I know there's some military guys on here so if at all possible I'd like some input on joining the Army. I haven't talked to an Army recruiter yet, though I have spoke with both Marines and Navy when I thought about being a mechanic. I've been thinking pretty hard about this since its a big decision. I'm not going to lie, the big reason this is even on my mind is that I'm tired of only working 1 day a week and not being able to find more work. My sister knows quite a bit since she was married to a guy that was in the Army and is now in the National Guard. One of my ex's is in the Navy, joined before we graduated high school and left for basic a few months after graduating and she says that basic isn't very hard anymore. The training, pay, benefits, and job security all sound great. I've got a pretty good idea of what I want for an MOS, either Metal Worker or Machinist. I'll have to talk to a recruiter before making the decision, but as long as I can weld, I think I'll be happy. Are there any downsides to being in the service? I'm really close to driving to my nearest recruiting office and saying sign me up, but I don't want to make a stupid decision I'll kick myself in the butt for later, so any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance guys.

 

I am currently deployed to Iraq. I joined at 19 after taking a stab at college and failing out. Best decision of my life. IT will make you grow up fast, and give you a sense of accomplishment when you go home and see old "acquaintances" still doing the same thing as when you left.

With all that being said, Know what you want to do, and don't let the recruiter tell you any different. I am a 21M aka Firefighters. Its a not a well known MOS within the army, about 300 active duty for the total Army. The gig is great, I work with civilian Firefighters on post when i am in the states, and my 10 man team is pretty well on our own program downrange. Do some studying and score as high as possible on the ASVAB, that one test will determine what jobs you qualify for. As for the mechanic sid ein the army, EVERY unit has mechanics, therefore you go anywhere, But there are some long hours and hard to work be done as a mechanic. Your company will fall in on some busted equipment that will require a lot of work.

And in my opinion, one of the most important things in the army is to have thick skin. Your gonna get in trouble, your gonna get smoked, your gonna have to some dumb ****. Dont let it it get to you and remember that today is a new day, dont let yesterday get you down. I have met a lot of great guys in the army, but have also met a lot of "less than good" people as well. Any other specific questions that you might have, let me know. if i cant answer them, i got some people that can.

---AutoMerged DoublePost---

OH and the most important thing when talking to a recruiter..... GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!

 

We had to take the ASVAB in high school our sophomore year I think it was, and i don't remember my score but I remember the guy telling me that I could do just about anything I wanted to do. I used to want to be a mechanic but now I want to do something with welding. That's why I said metal worker or machinist. I'm 19 now and want to do something before I waste my life trying to make enough money to go to school and get a better job. I can't think of any specific questions right now just because I'm not sure what to ask. I've been reading on the Army's site but I guess I'll just have to talk to a recruiter.

 

Army Enlisted Job (MOS) Descriptions

Heres a pretty good list of the MOS's. Like i siad, do your homework and figure out what you wanna do. Your recruiter will make any job the army needs sounds like the best thing since sliced bread.

 

Here's what I was looking at. I'll check out that site tomorrow, I need to get some sleep, busy day tomorrow.

Machinist | GoArmy.com
Metal Worker | GoArmy.com

 

You have already got a great info and I would just be echoing it so the only advise I have is to make it in the active army for 20 yrs then you can retire... I did 24 yrs and retired in 06 and have not regretted any of it. If you do 20 you will be 39 with a paycheck the rest of your life that will allow you to take any job you want and be happy.

I wish I knew you personally so I could refer you to a recruiter so I could get that nice bonus they offer us!

 

Well as for me, I had one hell of a time when I was in. I went in(army) as a 13b field artillery, cause i liked driving a tank and blowing up. Then for some reason I went to a stryker brigade and went infantry, not my best choice but it is all what u make of it. Did a 17 month tour of Iraq and all that good crap. I did get out after 5 yrs, but wouldnt change my time in the military for anything in this world. Got to meet some really good friends and a lifetime of experience. Hope this helps, its an awesome oppurtunity. Good luck.

 

Well guys, I think I'm going to try and talk to a recruiter sometime next week. Anything I should be sure to ask?

 

Join the Air Force If you can get in that is, I'm currently in Baghdad serving my 4th tour. It's been very rewarding and the Air Force tends to take better care of their people.

 

I doubt theres any sort of monetary bonus as of right now, but ask the recruiter what he can get for you. It never hurts to get a cash incentive to sign up.

Andas said before, get everything in writing. and double check it. WHen i joined, i told my recruiter that i wouldnt sign for anything but 21M, when i got to meps i noticed he had put 13B (Artillery) and 11B(Infantry) on my papers. I was not happy. And remember, although you should respect the personnel at MEPS, you are not in the army until you get to reception. You can use that to your advantage if the liaison at MEPS try to yank ya around. You know what job you want, and dont settle for anything less. If he says he dont think he can get the job secured for you, then tell him you wont sign papers for him. I had to do it. The liaison then had to spend 3+ hours on the phone to secure the job i wanted....