Originally Posted by
Jesterc
Haha, I was under the assumption that some of the base training was the same or very similar as the outside. I know now, civilian ratings may make you more attractive to other branches but civilian time or training doesn't replace military time.
Thanks for the responses folks, theyre much appreciated.
The more I research it, the more I find myself in a grey area as applying goes. I wouldn't mind being deployed to live combat if it was needed, but I'd want to primarily be involved in the emergency relief/humanitarian side of things and from what I've heard, you don't go in choosing that; you're more or less assigned to the projects as need dictates. I most definitely wouldnt mind putting down 10 years if I knew I was going to be doing something on the humanitarian side of things. But, I'm not in favor of being in a combat role until I'm 33-38 years old and from what I understand, it's pretty much a gamble for someone of those interests.
Jesterc (and to anyone else who might be thinking about joining the military)
This is not meant to scare you, but I want to be upfront and honest.
The military offers invaluable experience at exceptional pay rates with one of the best retirement plans that very few can match. However, DO NOT join the military if you aren't willing to serve as an Officer first, pilot second, in one of our Nation's air forces.
In most cases, you will be a COMBATANT unless you are in a medical or JAG career field (note, pilots are combatants).
There's absolutely no guarantee that you will pass UPT. You could end up in another career field that you do not like. You could end up medically disqualified which could put you into another career field.
You will be expected to meet extremely high standards and will be incharge of enforcing those standards.
As you progress through your career, the flying part will become secondary to your desk / ground job. (you'll have one, two, maybe three other jobs when you aren't flying). You may even have a tour in which you aren't flying.
I think if you are wanting to serve and help Americans directly, then you need to look into the Coast Guard or some other domestic type of government agency. The CG I think sees more face time with America. In the USAF (just going off my experiene), rarely will you support something here in the states.
Also, I don't want to discourage you. Recruitment teams always look at the "total person" concept. You can be a little lacking in one area, but make up for it in another. However, you control just about every factor in your package.
Focus on getting better grades ... that's a first priority.
Make sure you are in perfect health and physical fitness.
Get more references. Whether they be military or not. Examine your network of family, friends, co-workers to see if they know anyone of any value. examples of good people to use as a reference (teachers, clergy, employers, social orgainizations, anyone who can attest to your character, desires, and work ethic ..etc).
Do community service -- show the recruitment team that you want to help individuals.
Get more flight time.
As another has said, generate a cover letter for your package and explain to the recruiters why you want to serve. You have a noble cause so that will help. Make sure to explain your low GPA -- it can only help you.
Lastly, be honest with yourself. If you aren't willing to become a combatant (something you'll almost certainly be in the USAF, USA, USN, USMC), don't join.
I hope this helps you.