Who's in the AF?

[MAXIMVS]

Chipy, good luck. Have fun at Maxwell. I spent 18 long weeks there.

Excelsior, if you will already have your degree apply directly to OTS. Actually you can apply a certain number of days before getting your degree. You can ask a recruiter for the exact number.

 

[mwtgg]

Originally posted by: upsciLLion
Topic Title: Who's in the AF?
Topic Summary: Don't be shy, were' the "smart" pnes
Created On: 06/08/2005 10:20 PM

haha. You phonetically wrote penis.

Apparently they don't teach them how to write correctly in the Air Force. Shame.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: MAXIMVS
Chipy, good luck. Have fun at Maxwell. I spent 18 long weeks there.

Excelsior, if you will already have your degree apply directly to OTS.

Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.

After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.

I just hope Ill be able to get in...

 

[TLfromAI]

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: MAXIMVS
Chipy, good luck. Have fun at Maxwell. I spent 18 long weeks there.

Excelsior, if you will already have your degree apply directly to OTS.

Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.

After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.

I just hope Ill be able to get in...

Would you rather be a new E-3 or a new O-1? Check the pay scales and make that decision. Either way you're going to be a newb so why not as an officer? The O-1s I know that don't get respect are the ones that don't deserve it. Do everything you can for your enlisted troops and they will return the favor.

Lowly O-1 here.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: TLfromAI

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: MAXIMVS
Chipy, good luck. Have fun at Maxwell. I spent 18 long weeks there.

Excelsior, if you will already have your degree apply directly to OTS.

Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.

After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.

I just hope Ill be able to get in...

Would you rather be a new E-3 or a new O-1? Check the pay scales and make that decision. Either way you're going to be a newb so why not as an officer? The O-1s I know that don't get respect are the ones that don't deserve it. Do everything you can for your enlisted troops and they will return the favor.

Lowly O-1 here.

Good point, the pay and treatmeant is better. Thanks for clearing my head. Like I said though, I hope Ill have the "credentials" needed to get in.

Edit: When did you join, what is your career, and where are you stationed? You don't have to answer if those are too personal.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.

After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.

I just hope Ill be able to get in...

With all due respect, this is a dumb reason to enlist. You earn respect as an officer by acting with professionalism and treating others with respect. There's no reason, IMO, to enlist if you can get a commission that outweighs the huge pay differential. Spending a few years as an E-3 just delays the pay increases that come with promotions in the officer ranks.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.

After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.

I just hope Ill be able to get in...

With all due respect, this is a dumb reason to enlist. You earn respect as an officer by acting with professionalism and treating others with respect. There's no reason, IMO, to enlist if you can get a commission that outweighs the huge pay differential. Spending a few years as an E-3 just delays the pay increases that come with promotions in the officer ranks.

Yeah you are right. I think I am just worried I won't get into OTS. I don't even know who would write me a letter of recommendation.

 

[olds]

United States Air Farce.

 

[MAXIMVS]

Excelsior, I got my letters of recommendation from my physics professor (who didn't even know me but i aced both his classes so he wrote some great BS), a social worker (family friend), a priest (family friend), my manager at my work study job and my assistant manager at the same job.

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: MAXIMVS
Excelsior, I got my letters of recommendation from my physics professor (who didn't even know me but i aced both his classes so he wrote some great BS), a social worker (family friend), a priest (family friend), my manager at my work study job and my assistant manager at the same job.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Armitage]

O3 here - got out in `98

 

[TLfromAI]

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: TLfromAI

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: MAXIMVS
Chipy, good luck. Have fun at Maxwell. I spent 18 long weeks there.

Excelsior, if you will already have your degree apply directly to OTS.

Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.

After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.

I just hope Ill be able to get in...

Would you rather be a new E-3 or a new O-1? Check the pay scales and make that decision. Either way you're going to be a newb so why not as an officer? The O-1s I know that don't get respect are the ones that don't deserve it. Do everything you can for your enlisted troops and they will return the favor.

Lowly O-1 here.

Good point, the pay and treatmeant is better. Thanks for clearing my head. Like I said though, I hope Ill have the "credentials" needed to get in.

Edit: When did you join, what is your career, and where are you stationed? You don't have to answer if those are too personal.

I got to OTS (as a very nervous OT) in Feb 04. I started the OTS application process in August 03. From what I understand I got in pretty quick...some of my flightmates at OTS had been trying to get in for over 2 years. OTS is a "fun" experience. OK not really but if you're prepared it will go a lot smoother.

I'm a 62E1E which is an electrical engineer. I work in the AF Research Lab at Eglin AFB. I just moved in to a condo on the beach so I'm loving it right now. Sometimes the work sucks but sometimes it is cool (like any other job). I'd say my time is split between doing paperwork and doing basic research. You can take a guess as to which part I like better. I'm sorry I can't go into a lot of details about what I do exactly, but when it comes to disclosing information on the internet it's better safe than sorry IMO.

Before you join make sure you are OK with the possibility of deployment. The AF wants everyone to be ready to deploy, including nerdy engineers like myself. Although the chances for me to deploy are very slim, I still have to be ready. Also get yourself in good physical shape, whether you do OTS or BMT. Oh and as an officer you will be expected to give plenty of briefings. If you are uncomfortable speaking to crowds don't worry, we'll train you well.

If you have any other questions just PM me.

In summary:
1. AF = good
2. Get prepared, start now (paperwork, physical training, etc.)
3. PM me with questions

 

[Cat13]

E-6. Propulsion Instructor.

 

[AndrewR]

O-3 here, recently arrived at latest duty station (see sig). It's a great job -- won't trade it for anything, at least for the next year until my service commitment is up then we'll see!

Originally posted by: DJFuji
We have a word for you chair force weenies and it ain't "smart".

On the other hand, you have a word for us too, and it's DEFINITELY not "smart"

Someone has to fly your asses around.

 

[surreal1221]

E3, soon to be E4. . . early, BTZ!

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: TLfromAI

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: TLfromAI

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: MAXIMVS
Chipy, good luck. Have fun at Maxwell. I spent 18 long weeks there.

Excelsior, if you will already have your degree apply directly to OTS.

Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.

After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.

I just hope Ill be able to get in...

Would you rather be a new E-3 or a new O-1? Check the pay scales and make that decision. Either way you're going to be a newb so why not as an officer? The O-1s I know that don't get respect are the ones that don't deserve it. Do everything you can for your enlisted troops and they will return the favor.

Lowly O-1 here.

Good point, the pay and treatmeant is better. Thanks for clearing my head. Like I said though, I hope Ill have the "credentials" needed to get in.

Edit: When did you join, what is your career, and where are you stationed? You don't have to answer if those are too personal.

I got to OTS (as a very nervous OT) in Feb 04. I started the OTS application process in August 03. From what I understand I got in pretty quick...some of my flightmates at OTS had been trying to get in for over 2 years. OTS is a "fun" experience. OK not really but if you're prepared it will go a lot smoother.

I'm a 62E1E which is an electrical engineer. I work in the AF Research Lab at Eglin AFB. I just moved in to a condo on the beach so I'm loving it right now. Sometimes the work sucks but sometimes it is cool (like any other job). I'd say my time is split between doing paperwork and doing basic research. You can take a guess as to which part I like better. I'm sorry I can't go into a lot of details about what I do exactly, but when it comes to disclosing information on the internet it's better safe than sorry IMO.

Before you join make sure you are OK with the possibility of deployment. The AF wants everyone to be ready to deploy, including nerdy engineers like myself. Although the chances for me to deploy are very slim, I still have to be ready. Also get yourself in good physical shape, whether you do OTS or BMT. Oh and as an officer you will be expected to give plenty of briefings. If you are uncomfortable speaking to crowds don't worry, we'll train you well.

If you have any other questions just PM me.

In summary:
1. AF = good
2. Get prepared, start now (paperwork, physical training, etc.)
3. PM me with questions

Thanks..I would PM you, but you have the PM function disabled.

 

[AndrewR]

Oh and as an officer you will be expected to give plenty of briefings. If you are uncomfortable speaking to crowds don't worry, we'll train you well.

Ah ha ha ha -- not sure where you're seeing the training, but I watch too many crappy briefers to agree with you on the "train you well" part. Saw an OSI guy today who was as wooden as a plank. Nice guy, just needed to be a little more dynamic and less scripted especially to a 3 star.

If you have trouble speaking in front of a crowd, practice, practice, practice. Unless you are gifted, it does not come easy for most people, but the key is knowing the material. Even then, some people just are NOT cut out for it. A good portion of my career field is briefing, and even then there are some pretty horrible briefers out there. The sad part is that most people don't take time to train others who are struggling -- O's, NCO's, and junior enlisted (both being bad briefers and being poor trainers/leaders).

Eh, I'm starting to rant about leadership...I'll shut up now.

 

[SWScorch]

I'm an intern at the Air Force Research lab; does that count?

 

[d3n]

Tech Controler here

Edit To anyone in. Earn your degree. I worked mine off before I was done with E4

 

[markgm]

ROTC back in the day. 2 brothers were enlisted, another brother defected and went Army. My sister almost went in the Marines...so close.

 

[bmacd]

army here

-=bmacd=-

 

[bmacd]

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Yeah, thats what I thought. It seems it would be rather dumb to enter as an enlisted with 4 year degree. Its just, I heard that new Officers are sometimes not given quite as much respect as they should by the enlisted who have been in for a while.

After reading around on forums I got the feeling that as a new officer, non-prior, you basically have to learn quite a bit from any enlisted you work with just to become fully "acquainted" and I thought that maybe I should enlist for a few years, then go to OTS. However, I also read that it is almost easier to get in to OTS as a civilian rather than an enlisted.

I just hope Ill be able to get in...

With all due respect, this is a dumb reason to enlist. You earn respect as an officer by acting with professionalism and treating others with respect. There's no reason, IMO, to enlist if you can get a commission that outweighs the huge pay differential. Spending a few years as an E-3 just delays the pay increases that come with promotions in the officer ranks.

the best officers are former enlisted sergeants. My $.02.

-=bmacd=-

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: SWScorch
I'm an intern at the Air Force Research lab; does that count?

Which one? There are several.

 

[edro]

Wow, officers make more than I thought. Air Force Pay Scale

My sister and brother-in-law were at Wright Patterson in Dayton, OH for 4 years. I am 22 and am feeling the military itch.

 

[CVSiN]

AF weinies... its takes 10 of your rates to do the same thing it takes 1 flying squid to do....

example...
you have 1 guy thats only job is to remove and replace the tire off a plane...
where the Navy same guy is also the airframe mechanic/painter/hydrolic expert etc etc etc...

same thing for Avionics...
you have 1 guy thats only job is to replace the radar transmitter...
where I was fully qualified and expected to eb able to fix ANY system that had a wire or a black box attached to it...

AF = wienies...