When you say 'fly', do you mean 'drive the aircraft', or 'ride in back'? The requirements are different for each. Generally, you have to be an officer to drive an airplane or helicopter, although the Army lets Warrant Officers fly. Generally, enlisted folks are the guys in back (GIB, or aircrew). The most common dis-qualifier for flight duty is physical. The requirements for pilots are very tight (excellent eyesight, near-perfect health), and the requirements for aircrew are less strict.

Your best bet is to narrow down what you want to do. Try the websites of each service for more information, or talk to a recruiter (just don't commit to anything, and don't sign anything!) to get more details about what you can do, and if you qualify for a certain job. A lot of us here can help, too, once you can work your way down to specifics.

Not everyone flys in the Air Force, there's a whole lot more than that. You could be a pilot, but there's a big Air Force out there. Most enlisted have degrees too - like me - who chose not to go OCS. I don't regret the decision at all. While growing up, I wanted to be involved in the Space Program, wanted to be like Commander Sulu and navigate amongst the stars. Corny I know, but that's what I wanted to do.

I signed up to join the USAF, and went delayed enlistment to get the assignment I wanted - which was Air Intelligence. My college work was in Physics and Astronomy - and I was already setup to complete my degree work while in the military.

On the last week of Basic Training - even though I had a career field reservation in writing - the Command made a switch. Everyone in the Training Center at that time, in the top 3% of ASVAB scores would be diverted to the Security Police field. In one of the nicest gestures my Training Instructor paid me, he sat down and actually explained why that happened. Perception was that the SP field wasn't getting the "quality" of new troops that the other career fields had been getting. Several Training Flights were involved in this diversion. He said that I'd do fine (I was his selection for Honor Graduate) and to make the most of the switch. At the end of the tour, I should apply for cross-training to get into the field I wanted to.

Instead of being bitter, I trusted him and took his advice. It was my first lesson about life in the military. I wound up going to a Squadron that was considered elite and working with some of the finest personell that I've ever encountered in any industry or field. They all taught a young guy like me some crucial things about Life - and how to make it successful for yourself. I spent four years doing something I never even dreamed about (Law Enforcement and Aerospace Security), and my open attitude and willingness to learn new things got me into positions and situations not often afforded young enlistees. Grandma always said if someone gives you water - make soup out of it.

I requested an enlistment extension of 24 months - so that I could cross-train. I did get to Space Command, and wound up in a really unusual and limited career field. So much so that there was no civilian equivalent unfortunately. However, I loved the new field too. So much so that if I decide to sign the papers again - I'd be open to either one just to be part of that team again! I did learn to fly satellites, I did get to apply what I learned about orbital mechanics, and I got to learn a whole lot more about space technology than I had read in books. I got what I wanted all along.

Prerequisites for the Air Force? Simple things like strength, physical, and mental tests. If you can dead-lift 100 pounds over your head - that's the first step into the USAF. It isn't as stringent as an Infantry or Marine Recon requirements. However, I don't consider that inequity a huge plus on the macho scale. Each service branch has a different focus. The career field the Air Force chose for me the first time around called for specialized training - and you'll have to qualify accordingly. The Army taught me how to handle my sidearms and made me an Expert Marksman. The Marines taught me to defend myself, and how to make sure you and your partner could aid each other to make it off the battlefield. I did pretty damn well for "just being a Zoomie" in the end. Think twice about that guy who waves you into the air base the next time you see him - there's a lot more going on there than you know. I was one of them...

It is a team thing in the US Armed Forces, and the only prerequisite that I never see mentioned just happens to be the most important:

"An overwhelming sense of teamwork and willingness to learn all that is given to you"

You nail that down and keep your eyes on the bigger picture - and you'll wind up a Star, regardless of whether or not you enlist or join the officer ranks.

Gunnie

The reason I stated that I didnt quite like my time in the Army was that the job I had sucked for the most part. I was a mechanic on Bradleys and quicky found out that I didnt quite like coming come everyday covered in oil for the most part. Also add to the fact that I normally worked from 8:30 to almost 6 every night while the grunts got off at 4, you could say I was a bit bitter at the time.

I met some really good people while I was in and also met some of the scum of the earth types also. I went to places that I only dreamed about like Germany and had nightmares about like Bosina Overall the experance was good...the job sucked...but I would do it all over again if I had too.

Having been a Battalion Maintenance Officer in an armor battalion for 2 years at Ft. Hood, I can attest to the fact that it really was not fun. (see the first paragraph in my first post on this subject). The hours were hard.

Awall,
Short life story here. I joined the Army at 24 in 1989 been in just over 13 yrs. I joined for discipline, direction, change of life style, etc. I never thought I'd make it a career but it is a decision I have no regrets about. When I went to the recruiter's office I told him not to try "sell" me on the military, I'm enlisting. I work in the communications field and have learned a lot and enjoy it.

When you talk to a recruiter ask questions!! The recruiter won't lie to you but if you don't ask he/she won't tell (for the most part).
There have been many times during my career where I've wanted to slap a new private for whining, "my recruiter never said any thing about doing this" or "my recruiter didn't tell me I would have to go to the field".

The opportunity to further you civilian education is there but remember, the needs of the military come first. It took me almost 11 yrs. just to get an associates degree. Like I said, I work in the telecommunications field, but my current assignment is the first one in which I work in an office.

As far as family life is concerned, it depends on where you are stationed. I've been stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga (not good for family life), Fort Hood, TX (not as bad but not great), Korea (definitly bad), and at the present time Turkey where I haven't even been issued field gear.

In summary, if you decide to join the military, remember; find out exactly what you are getting into, realize you belong to Uncle Sam 24 hours a day and are subject to work that many hours at any time he desires, there will be times when you think it sucks but they will pass, there are many opportunities for travel but they may or may not be places you want to go, and finally you only get out of it what you put into it.

It has been great for me I joined for 2 years and will stay untill they tell me I have to go.

Mark

[Mushy, but heartfelt stuff]
After reading the contributions to this thread from all of the currently and formerly serving folks, I am struck by the tone and attitudes of each. I wish I could find a way to distill this so that when someone asks me why I put up with all of the crap Uncle dishes, I can answer: "To serve with people like these". You guys may not realize it, but each of you is a true example of the finest this country has to offer.

I believe that the real heroes in our world are everyday heroes, who do the right things in their own way, for reasons beyond their own. Whatever mistakes you make or shortcomings you may think you have, you are still heroes. From this one person, allow me to say "Thanks", and also "It is an honor to serve with each of you".

[/end mushy, but heartfelt stuff]

#:-) I was a Military Policeman serving in Germany from 1979-1982. Now that we are in a time of war, you've got to seriously consider the consequences of your actions. You might be required to go to a combat zone and pay the ultimate sacrifice. A lot of people join the military for travel or education benefits and forget that the main purpose of the military is to prepare for,and if necessary go into,combat. When I joined, the Iranian students had just taken American hostages and we were told "you're going to Iran boys!". I saw Anti-US demonstrations in Gemany. I was there when the Red Army Faction killed US soldiers and fired a rocket launcher at an American General's car. I was in Germany as a civilian when a pipe bomb went off at Ramstein Air Base. These are all things that you have to consider before you join. You become a big green target. I never served in combat, I thank God every day for that, but I would have,had I been called to do so. I have the GREATEST RESPECT for anyone who has put on the uniform and and fought for this country. Would I do it again..YOU BET! Some of the greatest times and best friends I ever had were in the military. After 9/11 I wanted to join the Nat'l. Guard and my wife and parents told me I was too old..at 42!...that made me feel really good! Bottom Line...you'll grow up... learn discipline...and ultimately become a better man for it. Your friends and family will notice a definate difference. You will notice a difference between yourself and those of your friends who stayed home. Good luck...Jeff

And you drop old Hollowpoint a line when you get into town and I'll corrupt you with the local model shops and clubs!!

Seriously, I have to heartily agree with most of what has appeared on this thread. I was an Army brat, then enlisted when I was 17 back in 1977. Did 15 years active Army (77-92), two years National Guard (92-94) and a year in the Reserve (yeah, add it up and I never retired ... long story for another time). Joined fresh out of high school. I regret quite a few things, but I learned more about people and the world in a few years of military service than I would have ever learned in a lifetime as a civilian. I don't regret joining the Army.

Now I work for the U.S. Army as a DA civilian and still can't get used to being called "sir." Dammit, I was an NCO for too-o-o-o-o long for that crap. I'm "Bob," dammit. Of course, now I occasionally get invited to a general officer's party ... something that was unheard-of in my previous status. It sure seems strange to call officers by their first names -- and even (gulp) call many of them friends, but I do now.

It's also great to see that some of the "kids" who used to work for me when I was a buck sergeant and staff sergeant are now master sergeants, sergeants major ... and even a few officers.

The people I met in the Army are the finest human beings I have ever had the honor and privilege to know -- it's one of the reasons I chose to come back to work for Uncle Sugar. Sure, we on the inside know Uncle ain't perfect, but it ain't bad.

I have only felt a similar bond with my co-workers when I worked for four years in corrections -- and many of them were former military. Side-by-side hand-to-hand combat tends to do that ...

BTW, it is a soldier's (or sailor's or airman's or Marine's) privilege to complain about his or her service. For you civilians, think of it this way: I can say my sister is ugly, but you had better not -- unless you want me to open a can of whoopass.

I served eight years with Army Intelligence. Most of that time in the Airborne at Ft. Bragg. I loved it and would recommend that everyone do at least two years in the service. I had some of the greatest experiences in my life durring that time. I served in Op. Just Cause in Panama and Desert Shield/Storm, you don't get that kind of opportunity working for McDonalds. As far as family goes....That is where I met my wife and we have been married for 13 years. Her brother has a wife and two children and he is still in the Airforce going on 16 years. Do your research as to what branch you want to join, then find out what job you are interested in then study for the apptitude tests so you get to pick what you want....then just do it. Good luck

I served 8 years US army 62B-10 and 62 B-20 . good life should of stayed in and retired, sometimes you might miss some of the holiday meals at home I know I missed 5 out 8 of them thanksgiving and Xmas the rest don't count. In todays world the best thing for a serious minded person who really wants to serve his country not for somebody just looking for a job. Then I would go for it.

I should add that I was NBC Nco for a year at Ft Rucker. Which was different training troops for setting up Decon Stations, making sure all gear was used properly and the best thing was setting up the trips to the yes you guessed it CS gas chamber.

I served as a Reconnaissance Marine in the USMCR (including 3 years Active Duty as a reservist) from 1988 through 1996, then changed services and served as a light infantryman in the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment in Alaska from 1996 to 2000. Now I'm a full-time Active Duty member of the Texas Army National Guard serving as an Operations Assistant in an Armor Battalion. In November I start reclassification training as a 19K (M-1 Tank Crewman).

My best advice to you is to decide what you want to do in the military and what you would like to do when you get out, either after ETS or retirement. Then look at what the service you choose to join has to offer. Although I have very high test scores and was qualified to do anything in the Marines and Army, I wanted to be a Recon Marine and was able to do so after interviews with the unit and going through indoc after returning from boot camp and School of Infantry. It was usually fun for me. Of course there were environmental miseries like the weather and climate, and the cold water on the west coast during amphibious training (I hated that part), but overall I had a blast, especially when placed on Active Duty for short stints to go various places and "train". If you decide to do that kind of stuff, I suggest that you not be married nor serioussly involved so you can keep your head 100% in the game. When you are in a country where Americans are not the most welcome folks around, you can't afford to be thinking about things going on at the home front.

When I joined the Active Duty Army and got stationed in Alaska, I was single when I first arrived. We got to deploy to places like the Phillipines, Japan, Guam, Tinian, and Hawaii besides stuff like NTC and JRTC rotations. As a single soldier, going on all these deployments were great because I didn't have anything to worry about back home. After being in Alaska for awhile, I met my wife and we got married. Then I had someone elses feelings and needs to consider, so I couldn't be so self centered. My wife was older than most of the other wives and she had her stuff together and although she didn't enjoy me being deployed, she could take care of things while I was gone on a deployment somewhere. Having a mature wife who understands your commitment to the armed forces and who is supportive of your duties and responsibilities is a must if you do this stuff as a married soldier. It has worked out great for my wife and I, and it is all in who you choose and how they can handle the hours you have to put in and the times you are gone.

When I ETSed out of the Army and went into the National Guard, I was a slotted as a 75B Admin Personnel Sergeant. I was good at paperwork, and it is necessary that the soldiers have someone who cares to ensure that their paperwork is squared away, but that just wasn't totally me. This past May I started an assignment as an Active Guard/Reserve Operations Assistant interning to become a Force Readiness NCO. Part of my job still requires me to handle lots of paperwork, but I get to do other things, too. When we went to Fort Polk for Annual Training, instead of spending the entire time in the office, I was the primary instructor for CQB and Infantry Tactics in an Urban Environment during the four days we conducted MOUT training for the line companies, and I also got to go on a couple of recon patrols in support of the OPFOR missions that the battalion was performing for the LAARNG.

For me, Combat Arms is what I wanted to do and it has been very rewarding for me. I'm fortunate enough that I have other skills besides those so I was more marketable in the civilian world. When I was a Marine Reservist, I had attended Texas A&M University to become an officer. I did well in school, but the real action was found as an enlisted man and even more so as an NCO. As an NCO you have more hands on day to day interaction with soldiers and Marines, and can affect their lives by training them well and looking out for their welfare moreso than you can do as an officer. Now, don't think that I have anything against officers, because I don't. Officers are a very important working part of how the military works, it just wasn't for me and my personality. Neither was serving in a Specialty MOS, although I respect those who do have those MOS's and provide support to those in Combat Arms. Everyone who joins the military has a place, they just have to find where they best fit and make the most out of it.
I've read the other postings on this topic and there are alot of people with different experiences and specialties letting you know what it was like for them and giving you good advice. There's alot to consider and I hope we have been able to give you some good insight that helps you make the decision that's right for you. It's all in what you put into it.

Good Luck with your decisions.

James O'Leary

Semper Fi ReconTL6,
I served for three years in the Marines and it was enough. Don't get me wrong, I loved it but it tore me up.
I was one of the first Marines on the ground during the Gulf War, was there for 8 months.
I loved the guy's I went to combat with, we had a great time blowing the crap out of those guy's. Marine Artillary Combat Crewmember. If you can't truck it, F**k it.

Get into somthing you know you will like because the normal everyday, hurry up and Kuwait, stand in formation, police the parking lot stuff bites. I was lucky to spend 2 of my three years in the field.

A little too hooah


Your kids call the sandbox "NTC". Your wife has mermites in the China Cabinet.
Your older kids call the youngest one "Cherry".
When your wife left you, you had a Change of Command.
Your wife carries a buttpack instead of a Gucci purse.
Your kids would rather get SIMNET than Nintendo 64.
When your family gets together, you call them "Slice Elements".
You butter your toast with a bayonet.
If your kids get a wrong answer in school they immediately drop and knock out 20.
Your personal license plate says "At Ease".
All of your kids' names begin with "AR".
Your grandmother won the Week of the Eagles.
Your POV has your name stenciled on the windshield.
Anyone using the TV remote control must dispatch it first.
Your kids are hand receipt holders.
Your kids practice Drill and Ceremony at recess.
Your dog's name is "Ranger".
Your kids pull night guard shifts by the mailbox.
Your wife has a better high and tight than your commander.
Your kids sound off with "Airborne" or "Air Assault" every time their left foot hits the ground.
Your wife won't buy anything unless it has a National Stock Number.
Your kids have to wax and buff the floor before going to school.
When your dog died, he got a 21-gun salute at Arlington.
Your kids call their teachers "REMFs" and the other kids at school "legs."
Your daughter's dolls wear starched uniforms.
Your daughter complained that her new Barbie's hair wasn't within regulation and then cut it.
If your kids fail a test, they get a Letter of Reprimand and an Article 15.
Your kids salute their grandparents.
Your kids get an LES with their allowance.
All your meals at home are MREs.
Your kids painted their Big Wheels camouflage and stuck bumper numbers on them.
All your household possessions were issued by CIF.
Your kids get sent to the "big house" at Leavenworth if they're disrespectful.
Your kids complain if they can't have gym class five days a week.
Everyone does six pullups before sitting down at the dinner table.

Which Country Is Best?

During a joint exercise between American, British, and Australian
forces, the three commanders get into an argument, naturally, about
whose forces are best. The American General says,
"My men are the best because they are so brave. PRIVATE!" A young
Private comes over, salutes, and stands at attention. The American
General says, "Boy, you see that tank coming down the road? I want you
to stand infront of it and get run over." The Private nods and stands in
the road. SQUISH! He gets run over. The British General shakes his head
and says,
"Nah, that's nothing. PRIVATE!" A young Private comes over, salutes,
and stands at attention. The British General says, "Lad, you see that
plane over there? Go get in it, go up to 10,000 feet, and jump out.
Without a parachute." The private nods and gets in the plane. SPLAT! All
over the ground. The Australian General laughs and says,
"No, no, no, that's nothing. watch. PRIVATE!" A young Private comes
over, salutes, and stands at attention. The Australian General says,
"Mate, see that cliff over there? I want you to go jump off it." The
Private shakes his head and says,
"Ah, frick you, sir!" The Australian looks at the others and goes,
"See? Now that's brave!"

HOW TO TELL YOU'RE A CANADIAN COLD WAR VETERAN Adapted by Cpl
(ret) "Durty" Dan Leger
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I mean a REAL Cold War Vet. The ones who helped defeat
Communism in Europe without firing a shot in anger.

You remember when the 60mm mortar and M72 LAW were
part of issue kit.

You remember when TacEvals were 36 hours and you had
fun.

You’ve eaten and drank out of “hay buckets”.

You were issued a Melmac cup and plate.

You remember when CanEx was contemptuously viewed as
an organized crime syndicate.

You know what a Deuce-and-a-Half and a Five-Quarter
were and could put a track back on a carrier without
the help of the Vehicle Techs in Transport.

You remember when the Israelis were bad asses and we
all wanted to be like them.

You remember when Saddam Hussein was our loyal ally.

You remember when as a new Lt/Capt you could go out
and train your soldiers and not have an OC tell you
how screwed up you were.

You remember Bn OCs who drank, swore and mentored.

You remember Bn OCs who were ruthless about tactics,
but didn't give a crap about admin BS.

You remember when 2Lts and Cpls demanded respect from
TQ3 Privates and got it.

You can navigate at night without a GPS.

You can remember when the defense budget was 7% of the
GNP.

You can remember when the main battle area was the
only fight.

You can remember when every ones career track was 10
years in Germany with 4 Brigade in Lahr.

You remember when the Soviet Union was a major super
power instead (albeit the Russian Republic) of being a
basket case for the IMF.

You could receive a couple of Verbal Warnings and even
a Recorded Warning and it would not force you to look
for employment on civvie street.

You could actually charge someone for not having a
haircut, without Parliamentary Act.

You remember when a Minister’s Inquiry passed across
someone's desk, they dropped EVERYTHING and addressed
it.

You remember when Sensitivity training was something
your wife did.

You remember when going to NDHQ was not cool and did
not help your career.

You remember when women in combat was just a bad idea
that would soon fade away.

You remember when being hard core and a warrior was
cherished.

You remember that going to the Airborne Regiment was
cool and not just to get rid of you because you’re a
"trouble maker".

You remember when we had an Airborne Regiment.