Quote:
Originally Posted by Hey-Hof
Kind of long but here it goes.
As a retired Air Force Master Sergant, I am prejudiced towards my branch of service. Why did I join the AF? It seemed that I needed direction in my life other than the one I was going in. And let me tell you I was definitely headed down the wrong street. After lots of research, I found that the AF had more jobs that I qualified for based on the ASVAB scores (Military recruiting tests) that would directly relate to the outside or civilian world. Just in case I didnt like the military or things just didn't work out, I wanted to learn a skill so as to market myself after the military. I agree that the Marines are a breed apart and deserve all the respect they can get. But I can be selfish too. I looked at it from the aspect of what was best for me. Recruiters will promise all kinds of jobs and tell you how that particular military job will relate to the outside world. But how much time will be spent in that job, if you get the job you want, rather than doing miltary training or war skills training? My experience in the AF was you did the job you recruited into way more than war skills training.
The education opportunities are pretty much standard for all branches. However, it's kind of hard to go to school if you spend a lot of time deployed to the desert or out on training exercises. My opinion is the AF is as close to a 9-5 job as you can get and still be in the military.
So, what first? Your son needs to study for the ASVAB and see what jobs he qualifies for. The ASVAB will give a score for General jobs, Electrical type jobs, Mechanical jobs, Administrative jobs, etc. You can actually get a book from the library to help study for the ASVAB. Recruiters dont really like it when people do their homework and check into what the other branches offer. But one branch may offer the job he is interested in rather than another. Dont let a recruiter push him into something he may regret later. It's kind of like dealing with a car salesman--dont be afraid to walk away.
So what can I tell you as a parent to make you not worry so much? Military training is second to none. Technology is saving our soldiers lives more and more. From weapons to camo, unmanned aircraft, to super up-armored vehicles. Technology is getting better all the time.
I have much respect for all branches. Each branch serves a specific function to the security of our nation and it's war fighting capabilites. We cannot function effictively even if we were missing just one branch. It just so happens that the AF was what worked best for me.
If he can get in as a Warrent Officer of Officer, that would definitely be the way to go.
I hope this helps.
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Retired Navy enlisted myself, 20 years submarine nuclear power.
What's quoted above is the BEST advice posted so far on this thread. My only addition to this would be to have someone who has served before, who is familiar with dealing with recruiters, and whom you trust, to go with your son and be there the whole time listening while he is dealing with the recruiter.
Some recruiters seemingly have no morals and could give a crap what type of military job they sign people up for, as long as they get the feather in their cap for signing someone up for an undermanned MOS/NEC. When they see said young person come walking in with a veteran in tow - particularly someone from the same branch of service - the recruiter knows he'd be well advised to stick to the truth and speak honestly, or said veteran will call BS and likely call the whole deal off.
Having someone with prior service go with your son to talk to the recruiter, will help ensure that your son will be able to get into a program/military occupation that matches up with his prior education and experience, something he's interested in, and offers training he will be able to make use of later on - and not get hornswaggled by the recruiter and signed up to be nothing more than a grunt rifleman.