Signing up...

jflail2

So I am in a permanent holding pattern at my current job in regards to advancements, promotions, etc. I'm also tired of it.

I'm 34 years old, have a BSBA, and am in a decent bit of debt due to college and after college "necessaries" on my credit card (timing belt, thousands in dental work, and then a bunch of un-necessaries.)

So at this point, I'm pondering speaking to an Army recruiter about signing up/going to OCS and making 20 out of it.

My dad is retired AF, so I have a good idea of what military life is (or at least was) like, but I was curious if anyone had any GOOD feedback in regards to which branch to consider, MOS's, etc.

I have no desire to go play in the sandbox, so I'm thinking something along the desk jockey/pencil pusher lines, or intel (imagery analysis, etc.)

I also realize I'm technically too old for OCS (think the cut off is 29) but my cousin, fresh out of the Marines, explained that if a recruiting office hasn't met their quotas they will be pulling waivers out of their @sses to get me signed up.

So before I subject my self to a recruiter's banter, I was curious what you who have served (recently) have to say. Any lifers here besides Mr. Grand? Looking for more of an Army perspective, but I'd love to hear what you have to say too George.

I like the idea of doing 20-25 and being retired by 55-60 with all the frills that go along with it, but want to make 110% sure I am making the right choice.

Any and all CONSTRUCTIVE feedback is greatly appreciated. Please don't comment unless you actually know what you are talking about (meaning you have served.)

Thanks,

Jason

obieone

My recommendation, would be to talk to some OFFICERS presently serving, in different branches, and see what your options are. Not retired myself, but I considered it when I joined back in 93.
Too bad you didn't have an engineering degree, the Navy would take you in a HEARTBEAT!
Actually, if you have any mental illness, you may qualify for their NUKE program:eek::D

But seriously, best of luck. And if you sign up, thanks,(in advance) for serving.:)

mrbigbluelight

obieone wrote: »

Actually, if you have any mental illness, you may qualify for their NUKE program:eek::D

MAY qualify ? :)


Definitely talk to those who presently are serving. With your "brat" background, you do have an idea of what it WAS like. I would dare to guess that things have changed rapidly in the past several years.

Good luck on your choice and remember: A good carpenter measures twice and cuts once.

Hawkeye

Jason,

Please check your PM's on Thursday.

Gordon

jflail2

Gordon:

Thanks for the thoughtful insight. When I get more time at work today I'll probably throw a few questions your way in regards to the feedback you PM'd me with.

Very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason

rayslifecycle

Jason

What is your BSBA in?
What is your current position in this company?

In your wildest dreams, what would you like to do everyday?
........besides listening to your speakers all day.......

I feel your pain, am also 34, am also in student loan debt over my ears, and am also going to be doing what I do for a long time without a lot of hope for "advancement". But I am quite good at what I do, like what I do and am appreciated where i am at(this makes a huge difference). So I decided to appreciate my position and do the best job I can where I am at for now.

At one time I thought about joining for the exact same reasons you are stating - but realized that would take me farther away from the person I picture myself to be.

If you do go, I too thank you in advance for pledging your life to protect us.

Don't sweat the small stuff.......its all small stuff.........

Good luck

rAy

nooshinjohn

not to start a service war here but the Marines is far and away the best way to go!!! or start a small speaker company.....

jflail2

clarknova_666 wrote: »

Jason

What is your BSBA in?
What is your current position in this company?

In your wildest dreams, what would you like to do everyday?
........besides listening to your speakers all day.......

I feel your pain, am also 34, am also in student loan debt over my ears, and am also going to be doing what I do for a long time without a lot of hope for "advancement". But I am quite good at what I do, like what I do and am appreciated where i am at(this makes a huge difference). So I decided to appreciate my position and do the best job I can where I am at for now.

At one time I thought about joining for the exact same reasons you are stating - but realized that would take me farther away from the person I picture myself to be.

If you do go, I too thank you in advance for pledging your life to protect us.

Don't sweat the small stuff.......its all small stuff.........

Good luck

rAy

BSBA= Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.

Tough to quantify my current position in relation to the "rest of the world", but I am basically a senior financial research analyst for a data publication firm, with a specific focus on commercial real estate.

Well, besides listening to my speakers all day or playing golf, I'm still honestly not sure what I'd like to do. I have been looking at some of the MOS's listed for different branches, and have spoken to my cousin and uncle about it (former USMC and Army respectively.) I would lean towards intel or linguistics, as I have always had a somewhat natural nack for picking up languages (and have an interest there as well.)

Thanks for the good feedback Ray, I need as much as possible so I can make as informed a decision as possible. More food for thought...

jflail2

nooshinjohn wrote: »

not to start a service war here but the Marines is far and away the best way to go!!! or start a small speaker company.....

Why is that (USMC not the speaker company )

Just curious what you felt made the Marines stand out from the other branches.

ben62670

From what I hear the Navy has the best schooling, and you stay clear of the sand.

sucks2beme

There's always the Coast Guard. They serve the U.S. They always have
stuff going on, even in peacetime. You spend more of your off time
onshore.

nooshinjohn

The Marines are always on the front end of any conflict which means they are the first to go home.... most importantly is that a Marine officer seems to get more respect as a leader in the business world upon leaving the service. Second their training is vastly superior to the other branches. Third, if you are joining with the degree you have you most likely will spend a great deal of time in the halls of the Pentagon which cant hurt your future either. Lastly Marine dress blues get lots of girls, I know this first hand!!!;):D

sorry army/navy/air force:p

jflail2

Ben: Super point. I have no desire to go play in the sandbox. 10 years ago maybe, but at this point I'd like to keep me feet on relatively safe ground. Not sure about the Navy/Marines simply b/c of the length of their floats, but Nooshin has a point in that I'd probably end up pencil pushing in the Pentagon anyway...

Sucks2beme: My cousin actually brought that up last night. A friend of his got out of the Marines and went coast guard, and is now going to finish his full 20 there. He said in comparison to the Marines (granted he was a grunt) the Coast Guard was CAKE. Lots of time on shore, and sea time isn't near what you see in the Navy or Marines.

So I guess in a nutshell, I'd like to not be in the sandbox, stay state-side if possible, and get into an MOS that would allow me to continue in that field after I retired (hence no combat; I have no desire to be a hitman or bodyguard...) Then again, I'd be 55 at that point, so if the retirement is good enough, I may just collect speakers and play golf

sucks2beme

jflail2 wrote: »

Ben: Sucks2beme: My cousin actually brought that up last night. A friend of his got out of the Marines and went coast guard, and is now going to finish his full 20 there. He said in comparison to the Marines (granted he was a grunt) the Coast Guard was CAKE. Lots of time on shore, and sea time isn't near what you see in the Navy or Marines.
QUOTE]

It's ALL easier than being a Marine:D
As far as getting the girls, it must of changed. Being a jarhead
back in the 70's meant pretty much being treated like dirt by
everyone outside the base, and the only girls hanging around
were, shall I say, less than good. True Jerry Springer material.