(Serious) Ask any USAF questions- this is not like the other ask threads!!!

[deadfingers]

Originally Posted by Mire.

So I'm considering joining the military.
-Cliffs on me: 20yrs old
-2nd year of community college and not transferring next year
-I will receive my AA degree after summer school, then I would ship out
-Don't have any direction in life
-I want to do something incredible and meaningful with my life

I'm thinking about joining the Marines or the AF.Why I would join Marines/AF Marines:brotherhood, respect, tough. AF: Good lifestyle, equipment, jobs. Please add to this list, both negatives and positives. Yes I'm aware this is an AF thread but as you can see I'm serious and this is possibly the next 4-20 years of my life.

My friends-moms-boyfriend is a Marine lifer, 20+ years, retiring sometime this year. He said if he knew he was going to make a career out of the military, he would have never joined the Marines. He recommends joining either the Navy or AF. I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet, but this is what his my buddy's mom told me. I have 2 friends in the AF, they say they like it and are positive about it. 2 cousins in the Navy, they love it. and 2 friends in the Marines. One was in Japan, just went to Iraq. He says when his 4 years are up he probably wont stay and sayid about the corps, it is what it is. The other in reserves and going to Iraq, plans on retiring. So overall everything I've heard about the Marines could go either way but the Navy and AF sounds pretty good.

I was watching Jarhead the other day and you know when Jaime Foxx is talking to swofford on that dune and its raining oil, had said something like this: "I could be making a lot of money, f***ing my beautiful wife, have a brand new truck etc... but you know why I'm here? Because I love my job, where else would you see something like this?" Give me your thoughts on this subject, is this true for both the AF and Marines? I don't want to join the AF and work in the states my whole military career and just have a good comm. job with the opportunity to make a lot of money in the civilian sector when I'm out. I want to do something and see things that normal people, civilians, _____ (fill in the blank) will never have the chance to see.

I understand you might not be able to say much about the Marines. Thanks to everybody in this thread and everybody in the military.

To each their own, I'm in a Comm job and I've been in Korea and Japan thus far, never been stateside other than tech school and BMT. It is what you make of it, most Marines I've talked to would rather be AF when it's all said and done. Air Force is great if you want to go career, you can do a lot and see a lot if you want. Most people tend to forget that the Air Force does actually have a lot of "hardcore" jobs, and I'd say we have some of the best SOF guys but that's just me. I love the military, I may make less than a lot of people out there but the experience is priceless.

[patsfan313]

So i just enlisted on friday!!!!! I was going to post then but i was banned.

As long as my slot was still open for tech school, then i should be heading down to basic on April 29th. Im nervously excited for it, mostly because i do not know what to expect.

[MidwestMonster]

Originally Posted by patsfan313

So i just enlisted on friday!!!!! I was going to post then but i was banned.

As long as my slot was still open for tech school, then i should be heading down to basic on April 29th. Im nervously excited for it, mostly because i do not know what to expect.

Reps. I enlist this upcoming thursday.

From the AF Website...

United States Air Force Basic Training

Week 0
In Processing
Haircuts
Learn reporting statement
Flight assignment
Clothing and equipment issue one
Dorm basics
Individual duty assignment
Fitness and nutrition
Issue M-16
Weapons handling and maintenance

Week 1
Reporting and saluting
Medical and dental appointments
Educational benefits briefing
ID card issue
Dorm guard class
Career guidance
Individual drill
Flight drill
Dorm prep
Core values
Chain of command
Air Force rank insignia
Weapons issue
Application weapons cleaning

Week 2
Personal fitness
Dorm inspection
Personal appearance
Personal interviews
Human relations class
Flight drill
Warrior role
Self aid and buddy care
M-16 breakdown and assembly

Week 3
Second clothing issue
Dorm inspection
Haircuts
Flight drill
Law of armed conflict
Code of conduct
Security
Mental prep for combat
Leadership
Prep for combat weapons eval
Basic field and security tactics
Basic self defense
AEF prep
AEF assignment
Mobility processing line

Week 4
BMT obstacle course
Marksmanship training
Field training exercise
Field security exercise
Combat arms training
Temper tent
Tactical course
Nuclear biological & chemical training
Weapons turn in

Week 5
Financial management
Flight pictures
Flight drill
Military citizenship
Career progression
Enlisted force structure
Ethics
Dorm inspection
Written test

Week 6
Formal retreat
Haircuts
Technical school briefing
Commanders departure briefing
Town pass briefing
Orders pick-up
Graduation parade
Airman's run

[MIKE24]

how soon after basic can you start going to the gym again>?

[MidwestMonster]

Originally Posted by MIKE24

how soon after basic can you start going to the gym again>?

What ever time you have between basic and Tech school.

[MIKE24]

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

What ever time you have between basic and Tech school.

What about during tech school?

[MidwestMonster]

Originally Posted by MIKE24

What about during tech school?

I've read about Tech School a little bit, and I know that there's monthly PFT tests, and to go to phase II, you have to pass the PFT test. Both are 1 min - 45 - crunches and pushups; 1.5 mile run - 11:45.

[deadfingers]

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

I've read about Tech School a little bit, and I know that there's monthly PFT tests, and to go up a phase, you have to pass the PFT test. Both are 1 min - 45 - crunches and pushups; 1.5 mile run - 11:45.

Not sure what phases are like now, but when I went through we got all the way up to 4th phase, 5th phase was currently being taken out. Every month you did a PT test, if you failed you were phased back. Make sure you don't get phased back, it sucks.

Originally Posted by MIKE24

What about during tech school?

Depends on your school but more than likely you could go on the weekends or even after school (or after PT rather). I went to the gym regularly in tech.

[nutsy54]

Originally Posted by deadfingers

Depends on your school but more than likely you could go on the weekends or even after school (or after PT rather). I went to the gym regularly in tech.

I highlighted Depends on Your School because that's the most important piece of information to understand. Every school is a different length, with different requirements, different schedules, and different people in charge. Plus, your academic and overall performance will have a significant impact on your free time (the worse you're doing, the more your time will be "managed" for you )

[MidwestMonster]

Originally Posted by deadfingers

Not sure what phases are like now, but when I went through we got all the way up to 4th phase, 5th phase was currently being taken out. Every month you did a PT test, if you failed you were phased back. Make sure you don't get phased back, it sucks.



Depends on your school but more than likely you could go on the weekends or even after school (or after PT rather). I went to the gym regularly in tech.

Phases - Phase V only applies to Airmen in AFSC 1N3XX and 1A8XX. I read about phasing back, do not want.

Here - Phases I - V + MTR - http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airfo...choolrest2.htm

[GymClassHero]

I'm presently attending Tech School at Goodfellow AFB and we have only 3 phases. After 35 days you're phase 3, assuming you pass inspections and don't **** up. Phase 3 allows you to wear civilian clothes anywhere on or off base AFTER duty hours (class). You're permitted to travel within a 300 mile radius.

[ranDOMED]

so i go up to meps tomorrow
anything i should know?

[MidwestMonster]

Originally Posted by GymClassHero

I'm presently attending Tech School at Goodfellow AFB and we have only 3 phases. After 35 days you're phase 3, assuming you pass inspections and don't **** up. Phase 3 allows you to wear civilian clothes anywhere on or off base AFTER duty hours (class). You're permitted to travel within a 300 mile radius.

Reps. What's your AFSC? That could be the reason your TS is short.

[deadfingers]

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

Phases - Phase V only applies to Airmen in AFSC 1N3XX and 1A8XX. I read about phasing back, do not want.

Here - Phases I - V + MTR - http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airfo...choolrest2.htm

Uh yeah thanks, but I've been through it myself, I know what the phase system is like. Anyways my tech school was a year long, I was Phase 4 for about 8 months or so. Took me about 3 months to get to Phase 4. My second tech school was at a detatchment. It was funny because we all came from a previous tech school with phase 4 already, while most of these kids barely got past 2nd phase because they're tech school was so short. Good times.

[MIKE24]

Originally Posted by GymClassHero

I'm presently attending Tech School at Goodfellow AFB and we have only 3 phases. After 35 days you're phase 3, assuming you pass inspections and don't **** up. Phase 3 allows you to wear civilian clothes anywhere on or off base AFTER duty hours (class). You're permitted to travel within a 300 mile radius.

so im guessing that means you're allowed to hit the gym?? lol

[deadfingers]

Originally Posted by ranDOMED

so i go up to meps tomorrow
anything i should know?

Drink plenty prior to, I made that mistake at MEPS and nearly drank 5lbs of water pushing me to my max weight. Practice your duck walk.

[SDFlip]

Originally Posted by patsfan313

So i just enlisted on friday!!!!! I was going to post then but i was banned.

As long as my slot was still open for tech school, then i should be heading down to basic on April 29th. Im nervously excited for it, mostly because i do not know what to expect.

cool!

Originally Posted by MIKE24

how soon after basic can you start going to the gym again>?

you can start up during tech school. for the gym, i think it doesn't matter what phase you're in.

Originally Posted by ranDOMED

so i go up to meps tomorrow
anything i should know?

be very respectful to everyone there (use sir and ma'am). don't look or act like a jackass. be very patient.

[SDFlip]

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

Reps. I enlist this upcoming thursday.

From the AF Website...

United States Air Force Basic Training

Week 0
In Processing
Haircuts
Learn reporting statement
Flight assignment
Clothing and equipment issue one
Dorm basics
Individual duty assignment
Fitness and nutrition
Issue M-16
Weapons handling and maintenance

Week 1
Reporting and saluting
Medical and dental appointments
Educational benefits briefing
ID card issue
Dorm guard class
Career guidance
Individual drill
Flight drill
Dorm prep
Core values
Chain of command
Air Force rank insignia
Weapons issue
Application weapons cleaning

Week 2
Personal fitness
Dorm inspection
Personal appearance
Personal interviews
Human relations class
Flight drill
Warrior role
Self aid and buddy care
M-16 breakdown and assembly

Week 3
Second clothing issue
Dorm inspection
Haircuts
Flight drill
Law of armed conflict
Code of conduct
Security
Mental prep for combat
Leadership
Prep for combat weapons eval
Basic field and security tactics
Basic self defense
AEF prep
AEF assignment
Mobility processing line

Week 4
BMT obstacle course
Marksmanship training
Field training exercise
Field security exercise
Combat arms training
Temper tent
Tactical course
Nuclear biological & chemical training
Weapons turn in

Week 5
Financial management
Flight pictures
Flight drill
Military citizenship
Career progression
Enlisted force structure
Ethics
Dorm inspection
Written test

Week 6
Formal retreat
Haircuts
Technical school briefing
Commanders departure briefing
Town pass briefing
Orders pick-up
Graduation parade
Airman's run

that's just a guideline. your TI will have his/her own schedule for you.

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

What ever time you have between basic and Tech school.

unless you finish basic somewhere around xmas time, there is no time between basic and tech school. after graduation, you get on a bus and go to your tech school base.

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

I've read about Tech School a little bit, and I know that there's monthly PFT tests, and to go to phase II, you have to pass the PFT test. Both are 1 min - 45 - crunches and pushups; 1.5 mile run - 11:45.

the test scores depend on your age but everyone has to score at least 75. usually, getting around 60 situps and pushups in one minute, a 34 inch waist, and a 12 minute mile and a half will give you a passing score no matter what your age is.

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

Phases - Phase V only applies to Airmen in AFSC 1N3XX and 1A8XX. I read about phasing back, do not want.

Here - Phases I - V + MTR - http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airfo...choolrest2.htm

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

Reps. What's your AFSC? That could be the reason your TS is short.

whoa, whoa, whoa..... i know you're about to enlist, but try to leave the answers to the people that have been through the real thing

Phase 3 for a tech school isn't "short" at all. Phase 3 goes up to 6 months and that's a long time to be in training. there's only a handful of jobs that i can think of that have tech schools longer than 6 months at one base (intel, ATC, some medical).

[MidwestMonster]

Originally Posted by SDFlip

that's just a guideline. your TI will have his/her own schedule for you.

I'm trying to help future enlistees like myself learn about the USAF.

unless you finish basic somewhere around xmas time, there is no time between basic and tech school. after graduation, you get on a bus and go to your tech school base.

Welp, there goes my plans to spend 4th of July with my family. What about Tech School to Dep?


the test scores depend on your age but everyone has to score at least 75. usually, getting around 60 situps and pushups in one minute, a 34 inch waist, and a 12 minute mile and a half will give you a passing score no matter what your age is.

I see.

whoa, whoa, whoa..... i know you're about to enlist, but try to leave the answers to the people that have been through the real thing

Phase 3 for a tech school isn't "short" at all. Phase 3 goes up to 6 months and that's a long time to be in training. there's only a handful of jobs that i can think of that have tech schools longer than 6 months at one base (intel, ATC, some medical).

Refer to what I said in the first bold response. I wonder if my 3rd phase will be longer than 6 months.

[nutsy54]

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

unless you finish basic somewhere around xmas time, there is no time between basic and tech school. after graduation, you get on a bus and go to your tech school base.

Welp, there goes my plans to spend 4th of July with my family. What about Tech School to Dep?

Nobody here can answer the details of exactly what your schedule will be during all segments of boot, tech school, and first duty station. There are way to many variables.

This thread can provide "educated guesses" by people who have experience - but not everyone follows the exact same timeline, even for the same schools.

The bottom line is that you are starting a new life and a new career. And right now, you have to assume that every future holiday, birthday, wedding, and anything else that goes on back home will be missed. If you end up getting to some of them, then all the better. But don't try planning your enlistment around one last holiday (if it would affect MOS selection), or one potential period that you might be "available" several months from now.

[MidwestMonster]

Originally Posted by nutsy54

Nobody here can answer the details of exactly what your schedule will be during all segments of boot, tech school, and first duty station. There are way to many variables.

This thread can provide "educated guesses" by people who have experience - but not everyone follows the exact same timeline, even for the same schools.

The bottom line is that you are starting a new life and a new career. And right now, you have to assume that every future holiday, birthday, wedding, and anything else that goes on back home will be missed. If you end up getting to some of them, then all the better. But don't try planning your enlistment around one last holiday (if it would affect MOS selection), or one potential period that you might be "available" several months from now.

Yeah, I was just thinking about this. I can't sleep for ****, and this popped up in my head. I'll talk to my recruiter on Thursday, and see what he has to say, like if it's the same for everyone.

[SDFlip]

Originally Posted by MidwestMonster

Refer to what I said in the first bold response. I wonder if my 3rd phase will be longer than 6 months.

the length of your school depends on your job.

most schools are shorter than 6 months so you won't go past phase 3.

phases aren't that big of a deal really. phase 1 - you're still getting used to the military and tech school life so you don't have much free time anyways. phase 2 - you can leave the base but you have to wear your blues. no big deal. you'll be itching so bad to get off base, you'll do anything. phase 3 - you'll be comfortable with school and dorm life by now so you are able to better manage your free time.

the phases are there for a reason - to help you succeed and keep your mind on what is important - your career.

[SDFlip]

Originally Posted by smc33

I think somebody should comment on this.

what's there to address?

i like job. i plan to do this for at least 12 more years until I complete my 20. i may retrain into another career field or i may not. i love the military.

[ranDOMED]

alright, leaving for meps

ill report back my exp Wednesday

[SDFlip]

Originally Posted by ranDOMED

alright, leaving for meps

ill report back my exp Wednesday

spread those cheeks wide!

[Cardmass]

Originally Posted by SDFlip

the length of your school depends on your job.

most schools are shorter than 6 months so you won't go past phase 3.

phases aren't that big of a deal really. phase 1 - you're still getting used to the military and tech school life so you don't have much free time anyways. phase 2 - you can leave the base but you have to wear your blues. no big deal. you'll be itching so bad to get off base, you'll do anything. phase 3 - you'll be comfortable with school and dorm life by now so you are able to better manage your free time.

the phases are there for a reason - to help you succeed and keep your mind on what is important - your career.

We went up to phase 4, 3P0X1, for those than don't know phase 4 is phase 3 with the fact that you do not have to report back until your next formation so we would leave friday mid-afternoon and not come back till monday morning for pt. But then again things prolly changed. I was looking at that BMT thing the kid posted and a lot of stuff has changed since i went and that was only 3 years ago

[deadfingers]

Originally Posted by smc33

I think somebody should comment on this.

Originally Posted by deadfingers

To each their own, I'm in a Comm job and I've been in Korea and Japan thus far, never been stateside other than tech school and BMT. It is what you make of it, most Marines I've talked to would rather be AF when it's all said and done. Air Force is great if you want to go career, you can do a lot and see a lot if you want. Most people tend to forget that the Air Force does actually have a lot of "hardcore" jobs, and I'd say we have some of the best SOF guys but that's just me. I love the military, I may make less than a lot of people out there but the experience is priceless.

Um I did. Anyways it's kinda funny when you think of the phase program, because when you look back on it you think "Wait, I did all this stuff when I was a civilian". It's a priviledge to have no curfew during tech school, when you were a civilian it didn't matter. haha.

[SDFlip]

Originally Posted by Cardmass

We went up to phase 4, 3P0X1, for those than don't know phase 4 is phase 3 with the fact that you do not have to report back until your next formation so we would leave friday mid-afternoon and not come back till monday morning for pt. But then again things prolly changed. I was looking at that BMT thing the kid posted and a lot of stuff has changed since i went and that was only 3 years ago

when i was a loadmaster in training, we didn't have phases. the school was self paced, sorta. i would schedule times to meet with the instructor on the sim or mock up and the rest of the training was CBTs. sometimes i would cram a bunch of CBTs and sims on monday and tuesday and then spend the rest of the week at my dad's house in OKC almost 3 hours away

[deadfingers]

Originally Posted by SDFlip

when i was a loadmaster in training, we didn't have phases. the school was self paced, sorta. i would schedule times to meet with the instructor on the sim or mock up and the rest of the training was CBTs. sometimes i would cram a bunch of CBTs and sims on monday and tuesday and then spend the rest of the week at my dad's house in OKC almost 3 hours away

God I hope I get Loadmaster.

[SDFlip]

Originally Posted by deadfingers

God I hope I get Loadmaster.

i don't think it's like that anymore. when i was in training, Altus was still AMC but now it's AMC/AETC. the new guys have MTLs and phases now. we used to get in trouble A LOT back then because we weren't watched at all. Dorm life was crazy there.

since you'll be a retrainee, you should be able to do whatever you want. there isn't much in Altus. OKC will be the place to go on the weekends.