Legato
2008-12-22, 11:29
So I am seriously considering enlisting into military service, but before I do so, there is some question I want to address, and was hoping I could get further insight on what to expect, and how I will fare.
As far as background information, I am 19 and a recent high school graduate. I met with recruiters weekly the latter half of senior year while still considering what other options would exist in my life after high school. I am in good physical shape and work out routinely in my free time. I’m no stranger to hard work or physical labor, and enjoy a good challenge that pushes me to my personal limitations. I had eventually planned to pursue college after high school, but now, here I am several months later and have been blind sided twice trying to enroll. Needless to say, I am tired of doing nothing in my life and know that joining the military would not be a decision made out of haste, simply because I had nothing better to do. There is a genuine interest to do something greater than myself, and the benefits that come with being in the service. I am fairly intelligent and an independent thinker, which from what I’ve heard, having a mind of your own is something you should leave at the door. Having said that, though I prefer to do things to my own satisfaction, I have no problem following orders, and actually find it easier when told to do something with specific detail. I scored a 31 on my ACT and many see me joining the military as a waste of potential, I however, do not. I have yet to take the real ASVAB, but didn’t miss a question on the practice test. I am considering going into the Marine Core or Air Force, but is subject to change.
Now onto my questions..
I have to prescription glasses. I understand that upon entering active service you receive one paid medical surgery, or so I assume. If I decide to enter the AF, I would like to become a pilot, but 20/20 (or is it 20/10) vision is a requirement. Upon entering active service could I have the surgery done, and still pursue becoming a pilot? And, if I decide to get contacts, will I still be required to wear BC glasses during basic? That last question was more general.
If I sign up within the next 2 weeks, how long would it be till I could be sent out to Basic? I would go to Parris Island given my location.
My mother has a Heart Condition, which at times has become serious. In a worst case scenario, or that she was to be sent to the hospital, would I be given leave for a short period of time? I’m assuming “no”, but this is a concern. I won’t go into my family issues, but if something was to happen to her, it would be my only reason to come home.
I have a pretty relaxed mindset.. aware and alert, but relaxed. I’m pretty confident and comfortable with myself, and words are not something that will hurt my mentality or my feelings. Would you consider this a positive attribute or something that is going to lead me to some hard times?
Some of the main things that appeal too me is travel, learning diverse skills that you wont learn anywhere else, working through the ranks with persistence and high ambition, being apart of something, meeting new people, having something to tell people when they ask “ Soo… what have you been doing?”.. lol.. Infantry is also appealing to me. Just what are some good suggestions for jobs, and any further advice you can give me on what to expect, and something’s about myself I should tweak.
On another note, a good friend of mine that when into the Marines after high school (I was going to go with him), was recently assigned to presidential security. He had planned on being stationed to Okinawa, Japan but he was requested or given the opportunity for the other position and took it up. I’ll admit, I have a lot of respect for Barrack Obama and what his administration is going to bring to our government. A little frustrated that had I went when he did, I could had been lined up for the same position. Thanks for the feedback in advance.
As far as background information, I am 19 and a recent high school graduate. I met with recruiters weekly the latter half of senior year while still considering what other options would exist in my life after high school. I am in good physical shape and work out routinely in my free time. I’m no stranger to hard work or physical labor, and enjoy a good challenge that pushes me to my personal limitations. I had eventually planned to pursue college after high school, but now, here I am several months later and have been blind sided twice trying to enroll. Needless to say, I am tired of doing nothing in my life and know that joining the military would not be a decision made out of haste, simply because I had nothing better to do. There is a genuine interest to do something greater than myself, and the benefits that come with being in the service. I am fairly intelligent and an independent thinker, which from what I’ve heard, having a mind of your own is something you should leave at the door. Having said that, though I prefer to do things to my own satisfaction, I have no problem following orders, and actually find it easier when told to do something with specific detail. I scored a 31 on my ACT and many see me joining the military as a waste of potential, I however, do not. I have yet to take the real ASVAB, but didn’t miss a question on the practice test. I am considering going into the Marine Core or Air Force, but is subject to change.
Now onto my questions..
I have to prescription glasses. I understand that upon entering active service you receive one paid medical surgery, or so I assume. If I decide to enter the AF, I would like to become a pilot, but 20/20 (or is it 20/10) vision is a requirement. Upon entering active service could I have the surgery done, and still pursue becoming a pilot? And, if I decide to get contacts, will I still be required to wear BC glasses during basic? That last question was more general.
If I sign up within the next 2 weeks, how long would it be till I could be sent out to Basic? I would go to Parris Island given my location.
My mother has a Heart Condition, which at times has become serious. In a worst case scenario, or that she was to be sent to the hospital, would I be given leave for a short period of time? I’m assuming “no”, but this is a concern. I won’t go into my family issues, but if something was to happen to her, it would be my only reason to come home.
I have a pretty relaxed mindset.. aware and alert, but relaxed. I’m pretty confident and comfortable with myself, and words are not something that will hurt my mentality or my feelings. Would you consider this a positive attribute or something that is going to lead me to some hard times?
Some of the main things that appeal too me is travel, learning diverse skills that you wont learn anywhere else, working through the ranks with persistence and high ambition, being apart of something, meeting new people, having something to tell people when they ask “ Soo… what have you been doing?”.. lol.. Infantry is also appealing to me. Just what are some good suggestions for jobs, and any further advice you can give me on what to expect, and something’s about myself I should tweak.
On another note, a good friend of mine that when into the Marines after high school (I was going to go with him), was recently assigned to presidential security. He had planned on being stationed to Okinawa, Japan but he was requested or given the opportunity for the other position and took it up. I’ll admit, I have a lot of respect for Barrack Obama and what his administration is going to bring to our government. A little frustrated that had I went when he did, I could had been lined up for the same position. Thanks for the feedback in advance.