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What the heck is my MOS?

Posted by Melissa on 3/31/2002, 7:29 am

I leave for Fort Jackson in July. I'm intimidated, but generally looking forward to the experience. The only thing I don't know is what I will be doing afterwards. I felt like I got pushed into this MOS, and I don't have a clear idea of what I'll be doing. The MOS is 14J, "Early Warning Systems Operator", according to the goarmy.com website. So what is that? Will I be sitting in front of a screen all day?I tried searching the web for specifics, but most of the info is outdated. Until three years ago, the job was closed to women. The goarmy.com website still shows it as closed to women. Interesting.So... does anyone have any idea what I just signed myself into for four years?

Re: What the heck is my MOS?

Posted by James on 4/1/2002, 8:19 am , in reply to "What the heck is my MOS?"

In my opinion, if you were forced into that MOS, you didn't have a "great" recruiter per-say. My recruiter and I have a more personal relationship since my choosing to enlist... the other thing is that right up front I told him I was going and not to shoot the "crap" to get me to join. He's really been great and if you would have had a real recruiter and not someone just out to do their job, he/she would've been there to make sure you didn't make that mistake.But, look at the up side... you can get your technical training out of the way at the beginning and just transfer out of that MOS in about 1.5 years.

Re: What the heck is my MOS?

Posted by Raquel on 3/31/2002, 5:40 pm , in reply to "What the heck is my MOS?"

Melissa, Please go to the Army Discussion boards (link above). Ask for anyone in that career field to tell you what it is like day-to-day. Tell them you already read the MOS description but would like more specifics. Also say that you are a woman and wondered if the field just opened up to women, etc... I don't know anyone with these MOSs, so I can't be much help there. You'll still be doing the things every other soldier does in the Army (PT, vehicle and equipment maintenance, required training classes, weapons qualification, etc).

Re: What the heck is my MOS?

Posted by J on 3/31/2002, 7:58 am , in reply to "What the heck is my MOS?"

this my help http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/arjobs/bl14j.htm

Posted by Jay on 3/31/2002, 4:33 pm

Hello my name is JAY i am going to basic training in may and i am a little scared. going through a gas chamber, throwing two live grenades, shooting a m-16 which i tried with targets but could'nt hit because i am dominat in my left eye. I'm not that physical either. and also can we bring camcorders or digital cameras with us. I 'm really nervous.

Posted by Brandon on 3/31/2002, 5:09 pm , in reply to "basic training"

Hey Jay, I too am going to Basic in May, when and where are shipping out to? I am scared as well, but I don't think we should be all that scared! I've heard basic training is more of a mental challenge, where the Army takes civillians and breaks them down, then builds their minds and bodies into Army men and women. Also, they just dont throw you onto the range and expect you to throw live grenades and hit every target with your weapon on the first day! That's why Basic is 9 weeks long! They teach you how to do all that, and believe me, you will learn. I'm not very physical either! I'm 6'1", 140lbs! I'm tall and skinny little guy. Haha, that's why I'm looking forward to basic, maybe i'll buff up some. Overall, I think basic will be a very cool and memorable experience, with some low points as well. That's what makes it a challenge, and once you get past this challege, you won't have to be scared about anything else. Hooah? HOOAH!

More on dominant eye also...

Posted by Raquel on 3/31/2002, 5:49 pm , in reply to "basic training"

Perfectly normal to be nervous! That should keep you on your toes. Drill sergeants say that they can teach monkeys to shoot. They are not far from the truth. Every task you learn in basic you will learn from the ground up, so even the slowest of people can grasp the concepts. As far as the dominant eye thing, there is a test to see which eye is your dominant one. Focus on an object about 10-15 ft away (something small hanging on the wall works fine). Then hold up your index finger (both eyes open) and put the tip of your finger on the object. Now cover each eye, one at a time. Which eye shows the finger directly on the object? That is your dominant eye. I can talk from experience...I am left-handed but my dominant eye is my right eye (how's that for being mixed up!). A drill sergeant should spot that right away. When I first started shooting, many years ago, I remember my instructor had me use eye patches and everything to get me to hit the targets, firing left handed. I was miserable and doing terribly and couldn't figure out why. I finally had another instructor throw away the eye patch and told me to shoot right-handed. I did and qualified and have ever since (even at the Expert level). So what's the moral of the story? It is easier to change from left to right handed firing rather than trying to change your dominant eye. The dominant eye is the most important factor here. Just keep this in mind if you do end up having difficulties...I had to learn the "hard way".

Posted by James on 4/1/2002, 8:04 am

I am going into the Army in the MOS 11-XRay... for those of you who don't know, that is simply an 11-Bravo (infantry) with a Ranger option on my contract.My question is, when I go in, can my friend who is going 11-Bravo be put in the same basic training camp as I am? and does anyone have any tips for me to surviving basic and ranger training?

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 9:07 am , in reply to "Buddy System"

It's the luck of the draw where you will be sent in general, but since you are both 11Bs, then you will go to Benning. Once you get to Benning, it will again be the luck of the draw whether you both will go to the same BT company. As far as tips, please explore the links we have below...lots of stuff to look at!

Link: http://www.armybasic.homestead.com/links.html

Reception Battalion/OSUT start

Posted by Brad on 4/1/2002, 9:16 am

I just got my ship date and stuff and have my doubts on when I'll actually start training. I'm shipping to Ft. Leonardwood on November 21st for Military Police OSUT but the actual class is supposed to start on November 25th. From stories I've heard concerning the length of time in Reception, I'm finding it hard to believe that I'll actually be in the November 25th class, which would probably mean I'll be in Reception until January!? Could this be?

Re: Reception Battalion/OSUT start

Posted by sars on 4/2/2002, 9:17 am , in reply to "Reception Battalion/OSUT start"

my boyfriend has been at reception at fort benning for something like 25 days! he says this is pretty average right now... i guess there is an increase of enlistees following september 11th or something. but he also wrote enlistees must start basic within 30 days, or its breach of contract on the part of the army. so i think its safe to assume you wouldn't be starting in january.

Re: Reception Battalion/OSUT start

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 9:04 am , in reply to "Reception Battalion/OSUT start"

That sounds about right. Time in reception should be only 1-4 days at most! I am just amazed when someone says that they know someone who has been there more than a week! Something is wrong with the system when that happens...it is very unusual!

Posted by Adam on 4/1/2002, 10:38 am

Hi, I am in Canada right now but was born and lived in the US most of my life. I am finishing High School this June. Then I am going to the States to join the Army. If I talk to the Recruter on say the 1st of June. Then when would I be able to ship out to BASIC? I would like to go as soon a possible. If anyone knows anything about from the first time you talk to you recruter till shipping out, I would love to know a timeline. Thank you.

Posted by James on 4/1/2002, 9:00 pm , in reply to "Moving Away"

From the time that you sign your contract, the Army can have you shipped in less than a month.. so that's something to think about.

Posted by Kennedy on 4/1/2002, 11:07 am

My boyfriend left for basic a month ago. I am taking care of all of his finances while he's gone sinc we live together. His recruiter told him he would make about a $1000 take home a month. Well after looking around it looks like he only receieves $1022 before taxes is this true? He joined the National Guard. I don't know if that makes a difference. Thanks for any help. If he can't pays his bills what options does he have. I would hate to lose my house.

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:44 am , in reply to "Military Pay"

Yes, that sounds about right for an E1 in under 4 yrs. Everyone at his rank and time in service gets paid the same while they are in an active status, so it makes no difference that he is National Guard. His take home pay should be around $900 a month. The Army does give you access to Consumer Credit Counseling, and if his ability to keep up with his bills is difficult, he should certainly see them!

Posted by JAY on 4/1/2002, 12:06 pm

When going to basic training how much willwe get paida and how much will we paid for AIT

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:22 am , in reply to "PAY"

Per year, as an E1/E2 you will make around $13,000 to $15,000 and that boils down to $1100 to 1200 per month base pay. This will be taxed at 10% at the federal level, and also don't forget your FICA tax and your state tax (whichever state you are a resident of). As far as take home pay, it should run $900-1000. Remember that the Army also provides you your medical and dental care without charging you, as well as housing and your meals. You can't beat that! Also, if you start investing early in mutual funds, you can retire VERY comfortably when the time comes. Make a habit of starting an investment plan early in life!

Posted by Heather on 4/2/2002, 12:29 pm , in reply to "Re: PAY"

What is the starting pay for a reservist?

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 8:00 pm , in reply to "Re: PAY"

Everyone in your rank will be paid the same base pay while in training. If you are asking what you will be paid for the times you drill, please go to the website below. Look on page 7 for Drill Pay. You will also find all the other charts that have to do with getting paid at this website below.

Link: http://www.dtic.mil/perdiem/bahform.html

Posted by JAY on 4/1/2002, 1:01 pm

AFTER I COME FROM ATI I WILL BE ATTENDING NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY IN VIRGINIA THATS WERE I'LLBE STATIONED AT. I WANTED TO KNOW THE ARMY HELP YOU PAY FOR YOUR HOUSING AND IF DO HOW MUCH. ALSO MY FREIND AND I ARE GOING TO BASIC AND ATI TO SO COULD THEY HAVE PLAN WERE THEY CAN PUT OUR MONEY TOGETHER FOR A PLACE

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 9:02 am , in reply to "(no subject)"

Only active duty soldiers will be provided with housing. I am assuming you are Reserve or NG? Single soldiers on active duty will be put in single soldiers' quarters or barracks (depending on the post), usually two to a suite or room. You pay nothing extra for this. There are a few posts worldwide that do not have the facilities for housing on post for lower enlisted (this is rare) and in that case the Army will give you a housing allowance for you to find a place. There is a housing office on post that will assist you and you just have to make sure there is a military clause in the rental contract in case you get transferred and have to end the contract early. It is also possible in this type of situation to have a roommate...but again, this is VERY rare, most posts have housing for single lower enlisted soldiers. Unless there is a program in the Reserves or NG that I am unaware of, I would have to say no, you are on your own.

how to increase run speed

Posted by TJ on 4/1/2002, 2:05 pm

i've been running for 2 weeks five days a week and i was wondering how can i improve my time. i run a 18:20 2 mile. how often should i run? do anyone have program that i can do so i can improve my running? thanks

Re: how to increase run speed

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:57 am , in reply to "how to increase run speed"

Joe is right. The only way to increase speed is to do sprints! You can run all the long distance you want, and you will be fit, but still won't run any faster!!! Alternate your running days with long distance running over a variety of terrain and with wind sprints (also called indian running). As an example on your sprint day, on a 1/4 mile track, sprint 1/4 of it, then run a normal pace the next 1/4 leg, sprint 1/4 leg, etc. You can also use flat terrain for this if you like (ie sprint to one phone pole, run to to the next, et...you can be creative). Then the next day you will do long distance running, alternate and then one day of rest a week. If you want a detailed plan, I'm sure something will come up if you do a search on www.google.com

Posted by Joe on 4/1/2002, 2:28 pm , in reply to "how to increase run speed"

Not saying its scientific..or even good..but its what works for me btw, I use a treadmill for this..only because its easy to keep track of the time/speed Monday & Thursday: Run 3 miles at 7 mph (thats about 8:14-8:20 per mile) Tuesday & Friday: Run 1 mile at 10 mph (6:00) Weds & Sat: Run 2 miles at around 8-8.5 (this gets me under 15 mins which is where you want to be for pt test) If you want to improve speed..run fast for shorter distances than you would..sprint. Again, its what works for me, your milage may vary

Posted by anonymous on 4/1/2002, 2:08 pm

I am supposed to be leaving for basic soon ... I do not want any part of it anymore ... How can I get out of going ... I really do not want to go ... Please help?!? ... Thanks!!

Posted by Dave Truitt on 4/1/2002, 2:48 pm , in reply to "help"

You can get out of the Army DEP (Delayed Entry Program). Here's how you have to do it: first, call your recruiter and let him know that you intend to seek separation from the DEP. He or she probably won't be too happy about this...be prepared for ALOT of pressure to stay in and ship to Basic. Recruiters are under a great deal of pressure to get contracts signed and, once they are, make sure the enlistee actually ships to Basic. If the "DEP loss" is avoidable, (ie, the recruit simply has lost interest in military service), the Recruiter who signed him or her will be held accountable by his or her "higher ups" and probably get into trouble...the way the Army looks at it, the Recruiter failed to keep the recruit motiviated while in the DEP. The next step is to write a letter to the Station Commander of the recruitng station that you went thorugh. You must clearly state that you wish to be released from the DEP and state WHY. Valid reasons include medical/psycholical problems, marriage, acceptable of an acedemic scholarhship, conscientious objector status, or just plain "apathy" and the catch-all "other" category. You must sign the letter. Since your ship date is coming up soon, you probably should ask that it be pushed back while your case is being evaluated. Unless you will have already been in DEP for 365 at the time are to ship, you can request this. Once the Army gets your letter, they have to act on it within 14 days, I think. During this time, you will probably been bombarded with phone calls from the Recruiter, his/her superviser, ect, trying to get you to withdraw the request. Technically, the Army does not have to grant you the request; in the most technical sense, they can activate you against your will. However, the current policy of ALL branches of the armed foreces is to grant all requests for separation. As I said, you have to be prepared for a lot of pressure to ship to Basic but Army Regs explicitly prohibit anyone form making any threats against you (i.e., "if you don't go, we'll have you arrested" or "if you don't go, you'll never be able to get a loan or a government job." Recruiters know they are not supposed to do this, but sometimes the pressure to deliver is so great that they will do almost ANYTHING to make sure a recruit ships to Basic. If your recruiter tells you can't get out of DEP or that you will face legal charges if you try, go up the chain of command or contact the MEPS where you enlisted. This will get his attention If you know for sure that you do not want to go in, it's better to take action now...once you ship to Basic, getting out is much harder. Hope this helps

Posted by James on 4/2/2002, 3:59 pm , in reply to "help"

I agree with the person who uses numbers as a Name :-)... If for any reason this is caused by fear or simply nervousness then don't back out. For me, leaving home isn't just leaving home and the safety net that is here... I am leaving my girlfriend of over a year and a half and before i leave she will be my fiance.. it is one of the most difficult decisions i will ever make in my life, but i know that this is a decisoin that will make my life better and more interesting than it would to be in just the civilian sector. On top of this, i am not choosing the safest MOS the Army has to offer, 11-X w/ Ranger opt. its combat oriented and that is somewhat frightening to think of not being with her and my family ever again.. But, all in all, it will be better. So, Definitely re-think it all and make an educated decision. "Rangers Lead the Way... All the Way!"-Hoo-Ah!!!

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:52 am , in reply to "help"

Dave is right in what the basic procedures are. I would caution you though to relook at why you don't want to go. What made you sign up in the first place? If it was for a better life than you have now, you're making a big mistake in backing out! If you are doing this for a girlfriend, fear, advice from "back home", I suggest you stick with it. I say this because I know what the Army can do for a person...I'm talking things like confidence building, go-getter attitude, maturity..those kinds of things. Go to any BT graduation and see the tears in those parents' eyes, then you'll know what I am talking about. I also cannot tell you the number of times someone approached me to tell me that giving up on the Army was the biggest mistake of their life...they never got over their failure and are living boring lives of mediocrity when they could've done something with their lives and for their families. It's also a nice added boost to know that you are doing something to keep this country free. Again, just my opinion, and if for some reason you are not compatible with the Army and Army life there are still ways to get out before your enlistment is up (although I can honestly say there have been MANY recruits I have had who came back after they were discharged from basic...they had to wait the required two years and then started all over again).

Posted by 06070 on 4/2/2002, 9:31 am , in reply to "Re: help"

Id have to say what you are feeling now is somewhat normal. After i signed the dotted line i did have some concerns myself. The enormity of this undertakeing and the changes that would occur in almost ever aspect of my life frightend me. but then i look around and i relize this is a once in a lifetime oppertunity and its the first step toward building a positive future( for myself).I just look at my life now and relize im not getting where i what to be and i remember why im doing it and i start to look forward to it more and more everyday. Keep a positive attitude and never sell yourself short.

Can I go to boot camp without joining the army?

Posted by Anna on 4/1/2002, 6:16 pm

Okay, I know that this is going to sound kinda hokey. I am a senior in high school and I don't know if I want to join the army but I want to go through boot camp. Is it possible to go through boot camp before signing anything? Also, how much does it cost? Do they have BT sessions beginning in different months year-round? Is there a specific camp that I would have to attend because of my geographic location (Sarasota, FL)? If you could answer any of these I would be very appreciative. Thanks! -Anna-

Re: Can I go to boot camp without joining the army?

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:17 am , in reply to "Can I go to boot camp without joining the army?"

No, you cannot. There are plenty of "Outward Bound" and military-type confidence and fitness building training programs out there. Try doing a search for "Outward Bound" or adventure training, boot camp style fitness camp, etc...I'm sure you'll run across some of them on the internet. When you are "signing up" you are not enlisting for boot camp, you are enlisting to be in the Army. Boot camp is just the first step! IF for some reason you and the Army are not compatible, then there are ways to become discharged from the Army (and sent home from boot camp) without any serious penalties. As far as geographic location, you will go to boot camp wherever there is a slot open, irregardless of where you live.

Posted by 06070 on 4/2/2002, 9:38 am

A couple questions about osut i have are the following: Is ait and basic training intermingled togather or do you just do basic straight through and then ait. when you gaduate do you recive more privilages on the base or is the same drill sgt. at basic still grilling you.

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 9:57 am , in reply to "O.S.U.T"

Even OSUT units follow the same schedule as a basic training unit would (same set of classes and progression of training). You will find though that there will be more emphasis on your MOS throughout OSUT because your drills are of the same MOS. Yes, you'll have the same drills in the AIT portion, and I think it is up to the individual drill how "soft" they will get. Of course, soldiers who leave BT and then go on to their AIT unit, believe me, the drills will be re-establishing themselves as authority figures, so in that sense, you don't have to go through that again. As far as passes go, no matter where you attend OSUT or AIT, it'll depend on a lot of different factors..let's just say you earn them. I do know that in AIT you will get passes on the weekends (not every weekend) but it's up to the individual companies how and when they choose to give them out.

Posted by 06070 on 4/2/2002, 9:49 am

I am curious about one thing in pericular. I enlisted for 4 years and was wondering how long it takes the average soldier to reach the rank of sargent from the rank of E-1. Is this a real posibility for a person only thier for 4 years. furthermore what factors determine when you get promoted.Also do certain mos's get promotions faster than others. some national guard kid at meps was telling me that cooks advance the fastest.is thier any merit to that

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 10:18 am , in reply to "E-1 to E-5"

If you would like to read more about promotions and requirements, you can go to "Links of Knowledge" and read the Army Enlisted Promotions manual (AR 600-8-19). Basically from E1-E4 you will get promoted on a schedule, as long as there are slots in your unit (only a certain # of each rank can be promoted each month). If you do your job well, there will be no problem getting promoted within the timeframes (look in the manual for the timetables). Once you get to E4 looking towards E5, things get much harder. In order to make E5, you must have attended the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC). If you don't know what that is, you can do a search on www.google.com . Then there are certain requirements you must meet to go to a promotion board for E5. It's not automatic, although you must have 34 months time in service, and 6 month time in grade (E4) to even go to the board. Not only will board members grill you on your military and MOS knowledge, but your appearance and Class A uniform comes into play also. Before going to the board though, you have to get the recommendation of your chain of command as well as get a packet of required paperwork together (for instance a current PT test, eligible for re-enlistment, PLDC graduate, etc..). Then if you make the board and the promotion list, you will be given a #. Yes, it's true that some MOSs may get promoted before others, but eventually, if you are on the list you will be promoted also. It frequently changes which MOSs get promoted faster than others..couldn't tell you who will get there faster. This explanation is somewhat oversimplified, so I suggest reading the manual to find out more in depth.

Posted by 06070again on 4/2/2002, 10:04 am

i have the specials forces option in my contract but i am not exactly sure of what this means. I know i am not garenteed SF traing it says so in the letter so what good is it. I know i have what it takes so how can i ensure i get this training.P.S what are the major differences between SF soldiers and rangers. thanks

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 10:30 am , in reply to "special forces"

The Go Army website does a good job of explaining the difference between all the special operations soldiers. Please visit the link below. You will also find all the requirements to even try out for the training. This must be something new the Army is offering to new recruits. Not sure what it guarantees there. I can tell you that it in no way guarantees that you will become an SF soldier. There is a very selective screening process and rigorous training and even if you pass all the requirements, they still might not take you after all that! This field is highly competitive! Also, only E4s are eligible to go to Selection, so you do have a ways to go before you get there (if you are an E1). It could be your contract is a promise that you will get to selection if you pass all the required schools up to that point. Same goes for the Ranger option in a recruit's contract..no guarantee of becoming a Ranger but it will certainly put you at an advantage over someone who does not have this in their contract.

Link: http://www.goarmy.com/job/branch/sorc/

Posted by James on 4/2/2002, 3:49 pm , in reply to "Re: special forces"

The special forces options run the same as the Ranger options on contracts... i have a ranger option and the catch is that when you are done with basic and AIT, then if you passed them well-enough and they think you can cut it.. they will consider you over the other soldiers without the option on their contract. Rangers Lead the Way... All the Way!Hoo-Ah!

BAH During Boot Camp

Posted by Richard Giannetti on 4/2/2002, 3:35 pm

My recruiter told me I would receive BAH during boot camp because I am married. Is this true? Would it be at the rate of my wifes location?

Re: BAH During Boot Camp

Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 7:46 pm , in reply to "BAH During Boot Camp"

Yes, you are qualified if you are married to receive a housing allowance while you are in training. It will be determined at the location where your wife is. I don't have the regulation handy that has the chart, but if you need it, let me know, and I'm sure I could dig it up.

Basic Allowance for Housing reference

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 7:52 pm , in reply to "Re: BAH During Boot Camp"

Here's the reference on BAH if you need to look anything up.

Link: http://www.dtic.mil/comptroller/fmr/07a/07A26.pdf

Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 7:56 pm , in reply to "Basic Allowance for Housing reference"

Handy utility for calculating your BAH rate..just type in your rank and zip code and you are ready to go!

Link: http://www.dtic.mil/perdiem/bahform.html

Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference

Posted by J on 4/3/2002, 7:05 am , in reply to "Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference"

does this include AIT training?

Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference

Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 9:32 am , in reply to "Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference"

It should include all your training time when you are in a "full time" status.

Enlistment Promotions

Posted by James on 4/2/2002, 4:03 pm

Is anyone else taking advantage of the "elistment promotions?" -- I am going in as a PfC. (Pay grade E-3) Now I do have one question about this though... how long will it be before i get my first promotion.. and what is the difference between a Specialist E-4 and the Corporel E-4??? thank you Rangers Lead the Way... All the Way!Hoo-Ah!

Re: Enlistment Promotions

Posted by Tony on 4/3/2002, 4:45 pm , in reply to "Enlistment Promotions"

Being that I have my college degree, I know I will enlist as an E-4. While at basic, will I receie E-1 or E-4 pay? I have heard two different things, and would like to know what is true. Thanks!

Re: Enlistment Promotions

Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 5:23 pm , in reply to "Re: Enlistment Promotions"

I don't want you to misunderstand. If you are an E-4, you will get paid as an E-4 (or whatever your rank is..or should I say your grade)...no matter where you are! I was just trying to get the point across that all recruits at BT will be treated as privates in the day-to-day scheme of things.

Re: Enlistment Promotions

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 9:17 pm , in reply to "Enlistment Promotions"

See the updated info on promotions in "Links of Knowledge". To make SPC, the time requirement is to have 26 months in service and 6 months as a PFC. Some other factors also come into play (such as not being barred from re-enlistment and being flagged..ie you got in trouble). SPC and Corporals are in the same pay grade, although the corporal will outrank the Specialist. Corporals are considered NCOs; and therefore have leadership responsibilities. Since the Army went with the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC), you won't run into a lot of corporals anymore.

Posted by Teresa on 4/2/2002, 6:31 pm

I will be leaving for Fort Jackson on the 11th of April and I would like to have the chance to go Airborne. Will I get this option when I get to basic? I understand that it is on a volunteer basis, how do they find the volunteers? My MOS is 67T...if this makes a difference. Thanks in Advance,Teresa

Posted by ?82 on 4/8/2002, 8:07 am , in reply to "Going Airborne"

IVE HEARD THAT IF U DONT HAVE AIRBORNE IN YOUR CONTRACT THAT IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IT. HEY YOU NEVER KNOW THOUGH. SO GOOD LUCK

Posted by Joe on 4/2/2002, 7:06 pm , in reply to "Going Airborne"

You can go Abn on just about any MOS, however if you wanted to go Abn the best thing to do is get it in your contract. There are some MOS's that will send you to Abn school that would be useful for yourself and the group. Like the 11 series. Im not sure how you will go about it now that you are already in though.

Posted by Lori on 4/2/2002, 6:48 pm

Is diagnosed sleep apnea a disqualifying/dischargable medical condition if the use of a CPAP machine is recommended by a doctor?

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 9:25 pm , in reply to "Sleep Apnea"

I am not a doctor, so don't take this as medical advice! You can check on the "Links of Knowledge" page to see if this is covered specifically. Check AR 40-501, which is more in depth and lists all the conditions that are disqualifiers. I don't remember off hand if this is listed. I know that no medication is used to treat it, but I can say that you will not be able to use a CPAP device while in Basic, so I would suspect that if the condition is severe and chronic enough to cause problems, you probably will be disqualified. But, nothing can stop you from seeing a recruiter to make sure. If they are in doubt, they will send you to get checked by a doctor at the Army's expense. The website for the reg is down at the moment; try it again later.

Link: http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf

Handy site that explains every bit of info on your "paystub" (Leaves and Earning Statement - LES)

Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 7:50 pm

For those who have asked in the past. Here is a PDF file that explains your military pay stub, more commonly known as the LES.

Link: http://www.dfas.mil/money/milpay/les_djms.pdf

Posted by Dave Truitt on 4/3/2002, 9:06 am

I'll be going in as a Spec because of my college degree...my MOS is 56M (Chaplain's Assistant). Will the DS expect more of me in Basic because I'm older and have advaned rank or will it be the same standard as anyone else? Also, I'm a little nervous about qualifying with the M-16...I haven't shot a rifle since I was a kid...and then only a BB gun. And my vision is far from 20/20. I've heard that when you qualify you are shooting at targets several hundred yards away...unless the rifle has a scope on it, I don't even think I'll be able to see the targets well enough to hit anything. Of course, I've never had any training so maybe the DS can help with this. I wish the Recruiter could take us out a a rifle range and teach us to shoot, but I think that's one of those things they are specifically prohibited from doing...no training that involves any weapons or firearms.

Rifle Ranges and a Recruit w/rank..

Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 9:51 am , in reply to "Going in as an E-4"

As I said once before, drills say they can teach monkeys to shoot. In fact, they prefer recruits who have never picked up a firearm in their lives..less chance of having bad habits! First you will have all kinds of "hands on training" in the classroom. You'll become familiar with all the parts and learn to take it apart and back together again (you'll be doing that a lot to clean it later also). No, no scopes on these rifles but they do have sites. You'll start out on a 25m range zeroing your weapons (and you'll be shooting on little paper targets). I don't care if you have "coke bottle" glasses. If you follow the directions of your drills, you will do just fine. There are lots of concepts involved (one you'll become familiar with is BRAS-Breathe, Relax, Aim and Shoot) and you'll have plenty of time to practice these in "dry fire" before you ever go out to any range! You'll have over a dozen periods of instruction (some are out on ranges) in the use of your rifle, so don't worry about this! Also on the qualifying range (the one that counts!) you will be firing at a series of pop-up targets, the farthest one being 300m away, closest 25m. If you follow all the guidance up to that point, you WILL qualify! Pay attention in class, be patient, follow the drills' directions and you will pass. Because of your age, the drills may expect you to be more mature, but your rank will not account for anything at all. Everyone is on equal ground at BT, whether you are an E1 or E4..the drills and cadre could care less that you are an E4..everyone is a private to them! Some BT units don't even allow you to wear your rank until you graduate. Yes, you'll be getting paid more, but that's about the only difference between you and "Joe Private". Please don't carry a chip on your shoulder because of your rank. I've known a few trainees who thought they were "better" because they were E-4s. The drills soon showed them the error of their assumptions:-)) One thing to add, if the drills see that you are mature, they may put you in one of the squad or platoon leader positions, but it is not as glamorous as you may think. Mostly, you are just a glorified gopher and the recruits in these positions regularly get fired throughout the cycle..it goes with the territory, and if the drills see an inkling of leadership quality, they'll put you in one of those positions (but again, all get fired somewhere along the way..no sweat!).

Leaving due to pay issues

Posted by In Danger on 4/3/2002, 3:31 pm

Can someone leave the army if they were lied to by their recruiter or at least misinformed and are unable to pay their bills while they are gone. Especially if it would financially ruin someone else. Not a wife but a girlfriend they have lived with for 5 years. Thanks for any info this pay issue has become a very big problem and I just wondering what his options are.

Re: Leaving due to pay issues

Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 5:20 pm , in reply to "Leaving due to pay issues"

Well, this is a tough one! As I did say earlier, your boyfriend can see a financial counselor on post at Consumer Credit Counseling to see if they can help. All he has to do is to tell his drills that he's having trouble, and they should send him over there. If it's really bad, there are loans available. Unfortunately, the Army does not recognize any type of relationship where the serviceman is not married. You have no rights as far as the military is concerned. If you were married, you would also be getting Basic Allowance for Housing and other benefits that all military spouses get. Now, I am not saying that you should be married! Just saying the Army looks at your boyfriend as a single soldier and nothing further, regardless of how long he's had a relationship with someone. Again, tell him to go seek help while he's at BT. If he can't concentrate on his training, then it'll be that much harder for him. As far as the recruiter lying..that's hard to prove. Did he specifically say you will be making exactly x amount of dollars a month or did he say you'd be making about x amount a month?...there's not much that can be done about that. I'm sure at some point your husband must've seen a payscale! Sorry I couldn't help further.

Posted by joe on 4/3/2002, 7:39 pm

I'm thinking of joining up, does it matter at all if I have bad credit. I know that it would affect me in becoming an officers. But thats not what am looking for, just strait out grut.

Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 7:50 pm , in reply to "finance"

I don't know how bad your credit is, but one of the requirements of enlistment states: "Any recruit who's monthly consumer debts (not counting debts which can be deferred, such as student loans) exceeds 40 percent of his/her anticipated military pay is ineligible for enlistment." In other words, the Army wants to make sure you can pay your debts with what you will be getting paid. If you have any doubts, you can always go see a recruiter..no strings attached!

Basic family of recruit questions

Posted by Shannon on 4/3/2002, 10:11 pm

I was wondering when you find out an address to reach a recruit at... Do I have to wait for my fiance to write me a letter with the address or do they let families know before hand?Is there any phone contact during the nine weeks of Boot Camp?After graduation from boot camp, do recruits have a few days off?I graduate from college while my fiance will be in his second year of service - is he guaranteed to get the days off he requests if he asks far enough in advance?He is training at Fort Leonard Wood - what is the best airport to fly into and what transportation is available from the airport to the base?Thanks in advance for your answers...

Re: Basic family of recruit questions

Posted by R on 4/4/2002, 3:32 pm , in reply to "Basic family of recruit questions"

Let's see, usually they ask for you to write after you get that initial letter sent home that will give you your recruit's exact address. Before BT, you usually do not know what company he is in..so try to wait. They can usually call in the first 24 hrs after arriving at the reception station and also when they get to their BT company, that first weekend of training..only for a few minutes. They may get another chance once a week, depending on what week of training they are in, almost always on the weekends..again, not for lengthy time periods (there's usually a long line behind them). You also won't be able to call them..they'll be using payphones. There is time off the night before graduation and the day of, right after the ceremony. Graduates can only be signed out overnight before the ceremony by their parents (ie to stay in a hotel), otherwise, it's back to the barracks after a picnic or banquet for the recruits and their families and friends. The BT company will try to ship the soldier as soon as possible, most go the afternoon of graduation or even sometimes in the middle of the night. The rest leave the next day. If someone is held over and cannot go to their AIT for whatever reason (sometimes security clearances can be a hold up), it can be arranged for them to spend part of a day with their family if they are present...still in strict control, absolutely no leave. Once your fiance gets to his Army unit (after BT, AIT and whatever other schools he signed up for), yes he can request leave then. Permission always depends on what the unit is doing at the time. Obviously if the unit needs him for his job, he would have to defer to another time. I think some recruits also take some leave between AIT and their first duty station. Most folks fly into either St Louis or Springfield to reach FT Wood..Springfield is closer but has less service. There is also regular Greyhound bus service between the two (with Ft Wood almost in the middle, or you can rent a car.

Re: Basic family of recruit questions

Posted by Melissa on 4/13/2002, 3:57 pm , in reply to "Re: Basic family of recruit questions"

My husband was able to send me letters when he arrived, but he didn't know his address until he was there a couple of weeks. Needless to say, I had a ton of mail to send him once I got his address! He was able to call quite a bit during reception, but once basic began, the calls only come on Sundays, and they are short. :-(



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What the heck is my MOS? Posted by Melissa on 3/31/2002, 7:29 am 24.126.205.223 I leave for Fort Jackson in July. I'm intimidated, but generally looking forward to the experience. The only thing I don't know is what I will be doing afterwards. I felt like I got pushed into this MOS, and I don't have a clear idea of what I'll be doing. The MOS is 14J, "Early Warning Systems Operator", according to the goarmy.com website. So what is that? Will I be sitting in front of a screen all day?I tried searching the web for specifics, but most of the info is outdated. Until three years ago, the job was closed to women. The goarmy.com website still shows it as closed to women. Interesting.So... does anyone have any idea what I just signed myself into for four years? Re: What the heck is my MOS? Posted by James on 4/1/2002, 8:19 am , in reply to "What the heck is my MOS?" 63.79.77.125 In my opinion, if you were forced into that MOS, you didn't have a "great" recruiter per-say. My recruiter and I have a more personal relationship since my choosing to enlist... the other thing is that right up front I told him I was going and not to shoot the "crap" to get me to join. He's really been great and if you would have had a real recruiter and not someone just out to do their job, he/she would've been there to make sure you didn't make that mistake.But, look at the up side... you can get your technical training out of the way at the beginning and just transfer out of that MOS in about 1.5 years. Re: What the heck is my MOS? Posted by Raquel on 3/31/2002, 5:40 pm , in reply to "What the heck is my MOS?" 204.119.242.168 Melissa, Please go to the Army Discussion boards (link above). Ask for anyone in that career field to tell you what it is like day-to-day. Tell them you already read the MOS description but would like more specifics. Also say that you are a woman and wondered if the field just opened up to women, etc... I don't know anyone with these MOSs, so I can't be much help there. You'll still be doing the things every other soldier does in the Army (PT, vehicle and equipment maintenance, required training classes, weapons qualification, etc). Re: What the heck is my MOS? Posted by J on 3/31/2002, 7:58 am , in reply to "What the heck is my MOS?" 63.23.189.202 this my help http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/arjobs/bl14j.htm basic training Posted by Jay on 3/31/2002, 4:33 pm 64.31.168.5 Hello my name is JAY i am going to basic training in may and i am a little scared. going through a gas chamber, throwing two live grenades, shooting a m-16 which i tried with targets but could'nt hit because i am dominat in my left eye. I'm not that physical either. and also can we bring camcorders or digital cameras with us. I 'm really nervous. Re: basic training Posted by Brandon on 3/31/2002, 5:09 pm , in reply to "basic training" 128.255.191.196 Hey Jay, I too am going to Basic in May, when and where are shipping out to? I am scared as well, but I don't think we should be all that scared! I've heard basic training is more of a mental challenge, where the Army takes civillians and breaks them down, then builds their minds and bodies into Army men and women. Also, they just dont throw you onto the range and expect you to throw live grenades and hit every target with your weapon on the first day! That's why Basic is 9 weeks long! They teach you how to do all that, and believe me, you will learn. I'm not very physical either! I'm 6'1", 140lbs! I'm tall and skinny little guy. Haha, that's why I'm looking forward to basic, maybe i'll buff up some. Overall, I think basic will be a very cool and memorable experience, with some low points as well. That's what makes it a challenge, and once you get past this challege, you won't have to be scared about anything else. Hooah? HOOAH! More on dominant eye also... Posted by Raquel on 3/31/2002, 5:49 pm , in reply to "basic training" 204.119.242.168 Perfectly normal to be nervous! That should keep you on your toes. Drill sergeants say that they can teach monkeys to shoot. They are not far from the truth. Every task you learn in basic you will learn from the ground up, so even the slowest of people can grasp the concepts. As far as the dominant eye thing, there is a test to see which eye is your dominant one. Focus on an object about 10-15 ft away (something small hanging on the wall works fine). Then hold up your index finger (both eyes open) and put the tip of your finger on the object. Now cover each eye, one at a time. Which eye shows the finger directly on the object? That is your dominant eye. I can talk from experience...I am left-handed but my dominant eye is my right eye (how's that for being mixed up!). A drill sergeant should spot that right away. When I first started shooting, many years ago, I remember my instructor had me use eye patches and everything to get me to hit the targets, firing left handed. I was miserable and doing terribly and couldn't figure out why. I finally had another instructor throw away the eye patch and told me to shoot right-handed. I did and qualified and have ever since (even at the Expert level). So what's the moral of the story? It is easier to change from left to right handed firing rather than trying to change your dominant eye. The dominant eye is the most important factor here. Just keep this in mind if you do end up having difficulties...I had to learn the "hard way". Buddy System Posted by James on 4/1/2002, 8:04 am 63.79.77.125 I am going into the Army in the MOS 11-XRay... for those of you who don't know, that is simply an 11-Bravo (infantry) with a Ranger option on my contract.My question is, when I go in, can my friend who is going 11-Bravo be put in the same basic training camp as I am? and does anyone have any tips for me to surviving basic and ranger training? Re: Buddy System Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 9:07 am , in reply to "Buddy System" 204.119.243.15 It's the luck of the draw where you will be sent in general, but since you are both 11Bs, then you will go to Benning. Once you get to Benning, it will again be the luck of the draw whether you both will go to the same BT company. As far as tips, please explore the links we have below...lots of stuff to look at! Link: http://www.armybasic.homestead.com/links.html Reception Battalion/OSUT start Posted by Brad on 4/1/2002, 9:16 am 204.177.186.1 I just got my ship date and stuff and have my doubts on when I'll actually start training. I'm shipping to Ft. Leonardwood on November 21st for Military Police OSUT but the actual class is supposed to start on November 25th. From stories I've heard concerning the length of time in Reception, I'm finding it hard to believe that I'll actually be in the November 25th class, which would probably mean I'll be in Reception until January!? Could this be? Re: Reception Battalion/OSUT start Posted by sars on 4/2/2002, 9:17 am , in reply to "Reception Battalion/OSUT start" 12.235.216.72 my boyfriend has been at reception at fort benning for something like 25 days! he says this is pretty average right now... i guess there is an increase of enlistees following september 11th or something. but he also wrote enlistees must start basic within 30 days, or its breach of contract on the part of the army. so i think its safe to assume you wouldn't be starting in january. Re: Reception Battalion/OSUT start Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 9:04 am , in reply to "Reception Battalion/OSUT start" 204.119.243.15 That sounds about right. Time in reception should be only 1-4 days at most! I am just amazed when someone says that they know someone who has been there more than a week! Something is wrong with the system when that happens...it is very unusual! Moving Away Posted by Adam on 4/1/2002, 10:38 am 142.179.56.201 Hi, I am in Canada right now but was born and lived in the US most of my life. I am finishing High School this June. Then I am going to the States to join the Army. If I talk to the Recruter on say the 1st of June. Then when would I be able to ship out to BASIC? I would like to go as soon a possible. If anyone knows anything about from the first time you talk to you recruter till shipping out, I would love to know a timeline. Thank you. Re: Moving Away Posted by James on 4/1/2002, 9:00 pm , in reply to "Moving Away" 67.217.19.237 From the time that you sign your contract, the Army can have you shipped in less than a month.. so that's something to think about. Military Pay Posted by Kennedy on 4/1/2002, 11:07 am 149.175.21.105 My boyfriend left for basic a month ago. I am taking care of all of his finances while he's gone sinc we live together. His recruiter told him he would make about a $1000 take home a month. Well after looking around it looks like he only receieves $1022 before taxes is this true? He joined the National Guard. I don't know if that makes a difference. Thanks for any help. If he can't pays his bills what options does he have. I would hate to lose my house. Re: Military Pay Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:44 am , in reply to "Military Pay" 204.119.243.15 Yes, that sounds about right for an E1 in under 4 yrs. Everyone at his rank and time in service gets paid the same while they are in an active status, so it makes no difference that he is National Guard. His take home pay should be around $900 a month. The Army does give you access to Consumer Credit Counseling, and if his ability to keep up with his bills is difficult, he should certainly see them! PAY Posted by JAY on 4/1/2002, 12:06 pm 64.31.168.5 When going to basic training how much willwe get paida and how much will we paid for AIT Re: PAY Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:22 am , in reply to "PAY" 204.119.245.84 Per year, as an E1/E2 you will make around $13,000 to $15,000 and that boils down to $1100 to 1200 per month base pay. This will be taxed at 10% at the federal level, and also don't forget your FICA tax and your state tax (whichever state you are a resident of). As far as take home pay, it should run $900-1000. Remember that the Army also provides you your medical and dental care without charging you, as well as housing and your meals. You can't beat that! Also, if you start investing early in mutual funds, you can retire VERY comfortably when the time comes. Make a habit of starting an investment plan early in life! Re: PAY Posted by Heather on 4/2/2002, 12:29 pm , in reply to "Re: PAY" 66.217.67.121 What is the starting pay for a reservist? Re: PAY Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 8:00 pm , in reply to "Re: PAY" 204.119.245.140 Everyone in your rank will be paid the same base pay while in training. If you are asking what you will be paid for the times you drill, please go to the website below. Look on page 7 for Drill Pay. You will also find all the other charts that have to do with getting paid at this website below. Link: http://www.dtic.mil/perdiem/bahform.html (no subject) Posted by JAY on 4/1/2002, 1:01 pm 64.31.168.5 AFTER I COME FROM ATI I WILL BE ATTENDING NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY IN VIRGINIA THATS WERE I'LLBE STATIONED AT. I WANTED TO KNOW THE ARMY HELP YOU PAY FOR YOUR HOUSING AND IF DO HOW MUCH. ALSO MY FREIND AND I ARE GOING TO BASIC AND ATI TO SO COULD THEY HAVE PLAN WERE THEY CAN PUT OUR MONEY TOGETHER FOR A PLACE Re: (no subject) Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 9:02 am , in reply to "(no subject)" 204.119.243.15 Only active duty soldiers will be provided with housing. I am assuming you are Reserve or NG? Single soldiers on active duty will be put in single soldiers' quarters or barracks (depending on the post), usually two to a suite or room. You pay nothing extra for this. There are a few posts worldwide that do not have the facilities for housing on post for lower enlisted (this is rare) and in that case the Army will give you a housing allowance for you to find a place. There is a housing office on post that will assist you and you just have to make sure there is a military clause in the rental contract in case you get transferred and have to end the contract early. It is also possible in this type of situation to have a roommate...but again, this is VERY rare, most posts have housing for single lower enlisted soldiers. Unless there is a program in the Reserves or NG that I am unaware of, I would have to say no, you are on your own. how to increase run speed Posted by TJ on 4/1/2002, 2:05 pm 63.184.228.161 i've been running for 2 weeks five days a week and i was wondering how can i improve my time. i run a 18:20 2 mile. how often should i run? do anyone have program that i can do so i can improve my running? thanks Re: how to increase run speed Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:57 am , in reply to "how to increase run speed" 204.119.243.15 Joe is right. The only way to increase speed is to do sprints! You can run all the long distance you want, and you will be fit, but still won't run any faster!!! Alternate your running days with long distance running over a variety of terrain and with wind sprints (also called indian running). As an example on your sprint day, on a 1/4 mile track, sprint 1/4 of it, then run a normal pace the next 1/4 leg, sprint 1/4 leg, etc. You can also use flat terrain for this if you like (ie sprint to one phone pole, run to to the next, et...you can be creative). Then the next day you will do long distance running, alternate and then one day of rest a week. If you want a detailed plan, I'm sure something will come up if you do a search on www.google.com What I do. Posted by Joe on 4/1/2002, 2:28 pm , in reply to "how to increase run speed" 208.16.251.5 Not saying its scientific..or even good..but its what works for me btw, I use a treadmill for this..only because its easy to keep track of the time/speed Monday & Thursday: Run 3 miles at 7 mph (thats about 8:14-8:20 per mile) Tuesday & Friday: Run 1 mile at 10 mph (6:00) Weds & Sat: Run 2 miles at around 8-8.5 (this gets me under 15 mins which is where you want to be for pt test) If you want to improve speed..run fast for shorter distances than you would..sprint. Again, its what works for me, your milage may vary help Posted by anonymous on 4/1/2002, 2:08 pm 205.188.197.189 I am supposed to be leaving for basic soon ... I do not want any part of it anymore ... How can I get out of going ... I really do not want to go ... Please help?!? ... Thanks!! Re: help Posted by Dave Truitt on 4/1/2002, 2:48 pm , in reply to "help" 64.26.69.130 You can get out of the Army DEP (Delayed Entry Program). Here's how you have to do it: first, call your recruiter and let him know that you intend to seek separation from the DEP. He or she probably won't be too happy about this...be prepared for ALOT of pressure to stay in and ship to Basic. Recruiters are under a great deal of pressure to get contracts signed and, once they are, make sure the enlistee actually ships to Basic. If the "DEP loss" is avoidable, (ie, the recruit simply has lost interest in military service), the Recruiter who signed him or her will be held accountable by his or her "higher ups" and probably get into trouble...the way the Army looks at it, the Recruiter failed to keep the recruit motiviated while in the DEP. The next step is to write a letter to the Station Commander of the recruitng station that you went thorugh. You must clearly state that you wish to be released from the DEP and state WHY. Valid reasons include medical/psycholical problems, marriage, acceptable of an acedemic scholarhship, conscientious objector status, or just plain "apathy" and the catch-all "other" category. You must sign the letter. Since your ship date is coming up soon, you probably should ask that it be pushed back while your case is being evaluated. Unless you will have already been in DEP for 365 at the time are to ship, you can request this. Once the Army gets your letter, they have to act on it within 14 days, I think. During this time, you will probably been bombarded with phone calls from the Recruiter, his/her superviser, ect, trying to get you to withdraw the request. Technically, the Army does not have to grant you the request; in the most technical sense, they can activate you against your will. However, the current policy of ALL branches of the armed foreces is to grant all requests for separation. As I said, you have to be prepared for a lot of pressure to ship to Basic but Army Regs explicitly prohibit anyone form making any threats against you (i.e., "if you don't go, we'll have you arrested" or "if you don't go, you'll never be able to get a loan or a government job." Recruiters know they are not supposed to do this, but sometimes the pressure to deliver is so great that they will do almost ANYTHING to make sure a recruit ships to Basic. If your recruiter tells you can't get out of DEP or that you will face legal charges if you try, go up the chain of command or contact the MEPS where you enlisted. This will get his attention If you know for sure that you do not want to go in, it's better to take action now...once you ship to Basic, getting out is much harder. Hope this helps Re: help Posted by James on 4/2/2002, 3:59 pm , in reply to "help" 63.79.77.125 I agree with the person who uses numbers as a Name :-)... If for any reason this is caused by fear or simply nervousness then don't back out. For me, leaving home isn't just leaving home and the safety net that is here... I am leaving my girlfriend of over a year and a half and before i leave she will be my fiance.. it is one of the most difficult decisions i will ever make in my life, but i know that this is a decisoin that will make my life better and more interesting than it would to be in just the civilian sector. On top of this, i am not choosing the safest MOS the Army has to offer, 11-X w/ Ranger opt. its combat oriented and that is somewhat frightening to think of not being with her and my family ever again.. But, all in all, it will be better. So, Definitely re-think it all and make an educated decision. "Rangers Lead the Way... All the Way!"-Hoo-Ah!!! Re: help Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:52 am , in reply to "help" 204.119.243.15 Dave is right in what the basic procedures are. I would caution you though to relook at why you don't want to go. What made you sign up in the first place? If it was for a better life than you have now, you're making a big mistake in backing out! If you are doing this for a girlfriend, fear, advice from "back home", I suggest you stick with it. I say this because I know what the Army can do for a person...I'm talking things like confidence building, go-getter attitude, maturity..those kinds of things. Go to any BT graduation and see the tears in those parents' eyes, then you'll know what I am talking about. I also cannot tell you the number of times someone approached me to tell me that giving up on the Army was the biggest mistake of their life...they never got over their failure and are living boring lives of mediocrity when they could've done something with their lives and for their families. It's also a nice added boost to know that you are doing something to keep this country free. Again, just my opinion, and if for some reason you are not compatible with the Army and Army life there are still ways to get out before your enlistment is up (although I can honestly say there have been MANY recruits I have had who came back after they were discharged from basic...they had to wait the required two years and then started all over again). Re: help Posted by 06070 on 4/2/2002, 9:31 am , in reply to "Re: help" 152.163.194.207 Id have to say what you are feeling now is somewhat normal. After i signed the dotted line i did have some concerns myself. The enormity of this undertakeing and the changes that would occur in almost ever aspect of my life frightend me. but then i look around and i relize this is a once in a lifetime oppertunity and its the first step toward building a positive future( for myself).I just look at my life now and relize im not getting where i what to be and i remember why im doing it and i start to look forward to it more and more everyday. Keep a positive attitude and never sell yourself short. Can I go to boot camp without joining the army? Posted by Anna on 4/1/2002, 6:16 pm 152.163.195.177 Okay, I know that this is going to sound kinda hokey. I am a senior in high school and I don't know if I want to join the army but I want to go through boot camp. Is it possible to go through boot camp before signing anything? Also, how much does it cost? Do they have BT sessions beginning in different months year-round? Is there a specific camp that I would have to attend because of my geographic location (Sarasota, FL)? If you could answer any of these I would be very appreciative. Thanks! -Anna- Re: Can I go to boot camp without joining the army? Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 8:17 am , in reply to "Can I go to boot camp without joining the army?" 204.119.245.84 No, you cannot. There are plenty of "Outward Bound" and military-type confidence and fitness building training programs out there. Try doing a search for "Outward Bound" or adventure training, boot camp style fitness camp, etc...I'm sure you'll run across some of them on the internet. When you are "signing up" you are not enlisting for boot camp, you are enlisting to be in the Army. Boot camp is just the first step! IF for some reason you and the Army are not compatible, then there are ways to become discharged from the Army (and sent home from boot camp) without any serious penalties. As far as geographic location, you will go to boot camp wherever there is a slot open, irregardless of where you live. O.S.U.T Posted by 06070 on 4/2/2002, 9:38 am 152.163.194.207 A couple questions about osut i have are the following: Is ait and basic training intermingled togather or do you just do basic straight through and then ait. when you gaduate do you recive more privilages on the base or is the same drill sgt. at basic still grilling you. Re: O.S.U.T Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 9:57 am , in reply to "O.S.U.T" 204.119.243.15 Even OSUT units follow the same schedule as a basic training unit would (same set of classes and progression of training). You will find though that there will be more emphasis on your MOS throughout OSUT because your drills are of the same MOS. Yes, you'll have the same drills in the AIT portion, and I think it is up to the individual drill how "soft" they will get. Of course, soldiers who leave BT and then go on to their AIT unit, believe me, the drills will be re-establishing themselves as authority figures, so in that sense, you don't have to go through that again. As far as passes go, no matter where you attend OSUT or AIT, it'll depend on a lot of different factors..let's just say you earn them. I do know that in AIT you will get passes on the weekends (not every weekend) but it's up to the individual companies how and when they choose to give them out. -1 to E-5 Posted by 06070 on 4/2/2002, 9:49 am 152.163.194.207 I am curious about one thing in pericular. I enlisted for 4 years and was wondering how long it takes the average soldier to reach the rank of sargent from the rank of E-1. Is this a real posibility for a person only thier for 4 years. furthermore what factors determine when you get promoted.Also do certain mos's get promotions faster than others. some national guard kid at meps was telling me that cooks advance the fastest.is thier any merit to that Re: E-1 to E-5 Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 10:18 am , in reply to "E-1 to E-5" 204.119.243.15 If you would like to read more about promotions and requirements, you can go to "Links of Knowledge" and read the Army Enlisted Promotions manual (AR 600-8-19). Basically from E1-E4 you will get promoted on a schedule, as long as there are slots in your unit (only a certain # of each rank can be promoted each month). If you do your job well, there will be no problem getting promoted within the timeframes (look in the manual for the timetables). Once you get to E4 looking towards E5, things get much harder. In order to make E5, you must have attended the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC). If you don't know what that is, you can do a search on www.google.com . Then there are certain requirements you must meet to go to a promotion board for E5. It's not automatic, although you must have 34 months time in service, and 6 month time in grade (E4) to even go to the board. Not only will board members grill you on your military and MOS knowledge, but your appearance and Class A uniform comes into play also. Before going to the board though, you have to get the recommendation of your chain of command as well as get a packet of required paperwork together (for instance a current PT test, eligible for re-enlistment, PLDC graduate, etc..). Then if you make the board and the promotion list, you will be given a #. Yes, it's true that some MOSs may get promoted before others, but eventually, if you are on the list you will be promoted also. It frequently changes which MOSs get promoted faster than others..couldn't tell you who will get there faster. This explanation is somewhat oversimplified, so I suggest reading the manual to find out more in depth. special forces Posted by 06070again on 4/2/2002, 10:04 am 152.163.194.207 i have the specials forces option in my contract but i am not exactly sure of what this means. I know i am not garenteed SF traing it says so in the letter so what good is it. I know i have what it takes so how can i ensure i get this training.P.S what are the major differences between SF soldiers and rangers. thanks Re: special forces Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 10:30 am , in reply to "special forces" 204.119.243.15 The Go Army website does a good job of explaining the difference between all the special operations soldiers. Please visit the link below. You will also find all the requirements to even try out for the training. This must be something new the Army is offering to new recruits. Not sure what it guarantees there. I can tell you that it in no way guarantees that you will become an SF soldier. There is a very selective screening process and rigorous training and even if you pass all the requirements, they still might not take you after all that! This field is highly competitive! Also, only E4s are eligible to go to Selection, so you do have a ways to go before you get there (if you are an E1). It could be your contract is a promise that you will get to selection if you pass all the required schools up to that point. Same goes for the Ranger option in a recruit's contract..no guarantee of becoming a Ranger but it will certainly put you at an advantage over someone who does not have this in their contract. Link: http://www.goarmy.com/job/branch/sorc/ Re: special forces Posted by James on 4/2/2002, 3:49 pm , in reply to "Re: special forces" 63.79.77.125 The special forces options run the same as the Ranger options on contracts... i have a ranger option and the catch is that when you are done with basic and AIT, then if you passed them well-enough and they think you can cut it.. they will consider you over the other soldiers without the option on their contract. Rangers Lead the Way... All the Way!Hoo-Ah! BAH During Boot Camp Posted by Richard Giannetti on 4/2/2002, 3:35 pm 199.169.240.132 My recruiter told me I would receive BAH during boot camp because I am married. Is this true? Would it be at the rate of my wifes location? Re: BAH During Boot Camp Posted by Raquel on 4/2/2002, 7:46 pm , in reply to "BAH During Boot Camp" 204.119.245.140 Yes, you are qualified if you are married to receive a housing allowance while you are in training. It will be determined at the location where your wife is. I don't have the regulation handy that has the chart, but if you need it, let me know, and I'm sure I could dig it up. Basic Allowance for Housing reference Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 7:52 pm , in reply to "Re: BAH During Boot Camp" 204.119.245.140 Here's the reference on BAH if you need to look anything up. Link: http://www.dtic.mil/comptroller/fmr/07a/07A26.pdf Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 7:56 pm , in reply to "Basic Allowance for Housing reference" 204.119.245.140 Handy utility for calculating your BAH rate..just type in your rank and zip code and you are ready to go! Link: http://www.dtic.mil/perdiem/bahform.html Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference Posted by J on 4/3/2002, 7:05 am , in reply to "Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference" 63.39.37.205 does this include AIT training? Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 9:32 am , in reply to "Re: Basic Allowance for Housing reference" 204.119.242.77 It should include all your training time when you are in a "full time" status. Enlistment Promotions Posted by James on 4/2/2002, 4:03 pm 63.79.77.125 Is anyone else taking advantage of the "elistment promotions?" -- I am going in as a PfC. (Pay grade E-3) Now I do have one question about this though... how long will it be before i get my first promotion.. and what is the difference between a Specialist E-4 and the Corporel E-4??? thank you Rangers Lead the Way... All the Way!Hoo-Ah! Re: Enlistment Promotions Posted by Tony on 4/3/2002, 4:45 pm , in reply to "Enlistment Promotions" 12.93.33.151 Being that I have my college degree, I know I will enlist as an E-4. While at basic, will I receie E-1 or E-4 pay? I have heard two different things, and would like to know what is true. Thanks! Re: Enlistment Promotions Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 5:23 pm , in reply to "Re: Enlistment Promotions" 204.119.242.84 I don't want you to misunderstand. If you are an E-4, you will get paid as an E-4 (or whatever your rank is..or should I say your grade)...no matter where you are! I was just trying to get the point across that all recruits at BT will be treated as privates in the day-to-day scheme of things. Re: Enlistment Promotions Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 9:17 pm , in reply to "Enlistment Promotions" 204.119.245.140 See the updated info on promotions in "Links of Knowledge". To make SPC, the time requirement is to have 26 months in service and 6 months as a PFC. Some other factors also come into play (such as not being barred from re-enlistment and being flagged..ie you got in trouble). SPC and Corporals are in the same pay grade, although the corporal will outrank the Specialist. Corporals are considered NCOs; and therefore have leadership responsibilities. Since the Army went with the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC), you won't run into a lot of corporals anymore. Going Airborne Posted by Teresa on 4/2/2002, 6:31 pm 68.3.253.209 I will be leaving for Fort Jackson on the 11th of April and I would like to have the chance to go Airborne. Will I get this option when I get to basic? I understand that it is on a volunteer basis, how do they find the volunteers? My MOS is 67T...if this makes a difference. Thanks in Advance,Teresa Re: Going Airborne Posted by ?82 on 4/8/2002, 8:07 am , in reply to "Going Airborne" 204.211.15.101 IVE HEARD THAT IF U DONT HAVE AIRBORNE IN YOUR CONTRACT THAT IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET IT. HEY YOU NEVER KNOW THOUGH. SO GOOD LUCK Re: Going Airborne Posted by Joe on 4/2/2002, 7:06 pm , in reply to "Going Airborne" 208.16.251.5 You can go Abn on just about any MOS, however if you wanted to go Abn the best thing to do is get it in your contract. There are some MOS's that will send you to Abn school that would be useful for yourself and the group. Like the 11 series. Im not sure how you will go about it now that you are already in though. Sleep Apnea Posted by Lori on 4/2/2002, 6:48 pm 66.222.57.239 Is diagnosed sleep apnea a disqualifying/dischargable medical condition if the use of a CPAP machine is recommended by a doctor? Re: Sleep Apnea Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 9:25 pm , in reply to "Sleep Apnea" 204.119.245.140 I am not a doctor, so don't take this as medical advice! You can check on the "Links of Knowledge" page to see if this is covered specifically. Check AR 40-501, which is more in depth and lists all the conditions that are disqualifiers. I don't remember off hand if this is listed. I know that no medication is used to treat it, but I can say that you will not be able to use a CPAP device while in Basic, so I would suspect that if the condition is severe and chronic enough to cause problems, you probably will be disqualified. But, nothing can stop you from seeing a recruiter to make sure. If they are in doubt, they will send you to get checked by a doctor at the Army's expense. The website for the reg is down at the moment; try it again later. Link: http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r40_501.pdf Handy site that explains every bit of info on your "paystub" (Leaves and Earning Statement - LES) Posted by R on 4/2/2002, 7:50 pm 204.119.245.140 For those who have asked in the past. Here is a PDF file that explains your military pay stub, more commonly known as the LES. Link: http://www.dfas.mil/money/milpay/les_djms.pdf Going in as an E-4 Posted by Dave Truitt on 4/3/2002, 9:06 am 64.26.69.130 I'll be going in as a Spec because of my college degree...my MOS is 56M (Chaplain's Assistant). Will the DS expect more of me in Basic because I'm older and have advaned rank or will it be the same standard as anyone else? Also, I'm a little nervous about qualifying with the M-16...I haven't shot a rifle since I was a kid...and then only a BB gun. And my vision is far from 20/20. I've heard that when you qualify you are shooting at targets several hundred yards away...unless the rifle has a scope on it, I don't even think I'll be able to see the targets well enough to hit anything. Of course, I've never had any training so maybe the DS can help with this. I wish the Recruiter could take us out a a rifle range and teach us to shoot, but I think that's one of those things they are specifically prohibited from doing...no training that involves any weapons or firearms. Rifle Ranges and a Recruit w/rank.. Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 9:51 am , in reply to "Going in as an E-4" 204.119.242.77 As I said once before, drills say they can teach monkeys to shoot. In fact, they prefer recruits who have never picked up a firearm in their lives..less chance of having bad habits! First you will have all kinds of "hands on training" in the classroom. You'll become familiar with all the parts and learn to take it apart and back together again (you'll be doing that a lot to clean it later also). No, no scopes on these rifles but they do have sites. You'll start out on a 25m range zeroing your weapons (and you'll be shooting on little paper targets). I don't care if you have "coke bottle" glasses. If you follow the directions of your drills, you will do just fine. There are lots of concepts involved (one you'll become familiar with is BRAS-Breathe, Relax, Aim and Shoot) and you'll have plenty of time to practice these in "dry fire" before you ever go out to any range! You'll have over a dozen periods of instruction (some are out on ranges) in the use of your rifle, so don't worry about this! Also on the qualifying range (the one that counts!) you will be firing at a series of pop-up targets, the farthest one being 300m away, closest 25m. If you follow all the guidance up to that point, you WILL qualify! Pay attention in class, be patient, follow the drills' directions and you will pass. Because of your age, the drills may expect you to be more mature, but your rank will not account for anything at all. Everyone is on equal ground at BT, whether you are an E1 or E4..the drills and cadre could care less that you are an E4..everyone is a private to them! Some BT units don't even allow you to wear your rank until you graduate. Yes, you'll be getting paid more, but that's about the only difference between you and "Joe Private". Please don't carry a chip on your shoulder because of your rank. I've known a few trainees who thought they were "better" because they were E-4s. The drills soon showed them the error of their assumptions:-)) One thing to add, if the drills see that you are mature, they may put you in one of the squad or platoon leader positions, but it is not as glamorous as you may think. Mostly, you are just a glorified gopher and the recruits in these positions regularly get fired throughout the cycle..it goes with the territory, and if the drills see an inkling of leadership quality, they'll put you in one of those positions (but again, all get fired somewhere along the way..no sweat!). Leaving due to pay issues Posted by In Danger on 4/3/2002, 3:31 pm 149.175.21.105 Can someone leave the army if they were lied to by their recruiter or at least misinformed and are unable to pay their bills while they are gone. Especially if it would financially ruin someone else. Not a wife but a girlfriend they have lived with for 5 years. Thanks for any info this pay issue has become a very big problem and I just wondering what his options are. Re: Leaving due to pay issues Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 5:20 pm , in reply to "Leaving due to pay issues" 204.119.242.84 Well, this is a tough one! As I did say earlier, your boyfriend can see a financial counselor on post at Consumer Credit Counseling to see if they can help. All he has to do is to tell his drills that he's having trouble, and they should send him over there. If it's really bad, there are loans available. Unfortunately, the Army does not recognize any type of relationship where the serviceman is not married. You have no rights as far as the military is concerned. If you were married, you would also be getting Basic Allowance for Housing and other benefits that all military spouses get. Now, I am not saying that you should be married! Just saying the Army looks at your boyfriend as a single soldier and nothing further, regardless of how long he's had a relationship with someone. Again, tell him to go seek help while he's at BT. If he can't concentrate on his training, then it'll be that much harder for him. As far as the recruiter lying..that's hard to prove. Did he specifically say you will be making exactly x amount of dollars a month or did he say you'd be making about x amount a month?...there's not much that can be done about that. I'm sure at some point your husband must've seen a payscale! Sorry I couldn't help further. finance Posted by joe on 4/3/2002, 7:39 pm 152.163.205.78 I'm thinking of joining up, does it matter at all if I have bad credit. I know that it would affect me in becoming an officers. But thats not what am looking for, just strait out grut. Re: finance Posted by R on 4/3/2002, 7:50 pm , in reply to "finance" 204.119.242.71 I don't know how bad your credit is, but one of the requirements of enlistment states: "Any recruit who's monthly consumer debts (not counting debts which can be deferred, such as student loans) exceeds 40 percent of his/her anticipated military pay is ineligible for enlistment." In other words, the Army wants to make sure you can pay your debts with what you will be getting paid. If you have any doubts, you can always go see a recruiter..no strings attached! Basic family of recruit questions Posted by Shannon on 4/3/2002, 10:11 pm 67.240.150.203 I was wondering when you find out an address to reach a recruit at... Do I have to wait for my fiance to write me a letter with the address or do they let families know before hand?Is there any phone contact during the nine weeks of Boot Camp?After graduation from boot camp, do recruits have a few days off?I graduate from college while my fiance will be in his second year of service - is he guaranteed to get the days off he requests if he asks far enough in advance?He is training at Fort Leonard Wood - what is the best airport to fly into and what transportation is available from the airport to the base?Thanks in advance for your answers... Re: Basic family of recruit questions Posted by R on 4/4/2002, 3:32 pm , in reply to "Basic family of recruit questions" 204.119.242.133 Let's see, usually they ask for you to write after you get that initial letter sent home that will give you your recruit's exact address. Before BT, you usually do not know what company he is in..so try to wait. They can usually call in the first 24 hrs after arriving at the reception station and also when they get to their BT company, that first weekend of training..only for a few minutes. They may get another chance once a week, depending on what week of training they are in, almost always on the weekends..again, not for lengthy time periods (there's usually a long line behind them). You also won't be able to call them..they'll be using payphones. There is time off the night before graduation and the day of, right after the ceremony. Graduates can only be signed out overnight before the ceremony by their parents (ie to stay in a hotel), otherwise, it's back to the barracks after a picnic or banquet for the recruits and their families and friends. The BT company will try to ship the soldier as soon as possible, most go the afternoon of graduation or even sometimes in the middle of the night. The rest leave the next day. If someone is held over and cannot go to their AIT for whatever reason (sometimes security clearances can be a hold up), it can be arranged for them to spend part of a day with their family if they are present...still in strict control, absolutely no leave. Once your fiance gets to his Army unit (after BT, AIT and whatever other schools he signed up for), yes he can request leave then. Permission always depends on what the unit is doing at the time. Obviously if the unit needs him for his job, he would have to defer to another time. I think some recruits also take some leave between AIT and their first duty station. Most folks fly into either St Louis or Springfield to reach FT Wood..Springfield is closer but has less service. There is also regular Greyhound bus service between the two (with Ft Wood almost in the middle, or you can rent a car. Re: Basic family of recruit questions Posted by Melissa on 4/13/2002, 3:57 pm , in reply to "Re: Basic family of recruit questions" 205.188.197.152 My husband was able to send me letters when he arrived, but he didn't know his address until he was there a couple of weeks. Needless to say, I had a ton of mail to send him once I got his address! He was able to call quite a bit during reception, but once basic began, the calls only come on Sundays, and they are short. :-(

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