Considering joining the USAF / USANG--advice? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

HeWhoHasNoName · 11-03-2004, 02:19 AM

I was wondering if anybody here who's either in or been in the USAF, USAFR, or USANG would be willing to share their thoughts about their service with me.

To put some background to the question...

Right now, I'm a few months away from finishng an Associates of Applied Arts degree. I've got a fiancee and a 5 month old son, and the field I was planning on going into (digital art / 3D animation) is very ugly--bad job prospects, not much work, huge outsourcing issues, and publishers / distributors expecting far more from project X for less compensation than is profitable for many studios. Basically, my plans for that field have all but fallen through.

I've always loved flying, and planes. I'm no small fan of the military, either. My grandfather is a WWII USAAC vet, and I grew up on his stories. I also grew up in his shadow, to some extent.

But before I make major decisions like this, I'd like to know exactly what I'm getting into.

So anybody, past or present USAF, USAFR, or USANG, please tell me whatever you think somebody considering a 6 year hitch should know. I'd like to hear the good and the bad (as long as you won't get in trouble).

Thanks in advance,

--Brandon

Slavakion · 11-03-2004, 03:32 AM

Quote:

But before I make major decisions like this, I'd like to know exactly what I'm getting into.

Well, there's always the possibility of dying, but probably not within the next six years.

If you do join, I just want to thank you for doing something that I can't.

MikeyChalupa · 11-03-2004, 04:14 AM

Can I plug the Navy? You know, we have more planes than the USAF. Plus our blue cammies are cooler looking than the Air Force's blue cammies. And in my opinion, there is NO more awesome sight than watching flight ops aboard an aircraft carrier. Knowing you play a part in it is the most satisfying feeling I've had in the last 9 years. As long as you stay on the aviation side of the Navy, which you obviously would be drawn to anyway, I think it's the better choice. Unless you just plain don't want to go to sea for 6 months at a time every few years, then go for the Air Force. I don't know if the USAF will give you guaranteed training, but the Navy will. Plus with your AA you'll be eligible to come in at at least E-2 possibly E-3 depending on how many credits you have (45 used to be E-3, I don't know if it's gone up or not).

Either way, do your homework. If at all possible, take a current active duty member to the recruiter with you. Read everything you sign. Thank you for even considering military service at this time. It can be the best time of your life, or it can suck. It's all what you make of it and the attitude you take in. Boot Camp is designed to separate those who can't take it, just keep telling yourself you can make it and it'll be over before you know it and you'll be like "Is that it?"

Good luck!

-Mikey

Frowning Budah · 11-04-2004, 03:41 PM

I worked for the Army and the Air force and the Air Guard. The Air Guard seemed like a great group of people. Easy to get a long with and to be honest they didn't seem like they worked overly hard.
When I worked for the Army the grunts were fine but management was totally screwed up and didn't give a rats ass about the people working for them.
If I was going to choose I would say Air Guard was the way to go.

11-03-2004, 02:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
HeWhoHasNoName Upright	Considering joining the USAF / USANG--advice? I was wondering if anybody here who's either in or been in the USAF, USAFR, or USANG would be willing to share their thoughts about their service with me. To put some background to the question... Right now, I'm a few months away from finishng an Associates of Applied Arts degree. I've got a fiancee and a 5 month old son, and the field I was planning on going into (digital art / 3D animation) is very ugly--bad job prospects, not much work, huge outsourcing issues, and publishers / distributors expecting far more from project X for less compensation than is profitable for many studios. Basically, my plans for that field have all but fallen through. I've always loved flying, and planes. I'm no small fan of the military, either. My grandfather is a WWII USAAC vet, and I grew up on his stories. I also grew up in his shadow, to some extent. But before I make major decisions like this, I'd like to know exactly what I'm getting into. So anybody, past or present USAF, USAFR, or USANG, please tell me whatever you think somebody considering a 6 year hitch should know. I'd like to hear the good and the bad (as long as you won't get in trouble). Thanks in advance, --Brandon

11-03-2004, 04:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	Can I plug the Navy? You know, we have more planes than the USAF. Plus our blue cammies are cooler looking than the Air Force's blue cammies. And in my opinion, there is NO more awesome sight than watching flight ops aboard an aircraft carrier. Knowing you play a part in it is the most satisfying feeling I've had in the last 9 years. As long as you stay on the aviation side of the Navy, which you obviously would be drawn to anyway, I think it's the better choice. Unless you just plain don't want to go to sea for 6 months at a time every few years, then go for the Air Force. I don't know if the USAF will give you guaranteed training, but the Navy will. Plus with your AA you'll be eligible to come in at at least E-2 possibly E-3 depending on how many credits you have (45 used to be E-3, I don't know if it's gone up or not). Either way, do your homework. If at all possible, take a current active duty member to the recruiter with you. Read everything you sign. Thank you for even considering military service at this time. It can be the best time of your life, or it can suck. It's all what you make of it and the attitude you take in. Boot Camp is designed to separate those who can't take it, just keep telling yourself you can make it and it'll be over before you know it and you'll be like "Is that it?" Good luck! -Mikey

11-04-2004, 03:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
Frowning Budah Slave of Fear	I worked for the Army and the Air force and the Air Guard. The Air Guard seemed like a great group of people. Easy to get a long with and to be honest they didn't seem like they worked overly hard. When I worked for the Army the grunts were fine but management was totally screwed up and didn't give a rats ass about the people working for them. If I was going to choose I would say Air Guard was the way to go.