Son #2 enlisting in the Army, need real advice

[EricW]

Son #2 is graduated with a degree in criminal justice, 23 years old and very close to enlisting in the Army. He has only gathered info from recruiters which seems to be all over the place depending on which one he talks to. They all seem to promise the moon, but I am skeptical that he will really serve as a Jetski Sniper in Maui. Lol.

Any Snowester's still active or know someone that he could get a second opinion from on the info he is being told. Thanks in advance. EW

 

[AbnRangerM7]

Since your son has a degree, don't let the recruiters swindle him into some B.S. job. He could be a candidate to become an officer. Many recruiters are only looking to make their quota. I learned this the hard way my first enlistment. Thought I was going to become a Military Policeman and next thing I know I'm counting rolls of toilet paper as a supply clerk!

Make sure your son does his own research and doesn't just take the recruiters word for it.

 

[WestMont]

It's been many moons since I was active duty but one lesson that the Army taught me is to be sure that whatever is promised IS in writing before you sign on the dotted line.

 

[Himark]

It's been many moons since I was active duty but one lesson that the Army taught me is to be sure that whatever is promised IS in writing before you sign on the dotted line.

Im being serious here......Will they do that? put it in writing I mean. If so absolutely.

 

[ruffryder]

My wife's good friend is a recruiter for the Army. I will try and get her contact info and send it to you.

She is great about telling it like it is, and has prospects call up my wife for her perspective in her field, especially when prospective recruits have fancy idea's about where they want to go and what they want to do, with respect to it matching where / what they are actually signing up for.

She isn't interested in meeting her quota, but making sure that people understand what they are signing up for and what it will realistically be like.

Edit: Sent you a pm asking for your contact info to give to her instead. I don't have the recruiters work contact information.

 

[KamW]

Son number 2 here, First off thanks everyone for the great information i am checking out some of the great advice that has been posted on here. I have checked out the OCS route but two recruiters now have made it clear that with my gpa from college that it is a no go. they both told me abou the green to gold route, however both said that it would not be an immediate or easy thing. The only thing that is up in the air currently is if i can be guaranteed an airborne slot and or any other schools. also with my ASVAB scores i can pick any job that i want for my MOS currently i am leaning towards 35M, Human Intelligence Collector, 19D, Calvary scout, or 31B MP. After the research i have done all of these jobs transition well into federal law enforcement positions. However if anyone knows anything different i would love to know so i make the best possible decision. Once again thank you for all of the information it has been great.

 

[Himark]

Best of luck to you Kam and remember dont rush, and get the best thing you want out of this. Those recruiters can sure be pushy so dont let them rush you.

 

[NRHS]

I retired fom the Army in 2005 and was a recruiter for 3 years (against my will BTW). I know all the tricks recruiters will try to pull on you so if you want to talk to me fee free to give me a call at 970-396-4504.

If your ASVAB score is as high as you say you can be guaranteed a job in writing if it is available. Stay away from Cav scout, that is nothing but an infantryman with a pair of binoculars!!!

 

[WestMont]

Im being serious here......Will they do that? put it in writing I mean. If so absolutely.

I'm sure a lot has changed in the last 20 or so years but sure if they can make a promise that is legit then they shouldn't have a problem putting in writing at the time of enlistment.

In my case there was a sign up bonus at the time for the MOS (63S - heavy wheel mechanic) that I enlisted for. I never received the sign up bonus. When asked it was explained to me that it was my recruiter's responsibility to be sure that the sign up bonus was "in writing" and because it wasn't on the enlistment contract I never seen it. I wished I could remember more details but that was the just of it.

With that said I have no regrets enlisting in the Army.



Kam, Best of luck in whatever field you chose.

 

[Scott]

I know for a fact that the recruiters are the used car salesman of the military.
I had HORRIBLE experiences with them. Saw it first hand with my buddies who signed up...during junior and senior years. I tagged along, and could quickly see through their bull crap.
They act like they care (AND YOU THINK THEY DO) up until you get on the bus.

BTW, I have a cousin who was a career recruiter...retired as such with 25 or 30 years. LOL

 

[hatchers]

if i could take it all back, i would be retiring from the military next year and banking a full pention while starting my second career.....and i would rather of been in the Chair Force vs the over worked slave trade of a Navy i was in

 

[mtbroncrider]

well, I have almost 17 years in total right now, guard, reserve and active time...just returned from a deployment

Currently serving as a reserve senior drill SGT (no old jokes please)
am my units master driver (and a few others since we focus on training others)
and have been the DARN (duty appointed retention officer) for both my current, and unit i was deployed with

as to the jobs i know, 91B/X (used to be all the 63 series, of which i was 63W/S/B/H) and 89B (bullet counter)

I can answer as much as i can........so fire away

 

[Ford428CJ]

Why not try the National Guard (Army) or the Air National Guard (Air Force).

I grew up as an Air Force brat for 18 years of my life. Born into it... When I turned 24, I joined the Air National Guard.... 14+ years later, I'm still in. I know quite a bit about the Military as well and know others.... The cool thing is, the job you choose is the job you do! I now hold 2 carer fields. Hard to do in the active duty. And yes, that is my full time job. I was an engine guy for 11 years and now I'm a crew chief on F-15's for 3+ years.

 

[mtbroncrider]

hey Ford.....I hualed remanned engines into your air base a few years ago from great falls

gotta say, the F15 on a pedistall as you come thru the gate is awesome to look at

and im sorry for the tire marks in the grass.....I know how upset you guys get

 

[Ford428CJ]

hey Ford.....I hualed remanned engines into your air base a few years ago from great falls

gotta say, the F15 on a pedistall as you come thru the gate is awesome to look at

and im sorry for the tire marks in the grass.....I know how upset you guys get

Grass.... What Grass!? They did away with some of the grass to save the tax payers money. LOL I can tell you have been to Kingsley Field. The F-15 on the stick is cool as you come onto the base. Balls 9

What year was it when you came over???

 

[Ford428CJ]

 

[mtbroncrider]

Grass.... What Grass!? They did away with some of the grass to save the tax payers money. LOL I can tell you have been to Kingsley Field. The F-15 on the stick is cool as you come onto the base. Balls 9

What year was it when you came over???

well, there used to be grass just behind a curb there at the end of the entrance.....Its alittle tight when your 75' long going right, got to the end of that and took a left, then bumped a ramp.....they hooked up and pulled the engines right off
must have been early 2010......right before i sold my truck and got ready to deploy

guess the wife has a cousin that that moved over there too

 

[Blue Avenger]

after you get your MOS, they still sort you out by size? My brothers Kid wanted to be an MP, but due to being short all he was going to police was the lawn

 

[Mafesto]

Thanks to all you guys for your service.

 

[mtbroncrider]

some MOS's have size requirements/restrictions........but thats something that SHOULD have been worked out at MEPS, not OSUT

19K I think you have to be less than 6'2" (tanker)