Hey ecb, I hope you got my email the other day...
I have no pipe dreams of flying, though that would be cool.
---Do not consider it a "pipe dream". It's quite the possibility.
More wondering about the lifestyle.
--- Suprisingly, A lot less stressful than trying to climb the civilian corporate ladder.
As a background I am male, 24, B.S. in Finance and am 5'10 150 lbs.
---sorry. Not interested. I like girls. Haha. Sorry. I just HAD to do that.
Of the four branches, they have the lamest uniforms IMO.
---yep. But chicks dug my flight suit. I just hated wearing it.
I always thought the Coast Guard would be cool.
---No choice in what job the Coast Guard gives you, though. That is a drawback. And they work long shifts.
As an aside, there IS a big difference btw the work days regarding the different services. In the AF, you'll likely get "gym time" during the duty day, and will probably not have to do lame ass group PT (usually makes you out of shape if anything).
My advice is go Marine Corps. Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Va. You will not regret it.
---No argument there. It's probably a great life experience.
Have you thought about the fire department. Awesome 24 hour shifts, cool uniforms, unbelievabe benefits, early retirement etc. We have such a variety of college educated people who finish school and start their career of choice only to relize that they hate their choice. I would not trade my job for fives times the money and if money is the issue start a side business and make lots. If you are a triathlete consider all of the training time while on duty and off. I also have my private pilots ticket that I studied for while at the fire station. Just my two cents.
who's hiring??!?!
Private message me and I can start brain washing you.
---hey! You never said what you did in the AF?
With your background, have you considered the FBI? You seem to be a text book example of special agent material, and God knows they could use the help.
---think long and hard about that decision. It is a very beauracratic organization. Maybe even more so than the military. Finance? As a white male, they are usually looking for accountants, lawyers, computer scientists, or linguists.
Military bases are weird places to grow up.
---I've always thought the brat lifestyle would be an interesting way to grow up.
It's not like on civy street where there is usually more room for negotiation. It must really suck to have to call some guy you might think is a real asshole by the name "sir".
---haha. That happens everywhere, military or not.
Military people tend to think along similiar conservative political lines.
---generally, yea. That's probably correct. However, good goes along with that as well.
You have to decide several things. Is this a long term or short term duration? Are you really a personality that can hack that kind of regimentation.
---99% of the population can handle it, most just choose not to try.
You'll likely make more money on civy street than in the air force. However, the military can give a comfortable lifestyle with a good but not great pension
---find me a better defined benefit pension plan offered by a civilian organization! Especially Officer pay. Heck, just find me another defined pension plan. You cannot beat that 20 year pension. Anywhere.
With your education I'd assume you'd be going in as an officer. You certainly shouldn't accept anything less.
---That's true. Unless there is a very specific enlisted job you want. My friend is an arab linguist. Officers don't do that. He had a $60,000+ reenlistment bonus. As a staff sergeant...
Think about it seriously. The air force can be a great career, but it's not for everyone.
---yep. But once your too old to do it. Your too old. It's only four years, and it will go fast.
Though right now I'd be very wary about going into federal law enforcement if you want to have any sort of life at all outside of work. We're talking 20+ straight days of work, many/most of them 12+ hours, and being told that you shouldn't even bother asking for leave between now and November elections level of overtime from the people I know in some parts of that sector.
On the bright side, you do get to rack up a nice amount of overtime pay.
---true about the crappy hours. But no overtime pay. Federal LE gets 25% of their salary as automatic OT. IF you work it or not, or more. You'de be better of as a Capt. in the military...or the Navy. ha.
The amount of working hours, I agree, should be factored into the decision. But I don't think the feds are working longer hours than most in the military- ever, and certainly not now.
---unless your in the Air Force! 7:30-4:30, and golf! Actually, it depends on your job.
word.
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but I can deal with the angels, cause it ain’t me they’re here to claim. it’s a good night for blowing ‘em off til some other day