Thread: Joining the Military (Navy/Airforce) as a Technician?

Bump?

I really don't know anything about it, but I have considered the military. I probably wont do it, but I would be proud to serve my country. Sorry for the lack of health. I am skeptical about military supporters/vets on this forum though.

1.) How likely is it that I will get to do what I want/go where I want (IE an Air Craft Carrier)? I want to be out of combat ( or at least fairly out of the way from it) and traveling.

If you get in as an officer, you should be guaranteed to pick a first duty station...after that, it's all about the needs of the airforce/navy.

2.) The program I'm going into for Heavy Equipment will be an Associates Degree, qualifying me for entry level work on Hydraulics, Diesel Engines, Fuel Injection, and Heavy equipment systems. So, how probable is it that I can get the military to A) Give me a job in the area I choose and B) give me further training in it?

They will give you further specific training to your job, but it may not carry over into the real world so easily. You could always take college courses while you're in though.

3.) Also, I'd like to go in as a officer (obviously), what options do I have for that? (I think a 4 year degree can achieve this, but I don't want to finish Uni-- I really have no interest in pursuing the degree I'm already set up in, and I'm 2.5 years into it, and the money I'd have to pay wouldn't be worth a degree I wouldn't really use)
Get the four....one way or another. Because even though it may not seem as a financial advantage, people still take 4 year degrees over 2 years....and if I'm not mistaken, you'll need it for advancement.

4.) How much free time do you have in the military? I also have interests in music, writing, drawing, and obviously dreaming. It's important that I'm able to continue those to some extent.

I had plenty...there were plenty of times when i had no either though... So if you're out there in the shit...expect none until you're back. Also being an officer has it's hob snob aspects to it. Like having to show up officers balls and all that jazz. When you start getting more rank, "when you're off you're off" becomes more of a reality.

My main worry is that I'll end up joining and be put in a field I don't want to be in and be stuck there. Anyone have any other advice or heads-up?
You wont ever be put in a field that you don't sign up for. Make sure you read the description of the job a billion times over. And no matter what the recruiter says, you're not in until you've sworn in.

I spent 6 years in the Army, so things may vary. But I know they wont ever play around with what job you choose. Just remember to read the full description. If it sounds like some BS, then it probably is.