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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Questions Answered by Expert James Bell
| Subject | Date Asked |
| air force decision for family man | 10/9/2011 |
| Q: I am a 21 year old texas resident currently deciding whether I want to join the air force or ... A: Dwaylon – I think you may be approaching your goals from the wrong direction. Military service ... | |
| Air Force | 9/10/2011 |
| Q: my name is Carley. I am 19 years old and come from a small town in Kentucky. I have always wanted ... A: Carley - Please don’t let these very minor things dissuade you from your dreams or goals. I came ... | |
| Mandatory service in US military history | 7/9/2011 |
| Q: My room mate and i are questioning the fact that the only time the US military/ government made ... A: Felix - This isn't my area of expertise, but I'll give you the limited benefit of my experience. I ... | |
| retraining | 5/6/2011 |
| Q: Hey James! I have been in a little over 9 years and just retrained into 1n0x1 career field. I was a ... A: Your personnel file at the MPF should have all your retraining paperwork, along with any ADSC ... | |
| Loadmaster training | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: How long is the entire "pipeline" from BMT to the time you get your Permanent duty station if you ... A: Keith - I can tell you how long it took me, but realize training schedules have changed since my ... | |
| retraining | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: Hey James! I have been in a little over 9 years and just retrained into 1n0x1 career field. I was a ... A: Dave - Any time you retrain into a new career field that involves formal training, you incur an ... | |
| Interview please? | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: To James, Hello, my name is Brandon Cruz. To give some background about myself, I am currently ... A: Brandon - You ask a lot of questions, but I will attempt to answer them to the best of my ability. ... | |
| Females or ladies ... not girls | 1/20/2011 |
| Q: If i enroll in the Marine Core and me being a female... would i be treated the same as others are ... A: Skylar - When I joined the Air Force in 1980, I would say we had a long way to go toward "gender ... | |
| RESIGNING FROM THE US ARMY | 12/29/2010 |
| Q: I have been in a long distance relationship for a few months with a a master sergeant in the US Army ... A: Kim - This is most definitely a scam, and I strongly advise you NOT to continue any further, and ... | |
| Allowing Homosexuals into the Military | 12/19/2010 |
| Q: What if were in the military, my commanding offer was gay and she wanted to have sex with me? ... A: Gina - I haven't had a chance to read the law that was just signed by the President. Honestly, I ... | |
| Flight Engineer | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: I am considering joining the ANG. I have flight experience as a Private Pilot, and so I feel like I ... A: Preston - You have asked a very good question. Although the AFI's (Air Force Instructions ... ... | |
| 22 MAS C-5 | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Bell, I really hope that you could help me. I have this bracelet and I'm not sure if it is ... A: April - REVISION: I knew and flew with SSgt Michael Allred on my last C-5 mission in 1987, just ... | |
| Retraining advise | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: Sir, I am looking to retrain into either flight engineer or inflight refueling. I am married and a ... A: Sarah - Wow, so many things to talk about. I would suggest you look at some of my previous ... | |
| Loadmaster and Married | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: I recently joined the Air Force and have been assigned as an aircraft loadmaster. I hear that they ... A: EJ - Welcome to the loadmaster career field. Although I'm sure you have many apprehensions and ... | |
| Home School Diploma | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: as the first time I posted it, the gentleman I asked was unavailable. Please help. You recently ... A: Blanca - As my son was also home schooled, I can provide you with what I know. We were subject to ... | |
| AFROTC | 8/21/2010 |
| Q: I just had orientation for AFROTC today and on the drug abuse section I answered that I had ... A: Billy - ANY drug use is grounds for rejection to join the Air Force, especially into the officer ... | |
| Eyesight Problems | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: I WANT TO BE RECRUITED IN ANY OF THE BEST POST IN THE AIRFORCE.. AND I HAVE SPECTACLES! AM I ... A: Yashwanth - I normally don't answer medical questions as this isn't my specialty. But, since I ... | |
| Air Force ASVAB | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: I am interested in joining the AF. I have been told many things on what to score for the ASVAB. I ... A: Rather than try and cut-and-paste all the information here, I will give you some excellent links ... | |
| Air Force ASVAB | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I am interested in joining the AF. I have been told many things on what to score for the ASVAB. I ... A: Deven - That is an excellent question. Unfortunately, I don't have a specific number I can give ... | |
| previous surgery | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: I had recently a surgery to where they took out a non cancerous tumor from my right ovary about two ... A: Jessica - Medical questions aren't my specialty, so I can't give you an authoritative answer. I ... | |
| I have a qustion about the airforce. | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: I am 17 and i want to be a nurse in the airforce but i was thinking about it and i was wondering if ... A: Stephani - Every component of the Active duty side of the Air Force has a Reserve component. I'm ... | |
| Changing Dishonrable Discharge | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: I was in the Navy from 1978 until 1982 I was given a dishonorable for being AWOL several times since ... A: Larry - I wish I could help you, but this is a legal question that is way outside my area of ... | |
| reserve ang loadmaster | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: I asked you a question previously, and now have a question about the air national guard or air force ... A: Joe - Despite being a Reservist or Guardsman, I know several people who make it as much of a ... | |
| Flight Crew | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: I'm 20 years old and I'm looking to enlist into the airforce in the next 6 months. So far from my ... A: Anthonie - I can't give you any updates on if the Air Force is accepting flight engineers as an ... | |
| Confused | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I want to join some type of military butand i been looking at air force but im not sure if i want to ... A: Sabrina - There are huge differences between Active and Reserve. When you go Active, your ... | |
| Inflight Refueling | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: Bell, First I wanted to say that I appreciate the time and effort you set aside for everyone's ... A: Shane - Unfortunately, I can't give you any helpful insight for securing a particular job in the ... | |
| Inflight Refueling | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: Bell, First I wanted to say that I appreciate the time and effort you set aside for everyone's ... A: Shane - First of all, I will point out that we do not have MOS's in the Air Force: We have AFSC's ... | |
| jobs | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: Are there any military jobs that do not require boot camp in any branch? A: Danielle - I wish I could say there were shortcuts, but every branch of service has their Basic ... | |
| Medical Condition prior to Enlistment | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I just enlisted into the Army and ship March 03. I am so exited about going. I went to the doctor ... A: Ms. Jordan - Thank you so much for writing. I hope I can give you guidance that could determine ... | |
| airforce | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: what's the minimum amount of years i can enlist in the air force? A: Keamonie - The minimum enlistment duration is four years, with a two year inactive Reserve ... | |
| traveling | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: that helps me-how I shouldn't worry so much about Basic, but the stuff I would have to do with being ... A: Danielle - Many bases are utilized by different branches of the service. I used to be stationed at ... | |
| nurse in coast guard | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: OK, does the Coast Guard have basic training I would have to go through if I wanted to be a nurse in ... A: Danielle - Thank you for writing again. My previous response wasn't to insult or belittle you, ... | |
| nursing and basic training | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: If I want to become a nurse, and I want the military to pay for it, let's say Air Force, is there ... A: Danielle - I normally don't answer questions pertaining to the medical field, but you are really ... | |
| dishonerable discharge | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: can a person who had a prior dishonorable discharge from the navy get into any branch of the ... A: Deborah - In a word -- NO. (Borrowed from Wikipedia, although there are many sites out there) A ... | |
| Join military with re 2b | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: My husband was discharged from the Air Force for misconduct (two article 15's) with a RE 2B and ... A: Marie - I got the following information from this website ... ... | |
| Braces -benefits. | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: I'm 24 years old, my husband is joining the air force soon, and suddenly there rose a hype that I'll ... A: Tiffany - I wouldn't get too excited. As a military member, your husband has full dental coverage ... | |
| retraining | 10/27/2009 |
| Q: I am currently a active duty enlisted flyer on c-130s. I am a first term airman and love my mission ... A: Chris - Let me get this straight ... you are a C-130 loadmaster and you don't travel enough? ... | |
| Air Force vs. Marine corps. | 10/21/2009 |
| Q: recently i've been chating with a recruiter for the marine corps I feel like their just telling me ... A: Marishia - It all depends on what your goals are. I knew a woman that joined the Army because she ... | |
| Readjusting to Civilian Life | 10/10/2009 |
| Q: Mr. Bell, I am a retired aircrewmember with 4500 flying hours in 24 years. I have noticed how ... A: Rikki - I will state right off the bat that I switched this from a "private" letter to the public ... | |
| Airframe Preference | 8/10/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking to retrain from the 3C0X2 (Communications - Computer Systems Programming) career field ... A: AJ - I can't really speak for how things are now, as I know they change from time to time, but when ... | |
| Quickest way to join | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: I am considering joining the navy. I have been studying for the asvab for almost a month now to get ... A: Michelle - After you take the ASVAB, your score will tell you what career fields you qualify for. ... | |
| 4-Year vs 6-Year Enlistment | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: Im looking at enlisting and have yet to talk to a recruiter but until I do Im trying to find out ... A: Brad - I would recommend you visit the following site ... ... | |
| xtraining | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: I am working retraining into either operational Intel or fix-wing flight engineer, can you provide ... A: Din - I can't speculate on the Intel career field, as I was never in that job. What I can tell you ... | |
| ???USAF Aerospace | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: Sir, Thank you for your reply on my switching into Security Forces question! After reading your ... A: Mike - Most of the aerospace maintenance jobs are considered "feeder" fields for the flight ... | |
| retrainining TOS requirment? | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: i am a SrA in the Air Force. I just recently PCS'ed to my current station about 2 months ago as a ... A: Matt - Basic Time on Station (TOS) requirements between PCS's is two years ... 24 months. Unless ... | |
| Interview for loadmaster | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I am all but enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. The last thing I have to do is interview with the ... A: Janna - As with any interview, professionalism is what will win the day. Shorts and tank top ... ... | |
| Criminal Record | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: I was arrested 3 years ago for bouncing a check. I did not know I bounced it, it was the first ... A: Joshua - The biggest thing the military looks at is convictions. Anyone can get arrested, but you ... | |
| Separating from Navy | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I will be separating in 3 months. I have heard that there is a required time to be stateside before ... A: Sam - I can't speak for the Navy as they may have different regulations but, in the Air Force, you ... | |
| Questions about possible enlisted jobs/enlisted lifestyle | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: James, First off, thank you very much for your assistance. It's very helpful to have someone other ... A: Nick - You have asked many good questions, I hope my answers do justice to your quest. The ... | |
| Becoming a Military Dependent | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I will be marrying an Air Force officer this fall. He will be taking leave from Vance AFB in Enid, ... A: Laura - Until you have your marriage certificate in hand, and ID card in your possession, the ... | |
| i am too late to join any of the Govt services i am female of 29yrs old. | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: i am interested in joing the army, navy or defence service , can i apply for any field. I am a ... A: Pooja Batra - I don't have the age limitations memorized for all the branches of service, you would ... | |
| Experimental MJ use. | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: Okay, so I'm thinking about joining the Air Force in August as a firefighter. However, I tried ... A: Alex - I hate questions like this. What you are really asking is "I did drugs and I want to know ... | |
| Bankruptcy in the Military | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: Is bankruptcy a disqualifying event for obtaining a secret or top secret clearance in the Military? ... A: Mitch - I know that financial issues can lead to security issues in that you could make yourself ... | |
| SERE training... | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could shed some light in what all is involved with SERE training. My son is ... A: Ray - Survival-Evasion-Resistance-Escape Training covers a variety of courses including Combat ... | |
| Dual military but different branches | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: My Husband is in the army and i am in the navy what are the procedures for applying for spousal co ... A: Tiara - I can't speak for the Army or Navy as far as any cross-service agreements, but the Air ... | |
| static discharge during aerial refueling | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: How big a concern is the possibility of a spark during aerial refueling? Assuming it's a concern, ... A: Justin - You ask a very good question. You remind me of another Justin I once flew with ... my ... | |
| Questions about the Air Force | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: hey, i live on a small island(AS) and getting more information about the air force is hard. i am 17 ... A: Faasalafa - 1. The score needed on your ASVAB depends on what job you are trying to attain. The ... | |
| going back active duty | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: l My AFSC is 3E9X1 Readiness troop. I seperated with an honorable discharge RE code 1j, I separated ... A: Shahannah - I'm really not sure why you would need to write anyone ... a Reenlistment Eligibility ... | |
| Exploring my options | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: hey, I am turning 21 in july.currently serving in the AF reserves. June marked my 2 yr anniversary. ... A: Dominique - From what you have presented, you have a good number of options available to you. ... | |
| Flight engineer | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: My son is leaving June 2nd for BMT in the Air Force Reserves. He has chosen load master for his ... A: Ray - There are several officer positions available in the flight fields. Pilot is the most well ... | |
| AGE LIMITS ON JOINING | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT ARE THE AGE LIMITS ON JOINING THE MILITARY. I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO JOIN ... A: Davie - You would need to check with a recruiter to see what the current age limits are (they do ... | |
| pararescue | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: If you have a garented slot as a air force pj should you take it. I want to be a marine though. A: Austin - I know the Air Force has changed their job assignment protocols, but I was unaware that ... | |
| Flight Engineer Jobs | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: I am considering retraining into a FE job from F-16 Avionics Systems Spec. I wanted to find out the ... A: Scott - The criteria for the "B" and "C" shredouts for flight engineer changed after my departure ... | |
| air force | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: i dropped out of high school when i was 16..i am almost 20 and alot wiser..i finally made the ... A: Troy - Many times people have written me about regretting dropping out of high school. They don't ... | |
| Am i able to enlist? | 5/2/2009 |
| Q: Hey i was wondering if i've been arrested for battery but the charges were dropped, will it hurt my ... A: Brad - Honestly, you would need to check with a recruiter for that information. I had an arrest ... | |
| RE: Flight Engineer positions | 4/27/2009 |
| Q: I had a few questions about becoming a Flight Engineer in the Guard or Reserves. Are there any ... A: Sharon - Based on what you have told me, your options may be limited. Yes, you could join and ... | |
| enlisted jobs | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: first off, i would like to apologize for my long question. forgive me, i tend to be quite detailed. ... A: Dennis - The questions you have asked are ones ultimately answered by you. You have done excellent ... | |
| Joining The Air Force | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: I am interested in Joining the Air Force I am not filmier with any process at all! I love heights ... A: Ryan - I can't venture a guess as to any sort of "signing bonus", as these things change faster ... | |
| housing | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: I'm only 17 and i plan on marrying my boyfriend when he gets his 10 days to come home after ... A: Kayla - You didn't mention which branch of service he is in. I can't speak for any other than the ... | |
| AWOL | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: My step son graduated Army basic training in February, then he went to AIT. The end of March he ... A: Nancy - AWOL is NOT to be taken lightly. He isn't working for a fast-food burger joint, he is a ... | |
| going into the airforce? | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: My husband is currently in the US Army active duty and wanting to switch to US Airforce service ... A: Crystle - Your husband does not need to get out of the military to transfer to another branch of ... | |
| Loadmaster Follow-On Training | 3/24/2009 |
| Q: James Firstly, think you for replying to my question on 01-03-09 about choosing an aircraft. ... A: Josh - Thanks for the updated info. I knew all about survival school, I just forgot to mention it. ... | |
| drafted as soldier in WWII | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: S. soldier for WWII A: Ana - Thank you for your question, but I guess you didn't read my profile. I was not drafted and ... | |
| awards | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: I'am prior service navy. I was wondering if my ribbons and awards will transfer with me when i go to ... A: Temathy - Any medals, ribbons and honors you received for military service are yours, and can never ... | |
| Loadmaster Career | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: Hey James, My name is Jim Wykoff and I am currently enrolled in college and AFROTC. I wasn't able ... A: Jim - Although I could tell you volumes about the loadmaster career field on a day-to-day basis, ... | |
| What branch you think will be better for me and summarize detail info on it please. | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: I am 19 years old and im not quite sure what i want to do in life career rise. I just took my GED ... A: Tanya - The military is anything but a 9-5 job. It's a lifestyle, it's a profession, it is your ... | |
| C-17 bases | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: hello again so i have been talking with some loads and i really want to be on the c-17 airframe they ... A: Cameron - Visit the Air Force's website on the C-17 ... ... | |
| Loadmaster training | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: First off, thank you so much for the wealth of information that you offer to those of us at ... A: Brian - As a Reservist, you join a specific unit at a specific base, so you are in complete control ... | |
| Study | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: First of thanks for taking the time to read this. i just got my job as a load and i can't wait. but ... A: Cameron - Learning weight and balance of an aircraft is essential, regardless of the airframe you ... | |
| Study | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: First of thanks for taking the time to read this. i just got my job as a load and i can't wait. but ... A: Cameron - Sometimes navigating the site can be confusing, I frequently get lost trying to find some ... | |
| questions | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: What is the age limit cut off for all military services? A: Phillip - You would need to check with a recruiter on the exact cutoff for military service. I ... | |
| air force | 2/21/2009 |
| Q: My son is an only child thinking of attending emery riddle university in Daytona Florida to be a ... A: Nelinda - Going to war is a question most people think of, but don't really want to ask. In ... | |
| Which Military Branch...? | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: I am only 15, but am looking into the Military. I was certain about going into the Marines as soon ... A: Mandy - Having never been a Marine, I can't speak for their general intelligence over another ... | |
| Loadmaster | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I am enlisting in the Air Force soon and am wanting to do loadmaster and am wondering what my job ... A: Nathan - Wow, your question is a bit too general, as there are too many aspects to cover in a ... | |
| Air Force enlistment! | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: I will have a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice this upcoming May, and was interested in enlisting in ... A: Juston - You can learn about the College Load Repayment Program (CLRP) at the following site ... ... | |
| Officer careers | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: I am considering joining the Navy and have a bachelor's degree. I would like to go in as an Officer ... A: Kalin - Officer duties are very separate from enlisted duties. If you go in as an officer, you ... | |
| info on enlistment | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: i don't know if you can answer this but would you happen to know anything about classes tha i should ... A: Cheyenne - The requirements for each enlisted job varies. I would suggest you contact a local ... | |
| Loadmaster | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: I am a soon to be C-5 loadmaster, and I was just wondering if you could tell me about water survival ... A: Josh - In my particular case, we had a mock-up of a cabin, very similar to what you saw when the US ... | |
| Loadmaster | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: I am a soon to be C-5 loadmaster, and I was just wondering if you could tell me about water survival ... A: Josh - I attended water survival school way back in 1981, so I can't speak about things that may ... | |
| Flight Engineer Training | 1/12/2009 |
| Q: Mr Bell, I am currently a KC-10 Crew Chief and just got approved for retraining into 1A1X1. I have a ... A: Alex - Congrats on becoming a flight engineer. There are many things you can study in math to ... | |
| Re-Enlistment | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: Can you re-enlist with the Air force with a RE code of 4A? I was in basic for 1 month receive a ... A: Robert - I'm no expert on reenlistment codes, as I answer questions about Air Force enlisted ... | |
| Change in work environment | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: Good day Sir, My name is Jose Pilarte and I am a Loadmaster, trained and currently working for ... A: Jose - The loadmaster career field is available to anyone who enlists, provided you are othewise ... | |
| Picking a plane | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I have just graduated BMT and start tech school Mon for loadmaster. My follow on schools include ... A: Josh - Things have changed a lot since I was in, so I can't give you any current information. I ... | |
| going from active duty to reserves with time left on contract | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I was wanting to know if there was any way to change from active duty to reserves but i have 3 years ... A: Josh - I can't give you any specific information as I was Air Force and the Army has a different ... | |
| Can I quit the navy? | 1/1/2009 |
| Q: I have been in service since August. It is not what it is cracked up to be, by my recruiter. I want ... A: Jesse - The military is not like working for McDonalds ... you can't just give them two weeks ... | |
| U.S.A.F crewman wings | 12/23/2008 |
| Q: Yes, what is the difference between aircrew man wing, vs a Chief aircrew man wing A: Robert - I'm not sure what a "man" wing is, but there are several types of aviation wings issued to ... | |
| E-1 | 12/21/2008 |
| Q: someone told me that you only remain an E-1 while in basic and that you become E-2 or E-3 after you ... A: Dez - If you join the Air Force and join for a six-year enlistment, you go from E-1 to E-3 upon ... | |
| Navy/Marine marriages | 12/18/2008 |
| Q: I had a question that no one seems to be answering. My fiance and i areinking of getting married but ... A: Lynn - Inter-service marriages aren't my area of expertise, especially between Navy and Marine. I ... | |
| 1A2x1 | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: I am on the DEP, but I recently found out that my job will be loadmaster. I have read a bit about ... A: Kyle - The Air Force has a very good education program. The Base Education office will eagerly ... | |
| Compnay level njp | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: Under normal circumstances, under an NJP, will I lose my security clearance? A: Leah - Under NORMAL circumstances, a security clearance will not be removed due to non-judicial ... | |
| general information | 12/1/2008 |
| Q: my name is Derek. I took the test in High school, and got a low score, and I been out and been ... A: Derek - I assume the job you are looking for is aircraft loadmaster, not masterloader (don't feel ... | |
| CG problem | 11/28/2008 |
| Q: In a question dated 8/16/06, you gave a problem to find the CG that involved 3 axels. I was ... A: Phil - Your answer matches mine ... here is how I arrived at it: RDL to first axle = 55 inches * ... | |
| CG problem | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: In a question dated 8/16/06, you gave a problem to find the CG that involved 3 axels. I was ... A: Phil - I went back and reviewed that particular response, and I only saw an example for a two axled ... | |
| loadmaster info | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: my names justin, 17, im going to basic in june 2009, and my recruiter has me going toward the career ... A: Justin - Don't underestimate the Reserves. When I was active, we often envied our Reserve ... | |
| VA Benefits | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: My boyfriend was in the navy bootcamp stationed in San Diego in either 1964 or 1965. He was not of ... A: Lana - You would need to check with the Veteran's Administration to see what his eligibility is. ... | |
| soldier and sailor act | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: my husband is starting boot camp in a week and i want to break our lease because im going to move ... A: Sara - The purpose of the Soldier's and Sailor's Act is to help Reservists, who are called to ... | |
| Medical Discharge prior to Enlistment | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: i was prescribed a medication to control high blood pressure, i am scheduled to ship to basic ... A: Rick - Thanks for keeping me in the loop about your situation. First of all, we aren't in World ... | |
| national right to service-blue to green | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: My son is currently in the right to service program in the navy,is being told that whe his 2 yrs ... A: Robert - I have no practical experience with how the Navy does things, as I was Air Force, so I ... | |
| Medical Discharge prior to Enlistment | 10/29/2008 |
| Q: i was prescribed a medication to control high blood pressure, i am scheduled to ship to basic ... A: Rick - I commend your prompt actions. Although this may seem trivial, what you did is HUGE ... as ... | |
| Medical Discharge prior to Enlistment | 10/29/2008 |
| Q: i was prescribed a medication to control high blood pressure, i am scheduled to ship to basic ... A: Rick - Rule number one about the military ... if you have a medical condition, the military WILL ... | |
| Navigation | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: I'm entering OTS in a couple of weeks as a Navigator, I'm very excited about my career although I ... A: Michael - You are correct, officer questions are outside my area of expertise, but I can give you a ... | |
| ribbons & medals rate | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: Once you end your EAS if your unit was overseas and rates medals how do you go about updating your ... A: Renee - You would need to check with the VA to confirm this, but I always seem to remember that, ... | |
| Where could I be stationed? | 10/8/2008 |
| Q: My job is intel applications and operations i leave for basic in a few days and I was wondering how ... A: Haley - Congratulations and welcome to the military and the world of "Intel." Every base has an ... | |
| i want to ask something! | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: my husband wants to join u.s military..he's already 23 years old we're just thinking if he still can ... A: Greetings again, Aimee - Your husband would have to get in touch with a local recruiter in your ... | |
| Military Time | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: Well my question is not excatly realted to career but Military useage. I wnat to know ow to speak ... A: Dimitrz - Military time is relatively easy. The first twelve hours (AM) are normal ... 0100 ... | |
| I'm a fiancee of an airman... help! | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: First off thank you for taking the time to read these questions and offer answers to any and ... A: Jana - Yes, your question is outside my area of expertise, but I can offer you what little I know ... | |
| daughter interested in joining AF | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: I'm Retired Navy 22 years, Chief Seabee Builder Question is: How long in years, is a typical ... A: Mitch - Your daughter would have to check with a recruiter to be sure, as I have been retired ... | |
| naval aircrewman wings/army acu's | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: Sir, I was active duty in the navy and earned my aircrewmans wings. I am now in the army and ... A: Steven - I can't speak for services other than the Air Force, but I do know that awards and ... | |
| Flight Engineer | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: Sir, I am in the process of retraining to Flight Engineer. My current AFSC is AMMO. I dont have ... A: Greetings again, Tyler - Never shy away from any challenge or say you can't do anything. That is ... | |
| Flight Engineer | 9/2/2008 |
| Q: Sir, I am in the process of retraining to Flight Engineer. My current AFSC is AMMO. I dont have ... A: Tyler - I'm not sure why someone keeps pushing a "good attitude". I would tend to think that is ... | |
| Aircrew Jobs | 8/30/2008 |
| Q: I had two questions. 1. I currently have a Commercial Multi-Engine Instrument Land pilot license, ... A: Sean - The types of jobs and bases you can choose via MEPS or a recruiter depends on what is ... | |
| load master | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: first off sir i want to say thank you for taking your time to help answer all of these questions ... A: Greetings Kevin - Air Force regulations state that you are not eligible for leave while in training ... | |
| Discharged from Air Force, Joining Army | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: im in the process of being generally discharged from the airforce, im currently in tech school . i ... A: Keith - I normally don't answer questions such as this, as they are not within the realm of my ... | |
| Finances | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: I was reading Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act. If you volunteer for active duty does the 6% interest ... A: Tim - Although I wish the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act worked that way, if it did, you would ... | |
| Air Force pilot training? | 8/12/2008 |
| Q: If you dont know this its ok, but would you happen to know if the Air Force UPT requires you o ... A: Anthony - Many years ago Air Force pilot training had only one path ... you started in the T-37 for ... | |
| ROTC best choice to become a pilot? | 8/12/2008 |
| Q: I know your profile said you have more info on enlisted jobs, but would you happen to know if ROTC ... A: Anthony - Yes, you are right, this is not my area of expertise. But, I did go to college and was ... | |
| R.O.T.C | 8/11/2008 |
| Q: can i join the ROTC program at the age of 15 A: Justin - Many high schools offer Junior ROTC that you can get into as a freshman. Senior ROTC is ... | |
| loadmaster | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: I am leaving for basic training in the air force in the next 2 weeks. I am Extremely nervous. I have ... A: Tiffany - I'm sure you have a lot to be nervous about, but you are in for the ride of your life, ... | |
| Army Fiance / I'm doing AF | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: So, my fiance just enlisted in the Army, he leaves for Basic in September. I on the other hand have ... A: Danielle - This is a really tricky question. The Air Force has a "Join Spouse" program, where ... | |
| AF entrant loadmaster | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: Dr Mr. Bell, I am currently in step to join the Air Force and have an appointment to go to MEPS next ... A: Alexander - Hmmm ... wow, so what you are actually asking is "tell me everything you know about ... | |
| Flight Engineer Interview | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: Sir, I am beginning the process of retraining to a Flight Engineer position with the Reserve unit at ... A: Cory - I guess nothing can be scarier than a job interview. Coming from the 2A career ladder, you ... | |
| Switching from active duty to reserve status... | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: I've been in the Coast Guard for 5 years and extended for another 4 years to complete my extension. ... A: John - Questions such as this are outside my area of expertise. I specialize in questions about ... | |
| can i be a flight engineer | 7/29/2008 |
| Q: sir i m very much confused about my career. i have just done my 12. please tell me that can i be a ... A: Greetings Salik - I am assuming by what you have told me that you are currently NOT in the United ... | |
| Question about air force jobs and deployment | 7/25/2008 |
| Q: I am considering joining the air force. I want to know which jobs or job catagories are least ... A: Josh - In today's post-9/11 world, everyone in all branches deploys. If you are basing your career ... | |
| Medical Screening | 7/19/2008 |
| Q: I am very inetrested in enlisting to the Air Force. I just wanted to know what sort of medical exams ... A: Ryan - Although you would have to check with a recruiter or MEPS station to determine exactly what ... | |
| military families | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: I don't know if this question is anything of interest but I am very curious to know how can I find ... A: Deana - I don't have any statistics on military moves, and this is outside my area of expertise, ... | |
| Gonna be a Loadmaster? This May Help! | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: How is it going James. Its me again from previous forums. Airman Jones, the whole wife and ... A: Tyler - Thank you for posting this information. It's always nice to have a current perspective, as ... | |
| statement of service | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: Am trying to get a certificate of eligibility from VA to buy my first home. am currently on Army ... A: Jose - I forget what paperwork I took to the VA, but I do remember going to either the base ... | |
| USAF Housing/Base Locations | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: My Husband is an E-6 in the Airforce based out of Westover Ma. He was a Marine for 7 years where he ... A: Kelly - There are only two operational bases for C-5's, and one training. The training base is at ... | |
| Rank onDD Form 214 and Honorable Discharge are Different | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: I was honorably discharged from the USAF in 1986 after serving 3 of my 4 year commitment and on my ... A: James - This is a question I am unable to properly answer as this is not my area of expertise, yet ... | |
| Load or FE? | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: I have been approved to apply to these two career fields. I see that you have done both. Would you ... A: Greg - To be eligible for the F. E. career field, you need "prior qualification at the 5- or ... | |
| Load or FE? | 4/19/2008 |
| Q: I have been approved to apply to these two career fields. I see that you have done both. Would you ... A: Greetings Greg - Both career fields are excellent, and both suited my needs at different times ... | |
| REQUEST OF EXPLANATIONS ABOUT WORDS AND PHRASE TAKEN FROM THE BOOK | 4/16/2008 |
| Q: Could you please explain me what does the phrase "ROLLED THE PLANE INVERTED" means? What does the ... A: Giuliano - Most pilots wanting to snap a quick picture would simply hold the camera at arms length ... | |
| REQUEST OF EXPLANATIONS ABOUT WORDS AND PHRASE TAKEN FROM THE BOOK "BORN TO FLY", by Michael French | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: Could you please explain me what does the phrase "ROLLED THE PLANE INVERTED" means? What does the ... A: Greetings again, Giuliano - Rolling the plane inverted means to roll it upside down. Planes do fly ... | |
| loadmaster and officer | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: i was wondering if a loadmaster can also be an officer, or what positions in air transportation are ... A: Greetings Nathan - I'm sorry to say that the loadmaster career field is an enlisted job, and not ... | |
| Retrain | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: I recently have been thinking about retraining, I'm really interested in either Loadmaster or Flight ... A: Greetings Joe - "Getting tired of being gone all the time" is a matter of personal preference. If ... | |
| Cross training into loadmaster or flight engineer | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: i am a security force member trying to cross train.....i was wondering what the best airframe to ... A: Greetings Mark - If this were peacetime in the mid-80's, I'd say you would have much more control ... | |
| career | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: Can you join the armed forces in any way if you are HIV positive? Darrell A: Greetings Darrell - This is a tricky question, and normally I wouldn't answer it, as it is not my ... | |
| Air Force | 3/5/2008 |
| Q: Does the Air Force have Operating Room Tech, or Medics careers? If I enlist, I would like to do ... A: Greetings Sandy - The Air Force (and all the military branches) has careers in every aspect of the ... | |
| navy enlistment requirements | 3/5/2008 |
| Q: i asked a question to another expert and was refered to you. I have been working with a Navy ... A: Dan - Although this isn't my particular area of expertise, I can give you my (very) personal ... | |
| Aircrew candidate school | 3/1/2008 |
| Q: My husband is currently at Great Lakes going through Navy RTC and then he is off to Pensacola for ... A: Greetings Crystal - I'll say right off the bat that the Navy specific questions are outside my area ... | |
| cross training to c-130 loadmaster | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: Just wondering if you could help me in my decision on cross training to a c130 load after being ... A: Greetings Daniel - As far as pay incentive, you would be receiving monthly flight pay in addition ... | |
| Living On Base | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: Does you and your partner have to be married in order to live on base with him? A: Greetings Keandra - Yes, to qualify for on-base military family housing, you must be married. My ... | |
| Retraining into 1A1X1 | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: I'm a SSgt in the process of retraining into the 1A1X1 career field, and I'm looking forward to a ... A: Greetings again, Jesse - Excellent question. I'm really dating myself here, but when I was flying ... | |
| Air Force reserve | 12/3/2007 |
| Q: If my spouse is already in the army active duty and i want to join the air force reserves is that ... A: I have known many married couples who span military branches. Although it makes life more ... | |
| c-5 load or c-130 load? | 11/30/2007 |
| Q: I want to join either the air force reserve or air national guard. Could you tell me the ups and ... A: Greetings Charles - Wow, you managed to ask questions that each could fill a book. I will attempt ... | |
| load master career | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: I know you probably get asked alot about the time spent away from station and family. I am a SSgt ... A: Greetings Cole - I can't make any promises on any career field in today's deployment oriented ... | |
| REQUEST OF EXPLANATIONS ABOUT WORDS AND PHRASE TAKEN FROM THE BOOK "BORN TO FLY", by Michael French | 10/21/2007 |
| Q: Could you please explain me in details what does the phrase "GIVE ME A SHALLOW ... A: Greetings again, Guiliano - It's been a while since I have heard from you ... it looks like you are ... | |
| fired | 10/18/2007 |
| Q: Bell I'm 20 years old and I live in California. I was recently fired from my job for mentioning my ... A: Greetings Heather - No, that is definitely illegal. Just like employers cannot fire those in the ... | |
| 1A2X1 Loadmaster | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: I have heard that loadmasters are gone a lot (TDY) but they are only gone for a few days or just a ... A: Greetings Justin - Depending on the aircraft you are assigned, TDY's and the lengthier deployments ... | |
| Retraining into 1A1X1 | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: I'm a SSgt in the process of retraining into the 1A1X1 career field, and I'm looking forward to a ... A: Greetings Jesse - Congrats on getting into the FE career field. I was both a loadmaster and flight ... | |
| FE xtrain..... | 10/4/2007 |
| Q: James, wow when I found this site I was excited to hopefully get some good info and make up my mind. ... A: Greetings Jeff - As an FE, you will receive a TS/SBI clearance. That is still short of what an ... | |
| Becoming a C-130 loadmaster in the National Guard | 9/27/2007 |
| Q: What does it take to cross training from one career field to another like time in grade or time in a ... A: Greetings Daniel - You are required to score a minimum of 57 on the General portion of the ASVAB to ... | |
| Loadmaster | 9/25/2007 |
| Q: I am very impressed about your wide knowledge about all these different subjects. I was wondering if ... A: Greetings Belinda - I had to look back through previous answers, as I had a nice one with math ... | |
| Airframes?? | 9/22/2007 |
| Q: Sir, First I would like to say that you are an inspiration to me and thanks! I pray my career can be ... A: Greetings Airman Jones - (Hey, I'm retired now, you can call me James ... and I can call you by ... | |
| active duty vs. guard | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: I just recently started looking into joining, but am torn between active duty and guard. I live in ... A: Greetings Sabrena - Where you want to go depends on the amount of dedication you are willing to put ... | |
| USAF how to get a guaranteed career | 9/10/2007 |
| Q: My son wants to join the USAF. I served, his Grandfather served and his Grandmother served 2 tours ... A: Greetings Chris - I never want to say a recruiter stretches the truth or tells falsehoods, but what ... | |
| 1A2X1, Loadmaster, Air Guard | 9/8/2007 |
| Q: MSgt: I'm currently considering joining the WVA ANG as a Loadmaster, as long as I can pass the ... A: Greetings Jason - First and foremost, the Air Force does not have such a creature as MOS. We have ... | |
| REQUEST OF EXPLANATIONS ABOUT WORDS AND PHRASE TAKEN FROM THE BOOK | 9/6/2007 |
| Q: Could you please explain me what does the phrase "RAN UP THE ENGINE" mean exactly in this context? ... A: Greetings again - That's an easy one. If you look online for a picture of the plane, you will see ... | |
| concerns | 7/14/2007 |
| Q: MY fiance is a 1A2X1 (loadmaster). He just started his first week of tech school. I received an ... A: Greetings Jennifer - I'm not sure what scare tactics his instructors or T.I.'s have told him, but ... | |
| Flight Engineer School | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: Where do Marines go for FE school for the C-130? My son is currently in Pensacola finishing engine ... A: Greetings Kim - I had a Navy guy in my class, and he was going to fly C-130's as well. Because the ... | |
| C5 Loadmaster Question | 7/4/2007 |
| Q: Can you tell me what the C5 Loadmaster school is like? How long is it and where is it located? How ... A: Greetings again, David - When I went to the school in 1980, the basic school was at Sheppard AFB, ... | |
| C5 Loadmaster Question | 7/4/2007 |
| Q: I am getting ready to cross-train into the C5 Loadmaster career field and I was curious what type of ... A: Greetings David - Yes, all aircraft weight and balance calculations are documented on the Form "F". ... | |
| MRI operator | 6/29/2007 |
| Q: I know this isn't in your area, but I was wondering if you could direct me to where I can find ... A: Greetings Gavin - The Air Force categorizes jobs into AFSC's (Air Force Specialty Codes). You are ... | |
| airforce loadmaster, hopeful pilot | 6/20/2007 |
| Q: hey Mr. bell, i will soon be graduating high school, and am in the DEP, through softbook, and have ... A: Greetings Matt - In today's post-9/11 world, you will spend a lot of time flying. That's good for ... | |
| Lasik after surgery waiting period | 6/19/2007 |
| Q: I am interested in the Firefighter MOS in the ANG. What is the Lasik after surgery waiting period ... A: Greetings Brent - Just so you know, the Air Force uses AFSC's (Air Force Specialty Codes) in lieu ... | |
| Re-Enlistment for Airforce | 6/19/2007 |
| Q: Good day, sir. My boyfriend did a four year tour in the Air Force. He has been considering ... A: Greetings Angel - I'm not sure of the cutoff for enlisting, but I know there are exemptions for ... | |
| station 2yrs okinawa, Japan | 5/10/2007 |
| Q: i am a newlywed, my navy e4 husband got stationed in okinawa, Japan and i wasnt added to his page 2 ... A: Greetings Michelle - Although I am not familiar with the particulars of how the Navy does things ... | |
| Army Pensions | 5/8/2007 |
| Q: My father was career army before he discharged. He was in the service during WWII and out before ... A: Greetings William - Although the details for calculating retirement pay has changed a bit since ... | |
| My daughter | 5/7/2007 |
| Q: I was wanting to know if my daughter (she is 18) can join the Air Force with a GED? She has always ... A: Greetings Pat - Yes, a GED is most definitely acceptable for enlistment into the U. S. Military. ... | |
| family / army | 5/7/2007 |
| Q: I don't know if this is a rumor or a story i heard a long time ago but I was wondering, If a family ... A: Greetings Paul - The laws governing this are both extensive and complex. However, I did find a ... | |
| Need to Know | 5/2/2007 |
| Q: what is the age limit for the coast guard A: Greetings Colin - I apologize for taking so long to respond. You might want to visit the following ... | |
| life after loadmaster | 4/24/2007 |
| Q: Sir I am currently on active duty vastly approaching my 36 month mark, and considering retraining. ... A: Greetings Raymond - One thing I have found out about the military ... the nasty jobs inside get you ... | |
| Air Force Question | 4/14/2007 |
| Q: I really want to join the Air Force but,I don't know if I can with a GED. A: Greetings David - Yes, to join the Air Force you require a high school diploma or equivalent. A ... | |
| c-130 loadmaster or blackhawk crewchief? | 4/5/2007 |
| Q: I found your site. I was wondering what job do you think has more flying involved and will travel ... A: Greetings Charles - If you want flying to be your primary job, then I would definitely go with the ... | |
| Around the world | 4/3/2007 |
| Q: I am writing to ask you about all the places you have been at around the world. I have never been ... A: Greetings David - I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. Having been a "world traveler" ... | |
| loadmaster training | 3/30/2007 |
| Q: my husband just joined the air force, hes in basic right now and his job is loadmaster. we were ... A: Greetings Amy - Your husband will attend two technical schools ... Basic Loadmaster school and TTU ... | |
| I got a question about the ANG security forces and deployments | 3/13/2007 |
| Q: A: Greetings Robert - Security Forces is one of the career fields where new people are always in ... | |
| Loadmaster Off Duty Life | 3/4/2007 |
| Q: How are you doing sir! I leave on May 29 to BMT. I'm headed to be a Loadmaster!!! I've read a lot of ... A: Greetings Tyler - Congratulations on getting a slot to one of the most select Air Force enlisted ... | |
| New Loadmaster | 2/18/2007 |
| Q: My name is Kevin and i'm only a few days from my eighteenth birthday. I enlisted in the USAF last ... A: Greetings Kevin - Wow, I had no idea I had a cult following. :-) I forgot there was an open ... | |
| Training and requirements on being a Loadmaster | 1/24/2007 |
| Q: Good day, James: My name is A1C Carlos Paredes. I am an Electrician stationed at Ramstein AB, ... A: Greetings Carlos - There are many requirements to be on flight status. You must have the required ... | |
| Air Battle Manager | 12/10/2006 |
| Q: I know that your expertise is with enlisted career fields, but I was hoping that you could tell me ... A: Greetings Stuart - Depending on the airframe you are assigned, your talents would be highly used on ... | |
| Joining the Air Force | 11/30/2006 |
| Q: I'll be turning 18 next August and I'm pregnant right now. I was thinking of joining the Air Force ... A: Greetings DeShaun - You have a lot to consider. Being a single mom in the military is a challenge ... | |
| Pilot Training | 11/7/2006 |
| Q: I'm currently a SRA, looking for more information on the process of becoming an officer and becoming ... A: Greetings Marc - I normally don't answer pilot training questions, as my area of expertise is ... | |
| Pilot requirements | 10/24/2006 |
| Q: I've heard that to be an air force pilot you must be a citizen, can you be a naturalized citizen. I ... A: Greetings Daniel - Here is the information directly from the Air Force Officer admissions website ... | |
| physical requirements | 10/12/2006 |
| Q: Why does the military in every branch continue to measure your neck and waist to determine body fat ... A: Greetings Greg - Yes, everyone in the military knows how inaccurate the current system is. But, it ... | |
| High school diploma waiver | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: My Husband wants to join the airforce, but done't have his high school dipolma, he does have a ... A: Greetings Monica - The Air Force requires a high school diploma or equivilent. If you husband has ... | |
| Airforce Pararescue | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: I would like to join Pararescue but my eyesight isn't so great, I don't know what it is but it's ... A: Greetings James - Although my area of expertise is enlisted aircrew operations, I am no expert on ... | |
| Surgery | 10/10/2006 |
| Q: I am 18 years old and currently in my freshman year at a junior college, as of right now I am ... A: Greetings Hannah - Although my area of expertise is enlisted aircrew operations, I am no expert on ... | |
| How to become a C-5 Pilot | 9/24/2006 |
| Q: I want to become an airline pilot and i want to take the military route.So i was watching tv and ... A: Greetings Vova - Here is the generic route you need to follow ... Be a citizen of the United ... | |
| C-5 and KC-10 | 9/14/2006 |
| Q: Is it hard to fly the C-5 galaxys since they're so huge? How about the KC-10? How much fuel do those ... A: Greetings Kevin - Here are some basic numbers for each aircraft ... KC-10A: Maximum Takeoff ... | |
| Survival school | 9/13/2006 |
| Q: James, My son joined the Airforce since June 13th, being my only son, I've been real concerned ... A: Greetings Mina - I have walked the same path your son is embarking on, so I can give you great ... | |
| loadmaster vs. flight engineer | 8/30/2006 |
| Q: Well, lets see, right now I do B-52 avionics, and am set on crosstraining as soon as my window opens ... A: Greetings Eric - Having walked in the shoes of both career fields, I can definitely give you my ... | |
| Loadmaster career field | 8/16/2006 |
| Q: I'm thinking of cross training to the loadmaster field and just want to know, what can I expect in ... A: Greetings Tyrone - You will attend two technical schools ... basic loadmaster school and TTU for ... | |
| requirements for being a USAF fighter pilot | 8/11/2006 |
| Q: I am a sophmore in highschool and I was wondering what kind of grades I should be getting to become ... A: Greetings Chris - High school grades are unimportant to an Air Force career. College grades are ... | |
| Medical Waivers | 8/7/2006 |
| Q: My son is an exemplary student in the 12th grade. This year he is Corp Commander of his AFJROTC ... A: Greetings again, Ann - Unless the medical folks know something about additional problems that may ... | |
| Medical Waivers | 8/7/2006 |
| Q: My son is an exemplary student in the 12th grade. This year he is Corp Commander of his AFJROTC ... A: Greetings Ann - I will have to admit, I have never had a question like this. I won't ask what the ... | |
| aircrew | 8/4/2006 |
| Q: i'm currently in the navy , but interested in switching to af, possibly as boom operator for kc ... A: Greetings John - I know interservice transfers are quite common. The biggest question you need ... | |
| ASVAB | 8/2/2006 |
| Q: how high do you have to score on the asvab for the airforce? A: Greetings Moe - There is no minimum score on the ASVAB, per se, but the higher you score, the more ... | |
| Eyesight requirements for enlisted aircrew | 7/22/2006 |
| Q: James, My Son is joining the AF and has passed the DLAB and will be a Crypto Linguist. He wanted ... A: Greetings Neal - Congratulations on your son getting into Crypto. It is a much coveted field, but ... | |
| Becoming a Pilot | 7/21/2006 |
| Q: My name is Mob, 23 years old. I`m taking u.s.army r.o.t.c. in the university. Here, i want to ... A: Greetings Mob - First of all, I must ask you, are you a U.S. citizen? Your sentence structure ... | |
| Fighter pilot | 7/21/2006 |
| Q: i want to become a fighter pilot but do i have to enlist to do so? and do i run the risk of being ... A: Greetings Kat - To become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, you must be commissioned as an officer. ... | |
| Navigator | 7/16/2006 |
| Q: I read that I should not let my recruiter convince me to be a Navigator. Why is that? A: Greetings Stuart - Where did you read that you should not be a navigator? Granted, most navigators ... | |
| How long is C-5 Aircraft Maintenance School | 7/12/2006 |
| Q: I've recently "rejoined" the military in the Air Force Reserves. I have signed up to retrain into ... A: Greetings Rick - I wish I could help you, but my area of expertise is aircrew operations. I can ... | |
| Air Force Education | 6/27/2006 |
| Q: How many years do i have too go to college too acually be considered a Fighter Pilot for the AF? Do ... A: Greetings Dino - First of all, an apology for taking so long to respond. I live in Pennsylvania, ... | |
| age cutoff for enlistment | 6/20/2006 |
| Q: What's the oldest I can be and be able to enlist in the airforce? A: Greetings Tony - The minimum age is 17, and you must start Basic Training prior to your 28th ... | |
| pilot | 6/16/2006 |
| Q: I am wodering if women can be fighter pilots? I wanted to join the airforce since i was ten . It ... A: Greetings Shauni - I apologize for taking so long to respond to you. The message ended up in my ... | |
| Swimming | 6/5/2006 |
| Q: Do you need to know how to swim pretty good to become a airforce pilot. I'm at terrible swimmer. A: Greetings Matt - Yes, swimming is one of those things you will need to complete survival school. ... | |
| aviation | 5/23/2006 |
| Q: Hey james,i am a fresh man in high school and want to fly C-17 or C-5 or maybe even fighter pilots ... A: Greetings Michael - First of all, I was never a pilot. I was an enlisted flight engineer (think of ... | |
| about the airforce | 5/14/2006 |
| Q: Hey james, i am 15 years old a freshman in high school....i am positive im goin to join the airforce ... A: Greetings again Michael - Okay, lots of questions here. I'll try and answer each as best as I can. ... | |
| Joining the Air Force | 5/6/2006 |
| Q: I got the chance to talk to an AirForce advisor live on the branch website and got the info about ... A: Casey - Hmmm, my memories of Basic Training. BMT (Basic Military Training) is easier in the Air ... | |
| Potential Recruit | 5/4/2006 |
| Q: My name is Jonathan, 17, 1 year from high school gradutation, and its my dream to become a fighter ... A: Greetings Jonathan - I can give you some general guidelines, but realize if you want an ... | |
| Becoming a Loadmaster | 5/2/2006 |
| Q: Im currently a college student enlisting in the Air Force reserves down at Dover AFB. But in order ... A: Michael - Realize I took these tests when I was 19 ... and that was back in 1979. But the math ... | |
| Joining the Air Force | 4/25/2006 |
| Q: James. I am a 17 year old junior in highschool. I have always been intrested in joining the ... A: Greetings Casey - I am not familiar with the Softbook Program. I know there was some sort of ... | |
| Question | 4/7/2006 |
| Q: It's amazing all that stuff. All those rich and famous people, they excell at everything else that ... A: I have heard of several celebrities being private pilots, and some of them are pretty good. Michael ... | |
| Loadmaster question | 4/6/2006 |
| Q: ------------------------Hello sir i dont know if you remember me but i i asked you some loadmaster ... A: I had a huge response finished for you, then my computer locked up and I lost the whole thing. I'll ... | |
| Aviation | 4/6/2006 |
| Q: I would like to know that if I join the Navy next year when i turn 17, is there a chance that i ... A: Greetings Amanda - My area of expertise is the Air Force, so I'm really not an expert on the Navy. ... | |
| Question | 4/4/2006 |
| Q: how very kind of you to send this lovely email. I do appreciate it. My boyfriend and I were very sad ... A: Christina - I'm sorry to hear things turned out the way they did. Whenever you mix soft flesh and ... | |
| Becoming a Pilot Via Enlistment and OTC, at 21 | 4/3/2006 |
| Q: Since I sent that last question I’ve talked to a lot of people and even took a tour to ... A: Jason - For the time being, it looks like you would fair better to stay where you are. In your ... | |
| transitioning from navy c-130 loadmaster to AirForce loadmaster and benefits being offered | 4/1/2006 |
| Q: TSgt. Bell, AT3 Smith, I am currently a C-130 Loadmaster that will be reaching my EAOS in the ... A: Greetings AT3 Smith - Thanks for writing. I apologize for taking so long to respond, I have been ... | |
| Becoming a Pilot Via Enlistment and OTC, at 21 | 3/28/2006 |
| Q: I have always dreamed about being a pilot... Fighter pilot would be awesome, but just a transport ... A: Greetings Jason - Thanks for writing. I apologize for taking so long to respond, I have been ... | |
| navy to coast guard | 2/17/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering what you knew about transfering active duty navy as a Hull Tech E-5 to the coast ... A: Greetings Charles - I will admit, I know very little about the Navy and Coast Guard. I'm an Air ... | |
| FE | 2/6/2006 |
| Q: iam an f-15 crew chief and i was wondering if you can give me some info on the life as an FE. Iam ... A: Greetings Ramon - I can tell you many things of the FE life in general, but I flew on C-5s, C-141s ... | |
| Questions on the Air Force | 1/26/2006 |
| Q: I read an article that actor Michael Dorn, of Star Trek fame rents jets and flies them during his ... A: Julian - Yes, Michael Dorn does have his pilot's license. He purchased a demilitarized Lockheed ... | |
| Questions on the Air Force | 1/18/2006 |
| Q: I have a few questions about the Air Force. I'm 32 years old and I'm considering a career in the Air ... A: Greetings Julian - You have asked some good questions. I shall answer them to the best of my ... | |
| Air Force Loadmaster | 1/6/2006 |
| Q: I am considering joining the USAF as a loadmaster. My question is how is it determined which ... A: Greetings CW - I can't remember the official name or number of the "form" you fill out, but it is ... | |
| Loadmaster question | 12/25/2005 |
| Q: Hey James, once again thank you for the last question you answered. I looked at your website with ... A: Greetings again, Aaron - While you are in training status, you are non-deployable. That means they ... | |
| Air Force | 12/11/2005 |
| Q: my name is jeremy, and latly i hav hav been really interested in the Air Force. Mainly to become a ... A: Greetings Jeremy - Thanks for writing. A note before we start ... please use proper sentence ... | |
| Becoming a pilot | 11/25/2005 |
| Q: I am blind in one eye, can I still become a pilot or if possible be in the Air Force? A: Greetings Missy - Unfortunately, being a pilot requires having 20/20 vision in both eyes. Having ... | |
| Loadmaster | 11/22/2005 |
| Q: My name is Aaron Jasper. Im about to leave for basic training in about a month, and the job i ... A: Greetings Jasper – Thanks for writing and congratulations on getting a terrific job in the Air ... | |
| Loadmaster | 11/9/2005 |
| Q: My name is Carl Dawson - I've started the process to join the Airforce Reserve. I was in the Army ... A: Greetings Carl - Pam is trying to contact you ... write me back if you want her to contact you. I ... | |
| Question | 11/9/2005 |
| Q: how are you going? My name is Christina and I live in Australia. Thank you for taking the time to ... A: Greetings Christina - This is James from AllExperts. I had been wanting to write you again and see ... | |
| Cross training | 10/30/2005 |
| Q: I'm currently active duty. I'm thinking about cross training into the loadmaster careerfield. How ... A: Greetings John - The schools are divided into two phases: Basic Loadmaster School, and TTS ... | |
| EXPLANATION OF WORDS AND PHRASES TAKEN FROM THE BOOK "BORN TO FLY",by Michael French | 10/17/2005 |
| Q: Can you please explain the following words and phrases, taken from the book "BORN TO FLY,by Michael ... A: Greetings Guiliano - I apologize for not responding sooner. The initial message was deleted by my ... | |
| EXPLANATION OF WORDS AND PHRASES TAKEN FROM THE BOOK "BORN TO FLY",by Michael French | 9/4/2005 |
| Q: Can you please explain the following words and phrases, taken from the book "BORN TO FLY,by Michael ... A: Greetings Guilano - You can visit the following website to get more information on the P-3 Orion, ... | |
| Reenlistment | 7/1/2005 |
| Q: Im trying to figure out if there is anyway i can get back in because i really miss it. I was a ... A: Greetings Travon - I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. My server apparently dropped ... | |
| Age Limit | 6/25/2005 |
| Q: I wanted to know what the age limit was to join the Air Force? Thank you A: Greetings Danni - You can join the Air Force as early as 17 with parental consent, but you must ... | |
| Tech 4? | 6/14/2005 |
| Q: Around about 1975 or 76, my Dad enlisted. He served with the 25th division (the electric ... A: Greetings Thomas - First of all, a huge apology. I have been out of town for the past two weeks ... | |
| Air and Space Power | 4/14/2005 |
| Q: Good day to you TSgt Bell, I am doing research on Air and Space power and wanted to find out how ... A: Greetings Matt - Although an intriguing question, please remember that my job is that of an ... | |
| Hey my name is Ben Graves... | 4/11/2005 |
| Q: Hey my name is Ben Graves I would just like to get some information on flying in the U.S. Air force. ... A: Greetings Ben - You have asked a lot of questions, so I will answer them in the order you wrote ... | |
| what i takes to become an airforce pilot | 4/7/2005 |
| Q: Hey, I just have some questions for you involving test and requirements for becoming an Air force ... A: Greetings again Ben - I think I got these two posts backwards, but I will answer what wasn't ... | |
| school project need help please???? | 1/31/2005 |
| Q: im doin a project on the uh-60L black hawk helicopter. i hear that u have worked with the air force ... A: Greetings Craig - Yes, you can write me via KC10Engr@aol.com. I have a family website set up at ... | |
| classes | 1/14/2005 |
| Q: I'm a student at Cass City Middle Schools in Michigan. I would like to work for the Air Force. Would ... A: Greetings Cody - The amount of schooling you would need depends on the direction you want to take. ... | |
| active duty mil | 12/9/2004 |
| Q: can you cross from active duty navy to coast guard A: Greetings Aubrey - Yes, you can cross from one active duty military to another. Each branch has ... | |
| training | 11/14/2004 |
| Q: he was wondering about switching to the Iowa National Air Guard when he is home. he is in an ... A: Greetings again, Katie - Since you mentioned Basic, I assume he is enlisted. Once he is ... | |
| Military Benefits | 9/22/2004 |
| Q: 1. Are there any differences in the military and family benefits given to National Guard troops ... A: Greetings Walter - Forgive my not responding earlier, somehow your question was dropped from my ... | |
| Recruitment | 9/1/2004 |
| Q: Is it possible to join the US Air Force, without being a citizen of the country. Or can that goal be ... A: Greetings Cliff - Yes, you can enlist into any of the Armed Forces without being a U. S. citizen. ... | |
| enlistment | 8/14/2004 |
| Q: I would like my brother to join the airforce. I just want to know if someone can join with a GED. A: Greetings Mari - You can most certainly join any of the armed forces with a GED. That is the ... | |
| marriage | 7/28/2004 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I are talking about marriage when he gets home from Parris Island. he recieved the ... A: Greetings Janell - This particular question is outside my realm of expertise, as I was never in the ... | |
| Money | 7/26/2004 |
| Q: Do we receive any money while in basic training? Like on the 1st and 15th of the month or is it not ... A: Greetings Nate - Yes, you get paid while you are in basic training. When I joined (too many years ... | |
| Pilot | 7/15/2004 |
| Q: I am considering becoming a pilot in the air force. What are the requirements? How much is the pay? ... A: Greetings Maurice - You have asked a number of questions, so I will take them as you asked ... Q. ... | |
| Base Housing | 6/30/2004 |
| Q: Do you have to be married to qualify for base housing, or can engaged couples live on base in family ... A: Greetings Nicole - Unfortunately, the military doesn't accept promises or engagements to get ... | |
| singing sergeants | 6/12/2004 |
| Q: Ok, I was wondering if you knew anything about the singing sergeants, because I thought it would be ... A: I know the Singing Sergeants very well. A few years ago I was attending the NCO Academy, and a ... | |
| Air Force, OTS, UPT ... the works! | 5/31/2004 |
| Q: I have so many questions, and yet it seems like only one: Can/Will I get a pilot slot? I apologize ... A: Greetings Justin - WOW, that's a mouthful. You have painted a very good picture of yourself, lets ... | |
| Sorry Haven't checked mail lately | 5/30/2004 |
| Q: I havent checked my mail lately because ive been busy with all of this military stuff. I went in and ... A: Angela - Sorry to have taken so long to get back to you. Let's see if I can shed some light on all ... | |
| Important Airforce | 5/25/2004 |
| Q: Ok so everything is moving really fast now! So I'm probably going into meps tomorrow and everything! ... A: Angela - This may come as a multiple response, but I want to make sure you get it. This is ... | |
| airforce | 5/22/2004 |
| Q: I had asked you about going into the airforce, and you told me to ask the recruiters what main jobs ... A: Greetings again, Angela - Trying to decide on a job can be quite the challenge. Ask yourself one ... | |
| military life | 5/19/2004 |
| Q: I'm a young female graduated from high school in 2003 and have been through my first year of ... A: Greetings - Should you join the Air Force while a war is going on? That is a very good question. ... | |
| Air Force Academy | 5/4/2004 |
| Q: Recently, I have been considering joining the Air Force after High School. I know I want to work ... A: Greetings Kylah - First of all, I apologize for not responding before now. Your question was ... | |
| joining the airforce! | 3/8/2004 |
| Q: My name is SSG Edwin Reyes AND I'm currently in the army as an AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER.. I'm really ... A: Greetings Edwin - I don't want to put you off, but I am currently moving from one base to another. ... | |
| Loadmaster info | 3/6/2004 |
| Q: Hey, i just got my job as a loadmaster in the airforce. I leave for lackland april 13th. I was ... A: Greetings Chris - I don't want to put you off, but I am currently moving from one base to another. ... | |
| Flight Engineer | 2/25/2004 |
| Q: I'm looking at going into the Air Force as a Flight Engineer. Is there anything you would recomend ... A: Greetings Chris - I assume from the way you worded your question that you are not yet in the Air ... | |
| bush | 2/9/2004 |
| Q: Can you please tell me what is the source of president Bush's air force commission in the Air ... A: Larry - My area of expertise is aircrew operations dealing with tanker and cargo aircraft. I have ... | |
| What's it like? | 1/28/2004 |
| Q: Hey there! I'm currently enlisting in the Air Force and am contemplating the career fields, with ... A: Greetings Jeema - Take a look at my family website ... www.BellHomeWorks.com. Click on AIR FORCE ... | |
| flight engineer career field | 1/8/2004 |
| Q: I want to cross train out of my current AFSC. Flight engineering is 1 of my options. would you ... A: Greetings Harold - You've asked some good questions, and I'll try and give you good advice to make ... | |
| Leaving | 12/9/2003 |
| Q: I'm not sure if you'll be able to answer this question, but perhaps you'll know the answer due to ... A: Greetings Luke - Although there are several different situations that are unique to various ... | |
Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard
Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Top Expert on this page
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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