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Oxford Comma posted:Just curious. I'm not in the military but was just wondering. Also, there's a lot of talk in this thread about not enlisting if you have a degree, but what if your GPA was loving poo poo and you can just barely pass PT qualifications, and nowhere near a 300? WHAT THEN SERGEANT SMARTYPANTS?! Then enlist or find something else you can do in the world. If you got a stupid degree then thats your problem, no mine or the Army's
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Oct 2, 2012 16:39
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When you say "Second Coming of Eisenhower" for OCS can you narrow down what that might look like in concrete terms? 4.0 STEM degree, 300 PT, volunteer work that would make mother teresa look like a scrub?
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Oct 2, 2012 23:45
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Jaytan posted:When you say "Second Coming of Eisenhower" for OCS can you narrow down what that might look like in concrete terms? Have a picture 
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Oct 2, 2012 23:50
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Interestingly enough, Eisenhower was only a COL when WWII started.
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Oct 3, 2012 01:19
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DoktorLoken posted:Interestingly enough, Eisenhower was only a COL when WWII started. Fast tracked like a mofo to be SAC I guess
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Oct 3, 2012 01:54
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Jaytan posted:When you say "Second Coming of Eisenhower" for OCS can you narrow down what that might look like in concrete terms? More or less. You have to bring something to the table than a BFA man.
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Oct 3, 2012 01:55
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DEVILDOGOOORAH posted:More or less. You have to bring something to the table than a BFA man. Yeah I've got a 3.3 in a CS/math degree and could get to a 300 PT but I don't really have any volunteer stuff to mention so I guess it's not worth bothering?
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Oct 3, 2012 04:17
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Jaytan posted:Yeah I've got a 3.3 in a CS/math degree and could get to a 300 PT but I don't really have any volunteer stuff to mention so I guess it's not worth bothering? If you can get a 300 off the bat and present a reasonable appearance its worth a shot, least they could do is say no. Volunteer and letters of recommendation go a long way. Really my point was against the entitlement some people have just because they have a degree, but in the Army at the end of the day a 300 means more to most people than it should. Treat it very seriously and don't be all casual like people owe you poo poo, and you have a better chance. If you come in sneering at enlisted folks and the enlistment process, your enlisted recruiters aren't going to make an effort. If you honestly feel like you are being blown a bunch of bullshit, and being an officer is your dream in life (be able to explain why you deserve to be an officer, beyond "its dumb to enlist with a degree") and call or email the company commander with a rational and thought out reason why you should have this opportunity. If you need help finding the company commander, I might be able to help.
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Oct 3, 2012 04:48
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Just apply. Boards are not just looking at your stats. You have a chance to wow them with your interview, essay, rec letters, appearance. A recruiter may turn you away, but it shouldn't be too hard to find one to humor you. You can mostly do the entire paperwork process yourself if you read up on it. Army doesn't send applicants to MEPS until after they have been selected, correct?
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Oct 3, 2012 04:51
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I posted like a year or so ago about thinking of joining the military and you guys totally shot me down and told me not to do it. Thank you so much, just a little more perseverance and I got an awesome job with the ability to move up and learn in the IT field. Ill stick to reading about the bullshit you people go through while sipping a stiff drink and smoking a j. If you have a degree, or are working on one, DONT ENLIST IN THE MILITARY!
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Oct 4, 2012 17:35
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DEVILDOGOOORAH posted:Commission through the USAR, then get on active duty when you can after that. Lots of good info, but this needs to be clarified. This is a no-go in today's environment. The Call to Duty program right now is limited to former Active Duty officers who want to go back to AD and is totally based on the needs of the Army. In the last 6 months I have seen 1 Call to Duty ALARACT and that was for 10 Civil Affairs O3s.
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Oct 4, 2012 17:54
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barbudo posted:Just apply. Boards are not just looking at your stats. You have a chance to wow them with your interview, essay, rec letters, appearance. Not so much. 3.3 CS/Math GPA with a 300 PT is hot though. Volunteer work is definitely not a pre-req even though it is encouraged. barbudo posted:A recruiter may turn you away, but it shouldn't be too hard to find one to humor you. You can mostly do the entire paperwork process yourself if you read up on it. Army doesn't send applicants to MEPS until after they have been selected, correct? First comes the physical at MEPS. Then local board interview. Then national board review of packet. Then back to MEPS to sign the contract and take the oath.
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Oct 4, 2012 17:58
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Does anybody know anything about AMEDD recruiting/standards, specifically 71a (microbiology)? I just got my PhD in microbiology and I am very interested in doing microbiology work in the army. I just finished MEPS, and my CV read came back as qualified. All my app stuff is in except a couple letters. I worked with pathogens in grad school, some of which were closely related to ones the army is working on. I feel like I am well qualified, good GPA, in shape, a little volunteer work, leadership positions in grad school, plenty of departmental awards and so on. My only worry is that the selection board meets in December, and that is a little late for me to wait on it, especially if it doesn't work out. My recruiter has never recruited a microbiologist, so he doesn't have that much info. I don't know how many slots are open or how selective they are. If anybody knows anything about it, I would really appreciate any input.
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Oct 4, 2012 20:19
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calmasahinducow posted:Lots of good info, but this needs to be clarified. This is a no-go in today's environment. The Call to Duty program right now is limited to former Active Duty officers who want to go back to AD and is totally based on the needs of the Army. In the last 6 months I have seen 1 Call to Duty ALARACT and that was for 10 Civil Affairs O3s. OK, cool, I'll put this in my "TOOLBAG" sorry for the disinformation.
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Oct 5, 2012 02:11
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naughty_penguin posted:Does anybody know anything about AMEDD recruiting/standards, specifically 71a (microbiology)? Are you talking to a normal recruiter or an AMEDD recruiter?
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Oct 5, 2012 02:11
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DEVILDOGOOORAH posted:Are you talking to a normal recruiter or an AMEDD recruiter? AMEDD recruiter. He normally does vets and dentists and stuff like that.
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Oct 5, 2012 03:20
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naughty_penguin posted:AMEDD recruiter. He normally does vets and dentists and stuff like that. IDK then man, if it's really worth it to you then December isn't really a long time! Apply for other jobs as a fall back in the mean time. Maybe you'll luck into something better than the Army in the meantime. If not you'll have something to pay the bills until you commission. Even if you're good to go at the board, it's likely to be another wait before you actually go to do anything.
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Oct 5, 2012 03:24
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FlyingCowOfDoom posted:I posted like a year or so ago about thinking of joining the military and you guys totally shot me down and told me not to do it. GIP success story. I met a Specialist with a degree in Physics while he was picking up cigarette butts in the side if the road today. Smoke that j, if not for you, then for us.
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Oct 5, 2012 20:58
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Note to all who are considering joining the military (or at least the Air Force): Do not expect to ship out anytime soon after your first contact with a recruiter. When I made the decision to join the Air Force, I figured it'd go something like this: "Done any drugs? Got a high school diploma? Mkay we got a bus leaving next Tuesday, here's a packing list." My first contact with a recruiter was in the first week of January this year. "You're overweight, bye." Four months and forty pounds later, "Hi I'm back." I got scheduled to take the ASVAB two weeks out (middle of April) and another three weeks after that I went up to MEPS and got sent home early, needing to get a more thorough examination of my eyes. That happened another two or three weeks later. They said I'd have to get a waiver in order to enlist, which would take "up to" 45 days... ended up taking about twice that. Then a couple weeks after that went through I went back up to MEPS and finished up where I'd left off, and was finally in the DEP. I think that was in the middle of August. And my recruiter just texted me with a ship date: 5 March 2013. If you're looking to get something done in your life quickly, joining the military ain't it. Friar Zucchini fucked around with this message at 21:39 on Oct 5, 2012 |
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Oct 5, 2012 21:36
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That's nothing out of the ordinary for the Air Force, in fact that's quicker than it took me to ship 3 years ago.
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Oct 5, 2012 22:47
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Seriously, let me fix this statement for you:Friar Zucchini posted:If you're looking to get anything done quickly, the military ain't it. Ridiculous expectations like yours are why the contributors to this thread are so frank with their advice.
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Oct 5, 2012 23:07
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If you NEED TO ENLIST NOW I highly recommend the Army, there was a 12 day window between me signing my paperwork and shipping.
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Oct 6, 2012 01:50
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I was on a plane to basic training like ten days after I went to MEPS, but that was in 2006.
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Oct 6, 2012 01:51
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I was just kidding because I would never recommend the Army to anyone 
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Oct 6, 2012 01:57
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In 2002 it took me around a month from flash to bang to be in the USAF. 10 almost 11 goddamn years now. Why did I do this, oh god.  poo poo has changed a lot though. If you're still thinking about joining the USAF, be smart and join the goddamn navy. Wait no, Coast Guard. That poo poo is legit.
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Oct 6, 2012 12:26
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Alright guys, I'll be graduating next semester with two degrees: chemistry and philosophy. Yes, I know the second one is worthless but hey, scholarships have helped with that endeavor. I've worked as a pharmacy technician for two years now while going to school full time. My GPA is ~3.7 (could change, still got these two semesters. I made 4.0's in all my philosophy stuff and made A's/B's for my science courses since I didn't find them nearly as interesting.) I took the ASVAB in high school and scored a 99% score and got bothered by recruiters for a long time and never really gave it a second thought. Well, I've always been fascinated with the military and want to attempt to become a helicopter pilot after graduating college. I understand that nothing is guaranteed. I know it will be hard work and not Call of Duty-esque bullshit. I am not in terrible shape. I lift weights but cut cardio to help gain weight. Now that I've bought a new bike frame I'll be back on my normal cardio routine. I know everyone wants to be a pilot, but I'm not in this to fly an Apache and kill insurgents. I would love to fly a Chinook and just transport stuff on behalf of the military. Flying has always been a dream of mine and I feel that I could always go back to graduate school (either pharmacy or medical school) with a stronger mind and body. Part of me wants the challenge itself - I work two jobs and go to school full time as is. I know that this will be hard work. I can't overstate that enough. I've had diagnosed "depression" and been prescribed SSRI's, but I've already consulted with my doctor and we're planning to wean me off it over the next month. Will this gently caress me in terms of getting a flight position? I know most people would say, "gently caress it, just go to graduate school," but I want to travel and push myself before I engage in academia even further. I'd love to be stationed in some foreign country where I can learn their culture - I took four years of French in high school, not sure if that would help me. I understand that the air force isn't the only place that flies helicopters - so what branch would you guys recommend for someone with my qualifications/desires?
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Oct 7, 2012 04:14
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Pilot requires a security clearance and you will never, ever, ever, get a clearance having been diagnosed with depression. The second ever comes from being medicated for it. I'm sorry. 
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Oct 7, 2012 04:33
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Was gonna say, sorry bro there is no way unless you lie. If you wanna lie I'd say go for it, but honestly being a pilot with depression isn't exactly a poo poo-hot idea.
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Oct 7, 2012 04:36
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Do not lie. They will find out. You have a good degree and sound pretty smart. You can easily find a better, more fulfilling job.
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Oct 7, 2012 04:37
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Thing is, I'm not really depressed anymore. Otherwise I would be continuing the medication. Is there no waiver or way to show them that I'm mentally capable and not a risk?
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Oct 7, 2012 04:41
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droey posted:Thing is, I'm not really depressed anymore. Otherwise I would be continuing the medication. Is there no waiver or way to show them that I'm mentally capable and not a risk? You can ask a recruiter. Worst case scenario is he says no. I very strongly doubt, VERY STRONGLY, doubt you can ever get a clearance. You need the highest clearance possible to fly. Even if you aren't depressed now, even if you never were depressed and it was just a lovely doctor it doesn't matter. You were diagnosed and medicated for depression.
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Oct 7, 2012 04:47
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Okay, fair enough. With my stated qualifications, what type of job should I try to aim for that would allow me to travel outside of the United States? I have nothing tying me down here besides family, but they're supportive of whatever I do. I would love to be stationed in a preferably Western European country. My civilian job was working in a pharmacy and I have a chemistry degree, maybe I could get a job working in military hospitals to some capacity?
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Oct 7, 2012 04:51
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Q: I have a bachelor's degree already, but I'm looking to break into another field (unhappy with what I'm currently doing and would like to pursue an IT degree). Would someone who already has a bachelor's degree be eligible for an ROTC scholarship? I've snooped around here and I know it's bad to enlist with a degree, so I was looking at this route. That way I could become an officer, get my second degree paid for and help my future career with security clearances and such.
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Oct 7, 2012 12:08
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droey posted:Okay, fair enough. With my stated qualifications, what type of job should I try to aim for that would allow me to travel outside of the United States? I have nothing tying me down here besides family, but they're supportive of whatever I do. I would love to be stationed in a preferably Western European country. My civilian job was working in a pharmacy and I have a chemistry degree, maybe I could get a job working in military hospitals to some capacity? Google USAJobs and search from there. Biggest military medical facility in Europe is Landstuhl. Good luck navigating the application process. You might want to find someone who knows how it works before you start.
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Oct 7, 2012 15:47
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John Cowheel posted:Q: I have a bachelor's degree already, but I'm looking to break into another field (unhappy with what I'm currently doing and would like to pursue an IT degree). Would someone who already has a bachelor's degree be eligible for an ROTC scholarship? I've snooped around here and I know it's bad to enlist with a degree, so I was looking at this route. That way I could become an officer, get my second degree paid for and help my future career with security clearances and such. You can go back for a second degree or a graduate degree through Army ROTC. AROTC is predominately looking for STEM degrees, so that may help your chances, if you meet all of the other prerequisites. I cannot speak for the other services.
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Oct 7, 2012 20:23
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There was a guy in my unit who attempted suicide in basic, and he got his TS/SCI. I don't think depression is a certain disqualification.
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Oct 8, 2012 00:27
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Our Gay Apparel posted:There was a guy in my unit who attempted suicide in basic, and he got his TS/SCI. I don't think depression is a certain disqualification. How did some guy attempt suicide in Basic and not get tossed out?!
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Oct 8, 2012 01:42
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They gave Bradley Manning a TS, and he's batshit loving insane. They also let him keep it after upending a table after losing a day off for being late all the time, and decking a female coworker. Althought I'm sure they've learned their lesson since then Doubt it
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Oct 8, 2012 01:59
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Oxford Comma posted:How did some guy attempt suicide in Basic and not get tossed out?! A guy in my platoon tried to hang himself with his web belt and he was back a day or two later. He ended up getting an entry level separation for refusing to train later in my cycle.
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Oct 8, 2012 02:00
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Yeah, I'd give it a try, there's a lot of shady people floating around with TS's.
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Oct 8, 2012 02:07
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