Basic Training Advice for Ratboy

[heydensmom]

Our beloved Ratboy will be leaving us shortly to go to Lackland AFB Spa and Resort.

Post your words of encouragment/basic training survival guide. Let's send him off OM style! :thumbs:

[ludo21]

Have fun with it, they play mind games.

[ozomulsion]

Things have changed, it's a peace of cake. You can practice by jogging and folding laundry :). Gold luck buddy.

[Hogan11]

Don't forget to lock your footlocker and never hide a jelly doughnut in it.

[DBroncos4life]

its not survivor so you can't switch teams when ever you want.:)

[ludo21]

its not survivor so you can't switch teams when ever you want.:)

LOL :rofl:

Good thing I did my own thing, or hot rod would have tried to stab me good. ;D

[PatsWin2002]

My best bud was there in July 1985 in the summer heat. Ugh.

When he came home he still couldn't do more than 3 pushups, but he could run his butt off.

He's the most UNreligious person you've ever met, but he often went to church down there because it was the only place where nobody was yelling at him. Keep it in mind.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Post your words of encouragment/basic training survival guide. Let's send him off OM style! :thumbs: They ran us into the ground (tore up ankle ligaments so I had to go an extra two and a half weeks). Got us up every day at 04:30, sh*t and shave, did PT for 60 minutes, rain or shine, ran to the mess hall had 15 minutes to get our food, eat, police up and get back to the barracks for inspection.

30 more minutes of PT, run 4 miles to the rifle ranges for the days training, field lunch, 15 minutes to eat, police up and fall into formation. Finish the days training, run back to the base, 15 minutes to get our food, eat, police up and get back to the barracks. 30 minutes of our time before 90 minutes of classroom instruction. Shower, sh*t and in bunk by 2100.

Drill sergeants all looked like the guy below. If any of them cop an attitude towards you, you're ****ed. Had a lot of guys falling out during runs and PT that just couldn't make it.

Weren't allowed off base for 6 and a half weeks. Only one weekend pass the whole 8 weeks.

Just hope that you don't get sent to the south Texas during the middle of the summer.











http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/02/Drill_sergeant_screams.jpg/200px-Drill_sergeant_screams.jpg

[watermock]

Make sure you put your toe in the hot tub in front of the Sarge to make sure the water is acceptable and to your liking. If not, call management.

[BleedingOrange]

Read the 213 things skippy can no longer do in the military and then try to avoid most of them. http://www.skippyslist.com/skippylist.html

[Hogan11]

When you get off the bus...follow John Candy's lead in Stripes...go up to the first CO you see and say "Hey Eisnenhower, where's the mess hall?"

Ha!

[Cito Pelon]

Don't ask, don't tell.

[Ratboy]

Things have changed, it's a peace of cake. You can practice by jogging and folding laundry :). Gold luck buddy.

;D Air Force rolls their clothes now.

Thanks though :)

[Ratboy]

Don't forget to lock your footlocker and never hide a jelly doughnut in it.

I've read about this, something about yelling "Key Check!" and slapping your chest. I'm sure i'll find out about it shortly.

[scorpio]

This is my rifle, this is my gun.

[TheManeMan]

This is for fighting...this is for fun...


Kick some ass and take some names dude...Good luck to you and keep us updated...

[Orange_Beard]

Do Not shave your head before you go. Let them do it.

[v2micca]

Best of luck to you man. Basic for Air Force isn't too bad. And just from my experience out here at Camp Victory, its seems like the Air Force tends to get the higher percentage of hot chicks signing up than the other branches. So you should have some good scenery. I've included a translation guide for you to help you when interacting with the other branches of the military.


MILITARY LANGUAGE CONVERSION CHART

NAVY / USMC
ARMY
AIR FORCE

Head
Latrine
Powder Room

Rack
Bunk
Single with ruffle and duvet

Mess Deck / Chow Hall
Mess Hall / Mess Tent
Dining Facility or 'The Cafe'

"Cookie", stew burner
Mess Cook
Contract Chef

Coffee / Mud
Cup of Joe
Vanilla Skim Latte'

Bug Juice
Kool-Aid
Shirley Temple

Utilities / Digitals
BDUs / ACUs
Casual Wear

Seaman / Private
Private
Bobby / Jimmy

Chief / Gunny
Sergeant
Bob / Jim

Captain / Skipper
Colonel
Robert / James

Captain's Mast
Article 15
Time Out

Berthing / Barracks
Barracks
Apartment

Skivvies / U-Trau
Underwear
Undies

Thrown in the Brig
Put in Confinement
Grounded

Zoom Bag
Flight Suit
Business Casual

Cover / Head Gear
Beret
Optional

Ship's Store / NEX
PX (PX Trailer)
AAFES Shopping Mall

TAD
TDY
PCS with family

Cruise / Afloat
Deploy
Huh?

Ground Grabbers
Athletic Shoes
Flip-Flops

Die for your Country
Die for your Battle Buddy
Die for Air Conditioning

Shipmate / Marine
Battle Buddy
Don't Ask, Don't Tell or Honey

Terminate / Kill
Take Out
Back on Base for Happy Hour

Boon Dockers
Jump Boots
Birkenstocks

Low Quarters
Low Quarters
Patent Leather Pumps

SEAL
SF/Ranger
Librarian

Shore Patrol / MPs
MPs
SF

Oouh-Rah!
Hoo-ah!
Hip-Hip hurray!

MRE
MRE
Happy Meal To Go

Salute
Salute
Wave

Obstacle Course
Confidence Course
Class 6 Parking Lot

Grinder / Drill Field
Parade Field
What?

Ge-Dunk
Snack Bar
Chuck E. Cheese

PT Test
APFT
"No conversion available"

Dept. of the Navy
DoD
DoD Lite

Midshipman
Cadet
Debutant

Hard-Core
Strak
"Way Too Serious"



Best of luck buddy.

[Cool Breeze]

A tatoo with Air Force on it will be looked upon kindly. Be sure to show it to your drill.

[Cool Breeze]

Get your MOS in writing. Before you go.

[SteveTensi13]

I wonder if the DI's still wear taps on the bottom of thier boots? That sound used to annoy and scare the hell out of me, "Something wicked this way comes".

[BroncoMatt]

PUT IT DOWN! PICK IT UP!
PUT IT DOWN! PICK IT UP!
PUT IT DOWN! PICK IT UP!

these words mean nothing to you know, by next week you will never forget them

[heydensmom]

Best of luck to you man. Basic for Air Force isn't too bad. And just from my experience out here at Camp Victory, its seems like the Air Force tends to get the higher percentage of hot chicks signing up than the other branches. So you should have some good scenery. I've included a translation guide for you to help you when interacting with the other branches of the military.

This is true. I was at then Falcon AFB, lived on Peterson AFB, and loads of Army guys from Ft Carson would come eat on our dinning hall, and they said it was because of the food, but we knew it was for the scenery! ;)

[watermock]

http://www.historychannel.com/global/exhibit_templates/images/mail_call_home.jpg

Just pray you don't get Gunny. He cracks me up splattering melons.

[Broncoman13]

Ratboy, I'm glad you're going into the Air Force instead of any other branch. The Marines, Army, and Navy all make fun of the Air Force, but it is more jealousy than anything. Certainly nothing to be ashamed of b/c generally you have to be smarter to get into the Air Force in the first place.

Do's:
Cut your hair before you go. Not shaved, but cut so that you don't have a bip old mop. It will only draw attention to you and the TI's loving watching the big hairs. Drawing attention to yourself is not a key to success!

Volunteer for stuff. People will always tell you not to volunteer for anything. That's BS. You just have to know what to and what not to volunteer for! Obstacle Course Clean-up was a day off! Laundry Duty is the way to go for daily duties! If not Laundry Duty then something like Rack Aligner or something. Just avoid the latrine duties which is where all of the people that DON'T volunteer for something end up!

For whatever reason don't smile. My TI used to always give me **** for smiling. I guess I'm just good natured, but when I graduated my TI was still yelling, Damn you *******, you're still freaking smiling!

Keep your **** together. You're there for one reason and one reason only. Don't be concerned with what's going on in the world outside of Lackland. All of your buddies back home, the OM, and anything else you can think of will all be there when you finish your 7 weeks. In other words, just concentrate on your duties there in San Antone. Keep your wall locker tight. Keep your pockets empty. Keep up with your money list. And go to church. Like somebody mentioned earlier, its one of the few times that you won't get messed with at all. That and church is actually kind of fun at basic.

Good luck little man, I hope you make the best of your experience. Don't be afraid to step up to the plate. Too many people want to go through life and just be an average joe. Don't barely get by, give Uncle Sam your all and he'll take care of you forever!!!

GOOD LUCK!

[watermock]

All good advice. I have zero military experience, my second cousin was a hero in Vietnam and got the silver star, and my uncle patched together Sherman tanks that were blown apart by vastly superior 88's on Panzers. Those German guns could go in one side and out the other. They ran on Gas where the Germans used Mercedes diesel motors. Thus the term Ronson for the Sherman, because it lit every time.

I do know a little, altho it's not like it was, the idea is to break you down then build you back up. Don't take it personal, it's so they know you will walk into death and follow orders.

Keep your chin up and don't drop your eyes but also don't try to stare the commander down. Yes sir and a slight nod. ALWAYS follow every order even if it's ludicrous. DO NOT QUESTION THEIR AUTHORITY. This isn't Stripes where you can go uggbaagga uggbagga on graduation day with Bill Murray. I would reccomend you rent that one if you haven't seen it and do exactly the opposite, Very funny movie. Thanks for serving and best of luck. Air Force is by far the coolest and much safer than infantry patrols.

[defenseman]

Stay focused on the task at hand, Never lose that focus. The task may change minute to minute, hour to hour. Do EVERYTHING to the best you can muster, if you do, you will come out of it in flying colors and , I might add, get the most out of it you could have gotten. NEVER QUIT ANYTHING!!!!...dman

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Just watch out if any of your bunk buddies start singing this song to you......

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.

[watermock]

I defer to the man under the waves. Submariners are just underater pilots under more pressure.

[gunns]

My son was there a year 1/2 ago and the one piece of advice I received from my brother was do not send your air force loved one a package of say magazines, cookies, candies, anything of home comforts. They will pay dearly.

[gunns]

Oh and also, let your family know that your first phone call will be to ONLY give your address....and that you will have to do it FAST. No I love you's, how's it going, get that address and wait for the next phone call.

[freak6]

The best advice I would give him is have fun. I went to boot camp here at MCRD San Diego back in 94, and like most Marines I have literally 100s of stories, and I have got to say, it was a blast. If you wake up every day looking forward to what your about to do, and have fun with your fellow campers, its a blast. Even if you screw up, who cares, what are they gonna do to you, make you do push-ups, big fkn deal. In the airforce they'll take away your hair dryer and curlers for a whole week.

I lived to get thrashed, I volunteered for every thrashing I could get into, I'd make up bs stories to the hats coming off how I "fd up", just to get thrashed. It was fun as hell. My rackmate was crazy. He'd go on "recon" missions in the middle of the night, and wrap his extra blanket around his torso, so only his arms were out, and silent lowcrawl around the entire squad bay, the constant security patrols 5 feet away didn't know he was there. He'd take the little ends (short guys) shoes, and swap them with the big ends, so when we had to get dressed in 15 seconds the next morning, it was utter hilarity. He and I could barely keep from laughing so loud. Imagine the Drill Instructor going down the line screaming "Who the fk did this, Who did it, I'll find out, and he's gonna pay, oh we don't wanna tell, GOOD WE'LL ALL PAY!!!"

Music to our ears. We hated the weaklings in our platoon anyway.

They made us empty our footlockers, throw our sht all over, mixed up our 82 locks so we couldnt find ours, then thrashed us every second they could. IT WAS GREAT!!! Only he and I knew of course, we were laughing inside the entire time. Boot camp is a blast. The funniest was watching guys fall off the slide for life, or this Gomer Pyle fkr that we picked up from another platoon, he was Pyle re-incarnated, he was carrying his mattress up and down stairs for as long as it took for him to tap out and quit our company. That was pretty nuts.

[defenseman]

Interesting. The 0200 inspections are always fun, and of course when the CC's decide it's time to give you some "special attention" , your rack , locker, mattress , sheets, blanket , EVERYTHING out the window. "You got 5 minutes to square it away scumbag"....that was fun , to a point of course. Trash can lids DO HURT when used as a frisbee also. I think I caught at least three of them square on the noggin throughout my time in boots. March, march, march and march some more. One guy is off by half a step, EVERYONE pays. Weapons training is a blast. Obstacle course stuff is a blast also.....dman

[BMF Bronco]

Ratboy, I think Oskie hit it on the head, but like I said in the PMs, it's all one big mind ****, don't let it get to you, it's over before you know it. Remember anonymity is a wonderful thing!

[Hotrod]

MILITARY LANGUAGE CONVERSION CHART

NAVY / USMC
ARMY
AIR FORCE

Head
Latrine
Powder Room

Rack
Bunk
Single with ruffle and duvet

Mess Deck / Chow Hall
Mess Hall / Mess Tent
Dining Facility or 'The Cafe'

"Cookie", stew burner
Mess Cook
Contract Chef

Coffee / Mud
Cup of Joe
Vanilla Skim Latte'

Bug Juice
Kool-Aid
Shirley Temple

Utilities / Digitals
BDUs / ACUs
Casual Wear

Seaman / Private
Private
Bobby / Jimmy

Chief / Gunny
Sergeant
Bob / Jim

Captain / Skipper
Colonel
Robert / James

Captain's Mast
Article 15
Time Out

Berthing / Barracks
Barracks
Apartment

Skivvies / U-Trau
Underwear
Undies

Thrown in the Brig
Put in Confinement
Grounded

Zoom Bag
Flight Suit
Business Casual

Cover / Head Gear
Beret
Optional

Ship's Store / NEX
PX (PX Trailer)
AAFES Shopping Mall

TAD
TDY
PCS with family

Cruise / Afloat
Deploy
Huh?

Ground Grabbers
Athletic Shoes
Flip-Flops

Die for your Country
Die for your Battle Buddy
Die for Air Conditioning

Shipmate / Marine
Battle Buddy
Don't Ask, Don't Tell or Honey

Terminate / Kill
Take Out
Back on Base for Happy Hour

Boon Dockers
Jump Boots
Birkenstocks

Low Quarters
Low Quarters
Patent Leather Pumps

SEAL
SF/Ranger
Librarian

Shore Patrol / MPs
MPs
SF

Oouh-Rah!
Hoo-ah!
Hip-Hip hurray!

MRE
MRE
Happy Meal To Go

Salute
Salute
Wave

Obstacle Course
Confidence Course
Class 6 Parking Lot

Grinder / Drill Field
Parade Field
What?

Ge-Dunk
Snack Bar
Chuck E. Cheese

PT Test
APFT
"No conversion available"

Dept. of the Navy
DoD
DoD Lite

Midshipman
Cadet
Debutant

Hard-Core
Strak
"Way Too Serious"


LOL great stuff

The best thing I did was nobody with any authority what so ever knew me by name. Lay low do your time and get out.

[defenseman]

Hotrod, know what scuttlebutt is?...dman

[Hotrod]

Im not sure if the Air force has anything like this but we had what was called "marching party" if you f'd up during the day when everyone else finally hit the rack you had to put on every piece of cloths you had including stocking cap & coat and then go to the party. Which consisted of running/push ups and other crap out on the black top. They would work you until someone got sick litterally.

I got sent on the very last night since "you have yet to experiance or attend the party son have fun dont be out to late"......fer I thought I had made it.

[Hotrod]

Hotrod, know what scuttlebutt is?...dman

If I remember its the water cooler.

[Hotrod]

I was part of the "other" Navy damn USS Fredrick world war II gator frighter. Last I heard she was sold to Mexico.

[Ratboy]

I plan on stuffing myself with food the next few days :)

[BMF Bronco]

three days and a wake up!

[Denver Crush]

Even if you are not religious, go to church. I am not religious, but that was damn sure some of the best sleep I got in Boot.

[Alkazar]

Having survived a slightly tougher bootcamp, and finding it easy, I'm sure you'll come through with flying colors! From an ex-flyboy to a new one!

[Broncoman13]

Even if you are not religious, go to church. I am not religious, but that was damn sure some of the best sleep I got in Boot.


That brings back memories. I was ALWAYS tired! I remember trying to teach myself how to sleep with my eyes open. I think that was the biggest mind **** for me. That and being there on New Year's Eve. I arrived two days after Christmas. That sucked. Knowing that all of my buddies were back home partying and having fun while I was freezing my ass off trying to get a couple hours sleep, knowing that I'd probably hear those toe taps at any time. But then 4 or 5 years later and even still to this day a ton of my same buddies are still doing the same thing, sitting around drinking and partying every weekend. Working different jobs every year or two, making $15 or $20 an hour with limited benefits... morale of the story, what seems important to you now, may not seem too important 10 years later... or even a year later for that matter!

[Swedish Extrovert]

A tatoo with Air Force on it will be looked upon kindly. Be sure to show it to your drill.

They're really cracking down on tatoos. In the Navy, no new Tatoos are allowed.

[gunns]

Ratboy, I think Oskie hit it on the head, but like I said in the PMs, it's all one big mind ****, don't let it get to you, it's over before you know it. Remember anonymity is a wonderful thing!

My brother and son told me the same thing....don't let them remember your name....

[Swedish Extrovert]

Best of luck to you man. Basic for Air Force isn't too bad. And just from my experience out here at Camp Victory, its seems like the Air Force tends to get the higher percentage of hot chicks signing up than the other branches. So you should have some good scenery. I've included a translation guide for you to help you when interacting with the other branches of the military.


MILITARY LANGUAGE CONVERSION CHART

NAVY / USMC
ARMY
AIR FORCE

Head
Latrine
Powder Room

Rack
Bunk
Single with ruffle and duvet

Mess Deck / Chow Hall
Mess Hall / Mess Tent
Dining Facility or 'The Cafe'

"Cookie", stew burner
Mess Cook
Contract Chef

Coffee / Mud
Cup of Joe
Vanilla Skim Latte'

Bug Juice
Kool-Aid
Shirley Temple

Utilities / Digitals
BDUs / ACUs
Casual Wear

Seaman / Private
Private
Bobby / Jimmy

Chief / Gunny
Sergeant
Bob / Jim

Captain / Skipper
Colonel
Robert / James

Captain's Mast
Article 15
Time Out

Berthing / Barracks
Barracks
Apartment

Skivvies / U-Trau
Underwear
Undies

Thrown in the Brig
Put in Confinement
Grounded

Zoom Bag
Flight Suit
Business Casual

Cover / Head Gear
Beret
Optional

Ship's Store / NEX
PX (PX Trailer)
AAFES Shopping Mall

TAD
TDY
PCS with family

Cruise / Afloat
Deploy
Huh?

Ground Grabbers
Athletic Shoes
Flip-Flops

Die for your Country
Die for your Battle Buddy
Die for Air Conditioning

Shipmate / Marine
Battle Buddy
Don't Ask, Don't Tell or Honey

Terminate / Kill
Take Out
Back on Base for Happy Hour

Boon Dockers
Jump Boots
Birkenstocks

Low Quarters
Low Quarters
Patent Leather Pumps

SEAL
SF/Ranger
Librarian

Shore Patrol / MPs
MPs
SF

Oouh-Rah!
Hoo-ah!
Hip-Hip hurray!

MRE
MRE
Happy Meal To Go

Salute
Salute
Wave

Obstacle Course
Confidence Course
Class 6 Parking Lot

Grinder / Drill Field
Parade Field
What?

Ge-Dunk
Snack Bar
Chuck E. Cheese

PT Test
APFT
"No conversion available"

Dept. of the Navy
DoD
DoD Lite

Midshipman
Cadet
Debutant

Hard-Core
Strak
"Way Too Serious"



Best of luck buddy.

OMFG LOL :thanku: :rofl:

I could not have said that better. Genius.

Funny, funny Air Force. Poor guys wouldn't know what to do.... eh I better not bash the Air Force, although I could.

Good luck Ratboy. I would say be cautiously confident. They try to pick out the weak ones. REmmember a lot of what they say and do is complete bull****, just to **** with your mind.

Boot camp is so ****ing easy though. I thought it was going to be running and fighting..... more like polishing shoes for hours on end, trying not to fall asleep, spending an hour folding your underwear.... then getting yelled at because the edge isn't perfectly even..... the folding them again.

I'm sure the Air Force is even easier. I should have gone Air Force... if you can, put NORAD on your dream sheet. I would love to stationed there.

[sirhcyennek81]

My brother had a hard time in boot, the D/I's were guys who went to boot...with our dad. Gave him all kids of ****.


:Broncos:

[watermock]

When I lived near Englin AFB near Pensacola it was pretty unnerving driving on I-10. they practice helecopter and those big gunship planes there. Converted C-130's I think with 50 cals and those crazy guns they have on Warthogs. Anyway, I'm driving along I-10 and the damn thing highlight me with their spotlight. I felt like a deer in the headlights. He was probably laughing his ass off. Gulf Breeze is famous for UFO sightings, and I swear to God, I was inside and it was night, but I could distinctly hear two copters, nothing unusual around there, but along side was something that went "Wooop Wooop Wooop" It might of been some sort of warning horn, but they don't do that I think. Freaked me out I tell ya. It just wasn't like a siren at all, more like an engine. Elgin is freakin huge. There is another huge base a bit east near Destin.

[Broncoman13]

When I lived near Englin AFB near Pensacola it was pretty unnerving driving on I-10. they practice helecopter and those big gunship planes there. Converted C-130's I think with 50 cals and those crazy guns they have on Warthogs. Anyway, I'm driving along I-10 and the damn thing highlight me with their spotlight. I felt like a deer in the headlights. He was probably laughing his ass off. Gulf Breeze is famous for UFO sightings, and I swear to God, I was inside and it was night, but I could distinctly hear two copters, nothing unusual around there, but along side was something that went "Wooop Wooop Wooop" It might of been some sort of warning horn, but they don't do that I think. Freaked me out I tell ya. It just wasn't like a siren at all, more like an engine. Elgin is freakin huge. There is another huge base a bit east near Destin.

Okay, you know you're getting old when you can't remember the correct name of either base that you lived right down the street from. That and you're 60-90 miles off on the correct interstates! Eglin (not Elgin) and your missing base (Hurlburt Field) are within 15 miles of one an other along 98 (not I-10). Another 60 miles or so East is Panama City and Tyndall AFB. For those gapping about the Air Force, I spen 4 years in Panama City Fla at Tyndall AFB. I'm sure there are worse things in life then being a 19 year old bachelor at MTV's Spring Break home for the entire time I was there. Not even Mock could forget the beaches along that stretch of Florida. I'll never forget the first time I walked on the beaches in PC. The sand is so white and so fine it sounded like you were walking in snow. Squeaky and even had the same feel...minus the cold. There were a ton of sharks in the waters while I was there. We'd go out to NCO beach (On Tyndall) and fish the surf. It was nothing to catch 2-3 ft sharks. I think that lasted for about two years. You could also hop on a Jet Ski or a boat and cruise out to Shell Island. First time I ever swam with Dolphins. Very Cool.

About Mock's claims. Not suprising in the least. Hurlburt is a special ops base. That is in fact where the Gunships (C-130S) call home. Although they spend most of their time down in Panama, Cuba, Columbia, and all through Mexico, they do their Phased Insp. at Hurlburt so that is home! I had a buddy that was stationed there. He was gone over 200 days a year and he was on rotations. He said the Aircraft were gone probably 300 days a year.

Eglin has a test unit as well. Not the least bit suprised that Mock would hear or see something that he wasn't familiar with. I think one of the main reasons they do so much of the training out at Edwards now is b/c its so remote. Nothing within hours. No Mock's to mess with. Nobody to ask questions. Little FYI, I think most know that I work with the V-22 program now. Did you know that the first Tiltrotor aircraft flew nearly 25 years ago? People see the Osprey now and think it came along in the past couple years. The original design was from the early 80's. Just like the F-22 Raptor! Every new airframe that you see flying now was likely engineered a decade, possibly two decades earlier. The only thing that changes is the software and components, and that will continue to change throughout the aircraft's life cycle. So, anyhow, when you consider that the prototypes for these type of aircraft are a decade old, it doesn't suprise that Mock would see something that would look out of place.

Ratboy, I don't know how the Army, Navy, or Marines work at Basic in terms of Chow, but the Air Force is good to go! It'll take you a couple weeks to get used to the whole thing and you'll probably be a little hungry at first, but after you realize the deal and stop worrying so much about getting F'd with, you'll go back for more and load up your plate. I used to eat two or three Chix sandwiches per meal and have a couple servings of potatoes and gravy as well. Then you have Ice Cream for dessert. Call it the country club or whatever you'd like, I enjoyed my time in the Air Force. And after you figure out the game you'll enjoy it too! What job are you going into?

[Ratboy]

Ratboy, I don't know how the Army, Navy, or Marines work at Basic in terms of Chow, but the Air Force is good to go! It'll take you a couple weeks to get used to the whole thing and you'll probably be a little hungry at first, but after you realize the deal and stop worrying so much about getting F'd with, you'll go back for more and load up your plate. I used to eat two or three Chix sandwiches per meal and have a couple servings of potatoes and gravy as well. Then you have Ice Cream for dessert. Call it the country club or whatever you'd like, I enjoyed my time in the Air Force. And after you figure out the game you'll enjoy it too! What job are you going into?


3C0X1 (Computer System Operations). I feel very lucky to get into this AFSC, I've heard it's heavily overmanned.

[Broncoman13]

3C0X1 (Computer System Operations). I feel very lucky to get into this AFSC, I've heard it's heavily overmanned.


There are two ways of looking at that. One, you can look at it as you are lucky, if you're planning on doing 4 or 6 and getting out. You'll pick up some great training and chances are good that you'll land a pretty good job when you get out. But, if you plan on making a career out of the Air Force the heavily overmanned AFSC will make it very tough to make rank. You'll also likely never have a chance at an SRB (special reenlistment bonus) b/c the field is overmanned. Last but not least, I don't remember taking the computer guys when we went TDY. So, no Singapore, no Red Flag, Cold Lake/Silver Flag, or Tyndall trips for you. Then again, I'm not sure I'd recommend the flight line to anybody these days. Personnel shortages have really left a bad mark on the flight line. The military new it was coming. They were losing a lot of their journeymen. When I came in there were a lot of old MSgt's and career Tech's, but not very many young SSgt's. Most of the sharp kids were getting out and moving to bigger and better things. Then the AirForce had the bright idea to lower the cutoff scores so that more people would make rank, which would entice them to re-enlist, which would give them that middle of the pack trainer/journeyman that could train their airmen when they came in. Only problem, you end up with a bunch of kids that have no business being JNCOs. Same thing with the Marines, Army, and Navy. You end up with 20 year old kids that are E-5's and close to running a flightline/Deck for their respective AFSC/MOS. It's not a good situation, but there really isn't a good fix either.

[Ratboy]

There are two ways of looking at that. One, you can look at it as you are lucky, if you're planning on doing 4 or 6 and getting out. You'll pick up some great training and chances are good that you'll land a pretty good job when you get out. But, if you plan on making a career out of the Air Force the heavily overmanned AFSC will make it very tough to make rank. You'll also likely never have a chance at an SRB (special reenlistment bonus) b/c the field is overmanned. Last but not least, I don't remember taking the computer guys when we went TDY. So, no Singapore, no Red Flag, Cold Lake/Silver Flag, or Tyndall trips for you. Then again, I'm not sure I'd recommend the flight line to anybody these days. Personnel shortages have really left a bad mark on the flight line. The military new it was coming. They were losing a lot of their journeymen. When I came in there were a lot of old MSgt's and career Tech's, but not very many young SSgt's. Most of the sharp kids were getting out and moving to bigger and better things. Then the AirForce had the bright idea to lower the cutoff scores so that more people would make rank, which would entice them to re-enlist, which would give them that middle of the pack trainer/journeyman that could train their airmen when they came in. Only problem, you end up with a bunch of kids that have no business being JNCOs. Same thing with the Marines, Army, and Navy. You end up with 20 year old kids that are E-5's and close to running a flightline/Deck for their respective AFSC/MOS. It's not a good situation, but there really isn't a good fix either.

I'm going in for 4, 6 would get me E-3 after Tech School, but IF i end up disliking the Air Force Life, I'm gonna regret signing 6. I'm leaning more towards 4. If i like the Air Force, I'm going to try and stay. I also plan on taking full advantage the education benefits. I want to work on getting a degree while i'm in.

[watermock]

Okay, you know you're getting old when you can't remember the correct name of either base that you lived right down the street from. That and you're 60-90 miles off on the correct interstates! Eglin (not Elgin) and your missing base (Hurlburt Field) are within 15 miles of one an other along 98 (not I-10). Another 60 miles or so East is Panama City and Tyndall AFB. For those gapping about the Air Force, I spen 4 years in Panama City Fla at Tyndall AFB. I'm sure there are worse things in life then being a 19 year old bachelor at MTV's Spring Break home for the entire time I was there. Not even Mock could forget the beaches along that stretch of Florida. I'll never forget the first time I walked on the beaches in PC. The sand is so white and so fine it sounded like you were walking in snow. Squeaky and even had the same feel...minus the cold. There were a ton of sharks in the waters while I was there. We'd go out to NCO beach (On Tyndall) and fish the surf. It was nothing to catch 2-3 ft sharks. I think that lasted for about two years. You could also hop on a Jet Ski or a boat and cruise out to Shell Island. First time I ever swam with Dolphins. Very Cool.

About Mock's claims. Not suprising in the least. Hurlburt is a special ops base. That is in fact where the Gunships (C-130S) call home. Although they spend most of their time down in Panama, Cuba, Columbia, and all through Mexico, they do their Phased Insp. at Hurlburt so that is home! I had a buddy that was stationed there. He was gone over 200 days a year and he was on rotations. He said the Aircraft were gone probably 300 days a year.

Eglin has a test unit as well. Not the least bit suprised that Mock would hear or see something that he wasn't familiar with. I think one of the main reasons they do so much of the training out at Edwards now is b/c its so remote. Nothing within hours. No Mock's to mess with. Nobody to ask questions. Little FYI, I think most know that I work with the V-22 program now. Did you know that the first Tiltrotor aircraft flew nearly 25 years ago? People see the Osprey now and think it came along in the past couple years. The original design was from the early 80's. Just like the F-22 Raptor! Every new airframe that you see flying now was likely engineered a decade, possibly two decades earlier. The only thing that changes is the software and components, and that will continue to change throughout the aircraft's life cycle. So, anyhow, when you consider that the prototypes for these type of aircraft are a decade old, it doesn't suprise that Mock would see something that would look out of place.

Ratboy, I don't know how the Army, Navy, or Marines work at Basic in terms of Chow, but the Air Force is good to go! It'll take you a couple weeks to get used to the whole thing and you'll probably be a little hungry at first, but after you realize the deal and stop worrying so much about getting F'd with, you'll go back for more and load up your plate. I used to eat two or three Chix sandwiches per meal and have a couple servings of potatoes and gravy as well. Then you have Ice Cream for dessert. Call it the country club or whatever you'd like, I enjoyed my time in the Air Force. And after you figure out the game you'll enjoy it too! What job are you going into?

Hey dickhead, does that look like I-10 to you? STFU. Excuse me for misspelling the bases name, I didn't exactly camp there. You deserve to of had spring break at the rathole called Panama City,. It's a dump. I didn't know this was so damn important, but I lived on 98. Generally, they did exercises away from the coast closer to I-10 so you act like you know crap but you don't.

http://www.pensacola-charters.com/map.gif

[watermock]

Also, I didn't remember the other field, I didn't know it so ****ing important. It meant nothing honestly other than that there was another base in the area...gee...I hope I got Fort Walton right. Smartass. I know I was on I-10 when I got under spotlight so you freakin' think what you want dumbass. Elgin is just as close to I-10 as US 98 and less populated away from the coast.

[Cito Pelon]

. . . . . I've included a translation guide for you to help you when interacting with the other branches of the military. . . . . .

L - M - A - O! :rofl:

[Flyboy063]

There are two ways of looking at that. One, you can look at it as you are lucky, if you're planning on doing 4 or 6 and getting out. You'll pick up some great training and chances are good that you'll land a pretty good job when you get out. But, if you plan on making a career out of the Air Force the heavily overmanned AFSC will make it very tough to make rank. You'll also likely never have a chance at an SRB (special reenlistment bonus) b/c the field is overmanned. Last but not least, I don't remember taking the computer guys when we went TDY. So, no Singapore, no Red Flag, Cold Lake/Silver Flag, or Tyndall trips for you. Then again, I'm not sure I'd recommend the flight line to anybody these days. Personnel shortages have really left a bad mark on the flight line. The military new it was coming. They were losing a lot of their journeymen. When I came in there were a lot of old MSgt's and career Tech's, but not very many young SSgt's. Most of the sharp kids were getting out and moving to bigger and better things. Then the AirForce had the bright idea to lower the cutoff scores so that more people would make rank, which would entice them to re-enlist, which would give them that middle of the pack trainer/journeyman that could train their airmen when they came in. Only problem, you end up with a bunch of kids that have no business being JNCOs. Same thing with the Marines, Army, and Navy. You end up with 20 year old kids that are E-5's and close to running a flightline/Deck for their respective AFSC/MOS. It's not a good situation, but there really isn't a good fix either.


3C0X1 wasn't really overmanned until probably a year and a half ago. Everything is being more centralized (Do more with less mentality and Rumsfield's genius idea that all the home base support areas of the military can be contracted out). SRB's on no longer offered to 3C0's, but that can change at anytime and pomotions are still pretty high in the 3C0X1 career field. I believe the promotions will remain high due to the high seperation rate of 3C0's. Computer folks with experience seem to always be in demand. Not only that but the Air Force will pay for a certification (complete costs like tests and taking classes) and the MGIB will pay for once cert as well. So if a somebody really wanted to they could come in get 2 certs and a degree for the cost of books and 25% tuition. Not bad.

As far as advice for Ratboy. I've said about all I can think of in PM's and other threads. Keep your nose clean, your head on straight, stay focused, and enjoy. Good Luck Ratboy!

[Broncoman13]

Also, I didn't remember the other field, I didn't know it so ****ing important. It meant nothing honestly other than that there was another base in the area...gee...I hope I got Fort Walton right. Smartass. I know I was on I-10 when I got under spotlight so you freakin' think what you want dumbass. Elgin is just as close to I-10 as US 98 and less populated away from the coast.


11:25 AM and it seems as though you're a half bottle into the day already. Why am I not suprised. I tried to defend your drunken ass by suggesting that you probably witnessed an aircraft that was from the Test Wing at EGLIN. Truth be known, you were blitzed out of your mind and it was likely the cops shining their flashlights, trying to chase you out of the girls bathroom, where you claimed to be looking for your "available" nieces. Now, you drunken bastard, you STFU and go back to your bottle... I'm sure you're well into your third one of the day at this time!

LOL :thanku:

[BroncFanRecruiter]

Dude taht stuff is great. I am going to steal it from you! Cool?

[ZachKC]

Best of luck to you...

I was pretty close to signing on the dotted line for AF but decided it wasn't quite for from what I wanted out of it.

Hopefully you find what you are looking for.

[Broncojef]

Ratboy,

I still work with joint services Operations and always tease the Air Force guys someday they should join the military. You'll look back on basic as one of the best times of your life. AirForce typically does take longer to make rank but your quality of life is much better. When stationed in Sinop, Turkey we (Army) stayed in barracks that our AirForce counterparts were payed substandard housing allowance for. We also used to hop on a C130 to get down south to the AirForce base for R&R. Thanks for serving mate, you'll enjoy your time!!!

[cutman0122]

3C0X1 (Computer System Operations). I feel very lucky to get into this AFSC, I've heard it's heavily overmanned.


FYI,

AF is downsizing. They'll probably meet requirements by the time you have to re-enlist, but worse case is you'll have to consider retraining, or get out. Just a heads up.

[maher_tyler]

sign up for 4...if you like it you can re-enlist...i signed up for 6 and wish i would have sign up for 4...Basic for the air force has changed a bit since i went in 3 years ago yesterday...just make sure you can do push-ups, sit-ups and are able to run 2 miles at least...if you can do those 3 things with no problems you'll be good to go...if you can't fold your clothes just have someone else do it...the hardest part is staying awake!!!

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

I hated Lackland AFB. Imagine my chagrin when, upon completion of basic training, I was informed that I would be staying there (and at Camp Bullis Army Base) an additional 16 weeks. Anyway, there was a little bar called "The Cedar Chest" on Military Drive right outside the base where I used to hang on weekends, pouring money into the jukebox and lusting after hot Latin chicks.

Let me know if the place is still there. ;)

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

I also plan on taking full advantage the education benefits. I want to work on getting a degree while i'm in.

I was very lucky to get in under the old G.I. Bill.

It paid for a big chunk of my college expenses, and I didn't have to match funds like guys do nowadays.

The medical benefits were invaluable too.

[listopencil]

When I was in Boot Camp my nickname was Chameleon because I could blend in at will even though I'm really a crazy bastard. It's a useful skill. Use it if you have it.

[Bronco Billy]

Happy (early) 4th to all of you that have served or are serving now. Thanks for keeping us free!

First 2 pics are from World War II Memorial. Definitely recommend going there if ever near D.C. (Must make time to go to Arlington first.) The 3rd everyone should recognize.