Hello all!! I know it's been a while since I've last posted. I've had a lot going on in my life this past week, and haven't had access to the Internet through my laptop. This is coming from my phone today, so if it's a little unorganized, you know why =]
Anyway, what's been going on with me? Well, this past Monday I went to my recruiter and told him I wanted out of here ASAP, so if he got something to keep me in mind. He said he was going to put me as his #1 priority!! Well, just 2 short days later, he called on my lunch break to tell me that I HAVE A SHIP DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be leaving for Lackland on 6 Nov with Open General! (See my previous post about Aptitude Areas to discover more!)
Anyway, I just really wanted to share this, because I'm BEYOND happy!! I will post more later on this topic when I can use my laptop again! Also, stayed tuned for another interview with an Airman! My friend Lee who is currently operational was nice enough to provide some insight Ito the world of Weapons and being a male through the BMT/Tech School process!! Have a great Air Force day, everyone!!
24 August 2012
18 August 2012
Marriage in the Military
Hey guys, I've been wanting to post about this for a while. It's something I'm going through, and I'm sure some of you are. If not, you probably will eventually!!
Whether you're in the DEP, operational, or a milspouse, you know this is a big deal. Joining any branch of service is a life-changing event. Once you're in, you can't get out just because your spouse doesn't want you to be in anymore. There's a lot more to it than that. But, if you're lucky enough to marry someone who is in the Military, whether it's your branch or not, they'll understand what you're going through. They understand the need you feel to serve your country, and they definitely understand Service before Self. It's hard, but with the right people, you can make it work.
When you initially make the decision to speak with a recruiter, you're probably already pretty set on joining. It was that way with me, I researched everything I could for a few weeks before I spoke with mine, and I talked to my husband about it. He said he was fine with it, so a few days later I called my recruiter and we got it started. Over the course of my enlistment process, he's gone back and forth on whether he's for it or not. Please remember in this post, I'm not trying to make my husband out to be a bad person. Every person is entitled to their opinions, he just doesn't want to leave his family and everything behind. Don't get me wrong, my husband loves his country, and is very thankful to all those serving. I mean, his sister and his brother-in-law are currently serving! He's had other family members in various branches, so he knows. He wanted to join the Marines for the longest time. I was always a selfish person, and didn't want him to. Granted, he wanted to do something along the lines of Infantry, and surely you all can understand why I felt that way. A wife worries about her husband constantly, and the fact that he was wanting to do something so...dangerous...at a point where we were right in the middle of this current war, was terrifying to me. But, around the end of last year/beginning of this year, a friend changed my mind. I have a former co-worker who is in the National Guard, and he was deployed to Afghanistan for a year not long ago. I think he returned home about a year ago. Well, we spoke for a while on this, and he went so in depth on everything, and really made me understand what it's like. You'd think that would scare me more, but actually knowing what's going on, made it better. So I told him I'd be okay with it. I asked if he wanted me to look into everything for him, and possibly contact a recruiter. He said sure! So I got it going for him, and even went to speak with the recruiter myself (since it's the Marines, and we know that they're known for being smack dab in the middle of a combat zone). We set up a time for my husband to go speak with him alone, and was done. Oh, I should mention my husband knew about that beforehand, haha!
Well, when the day came for him to go talk to him, he flipped out. He decided that I was trying to push him into it, and he didn't want to. I said okay, that's fine. I was kinda pushing him into it, because I thought it was something he really wanted to do, but I was wrong, I guess. So I let it go. That was probably mid-January. Well, I realized several months later, I really wasn't going anywhere with my life, at least career-wise, so I started looking into Cosmetology School, and other different jobs. Well, when I was doing a job search through Monster, I think, I noticed the National Guard had actually listed jobs! I though it was cute! But it got me thinking.....my SIL is in the AF, and we're almost the same person. She's stubborn, independent, and a go-getter. I figured if she could survive basic training, then so could I. That wasn't meant to be derogatory in any way, haha! So I talked to her about it first, then started doing my own research...and now, here we are. I officially swore into the DEP 1 month ago today. The things it took to get here were ridiculous, and I can't imagine backing out now. I want this so badly, I want to make a difference. I want to serve my country. This is my calling in life, as cheesy as that sounds. I never felt so...right about something.
So where we are with is, is here: I'm in the Air Force (minus the important stuff like BMT, Tech School, you know =] ). My husband doesn't want to move, and isn't going to move. Therefore, we're stuck. Unless I choose to switch to Reserves, then I'll have to move. I don't want to be RES, it's great for those who do, though! I just feel my calling is to be AD. I don't know where to go from here. He doesn't want to leave his family, which is definitely understandable, but when we got married, we agreed to be each other's number 2 (God First). In a Christian marriage, you enter into it as one flesh. You agree to leave your father, brother, sister, mother, cousin, aunt, uncle all of them behind. Well, not behind, just farther down your list of priorities. As a non-married person, you probably put your parents before your boyfriend/girlfriend, and that's fine. But, when you get married, your spouse is your everything. You are supposed to support them in all they do, no matter what. I've always supported his every decision, even before we were married. I know I'm asking a lot, but I just feel he should have given it more thought before deciding against it. So, it looks as if it's coming to an end, and I hate it. It makes me sick.
I love him more than life itself, but what do I do? Do I deny this calling I have, or stay in my small town, resenting the fact I didn't get to do what I was meant to do?
You have to be a very strong, united front, to be able to survive a military marriage. With the imminent chances of deployment (not just to Iraq or Afghanistan, but anywhere), the strenuous work, the strict rules and regulations, and the hard core values of the Air Force (primarily, Service Before Self), it's a very hard thing to cope with as a civilian. You can't really understand the need or the want to do it all.
My advice is this: be 100% sure that this is what you want. Getting to the point of swearing in, then the arrival at BMT, you have to want this more than anything. Yes, anything. My recruiter has always said this. You have to want it more than your spouse, your parents, school, work, all of it. You can't go into BMT not being 100%, or you're destined to fail. Before talking with a recruiter, you should be at least 75% sure this is what you want. After, you should be 100%, or just don't go on with the process. You won't make it. And if you're married, you have to make sure your spouse is at the same level as you, in regards to going through with it. If they're not, you'll be where I am: a crossroad. It's definitely not a fun place, and it's hard to choose. You have to do what is best for you, and follow through. You won't always have the opportunity to join, with the cuts all the branches are making, and the constant chance of getting injured, aging, etc. You have to act now. It's kinda like having kids; you're not getting any younger.
If you have any questions, suggestions, advice, anything, feel free to post. This is a very sensitive subject, and it always requires full attention. Don't go into marriage, the military, or anything half-heartedly. They're all serious commitments, and breaking that commitment has huge repercussions. Not just on you, but everyone around you. Thanks for reading!
"Sometimes bad things happen in life to open up your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before." ---- I saw this on my friends FB status just now, so I thought I'd add this in =]
Whether you're in the DEP, operational, or a milspouse, you know this is a big deal. Joining any branch of service is a life-changing event. Once you're in, you can't get out just because your spouse doesn't want you to be in anymore. There's a lot more to it than that. But, if you're lucky enough to marry someone who is in the Military, whether it's your branch or not, they'll understand what you're going through. They understand the need you feel to serve your country, and they definitely understand Service before Self. It's hard, but with the right people, you can make it work.
When you initially make the decision to speak with a recruiter, you're probably already pretty set on joining. It was that way with me, I researched everything I could for a few weeks before I spoke with mine, and I talked to my husband about it. He said he was fine with it, so a few days later I called my recruiter and we got it started. Over the course of my enlistment process, he's gone back and forth on whether he's for it or not. Please remember in this post, I'm not trying to make my husband out to be a bad person. Every person is entitled to their opinions, he just doesn't want to leave his family and everything behind. Don't get me wrong, my husband loves his country, and is very thankful to all those serving. I mean, his sister and his brother-in-law are currently serving! He's had other family members in various branches, so he knows. He wanted to join the Marines for the longest time. I was always a selfish person, and didn't want him to. Granted, he wanted to do something along the lines of Infantry, and surely you all can understand why I felt that way. A wife worries about her husband constantly, and the fact that he was wanting to do something so...dangerous...at a point where we were right in the middle of this current war, was terrifying to me. But, around the end of last year/beginning of this year, a friend changed my mind. I have a former co-worker who is in the National Guard, and he was deployed to Afghanistan for a year not long ago. I think he returned home about a year ago. Well, we spoke for a while on this, and he went so in depth on everything, and really made me understand what it's like. You'd think that would scare me more, but actually knowing what's going on, made it better. So I told him I'd be okay with it. I asked if he wanted me to look into everything for him, and possibly contact a recruiter. He said sure! So I got it going for him, and even went to speak with the recruiter myself (since it's the Marines, and we know that they're known for being smack dab in the middle of a combat zone). We set up a time for my husband to go speak with him alone, and was done. Oh, I should mention my husband knew about that beforehand, haha!
Well, when the day came for him to go talk to him, he flipped out. He decided that I was trying to push him into it, and he didn't want to. I said okay, that's fine. I was kinda pushing him into it, because I thought it was something he really wanted to do, but I was wrong, I guess. So I let it go. That was probably mid-January. Well, I realized several months later, I really wasn't going anywhere with my life, at least career-wise, so I started looking into Cosmetology School, and other different jobs. Well, when I was doing a job search through Monster, I think, I noticed the National Guard had actually listed jobs! I though it was cute! But it got me thinking.....my SIL is in the AF, and we're almost the same person. She's stubborn, independent, and a go-getter. I figured if she could survive basic training, then so could I. That wasn't meant to be derogatory in any way, haha! So I talked to her about it first, then started doing my own research...and now, here we are. I officially swore into the DEP 1 month ago today. The things it took to get here were ridiculous, and I can't imagine backing out now. I want this so badly, I want to make a difference. I want to serve my country. This is my calling in life, as cheesy as that sounds. I never felt so...right about something.
So where we are with is, is here: I'm in the Air Force (minus the important stuff like BMT, Tech School, you know =] ). My husband doesn't want to move, and isn't going to move. Therefore, we're stuck. Unless I choose to switch to Reserves, then I'll have to move. I don't want to be RES, it's great for those who do, though! I just feel my calling is to be AD. I don't know where to go from here. He doesn't want to leave his family, which is definitely understandable, but when we got married, we agreed to be each other's number 2 (God First). In a Christian marriage, you enter into it as one flesh. You agree to leave your father, brother, sister, mother, cousin, aunt, uncle all of them behind. Well, not behind, just farther down your list of priorities. As a non-married person, you probably put your parents before your boyfriend/girlfriend, and that's fine. But, when you get married, your spouse is your everything. You are supposed to support them in all they do, no matter what. I've always supported his every decision, even before we were married. I know I'm asking a lot, but I just feel he should have given it more thought before deciding against it. So, it looks as if it's coming to an end, and I hate it. It makes me sick.
I love him more than life itself, but what do I do? Do I deny this calling I have, or stay in my small town, resenting the fact I didn't get to do what I was meant to do?
You have to be a very strong, united front, to be able to survive a military marriage. With the imminent chances of deployment (not just to Iraq or Afghanistan, but anywhere), the strenuous work, the strict rules and regulations, and the hard core values of the Air Force (primarily, Service Before Self), it's a very hard thing to cope with as a civilian. You can't really understand the need or the want to do it all.
My advice is this: be 100% sure that this is what you want. Getting to the point of swearing in, then the arrival at BMT, you have to want this more than anything. Yes, anything. My recruiter has always said this. You have to want it more than your spouse, your parents, school, work, all of it. You can't go into BMT not being 100%, or you're destined to fail. Before talking with a recruiter, you should be at least 75% sure this is what you want. After, you should be 100%, or just don't go on with the process. You won't make it. And if you're married, you have to make sure your spouse is at the same level as you, in regards to going through with it. If they're not, you'll be where I am: a crossroad. It's definitely not a fun place, and it's hard to choose. You have to do what is best for you, and follow through. You won't always have the opportunity to join, with the cuts all the branches are making, and the constant chance of getting injured, aging, etc. You have to act now. It's kinda like having kids; you're not getting any younger.
If you have any questions, suggestions, advice, anything, feel free to post. This is a very sensitive subject, and it always requires full attention. Don't go into marriage, the military, or anything half-heartedly. They're all serious commitments, and breaking that commitment has huge repercussions. Not just on you, but everyone around you. Thanks for reading!
"Sometimes bad things happen in life to open up your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before." ---- I saw this on my friends FB status just now, so I thought I'd add this in =]
16 August 2012
Interview With An Airman
I decided to conduct this interview with my sister-in-law, Jessica, to give a little insight into BMT/Tech School/Operational life. If you're on any of the FB BMT groups, you've already talked with several people that are operational. I like hearing from multiple people, because everyone has a different experience. Also, she's my sister-in-law, I trust her. She knows me, and knows how I'd probably handle a lot of the situations that arise during the course of my training. I have to say, she's been incredibly patient with me! Before I went to MEPS, I was calling/Skyping/messaging her all of the time. I swear, she must've been ready to kill herself haha! But, without her (and her hubby!) I wouldn't have been anywhere near prepared mentally for MEPS. I Skyped them that night at the hotel, and they just told me to relax, it wouldn't be that bad. She's a wonderful person, and can offer more information for those of you wondering about enlisting, BMT, Tech School, or life as an Airman and a mom/wife. (Shoutout to my super adorable, brains-eating nephew, Misha!! Auntie loves you!) Read away!!!
Q: What's your name and rank?
Jessica, A1C (Airman First Class/E3)
Tell us a little about yourself (why you joined, etc.)
I am 23. I live in Japan with my husband who is also active duty and I just had my first son, Misha. I am going to school and I just finished all my credits for my Community College of the Air Force degree. I am also just a few classes away from my Bachelors in accounting. I joined because my husband and I wanted to raise our family in a military lifestyle. Also, I like change.
Q: What is your AFSC?
1P0X1, Aircrew Flight Equipment
Q: RES/ANG/AD?
Active Duty
Q: When did you go through BMT/Tech School?
Basic: March 8, 2011-May 6, 2011
Tech: June 9, 2011-August 28, 2011
Q: What was your dorm duty?
Latrine crew
Q: Compared to the list on this blog, what would you recommend/not recommend packing for BMT?
Pack make-up, real bra, comfortable underwear, flat iron, good razors, watch, stationery, NO GUM, stamps (lots of them), and definitely shower shoes.
Q: What did you do to prepare yourself for BMT?
I watched a lot of videos, talked to my sister and cousin who were both in the Air Force.
Q: Did you ever have a 341 pulled? If so, for what?
Not in basic, but I did in tech school for not stopping my SMU (small marching unit) at a street. I did get in A LOT of trouble in basic for writing letters before they said we could. Don’t do that. =]
Q: What is PT like at BMT?
It’s a lot of fun. You run three days a week. You run thirty minutes together, then thirty minutes of continuous running/sprints. The other days, you do push-ups, sit-ups, and other calisthenics.
Q: What was the best thing/experience that happened to you while there?
The best thing was seeing my husband (he was three weeks ahead of me). Other than that, the O-course was amazing. It was the funnest thing I have experienced in my life.
Q: What was the worst thing/experience that happened to you while there?
Getting sick was horrible. Everyone gets sick, but you’re already tired and rundown – it just makes it worse. Also, I didn’t pin my hands while doing a left face and I had to stand in the middle of the squadron by myself and do a left face while everyone walked by and looked at me. Also, my flight forgot about me and another MTI took pity on me and told me to go back to them.
Q: What is the best advice you could give to any future trainee to survive BMT?
Do what you’re told. Don’t be annoying. Be quiet. STUDY! Never assume that an MTI is talking to you. If they yell, “Hey You!” walk the other way.
Q: What's operational life like compared to the world of BMT?
It’s way different. Laid back; I bullshit with my boss (MSgt) all the time. NCOs are less scary. I do miss BMT a lot. It would be a lot of fun to go back.
Again, another big thank you to Jess for taking time out to answer these questions! If you guys have any more, feel free to comment, and she'd be happy to help you out! If she forgets to check, I'll remind her ;] Thanks for reading!
Q: What's your name and rank?
Jessica, A1C (Airman First Class/E3)
Tell us a little about yourself (why you joined, etc.)
I am 23. I live in Japan with my husband who is also active duty and I just had my first son, Misha. I am going to school and I just finished all my credits for my Community College of the Air Force degree. I am also just a few classes away from my Bachelors in accounting. I joined because my husband and I wanted to raise our family in a military lifestyle. Also, I like change.
Q: What is your AFSC?
1P0X1, Aircrew Flight Equipment
Q: RES/ANG/AD?
Active Duty
Q: When did you go through BMT/Tech School?
Basic: March 8, 2011-May 6, 2011
Tech: June 9, 2011-August 28, 2011
Q: What was your dorm duty?
Latrine crew
Q: Compared to the list on this blog, what would you recommend/not recommend packing for BMT?
Pack make-up, real bra, comfortable underwear, flat iron, good razors, watch, stationery, NO GUM, stamps (lots of them), and definitely shower shoes.
Q: What did you do to prepare yourself for BMT?
I watched a lot of videos, talked to my sister and cousin who were both in the Air Force.
Q: Did you ever have a 341 pulled? If so, for what?
Not in basic, but I did in tech school for not stopping my SMU (small marching unit) at a street. I did get in A LOT of trouble in basic for writing letters before they said we could. Don’t do that. =]
Q: What is PT like at BMT?
It’s a lot of fun. You run three days a week. You run thirty minutes together, then thirty minutes of continuous running/sprints. The other days, you do push-ups, sit-ups, and other calisthenics.
Q: What was the best thing/experience that happened to you while there?
The best thing was seeing my husband (he was three weeks ahead of me). Other than that, the O-course was amazing. It was the funnest thing I have experienced in my life.
Q: What was the worst thing/experience that happened to you while there?
Getting sick was horrible. Everyone gets sick, but you’re already tired and rundown – it just makes it worse. Also, I didn’t pin my hands while doing a left face and I had to stand in the middle of the squadron by myself and do a left face while everyone walked by and looked at me. Also, my flight forgot about me and another MTI took pity on me and told me to go back to them.
Q: What is the best advice you could give to any future trainee to survive BMT?
Do what you’re told. Don’t be annoying. Be quiet. STUDY! Never assume that an MTI is talking to you. If they yell, “Hey You!” walk the other way.
Q: What's operational life like compared to the world of BMT?
It’s way different. Laid back; I bullshit with my boss (MSgt) all the time. NCOs are less scary. I do miss BMT a lot. It would be a lot of fun to go back.
Again, another big thank you to Jess for taking time out to answer these questions! If you guys have any more, feel free to comment, and she'd be happy to help you out! If she forgets to check, I'll remind her ;] Thanks for reading!
14 August 2012
Tattoos In The Military
Hello again, everyone!
Let's talk about tattoos. They're pretty awesome. I have two, myself. But, they can be disqualifying if you want to join the military. From what I gather, the Air Force and the Marines are the strictest with their tattoo policies. Which seems to be the case for everything haha!
So, you have a couple of tattoos, you're worried. I get it. I had no idea that it could affect anything! When I initially called my recruiter (all recruiters do this), he did a mini-interview. He asked basically if I was in good health, married, kids, and tattoos. They just want to make sure you meet the basic requirements before wasting their time, and yours. I actually was able to meet up with him about 2 hours later, where I showed him my ink, and marked it on a chart. It's the standard anatomy picture, where I drew X's on where my tattoos are (left shoulder, right shoulder blade). I think drew a picture of them, explained what they meant, and what they meant to me. It generally takes at least a week for them to be approved, or denied, but it only took mine 2 days. The main reason they take so long/want to know all this info on them, is to make sure they're not gang-related, terroristic, etc. They also need to know where they're located at, because it could present an issue for wearing the uniform (ABU's or Blues). Some things aren't appropriate to see while in uniform, while other things don't cause worry. Here's the official AF policy on tattoos. Just scroll down to the table of contents, then click on the tattoos section. Easy peasy.
Anyway, there's the regulations for tattoos in general, but now, what about getting more? While you're in the DEP you cannot get a new tattoo. This includes a touch-up, or fill-in. Tattoos are considered open wounds for a year, so that'll get you DQ'd real quick. Wait until Tech School or after before you get another one. You'll probably have more money then, anyway! The MEPS personnel go over your tattoos again when you head back there the day you ship out. So, there's no way possible that you can get away with hiding it or anything. You're in your skivvies, remember?
If you have any more information, specific information, that is, related to this, please feel free to share!! =]
So, you have a couple of tattoos, you're worried. I get it. I had no idea that it could affect anything! When I initially called my recruiter (all recruiters do this), he did a mini-interview. He asked basically if I was in good health, married, kids, and tattoos. They just want to make sure you meet the basic requirements before wasting their time, and yours. I actually was able to meet up with him about 2 hours later, where I showed him my ink, and marked it on a chart. It's the standard anatomy picture, where I drew X's on where my tattoos are (left shoulder, right shoulder blade). I think drew a picture of them, explained what they meant, and what they meant to me. It generally takes at least a week for them to be approved, or denied, but it only took mine 2 days. The main reason they take so long/want to know all this info on them, is to make sure they're not gang-related, terroristic, etc. They also need to know where they're located at, because it could present an issue for wearing the uniform (ABU's or Blues). Some things aren't appropriate to see while in uniform, while other things don't cause worry. Here's the official AF policy on tattoos. Just scroll down to the table of contents, then click on the tattoos section. Easy peasy.
Anyway, there's the regulations for tattoos in general, but now, what about getting more? While you're in the DEP you cannot get a new tattoo. This includes a touch-up, or fill-in. Tattoos are considered open wounds for a year, so that'll get you DQ'd real quick. Wait until Tech School or after before you get another one. You'll probably have more money then, anyway! The MEPS personnel go over your tattoos again when you head back there the day you ship out. So, there's no way possible that you can get away with hiding it or anything. You're in your skivvies, remember?
If you have any more information, specific information, that is, related to this, please feel free to share!! =]
12 August 2012
Getting Ready To Go? Check Out This Packing List!
So, you're packing for BMT? Did the list your recruiter gave you have a date of several years ago? Well, lucky for you, I have access to people who have been through already, and have given great pointers on what to pack, and what not to pack! (See www.aimhigherin.com for even MORE useful tips on BMT) I created this list for my good friends on the September shippers group on Facebook (USAF BMT September 2012 -- Search it!), and shared it with the October shippers group there, too! (USAF BMT October Shippers 2012) So here we go! (Keep in mind I directly copied and pasted it from there!)
This is just a rough draft, that I mostly just copied from aimhigherin.com! If you see things that should be added/removed, go ahead! Just leave a comment of why you decided to add/remove that item, that way we're not all wondering =] Try to keep this in some sort of order, that way it's easier to understand! **Keep in mind that Erin is Reserves, s
o some of these items may be specific for RES/ANG members, and not AD.**
Paperwork
-Twenty copies of orders/Enlistment Contract (Reserves/ANG item)
-Unit Personnel Records (Reserves/ANG item)
-Social Security Card
-Driver's License/ID/Military ID (Military ID is for Reserves/ANG, AD are issued theirs at BMT)
-Birth Certificate
-High School Diploma
-College Transcripts
-Marriage License
-Glasses Prescription/Contact Lenses Prescription
-Medical Prescriptions (To include Birth Control)
-Dependents' Birth Records
-JROTC/ROTC Certificates
-Civil Air Patrol Certificates
-Naturalization Papers
-Alien Card
Clothing
-3 Days of Civilian Clothing (Ex: 2 pairs of jeans, 3 T-Shirts, 3 pairs of socks, 3 pairs of underwear for men, since you are issued yours.)*
-6 pairs of underwear (Females)*
-6 Sports Bras (Females)*
-3 pairs of compression shorts/spandex (Black)
-1 "Regular" Bra in nude or white for Blues (Females)
-Shower Shoes (Plain black flip flops from Wal-Mart, Target, or Old Navy will suffice)
-Running Shoes (Wear these down there, your MTI may let you keep them)
-Watch
-Cell phone and charger
Toiletries
-Shampoo/Conditioner**
-Body Wash**
-Shaving Cream (Males)**
-Toothpaste**
-Toothbrush (full size)***
-Toothbrush holder
-Tampons/Pads for one cycle (Females)
-Deordant**
-Hairspray (Females)**
-Gel (Females)**
-Razor(s)***
-Q Tips
-Brush/Comb
-Hair Ties/Bobby Pins/Conair Bunmaker(Females; this MUST match your hair color)
*Keep these in neutral colors, just in case (Black, White, Gray, and Nude)
**If you're flying there, these items MUST be 3 oz or less! Buy them in a clear/white color if possible. Aerosol products are also a no-no.
***Non-electric! These MUST be regular, disposable type products.
Keep in mind, pretty much all of these items are optional, and WILL be available to you at the BX/Shopette/Mini-Mall. However, you need to bring at least 3 days worth of these things, because we don't know when our first trip to these places will be. Males MUST bring shaving equipment, as you will be required to shave that first night, and every day thereafter. If you choose to only bring yourself, and nothing else, that's your call. You won't be kicked out. However, I will state again to bring a minimum of three days worth of these things. It'll make your life a bit easier.
Most importantly, do not stress out because you can't find something. I know it's difficult not to stress, but they have the things you need there! The most common stresser is the rectangular toothbrush holder. Just put your toothbrush in a Ziploc bag or buy a cheap, round holder to get you through until you make your first trip to the BX/Mini-Mall. It's important you focus on your PT regiment, and spending time with your loved ones relaxing before you go! Don't sweat the small stuff! =D
11 August 2012
The Forbidden: Aptitude Areas (More Commonly Known As Open Contracts)!
I said I was going to post about this, so here we go!
Within the Air Force, we have such things called Aptitude Areas, otherwise known as Open Contracts. These occur frequently. Some of you may be wondering what they are exactly, while others know exactly what I'm talking about! When you go to MEPS, you have an interview of sorts with your liaison in which you make a list, and essentially, pick your jobs. When doing this, you list a maximum of 10 jobs, and 1 Aptitude Area. Before you even leave for MEPS, let alone talk to your liaison about jobs, know what jobs you're interested in! Make a list, and bring it with you, and number them (1 being your top pick, and 10 being your last). They are more than willing to accommodate this for you! While you're listing your jobs, be thinking about what aptitude you want to list. If you're open to pretty much anything, ask which jobs drop most frequently within your squadron. For mine, it's Mech. and Elec.. But, if you're a bit more choosy, look at what jobs you picked the most of. Or, if you will only take a medical job, for example (which I strongly dis-advise) then list a Gen. Aptitude.
When you get back from MEPS, you and your recruiter should talk about what you listed, that way he/she knows what to look out for the most. They can see your list already, but by talking to them you let them know what you're most interested in, or what have you. I just added about 6 more jobs total to mine, but had to eliminate one of the original ones I listed, because I ran out of room. If you're like me, and open to basically anything, let your recruiter know!!! I can't stress that enough. I'm, fortunately, a favorite of my recruiter's because I also do what is asked of me, show up to the DEP CC's every month, and get back with him in a timely manner. This will work in my favor when the monthly job drops occur! He knows to lookout for something I may like, and get me shipped out faster!
Okay, back on topic of the open contracts. There are so many bad misconceptions about them. Basically, you won't get "stuck" with something you don't want. The one and only way this could happen is if you don't qualify for anything else on the list.
(Lies!)
When you accept an open contract (Let's say it's a General one), you accept the fact that you won't know what your job is until around 7WOT in BMT. From what I've been told, around 4WOT, you will go and view what jobs are available under the General area (since that's what you chose, remember?!). Let's say you made a 92 on your ASVAB, with a score of 85 in General. Well, you have your handy dandy list you made of jobs you'd like, and you're cross referencing that list to what's available. List as many jobs as you can! But, be aware that if you list something you don't really care for, or don't want at all, there is a great chance you may end up with it. So don't list something just to fill up space, make sure you'd be okay with it! Anyway, let's say your most wanted jobs are Public Affairs, Cryptologic Linguist, Loadmaster, Diet Therapy, EOD, In-Flight Refueling, and SERE. (Granted, these all range dramatically, but just go with it =]) You absolutely do not want Security Forces, which is the most popular job, I believe, to be given on an Open Gen contract. Now, let's say you didn't qualify for the Loadmaster and (I think) In-Flight Refueling, because you're 5'3", and to qualify for any airborne job, you must be a minimum of 5'4". So, there's 2 of your 7 jobs automatically gone. You didn't list Security Forces, so you're in the clear. You scored well enough on the ASVAB, that you definitely qualify for the other jobs for that aspect. You also have to take into consideration Security Clearances, vision, depth perception, etc. We'll say you passed them all with flying colors!
Since you're more than qualified for all the jobs you listed, you should expect to get one. The difference between listing jobs at MEPS, then waiting around for months for you to get a particular job, and going Open to BMT, is that you get first pick! While you're stuck at home, waiting around for a job, the trainees at BMT are picking over your jobs! Essentially, you get sloppy seconds. You have a better chance of getting the job you want by going Open, than you do waiting around for months on end. You could've already graduated BMT and Tech School, and be at your first duty station by the time your 1 year DEP contract expires. Think about it that way. Another difference, however, is that not every job in the General aptitude area are going to be on the BMT list. Only the spots they have open within the entire Air Force.
I hope I've thoroughly explained this, and have answered any question you all may have. If I think of anything that I left out, I'll make sure to update! Feel free to comment! =]
Within the Air Force, we have such things called Aptitude Areas, otherwise known as Open Contracts. These occur frequently. Some of you may be wondering what they are exactly, while others know exactly what I'm talking about! When you go to MEPS, you have an interview of sorts with your liaison in which you make a list, and essentially, pick your jobs. When doing this, you list a maximum of 10 jobs, and 1 Aptitude Area. Before you even leave for MEPS, let alone talk to your liaison about jobs, know what jobs you're interested in! Make a list, and bring it with you, and number them (1 being your top pick, and 10 being your last). They are more than willing to accommodate this for you! While you're listing your jobs, be thinking about what aptitude you want to list. If you're open to pretty much anything, ask which jobs drop most frequently within your squadron. For mine, it's Mech. and Elec.. But, if you're a bit more choosy, look at what jobs you picked the most of. Or, if you will only take a medical job, for example (which I strongly dis-advise) then list a Gen. Aptitude.
When you get back from MEPS, you and your recruiter should talk about what you listed, that way he/she knows what to look out for the most. They can see your list already, but by talking to them you let them know what you're most interested in, or what have you. I just added about 6 more jobs total to mine, but had to eliminate one of the original ones I listed, because I ran out of room. If you're like me, and open to basically anything, let your recruiter know!!! I can't stress that enough. I'm, fortunately, a favorite of my recruiter's because I also do what is asked of me, show up to the DEP CC's every month, and get back with him in a timely manner. This will work in my favor when the monthly job drops occur! He knows to lookout for something I may like, and get me shipped out faster!
Okay, back on topic of the open contracts. There are so many bad misconceptions about them. Basically, you won't get "stuck" with something you don't want. The one and only way this could happen is if you don't qualify for anything else on the list.
When you accept an open contract (Let's say it's a General one), you accept the fact that you won't know what your job is until around 7WOT in BMT. From what I've been told, around 4WOT, you will go and view what jobs are available under the General area (since that's what you chose, remember?!). Let's say you made a 92 on your ASVAB, with a score of 85 in General. Well, you have your handy dandy list you made of jobs you'd like, and you're cross referencing that list to what's available. List as many jobs as you can! But, be aware that if you list something you don't really care for, or don't want at all, there is a great chance you may end up with it. So don't list something just to fill up space, make sure you'd be okay with it! Anyway, let's say your most wanted jobs are Public Affairs, Cryptologic Linguist, Loadmaster, Diet Therapy, EOD, In-Flight Refueling, and SERE. (Granted, these all range dramatically, but just go with it =]) You absolutely do not want Security Forces, which is the most popular job, I believe, to be given on an Open Gen contract. Now, let's say you didn't qualify for the Loadmaster and (I think) In-Flight Refueling, because you're 5'3", and to qualify for any airborne job, you must be a minimum of 5'4". So, there's 2 of your 7 jobs automatically gone. You didn't list Security Forces, so you're in the clear. You scored well enough on the ASVAB, that you definitely qualify for the other jobs for that aspect. You also have to take into consideration Security Clearances, vision, depth perception, etc. We'll say you passed them all with flying colors!
Since you're more than qualified for all the jobs you listed, you should expect to get one. The difference between listing jobs at MEPS, then waiting around for months for you to get a particular job, and going Open to BMT, is that you get first pick! While you're stuck at home, waiting around for a job, the trainees at BMT are picking over your jobs! Essentially, you get sloppy seconds. You have a better chance of getting the job you want by going Open, than you do waiting around for months on end. You could've already graduated BMT and Tech School, and be at your first duty station by the time your 1 year DEP contract expires. Think about it that way. Another difference, however, is that not every job in the General aptitude area are going to be on the BMT list. Only the spots they have open within the entire Air Force.
I hope I've thoroughly explained this, and have answered any question you all may have. If I think of anything that I left out, I'll make sure to update! Feel free to comment! =]
10 August 2012
Update
Hello everyone! Quick post tonight. Just figured I'd give an update!
Yesterday my recruiter told me he would be viewing the job drop today! We hoped I'd be getting something, so I was anxious all day at work. Then I got busy running errands, and working out.
Well, after I got done working out, I found out the news about my job/ship date.....................................
It's still non-existent. =[ Boo!! We were both really hoping I'd get something, but alas, I did not. It sucks, but it's expected. Rarely does anyone (at least within our squadron) get a job/ship date on their first job drop. There's still next month, though!! Hopefully I'll get something soon. I really hate the waiting game. I'm more than willing to take an Open Contract (Aptitude Area)! Even quick ship! Well, I need to work on PT a bit more before I'm ready for that.
I actually hate that I've become so close with the people on the September shippers Facebook page. I've gotten to know them all well, and have bonded with them! I (along with them, too I think!) really hate that I can't ship with them. Here's to hoping I get stationed with them though!
Everyone please send good vibes my way that something comes up really soon for me! I'll keep updating, and I'm thinking of doing a whole post dedicated to Open Contracts, since they seem to be taboo to some people. Have a great night!
Yesterday my recruiter told me he would be viewing the job drop today! We hoped I'd be getting something, so I was anxious all day at work. Then I got busy running errands, and working out.
Well, after I got done working out, I found out the news about my job/ship date.....................................
It's still non-existent. =[ Boo!! We were both really hoping I'd get something, but alas, I did not. It sucks, but it's expected. Rarely does anyone (at least within our squadron) get a job/ship date on their first job drop. There's still next month, though!! Hopefully I'll get something soon. I really hate the waiting game. I'm more than willing to take an Open Contract (Aptitude Area)! Even quick ship! Well, I need to work on PT a bit more before I'm ready for that.
I actually hate that I've become so close with the people on the September shippers Facebook page. I've gotten to know them all well, and have bonded with them! I (along with them, too I think!) really hate that I can't ship with them. Here's to hoping I get stationed with them though!
Everyone please send good vibes my way that something comes up really soon for me! I'll keep updating, and I'm thinking of doing a whole post dedicated to Open Contracts, since they seem to be taboo to some people. Have a great night!
08 August 2012
Progress!
So, I just managed to do my FIRST "real" push up! Woot! I talked to my recruiter the other day, and he gave me some pointers (he even got down on the ground and did some!). I was keeping my hands too close to me, so he recommended I put them just outside my shoulders. I did, and I've been attempting it the last hour or two on commercials. Well, my last try (approx. 5 mins ago) I actually did one!
I have a big problem with keeping my body flat/straight, and not sticking my butt up when I go down. But, I managed the straightness, 90 degree angle of the arms, and looked forward and not down! As soon as I pushed up, though, I collapsed. Still. 1 is better than 0!!!
I haven't done any running these past 2 days, however. Yesterday was going to be my off day, and I intended to get back at it today. Well, my back had other plans. I worked 9-4 today, and hadn't had any problems whatsoever. Then, roughly 15 minutes before I left, I bent over to grab a bag from under the counter, when it hit me. It's not like a searing, piercing pain. It's just super sore. And it's my lower back. I ran a few errands after I got off, and then came home to rest for a bit. My husband and I usually leave at the same time to work out (he goes to the gym, while I brave the heat and run outside), so I was going to wait for him to get home and exchange a "How'd your day go?". Well, he left, and I decided to get up and change so I could leave. But, when I got up out of our recliner, I knew there wasn't a chance in Hell that I would be running. I didn't want to injure myself further. But then around 7:30ish, I thought I might go ahead and try. After all, the MTI's at BMT won't care if my back is a little sore, I'll still have to PT with the best of them. Nope. Still wasn't happenin'.
That's when I decided to attempt some sit ups/ push ups. Well, I decided against the sit ups, thinking if I can't even run, I definitely can't do sit ups. So that's what led me to the almost 2 hour session of attempting push ups. And I'm still UBER excited I did one!!
Anyway, that's the highlight of my day. Feel free to share yours! Although, I highly doubt you'll be able to beat that. Hahaha!! ;] Have a good night!
I have a big problem with keeping my body flat/straight, and not sticking my butt up when I go down. But, I managed the straightness, 90 degree angle of the arms, and looked forward and not down! As soon as I pushed up, though, I collapsed. Still. 1 is better than 0!!!
I haven't done any running these past 2 days, however. Yesterday was going to be my off day, and I intended to get back at it today. Well, my back had other plans. I worked 9-4 today, and hadn't had any problems whatsoever. Then, roughly 15 minutes before I left, I bent over to grab a bag from under the counter, when it hit me. It's not like a searing, piercing pain. It's just super sore. And it's my lower back. I ran a few errands after I got off, and then came home to rest for a bit. My husband and I usually leave at the same time to work out (he goes to the gym, while I brave the heat and run outside), so I was going to wait for him to get home and exchange a "How'd your day go?". Well, he left, and I decided to get up and change so I could leave. But, when I got up out of our recliner, I knew there wasn't a chance in Hell that I would be running. I didn't want to injure myself further. But then around 7:30ish, I thought I might go ahead and try. After all, the MTI's at BMT won't care if my back is a little sore, I'll still have to PT with the best of them. Nope. Still wasn't happenin'.
That's when I decided to attempt some sit ups/ push ups. Well, I decided against the sit ups, thinking if I can't even run, I definitely can't do sit ups. So that's what led me to the almost 2 hour session of attempting push ups. And I'm still UBER excited I did one!!
Anyway, that's the highlight of my day. Feel free to share yours! Although, I highly doubt you'll be able to beat that. Hahaha!! ;] Have a good night!
06 August 2012
Furthering the Enlistment Process!
So, I had planned on posting sooner, but due to my husband's incessant Xbox playing, that didn't happen. =] Anyway, it actually worked out in my favor, because I stopped by my recruiter's office this afternoon!
Nope, no ship date yet. He informed me that he submitted my job updates, but he went to check if they had been accepted, but not yet! We were both a little angry, but in the hour that I was there, he emailed them 3 times! Ha! I guess he's just being sure =] Anyway, he had to take one of the jobs off that I added, because I maxed the list out. But he said the job drop has happened, although he hasn't seen it yet. He did say I'm definitely at the top of his list to get a job first, though! It's because I've made it to every single DEP call since I started the process, I'm open to almost anything, and I'm not hard to get ahold of. Every time he calls, I answer or call him back immediately, same with texts. I've done my part, so now he's doing his =] I would hope all recruiters are like this, but I know they're not. But, if you're lucky enough to have one like I do, be sure to do everything they ask of you. Not only will it help you out for a job/ship date, it'll help you out in BMT and even being operational. People see that you're more than willing to do what needs to be done, so you could be chosen for numerous things over others! You also help out your recruiter doing this!
Being a recruiter is no easy task -- it's basically a 24/7 job. You have so many recruits to keep up with! You have to make sure they're staying qualified, submitting their forms/waivers, pushing to get them jobs/ship dates. There is so much that goes into being a recruiter, and it takes a special person to be able to do it. Regardless of how crappy your recruiter is, or how fantastic, take a moment to just say "thank you"! They've probably helped you out in ways that you don't know. They have to pull strings a lot! In one of my friend's cases, she was slated to go to MEPS, and she was 1 week out and had been telling her recruiter she was at weight. Well, at that 1 week mark, she was still 9 lbs over her max. Let's just say he wasn't a happy camper. He did everything he could to make sure she made weight, and she did! But she had to end up going back two more times for various waivers. She graduated BMT last July.
Anyway, I went for my run when I left my recruiter's office. It was at the place I do a lot of my runs, and we always have DEP calls. It's a "forest" type of park, with a lake in the middle of it. There's a path going around the lake, which is roughly 2.5 miles. It usually takes me at least 30-45 minutes to get all the way around. I don't run it all at one time. I usually run the first half mile, walk for 1-2 minutes, then run a minimum of .25 miles each time. But I don't normally make it to the full .25 haha! Today, though, I did! I ran it in about 26 minutes!!! This is a huge accomplishment for me! Now, I've gotta finish the rest of my workout (pushups/situps). If I actually manage any pushups tonight, I'll post!!
Have a good evening!!
Nope, no ship date yet. He informed me that he submitted my job updates, but he went to check if they had been accepted, but not yet! We were both a little angry, but in the hour that I was there, he emailed them 3 times! Ha! I guess he's just being sure =] Anyway, he had to take one of the jobs off that I added, because I maxed the list out. But he said the job drop has happened, although he hasn't seen it yet. He did say I'm definitely at the top of his list to get a job first, though! It's because I've made it to every single DEP call since I started the process, I'm open to almost anything, and I'm not hard to get ahold of. Every time he calls, I answer or call him back immediately, same with texts. I've done my part, so now he's doing his =] I would hope all recruiters are like this, but I know they're not. But, if you're lucky enough to have one like I do, be sure to do everything they ask of you. Not only will it help you out for a job/ship date, it'll help you out in BMT and even being operational. People see that you're more than willing to do what needs to be done, so you could be chosen for numerous things over others! You also help out your recruiter doing this!
Being a recruiter is no easy task -- it's basically a 24/7 job. You have so many recruits to keep up with! You have to make sure they're staying qualified, submitting their forms/waivers, pushing to get them jobs/ship dates. There is so much that goes into being a recruiter, and it takes a special person to be able to do it. Regardless of how crappy your recruiter is, or how fantastic, take a moment to just say "thank you"! They've probably helped you out in ways that you don't know. They have to pull strings a lot! In one of my friend's cases, she was slated to go to MEPS, and she was 1 week out and had been telling her recruiter she was at weight. Well, at that 1 week mark, she was still 9 lbs over her max. Let's just say he wasn't a happy camper. He did everything he could to make sure she made weight, and she did! But she had to end up going back two more times for various waivers. She graduated BMT last July.
Anyway, I went for my run when I left my recruiter's office. It was at the place I do a lot of my runs, and we always have DEP calls. It's a "forest" type of park, with a lake in the middle of it. There's a path going around the lake, which is roughly 2.5 miles. It usually takes me at least 30-45 minutes to get all the way around. I don't run it all at one time. I usually run the first half mile, walk for 1-2 minutes, then run a minimum of .25 miles each time. But I don't normally make it to the full .25 haha! Today, though, I did! I ran it in about 26 minutes!!! This is a huge accomplishment for me! Now, I've gotta finish the rest of my workout (pushups/situps). If I actually manage any pushups tonight, I'll post!!
Have a good evening!!
01 August 2012
Check-In!
Happy August everyone!
So I figured I'd write a quick post today. I went and met with my recruiter the other day for my weekly check in (he requires we do this after swearing in, I'm not sure about other recruiters). As I mentioned in my last post, we discussed a ridiculous financial situation that came about recently. We talked about my sister in law and how she's doing (since he was her and her husband's recruiter also!), and about her baby she just had about 3 weeks ago. Her job is Aircrew Flight Equipment. We had actually discussed me listing this on my job list, and he thought I did! Our monthly job drop within our squadron is comprised of about 98% Mechanical and Electrical jobs, which is why he was encouraging me to list it. Well, I told him I did not in fact put it down, so he immediately added it to my list (which I was more than okay with!) haha! He also handed me the book of job descriptions he has, and told me to read through every single mech. job. I was there for about an hour and a half just doing that.
I was fine with doing this, because the more jobs I list, the better chance I have of getting a job/ship date sooner! I ended up listing about 6 more jobs total, and I think we added on the Admin and Mech Aptitude Areas. I also think we removed a job, I can't remember.
Anyway, I highly encourage everyone to do this! Especially if you want to leave rather quickly, but don't want to sign up for quickship. But remember, don't list anything you don't really want to do; you could end up with it, and be mad. It falls back on you, though!
I've still been trying to improve on PT, and it's slowly coming along. I ran my mile today, and did some situps. The way I'm trying to improve on pushups is by doing them on the wall! My boss actually recommended this. I was doing "girl" pushups, which is the standard form for a "real" pushup, but you're on your knees. I wasn't getting anywhere with it, so I've been doing about 4 sets of 20 per day, or as often as possible. I can definitely tell I'm getting stronger, and kind of did one real pushup today! Every little bit counts!
I'll end this here, it's almost my bed time! Good night all, and Aim High!
So I figured I'd write a quick post today. I went and met with my recruiter the other day for my weekly check in (he requires we do this after swearing in, I'm not sure about other recruiters). As I mentioned in my last post, we discussed a ridiculous financial situation that came about recently. We talked about my sister in law and how she's doing (since he was her and her husband's recruiter also!), and about her baby she just had about 3 weeks ago. Her job is Aircrew Flight Equipment. We had actually discussed me listing this on my job list, and he thought I did! Our monthly job drop within our squadron is comprised of about 98% Mechanical and Electrical jobs, which is why he was encouraging me to list it. Well, I told him I did not in fact put it down, so he immediately added it to my list (which I was more than okay with!) haha! He also handed me the book of job descriptions he has, and told me to read through every single mech. job. I was there for about an hour and a half just doing that.
I was fine with doing this, because the more jobs I list, the better chance I have of getting a job/ship date sooner! I ended up listing about 6 more jobs total, and I think we added on the Admin and Mech Aptitude Areas. I also think we removed a job, I can't remember.
Anyway, I highly encourage everyone to do this! Especially if you want to leave rather quickly, but don't want to sign up for quickship. But remember, don't list anything you don't really want to do; you could end up with it, and be mad. It falls back on you, though!
I've still been trying to improve on PT, and it's slowly coming along. I ran my mile today, and did some situps. The way I'm trying to improve on pushups is by doing them on the wall! My boss actually recommended this. I was doing "girl" pushups, which is the standard form for a "real" pushup, but you're on your knees. I wasn't getting anywhere with it, so I've been doing about 4 sets of 20 per day, or as often as possible. I can definitely tell I'm getting stronger, and kind of did one real pushup today! Every little bit counts!
I'll end this here, it's almost my bed time! Good night all, and Aim High!
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