rupt.

There are a lot of military/ex military on this board.

Just remember, the Navy is part of the Marines not the other way around.

[detroit_fan]

As an ex SP STAY AWAY from that job!! Don't beleive any hipe they give you.

[detroit_fan]

oh and pack very lite when you go to basic. Shake down can be a bear if you have heavy bags.

[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by Dutch

Yes, one of the wonderful things about the Military is you can go live in really cool places like Turkey and then go to Louisiana and wonder, "Why the Fuck does Ankara have 7-11's and Louisiana doesn't?" What's up with that???

Obviously you never made it up to Ellsworth!