Considering joining AF - Please help : Yamaha R6 Forum: R6MessageNet : YZF-R6 Forums

muelleed · 02-16-2007, 11:06 PM

Hey guys,

I've been thinking about joining the Air Force for a few months now. I'll be graduating from college with a business management degree. I want to go commissioned but I've heard from a few people that you aren't respected as much because you don't have as much experience. Those same people have advised me to go enlisted for a few years then try to get my commission. What do you all think? Also, what jobs do you recommend? How often can I expect to be transferred? Any other input or advice is welcomed. And since you all ride, I won't feel dumb asking you this question cause you all feel the same way I'm sure-I can't go without my bike...If I were assigned overseas could I bring my bike?

Thanks,

Elliot

FrkyMnky1487 · 02-17-2007, 06:14 AM

Go commissioned if that is what you want to do. Its much more difficult to go enlisted -officer. As for being respected, yes and no. Some people will not respect you, but it will be no different if you go enlisted. Have to work your way up the totem poll regardless. As for jobs, find one that you want to do, and sign for that. Do some research on your own though about the job because the job descriptions have a way with words. As for being transferred, that is up to you to some extent. 2yr tour is the norm, 3 with family. Officer may be 3 as well, but not completely sure. Also, on the bike, yes you can take it with you. Mine is with me in Italy right now. They pay to have it shipped over.

All that being said, do some serious research on the job you want. They are cutting a TON of 1st/2nd LTs and some Captains. Whatever you decide, good luck, its a real eye opener to the way things really are in the world.

Ronx2x · 02-17-2007, 10:12 AM

Any way you go your gonna have to start out somewhere no matter if its enlisted or commisioned. You shouldnt be that concerned about what other people think of you..There are a lot of officers that started as enlisted but they are by far a minority. If you want to go officer then go officer and dont worry about the rest it will be fine..

SinisterR6 · 02-17-2007, 03:28 PM

I would go commissioned from the get go...Pay is much nicer and housing allowance is larger...I am gonna speak from my point of view and from my point of view only---a lot of sergeants will not respect you...In our eyes, 2nd LTs are general wannabes with big heads and no experience...Pick the job you like, stick to it and you will be fine down the line...

Nate01R6 · 02-17-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SinisterR6

Pay is much nicer and housing allowance is larger...I am gonna speak from my point of view and from my point of view only---a lot of sergeants will not respect you...In our eyes, 2nd LTs are general wannabes with big heads and no experience...Pick the job you like, stick to it and you will be fine down the line...

Werd....

I just hate the butter bars that act like their shit don't stink. If your cool w/ me, I'm cool w/ you.

Although, I don't know why you care so much about what ppl think of you

sparky · 02-17-2007, 07:45 PM

Yep, Sinister hit it right on the head. funny how a 23 year old butterbar outranks a chief thats been in for 30 years. that doesnt make ANY sense to me whatsoever.
In the maintanance side of the house, being a butter or 1st is hell on you. Nobody respects you, and a college degree doesn't make you any better.
Being prior enlisted then commissioned is looked upon a lot better too... since you've been on both sides of the fence. I can't say this as a fact but just bout every straight comm. officer is a pain in the @$$ where the prior enlisted ones are down to earth and know what its all about.
Plus, being enlisted you can stay at a base/squadron for a long time. I've been in my squadron for over 8 years now... officers move every 2 to 3 years.
I thought the AF was being really picky and not allowing that many JCO's in... might want to explore your options to see if you can get in that way.

Blue Vainer · 02-17-2007, 11:47 PM

Probably ought to go down and actually see if you're qualified first.... I have a stack of guys files on my desk who think their qualified until they come and see me. If you are indeed qualified then officer or enlisted makes no diffference. Bling Bling on your shoulder makes you no better person that stripes on your arm.

Nate01R6 · 02-18-2007, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Vainer

Bling Bling on your shoulder makes you no better person that stripes on your arm.

It certainly makes for a better paycheck though!

Sparky - I'd like to see a butter bar try to tell a chief off

. I have heard a senior RIP a 1st LT's ass before, that was hysterical!

muelleed · 02-18-2007, 05:09 AM

Yeah, I'm not the kinda guy who is going to treat people like shit because they are enlisted...I'm not and don't want to be one of those assholes. If I were to go in I would go commissioned...eventhough I know they are discharging a bundle of people, I think the AF would be a great opportunity for me.