Military Hotrod Club - Ask a recruiter thread.

I always see threads from people saying "i was to join xxxx" and then a whole bunch of random people chime in with mostly BS and false info.

So, I am currently a recruiter in Clearwater FL and will be for another 2 years, so if anyone has any questions about the Navy, Navy programs, enlistment questions, etc..... Feel free to ask.

I figure the best way to get the right info, is to ask the right people.

Hell, I'll take a stab at it, though I'm not sure if you can help, but the biggest question I've had and can't seem to find an answer to is: Do officers go in the field with the enlisted as well? Or do they get stuck behind some protection barrier and just shout orders?

I'm asking this with regards to the Marines, so it might be different for you guys, but any help, direction you can offer I'd appreciate it.

yes because we all know recruiters dish out the truth.

while i'm sure you will take offense, the vast majority of recruiters will lie lie lie while the very small minority(yourself likely included) will tell the truth, not hide info, not make cooking omelets look like free fall school badassery.

Well, I haven't worked with many Marines. The most I have is on the ship since the two ships I was on were amphibs, so we carried Marines and their gear over to the middle east. But what the little I have seen/heard, the lower grade officers (ie a 1LT Platoon leader) do go out in the field. But, I am not a Marine, so my info isn't going to be 100%.



I do not take offense to it, Sparky. I have no reason to lie to anyone, at any time. The Navy sells itself almost 100% of the time. I'm sure you think im BSing you now, but i'm not...

Everyone has a big misconception about recruiters, but we aren't all like that. For every guy I have that walks into my office, that does not want to join the Navy, there are atleast 5 others that do. The times of recruiters needing to lie, cheat and steal to find people have come and gone.

The truth is, almost everyone I try and put in the Navy these days, can't get it right now. We have no jobs available. I have tried to send down 3 people so far this month, and only 2 got in. They didn't get in right away either, they had to go to MEPS, process and then get put on a list of people waiting for jobs. And they dont get to pick a job either. MEPS finds a job, calls us, and we call the applicant and they them what job MEPS found.

So you see, the economy is so bad, 90% of the people that walk in my office, or call in, or stop me as I am getting my lunch - just want to be in the Navy, and could care less about anything else, as long as they get in. So, why lie to people about anything? Like I said in the beginning, the Navy sells itself...I just do the paperwork to put people in.


I have helped out one guy from Tech and answered his questions to try and help him, and I wanted to give the same opportunity to other people as well. Alot of people think like yourself, and think recruiters are hiding things. I wanted to give people a source of info to confirm (or disprove) what a recruiter told them.

it really is good to have no bs guys like you, i have friends wanting to join and they are getting the run around from some recruiters.

Thanks for trying. :cheers:

it really is good to have no bs guys like you, i have friends wanting to join and they are getting the run around from some recruiters.

I know that feeling. Stopped by one day, got told I had to call another guy as a matter of protocol. I called about 4 times over the next week, left two messages, and never heard back. Meanwhile I stopped back by to make sure I had the right number, they took down my info again, and said they'd have him call me. That's the last I heard from anybody.

Yes my questions are as follows:

On a navy ship is there a poop deck?

Why do yall wear your names on your buttcheek?

Why have 99% of navy recruiters I have seen been fat?

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, best regards.

GTO Jimmy
US ARMY

But on a serious note, this thread is a great idea. I wish I would have had a thread like this when I was going through the enlistment process, because my recruiter bent me over six ways from sunday.

My recruiter never lied to me, and I thank him for it. He told me that basic would suck while I was there and schooling would seem long and would suck. But he also said after all that was over then Id look back and laugh, which I did.

Jeremiah
AirForce

I can offer some assistance for AF if need be.

my never lied to me he tried to talk me out of the infantry, told me as a pvt i'll get shitted on, crappy work pretty much what i got when i first joined now 17 yrs later almost done.

How often do you guys (any recruiter) push for critical career fields over what the person may actually want? From my own experience, and that of a few others I know, they were either convinced to do a certain career field or go in as a general aptitude to "get into Basic quicker." Is this a tactic or people just trying to win NCO of the QTR or something?

Well, speaking for Navy...we don't really do that. Right now, the only thing we tell people before we send them to MEPS is that they better be open to any Navy opportunity (ie take any job offered).

Most people now a days dont get offered a job at MEPS, they go to process and classify and then get put on a QNJ list (Qualified - No Jobs) and when MEPS finds them a job, we call the applicant, tell them they have a job and get them back to MEPS to sign a contract and swear in.

Now, there are certain fields we used to push on people who we thought would be qualified for the field. I'm talking about NUKE, SEAL, SWCC, and other 'special programs' though - not undesignated airman or anything. But even that has kinda stopped. NUKE field is kinda full, and the SPECWAR programs aren't ever really looking for big #s of recruits.

Basically, if someone comes in my office and isn't open to any job in the Navy, we don't even waste our time with them. Obviously there will be exceptions to that (like someone with a 99QT saying they want Intel or Electronics - that we understand, and we don't want to make them a Machinist Mate), but 99% of the time, the rule of thumb is - be open or go next door (to the Army or Marines).

double post.

Obviously there will be exceptions to that (like someone with a 99QT saying they want Intel or Electronics - that we understand, and we don't want to make them a Machinist Mate)

I shit you not. I had a 99 and wound up as a MM. :loco:

Well, speaking for Navy...we don't really do that. Right now, the only thing we tell people before we send them to MEPS is that they better be open to any Navy opportunity (ie take any job offered).

Most people now a days dont get offered a job at MEPS, they go to process and classify and then get put on a QNJ list (Qualified - No Jobs) and when MEPS finds them a job, we call the applicant, tell them they have a job and get them back to MEPS to sign a contract and swear in.

Now, there are certain fields we used to push on people who we thought would be qualified for the field. I'm talking about NUKE, SEAL, SWCC, and other 'special programs' though - not undesignated airman or anything. But even that has kinda stopped. NUKE field is kinda full, and the SPECWAR programs aren't ever really looking for big #s of recruits.

Basically, if someone comes in my office and isn't open to any job in the Navy, we don't even waste our time with them. Obviously there will be exceptions to that (like someone with a 99QT saying they want Intel or Electronics - that we understand, and we don't want to make them a Machinist Mate), but 99% of the time, the rule of thumb is - be open or go next door (to the Army or Marines).

Very good to read :) I know when I was going through the AF, they were trying to push me to do an Open General because my recruiter wanted 1) the body sent so he got credit for it that month and 2) because Force Shaping was beginning to happen.

we had a few pipeliners in the EOD prelim course that were there because recruiters were pushing EOD hardcore(these people went to basic in june).

My recruiter was great. He didn't BS me at all, my friend who just got from basic and ait was doing hometown recruiting as well so i found out everything i needed to know. He told me exactly what my wife and me should expect. I got an 80 on my asvab and he didnt push me to any job, but the job i wanted wasnt open so i took my 2nd choice.

PFC McCracken
US Army

My recruiter didnt lie to me, infact he told me the truth on one thing, and I accused him of lying. And i didnt find out that he was telling the truth until I experienced it.

Me: Is the food in boot camp good?
Him: Yes, its real good.
Me: Bullshit, see now thats a lie.
Him: Ok man, but I aint lyin

Come to find out, the food in bootcamp was actually pretty good.

I am an AF recruiter right now. If anyone has any questions at all feel free to ask or PM me. Can we make this a sticky thread too!!!

How often do you guys (any recruiter) push for critical career fields over what the person may actually want? From my own experience, and that of a few others I know, they were either convinced to do a certain career field or go in as a general aptitude to "get into Basic quicker." Is this a tactic or people just trying to win NCO of the QTR or something?

I can tell you that as a AF recruiter, we have no choice right now but to push for critical jobs and or jobs that we know we have. For example it seems like everyone that walks into my door wants to do something medical. The problem is that right now the AF is not releasing any medical jobs, so yea i will try and see if they have any other intrests (mec, electrical). If they dont and all they want to do is medical i will tell them to have a good day and show them the door. As a recruiter i find it ammusing how people walk in and say all i want to do is X. When they do that i show them the door. The reason is if you want to join the AF then join the AF, you dont join to just do 1 f'ing job, you cant walk into Wal-Mart right now and say i want to work here but all i want to do is be the manager of the electronics section, cause they will laugh at you the whole way to the door. We have to tell people that sure they can join but X type of jobs are all we are getting, we arnt getting any admin jobs, or medical, or flying so if X jobs are something that intrest you i would be more then happy to work with you if not the Army is right down the street.

NOW ABOUT "OPEN GENERAL"

THERE IS NO SUCH THING!!! That has been gone since about 1999. What "Open General" was, was when the AF could put you into any job to include Mec, Admin, Electrical and General. The way that the system works now is if we cant get you one of the jobs that you put down then we will give you your area that you put down when you processed. Once you get your area (mec, elect, general, admin) then you can only get a job out of that area. For example if you get the General area you can not get a job listed in the Mechanical area or a job in the electrical area, you can only choose from the jobs in the General area(which is where the flying jobs are). If you get the Mechanical Area the same thing applies you can only get jobs from that area not jobs in the General area, not jobs from the Admin area, not jobs from the Electrical area. Once you get the an area, at basic training you will be given a list of jobs out of that area only and be asked to rack and stack them in order(1st choice,2nd and so on). Those jobs that you are given out of your area are the jobs that have training start dates around when your graduation date is from basic. So with all of that being said there is NO such thing as OPEN GENERAL. The system has changed and works 10x better then when i joined!!!

Hope this helps

As a recruiter i find it ammusing how people walk in and say all i want to do is X. When they do that i show them the door. The reason is if you want to join the AF then join the AF, you dont join to just do 1 f'ing job, you cant walk into Wal-Mart right now and say i want to work here but all i want to do is be the manager of the electronics section, cause they will laugh at you the whole way to the door. We have to tell people that sure they can join but X type of jobs are all we are getting, we arnt getting any admin jobs, or medical, or flying so if X jobs are something that intrest you i would be more then happy to work with you if not the Army is right down the street.


exactly!! This is the story of my life.lol EVERY female who comes in wants medical or maybe admin. But, like I said earlier (and like you said), right now, you join the Navy to be in the Navy, not to do X in the Navy. For every one person who comes in and only wants one job, I have 20 other people I can find that will do any job.

The time of the Navy being someone's last effort to get a stable job is gone. The Navy is picky, and we don't want bums. AF and Navy have traditionally been more selective though, but even the Army is getting tougher to get in. We still send all our unqualified people down there though.

What if a person walked into your office and only wanted to be a SEAL?

To become a SEAL you have to take another job first, then take the SEAL physical screening test and pass, and then you can reclass to SEAL. Some times they will give the PST first, but 99% of the time you take a job first and then reclass.

Of course there are other prequal things too, like the ASVAB and other criminal/medical things that we go over first.

I can tell you that as a AF recruiter, we have no choice right now but to push for critical jobs and or jobs that we know we have. For example it seems like everyone that walks into my door wants to do something medical. The problem is that right now the AF is not releasing any medical jobs, so yea i will try and see if they have any other intrests (mec, electrical). If they dont and all they want to do is medical i will tell them to have a good day and show them the door. As a recruiter i find it ammusing how people walk in and say all i want to do is X. When they do that i show them the door. The reason is if you want to join the AF then join the AF, you dont join to just do 1 f'ing job, you cant walk into Wal-Mart right now and say i want to work here but all i want to do is be the manager of the electronics section, cause they will laugh at you the whole way to the door. We have to tell people that sure they can join but X type of jobs are all we are getting, we arnt getting any admin jobs, or medical, or flying so if X jobs are something that intrest you i would be more then happy to work with you if not the Army is right down the street.

NOW ABOUT "OPEN GENERAL"

THERE IS NO SUCH THING!!! That has been gone since about 1999. What "Open General" was, was when the AF could put you into any job to include Mec, Admin, Electrical and General. The way that the system works now is if we cant get you one of the jobs that you put down then we will give you your area that you put down when you processed. Once you get your area (mec, elect, general, admin) then you can only get a job out of that area. For example if you get the General area you can not get a job listed in the Mechanical area or a job in the electrical area, you can only choose from the jobs in the General area(which is where the flying jobs are). If you get the Mechanical Area the same thing applies you can only get jobs from that area not jobs in the General area, not jobs from the Admin area, not jobs from the Electrical area. Once you get the an area, at basic training you will be given a list of jobs out of that area only and be asked to rack and stack them in order(1st choice,2nd and so on). Those jobs that you are given out of your area are the jobs that have training start dates around when your graduation date is from basic. So with all of that being said there is NO such thing as OPEN GENERAL. The system has changed and works 10x better then when i joined!!!

Hope this helps


i know you guys have limited slots but please don't push these kids into jobs like EOD, CCT, SERE, TACP, SOWT, PJ. it really pissed me off seeing slots burned during the prelim course because recruiters pushed guys/girls into EOD school.

i came in the AF in 2006 under "open mechanical", and they were doing contracts for "open general"(several people in my BMT flight were classed under "open"). so your 1999 business is also incorrect.

you are claiming open general doesn't exist but then right below it you say you can get signed with a general contract if you can't get a desired job.

go general and you have great chances of security forces or services, not likely to get "the flying jobs" as stated above.

I can tell you that as a AF recruiter, we have no choice right now but to push for critical jobs and or jobs that we know we have. For example it seems like everyone that walks into my door wants to do something medical. The problem is that right now the AF is not releasing any medical jobs, so yea i will try and see if they have any other intrests (mec, electrical). If they dont and all they want to do is medical i will tell them to have a good day and show them the door. As a recruiter i find it ammusing how people walk in and say all i want to do is X. When they do that i show them the door. The reason is if you want to join the AF then join the AF, you dont join to just do 1 f'ing job, you cant walk into Wal-Mart right now and say i want to work here but all i want to do is be the manager of the electronics section, cause they will laugh at you the whole way to the door. We have to tell people that sure they can join but X type of jobs are all we are getting, we arnt getting any admin jobs, or medical, or flying so if X jobs are something that intrest you i would be more then happy to work with you if not the Army is right down the street.

NOW ABOUT "OPEN GENERAL"

THERE IS NO SUCH THING!!! That has been gone since about 1999. What "Open General" was, was when the AF could put you into any job to include Mec, Admin, Electrical and General. The way that the system works now is if we cant get you one of the jobs that you put down then we will give you your area that you put down when you processed. Once you get your area (mec, elect, general, admin) then you can only get a job out of that area. For example if you get the General area you can not get a job listed in the Mechanical area or a job in the electrical area, you can only choose from the jobs in the General area(which is where the flying jobs are). If you get the Mechanical Area the same thing applies you can only get jobs from that area not jobs in the General area, not jobs from the Admin area, not jobs from the Electrical area. Once you get the an area, at basic training you will be given a list of jobs out of that area only and be asked to rack and stack them in order(1st choice,2nd and so on). Those jobs that you are given out of your area are the jobs that have training start dates around when your graduation date is from basic. So with all of that being said there is NO such thing as OPEN GENERAL. The system has changed and works 10x better then when i joined!!!

Hope this helps


i know you guys have limited slots but please don't push these kids into jobs like EOD, CCT, SERE, TACP, SOWT, PJ. it really pissed me off seeing slots burned during the prelim course because recruiters pushed guys/girls into EOD school.



go general and you have great chances of security forces or services, not likely to get "the flying jobs" as stated above.

When I came in to the Navy in 2006, i was hell bent on going AG, but I was open to looking into other rates. What really pissed me off was the MEPS guys trying to force an aviation job me which I had no interest in. I guess Submarines are a special need/special program cause the guy was all excited about talking about it.
plus my recruiter was a bubblehead and got even more excited when I talked to him about it. and here I am 3 years later as A Navigation Man on a submarine. Atleast my recruiter didnt bullshit me about what life as a submariner was going to be llike, especially how much it sucked whike being a nub.

i know you guys have limited slots but please don't push these kids into jobs like EOD, CCT, SERE, TACP, SOWT, PJ. it really pissed me off seeing slots burned during the prelim course because recruiters pushed guys/girls into EOD school.

i came in the AF in 2006 under "open mechanical", and they were doing contracts for "open general"(several people in my BMT flight were classed under "open"). so your 1999 business is also incorrect.

you are claiming open general doesn't exist but then right below it you say you can get signed with a general contract if you can't get a desired job.

go general and you have great chances of security forces or services, not likely to get "the flying jobs" as stated above.


OK Here is the deal, we dont push people into PJ's, CCT, Or TACP, why because 99% of the kids cant pass the PAST test. So why even try, the ones that do that job and get it want it, have to train to even pass the test. EOD, out of the 130 jobs we get a month for each squadron there may be 1 EOD job in the bank so why in any recruiters right mind would we push them for that.

Now when you came in in 2006 you came in with a Appitude area, not open mechanical. You also knew that the only jobs that you could choose from were from the mechanical area. Same thing goes for the General Area. When kids go down and choose there top 5 jobs they also MUST choose an area. And guess what the MEPS Linco told you that in the event the AF can not get you one of you top 5 jobs we will give you the area that YOU picked. The kids that go down and choose the General area and get that area are not "open general". If you read what i wrote above "open general"(back when) ment you could get any job out of the over 150 the AF has. When you get the General Area now you only have a choice of about 40 jobs. Yes SF and services are in there but that is also where all of our medical jobs are, all enlisted flying jobs are, all intel jobs are. So before you go bitching for someone else, they, just like you walked into my office or any other recruiters office to join the AF and NO ONE twisted your arm or held a gun to your head to make you join. To be honest i could care less if you or anyone else joins. Why, because im still going to get paid on the 1st and 15th if you join or not and the only persons life its going to change is yours. I would hope that you dont run off at the mouth with-out knowing what your talking about like you just did, at work cause your supervisor must have pre-caned LOC&LOR's ready for you.

Oh and by the way Services jobs are pretty much gone, which is why the min score almost nation wide to get into the AF now is a 50QT not a 36. Because like the Navy we also have the right to be a little more selective on who we put in. One more thing the score for SF is a 33 in the general area which is the lowest score requirement of any job in the AF, services is a close second with a 34 in the general area.

Tattoo's..

Whats the requirement in order to join the AF? Ive been thinking about signing up but am afraid to get rejected due to a idiotic decision in getting one on my neck. Just stars, which isnt too big, but its visable.

The job id LOVE to have is a firedog, since my entire family is envolved in the fire department.

when i walked in the door in Jan01 i went through the book. after reading several job descriptions i choose 2m0x2 / Missile and Space Systems Maintenance ( ICBM'S) and i got what i wanted... a different time that was, now it's cheaper to pay civilians to do the same job with 10x's less standards to work by and only care about the paycheck over the quality of work. Hill AFB is the worst AFB. over run with civilians who have no respect for military let alone to show their respects for those who have fallen and come to a complete stop during revelry , retreat or taps

Tattoo's..

Whats the requirement in order to join the AF? Ive been thinking about signing up but am afraid to get rejected due to a idiotic decision in getting one on my neck. Just stars, which isnt too big, but its visable.

The job id LOVE to have is a firedog, since my entire family is envolved in the fire department.

Well, I can tell you as far as the Navy goes...Basically, it has to be hidden under a collared shirt, ideally not visible above the collar of a t-shirt. If its above the collar of a t-shirt, we have to take pics with one of our dress uniform tops (about the same collar height as a basic collared shirt) and if its above that...then you don't process.

I can't imagine the AF being more lax then us...

To be honest i could care less if you or anyone else joins. Why, because im still going to get paid on the 1st and 15th if you join or not and the only persons life its going to change is yours.


Exactly! I am so sick of everyone thinking I need them to join... I could care less. I do not get an pay incentives or fancy gifts for getting people to join. We do get in house awards, but nothing monetary or worth any value.

Our minimum AFQT to get in the Navy without any hiccups is a 50. We can still put in people with 35+ AFQT, but its harder, and they probably won't qualify for any jobs that we have open anyway, so its a waste of time usually.

Well, I can tell you as far as the Navy goes...Basically, it has to be hidden under a collared shirt, ideally not visible above the collar of a t-shirt. If its above the collar of a t-shirt, we have to take pics with one of our dress uniform tops (about the same collar height as a basic collared shirt) and if its above that...then you don't process.

I can't imagine the AF being more lax then us...

I believe a dress uniform will cover it. I had planed to get it lazer'd off, but its out of budget at the moment/for a while.


I do have them on my arms, but end before my elbow so it can be covered with a long sleeve or dress shirt.

Tattoo's..

Whats the requirement in order to join the AF? Ive been thinking about signing up but am afraid to get rejected due to a idiotic decision in getting one on my neck. Just stars, which isnt too big, but its visable.

The job id LOVE to have is a firedog, since my entire family is envolved in the fire department.


If the tattoo is above the collar bone it is most of the time DQ'ing. sorry:(

I believe a dress uniform will cover it. I had planed to get it lazer'd off, but its out of budget at the moment/for a while.


I do have them on my arms, but end before my elbow so it can be covered with a long sleeve or dress shirt.

here is some help for you from 36-2903
"Excessive tattoos/brands will not be exposed or visible (includes visible
through the uniform) while in uniform. Excessive is defined as any tattoo/
brands that exceed 1/4 of the exposed body part and those above the
collarbone and readily visible when wearing an open collar uniform."
It sounds like you should be good.

I have one gripe for recruiters and that is sending turd in to the Air Force. I know you can't determine some ones character or how they will adjust to the military, but some of these kids suck and bring down whole units. I know it’s not y'alls fault but there is training and surveying problem in the AF of its new people. I hate thugs wearing my uniform.

Thats air force regs sorry

On your neck 99percent sure its a no go for the Navy they have tightend up on the tatts over the 11 years that I have been in. If the economy was booming and people not needing the Services then it might have been different but with people needing the Services its a different story.

I have had 2 different jobs in the Navy and wish I could xfer to the Army via Blue to Green but under the instruction I have to wait till my contract is over.

it's because blanket parties and wall to wall counseling is looked down upon these days..

then you can't even send a kid to CC.they are almost telling new guys " don't worry about these guys with strips they are your babysitters call me if you have any problems, oh and here is your check have a great day."

As an Army recruiter, I'd would agree that recruiters get a bad rap. We are here to help. I don't make any more money for putting in 1 person or 20. I also don't need to chase people to join. I am in the job of looking for quality people to join but, if you don't want to be here then I don't want you here.It's not for everyone.

I would highly reccomend a few things.

1.) Check out all branches and find out what each one has to offer. Don't join a branch based on someone elses opinion or experience. You are not them and they are not you.

2) Each branch has it's own business rules and they are subject to change. For example....tattoo policy, educational requirements, moral (law) requirements, and physical requirements.

3) Do some research on your own. Each branch has it OWN OFFICIAL website. Also, compile questions for your recruiter. He can't possibly tell you EVERYTHING about the branch off of the top of his head.

4) Ask a recruiter.They are the subject matter experts on current recruiting policy, not some guy that was in years ago. If you aren't comfortable with a recruiter.........get another one. There needs to be a lot of trust between a recruiter and an applicant.

As an Army recruiter, I'd would agree that recruiters get a bad rap. We are here to help. I don't make any more money for putting in 1 person or 20. I also don't need to chase people to join. I am in the job of looking for quality people to join but, if you don't want to be here then I don't want you here.It's not for everyone.

I would highly reccomend a few things.

1.) Check out all branches and find out what each one has to offer. Don't join a branch based on someone elses opinion or experience. You are not them and they are not you.

2) Each branch has it's own business rules and they are subject to change. For example....tattoo policy, educational requirements, moral (law) requirements, and physical requirements.

3) Do some research on your own. Each branch has it OWN OFFICIAL website. Also, compile questions for your recruiter. He can't possibly tell you EVERYTHING about the branch off of the top of his head.

4) Ask a recruiter.They are the subject matter experts on current recruiting policy, not some guy that was in years ago. If you aren't comfortable with a recruiter.........get another one. There needs to be a lot of trust between a recruiter and an applicant.


:stupid: I agree with him 100%!!!!!!!!!

OK Here is the deal, we dont push people into PJ's, CCT, Or TACP, why because 99% of the kids cant pass the PAST test. So why even try, the ones that do that job and get it want it, have to train to even pass the test. EOD, out of the 130 jobs we get a month for each squadron there may be 1 EOD job in the bank so why in any recruiters right mind would we push them for that.

Now when you came in in 2006 you came in with a Appitude area, not open mechanical. You also knew that the only jobs that you could choose from were from the mechanical area. Same thing goes for the General Area. When kids go down and choose there top 5 jobs they also MUST choose an area. And guess what the MEPS Linco told you that in the event the AF can not get you one of you top 5 jobs we will give you the area that YOU picked. The kids that go down and choose the General area and get that area are not "open general". If you read what i wrote above "open general"(back when) ment you could get any job out of the over 150 the AF has. When you get the General Area now you only have a choice of about 40 jobs. Yes SF and services are in there but that is also where all of our medical jobs are, all enlisted flying jobs are, all intel jobs are. So before you go bitching for someone else, they, just like you walked into my office or any other recruiters office to join the AF and NO ONE twisted your arm or held a gun to your head to make you join. To be honest i could care less if you or anyone else joins. Why, because im still going to get paid on the 1st and 15th if you join or not and the only persons life its going to change is yours. I would hope that you dont run off at the mouth with-out knowing what your talking about like you just did, at work cause your supervisor must have pre-caned LOC&LOR's ready for you.



actually its APTITUDE, not appitude.

and to correct you i was NOT allowed to pick jobs at the recruiter's or MEPS, my contract was "open mechanical". in basic i was allowed to put down possible mechanical jobs but the job i got wasn't one of the 5 i put on my "dream sheet".

i wouldn't call speaking the truth "running off at the mouth".

i don't have a supervisor but when i did i never received a single LOC or LOR(and when you spell canned you might not want to confuse it with beating something with a stick). i did however receive plenty of accolades for my outstanding work/accomplishments. ;)


i also think its hilarious that you guys claim you don't push dudes into those careerfields but then typically 50% that show up can't even pass the PAST test at Lackland.

actually its APTITUDE, not appitude.

and to correct you i was NOT allowed to pick jobs at the recruiter's or MEPS, my contract was "open mechanical". in basic i was allowed to put down possible mechanical jobs but the job i got wasn't one of the 5 i put on my "dream sheet"..

BS, your contract didnt say Open Mechanical, it said "Mechanical-9TM44" As far as you not getting whatever job you put down you should have read the contract, and i quote "Although my preferences will be considered, I also understand my specific AFSC is based on the specialties available at the time of my classification and the needs of the Air Force" So tough shit for not reading what you signed.

i wouldn't call speaking the truth "running off at the mouth". .

Ever been a recruiter? No didnt think so. You dont know what your talking about, nuf said.

i don't have a supervisor but when i did i never received a single LOC or LOR(and when you spell canned you might not want to confuse it with beating something with a stick). i did however receive plenty of accolades for my outstanding work/accomplishments. ;).

Glad to hear you learned how to keep you personal opinions to yourself at work and just did your job, so here is an idea let the recruiters speak about recruiting and keep you opinions to yourself.


i also think its hilarious that you guys claim you don't push dudes into those careerfields but then typically 50% that show up can't even pass the PAST test at Lackland.

Again you have no idea what the stats are for people who do and dont pass the PAST at basic, keep shooting off from the hip though its kinda funny. They have to pass it twice before they can leave here first, if they dont pass it at basic guess what thats on them not on anyone else.


The only thing that was correct in everything you said was that i did aptitude wrong good catch.

As a Marine recruiter for the last 1 1/2 years the one thing I can tell you is never trust an Army recruiter. I have interviewed many kids that they interviewed and found them to be spreading (intentionally or not) false information about us. Then I have to go to the Army office and let them know what the fuck is up. The other branches seem pretty straight. But I find the Army to be the bad examples of recruiter when it comes to lying to the kids.

From the AF's point of view i do find that sometimes the Army recruiter does tell apps bad info about us. Most of the time its not intentional. I hang out with some of the Army recruiters at the track almost every weekend. They give me people and i give them people, i think i may have put more people into the Army then the AF.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1WTyW-9Usg


Best recruiting video of all time I might add.

That is F'ing great!!!

If you sign up open anything in the Air Force you should have a firm understanding that the air forces needs come first. I think other braches would work the same so have a very open mind when you do that.

BS, your contract didnt say Open Mechanical, it said "Mechanical-9TM44" As far as you not getting whatever job you put down you should have read the contract, and i quote "Although my preferences will be considered, I also understand my specific AFSC is based on the specialties available at the time of my classification and the needs of the Air Force" So tough shit for not reading what you signed.

i knew exactly what i was signing, please show me where i said otherwise. i simply stated that i came in in the mechanical aptitude area and didn't pick a specific job(i was allowed to put down a dream sheet in basic and did not get any of those jobs). i knew i would not start out with the job i wanted but i did all my research and used ETP to crosstrain early in my enlistment.



Ever been a recruiter? No didnt think so. You dont know what your talking about, nuf said.

i would never give up my current path to be a desk jockey.



Glad to hear you learned how to keep you personal opinions to yourself at work and just did your job, so here is an idea let the recruiters speak about recruiting and keep you opinions to yourself.

:zzz:




Again you have no idea what the stats are for people who do and dont pass the PAST at basic, keep shooting off from the hip though its kinda funny. They have to pass it twice before they can leave here first, if they dont pass it at basic guess what thats on them not on anyone else.

i am not speaking about basic, i am talking about the 342TRS where the pipeliners take the real PAST. you know at indoc and selection.

i was JUST THERE, were you? 50% of the basic trainees that showed up for CCT selection failed the PAST at selection. care to argue this point again?


The only thing that was correct in everything you said was that i did aptitude wrong good catch.

actually you spelled "canned" wrong as well, you missed that correction.

Sparky your not even worth it anymore......

Anyway the guy who signed up for this site but only post's in the Mil section because he is god and knows everything and has said his .02c. Lets get back to why this post was created in the first place.

There is an x Marine Recruiter on here now "ss1129", an Army Recruiter "bob320fa", Navy recruiter "99FormulaM6" and myself for the Air Force so if anyone has questions feel free to post. Im sure that if one of us doesnt know the answer we can find it in a REG or FACT sheet somewhere for you.

Yea, this has kinda gotten away from the main reason I started it...

<--- Navy recruiter...If you have questions about the Navy..ask away :)

I would still like to make this a sticky if thats possible, i think it could be helpful to people now and in the future.

Do you guys have any idea the chances of getting a waiver for being on sleep meds? I take them just to allow myself to fall asleep. I can function perfectly fine on 6.5 hours of sleep every night although I prefer about 8. I am trying to get off them but I don't know how that will turn out.

My buddy got a 93 on the ASVAB, is that pretty decent?

Do you guys have any idea the chances of getting a waiver for being on sleep meds? I take them just to allow myself to fall asleep. I can function perfectly fine on 6.5 hours of sleep every night although I prefer about 8. I am trying to get off them but I don't know how that will turn out.
no. You can not be on any meds and goto bootcamp. are they perscribed by a doctor? In bootcamp, you get 8hrs of sleep a night usually. the first week or so you dont, but after that its lights out at 10 and wake up at 6. Sometimes you get up a little earlier, but for the most part its 6

My buddy got a 93 on the ASVAB, is that pretty decent?
yes. It's a percentile not a percentage. Either way he did good - highest is a 99. He did better than 93% of the people who have taken the test. But, you can get a 99 and not qualify for some jobs, and you can get a 35 and qualify for Nuclear power. The final percentile score is only calculated by pulling scores from the math and english sections. To qualify for jobs, you have to have a certain combo of scores, ie for IT you have to have AR+MK+EI+GS=222. Which is arithmetic + math knowledge + electronics intelligence + general science. Generally, we look for line scores (each sections score) to be in the high 40s to low 50s to make sure you qualify for jobs. Getting in the 60s for line scores is pretty damn smart. Im not sure what the highest is though..

no. You can not be on any meds and goto bootcamp. are they perscribed by a doctor? In bootcamp, you get 8hrs of sleep a night usually. the first week or so you dont, but after that its lights out at 10 and wake up at 6. Sometimes you get up a little earlier, but for the most part its 6

They are prescription meds and if I don't take them I am usually awake for at least 22 hours before I fall asleep. Once I do get to sleep it's not much of a problem, I just need that push. It probably doesn't make too much of a difference but I am looking at OCS, not boot camp.

well i gotta a question guys i just joined the army on july 8th 2009, my question is a huge fraction of my family has served in the army for 20 years or more my question is will i be able to make this in to a career i did a 5 year contract i dont want to just do my 5 years and have them kick me out on my ass.... oh and one more questions how did you guys like fort Leonard wood im going to basic and AIT there on January 6th

99FormulaM6, I was wondering if you could explain some things about the Navy's nuclear program to me..

I recently took the ASVAB and scored a 92 with a 120-ish GT score. I have actually been leaning torwards the NC Army National guard because I can get college knocked out quickly and be on my way to be an officer a lot sooner. I have about 45 college credits already..

I was in JROTC in high school and I went to talk to my old intructors about it and they were telling me about the Navy's nuclear program but didn't really know much about it.

I was wondering, I'm sure I'd go in as an E3 and do Basic. Then I guess the nuclear program has their own AIT.. But I didn't know how the training works, it seems like there would be quite a bit of training involved.

Would I be an E3 still doing nuclear work for the navy or is there some kind of promotion? Or would I need a degree first to do that?

As you can probably tell, I really have no idea how that would work.
Thanks for your help.

I didn't lie to anyone..

As a Marine recruiter for the last 1 1/2 years the one thing I can tell you is never trust an Army recruiter. I have interviewed many kids that they interviewed and found them to be spreading (intentionally or not) false information about us. Then I have to go to the Army office and let them know what the fuck is up. The other branches seem pretty straight. But I find the Army to be the bad examples of recruiter when it comes to lying to the kids.

I spent about 3 years as an Army recruiter and NEVER laid down my values or witnessed anyone in my office lay down those values as much as the Marines that recruited next door to us. I can't speak for those Army recruiters you work with but it's pretty unfair to speak of all of them as a whole as unfairly as you have. The Marine recruiters I worked with were essentially dirtbags but I'm not going to sit here and call ALL Marine recruiters dirtbags because of the few I worked around.

Essentially what I'm saying is that I'll never say "Don't trust a Marine recruiter"... although I've worked with Marine recruiters that have lied their way into any contract they can drum up. All of them aren't like that... however, I have enough brains to recognize it. :nod:

well i gotta a question guys i just joined the army on july 8th 2009, my question is a huge fraction of my family has served in the army for 20 years or more my question is will i be able to make this in to a career i did a 5 year contract i dont want to just do my 5 years and have them kick me out on my ass.... oh and one more questions how did you guys like fort Leonard wood im going to basic and AIT there on January 6th

Although Im not a recruiter, I recently got out and had a lot of re-enlistment questions myself. I decided to get out.

You can re-enlist when your first contract is up. Your recruiter kind of screwed you when he signed you on with a 5 year contract. Reason being is when it comes to your bonuses for re-enlisting once it comes up. You can basically only re-enlist ONE time with the good bonus money. If you would of done 4 you could of been able to do another 4 and re-enlist at 8 years in and get another good bonus.

well i gotta a question guys i just joined the army on july 8th 2009, my question is a huge fraction of my family has served in the army for 20 years or more my question is will i be able to make this in to a career i did a 5 year contract i dont want to just do my 5 years and have them kick me out on my ass.... oh and one more questions how did you guys like fort Leonard wood im going to basic and AIT there on January 6th

As long as you do well at your job, the Army is going to try to keep you. Just VOTE to make sure that the Army's boss will do the same... :chug:

Although Im not a recruiter, I recently got out and had a lot of re-enlistment questions myself. I decided to get out.

You can re-enlist when your first contract is up. Your recruiter kind of screwed you when he signed you on with a 5 year contract. Reason being is when it comes to your bonuses for re-enlisting once it comes up. You can basically only re-enlist ONE time with the good bonus money. If you would of done 4 you could of been able to do another 4 and re-enlist at 8 years in and get another good bonus.

I disagree. There are jobs that may require a 5 or, 6 year contract due to the length of time you are in school. The military wants it's time out of you perfoming the job, not just being in school learning it. It depends on his job.
Bonuses also depend on your job. There are differing dollar amounts based on how much the Army needs people in different positions. You can get 3 bonuses A,B,C zones. These zones depend on your time in service and whether you have received other bonuses. In my experience the C zone bonuses are the lower ones due to the fact that at that point you are a career soldier and are probably staying in anyway.
Keep in mind that bonuses are incentives for people to join or, reenlist. If there are a ton of people doing that anyway, bonuses will drop. Look how hard it is to get a job in the civilian sector right now.
Also, bonuses are subject to change. There is no high or low balling. What is there, is there and it could change from day to day.

Although Im not a recruiter, I recently got out and had a lot of re-enlistment questions myself. I decided to get out.

You can re-enlist when your first contract is up. Your recruiter kind of screwed you when he signed you on with a 5 year contract. Reason being is when it comes to your bonuses for re-enlisting once it comes up. You can basically only re-enlist ONE time with the good bonus money. If you would of done 4 you could of been able to do another 4 and re-enlist at 8 years in and get another good bonus.

Well, your career counselor lied to you. I will use myself as an example...I reenlisted as a 6yo EW in the Navy. When my 4 year mark came up, I was able to reenlist, I chose not to because I wanted to wait to see if bonus money would go up. It didn't go up, so I kinda screwed myself, but I couldve reenlisted at 4 years if I wanted

Well, your career counselor lied to you. I will use myself as an example...I reenlisted as a 6yo EW in the Navy. When my 4 year mark came up, I was able to reenlist, I chose not to because I wanted to wait to see if bonus money would go up. It didn't go up, so I kinda screwed myself, but I couldve reenlisted at 4 years if I wanted

Exactly. You'll be past ten years when it comes time to re-enlist NEXT time. You'll get zilch. Yes, youll get a bonus but hardly nothing compared to if you were to do it at 8 years. Ive seen it plenty of times.

Yes, sometimes you HAVE to enlist for 5-6 years but IMHO that is just iffy unless you know you will LOVE what you do. For me the 3 year mark lets you know how you will end up. Those extra 2-3 years after 3 yr mark can make your life miserable.