jumpwally 0 #1 October 23, 2009 My son just finished high school, was an average student. Has no idea what he wants to do in life and wants nothing to do with college untill he figures out what and where. I thanked him for not wasting my money. He is mechanically inclined, learns fast and a hard worker. I suggested he look into the Air Force and see if there were some support roles he could fit into and learn a trade or skill, all while giving him time to see what direction in life he wants to take...opinions please and any experience's welcome, thanxsmile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueSBDeath 2 #2 October 23, 2009 IMO the Military is a great place to start!! It will bring you to realize what you are capable of doing and possibly give you some direction to look into. My Dad was military, I was, my wife still is, my brother is, and one of my daughters was also in the Military. Steady work, good pay, with great benefits!! Arvel Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #3 October 23, 2009 There still is a need for mechanics ( airplane or vehicle )and all that type of work ? or is it all outsourced now ?smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #4 October 23, 2009 my cousin actually went to college for about a year before deciding it wasn't for him... (he was a good enough student just didn't know what he wanted to do with himself) after leaving school he decided he wanted to do something related to special forces and was directed towards Air Force Special Forces (Pararescue)... it seemed to be the right decision for him... Ultimately, the Air Force might be a great choice for him he could get into Maintenance or something similar and then in a few years perhaps get a degree and become an O-1E... ScottLivin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bullin82 0 #5 October 23, 2009 All branches of service need mechanics. when i joined thats where they wanted to stick me but my stubbarn ass likes to be miserable, so now i play in the mudd Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GLIDEANGLE 1 #6 October 23, 2009 The military is a very good option for young adults in the situation that you describe. Yes, the military needs lots of mechanics to keep a great variety of vehicles and systems running. My only suggestion is that he NOT limit his exploration to the Air Force. All the services have a need for young people like him. The recruiting incentives may vary widely (along with the career opportunities and lifestyle). One caveat: [RED]WE ARE AT WAR. [/RED] ANYONE IN THE MILITARY (REGARDLESS OF SERVICE: AIR FORCE, NAVY, ARMY, MARINES, COAST GUARD) CAN FIND THEMSELVES DEPLOYED TO A WAR ZONE AND IN HARM'S WAY.....DO NOT LET ANY RECRUITER TELL YOU OTHERWISE!!!!The choices we make have consequences, for us & for others! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertimeunc 0 #7 October 23, 2009 Good advice. I would also add DON'T TALK TO RECRUITERS! I'm not saying they're all bad, but many of them are only concerned with how many they can sign up, and they'll stretch the truth as far as they have to in order to get your son to sign on the dotted line. Find people who are already in each branch of service and ask them what their experience is. I've had no complaints with the Air Force so far, just remember that you're likely to deploy, and finance WILL screw up your pay occasionally. The best things in life are dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #8 October 23, 2009 See thats what im thinking also,,,he's a passive kid,doesn't like guns or that type of gung ho stuff, but does like to work hard, be part of a team and accomplish things...smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #9 October 23, 2009 Thats a given,,,anybody that doesn't believe that is an idiot.smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xtravrtsoul 0 #10 October 23, 2009 QuoteSee thats what im thinking also,,,he's a passive kid,doesn't like guns or that type of gung ho stuff, but does like to work hard, be part of a team and accomplish things... There are other options like trade schools and so on. Not necessarily college. My son wants to go into UTI which is a mechanics school. I have not looked fully into it because he is 15 but he has researched it fully. And if your son gets into mechanics like planes he will make a really good living. I have a friend who is a plane mechanic for a personal plane, millionares personal planes and he makes fantastic money. I am just saying check your options. :) Military has great benefits but like people have said we are at war and if you don't want him deployed and you feel he is too passive it might not be a good fit.You create life, life does not create you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
guppie01 0 #11 October 23, 2009 My Nephew joined the National Guard this year. He did basic back east, followed by special training to be a plane / helicopter mechanic. g"Let's do something romantic this Saturday... how bout we bust out the restraints?" Raddest Ho this side of Jersey #1 - MISS YOU OMG, is she okay? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pilotsR4pimps 0 #12 October 23, 2009 I served in the Navy for 5 years and although I don't support our countries conquests and pointless wars the Navy or Air Force is a good place to start. You get paid more in those two. Base pay always stays the same, but the Navy and AF have more incentives and entitlement pays. The best part is while you are active duty you ca go to school FOR FREE. It's called tuition assistance. If one is smart then they'll get their BA or BS while they are in for free and then use the G.I Bill for graduate school. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #13 October 23, 2009 The military has changed a lot since 9/11...but I do think it is still a good place for someone to start if uncertain where they want to go in life. They cloth you, feed you, and pay you while you learn a skill that you can do well with in the civilian world after 4 years. Medical care is good, and housing is usually decent. And unless he is assigned to an unusual specialty he will deploy but will be extremely unlikely to see any "action".Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #14 October 23, 2009 I understand what you are saying, you have to go into it informed and understand that being deployed is a definite possibility, i understand that and so does he. There just seems to be a larger palate of choices by going into the srvice rather than trade schools, plus rigorous training and respect building are a plus. Thankssmile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkeenan 14 #15 October 23, 2009 The Air Force trained me to be a Tailgunner on a nuclear bomber. It was fun, but there weren't so many openings for that skill in the civilian world. _____________________________________ Dude, you are so awesome... Can I be on your ash jump ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #16 October 23, 2009 Quote The Air Force trained me to be a Tailgunner on a nuclear bomber. It was fun, but there weren't so many openings for that skill in the civilian world. And when that position was eliminated, the AF dumped a bunch of you into my old career field. 4M0X1! Next thing we know, we had an ole tailgunner Chief as our Career Field Manager. (Nothing against tailgunners) but he about drove our AFSC into the ground!!!Edit to add: Although he was a nice guy with tons of stories. I got along with him at the time, just not a lot of the "others" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidB 0 #17 October 23, 2009 QuoteSee thats what im thinking also,,,he's a passive kid,doesn't like guns or that type of gung ho stuff, but does like to work hard, be part of a team and accomplish things... Coast Guard! No, it's obviously not all small-boat stations & running into storms to save lives. I spent almost 3.5 years in the engineroom of an ocean-going buoy tender, maintaining aids to navigation & occasional ice-breaking duty (one winter). 45 crew members total so you know everyone & either be a team player or get your ass kicked. The Guard has changed. Since 9/11 they've taken on even more responsibility. When I joined 35 years ago you really needed to be proficient at at least two different jobs to get by, so I can imagine things are a bit more, I don't know... hectic...? intense...? Sounds like he'd enjoy "Machinery Technician" (MK) school in Yorktown, Va. It was 14 weeks for the Class-A school, & when I graduated & stayed over for a couple weeks for a class-C outboard motor repair school. Attached is pic of a burnt exhaust valve from one of the ship's main engines. Been in my possession since the mid-70's. Makes a great door stop. It's a 4.25" X 14.25" X 7/8" stem.When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nataly 38 #18 October 23, 2009 I was in the (Canadian) Air Force for 7 years as an Aviation Systems Technician (engines, airframe, instrument/electrical, safety systems and armament). It was good fun, but when I wanted to get out my experience didn't convert especially well.. That being said, I moved into a totally different field, so it might have been difficult anyway. People either love or hate that you have a military background. Most civilians don't understand it at all. A common question I used to get asked in interviews afterwards was whether I thought people would listen to me now that I didn't "outrank" them!! Or I'd get asked whether I'd be able to listen to my boss because I was just starting out again.. I'm like.. Well fuck.. The military is like any place else.. If your boss doesn't know what the hell he's talking about, some "title" isn't going to command anyone's respect!! Since I have an Air Force background, I'm obviously biased in favour of the Air Force.. If you think about it, though.. Lots of greenies convert to blue uniforms but you hardly ever see the opposite happen. You can say it's 'cause we're not tough enough - I think it's because the Air Force treats their people very well (nice benefits, etc.). As I said though, I'm obviously biased, so don't all you grunts get your panties in a twist because you know the grass is greener on the other side!! I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military, but we were FAR less operational than the US is currently. So that is definitely something to consider. "There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
birdshit 0 #19 October 23, 2009 I joined the Army when I was 19. My first day of basic training was my 20th birthday, and what a birthday it was. I was a 19k or an Armor crew member. I worked on an M1A1 Abrams Tank. Got to ride around in Korea for a year, just about destroyed my liver with soju and had a great time. Spent a few years at fort riley kansas going to raves, partying and whatnot. When I got out, I got a bonus with the GI Bill because I was in a combat MOS and they paid me $1100 a month to attend college for three years. I think in total they paid me nearly 60 grand, and not the 30 grand they promised. A lot of more sober minded soldiers (party poopers) were taking college courses while they were in, but I am not sure if this is realistic in today's military. Iraq and Afghanistan are dangerous places, and the probability of getting hurt is pretty high. If your son signs up, he will (with 95% certainty) go to Iraq or Afghanistan, so keep that in mind while you discuss it. The suicide rate is very high in the military too because of the all the stress associated with asymmetrical warfare, IEDs, VBIEDS, snipers, multiple deployments back to back, etc. Good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #20 October 23, 2009 Didn't know the Air Force had ground troops...smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
birdshit 0 #21 October 23, 2009 Quote Didn't know the Air Force had ground troops... Just relating my experience in the Army. Had an AFB in my hometown and never seen a bigger bunch of wannabe posers in my life. If the kid wants to be a real soldier then he should join a real branch. If he wants to learn how to work on planes or keep his fingernails clean his odds are better in the AF. Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #22 October 23, 2009 Several Air Force (AF) career fields are primarily "ground" troops. Combat Controllers, Tac P's, etc... Good friend of mine (AF Combat Controller) lived for the 1st 2 weeks of the 1st Gulf War, on the side of a mountain range, in a foxhole watching over Iraqi positions. Calling in airstrikes..etc........... Yes, AF has ground troops. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nataly 38 #23 October 23, 2009 Quote If he wants to learn how to work on planes or keep his fingernails clean his odds are better in the AF. Cheers edit: Never heard any of the wives complain about their hubby coming home with clean fingernails!!! "There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #24 October 23, 2009 Quote Quote Didn't know the Air Force had ground troops... Just relating my experience in the Army. Had an AFB in my hometown and never seen a bigger bunch of wannabe posers in my life. If the kid wants to be a real soldier then he should join a real branch. If he wants to learn how to work on planes or keep his fingernails clean his odds are better in the AF. Cheers Hmm, all the army and marine patients I flew out of Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Africa, etc. seemed to have a different opinion. Although it was their blood that got my fingernails dirty. Of course, quite a few of the members of the "other branches" I have worked with had a severe case of little dick syndrome and only joined to try and prove how badass they are. The kids odds are better in the AF if he isn't a felon and can spell his own name without referencing his id card. If not, he's a perfect fit for the...well, you can decide...Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aresye 0 #25 October 23, 2009 I'm still active duty Navy with 3 1/2 years in. Right now I'm a rescue swimmer/aircrewman based on the SH-60F and HH-60H helicopters. If your son is pursuing a path of work related to maintenance, then chances are he has a lot of options when he decides to get out. There's options for almost everybody, some just don't look very openly at them. The military is a stress though. My job requires us to be in good shape, know A LOT about the aircraft, and a whole butt-load of information and tactics. Seriously I cannot see any college classes giving me trouble in the future because the stuff we learn is COMPLICATED, to say the least. A lot of my friends thought I would be a changed man after boot camp. Not so. Boot camp will help someone adjust to the military lifestyle, but in all honestly, it's the constant stress for years on end that changes a person. There's some great ups, and there's some very big downs. Stress comes and goes in waves based on training commands, the people around you, and your supervisors. For some people, these emotional roller coasters break them down. I've seen 3-4 good guys do some stupid things because they couldn't handle the lifestyle. DUI's, underage drinking, going UA, etc. If your son carries himself professionally already, then he'll probably do well. Sorry I can't answer any questions about the AF, but if you want to, feel free to ask me about the Navy, preferably in a private message.Skydiving: You either learn from other's mistakes, or they'll learn from yours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
