I'm considering something I thought I'd never do. (Long)

Roz

Roz

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I bumped into an old friend of mine who's a recruiter for the Army Reserves. He and I have been friends since we were kids. He knew I had been unemployed, and he said he could hook me up with a "job". I knew what he was getting at, and the idea had been lurking in the back of mind anyways since I had been unemployed since November. I know the military/government is a pretty secure place to be if/when the economy goes to shit.

To make a long story short, I went and had lunch with him last Friday. I figured I really didn't have anything to lose just to hear him out. He informed me of a $20k sign-on bonus and that REALLY got my attention. I sure could use $20k (plus I had been considering the reserves anyways). After we conversed, I agreed to go back to the recruiting center and take the EST (Enlisted Screening Test) and I scored a 48. I was told I would score 10-15 pts higher on the ASVAB. I'm required to score a 50 on the ASVAB. I'm going to some brief studying.

I'm going tonight to take my ASVAB test. I haven't sworn in (yet) but I'm really considering signing up. The reason for such fast actions is I'm wanting to take the steps to secure that sign-on bonus incentive if I chose to keep moving forward with this.

Anyways, all this comes with a catch: Corteney is totally against it. She flat out said she doesn't want me to do it. I'm torn on what to do. I'm really disappointed that I don't have her support in this matter. Hell, she doesn't even really want to discuss it. I truly feel she's being selfish and can't see the "big picture" associated with this. She simply says "we'll never see each other and you'll be gone all the time". She had an ex that in the reserves, and I think their situation has brainwashed her into thinking our's will be the same. Anyways, I just wanted to let you guys know what I had going on.

I seek the advice of any of guys that are/were in the military!! Any advice is appreciated!! :rock:
 
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You know how I feel about it...


And it's ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery... :D


Good luck!!
 
Thanks Scott, I appreciate it! ;)
 
Well Roz, ultimately it is your choice. I am in the same boat (no job since Nov 08 too) but if you plan on staying with Courtney then you have to consider her opinion. Cause ultimately you will be gone somewhat. If she ain't happy it won't last.

If it was me, I would not join. I grew up in a military family and I am the first male in 4 generations not to join. Maybe if it was peacetime, I might consider enlisting but I really don't wanna be stuck in a sand foxhole.

I will have to say though at least you have found a "friend" (recruiter) to help you with your options. I have had a couple of friends promised the world only to end up driving trucks in Iraq. Just a thought.

Tough decision. Good Luck Bud!!!
 
HEY more power to you brother. I know the marines are different but it is all the same when it comes down to it. Have any questions shot me a pm. Plus boot camp is only 8 wks.
 
Think about this Jimi, don't jump in to quick.

They can promise you anything but once you get on that bus you are their meat.
 
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we have talked of this before bud, its your decision, and yours only, think of your future, because you ultimatly make your own future;)
 
Roz -- Don't do it just for the bonus,,,,If you are serious and really considering a Career in the military then by all means go for it. Yes Courtney has a point. Things are going to be different. Hopefully she will come to see that you are thinking that this decision will benifit both of you. Just take your time and figure/decide that this is the right direction you want to take.
 
Roz on second thought, dont go into the reserves, brother, do the real deal:rock:
it would be a great future for yourself:)
 
Is she your wife or GF? If only a gf then do what you want dude. Think about it first, maybe watch Stripes...LOL

Seriously, its your future. Make the decision yourself.

patrick
 
I think it depends on where you see your relationship with Corteney. If you plan on getting married, you are going to make a big mistake leaving for the Army. If you dont plan on getting married, then you might as well end it now and move on to what you feel you are being called to do. You sound like you are doing it for steady money and a bonus, think about how this will effect the rest of your life.
 
Jimi, better make the decision before they mess with the "Dont ask, dont tell" crap. You'll be screwed.... ;)

Good luck with your decision. Not many get the chance to make this type a decision as we get older.
 
I've said before, I owe everything I have to the US Air Force. I'll say that to you, I've said it to my own kids, and I'll say it to nayone who will listen. If I hadn't gone in and gone through technical school I'd be a broke red neck living in Arkansas. (Oh wait, I am that guy again now....LOL)

Anyway, my advice, if you're really serious about this would be to go into the Air Force or Navy and pick a career field that you can use after your tour of duty (they have by FAR and AWAY the best training). There are dozens of careers that you can get trained and gain experience in that will directly apply to civilian careers when you get out. IE, there's not a huge demand for tank commanders or infantry guys in the civilian world.

The other piece of advice I would give you is get everything you think was told/promised to you in writing. If it's in writing it will hold up, if it is not, it will not and you'll end up a cook in some foreign land. These guys, friends or not, are salemen with a quota. I won't say I've seen them lie, but I will say I've seen them bend the truth to the point of breaking it a LOT!!!
 
Jimi, I'm in agreement with Patrick. If you and Courtney are married and you don't make your decision based on her 50/50 voting rights as a wife, you'll destroy your relationship by virtue of your "no trust" (in her) vote.

I realize that my old school principles may not apply to you young guys today... But, please consider what would happen if the shoe was on the other foot and SHE wanted to join the reserves against YOUR wishes.... You may gain a greater appreciation for her position if you look at it from her side of the story....

If she's not your wife (your kids <if any> also come into consideration) then you have greater latitude for doing wtf ever you want to....

Having a wife is a 50-50 partnership..... Don't fk it up.... or it'll probably end.

Just my .02..... Good luck.

D
 
Joining the military has alot of advantages. I'm sure some of our members can explain them better than I can. As far as Courtney is concerned, you two will need to talk about that, it may be that she wants no part of that life. In the end you must do what makes you happy.

Bill.
 
Texas Yellow Fever said:
I've said before, I owe everything I have to the US Air Force. I'll say that to you, I've said it to my own kids, and I'll say it to nayone who will listen. If I hadn't gone in and gone through technical school I'd be a broke red neck living in Arkansas. (Oh wait, I am that guy again now....LOL)

Anyway, my advice, if you're really serious about this would be to go into the Air Force or Navy and pick a career field that you can use after your tour of duty (they have by FAR and AWAY the best training). There are dozens of careers that you can get trained and gain experience in that will directly apply to civilian careers when you get out. IE, there's not a huge demand for tank commanders or infantry guys in the civilian world.

The other piece of advice I would give you is get everything you think was told/promised to you in writing. If it's in writing it will hold up, if it is not, it will not and you'll end up a cook in some foreign land. These guys, friends or not, are salemen with a quota. I won't say I've seen them lie, but I will say I've seen them bend the truth to the point of breaking it a LOT!!!
Click to expand...
best advice you can get right here Roz;) :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats: :congrats:
 
Texas Yellow Fever said:
I've said before, I owe everything I have to the US Air Force. I'll say that to you, I've said it to my own kids, and I'll say it to nayone who will listen. If I hadn't gone in and gone through technical school I'd be a broke red neck living in Arkansas. (Oh wait, I am that guy again now....LOL)

Anyway, my advice, if you're really serious about this would be to go into the Air Force or Navy and pick a career field that you can use after your tour of duty (they have by FAR and AWAY the best training). There are dozens of careers that you can get trained and gain experience in that will directly apply to civilian careers when you get out. IE, there's not a huge demand for tank commanders or infantry guys in the civilian world.

The other piece of advice I would give you is get everything you think was told/promised to you in writing. If it's in writing it will hold up, if it is not, it will not and you'll end up a cook in some foreign land. These guys, friends or not, are salemen with a quota. I won't say I've seen them lie, but I will say I've seen them bend the truth to the point of breaking it a LOT!!!
Click to expand...

+1...Navy here...:D :D

Whatever field you go into, make sure that the skills gained are transferrable to the civilian side...
 
Jimi, if Courtney is that opposed to it you may need to reconsider. Seems like her past experience with her ex has left a very bad taste in her mouth or stories from friends etc has convinced her that being the wife of soldier isn't the kind of life that she wants. I realize that signing bonus is hard to pass up but it's just money. Is it still worth it if she walks?
 
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