Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

[hitstreak13]

Hello,

As some may know, I used to work for the Quakes before I decided to quit and enter the military (as an Army officer). However, my PFT is in 2 weeks and as time progresses, I am getting much more nervous. Don't get me wrong, I don't have doubt about joining, but I am used to having a comfortable life with my girlfriend and all that is going to change as I must commit to them for 6 years. I guess I'm afraid of the unknown is all.

Anyone here from the military? I'm just a bit nervous and I wonder if I should have quit my job lol. I just felt that it was the right thing to do for me and my country. My younger brother is a marine officer and I notice a major difference in his life and how it has changed him for the better.

So, any advice guys? Damn, even the thought of missing out on the the show 12 at launch gives me the creeps .

Well, I hope all is well for everyone. Take care and God bless

[Knight165]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

Any way you decide to go...good luck.
It's a pretty big decision.


M.K.
Knight165

[hitstreak13]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

Any way you decide to go...good luck.
It's a pretty big decision.


M.K.
Knight165

Thanks knight, I've already commited (not officially) but I quit my job. Anyways, I've realized that every decision is big in one way or another as it can lead you to bigger and better things. Even something that may seem so subtle can have a profound impact.

But thanks. Should do well on my PFT.

[Buckeyes_Doc]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

That nervous feeling you have and your fear of the unknown is completely normal. Most people experience that entering the military. If you're not ready or if you need more time to make your decision talk to your recruiter about it, and see if they can push the date you leave for basic back to give you more time to make your decision.

[chilli311]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

I spent ten years in the military, and just recently gave it up (chose family over service). There are things that I saw and did that I may not agree with, but I don't regret one minute of my time in the service.

After your training period is over, you'll be fine.

[Segagendude]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

Try being fresh outta high school and off to boot camp just two months later....that was me in 1987. (USN)

Of course you're nervous, maybe even a little anxious. You're about to leave your "comfort zone" and enter the realm of the military. Being told what to do, how to do it and when to do it is different than anything you may have experienced thus far.

Best advice I can give-----don't give up. And make sure your girlfriend knows exactly what you're about to do and understands. You don't need any drama during Basic Training.

As far as quitting your job----- You need time to get your mind ready, spend time with family and your girl, and tie up any loose ends at home before leaving, so that was a good move on your part.

Again, things were different with me----I was a 19 yr old kid who had a part time job but still lived at home, so I had no "loose ends" to tie up. And my girl at the time was supportive of me througout my training, so that helped alot.

Good luck and thanks in advance for your service.

[ubernoob]

I'll go a couple ways with this, being an enlisted marine myself.

1) As a commissioned officer you are held to different standards. Not just because you're an officer, but because your legal standards are different than the enlisted side.

2) physical fitness is a must. A big, gigantic must. If you aren't the best in your platoon you will eventually get that's a big no no.

3) Be the consummate professional. You aren't there to be best friends with the enlisted. You're there to keep them alive and vice versa. There's nothing wrong with friendly conversations, especially once you get their respect, but show weakness off the bat and they will eat you alive. Been there.

4) Use your staff NCOs and NCOs. You should not have your fingers in everything the platoon does. That is what the NCOs are for. You will get your commission and have book knowledge. Your staff NCOs will have experience. Use them. Yes they work under you, but they have a wealth of knowledge that will ultimately make you better.

5) Understand that the brass on your collar means that some enlisted will look upon you with disdain. It is what it is.

6) Women come and go. If she doesn't respect your choice, she's not worth it. Your career and choice to join is a good one.

Congratulations, and good luck. If you want to talk some more feel free to PM me.

(my point of view on platoons and such is from a strictly infantry view. If you have other ideas in mind I can talk about my experiences there as well.)

Sent from Parts Unknown via Tapatalk.

[KingV2k3]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

Are you referring to the Psychobilly band, The Quakes?

If so, small world...a close friend's brother played drums in a short lived line up of theirs in the 90's...

And a guitar tech I know did some touring with them in Japan around the same time...

Either way:

Seems like the military is a much more stable career option than the shell of the former "music business"...



Good luck!

[hitstreak13]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

I'll go a couple ways with this, being an enlisted marine myself.

1) As a commissioned officer you are held to different standards. Not just because you're an officer, but because your legal standards are different than the enlisted side.

2) physical fitness is a must. A big, gigantic must. If you aren't the best in your platoon you will eventually get that's a big no no.

3) Be the consummate professional. You aren't there to be best friends with the enlisted. You're there to keep them alive and vice versa. There's nothing wrong with friendly conversations, especially once you get their respect, but show weakness off the bat and they will eat you alive. Been there.

4) Use your staff NCOs and NCOs. You should not have your fingers in everything the platoon does. That is what the NCOs are for. You will get your commission and have book knowledge. Your staff NCOs will have experience. Use them. Yes they work under you, but they have a wealth of knowledge that will ultimately make you better.

5) Understand that the brass on your collar means that some enlisted will look upon you with disdain. It is what it is.

6) Women come and go. If she doesn't respect your choice, she's not worth it. Your career and choice to join is a good one.

Congratulations, and good luck. If you want to talk some more feel free to PM me.

(my point of view on platoons and such is from a strictly infantry view. If you have other ideas in mind I can talk about my experiences there as well.)

Sent from Parts Unknown via Tapatalk.

Excellent, excellent, excellent advice man. Will definitely PM you man. Thanks alot. I kind of figured that the physical aspect would be huge which is why I've been going through programs such as p90x, insanity, etc. to try to get super fit because im not a naturally big guy. Trying to to go into Intel so we'll see. But will def. PM you man. Thanks!

[PVarck31]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

Are you referring to the Psychobilly band, The Quakes?

If so, small world...a close friend's brother played drums in a short lived line up of theirs in the 90's...

And a guitar tech I know did some touring with them in Japan around the same time...

Either way:

Seems like the military is a much more stable career option than the shell of the former "music business"...



Good luck!

I think he means the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. They are a single A team for the Angels. My friend played for the Quakes, by the way.

And good luck Hitstreak! You will be fine. Soon you will be posting here as an officer and telling us how it was the best decision of your life.

[hitstreak13]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

Try being fresh outta high school and off to boot camp just two months later....that was me in 1987. (USN)

Of course you're nervous, maybe even a little anxious. You're about to leave your "comfort zone" and enter the realm of the military. Being told what to do, how to do it and when to do it is different than anything you may have experienced thus far.

Best advice I can give-----don't give up. And make sure your girlfriend knows exactly what you're about to do and understands. You don't need any drama during Basic Training.

As far as quitting your job----- You need time to get your mind ready, spend time with family and your girl, and tie up any loose ends at home before leaving, so that was a good move on your part.

Again, things were different with me----I was a 19 yr old kid who had a part time job but still lived at home, so I had no "loose ends" to tie up. And my girl at the time was supportive of me througout my training, so that helped alot.

Good luck and thanks in advance for your service.

Yea, I spoke to her for a few hours in person and she is super supportive. She wanted to go into the Air Force when we started dating 5 years ago but couldn't because she had a few heart surgeries when she was a kid. Although she is healthy, I guess they didnt want to risk it. Anyways, everything is good thus far. I figured if my younger brother can be a marine officer, I can do the Army. I was trying to do marine, but they said im old lol (25). I know their cuttoff is 26, but Whatever. My bro is 22 so blah. Either way, we have the best Army in the world.

Thanks for the great advice

[KingV2k3]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

I think he means the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. They are a single A team for the Angels. My friend played for the Quakes, by the way.

And good luck Hitstreak! You will be fine. Soon you will be posting here as an officer and telling us how it was the best decision of your life.

Ah.."those" Quakes...



Thanks!

[hitstreak13]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

I think he means the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. They are a single A team for the Angels. My friend played for the Quakes, by the way.

And good luck Hitstreak! You will be fine. Soon you will be posting here as an officer and telling us how it was the best decision of your life.

Thanks man, and yes it was the RC Quakes. I love baseball with all my heart, but I needed more of a challenge and serving my country fits the bill. Once again, thanks for the kind words. This thread is making it easier for me. Thanks everyone who has responded.

[24]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

I have the Utmost respect for the men and women that serve this glorious nation. You guys keep us safe and give us security. If your feeling afraid don't worry about it myself and many others are behind you 100% of the way. It is the greatest honor to serve the United States of America and you get to experience it.

[HealyMonster]

Re: Guys, need advice- I'm nervous

Hello,

As some may know, I used to work for the Quakes before I decided to quit and enter the military (as an Army officer). However, my PFT is in 2 weeks and as time progresses, I am getting much more nervous. Don't get me wrong, I don't have doubt about joining, but I am used to having a comfortable life with my girlfriend and all that is going to change as I must commit to them for 6 years. I guess I'm afraid of the unknown is all.

Anyone here from the military? I'm just a bit nervous and I wonder if I should have quit my job lol. I just felt that it was the right thing to do for me and my country. My younger brother is a marine officer and I notice a major difference in his life and how it has changed him for the better.

So, any advice guys? Damn, even the thought of missing out on the the show 12 at launch gives me the creeps .

Well, I hope all is well for everyone. Take care and God bless

Hey man, I did 8.5 years in and spent a great deal of time as a recruiter. I'd be more than happy to give you any advice I can. Few things. First, the age requirement is 30 for the Marines as far as their officer program. Here is a link to some info: http://www.careersinthemilitary.com/...arines_officer You mentioned it was 26, and they said you were old, this isnt true, and if someone talked you out of the Marines based on age, I'd say you owe it to yourself to speak to someone else.

Secondly, you mentioned your PFT and being nervous. In what way are you nervous and where is this PFT taking place? You havent committed to anything and the Marines call it a PFT, in the Army its the APFT, and you wouldn't take anything official until right before you shipped out, but even then, they are extremely lenient as Basic Training and OSC should be more than enough to get you into tip top shape. I have never had anyone not ship out because of physical conditioning, and I have put in a lot of people.

My recommendation is if your stressing about physical ability, dont. Your training, as long as you give 100% while your there and dont mail it in, will be more than enough to get you into shape. Remember, if everyone who shipped out could do everything 100% they wouldn't waste as much time getting you guys into shape in boot camp.