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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/What branch you think will be better for me and summarize detail info on it please.

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Expert: - 3/15/2009


Question
Hi, I am 19 years old and im not quite sure what i want to do in life career rise. I just took my GED and is on standby for the results. I am currently an overnight security officer and in the daytime i do voluntary foster care aid in youth best interest issues. I just won a statewide award as the best advocate for Florida needy youth. But i have an urge to join the military. One because i would love the discipline, structure, travel and to further my education. I'm not quite sure what career path i would like to take but i do like how former military people compose themselves and walk tall and strong. But im not sure what branch would benefit me the most but i am really considering the Airforce. I like the fact of being on grounds more and working a 9-5 job. Based on what i have told you what branch you think i should join?? please Help...

Answer
Tanya -

The military is anything but a 9-5 job.  It's a lifestyle, it's a profession, it is your life.  You may be off duty, but you never escape the service.  Deciding which branch of service to join depends on what you want to do with your life.  This isn't something to be taken lightly.

Here is what I would suggest: Take your ASVAB tests and see how the scores come out.  I'm sure you have interests and an idea of what you would like to do in your life.  Now it's just a matter of matching the two up.

See what jobs you qualify for based on the tests, then see which service offers the job you want.  Two different services may have jobs you like, but one has a better choice of base assignments.  You just need to see what you can get that appeals to you.

I hope this gives you some ideas.  Good luck on your quest for a great military career.

Sincerely,
James Bell

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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James Bell

Expertise

I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.

Experience

Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager

Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.

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