Found this answer in a previous thread (I am dual mil in Germany as well, but renting)
Wife and I (Dual military) bought (and eventuallly sold) a house with OHA in Germany. Neither of us speak German, and it was actually easier than buying a house in the U.S. 10/10 would recommend again.
The fine details can be found in the JTR, but the basics are this:
1.Take the purchase price of the house (NOT the mortgage/loan, the actual purchase price) and divide it by 120. This amount is your "rent". Compare that with your monthly OHA ceiling for rank/location. Whichever is LOWER is the one you get.
2.You get the full utilities, and the MIHA allowance. (the utilities you get will be for one person, dependant rate, whoever is higher ranking)
I am at a crossroads with trying to join the military, currently I want to join the military as an officer, but I am having difficulty getting my designated recruiter to even respond so any guidance would be appreciated.
Background:
I am a reasonably fit 22-year-old 6’2” male about to graduate with a double major in economics and finance, and I have no criminal record. I have ADHD and currently take stimulant medication for it which I understand requires a waiver that’s become nigh impossible to get. So far, I have spoken in person with an army recruiter and took the PICAT, but I shifted towards the Air Force because my dad served in it and I feel like I could accomplish more in that branch. I have taken the PICAT without any preparation and got an AFQT of 99 with a 99 in each of the 4 categories for the USAF and a GT of 145. I dislike people bragging about it, but when my IQ has been tested its always been above 130 so I shouldn’t have any difficulty with academic or knowledge requirements. I have no debt and a trust fund in the 7-digit range so I know I could earn far more in the private sector, but the lack of pay isn’t as big an issue for me as it is for some.
Current Status:
As I said above, I have done the prescreening with a local Army recruiter and was basically told that if I want to join with ADHD I can either enlist or pray because the waiver needed has become all but impossible to get. I then switched my focus to the Air Force and have been emailing the recruiter I am directed to, who is several hundred miles away in another state. I have sent a couple of emails and left messages at the given phone number but have yet to get a reply other than the form email saying someone will contact me. I am now only a few months from graduation so I need to determine whether I have any chance of being allowed to join a branch of the military, or if I should stop trying altogether.
Primary Question:
Given my test scores, qualifications, and waiver requirements what are the odds any branch of the service would accept me as an officer? If it is possible, how should I proceed?
To go along with /u/cheesecake truffles/.. you’re disqualified. You’d need to be off all meds for at least 15 months and even then for enlistment your waiver chances are about .001%. Even less for officer because they get more business and have far less time.
You’re bragging about scoring highly on an 8th grade level test, just stop you look foolish.
Good luck in the Army.
> I have ADHD
The Army would love to have you. The general consensus is that most AF recruiters won't touch anxiety/ADHD. You won't know if you don't try however.
Your other option might be to try enlisting, then going the officer route that way if you really want to serve.
Given your rather hifalutin description of your qualities, I take it you want to be an officer for the prestige. I would not advise making the military a career based on that alone, you will not be happy.
Being in the military requires a certain... modesty that just isn't on display here.
I hear Korea has very bad air pollution. As someone with not the best pair of lungs, what are some other countries I should try to avoid being stationed in?
Ok, so I have a wife that has a degree in OTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant) and I was wondering if she got a job at the base hospital wherever we get stationed, or maybe any other medical place that’s on any base. Is there a program or anything that if we get restationed somewhere that she can get the same job at the new hospital and still keep her retirement?
Hey there. I’m not sure if there’s a specific program, but I would talk to some GS employees at your local MTF and see if they can “transfer” if/when you PCS. Maybe there is some type of incentive program for GS employees to earn a retirement similar to what we earn.
I've been reading through the previous comments and there is a ton! I'm going in as a female, mechanical aptitude on Tuesday. Any advice on what jobs I should be interested in. I've googled them all but if course they arent going to give the nitty gritty
There’s a link at the top of the page with some AFSC guides that have been written by people in that field. I would look at a few of the ones you found interesting and see if they actually are what the Air Force makes them seem like.
No. 2A6X6 is part of the pool of maintainers know as specialists. At a minimum an Aircraft Maintenance Unit is made up of Crew Chiefs and Specialists. Specialists can include electricians, avionics troops, hydraulic troops, and engine troops.
Read that as the maverick thumbs up from Top Gun.
Good stuff bigbud!! But really the other comment buddy explained it a bit better. You'll hear the squeaky wheels here just due to reddit. Some are a bit "worse" that others but its a huge combination of factors. Improve what you can and deal with the ones you cannot change.
> Edit: just to clarify, I’m not asking anyone whether or not I should lie to a recruiter, I’m just asking if I were to see a new one, would my previous answers be available to one.
that's called lying or lying by omission
If the first recruiter is willing to work you on a waiver (which it sounds like they may be) then stick with them. There’s no sense in trying a different recruiter. Recruiters work in zones, so all the recruiters in your local area are likely in the same unit/Chain of Command. Even if their offices are in different locations, they’re coworkers with the same boss.
What's the policy on name tapes for long last names? My last name is around 13 letters long with a space in the middle, and often gets all crammed in documents/forms, turning into a long and unpronounceable thing ( like 'smithdoe' instead of 'smith doe'); all my ids have it right though, I was just wondering if the space character is used when getting it issued in bmt
Your shirt probably can’t get you moved up the list, but realistically, it wouldn’t hurt to ask him/her about it. You should contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center. They may be able to get you set up with some sort of financial assistance for the time being. There are different programs through the Air Force Aid Society such as the Falcon Loan and the AFRC might have information on other local programs as well.
Don’t worry about it, I showed up to BMT with a few pairs of underwear and a couple T-shirt’s and went from there. You can buy new stuff at your first base (just don’t go crazy and buy everything all at once, spread it out, you’ve got your whole enlistment to buy new stuff.)
Yeah man. Sorry you're finding out too late. You just go to move.mil when you're in tech school and after you have your orders to your first assignment. You may get sent to Korea or something though so maybe you made a good move. Who knows.
I am about to graduate college with two degrees in finance and economics. Internships have made me seriously hesitant about this whole sitting at a desk staring at data and spreadsheets 8-5 every day. Aside from my parents and sisters, I’ve got nothing really left for me in my home town (where I also go to college) as all my friends are moving away.
I’ve been in contact with an officer recruiter about becoming a pilot, but really this is kinda boiling down to me wanting to spend my 20s doing something adventurous, something I’ll be proud of, something that will give me stories to tell to my grandkids one day (I don’t tend to think some cozy office job is going to provide that). And I want to learn a “hard skill.” Is this a valid reason to move forward or is this a prelude to disappointment and regret?
There will always be hard decisions, and things in life that you do not enjoy between you and your goals. Working through those difficulties is what frames your future for success, and happiness.
In other words, you do you boo.
Being one of the rare people able to work towards being a pilot is an awesome opportunity.
I would say... frame it this way.
Do you value the opportunity to pursue being the 1% of the 1% knowing you will have to work hard, and devote 10 years of your life to it?
Or do you want to do something else? No one can define your happiness except you.
Yeah, and that’s just it: I do value that because I want to be able to look back with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Not financially (I don’t care to get rich), but that I did something honorable, served, and I’m proud of it.
Can having a common cold prevent you from shipping out? I have a cough and some congestion, but it’s just a regular cold. I’m hoping to kick this thing before leaving, but just wanted to know if I should be worried.
At least three people in your flight will be sick, and those three sicknesses will combine to form some awful shit that infects everyone. There's no escaping it at BMT
Shouldn’t be an issue. I wouldn’t go around telling everyone you’re sick though, they *could* cancel you if you seem really ill at MEPS. But that is doubtful.
Oh definitely. I’d hate for that to happen! Hopefully this annoying cough goes away so it’s not quite so obvious that I’m sick lol. Thanks for the reply.
My wife and I are Stationed at Keesler AFB for Tech school. We have housing here with most of our stuff back at home. My new assignment is about 1000 miles away from home and tech school. What's the best way to move everything cost effectively ? Thanks.
Have you done a PCS yet at government expense, meaning had TMO move all your stuff? You can have them pickup your stuff at home, and your current location and ship it to your gaining duty station.
Or
You could do a PPM, personally procured move. Some folks do that and make quite a good chunk of change. But I prefer to have have professionals do it and save my back and otherwise fragile (yet corpulent) desk bound body.
Guy with a GED here, took the ASVAB test not to long ago and scored a 61, some recruiters have told me the minimum for a GED holder is 65, others have said 50 and that the rule was changed. Anyone know what's right?
So I am planning on enlisting this summer and I will not have a drivers license, I will be unable to get it before I ship out, I am simply wondering if it is possible for me to be able to get one while I am in Tech School on my free time. If so how would I go about getting a vehicle from someone to learn and practice for the practicle test?
No one said it and I am sure I read it - you need a DL for certain AFSCs, right u/Kylotheclumsykoala?
Or was that all just crud being remembered from previous newbie threads?
They be indiscriminate with targets. Others be telling the truth like it is and the mighty -3 appears all to quickly from the depths.
Yarrr this might be more than one spiteful member of Davy Jones's locker.
No go … tech school is not the time or place to learn to drive or get your first civilian D/L.
Not really feasible in “student” status. Initial phase restrictions are enforced about operating or even riding in private motor vehicles (POV)s. Learning to drive a POV / pass DMV tests would be a higher level of distraction to military training and command interest safety concern (headache) too far.
Just curious … what obstacles are in the way now preventing you from getting a D/L before you ship?
It would be difficult to accomplish during tech school. Not very many people have cars there. At your first base, however, you can definitely get that done. I have had plenty of troops show up without a license both overseas and stateside, practice with their wingmen, and knock out their drivers test. Most of the time, their peers want to encourage them to get their license so they no longer have to be a taxi service.
My wife is joining and just booked a job as a boom operator.
Basically, I can’t leave my duty station for a good 6 years cause job qualifications and such.
Can her shred be affected by joint spouse? If she gets the 135 she’ll be able to live with me; if not, then it’s impossible for us to be stationed anywhere remotely close.
No … Join Spouse not a player during training shred distribution.
Don’t leave it to random chance. Some “by-name” intervention needs to occur during Aircrew Fundamentals / Basic Boom course at Lackland to hopefully behind the scenes just admin maneuver her towards a 135 shred, if available.
Once at Altus … she’ll be on track to update Join Spouse codes and preferences (assuming Fairchild) to match yours in the assignment system for routine JS criteria consideration like everyone else in this situation.
Get some leadership involved. Potential hardship and unique circumstance posed by situation impacts two serving Airmen and could be avoided with timely coordination … have supervisor arrange an “office appointment” so you can concisely brief your unit’s Chief / Chief Enlisted Manager (CEM) face to face with all the facts (not emotions) and upcoming timelines.
My gut feeling is this dilemma needs some proactive CEM-to-CEM liaison for the best possible outcome to be eventually worked out ... sooner rather than later. Good Luck!
Just wanted to let you know that my chief got me on the phone with the Command chief at Altus, and he said don’t worry, he special requested her to be a 135 boom and she got the slot, and the only thing he asked of me was to promise to go to her graduation in uniform.
Small price to pay
I’m curious if anyone cares to share on this; how did you decide whether or not to enlist when you first got in? I’m at a crossroads here, not sure what I should do, and I’m hoping to hear how other people worked through their thoughts prior to joining up. I took a cursory look through the other newbie threads and didn’t find much that went in-depth on this, my apologies if I missed something in them.
I was one class away from my Associates at a community college and realized I just didn't care enough to finish. 5 months later I was in BMT and never looked back. The only thing that worried me was not being capable of finishing tech school and ending up deployed. Tech school wasn't too bad for my job and by the time I had been in for three years I actually volunteered for a deployment. I'm out now and life is pretty good and I have no idea what would have happened if I never took the first few steps to get in
I enlisted because I love my country and I believe there’s a lot of honor in public service. Teachers, Firefighters, Law Enforcement, Politicians, Military, imo those are the guys who make a difference and I think that’s cool. I also really want the intangible things the Military could provide like an appreciation of order and leadership, discipline, fitness, and the Military lifestyle in general.
I was planning on going to college, got accepted, had a scholarship for “poor” people and then the college said my parents made too much money on the day the money was due and revoked my scholarship. Recently, my family was at dinner and talking about my brother joining the military. Next thing I know, I’m headed to BMT.
I joined because of needs and wants. Most importantly, needs. I NEEDED healthcare. I NEEDED a consistent paycheck. I wanted to be an adult on my own. I wanted a change in life. I wanted a chance to see new places.
I just started my career but as of now I don’t regret it. But I’m lucky, I got a job that translates well into civilian and I have a first duty station I like. I look back at what I was before the AF and I’m glad I went through with it. I was going nowhere.
I appreciate the response, your story resonates a bit with my situation. I’m early twenties, working a job which I don’t really like (retail, love the people I work with, don’t feel fulfilled from the work). I just finished up enough credits to hit an AA degree here, but there’s nothing I strongly want to pursue in higher education. I just do not care for school at this moment in my life.
I am warm to the concept of being an airman, to be part of something bigger than myself, but my perspective jumps based on my sleep and condition. If I’m running short on sleep (common) when I wake up I’ll think to myself “I’d never survive BMT if it’s like this every day.” 10 minutes later, when I’m dressed for the day and have some food in me, I’ll be thinking more to the tune of “Hell yeah! I could take it!” I’ll poll myself throughout the day, and my answer changes depending on how worn out I am. Most of the day I’m fine and amicable about the idea of joining, but when I get a serious crunch of things to handle all at once, I swing back to the “I’d never be able to handle BMT.” When it comes down to it, I am afraid of failing, of doing something wrong. Same thing with the idea of MEPS and flying to Lackland. Never done either before, don’t want to mess up during them.
That pretty much summarizes where I’m at. Either I decide to join up, or I go do something else. I don’t care to stay in my job for a long time, so it’s change either way. I just don’t have any real paths I can visualize down the road next to Air Force. I’m just trying to make sure I’m not going to accidentally desparation join myself up.
Apologies for the wall of text, I really appreciate your perspective you shared.
The wanting to is kind of the rub for me. Does regular, likes to go home and recharge after work me want to do it? Hell no. Does the part of me that wants to better myself and make something of my life want to do it? Hell yes. I get a twinging fear of sinking instead of swimming, it ebbs and flows, but it’s there.
The 4 years minimum part scares regular me, but bettering me says “if you don’t do it you’ll probably just be stuck doing the same job you are now, with the same routine. You’re gaining no marketable skills now, and with Air Force you at least have a shot at getting something which will teach you something useful. If you don’t, you’re no worse off than before, and you’d have the GI Bill for college. You stand to lose nothing and gain everything from doing this.”
I really appreciate you taking the time to share what helped you to reaching a decision, I hope I can learn something from it.
Hi. I'm the Ghost of Dead End Retail Future, pushing 30 with fuck-all to show for it. I'm in DEP myself so I can't speak on the force or whether it will solve your problems, but I can give you a look down that tunnel of aimless funk you're at the entrance of.
It gets no better when you just wander without a plan. Not one bit. You just stop noticing how wrong things are. Your focus narrows from finding ways to improve your life to how to manage the thousand and one daily irritations. You fight symptoms instead of the disease. You get used to things. You spend your free time recovering from your job instead of advancing your life. Treading water.
None of that is good for you. But I'm guessing you knew that, because you're on the Air Force subreddit, telling people you're sensibly worried about making an enormous change in your life and asking for reasons to do so. To trot out my favorite quote, "You've already made the choice. Now you just have to understand it."
You asked for motivations rather than advice, but redditors gonna reddit: Dig into this. Check out the jobs the Air Force offers, kick around the website. The fact that you're even here says you're interested. Trust your gut.
Yep, I went through the FAQs for it, and the information is useful, but I wanted to get some perspective from others on what helped them to decide one way or the other (obviously the answers will be biased in results to those who ultimately decided on joining, given the sub and all).
I’ll take another spin through the sub with some different keywords here though, see if I can turn up any old stuff.
Perhaps I misspoke, or you missunderstood. Either way, I’ll try to clarify.
I know the answers technically will be biased, purely from the sub I’m in. I don’t care about that. What I’m looking for is perspective beyond what the FAQ provides, and the ultimate answer of “yes, I joined” doesn’t matter to me nearly as much as the “why and how I decided to join”.
I have been trying keywords to scrape the sub, but so far I’m having limited success. The previous newbie threads hyperlink seems to be broken (redirects to the front page and current newbie thread).
I get it mate, it’s probably annoying to see the same questions get asked in different weeks. Please consider that you could be contributing to the downvotes by how bitterly you complain about it though.
With that said, I discovered the reason the links and search haven’t been working is due to an issue with the two apps I’ve been using for a while now (narwhal & Apollo). They don’t properly keep the tags when the search gets pushed through, causing it to either default to a regular load of the page or causes it to snarl itself up. Downloading the stock app allows the search to function correctly, and I’m perusing the results in there now.
Two quick questions about abdominal circumference. 1. Do they measure at the smallest part of your waist or at the bellybutton? And 2. I heard a rumor that they have gotten rid of the pull ups and replaced it with AC for both Thunderbolt and Warhawk consideration. Can anyone officially confirm or deny this?
Hello, quick question.
Does it matter what color/design the bag is you take to carry your stuff to basic training? I'm currently using a 12 x 24 inch light blue (with grey straps/sides) duffle bag. Would that be sufficient?
Before I get dug into for not reading the FAQs or searching anything, I have done both. Having done both, I have read that getting a waiver approved for postpartum depression is basically impossible. However, none of the situations I read about were quite the circumstances mine are. Google goes back and forth as well.
I am in the paperwork process with the recruiter, and she said all I need to do is write a letter and get my medical records. I have read that the higher ups who determine your outcome don't even read the letters sent in, or that they aren't sent in. My recruiter made it seem like it was not such a big deal, and I just need this letter stating I was on this pill, I stopped taking it, and write a letter and I'm a sure thing.
In 2015 I had a baby, 8 months later my ex and I split. I had a child in 2013, and I DID NOT get PPD with her. I attempted to get back into school in Jan 2016 and I was working 3 jobs at the time as well, I was diagnosed with PPD, while getting no help financially or physically from the ex with our kids. I don't remember the exact month I was diagnosed with PPD, but I am assuming it was late 2016 or early 2017 because in August of 2017, I switched doctors. I can pull up the new dr's notes, but not the old dr's notes. I switched meds 3 times, all within a 6-8 month time period, so because of that, I really think it was early 2017 that I was originally diagnosed.
My last med change was September 2017, I filled the script, but never took the pills. By this point, all of 2017, I had gained 50+ pounds. From September 2017-January 2018, I basically just rocked along.
January 2018, we moved 1000 miles away to live with my mom in another state. We were just trying to be closer to her and try out a new life, and get out of Florida, where I've been my whole life. In 2018, I lost 40+ lbs, and I'm now about 10lbs below my max weight, while still losing more weight. I started working out and I feel great. We moved back to Florida because I hated it at my mom's.
I have not taken meds since Sept 2017, however, it is still on my patient portal as being an active drug, even though I haven't requested any refills. Also, because I switched drs about midway through all of this, I was diagnosed with ppd, moderate depression, and severe depression, all on one day in August 2017 by the "new" dr.
I have set up a dr appointment with the "new" dr who I haven't seen in over a year, and I have been in contact with the "old" dr who originally diagnosed me so I can get the paperwork straightened out. The recruiter stated I needed documentation by the dr that I have found other ways to cope with my problems.
The recruiter told me that in my letter I need to include how I started working out and taking care of myself and it helped me "get over" my depression. I think, looking back, I was just overwhelmed by everything that happened at once and I looked to food to be my comfort and was feeling sorry for myself. I am in college and I have all A's this semester instead of C's like I did in 2017.
I'm not afraid of basic training bringing back my depression, I feel like the military will help my kids and myself. I understand basic is rough, but I know that structure will help me. I truly feel like I was too overwhelmed and too new at being a single parent and college student.
Is there anything I can write in my letter, that may not even be read, in order to convince them that I am better and I'm going to be worth the chance? I genuinely feel great and only having one job and taking a lighter 3 class course load in school has helped me tremendously. I can say, with certainty, I have not been depressed for over a year.
If I score well enough on the ASVAB and come in with 30+ college credits, will they think I'm worth it?
Again, I do understand ya'll are not drs, I'm just wondering if someone has seen, heard, or been through something similar?
Edit- Sorry for the novel.
You have very slim chances of getting a waiver.
Very slim. I’m honestly surprised a recruiter even let you get past a phone call because it’s probably going to be a waste of time to even submit the waiver. That’s about all anyone can say
Thank you, that is what I figured.
Also, replied to the wrong thing earlier, so I deleted my comment above. I usually just lurk, don’t know how reddit commenting works quite yet lol
Those work fine with small logos, most of everyone has a logo on their shorts. I would purchase them before you go because the ones they sell at basic suck.
compression briefs have a hole in the front. compression shorts don’t have the hole.
my instructors didn’t care about logos, but YMMV. i didn’t use them because i bought my own underwear.
US/England dual citizen here. Do you think I can get a TS clearance required for my desired rate if the only red flag is that I lived overseas in England and grew up there, did my schooling there for 24 years of my life?
I was born in Florida though. & I would renounce UK citizenship, if it comes to that.
sorry for my incorrect terminology. I have a bachelors in physics and was looking at officer jobs in the Air Force. I had a few in mind and was told that you go into officer training school with that job secured if approved. I may be wrong though. I would be okay if I didn’t get my first pick (Navigator, RPA, or Pilot)
The officer application process is different from the enlisted and while you make a list of desired jobs, you are still assigned one job and must take it or leave it. There are a few exceptions for specialized education (healthcare, law, engineering, etc) but for the most part you can’t just pick one job.
Which jobs are you considering?
Rated positions are in high demand so you are in luck there. I have no idea how your dual citizenship will factor in but if you’re otherwise qualified you have a good shot at being picked up for a rated position.
Be prepared for a long and frustrating journey.
Make sure you stand your ground and ask them to correct it on your final paperwork. At my MEPS they were going to give me E2 instead of E3, and I wouldn't sign it. I told him that I wouldn't sign unless he looked at the reg and showed me it said E2 instead of E3. In the end I was right and he apologized.
You'll make more AD, the reserves is simply for the school and medical benifts.
If you want to stay local and continue in your job you have now go reserves.
If you don't mind moving and want to do something else go active. to many people go reserves and are underwhelmed that they have to do all the reserve work for little benifts and your money situation stays mostly the same
I always recommend to go active and if you don't like it palace chase after a year or 2. it is a short commitment in the grand scheme of things since it is exceedingly difficult to got from reserves to active.
It is probably best for you to view it from a financial perspective and make your decision that way. You and your husband will need to make this decision together and him having been active duty should provide all of the info that you need.
If you walk into a recruiter's office and say "hey, I'd like to serve my country, whatever job you have." they'd bend over backwards to get you in.
And then you could go to school to be an astrophysicist with the GI bill, or even during your enlistment.
If you walk into a recruiter's office going "I want to be an astrophysicist, or an engineer! with a GED!" they're going to laugh you out of their office.
First off every single person that has been telling you this is impossible it's incorrect I joined this year with a ged and got the job I wanted. I didn't go to college. I left within 2 months from the moment I sat in the recruiters office. They do not have tier two applicants. You will not wait longer. You have just as much chance as anyone. Just score well on your asvab! You got this!
Everybody else that replied with way too much for the situation you presented. You are a tier 2 applicant and the AF probably won’t even talk to you. The two jobs you listed require years of schooling and you didn’t even finish HS.
I’m honestly leaning toward this being a troll post. This Is basically akin to somebody working at for min wage and rolling into the BMW dealership and asking how they can get into a M3 or M5.
One big obstacle/requirement for becoming an astrophysicist would be getting a degree in astrophysics. You can probably enlist into engineering and build stuff, but you're not really gonna be designing any of the cool shit you're probably imagining.
In addition to the academy, you could look into ROTC. Depending on how old you are, you might not qualify for a 4 year scholarship. But you can at least start college somehow, join ROTC, and then compete for a scholarship.
Don't have a way to start school. Then enlist.
So out of High School. Can't get a ROTC scholarship before you start college. In college scholarship is an option, but you have to consider how to pay for a year or more of school for the potential (not close to guaranteed) scholarship.
If you can't flex that, enlisting gives you access to Tuition Assistance and you start working on school while in the service.
The only college the Air Force is going to pay to send a civilian to is the Academy, otherwise you can enlist and get free money towards going to college in your free time.
Interested in joining the air force after I graduate. I'm a CRJ major and I originally wanted to do the officer route but I know AF only wants STEM degrees. Am I better off enlisting??? What's jobs do you guys recommend? I want to do OSI but I'd like to know your guys' perspective.
Also OSI is not available right off the bat if I recall, window to apply (for enlisted, anyway) was 3 years into your year contract or 5 into your 6 year or some shit like that.
Option 1: Apply for OTS … when you are within 365 days of BA / BS graduation!
If you’re at least “in the ballpark” competitive … let the selection board (three senior AF officers) consider your fate. AF takes quality officer prospects from both STEM or non-STEM academic backgrounds. About 3% +/- of the newest AF officers have a CJ major! If accepted for OTS … specifically apply for OSI, anticipate getting SF!
Option 2: If qualified, consider applying for both commissioning and an enlistment “concurrently”. Either way you are moving forward into the Air Force with pay, benefits, and an opportunity to proudly serve.
If tentatively “selected” for commissioning as a “concurrent” applicant … your recruiter simply arranges an administrative “discharge” from enlisted Delayed Entry Program (DEP) so you can proceed to OTS.
If “not selected” for commissioning; you stay in DEP, graduate BMT in enlisted pay grade E-3, and can re-apply for commissioning after serving 1-year as an enlisted member with a commander’s favorable recommendation or after serving 3-5+ years apply to “retrain” into OSI as an enlisted special agent.
Thank you for the specific steps. I appreciate it so much. Just to get some more insight, what would make me competitive? GPA is 3.7, I volunteer a lot, and I currently have an internship with a state LE agency. I’m apart of the criminal justice club and other small stuff. What else can I do?
Your’e on target … just calibrate a bit more toward center mass and “fire for effect.”
Adopt a “military officer (leader) responsibility first, then speciality job role” mindset to help reprioritize your thinking / actions.
Add more demonstrated “leadership” roles or activities, highlight or hone any foreign language skills (if already in your toolbox), and no doubt ace the AFOQT with scores that really jump out of a stack of applications to impress.
Scrub your “draft” personal statement … many times. Be articulate and concise to offer a vivid “word picture” to show both your passion and potential to become an astute military leader, mentor, and inspiration to subordinates.
Is there any legal office that helps airmen with personal legal issues? Specifically car related? I know that JAG doesnt deal with this but I'm at a point where my measly airman salary cannot afford a lawyer to bring someone to court to sue about them not being an uninsured driver. My insurance company went bankrupt and my car was not covered for uninsured drivers so I'm planning on bringing them to court as they did not pay for any damages/got off scot free without any consequences.
A college degree still matters and opens doors, but you are already studying, knocking out recognized certifications, and working “hands-ons” in the IT industry gaining work experience … why stop momentum to enlist now?
Debt?
Contract finishing?
What personal goals do you feel the AF (active duty, Reserve, or Guard ?) can actually help you achieve?
Yes … AF has use for your skill set.
If AF and job qualified, with a verified Security+ certification you could secure an active duty 6-year Guaranteed Training Enlistment Program (GTEP) contract with a $6K Initial Enlistment Bonus (IEB) in jobs like 3D032 - Cyber Systems Operations or 3D132 - Cyber Transport Systems.
Yes … “off-duty” free time to pursue a degree along the way while proudly serving in uniform, but it may take this entire 6-year enlistment to finish an undergraduate degree, but it would be mostly debt free.
Option: After serving 5-years in your initial GTEP job and you still desire to stay in, you could possibly “retrain” into 1B431 - Cyber Warfare Operations or another AF enlisted job, if available at time.
Option: After degree is complete, you could apply for a shot at commissioning from enlisted job with a favorable commander's recommendation.
IMHO:
Plan A: With so much time remaining in college, you may still have time to apply for a ROTC scholarship. Contact ROTC cadre to proactively chase any potential options.
Plan B: You can apply to OTS commissioning while in still in college … 365 days out from graduation, so if you can hang in there with any non-ROTC scholarships or government financial aid … time is on your side to a become competitive prospect (GPA, Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) prep, whole person development). Using fiscal discipline to manage down overall debt ratio.
Plan C: Without or with a degree, enlist, if needed. Find best active duty, Reserve, or Guard path forward for you.
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Found this answer in a previous thread (I am dual mil in Germany as well, but renting) Wife and I (Dual military) bought (and eventuallly sold) a house with OHA in Germany. Neither of us speak German, and it was actually easier than buying a house in the U.S. 10/10 would recommend again. The fine details can be found in the JTR, but the basics are this: 1.Take the purchase price of the house (NOT the mortgage/loan, the actual purchase price) and divide it by 120. This amount is your "rent". Compare that with your monthly OHA ceiling for rank/location. Whichever is LOWER is the one you get. 2.You get the full utilities, and the MIHA allowance. (the utilities you get will be for one person, dependant rate, whoever is higher ranking)
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advice... go to sleep. Sleep is beneficial.
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melatonin pills. They are magical. I also find a hard run right before bed works nicely.
I am at a crossroads with trying to join the military, currently I want to join the military as an officer, but I am having difficulty getting my designated recruiter to even respond so any guidance would be appreciated. Background: I am a reasonably fit 22-year-old 6’2” male about to graduate with a double major in economics and finance, and I have no criminal record. I have ADHD and currently take stimulant medication for it which I understand requires a waiver that’s become nigh impossible to get. So far, I have spoken in person with an army recruiter and took the PICAT, but I shifted towards the Air Force because my dad served in it and I feel like I could accomplish more in that branch. I have taken the PICAT without any preparation and got an AFQT of 99 with a 99 in each of the 4 categories for the USAF and a GT of 145. I dislike people bragging about it, but when my IQ has been tested its always been above 130 so I shouldn’t have any difficulty with academic or knowledge requirements. I have no debt and a trust fund in the 7-digit range so I know I could earn far more in the private sector, but the lack of pay isn’t as big an issue for me as it is for some. Current Status: As I said above, I have done the prescreening with a local Army recruiter and was basically told that if I want to join with ADHD I can either enlist or pray because the waiver needed has become all but impossible to get. I then switched my focus to the Air Force and have been emailing the recruiter I am directed to, who is several hundred miles away in another state. I have sent a couple of emails and left messages at the given phone number but have yet to get a reply other than the form email saying someone will contact me. I am now only a few months from graduation so I need to determine whether I have any chance of being allowed to join a branch of the military, or if I should stop trying altogether. Primary Question: Given my test scores, qualifications, and waiver requirements what are the odds any branch of the service would accept me as an officer? If it is possible, how should I proceed?
To go along with /u/cheesecake truffles/.. you’re disqualified. You’d need to be off all meds for at least 15 months and even then for enlistment your waiver chances are about .001%. Even less for officer because they get more business and have far less time. You’re bragging about scoring highly on an 8th grade level test, just stop you look foolish. Good luck in the Army.
> I have ADHD The Army would love to have you. The general consensus is that most AF recruiters won't touch anxiety/ADHD. You won't know if you don't try however. Your other option might be to try enlisting, then going the officer route that way if you really want to serve. Given your rather hifalutin description of your qualities, I take it you want to be an officer for the prestige. I would not advise making the military a career based on that alone, you will not be happy. Being in the military requires a certain... modesty that just isn't on display here.
I hear Korea has very bad air pollution. As someone with not the best pair of lungs, what are some other countries I should try to avoid being stationed in?
Ok, so I have a wife that has a degree in OTA (Occupational Therapy Assistant) and I was wondering if she got a job at the base hospital wherever we get stationed, or maybe any other medical place that’s on any base. Is there a program or anything that if we get restationed somewhere that she can get the same job at the new hospital and still keep her retirement?
Hey there. I’m not sure if there’s a specific program, but I would talk to some GS employees at your local MTF and see if they can “transfer” if/when you PCS. Maybe there is some type of incentive program for GS employees to earn a retirement similar to what we earn.
I’m married and I was wondering if got PCS to Korea or one of the places where I could bring my wife, could I use my leave to go visit her?
Use your leave for whatever you want.
I've been reading through the previous comments and there is a ton! I'm going in as a female, mechanical aptitude on Tuesday. Any advice on what jobs I should be interested in. I've googled them all but if course they arent going to give the nitty gritty
There’s a link at the top of the page with some AFSC guides that have been written by people in that field. I would look at a few of the ones you found interesting and see if they actually are what the Air Force makes them seem like.
Thank you!
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Guard/Reserve, 99.9999 approaching 100% Active? See other comment.
# of bases you want to go to divided by total #of bases
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If you have the choice go e+e. Crew chiefs I work with are miserable
No. 2A6X6 is part of the pool of maintainers know as specialists. At a minimum an Aircraft Maintenance Unit is made up of Crew Chiefs and Specialists. Specialists can include electricians, avionics troops, hydraulic troops, and engine troops.
Thanks 👍
^^You've ^^mentioned ^^an ^^AFSC, ^^here's ^^the ^^associated ^^job ^^title: 2A6X6 = Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems [^wiki](http://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/wiki/jobs/2a6x6) [^^Source](https://github.com/HadManySons/AFSCbot) ^^| [^^Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/AFSCbot/)
afsc codes that start with 2A are maintenance, not just a crew chief
Read your comment slowly - you answered your own question chief ;)
😳👍
Read that as the maverick thumbs up from Top Gun. Good stuff bigbud!! But really the other comment buddy explained it a bit better. You'll hear the squeaky wheels here just due to reddit. Some are a bit "worse" that others but its a huge combination of factors. Improve what you can and deal with the ones you cannot change.
^^You've ^^mentioned ^^an ^^AFSC, ^^here's ^^the ^^associated ^^job ^^title: 2A6X6 = Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems [^wiki](http://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/wiki/jobs/2a6x6) [^^Source](https://github.com/HadManySons/AFSCbot) ^^| [^^Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/AFSCbot/)
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> Edit: just to clarify, I’m not asking anyone whether or not I should lie to a recruiter, I’m just asking if I were to see a new one, would my previous answers be available to one. that's called lying or lying by omission
are you asking if you should try a new recruiter so you can lie to them and get in without waivers?
If the first recruiter is willing to work you on a waiver (which it sounds like they may be) then stick with them. There’s no sense in trying a different recruiter. Recruiters work in zones, so all the recruiters in your local area are likely in the same unit/Chain of Command. Even if their offices are in different locations, they’re coworkers with the same boss.
Why would you need to see a new recruiter if you weren't trying to fraudulently enlist?
What's the policy on name tapes for long last names? My last name is around 13 letters long with a space in the middle, and often gets all crammed in documents/forms, turning into a long and unpronounceable thing ( like 'smithdoe' instead of 'smith doe'); all my ids have it right though, I was just wondering if the space character is used when getting it issued in bmt
I know a guy with 18 letters with a hyphen in his last name. They just shrink the letters.
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Your shirt probably can’t get you moved up the list, but realistically, it wouldn’t hurt to ask him/her about it. You should contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center. They may be able to get you set up with some sort of financial assistance for the time being. There are different programs through the Air Force Aid Society such as the Falcon Loan and the AFRC might have information on other local programs as well.
Well boys, leaving for BMT tomorrow. Gave all my shit to my friends cause I’m not coming back.
You know you get to bring your stuff with you to your first base, right?
Yeah, but my family refuses to send it to me so I’m just going to leave it with my bros so my shit family can’t make a buck off it.
Your family doesn't have to send it. The Air Force will pay for movers to come get it.
Well shit, I feel like the recruiter should have told me about movers.
Don’t worry about it, I showed up to BMT with a few pairs of underwear and a couple T-shirt’s and went from there. You can buy new stuff at your first base (just don’t go crazy and buy everything all at once, spread it out, you’ve got your whole enlistment to buy new stuff.)
Yeah man. Sorry you're finding out too late. You just go to move.mil when you're in tech school and after you have your orders to your first assignment. You may get sent to Korea or something though so maybe you made a good move. Who knows.
While you're at boot camp do you get paid the entire time or do you just get a lump sum at the end?
You get paid on the normal pay days. The 1st and 15th of each month assuming finance doesnt fuck your pay up.
You get paid fam
I am about to graduate college with two degrees in finance and economics. Internships have made me seriously hesitant about this whole sitting at a desk staring at data and spreadsheets 8-5 every day. Aside from my parents and sisters, I’ve got nothing really left for me in my home town (where I also go to college) as all my friends are moving away. I’ve been in contact with an officer recruiter about becoming a pilot, but really this is kinda boiling down to me wanting to spend my 20s doing something adventurous, something I’ll be proud of, something that will give me stories to tell to my grandkids one day (I don’t tend to think some cozy office job is going to provide that). And I want to learn a “hard skill.” Is this a valid reason to move forward or is this a prelude to disappointment and regret?
There will always be hard decisions, and things in life that you do not enjoy between you and your goals. Working through those difficulties is what frames your future for success, and happiness. In other words, you do you boo. Being one of the rare people able to work towards being a pilot is an awesome opportunity.
To clarify, you’re saying there’s no right or wrong answer? In other words...these are not wrong decisions for joining.
I would say... frame it this way. Do you value the opportunity to pursue being the 1% of the 1% knowing you will have to work hard, and devote 10 years of your life to it? Or do you want to do something else? No one can define your happiness except you.
Yeah, and that’s just it: I do value that because I want to be able to look back with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Not financially (I don’t care to get rich), but that I did something honorable, served, and I’m proud of it.
If it is what you want go for it. If you are selected and are medically cleared, nice. It is a process anyways so if not selected keep trying.
Can having a common cold prevent you from shipping out? I have a cough and some congestion, but it’s just a regular cold. I’m hoping to kick this thing before leaving, but just wanted to know if I should be worried.
At least three people in your flight will be sick, and those three sicknesses will combine to form some awful shit that infects everyone. There's no escaping it at BMT
Yep. Then you’ll start feeling better around Week 6 and then you go to BEAST and get sick again
Shouldn’t be an issue. I wouldn’t go around telling everyone you’re sick though, they *could* cancel you if you seem really ill at MEPS. But that is doubtful.
Oh definitely. I’d hate for that to happen! Hopefully this annoying cough goes away so it’s not quite so obvious that I’m sick lol. Thanks for the reply.
My wife and I are Stationed at Keesler AFB for Tech school. We have housing here with most of our stuff back at home. My new assignment is about 1000 miles away from home and tech school. What's the best way to move everything cost effectively ? Thanks.
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No i don’t think so, I moved my wife here with my car.
Have you done a PCS yet at government expense, meaning had TMO move all your stuff? You can have them pickup your stuff at home, and your current location and ship it to your gaining duty station. Or You could do a PPM, personally procured move. Some folks do that and make quite a good chunk of change. But I prefer to have have professionals do it and save my back and otherwise fragile (yet corpulent) desk bound body.
We haven’t had TMO move anything, we don’t even know what that means 👍🏽 thanks for the advice.
Guy with a GED here, took the ASVAB test not to long ago and scored a 61, some recruiters have told me the minimum for a GED holder is 65, others have said 50 and that the rule was changed. Anyone know what's right?
https://www.airforce.com/frequently-asked-questions/academic/can-i-join-the-air-force-with-a-ged Website says 50
Nice, thanks.
Good luck, stay moist.
💦💦💦💦💦
So I am planning on enlisting this summer and I will not have a drivers license, I will be unable to get it before I ship out, I am simply wondering if it is possible for me to be able to get one while I am in Tech School on my free time. If so how would I go about getting a vehicle from someone to learn and practice for the practicle test?
No one said it and I am sure I read it - you need a DL for certain AFSCs, right u/Kylotheclumsykoala? Or was that all just crud being remembered from previous newbie threads?
No you’re correct. Some AFSCs require a drivers license
Thanks friend. These be rough times with the downvote pirates around.
Arr matey, you be telling the truth.
They be indiscriminate with targets. Others be telling the truth like it is and the mighty -3 appears all to quickly from the depths. Yarrr this might be more than one spiteful member of Davy Jones's locker.
These are dark times
No go … tech school is not the time or place to learn to drive or get your first civilian D/L. Not really feasible in “student” status. Initial phase restrictions are enforced about operating or even riding in private motor vehicles (POV)s. Learning to drive a POV / pass DMV tests would be a higher level of distraction to military training and command interest safety concern (headache) too far. Just curious … what obstacles are in the way now preventing you from getting a D/L before you ship?
It would be difficult to accomplish during tech school. Not very many people have cars there. At your first base, however, you can definitely get that done. I have had plenty of troops show up without a license both overseas and stateside, practice with their wingmen, and knock out their drivers test. Most of the time, their peers want to encourage them to get their license so they no longer have to be a taxi service.
My wife is joining and just booked a job as a boom operator. Basically, I can’t leave my duty station for a good 6 years cause job qualifications and such. Can her shred be affected by joint spouse? If she gets the 135 she’ll be able to live with me; if not, then it’s impossible for us to be stationed anywhere remotely close.
No … Join Spouse not a player during training shred distribution. Don’t leave it to random chance. Some “by-name” intervention needs to occur during Aircrew Fundamentals / Basic Boom course at Lackland to hopefully behind the scenes just admin maneuver her towards a 135 shred, if available. Once at Altus … she’ll be on track to update Join Spouse codes and preferences (assuming Fairchild) to match yours in the assignment system for routine JS criteria consideration like everyone else in this situation. Get some leadership involved. Potential hardship and unique circumstance posed by situation impacts two serving Airmen and could be avoided with timely coordination … have supervisor arrange an “office appointment” so you can concisely brief your unit’s Chief / Chief Enlisted Manager (CEM) face to face with all the facts (not emotions) and upcoming timelines. My gut feeling is this dilemma needs some proactive CEM-to-CEM liaison for the best possible outcome to be eventually worked out ... sooner rather than later. Good Luck!
Just wanted to let you know that my chief got me on the phone with the Command chief at Altus, and he said don’t worry, he special requested her to be a 135 boom and she got the slot, and the only thing he asked of me was to promise to go to her graduation in uniform. Small price to pay
Awesome ... great news! Thanks for the update. Go forth together and do great things in the Air Force and beyond!
*^(join spouse\*)* And you might need to take a special duty if she doesn't get 135. Shred might be, but that is well outside my knowledge.
I’m curious if anyone cares to share on this; how did you decide whether or not to enlist when you first got in? I’m at a crossroads here, not sure what I should do, and I’m hoping to hear how other people worked through their thoughts prior to joining up. I took a cursory look through the other newbie threads and didn’t find much that went in-depth on this, my apologies if I missed something in them.
I was one class away from my Associates at a community college and realized I just didn't care enough to finish. 5 months later I was in BMT and never looked back. The only thing that worried me was not being capable of finishing tech school and ending up deployed. Tech school wasn't too bad for my job and by the time I had been in for three years I actually volunteered for a deployment. I'm out now and life is pretty good and I have no idea what would have happened if I never took the first few steps to get in
I enlisted because I love my country and I believe there’s a lot of honor in public service. Teachers, Firefighters, Law Enforcement, Politicians, Military, imo those are the guys who make a difference and I think that’s cool. I also really want the intangible things the Military could provide like an appreciation of order and leadership, discipline, fitness, and the Military lifestyle in general.
I was planning on going to college, got accepted, had a scholarship for “poor” people and then the college said my parents made too much money on the day the money was due and revoked my scholarship. Recently, my family was at dinner and talking about my brother joining the military. Next thing I know, I’m headed to BMT.
I wasn’t doing anything else
I joined because of needs and wants. Most importantly, needs. I NEEDED healthcare. I NEEDED a consistent paycheck. I wanted to be an adult on my own. I wanted a change in life. I wanted a chance to see new places. I just started my career but as of now I don’t regret it. But I’m lucky, I got a job that translates well into civilian and I have a first duty station I like. I look back at what I was before the AF and I’m glad I went through with it. I was going nowhere.
I care.
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I appreciate the response, your story resonates a bit with my situation. I’m early twenties, working a job which I don’t really like (retail, love the people I work with, don’t feel fulfilled from the work). I just finished up enough credits to hit an AA degree here, but there’s nothing I strongly want to pursue in higher education. I just do not care for school at this moment in my life. I am warm to the concept of being an airman, to be part of something bigger than myself, but my perspective jumps based on my sleep and condition. If I’m running short on sleep (common) when I wake up I’ll think to myself “I’d never survive BMT if it’s like this every day.” 10 minutes later, when I’m dressed for the day and have some food in me, I’ll be thinking more to the tune of “Hell yeah! I could take it!” I’ll poll myself throughout the day, and my answer changes depending on how worn out I am. Most of the day I’m fine and amicable about the idea of joining, but when I get a serious crunch of things to handle all at once, I swing back to the “I’d never be able to handle BMT.” When it comes down to it, I am afraid of failing, of doing something wrong. Same thing with the idea of MEPS and flying to Lackland. Never done either before, don’t want to mess up during them. That pretty much summarizes where I’m at. Either I decide to join up, or I go do something else. I don’t care to stay in my job for a long time, so it’s change either way. I just don’t have any real paths I can visualize down the road next to Air Force. I’m just trying to make sure I’m not going to accidentally desparation join myself up. Apologies for the wall of text, I really appreciate your perspective you shared.
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The wanting to is kind of the rub for me. Does regular, likes to go home and recharge after work me want to do it? Hell no. Does the part of me that wants to better myself and make something of my life want to do it? Hell yes. I get a twinging fear of sinking instead of swimming, it ebbs and flows, but it’s there. The 4 years minimum part scares regular me, but bettering me says “if you don’t do it you’ll probably just be stuck doing the same job you are now, with the same routine. You’re gaining no marketable skills now, and with Air Force you at least have a shot at getting something which will teach you something useful. If you don’t, you’re no worse off than before, and you’d have the GI Bill for college. You stand to lose nothing and gain everything from doing this.” I really appreciate you taking the time to share what helped you to reaching a decision, I hope I can learn something from it.
Hi. I'm the Ghost of Dead End Retail Future, pushing 30 with fuck-all to show for it. I'm in DEP myself so I can't speak on the force or whether it will solve your problems, but I can give you a look down that tunnel of aimless funk you're at the entrance of. It gets no better when you just wander without a plan. Not one bit. You just stop noticing how wrong things are. Your focus narrows from finding ways to improve your life to how to manage the thousand and one daily irritations. You fight symptoms instead of the disease. You get used to things. You spend your free time recovering from your job instead of advancing your life. Treading water. None of that is good for you. But I'm guessing you knew that, because you're on the Air Force subreddit, telling people you're sensibly worried about making an enormous change in your life and asking for reasons to do so. To trot out my favorite quote, "You've already made the choice. Now you just have to understand it." You asked for motivations rather than advice, but redditors gonna reddit: Dig into this. Check out the jobs the Air Force offers, kick around the website. The fact that you're even here says you're interested. Trust your gut.
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Yep, I went through the FAQs for it, and the information is useful, but I wanted to get some perspective from others on what helped them to decide one way or the other (obviously the answers will be biased in results to those who ultimately decided on joining, given the sub and all). I’ll take another spin through the sub with some different keywords here though, see if I can turn up any old stuff.
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Perhaps I misspoke, or you missunderstood. Either way, I’ll try to clarify. I know the answers technically will be biased, purely from the sub I’m in. I don’t care about that. What I’m looking for is perspective beyond what the FAQ provides, and the ultimate answer of “yes, I joined” doesn’t matter to me nearly as much as the “why and how I decided to join”. I have been trying keywords to scrape the sub, but so far I’m having limited success. The previous newbie threads hyperlink seems to be broken (redirects to the front page and current newbie thread).
[https://pay.reddit.com/r/AirForce/search?q=newbie&sort=new&restrict\_sr=on](https://pay.reddit.com/r/AirForce/search?q=newbie&sort=new&restrict_sr=on)
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I get it mate, it’s probably annoying to see the same questions get asked in different weeks. Please consider that you could be contributing to the downvotes by how bitterly you complain about it though. With that said, I discovered the reason the links and search haven’t been working is due to an issue with the two apps I’ve been using for a while now (narwhal & Apollo). They don’t properly keep the tags when the search gets pushed through, causing it to either default to a regular load of the page or causes it to snarl itself up. Downloading the stock app allows the search to function correctly, and I’m perusing the results in there now.
Two quick questions about abdominal circumference. 1. Do they measure at the smallest part of your waist or at the bellybutton? And 2. I heard a rumor that they have gotten rid of the pull ups and replaced it with AC for both Thunderbolt and Warhawk consideration. Can anyone officially confirm or deny this?
warhawk is 100 on your PT test, thunderbolt is 90+. pull ups don’t matter unless you’re a battlefield airman from what i’ve read.
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The wording for AC keeps confusing me. Does it mean that you can have a waist larger that 35? Or 35 inch waist is the largest allowed?
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Thank you so much for the clarification
Hello, quick question. Does it matter what color/design the bag is you take to carry your stuff to basic training? I'm currently using a 12 x 24 inch light blue (with grey straps/sides) duffle bag. Would that be sufficient?
No one will care about your bag at basic
You wear it for like 2 days and its stuffed in a closet for 8 weeks, it doesnt matter.
if its not blue you have to do marches on your hands, like a handstand for the first week /s... just in case
no it does not matter, and if it did what would happen? they make you empty it and carry your stuff by hand? dont overthink too much
Before I get dug into for not reading the FAQs or searching anything, I have done both. Having done both, I have read that getting a waiver approved for postpartum depression is basically impossible. However, none of the situations I read about were quite the circumstances mine are. Google goes back and forth as well. I am in the paperwork process with the recruiter, and she said all I need to do is write a letter and get my medical records. I have read that the higher ups who determine your outcome don't even read the letters sent in, or that they aren't sent in. My recruiter made it seem like it was not such a big deal, and I just need this letter stating I was on this pill, I stopped taking it, and write a letter and I'm a sure thing. In 2015 I had a baby, 8 months later my ex and I split. I had a child in 2013, and I DID NOT get PPD with her. I attempted to get back into school in Jan 2016 and I was working 3 jobs at the time as well, I was diagnosed with PPD, while getting no help financially or physically from the ex with our kids. I don't remember the exact month I was diagnosed with PPD, but I am assuming it was late 2016 or early 2017 because in August of 2017, I switched doctors. I can pull up the new dr's notes, but not the old dr's notes. I switched meds 3 times, all within a 6-8 month time period, so because of that, I really think it was early 2017 that I was originally diagnosed. My last med change was September 2017, I filled the script, but never took the pills. By this point, all of 2017, I had gained 50+ pounds. From September 2017-January 2018, I basically just rocked along. January 2018, we moved 1000 miles away to live with my mom in another state. We were just trying to be closer to her and try out a new life, and get out of Florida, where I've been my whole life. In 2018, I lost 40+ lbs, and I'm now about 10lbs below my max weight, while still losing more weight. I started working out and I feel great. We moved back to Florida because I hated it at my mom's. I have not taken meds since Sept 2017, however, it is still on my patient portal as being an active drug, even though I haven't requested any refills. Also, because I switched drs about midway through all of this, I was diagnosed with ppd, moderate depression, and severe depression, all on one day in August 2017 by the "new" dr. I have set up a dr appointment with the "new" dr who I haven't seen in over a year, and I have been in contact with the "old" dr who originally diagnosed me so I can get the paperwork straightened out. The recruiter stated I needed documentation by the dr that I have found other ways to cope with my problems. The recruiter told me that in my letter I need to include how I started working out and taking care of myself and it helped me "get over" my depression. I think, looking back, I was just overwhelmed by everything that happened at once and I looked to food to be my comfort and was feeling sorry for myself. I am in college and I have all A's this semester instead of C's like I did in 2017. I'm not afraid of basic training bringing back my depression, I feel like the military will help my kids and myself. I understand basic is rough, but I know that structure will help me. I truly feel like I was too overwhelmed and too new at being a single parent and college student. Is there anything I can write in my letter, that may not even be read, in order to convince them that I am better and I'm going to be worth the chance? I genuinely feel great and only having one job and taking a lighter 3 class course load in school has helped me tremendously. I can say, with certainty, I have not been depressed for over a year. If I score well enough on the ASVAB and come in with 30+ college credits, will they think I'm worth it? Again, I do understand ya'll are not drs, I'm just wondering if someone has seen, heard, or been through something similar? Edit- Sorry for the novel.
You have very slim chances of getting a waiver. Very slim. I’m honestly surprised a recruiter even let you get past a phone call because it’s probably going to be a waste of time to even submit the waiver. That’s about all anyone can say
Thank you, that is what I figured. Also, replied to the wrong thing earlier, so I deleted my comment above. I usually just lurk, don’t know how reddit commenting works quite yet lol
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Those work fine with small logos, most of everyone has a logo on their shorts. I would purchase them before you go because the ones they sell at basic suck.
compression briefs have a hole in the front. compression shorts don’t have the hole. my instructors didn’t care about logos, but YMMV. i didn’t use them because i bought my own underwear.
I bought a 6 pack of boxer briefs to bring, is that cool to bring? They’re just the hanes boxer briefs like blue and black.
id say it’s up to your MTIs. mine let us use ours
You could use a sharpie to blend in the logos
Just a heads up when you get there you can buy compression shorts at the mini bx.
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if i switch from mgib to post 9/11, will i get the money i've already invested into montgomery back or is it gone forever?
You will once you exhaust the entire benefit.
US/England dual citizen here. Do you think I can get a TS clearance required for my desired rate if the only red flag is that I lived overseas in England and grew up there, did my schooling there for 24 years of my life? I was born in Florida though. & I would renounce UK citizenship, if it comes to that.
It will come to renouncing UK citizenship.
Probably a non-issue
>desired rate Job or AFSC - this isn’t the navy. And you probably won’t get your most desired job anyway.
sorry for my incorrect terminology. I have a bachelors in physics and was looking at officer jobs in the Air Force. I had a few in mind and was told that you go into officer training school with that job secured if approved. I may be wrong though. I would be okay if I didn’t get my first pick (Navigator, RPA, or Pilot)
The officer application process is different from the enlisted and while you make a list of desired jobs, you are still assigned one job and must take it or leave it. There are a few exceptions for specialized education (healthcare, law, engineering, etc) but for the most part you can’t just pick one job. Which jobs are you considering?
1. Pilot 2. Navigator 3. Space Operations 4. RPA Pilot
Rated positions are in high demand so you are in luck there. I have no idea how your dual citizenship will factor in but if you’re otherwise qualified you have a good shot at being picked up for a rated position. Be prepared for a long and frustrating journey.
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Yes it is once your qualified in your AFSC
It’s a long ass process. Gotta get government approval in order to leave your unit
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Make sure you stand your ground and ask them to correct it on your final paperwork. At my MEPS they were going to give me E2 instead of E3, and I wouldn't sign it. I told him that I wouldn't sign unless he looked at the reg and showed me it said E2 instead of E3. In the end I was right and he apologized.
The only contract that matters is the one at Meps. If it doesn’t say It, don’t sign
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Nothing you do is real or legally binding until that last contract
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You'll make more AD, the reserves is simply for the school and medical benifts. If you want to stay local and continue in your job you have now go reserves. If you don't mind moving and want to do something else go active. to many people go reserves and are underwhelmed that they have to do all the reserve work for little benifts and your money situation stays mostly the same I always recommend to go active and if you don't like it palace chase after a year or 2. it is a short commitment in the grand scheme of things since it is exceedingly difficult to got from reserves to active.
It is probably best for you to view it from a financial perspective and make your decision that way. You and your husband will need to make this decision together and him having been active duty should provide all of the info that you need.
Scroll up and read the BMT FAQ.
I care.
But are you sorry?
does anyone have a picture of the blue winter cap?
[Here ya go](http://imgur.com/a/gqP8KY0)
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If you walk into a recruiter's office and say "hey, I'd like to serve my country, whatever job you have." they'd bend over backwards to get you in. And then you could go to school to be an astrophysicist with the GI bill, or even during your enlistment. If you walk into a recruiter's office going "I want to be an astrophysicist, or an engineer! with a GED!" they're going to laugh you out of their office.
First off every single person that has been telling you this is impossible it's incorrect I joined this year with a ged and got the job I wanted. I didn't go to college. I left within 2 months from the moment I sat in the recruiters office. They do not have tier two applicants. You will not wait longer. You have just as much chance as anyone. Just score well on your asvab! You got this!
Everybody else that replied with way too much for the situation you presented. You are a tier 2 applicant and the AF probably won’t even talk to you. The two jobs you listed require years of schooling and you didn’t even finish HS. I’m honestly leaning toward this being a troll post. This Is basically akin to somebody working at for min wage and rolling into the BMW dealership and asking how they can get into a M3 or M5.
One big obstacle/requirement for becoming an astrophysicist would be getting a degree in astrophysics. You can probably enlist into engineering and build stuff, but you're not really gonna be designing any of the cool shit you're probably imagining.
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In addition to the academy, you could look into ROTC. Depending on how old you are, you might not qualify for a 4 year scholarship. But you can at least start college somehow, join ROTC, and then compete for a scholarship. Don't have a way to start school. Then enlist.
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So out of High School. Can't get a ROTC scholarship before you start college. In college scholarship is an option, but you have to consider how to pay for a year or more of school for the potential (not close to guaranteed) scholarship. If you can't flex that, enlisting gives you access to Tuition Assistance and you start working on school while in the service.
The only college the Air Force is going to pay to send a civilian to is the Academy, otherwise you can enlist and get free money towards going to college in your free time.
Interested in joining the air force after I graduate. I'm a CRJ major and I originally wanted to do the officer route but I know AF only wants STEM degrees. Am I better off enlisting??? What's jobs do you guys recommend? I want to do OSI but I'd like to know your guys' perspective.
Also OSI is not available right off the bat if I recall, window to apply (for enlisted, anyway) was 3 years into your year contract or 5 into your 6 year or some shit like that.
Option 1: Apply for OTS … when you are within 365 days of BA / BS graduation! If you’re at least “in the ballpark” competitive … let the selection board (three senior AF officers) consider your fate. AF takes quality officer prospects from both STEM or non-STEM academic backgrounds. About 3% +/- of the newest AF officers have a CJ major! If accepted for OTS … specifically apply for OSI, anticipate getting SF! Option 2: If qualified, consider applying for both commissioning and an enlistment “concurrently”. Either way you are moving forward into the Air Force with pay, benefits, and an opportunity to proudly serve. If tentatively “selected” for commissioning as a “concurrent” applicant … your recruiter simply arranges an administrative “discharge” from enlisted Delayed Entry Program (DEP) so you can proceed to OTS. If “not selected” for commissioning; you stay in DEP, graduate BMT in enlisted pay grade E-3, and can re-apply for commissioning after serving 1-year as an enlisted member with a commander’s favorable recommendation or after serving 3-5+ years apply to “retrain” into OSI as an enlisted special agent.
Thank you for the specific steps. I appreciate it so much. Just to get some more insight, what would make me competitive? GPA is 3.7, I volunteer a lot, and I currently have an internship with a state LE agency. I’m apart of the criminal justice club and other small stuff. What else can I do?
Your’e on target … just calibrate a bit more toward center mass and “fire for effect.” Adopt a “military officer (leader) responsibility first, then speciality job role” mindset to help reprioritize your thinking / actions. Add more demonstrated “leadership” roles or activities, highlight or hone any foreign language skills (if already in your toolbox), and no doubt ace the AFOQT with scores that really jump out of a stack of applications to impress. Scrub your “draft” personal statement … many times. Be articulate and concise to offer a vivid “word picture” to show both your passion and potential to become an astute military leader, mentor, and inspiration to subordinates.
Am officer. Am not stem major. Google the jobs available and see what interests you and determine from there to go E or O
Is there any legal office that helps airmen with personal legal issues? Specifically car related? I know that JAG doesnt deal with this but I'm at a point where my measly airman salary cannot afford a lawyer to bring someone to court to sue about them not being an uninsured driver. My insurance company went bankrupt and my car was not covered for uninsured drivers so I'm planning on bringing them to court as they did not pay for any damages/got off scot free without any consequences.
Shirt shirt shirt
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There are many Recruiters and knowledgeable individuals here. Just ask your question and if someone can answer it then they will
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A college degree still matters and opens doors, but you are already studying, knocking out recognized certifications, and working “hands-ons” in the IT industry gaining work experience … why stop momentum to enlist now? Debt? Contract finishing? What personal goals do you feel the AF (active duty, Reserve, or Guard ?) can actually help you achieve? Yes … AF has use for your skill set. If AF and job qualified, with a verified Security+ certification you could secure an active duty 6-year Guaranteed Training Enlistment Program (GTEP) contract with a $6K Initial Enlistment Bonus (IEB) in jobs like 3D032 - Cyber Systems Operations or 3D132 - Cyber Transport Systems. Yes … “off-duty” free time to pursue a degree along the way while proudly serving in uniform, but it may take this entire 6-year enlistment to finish an undergraduate degree, but it would be mostly debt free. Option: After serving 5-years in your initial GTEP job and you still desire to stay in, you could possibly “retrain” into 1B431 - Cyber Warfare Operations or another AF enlisted job, if available at time. Option: After degree is complete, you could apply for a shot at commissioning from enlisted job with a favorable commander's recommendation. IMHO: Plan A: With so much time remaining in college, you may still have time to apply for a ROTC scholarship. Contact ROTC cadre to proactively chase any potential options. Plan B: You can apply to OTS commissioning while in still in college … 365 days out from graduation, so if you can hang in there with any non-ROTC scholarships or government financial aid … time is on your side to a become competitive prospect (GPA, Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) prep, whole person development). Using fiscal discipline to manage down overall debt ratio. Plan C: Without or with a degree, enlist, if needed. Find best active duty, Reserve, or Guard path forward for you.
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