-Im 22 years of age.
-Completed Highschool.
-Some college. (Had Financial aid, but it was cut)
-No criminal record.

My father was in the Air force for thirty years, but I'm thinking of trying another service. I've played an instrument in the school band since elementary school through highschool, with marching band for four years.
For four years I participated in my highschool wrestling team with two- years of soccer, two years of cross country, and had a gym membership since my freshman year. My scholastic achievements are small, but in my defense; I only cared about moving to the next grade. (in retrospect it was a mistake)

My questions are;

- which service field would be right for me?

- Is there a service that has ample oportunities to utilize weaponry? ( I've always been able to shoot a gun, since my first pellet rifle. I could watch the pellet in mid air which helps me aim after the first two shots.)

- Would the fact that I am older than most who would be entering into boot camp DQ my chances?

- Would there be a qualification test, for individuals to see where their placement is among a service branch?

- My cousin who has just joined the Air force is now stationed in kurzickstan (sp) ( or one of the "" stans) would something similar happen to me if I were to enlist? The fact that I could cross the world and visit new nations is enticing,but I feel as though I wouldnt be ready to do so right away like he did.



I want to complete my schooling, but the money is low. I'm not able to find a job, and I've done nothing for the past couple of years but get fatter and waste away. I would like to talk to a recruiter, but I wanted some assurance before so. And if you have any insight as to where I would go to meet a recruiter in Georgia please feel free to tell me.

Thank you

Doc I am not sure what kind of job you are thinking about but if you are wanting to see the World I would say Go Navy.If you go Navy their Boot Camp is maybe the easiest .If you are in good shape I wouldn't worry about my age 22 is not old.I would check each Recruiter don't settle for what you are not looking for.

22 years old is not an issue....you'd be a little older than most, that's all. I'd say it depends on what you want to do. Each service has their own unique qualities and specialties.

USAF is typically tech jobs with very nice living conditions.

US Army is BIG, there is every opportunity from aviation to infantry.

USN (as Scully said) will "see the world"....you just have to do it in these relatively small floating metal cities.

USMC is SMALL. They specialize in small unit operations. You probably will see combat. And they are the amphibious service, so lands on the beaches and rides around with the Navy.

Marines are also cocky sons-o-bitches that always claim they're the best service of all....but only because they are.

As Sully and Patoloco stated, each service has its high and low opportunities to it. AF entrance is more exclusive due to thier nature, Army may have tons of different jobs, but only because the Army is a very LARGE organization, the Navy...well what can I say without pissing off Sully, except that saltwater has to run in yer blood to be able to take the Navy way of life. And there's the Marines. We really are the pointy end of the Nations spear. Just look at history and you'll see why Marines are such cocky SOB's.

It really will depend on what you think, feel and want to experience. Hey, myself, I joined at 21, and mostly because I just wanted to eat regular.

thegunny is right about the Saltwater thing but I came straight off a farm and I was in the Navy 17 yrs I had made a around the World Cruise before my 18th birthday between 1956 and 1973 I had saw every country in the World that has a Seaport and many Cities that doesn't .I saw some hard times and good times one thing you must remember the Jarheads of this Country are the best at what they do but on a US Navy Warship they remind you of Bulls in a China closet I served in the Gator Navy for about 4 years and they are always around but in contrast I also served 3 yrs in Vietnam with USMC & US Army and was glad they were around.I will also say that when a Dogface or Marine got in a jam and had his back to the river we never had to throw one back.

- Which service would a sniper be a part of? well, I mean which one would be sorta easier to be a part of. I thought that only the marines would do so, but then I heard that the AF has it and the army, also.

- If I want to be an officer, and I have some college credits. would the millitary pay for me to finish in one of their schools before I join? or would I have to enlist and then finish my school to become an officer? If I waste my credits, then a whole lot of money just went through the drain. and say that I have only taken the SAT and not that other test. would there be a penalty where I would have to take the test ( i think it's called the ASFAB or something like that)

- I'm really thinking of becoming a sniper (from what i've read) But, I would like to ask what you guys know about it. like the experiences and pro's/ con's etc.

Doc

Hadn't heard that the Air Force has sniper teams. Army and Marines for sure. Neither one of these are easier than the other.

Marine Sniper

Being a sniper requires a certain mindset that few possess. Being able to seperate human beings into targets and living with this fact long after is very difficult to accomplish without serious repercussions later in life. As a sniper you become a hunter of men. This is not an occupation you can convert into a civilian job when you get out. Way too much emotional baggage in my opinion. Yeah I know all about SWAT teams, but you have to answer this yourself from deep inside.

Carlos Hathcock

Buy this book about Carlos

Its not unheard of to go from enlisted to officer. In fact its done frequently. And no, they will not pay for you to go to school before joining.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: thegunny,

Doc All branches of the Military have Sniper training schools even the National Guard the USN is the SEALS just google and it will tell you the rest.The American Military has had Snipers or Sharpshooters since the American Revolution.Heck they now have US Women Snipers during WW2 the Russians had some very famose & deadly Women Snipers

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sully5x5,

It's the ASVAB test you're referring to--
http://www.military.com/Recruiting/ASVAB/1,13387,,00.html

There's no penalties involved (not sure I understand the question). You will take the ASVAB, it's part of the recruitment process.

Check with an ROTC program to see what can be paid for (there are some programs out there).

To add to what patoloco said, well, ya.....dont F*CK WITH A MARINE........

SQUID I hope you keep that attitude intact just so we can keep the old tradition intact you will most likely get your butt whipped the fist time you meet some young Sailor hope you are old enough to buy the Beer.Just so you notice I love traditions.

yep, I can see a tat in his future! paid for by a passel of drunken gobs on liberty in san dawg!

thegunny can you imagine Squid going into the White Hat Club in PI and the place is full of Tin Can Sailors about half cocked.

I'd pay to sit back an watch the entertainment!

very few of us jugheads went in there and those of us that did....bought alot of rounds!

phhh, I could take him..........

Well good luck.I don't know I bought a bunch.

Sully I remember in 70 while passing thru Ok Island we were bar hopping there were 6 of us 4 Army 1 wing wipper and 1 squid. that boy could not hold his booze lol I think he got blown away on about 5 beers, he was the life of the party if you know what I mean best show I ever saw lol

Not unusual for a young Sailor I guess I was kinda like that but I was married and usually was back on the Ship or Base by sundown.Most of the Drunks I saw in action was when I was a Shore Patrol.A question where is Oak Island.