Question:
Meeting my Air Force recruiter for the first time tomorrow, any advice?
Chrystyne
2009-05-19 20:31:09 UTC
So I've finally got enough courage to set up an appointment with my Air Force recruiter. The only thing is... I don't know what to expect. I've gone through so many internet websites, including about.com and so forth so I don't really HAVE any questions. Only one question that concerns me is about jobs. Right now my civilian job is Pharmacy Technician. Should I continue that job when I enlist (meaning if I qualify, MEPS/ASVAB etc.) or should I wait for what's available after knowing the jobs I qualify for? Also I want to continue my education during or after, but I'm indecisive on whether Pharmaceuticals is the right path for me. Great job sure.. but if I have a chance for an education... shouldn't I take advantage of that (i.e. RN or MD?) Thank you in advance. ;]
Four answers:
Rick
2009-05-19 20:49:22 UTC
The recruter is going to pretend to be your frend. Remember the only person there looking out for you is you. If you want time to think tell them youll be back tomorow then leave they will try everyting to get you to take the job that gets them the best review. best advice pick a job you thing you can do and that you will enjoy becuse you will be stuck with it.
Coach53
2009-05-19 22:01:45 UTC
If you read this before you go see the recruiter cancel the appointment and educate yourself on the following info I provided you with. Then schedule an appointment. See website below items 1-4.



Ask him the following:

Will you qualify for the following (see below items 1-3) once you get your score and see what Military Occupational Skill you qualify for. He should say YES!



1. Montgomery GI Bill, Tuition Assistance Program (This two programs are school money),

2. Student Loan Repayment Program (This program assist you in paying back any college loans you apply for),

3. Enlistment Bonus (When you enter the military some job skills offer you a bonus between $1000-5000 for enlisting),

4. Reenlistment Bonus (If you choose to reeenlist after you have completed your first tour you can also get another $1000-5000 for reeenlisting).



Look at this website www.va.gov.com



Once you get your ASVAB Scores ask him that you want to see their Military Occupational Skills Book. This book will show you what jobs you qualify for with the score that you attained on your test. If he does not let you see it move on. (He is not concerned about you.) Don't rush to sign anything review the book carefully. All branches place you where they need you, so take your time. Ask the other branches to see their book as well and compare.



Since you are a Pharmacy Tech ask if you will enter with the rank of E-3, if not look at the other branches as well and ask them if you will enter with rank due to you being certified. You can go to school for RN that way you have two careers to fall back on, once you retire from the military. If you choose the nursing route, study to be a Nurse Practitioner. (You will then be able to be your own boss.)



Have you considered the Physician Assistant Program. Inquire about that as well. Also consider being a Pharmacist. These last two career fields you will have to go to college. Let the military train you to be a nurse, that way you have a job and are able to pay for your school as well with assistance from the items listed above..



To be an MD you already have to be enrolled or have completed medical school. In that case you would enter the military as an officer with the rank of Captain or Major.



Don't be pressured to sign any contract. Go home and discuss your findings with your parents. The recruiters will continue to call you, that is there job. Tell them that you have not made a decision and you will contact them when you are ready.



Numbers 1-3 above should be written into your initial contract. Read your contract carefully and ask the recruiter to show you where he indicated those programs on your contract. Then write down what page they are located on and what paragragh line and heading they are located under. Item number 4 won't apply until you reenlist. At that time again read your contract and do the same as you did for your initial contract.



After you have read your contract, asked your questions and feel comfortable with it your ready to sign. If you are still second guesssing don't sign. Once you sign you are bound to that contract. Good luck to you.



PS: I was a Career Counselor in the Military.
Huh?
2009-05-19 21:33:03 UTC
Crimson is absolutely correct. Well the recruiter will just try to sell the af to you, so have some important questions in mind when you get there. Don't rush into things blindly. Do your research and ask a lot of questions on here. Like crimson said about the aptitude area, there are a lot of people enlisting right now so getting a guaranteed job for basic is a roll of the dice. I just missed getting slotted for my 2nd choice (crew chief) and I am now going under my aptitude area. I will choose jobs they have available and that I qualify for based in my asvab and physical. Just use yahoo answers to your advantage. Feel free to shoot me an email if you need any help.
Crimson
2009-05-19 21:11:03 UTC
All B.S aside, the AirForce is a great way to start your life and to make a career. The only problem is, they are not in need of very many bodies. Most Dep'ers end up joining with an "open" MOS field, meaning they can put you in what ever job they want to based on your raw GT score and the demand of that MOS.



But you might be different.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...