Air Force? Signing papers soon...

[joel_MQY]

I am getting ready to start the process again to go active for USAF. (I tried earlier, but had a medical thing to resolve)

I am engaged and will marry before I go off, and I have made a promise to my fiance. She lost her dad a couple of years ago, and I told her I would stay out of major combat. I don't mind landing in hostile territory, and I have informed her that it will happen. The thing that leads me to stray is seeing that USAF folks are performing infantry tasks. That is not me wussing out - just keeping a promise.

I did pretty well on the ASVABS, and the jobs I am looking at are: Loadmaster, Boom Operator, and I would love to do Flight Engineer. A JC member told me that you pretty much have to start in MX to have a good shot at succeeding as an FE.

My questions for now: Are these still decent jobs? Should I be looking elsewhere such as Coast Guard? For anybody in the know, what jobs would be good to setup for Flight Engineer?

Thank you for any help.

[Ortini159]

Loadmaster and boom operators are great jobs. Those dudes get paid! Theyre always flying through tax free zones and the ac usually break down at high per diem cities. Good jobs! Im not sure about the FE stuff though. I was just a naive idiot that went open general and was stuck being a cop. It was pretty bad and wouldnt suggest my route!

[frog_flyer]

Originally Posted by Ortini159

Theyre always flying through tax free zones and the ac usually break down at high per diem cities.

Cough

[HH-60CC]

Originally Posted by frog_flyer

Cough

Yeah...that sounds about right . They always seem to have "engine" troubles.


joel_MQY: There are several current/former Loadmasters on this forum, I'm sure they'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. In a few months I will be cross training to be a C-130 Loadmaster myself, I'm pretty stoked, everyone I have been talking to loves the job. From what they have told me, your only real danger in the desert is take off and lands (whethers its the pilot, SAF (Small Arms Fire), or SAFIRE (Surface - Air Fire) ).

It all depends on your job, but just about anoyone can get tasked with a combat role. Anyone from the comm weenies to aircraft maintainers can get tasked with guarding/keeping an eye on local nationals or hit up for convoy duty. I believe they are called "in lieu of" deployments.

[88MPH]

Lets see ... as far as the FE thing, the BEST bet for getting that slot is to become a crew chief. He's responsible for the "overall" maintenance of the acft. I have had plenty co-crewchiefs be accepted to FE school. Not to say you "have to" but it gives the best experience.

Other than that, I'd suggest becoming any aircrew member. if you can go in officer, its a no brainer; pilot, nav. Enlisted, be a boom operator, "Airborne maintenance tech" (fancy term for radio operator) or maintenance. They go to rough locations, but the AF isn't gonna purpously put their multi-million dollar planes too close to places they know get ransacked that often.

Nothing is guaranteed, but IMO, these are your best bets.

Best wished, and thank you for offering to take my spot!

[joel_MQY]

Thanks for the help so far guys. Is Crew Chief considered an Aircrew position?

[HH-60CC]

Originally Posted by joel_MQY

Thanks for the help so far guys. Is Crew Chief considered an Aircrew position?

A Crew Chiefs primary responsibility is to maintain the aircraft (basically an auto mechanic on a grander scale). They are not "official aircrew", they do not attend EAUC, SERE, and all that hooplah. Crew Chief do have DCC's (Dedicated Crew Chiefs) and FCC's (Flying Crew Chiefs) though. They travel with the aircraft enroute to a TDY. It all depends on the airframe; Tactical Aircraft maintainers (fighter) obviously do not ride on the aircraft when it goes TDY. Helo Crew Chiefs will fly with the aircraft when they go TDY (or to a forward air base when deployed). Don't quote me on this, but I think heavy crew chiefs fly only when the aircraft goes TDY as well, I'm pretty sure they do not fly on missions.

[joel_MQY]

cool. thanks. Ok, so my lady is still on the fence about it, and we are considering the Reserves too.

Anybody know anything about the Colorado Springs base? Looks like firefighting - that would be cool.

[Ortini159]

If I had to do it over again and had to enlist, top choices would be firefighting, aerial gunner, or tac-p. I would def jump on a firefighting opening. Theyre very hard to come by. Dont know anything about the CO springs base, sorry!

[Herkyload1]

As a former Load I'd have to say that would be the way to go, Herk's of course!
Loadmasters.com is the website for the Loadmaster Association, there is a yahoo message board that covers allot of questions on getting to be a Load.

Boomer would be a good choice as well

FE's are sadly going away, A/C like the C-17 and C-130J have phased out the need for an in-flight FE. They use flyaway crew chiefs and have the load's/co-piglets perform some of the functions.

All I can say is ask questions, think about what you want, and ask yourself this question?

Would I rather fly around in a T-tailed bug sucking tube of pain , or fly in the Fabulous Four Fans of Freedom ??

[joel_MQY]

Ok, so I asked the recruiter this information, but he responded "I would have to meet with you in person to answer that - it is complicated." I took that as "I need to sit down with you to spin that right." Maybe you guys could help.

We want to live overseas. That is one major reason for joining. Regarding job selection for active duty: I pick 4 jobs that I want and a general service area. They try to find one of those 4 jobs, right? If they don't have any of those open, do they just assign me a random one in the service area I picked? (MX, General, Admin, Electric?)

For bases, I know I pick them in BMT. He said I pick up to 8 overseas and 8 domestic. Can I just pick 8 overseas?

Thanks again. I know negatives exist, but I am excited.

[Keebler]

Just an FYI going in. You will be placed where the USAF needs you to be placed. If that happens to be in the AFSC and location you wanted then everyone wins. If not, the USAF still wins. I'm not trying to talk you out of it. I did my time and do not regret my service or the sacrifices I made. You and you wife just need to know that there are zero guarantees and you really won't know where you are going until you have your PCS orders. Anyone who tells you otherwise is full of it. The needs of the USAF come before everything else once you sign those papers.

[frog_flyer]

Originally Posted by Herkyload1

the Fabulous Four Fans of Freedom ??

Dos Gringos had better watch out!

[Herkyload1]

OH the memories that video brings back!!!!

[thestaton]

Feel free to ask any questions about the loadmaster path. There is no reason you can't get a job as a guaranteed load, or boom. When you go to MEPS you just tell them what job you want, they will say how about Plumber? Tell them Load or Boom, if they can't get it then leave.

Your recruiter will call you back and within a day or so, you'll be on a waiting list. About 4 months later, you'll be off to training.

The 3rd's last C-5 mission the crew got stuck in Mildenhall for over a week and half :0

As per the crew chief route, understand this is a long road and its never guaranteed you'll be a flying crew chief. On the C-5 we are getting rid of flying crew chiefs.

Please, take the time to learn everything that's going to happen. A Load Master on a C-5 is one of the greatest jobs in the world.

Good Luck.

[88MPH]

Originally Posted by joel_MQY

"I need to sit down with you to spin that right."

Exactly ... The recruiter has positions the AF tells him he needs to fill first. He's gonna try to "recruit" you into one of those. Like station said, if you don't get the job you want on your enlistment papers, DONT sign them hoping for the best.

Originally Posted by joel_MQY

Can I just pick 8 overseas?

Example. I am a C-130 Crew Chief. These pigs are all over the US, Europe, and Asia. I put down all my top choices (none of which were in Arizona), and I saw no reason, with all the C-130 bases, that I shouldn't get at least one of MY choices. I got sent to Tucson.

I effing HATE it here, and have been trying for almost 4 years to get another assignment ... to no avail.

Don't count on going ANYWHERE. It may seem as if I'm bitter, and I am, but still, the AF will send you where it wants. Period.

Don't mean to be a drag, but just don't want you to be totally suprised as many of us were.

[txrevolution]

The Army was the same way. When I enlisted all i wanted was to go overseas to Germany. When I went through MEPS (or basic, i forget, its been a while) I filled out a "Dream Sheet". They asked where i wanted to go overseas, so i said Germany and thats it, then state side, i said Germany and thats it.

Where do I end up?

I end up right back in Texas at THE HOOD. Turns out its called a dream sheet because thats all it is a dream, they send you were ever they need you.

[Fly4Pay]

Originally Posted by joel_MQY

Anybody know anything about the Colorado Springs base? Looks like firefighting - that would be cool.

Which one? There are three. First is the Air Force Academy (yes, it's an Air Force Base!) It's in north C-Springs, and is purely educational--no active aircraft other than the trainers, sailplanes, and jump planes, but still has all the usual support jobs--firefighters, cops, cooks, supply, etc.

The second is Peterson AFB in eastern C-Springs. HQ of Space Command, and home (last time I checked) of a C-130 unit (ANG, I think... maybe Reserve) and a C-21 unit (again, this was a few years ago, so don't hold me to that).

The third is Schreiver about 15 miles east of C-Springs. No runway there at all--purely space stuff. I know the least about that one because I didn't really have any reason to go out there when I was stationed in C-Springs and I think you can only get on the base if you work there.

Anyone with more current info, feel free to chime in...

[HH-60CC]

Hehe, I too am a vicitim of the jacked up system of the dreamsheet. I've been relatively lucky when it comes to assignments. My first duty station was at Nellis, spent a year there, next was Kadena, been there for 5 years now. I'm cross training to be a Loadmaster soon, they gave me a dreamsheet, #1 being Yokota, #2 Germany, #3 Hurby, etc, etc. I got #12 on my list, Little Rock. So much for BOP when overseas . I'm not really complaining, I'm still looking forward to going to Little Rock, atleast I get to PCS there before I start my training.

[Mike Lewis]

When I was stationed at Kelly, I got a call from my friend who was on his way to being stationed at MPC as an assignment guy. I got a glimpse into the world of assignments.

I learned that the primary reason why someone takes a job at MPC is to set themselves up with a good assignment upon leaving. Overseas slots as a developmental engineer are extremely hard to come by, and it is amazing that nearly everyone who does get an overseas assignment as a developmental engineer has gotten right after they have served as an assignment officer at MPC...

But, my friend shows up at Randolph, and he tells me he is going to be different from all other assignment officers. You know the ones - the guys who set you for the one slot and base you never ever wanted, and then blow you off as you try to get them to change their minds about what is best for you and your career. He says he is going to view everyone's dream sheet, and give them exactly what they ask for.

So, his first one is a guy who wants one of those hard to get slots in Germany. Mike puts him in the slot, and pleased that this guy is getting his #1 choice, decides to call him and break the news to him. "Oh, yeah," the guy says, "about that - I have a new girlfriend, and I changed my mind. I don't want to go overseas..." Well, if that's not where he wanted to go, why put it on the list?

Next guy wanted to go to Kirtland, so Mike tells him he's going to Kirtland. "Oh, yeah, well, I really want to go to Hanscom instead." But, wait, you had Kirtland on your list?

Anyway, after about two weeks of people pissed that they got what they asked for, he decided to change his ways, surrender to the system, and pretty much used the dartboard method used by most assignment officers...

I remember the mid-90s when McPeak said "For every job, there is a volunteer. Everyone will volunteer for a slot when it comes to their next assignment, and no one will be non-volunteered." I think that lasted for a year. Amazing that I always saw slots at Minot or McConnell advertised, but Eglin and Hickam never seemed to have any openings...

I had a lot of bad experiences with the people at AFMPC, and the biggest issue I had was when they screwed me over and then never returned my calls and e-mails. Unfortunately for them, being stationed at Kelly, I could make a 30 minute drive and drop in on them in person. They are much nicer when you see them in person!

But, back to the original post, good luck, Joel. I'm sure you'll make a good decision. I think if you have questions about whether or not a recruiter is blowing smoke or not, come back and post what you were told and we can tell you what we know about it. A recruiter can sell you a job mopping up the puke in the centrifuge chamber and make it sound like the most important job in the AF, but those of us who have been there can tell you whether or not what the said was true or an exaggeration...

[blee256]

Originally Posted by joel_MQY

cool. thanks. Ok, so my lady is still on the fence about it, and we are considering the Reserves too.

Anybody know anything about the Colorado Springs base? Looks like firefighting - that would be cool.

I recently enlisted in the Guard for Fire Protection. I havent been to basic and tech school yet, but I think i made a good choice. The guys in the firehouse are really cool.

Have you thought about joining the guard? I think we have extra Firefighter slots opening up at my guard unit.

[Fly4Pay]

Originally Posted by Keebler

Just an FYI going in. You will be placed where the USAF needs you to be placed. If that happens to be in the AFSC and location you wanted then everyone wins. If not, the USAF still wins. I'm not trying to talk you out of it. I did my time and do not regret my service or the sacrifices I made. You and you wife just need to know that there are zero guarantees and you really won't know where you are going until you have your PCS orders. Anyone who tells you otherwise is full of it. The needs of the USAF come before everything else once you sign those papers.

I'm with Keebler. DON'T make any promises to ANYONE about what you will or won't do in the military--it's no longer your choice. Like someone else who posted here, I filled out my dream sheet after pilot training and asked for any region other than the one I was in, which included TX and LA. Where did I go? Shreveport, LA, of course. Now, to be honest, we had a great time and it was a fun assignment, but you can see how much "the needs of the AF" outweighed my input!

Speaking as someone who flew pretty much his whole career, if you can get a flying job (whether loadmaster, flight engineer, boom operator, airborne tech or whatever), it's a better life than the ground guys. Loads, booms, and FEs tend to hang with the pilot/nav community, and therefore ALSO get treated a bit better than the folks like radar and comm techs and so on...

I always tell people that EVERY job in the military is important to the mission--we wouldn't have you around if it wasn't. BUT... that doesn't mean that life is just as interesting or fun in each of those jobs. Sad, but true...

[joel_MQY]

blee, looked at the guard, but we are pretty sold on going active right now. This info is really helpful. Looks like I process either next week or the week after. I am thinking #1 Fire (I am on the fence about whether switching boom and fire) #2 Boom, #3 Load, and I don't have a fourth right now.

[PacMan4x4]

JOEL....fire? Thought you were wanting the aviation route. If you want to chat on the phone, drop me a PM and I'll send you my digits. We can shoot the #### about whatever you want. As a maintainer, I can provide a lot of info about that. You definitely are getting a lot of great advice and info from the folks above who already responded. The best advice given....and heed....tell the recruiter what YOU want. Don't take an open job if you are looking for something specific. Let me know if you want to chat.

Pac Man

[thestaton]

I'd never say anything negative about wanting to be a Fire Fighter, and the ones in the Air Force are awesome. 3 engine fires, and a couple emergency diverts and they where always there with some amazing support.

However, realize that you have to work everyday.

Being a load you only work when you fly.... Until you make E-4 then they put you to duty load, or working some office job. But its not that bad.

My worse day? Having to go in and set through a power point, and trying to stay awake. Ask anyone else in the AF and they'll have a real story.