Military at my age!?!? 1,000th Post!

[richjorg]

I am 32 and have actually considered going in full-time, but my wife is not to thrilled with even the discussion.

[That Guy]

Not true, some of us just kept our mouths shut for a while.

I stand corrected.

TGY

[mosetti]

A lot of people come and go through the site. I think Retired is the only other person that's been around this long.

Not true, some of us just kept our mouths shut for a while.

[Magnum314]

The only thing you'll need to worry about with the PRK is if it was done within 18 months of going into basic. They sent a guy home in my flight for that very reason. If you tell your recruiter when you had it done, he can set up your entry time to fit the requirement.

I laughed at your age concern. I was 34 when I entered the Air Force Reserves. Showed some 20-somethings a thing or two while I was at it. You can still become an officer with the right training and fortitude before you turn 40, watched one of my Sgt's do it.

Stay with the Air Guard as they have a few quirks over the other branches and even the reserves. It's just a better deal.

Also, pick and choose carfeully. There are bonuses to be had out there for the same job. The guys in my SF training group ranged from no bonus to $10k bonus. Do your homework.

And as others have said, 60 credits or more should get you E-3 status after basic. But get it in writing.... actually, get anything they promise in writing...

And whatever you do, don't wear that nifty Air Force shirt the recruiter gives you to basic training.

[That Guy]

You are well established in your LE career. Why do you want to join the military?

It was always something I wanted to do. I was tuned down due to my vision and all I did was security work and gained a bit of college. Since having PRK I may get a 2nd chance.
I believe that education is great but live experience is much better. Since I am established in my LEO career why not broaden it?
I originaly attempted to get in the Marines two seperate times (pre 9/11). By joining the Guard or Reserves I get to keep my job and spend sometime in the military.
The other alternative I see is going on a contract mission overseas. It has it's pros and cons and many require 1 year contracts.
I can go through my career as an LEO only but when I sit back if whenever I reach retirement I don't want to regret things.

TGY

[Stan Switek]

You are well established in your LE career. Why do you want to join the military?

[KC2GYV]

State Guard

Can't speak on what programs other states have, but at one time, CA Army National Guard had a cadet program. If you had a certain amount of college credit, you could apply for said program. Drill one weekend a month and five weeks a year (I think), all worked around your college/work schedule. After the 15 month program, you received a commission as 2nd LT, and had two years (I think) to finish your degree. Your State Army or Air Guard might have a smiliar program.

[That Guy]

I would think you would have a better time in the USCG then the reg military..but thats just me.

I get that impression from a lot of people. The biggest reason is that I have been in LE for a while where I pretty much call the shots. If I go then I will be low man for a bit. I think I'd have a better time because the DIs won't stress me out as much since I know they are doing thier job instead of being Aholes. I just need to keep my mouth shut.

TGY

[squad51]

I would think you would have a better time in the USCG then the reg military..but thats just me.

[That Guy]

I agree with Washingtonian, check out the Coast Guard. They have really been amping up their LE mission the last few years. I believe they've even added (or are adding?) a Port Security Specialist rating.

I checked out the USCG website and looked at the Port Secuirty postion which is a reserve job.
I have to get the waiver done first and am waiting on the recruiter (AG) to email it to me. I'll chit chat with USCG also.

TGY

[usafcop64528]

Have you looked into the Coast Guard reserves? You could keep your full time LE job, and they have some good programs targeted specifically for current LEO's.

there is no reason why he can't stay full time in LEO and be Air Guard. Lots of guys at my base do that.

[Welpe]

I agree with Washingtonian, check out the Coast Guard. They have really been amping up their LE mission the last few years. I believe they've even added (or are adding?) a Port Security Specialist rating.

[That Guy]

ThatGuy, it's amazing that you stuck around O.com for 5 years.

Shall I say, "Congratulations on 1000th post!"

I send you flowers and candies.

Just wait til your 10,000th post, I'll get you something even better.

LOL, I'll be a posting fool then, I wanna see my prize!
A lot of people come and go through the site. I think Retired is the only other person that's been around this long.

Have you looked into the Coast Guard reserves? You could keep your full time LE job, and they have some good programs targeted specifically for current LEO's.

You know I have never thought of that. Maybe I'm being small minded becuase I don't want to ride on a ship. But since all the recruiters are lumped next to one another I'll check them out.

TGY

[toni_tk]

ThatGuy, it's amazing that you stuck around O.com for 5 years.

Shall I say, "Congratulations on 1000th post!"

I send you flowers and candies.

Just wait til your 10,000th post, I'll get you something even better.

[Washingtonian]

Have you looked into the Coast Guard reserves? You could keep your full time LE job, and they have some good programs targeted specifically for current LEO's.