Casch 0 #1 February 15, 2004 Ok so I've heard (from not so reliable sources) that the Army had/has a buddy program where you and a friend can enlist and you just ship out to the same places. I'm planning on enlisting in the USAF and a friend of mine in Cali mentioned that she wanted to do the same thing, and that we should see if they have a "buddy program". Sooo, naturally I figured this would be the best place to find out Also, in order to enlist, I still have several pounds to drop to fit within their guidelines. I'm hoping to be within those guidelines by the fall, but I'm wondering if there is anything I can do now to prepare myself besides obviously jogging and doing some resistance training. Anyone know of any good literature to help me learn about the military, how it works, the physicality and the mentality of it? Any tips, recommendations? I'm all ears, thanks all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #2 February 15, 2004 www.pjassn.org/ That'll get ya started.Keep looking. Don't go unprepared. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wingnut 0 #3 February 15, 2004 QuoteAnyone know of any good literature to help me learn about the military, how it works, the physicality and the mentality of it? Any tips, recommendations? I'm all ears, thanks all i duno any comunist liturature would work... lol........ as for a buddy program, don't think so, didn't have it 6 years ago when i cam in and havn't herd that they started one.... as for things to do to get ready.. yeah go jogging.. try some push ups and situps and that's should do ya fine... oh and well..... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Casch 0 #4 February 15, 2004 I'm browsing through some ASVAB prep books at B&N, wondering if anyone has some reviews on any specific book, theres a bunch of em I just put an order in for "How to Prepare for the ASVAB w/CD-ROM" Looks like a decent text Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wingnut 0 #5 February 15, 2004 okay a couple questons...... did you do okay in high school? do you know how to add subtract, multiply and divide? well if you can, you can take the test. it's isn't to much more..... i took it when i was a junior in high school at the local MEPS and did very well.. so well i am qualified for any job in the AF.. even the admin that i scord the lowest on...... pretty easy.. made me wonder how dumb some people are when they couldn't even get a frikin 40 to enter the af.... (difrent services score it diffretly(number system wise)) so don't sweat it! ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #6 February 15, 2004 Please... I got Asvab scores in the upper 99% for all but like 1 category. If you have a pulse I think that puts you at the 50th% To do good on it... show up and know how to do math (fractions also), know basic engineering like a square peg won't fit in a round hole thats the same diameter, and other simple things.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites leroydb 0 #7 February 15, 2004 prep for the asvab? um sure if you think you need it. I was sick and out of it when i was forced to take the test eand still almost maxed the fker...Leroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites nbblood 0 #8 February 15, 2004 Well, I can speak for the Army. Yes the Army has a buddy program and yes that means that you and your "buddy" would be stationed in the same basic, AIT (assuming you have the same MOS) and on to your first duty station. It has been somewhat succussful. I will say, that just because you have the same first duty station, does not necessarily mean you will end up in the same company or platoon. I think a lot of participants find out that they make other buddies and by that time it's not that big of a deal. As far as preparation. I suggest "We Were Soldiers Once....and Young" by LTG Hal Moore. Yes, the book the movie was based on. The book gets a lot more into the mentality aspect and helps understand the sacrifice made by soldiers. The ASVAB is not that big of a deal. I second the opinions others have stated. If you did well in high school and you've taken an SAT or ACT you will be prepared. Still there are ASVAB study guides and you want to do well as this opens up options. Physical preparation will be more valuable, in my opinion. The Army Physical Fitness Test includes 2 minutes push-ups, two minutes sit-ups, and two mile run. Standards vary depending on age group, but I would focus on upper body and ab workouts. The better shape you are in when entering basic, the better off you'll be. Very simple. Anyway, can't help much with the USAF, but there's an Army perspective for you. Blues, NathanBlues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Fallosophy 0 #9 February 15, 2004 all of the above plus just remember that no matter how much you prepare before hand, you can never be completely ready for the experience. Just trust in yourself no matter what and you will learn what you dont know and you will do what you dont think you can do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites slug 1 #10 February 15, 2004 Hi Casch Go for it! We need guy's like you in the military, young, bright, good shape. Don't forget to listen to your recruiter he's your friend. Read what your signing. It's a 4 yr contract and if you break that contract your in deep doo doo for a very long time. FWIW I did four yr's in the air force and had a great time. the G.I. bill is a added plus. R.I.P. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Casch 0 #11 February 15, 2004 http://www.asvabprogram.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=overview.question Ok, are these SERIOUSLY the kind of questions they put on the ASVAB?!?! Holy christ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhreeZone 20 #12 February 15, 2004 Yep, those are about as I remember them... Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites osuskydiver 0 #13 February 15, 2004 Congrats on deciding to join the armed forces! I hope you will love serving as much as I do. About the ASVAB, don;t worry about a thing, it is a joke. What MOS do you want? keep us posted By the time you read this you have already read it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Casch 0 #14 February 15, 2004 Heh, well like just about every other recruit, I'd like to fly. We'll see what happens there, I'm not expecting much. I'm also open to Pararescue, or some sort of engineering field. Not really sure what all the positions available are Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freeflir29 0 #15 February 15, 2004 QuoteI'm also open to Pararescue www.specialtactics.com/overview.shtml I had no idea Air Force Special Ops existed when I joined the Air Force. This site will get ya started. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wingnut 0 #16 February 15, 2004 if ya want a decent over view of some jobs you might be interested in let me know.. got a petty good idea of what most jobs are.. and the discription they give ya at meps will not be n reality what you will do most of the time... im me again and i'll let ya know.... just really wasn't in the mood last night to talkabout work..... oh yeah got to go.. have to go in for the second time of the three days of my no daywekends...... thought i was gettng three days off this weekend..... that went right out the window....... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Casch 0 #17 February 17, 2004 Wow, this is interesting. 25 days ago I was 244, and today I weighed in at 227, a loss of 17 lbs (4.75 per week). I'm drinking 2 slimfasts per day, 1 for breakfast and 1 for lunch. Then having something small to eat for dinner, a sandwich, meal bar or chicken breast or something. I don't drink soda, or anything high in carbs. About the only thing I drink besides slimfast and water is milk, and only 1% (usually I just mix it with my slimfast) Bodyfat is down from 31 at the beginning of January to between 25 and 27 (jumps around a bit). I walk/jog for 1 hour at least 5 nights per week, when it stops friggin raining I will inline skate and ride my bike during the day, and I'm starting a resistance training routine. I talked with a recruiter today and he didn't have much to say when I said I was 227. He said call back when I am within 15 lbs of their weight table guidelines, which is about 200. "Meanwhile turn that fat into muscle, man!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wingnut 0 #18 February 18, 2004 Quote talked with a recruiter today and he didn't have much to say when I said I was 227. He said call back when I am within 15 lbs of their weight table guidelines, which is about 200. for how tall?? i'm 5'9" and my max weight is 189.... if you are over 6ft then 227 isn't that far from it..... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Casch 0 #19 February 18, 2004 I'm 68 inches tall, so max weight is 184 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nightingale 0 #20 February 18, 2004 are you in school? if so, did you consider ROTC? Its a good way to get some help paying for school, plus avoid most of the three month Officer Training School. Plus, officers get paid more. I have a few friends who went through AFROTC, and I almost did it myself. I had a broken bone that prevented me from going to their summer training at the academy. The AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) is very easy. I pretty much maxed it. They're still calling me! LOL. You have to be an officer if you want to fly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wingnut 0 #21 February 18, 2004 QuoteYou have to be an officer if you want to fly. that is fly the plane.. now fl in the plane is diffrent.. and there are a good many jobs where yo can fly but not be the pilot.... arial gunner, flight attndnt, flying crew chief, loadmaster, boom operator, flight physiology, inteligence..... just to name a few.... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Cudlo 0 #22 February 18, 2004 Lol.. ASVAB... hehe. My then girlfriend and I took the asvab after several days of drinking and not sleeping. She scored an 82 (I got an 84, she was soooo pissed). So, don't sweat it. And, even if there isnt a buddy program for you, dont worry about that either. You will make some of the best friend's you will ever have in your life in the service. I can't speak for the Air Force, but in the Army when you realized you might be going into combat with the guys around you, you tend to become a pretty tight group quick. It also helps that during basic and AIT they DSs are trying to take the individual out of you and make you into a functioning group. But, if you are out of shape do work on that. I was with some guys on the way in, that were still in FTU (fitness training unit) when i got out of basic. Although, i still can't understand someone who would sign up to join the service if you cant even do 10 pushups, 20 situps, and run a mile in 8 mins. Oh well._________________________________________ "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Kierkegaard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Chute 0 #23 February 18, 2004 The Navy has it as well. you can go to Basic training together. MAYBE the first duty station together. Does NOT mean you will be in the same place at the same time together forever. That is just to get you in the service. They will put you where they need or want you. Bottomless Beers and Blue Skies! * Brother_Brian * D.S.W.F.S.B. #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Miami 0 #24 February 18, 2004 Quotethat is fly the plane.. now fl in the plane is diffrent.. and there are a good many jobs where yo can fly but not be the pilot.... arial gunner, flight attndnt, flying crew chief, loadmaster, boom operator, flight physiology, inteligence..... just to name a few.... Skydiving instructor.... Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Casch 0 #25 February 18, 2004 QuoteBut, if you are out of shape do work on that. I was with some guys on the way in, that were still in FTU (fitness training unit) when i got out of basic. Although, i still can't understand someone who would sign up to join the service if you cant even do 10 pushups, 20 situps, and run a mile in 8 mins. Oh well. This is why I'm not going to enlist until I would be able to pass their fitness tests. I'm not interested in being placed in special fitness program just so I can pass basic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
freeflir29 0 #2 February 15, 2004 www.pjassn.org/ That'll get ya started.Keep looking. Don't go unprepared. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #3 February 15, 2004 QuoteAnyone know of any good literature to help me learn about the military, how it works, the physicality and the mentality of it? Any tips, recommendations? I'm all ears, thanks all i duno any comunist liturature would work... lol........ as for a buddy program, don't think so, didn't have it 6 years ago when i cam in and havn't herd that they started one.... as for things to do to get ready.. yeah go jogging.. try some push ups and situps and that's should do ya fine... oh and well..... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #4 February 15, 2004 I'm browsing through some ASVAB prep books at B&N, wondering if anyone has some reviews on any specific book, theres a bunch of em I just put an order in for "How to Prepare for the ASVAB w/CD-ROM" Looks like a decent text Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #5 February 15, 2004 okay a couple questons...... did you do okay in high school? do you know how to add subtract, multiply and divide? well if you can, you can take the test. it's isn't to much more..... i took it when i was a junior in high school at the local MEPS and did very well.. so well i am qualified for any job in the AF.. even the admin that i scord the lowest on...... pretty easy.. made me wonder how dumb some people are when they couldn't even get a frikin 40 to enter the af.... (difrent services score it diffretly(number system wise)) so don't sweat it! ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #6 February 15, 2004 Please... I got Asvab scores in the upper 99% for all but like 1 category. If you have a pulse I think that puts you at the 50th% To do good on it... show up and know how to do math (fractions also), know basic engineering like a square peg won't fit in a round hole thats the same diameter, and other simple things.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leroydb 0 #7 February 15, 2004 prep for the asvab? um sure if you think you need it. I was sick and out of it when i was forced to take the test eand still almost maxed the fker...Leroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nbblood 0 #8 February 15, 2004 Well, I can speak for the Army. Yes the Army has a buddy program and yes that means that you and your "buddy" would be stationed in the same basic, AIT (assuming you have the same MOS) and on to your first duty station. It has been somewhat succussful. I will say, that just because you have the same first duty station, does not necessarily mean you will end up in the same company or platoon. I think a lot of participants find out that they make other buddies and by that time it's not that big of a deal. As far as preparation. I suggest "We Were Soldiers Once....and Young" by LTG Hal Moore. Yes, the book the movie was based on. The book gets a lot more into the mentality aspect and helps understand the sacrifice made by soldiers. The ASVAB is not that big of a deal. I second the opinions others have stated. If you did well in high school and you've taken an SAT or ACT you will be prepared. Still there are ASVAB study guides and you want to do well as this opens up options. Physical preparation will be more valuable, in my opinion. The Army Physical Fitness Test includes 2 minutes push-ups, two minutes sit-ups, and two mile run. Standards vary depending on age group, but I would focus on upper body and ab workouts. The better shape you are in when entering basic, the better off you'll be. Very simple. Anyway, can't help much with the USAF, but there's an Army perspective for you. Blues, NathanBlues, Nathan If you wait 'til the last minute, it'll only take a minute. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fallosophy 0 #9 February 15, 2004 all of the above plus just remember that no matter how much you prepare before hand, you can never be completely ready for the experience. Just trust in yourself no matter what and you will learn what you dont know and you will do what you dont think you can do. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slug 1 #10 February 15, 2004 Hi Casch Go for it! We need guy's like you in the military, young, bright, good shape. Don't forget to listen to your recruiter he's your friend. Read what your signing. It's a 4 yr contract and if you break that contract your in deep doo doo for a very long time. FWIW I did four yr's in the air force and had a great time. the G.I. bill is a added plus. R.I.P. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #11 February 15, 2004 http://www.asvabprogram.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=overview.question Ok, are these SERIOUSLY the kind of questions they put on the ASVAB?!?! Holy christ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #12 February 15, 2004 Yep, those are about as I remember them... Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
osuskydiver 0 #13 February 15, 2004 Congrats on deciding to join the armed forces! I hope you will love serving as much as I do. About the ASVAB, don;t worry about a thing, it is a joke. What MOS do you want? keep us posted By the time you read this you have already read it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #14 February 15, 2004 Heh, well like just about every other recruit, I'd like to fly. We'll see what happens there, I'm not expecting much. I'm also open to Pararescue, or some sort of engineering field. Not really sure what all the positions available are Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #15 February 15, 2004 QuoteI'm also open to Pararescue www.specialtactics.com/overview.shtml I had no idea Air Force Special Ops existed when I joined the Air Force. This site will get ya started. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #16 February 15, 2004 if ya want a decent over view of some jobs you might be interested in let me know.. got a petty good idea of what most jobs are.. and the discription they give ya at meps will not be n reality what you will do most of the time... im me again and i'll let ya know.... just really wasn't in the mood last night to talkabout work..... oh yeah got to go.. have to go in for the second time of the three days of my no daywekends...... thought i was gettng three days off this weekend..... that went right out the window....... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #17 February 17, 2004 Wow, this is interesting. 25 days ago I was 244, and today I weighed in at 227, a loss of 17 lbs (4.75 per week). I'm drinking 2 slimfasts per day, 1 for breakfast and 1 for lunch. Then having something small to eat for dinner, a sandwich, meal bar or chicken breast or something. I don't drink soda, or anything high in carbs. About the only thing I drink besides slimfast and water is milk, and only 1% (usually I just mix it with my slimfast) Bodyfat is down from 31 at the beginning of January to between 25 and 27 (jumps around a bit). I walk/jog for 1 hour at least 5 nights per week, when it stops friggin raining I will inline skate and ride my bike during the day, and I'm starting a resistance training routine. I talked with a recruiter today and he didn't have much to say when I said I was 227. He said call back when I am within 15 lbs of their weight table guidelines, which is about 200. "Meanwhile turn that fat into muscle, man!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #18 February 18, 2004 Quote talked with a recruiter today and he didn't have much to say when I said I was 227. He said call back when I am within 15 lbs of their weight table guidelines, which is about 200. for how tall?? i'm 5'9" and my max weight is 189.... if you are over 6ft then 227 isn't that far from it..... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #19 February 18, 2004 I'm 68 inches tall, so max weight is 184 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #20 February 18, 2004 are you in school? if so, did you consider ROTC? Its a good way to get some help paying for school, plus avoid most of the three month Officer Training School. Plus, officers get paid more. I have a few friends who went through AFROTC, and I almost did it myself. I had a broken bone that prevented me from going to their summer training at the academy. The AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) is very easy. I pretty much maxed it. They're still calling me! LOL. You have to be an officer if you want to fly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #21 February 18, 2004 QuoteYou have to be an officer if you want to fly. that is fly the plane.. now fl in the plane is diffrent.. and there are a good many jobs where yo can fly but not be the pilot.... arial gunner, flight attndnt, flying crew chief, loadmaster, boom operator, flight physiology, inteligence..... just to name a few.... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cudlo 0 #22 February 18, 2004 Lol.. ASVAB... hehe. My then girlfriend and I took the asvab after several days of drinking and not sleeping. She scored an 82 (I got an 84, she was soooo pissed). So, don't sweat it. And, even if there isnt a buddy program for you, dont worry about that either. You will make some of the best friend's you will ever have in your life in the service. I can't speak for the Air Force, but in the Army when you realized you might be going into combat with the guys around you, you tend to become a pretty tight group quick. It also helps that during basic and AIT they DSs are trying to take the individual out of you and make you into a functioning group. But, if you are out of shape do work on that. I was with some guys on the way in, that were still in FTU (fitness training unit) when i got out of basic. Although, i still can't understand someone who would sign up to join the service if you cant even do 10 pushups, 20 situps, and run a mile in 8 mins. Oh well._________________________________________ "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid." - Kierkegaard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chute 0 #23 February 18, 2004 The Navy has it as well. you can go to Basic training together. MAYBE the first duty station together. Does NOT mean you will be in the same place at the same time together forever. That is just to get you in the service. They will put you where they need or want you. Bottomless Beers and Blue Skies! * Brother_Brian * D.S.W.F.S.B. #2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miami 0 #24 February 18, 2004 Quotethat is fly the plane.. now fl in the plane is diffrent.. and there are a good many jobs where yo can fly but not be the pilot.... arial gunner, flight attndnt, flying crew chief, loadmaster, boom operator, flight physiology, inteligence..... just to name a few.... Skydiving instructor.... Miami Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casch 0 #25 February 18, 2004 QuoteBut, if you are out of shape do work on that. I was with some guys on the way in, that were still in FTU (fitness training unit) when i got out of basic. Although, i still can't understand someone who would sign up to join the service if you cant even do 10 pushups, 20 situps, and run a mile in 8 mins. Oh well. This is why I'm not going to enlist until I would be able to pass their fitness tests. I'm not interested in being placed in special fitness program just so I can pass basic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
