Update

[joel_MQY]

Everybody gave such great advice in my earlier thread, I figured I would update everyone.

I am currently scheduled to process MEPS and swear in on Monday. However, in the course of waiting, I have been invited to take a written exam back in my home town of BNA for the Fire Department there.

My two loves are emergency response and flying. My goal is to one day fire fight and CFI during the 48 off. Right now, my fiance and I are trying to decide the best route for us. Wait to see how the Fire Department gig turns out in Nashville, or go for it?

I presented the situation to the recruiter, and needless to say he was not too happy. He is working on getting a special booking into Fire Protection, so that carrot has been dangled.

Decisions, Decisions! In any event, I have to really decide if I want to process or hold of processing by tomorrow. I wanted to thank everybody for their awesome advice. This board and the people who make it up rock.

[thestaton]

Best of luck with your decision, but don't let the recruiter pressure you. You could always try out the fire dept and if you don't like it, try the military route.

[dingo222]

just remember, while at meps, if they don't give you exactly what you want, you can walk and should. If you walk, they will get it for you. Don't settle at meps, get exactly what you want.

[joel_MQY]

Question: If I tick off this recruiter by saying, "Hey thanks for getting that approval, but I want to put off my processing until I find a resolution on the fire fighting gig."

Could he blackball?

[JEP]

Originally Posted by joel_MQY

Question: If I tick off this recruiter by saying, "Hey thanks for getting that approval, but I want to put off my processing until I find a resolution on the fire fighting gig."

Could he blackball?

Plain and simple, THEY NEED PEOPLE. If this recruiter decides to ignore you after your search, go find another. Until you are at the MEPS, take the oath, and sign, You are obligated to nothing.

[Chewie von Nubbins]

Originally Posted by joel_MQY

Question: If I tick off this recruiter by saying, "Hey thanks for getting that approval, but I want to put off my processing until I find a resolution on the fire fighting gig."

Could he blackball?

Last minute jitters? I know that I had 'em....four years signed away and not even sure if I was going to like it. If that's the case, it is completely normal.

The recruiter will likely firebomb your house for that stunt. He is counting on your number for his quota and his success in his job is being rated on getting people in. Ever had a 10 pound bass just jump out of your boat after you reeled him in? But, who cares about the recruiter. You are doing this for you. Just trying to give you his mindset with this tidbit.

If you have already found it within yourself to go in the military, and have accepted that fact for a while, then follow through. It will definately open your eyes in ways not possible by hanging around your hometown. Get the GI Bill for college and flight training. Having over $36k for a $1.2k investment is the best deal going these days. And, after your four year commitment, you will definately have the discipline and desire to complete your ultimate goals in education/training.

Just my humble opinion. You have to make up your own mind and live with the decisions that you make. I have been there and done that, and I just can't imagine not having served. Those were some of my best and worst times in my life.

[88MPH]

Originally Posted by Chewie von Nubbins

Those were some of my best and worst times in my life.

Word.

I remember sitting at the desk with some E-6 and the jobs available up on the computer screen. He used the "take it now or it's gone forever" tactic on me. Truth is, your job MAY be gone, but don't count on it. If you wanna wait to see how the FF gig goes, then wait. You can ALWAYS go back to MEPS, even if it's with another recruiter, but once you've signed and sworn, yooz gotsta wait 4 years to see how big red will work out.

Biggest thing, make sure whatever road you pick is what YOU and the FIANCE want.

Ranking in this situation: FAMILY ... job ... everything else ... recruiter.

[joel_MQY]

Man you guys hit the point very well... There are a few last minute jitters as in: Am I picking the right jobs? Will I be able to find a job when I get out?

[thestaton]

If you go Loadmaster or Boom, these do not equate to real world at all. I thought I could get a job with UPS, FedEX, DHL as a load but truth of the matter, they are not hiring and even if they did they applications would need to be hand carried to even stand a snow balls chance.

If / when at MEPS like others have said, they gave me the take it or leave it. I told um to stick it and left. The recruiter was pissed yadda yadda but you know what? For the past 4 years I've enjoyed one of the greatest jobs in the world by sticking to my guns.

The Air Force is always hiring, and I think you owe it to yourself to check out the fire dept gig first. 4 years does not sound like a long time, but in reality a lot changes in 4 years.

If your desire is to fly, reality is showing there is no better time to get started, and to get your hours up working for a regional.

I'm having 2nd thoughts of now pursuing the aviation route. I just had a company offer me major money, and you get to travel so it looks like a win win. If only we could see the future right?