Hey all..so im about 98% im going to be joing the Air Force soon. I want to work on planes or helicopters any ASVAB study suggestions? Also if anyone has been in the airfoce or any other branch got any tips for boot? thanks
-Tom

 

In basic keep your mouth shut and just do it. In the real Air Force nobody really cares what you think (you're a rookie) just keep your mouth shut and learn as much as you can. When you get to your first base, after you finish with your career development courses (CDC's), get your hands on a PFE (you can get them online). Study it and your CDCs as much as you can (no less then 20 minutes each per day). Between those and doing a great job you will make rank (335 points unless they changed the calculation). You won't be able to test for E-5 for several years, but if you start studying now you will do well on airman of the quarter and might be able to squeak our E-4 early. Don't fall into the, "I'm just going to take the test this year to see how it is." Go into each test like you want to make the rank and you probably will score very well.

You will think you are making good money, but don't go out and buy a brand new expensive car, or get the DPP card and max it out at the BX. Buy either a good used car, keep the one you have, or buy an inexpensive new car.

 

If I'm not mistaken there are asvab study guides on the market.

I'll agree with the basic training and the new car tips. The DPP card on the other hand, if you're smart about it you can use it to build your credit if you don't have any. I used mine to build my computer and get stuff for my room and then paid it off that month. As long as you're not using carelessly its not a bad idea to have around when they say you need to get new dress uniforms and you haven't gotten your clothing allowance. Just my opinion though.

 

Read my current deployment thread about the fun I am having with C17 Maintenance. I specialize in avionics and flight controls; 2A5x3B.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/ge...loy-again.html

You can be guaranteed most maintenance jobs to a point. I waited 9 months to be guaranteed 2A5x3, which is heavies and bombers avionics, but I couldn't pick my shread. A is for com/nav, B for flight controls, C for electronic countermeasures, or D for secret squirrel stuff. But I like my B shread job.

Basic has all changed around in the last two years or so, but the idea of it just being a mind game is still the same. Don't be stupid and you'll be fine.

I made E5 in 4 years so that is a good goal for makin' more money.

You will be deployed a lot, and all over the place. Most other nonner jobs have deployment schedules and timeframes you would be home/training/or gone. I've done back to back deployments with 4days notice, but wouldn't have it any other way as that is what makes maintenance troops better. We are also a ****y bunch.

Any maintenance questions please ask me before signing anything.

Adrianspeeder

 

I agree with everything that has been said (especially the STAR/DPP Card) with one addition: Don't be Security Forces and don't let your recruiter or the MEPS guy talk you into signing up as "open general". Make sure the job YOU want is on the contract BEFORE you sign it no matter what they tell you. I have seen lots of troops get screwed over into a job they didnt want.

When you first join volunteer alot and get your name out there, I did and it helped me get BTZ and then I studied my butt off and I was a SSgt at 3 years 8 months. I came in as a A1C because of college so that put me ahead of the game too.

Also be very careful what buddies you hang out with once you get to your first base, get involved with the dirtbags and they will drag you down with them.

Also put money into TSP or a $401k, the earlier you start saving for retirement, the better.

 

Another great point! I wish I would have. I don't know what kind of bonuses the Air Force is offering right now, but if I could go back I'd invest my entire enlistment bonus. I got to Korea for my first duty station with $20 in my pocket and left with $20 in my pocket, funny thing is I got paid my enlistment bonus while I was there. Sure I had stuff to show for it; stereo, tv, large dvd and bootleg video game collection, ten years later all that stuff has been tossed out. If you're single and living in the barracks you can easily save half your paycheck and pay your bills, especially with what E1-E4s are getting for base pay now.

Also, once you enlist check out USAA, another one of those things I wish I would have taken advantage of earlier in my career. Banking, investing, and insurance all in one spot. Their rates are better than the finance companies that I had my vehicles through previously and the same thing with insurance.

I don't remember the asvab being to difficult when I came in, I was offered pretty much any type of mechanic job the Army had to offer and I don't remember trying to hard when I took the test. Best of luck

 

All good advice. I was too dumb in my young days to realize that stuff. Live and eat on base and save your $$

I was in Avionics on C130s.. 32551 if I remember right...

 

This is true. I just can't tell you how many airmen I had to counsel because they maxed it out then couldn't afford to make the payments.

 

I am also wanting to join the Air Force but don't know where to start really? What are some need to know things before talking to a recruiter?

 

Whatever you do, don't get married to some girl cause your away from home and lonely!!!!!!! I'm still paying for my mistakes.

 

I tried to tell my kid that. They dont listen.

 

I've tried telling that to my Soldiers right before the last two times I've deployed. One day these kids will listen

 

Ok, what do you like to do? I'd certainly pick something interesting so going to work in the morning is something enjoyable.

Adrianspeeder

 

Wow thanks everyone for the replies sorry for the slow reply haha...yea building my credit with the DPP sounds like a real good idea cause im 19 and haven't done so yet...I plan on selling my truck before i go and putting that money aside then just using it later plus another 3g's or something to buy a newer used truck *i dont really understand buying new cars at a young age unless your parents pay for it HAHA* Adrianspeeder- Ill defiantly save your name and pm you before i sign anything i just hope i get a job i like. Which im sure i will. I went out and picked up ASVAB for dummies and it seems like it will help a lot. And the whole marriage thing, no desire to get married anytime soon i dont even like having a girlfriend they cost to much lol...my friend in the navy married so random girl just so he could get more money and she wanted to see new places he knew her for a good 2 weeks HAHA
Thanks again everyone you've all been really helpful!
-Tom

 

That is deffinatly what I want something I like doing but I know it all depends on my test score and what jobs are open. And I want something I can use outside the Air Force as well.