Son wants to join the Army
A proud dad wanting to brag on his son and at the same time I'd like a couple of questions answered. My son and his friend decided they want to join the army and then go Airborne. I know how the buddy thing works. If everything falls into place they may go to boot camp and maybe the other schools together. No big deal to me even though it may be for him. But can the recruiter garantee Airborne school this early. Isn't that something that is only avilable to top performers of the infantry school after boot. Secondly the buddy has to get 15 college units to make up for the fact that he is going to an alternative learning center and my son decided that he would go get 15 college units also. Will this 15 hours give my son any advantage over going in without them. Thanks for your help
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Yes...the recruiter can get him an Airborne slot...and if they go in at the same time with the same MOS, it is possible that they will go through basic, AIT, and Jump School together...and then on to permanent party as well. The Airborne slot is what might make it all happen for them. 0 -
2nd that to what ECC said.. 0 -
After he has been promised a slot how easy it it to goof up and then have it taken away before he finishes AIT 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rstbkt69
After he has been promised a slot how easy it it to goof up and then have it taken away before he finishes AIT
It won't be taken from him as long as he completes Basic and AIT. If it's in his contract and he makes it that far, he'll get a shot at jump school.0 -
now does this contract come from the recruiter or MEPS 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rstbkt69
After he has been promised a slot how easy it it to goof up and then have it taken away before he finishes AIT
Everything must be in writing. If it is not he will not get it. Do not take a hand shake and smile. All must be in writing.0 -
quote:Originally posted by rstbkt69
now does this contract come from the recruiter or MEPS
recruiter Meps just does the physical. At least if I remember right but that was like 13 years ago on my deal.0 -
My recollection, is that if he can't pass the PT test for Airborne, and if he doesn't make an adequate score after attending PT school, he WILL NOT go to Parachute School.
Period.
Although times have changed, a lot, and I may be incorrect.
I have been told that PT school today is tougher than Parachute School used to be.
Doug
* changed meaning0 -
It is a all new school.. Like MMA fighting training.. Awesome stuff 0 -
Now is this additional to his MOS. or does his MOS have to be a Core to Airborne. Say he wanted to work on Helo's. can he still be airborns after or befor his school for helo maintenance. I'm being general on thes skills on purpose, or does he have to be geared for combat and airborne is additional to his warrior skills 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rstbkt69
Now is this additional to his MOS. or does his MOS have to be a Core to Airborne. Say he wanted to work on Helo's. can he still be airborns after or befor his school for helo maintenance. I'm being general on thes skills on purpose, or does he have to be geared for combat and airborne is additional to his warrior skills
His MOS will need to be something that can be used in conjunction with being Airborne qualified...or he can always put in for Jump School after getting to permanent party...but that's a gamble.0 -
before settling on the army, talk to a few other recruiters.
if he wants to relax in comfort, join the airforce
if he wants to be in the deepest doo doo, join the Marine Corps
if he wants a middle ground then the army is prob the way to go.
what turned me off from joining the army is their 12 month and up deployments. the Marine Corps only does 7 months deployments.
yes it is possible to deploy longer depending on your unit but overall you shouldnt expect to be deployed as long as the army.
12 month deployments are excellent destroyers of marriages.0 -
quote:Originally posted by jasonc14
before settling on the army, talk to a few other recruiters.
if he wants to relax in comfort, join the airforce
if he wants to be in the deepest doo doo, join the Marine Corps
if he wants a middle ground then the army is prob the way to go.
what turned me off from joining the army is their 12 month and up deployments. the Marine Corps only does 7 months deployments.
yes it is possible to deploy longer depending on your unit but overall you shouldnt expect to be deployed as long as the army.
12 month deployments are excellent destroyers of marriages.
So are 7 month deployments when you add in 6 months on float, lots of field time, then PCSing and deploying all over again.0 -
They will PROBABLY stay together through Basic, AIT and Jump school. Unit needs once they get to their final duty station. Best advice..... make sure he can run AT LEAST 3 miles at a 7 min mile or better pace BEFORE he gets there and can knock out 70+ pushups at a clip. Things will go alot easier on him if he is in TOP shape at basic. I used to do sets of 30 pushups throughout the day for a daily total of 500 a day. Tell him good luck and stay safe!
.......As to JASONC14's post the ARMY is hardly the middle of the road.... Basic was 8 weeks,,, AIT( advanced Infantry for me) another 6 weeks...Airborne school 3 weeks Just as much IF NOT MORE than your training.....you get my point..... didn't see any Marines jumping with me into Pananma in 1989....they called the ARMY 82nd Airborne and Rangers...... as well as Desert Storm....82nd had the first boots on the ground. wheels up in 18 hours or less. We are all a family of soldiers so keep your " jarheads rule" poop to yourself.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Follow Me
2nd that to what ECC said..
True but..just be sure to get everything in writing signed by an officer.0 -
Well obviously the PFC must know what he's talking about[xx(] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by ECC
Yes...the recruiter can get him an Airborne slot...and if they go in at the same time with the same MOS, it is possible that they will go through basic, AIT, and Jump School together...and then on to permanent party as well. The Airborne slot is what might make it all happen for them.
When I was a recruiter, I was able to get some recruits w/ high ASVAB scores and Hight GT scores an E-2 position BEFORE basic. Also, at that time, if a new recruit was able to get a buddy to sign up he also got an E-2 promotion.0 -
Hello cccooper,
In the preceeding note you had mentioned bringing recruits in as E-2 at times.
What other times or situations might someone start with an enhanced rank, other than like with folks that have completed ROTC?
What rank might they come in as?0 -
Hello jasonc14,
("Not knocking anyone, or service branch, or training or MOSs.)
I'm sure that you're aware of the fact that within the Army there is quite a range of "opportunities" to be with the fast and furious ... to be mighty deep in the doo doo as well, right?
It would seem that there is a lot to be said for any and all of the Special Operations groups, their: training, education, duties, assignments and functions. Force Recon, Ranger, SEALS, Delta, SF, etc. I'm aware that there no doubt much more happening than what I am aware ... but seems that each offers more than the norm.
As a generalization, sevice to service, from what I have seen and heard ... I'd not disagree with your comments though. (MHO)0 -
Hello rstbkt69,
With just my dumb luck ... not with the buddy-up arrangement or anything, I was in training and schools for a year or more with several guys.
Just a matter of the fact that we were similar enough the we qualified for, and signed up for similar paths. The rest was a matter of the luck of the draw.
I knew of some that signed-up as buddies and went all through everything together and eventual assignment as well. Others signed up together and unforeseen events seperated them: injuries, washing out of training or schools and such.
Knew personally of two guys that went all the way through to include assignments thru VN and reassignment afterwards back Stateside.0 -
Thanks everyone. The guy he wants to enlist with has to complete 15 hrs of school before they will take him. He graduated from an alternative learning center and didn't meet up with specs of some sort.
I'm trying to convince him that if this is what he wants to go now.0 -
quote:Originally posted by rstbkt69
Thanks everyone. The guy he wants to enlist with has to complete 15 hrs of school before they will take him. He graduated from an alternative learning center and didn't meet up with specs of some sort.
I'm trying to convince him that if this is what he wants to go now.
Civy chimming in, LOL [:D]
I don't want to put anybody down or anything, but what do you mean by "alternative learning center." Are you sure that this kid can keep up with your son anyway?0 -
quote:Originally posted by Alan Rushing
Hello cccooper,
In the preceeding note you had mentioned bringing recruits in as E-2 at times.
What other times or situations might someone start with an enhanced rank, other than like with folks that have completed ROTC?
What rank might they come in as?
If you had 60 hrs of college courses you would go in as an E-2. 90 hrs or more was E-3. College Grad would get a shot at OCS AFTER completing basic and AIT IF ASVAB scores were high enough.0 -
I just finished my time as a Drill Sergeant (in the Army) and might be able to help you out a little. First, if your son does decide to join the Army, if it is not written in his contract he will not recieve it i.e. Airborne School, Bonus, Rank, etc. Second if he does decide to join the Army he needs to decide what he wants. I see it in two categories: 1) Either do cool stuff in the Army, blow stuff up and kill people or 2) Get a nerd job in the Army be respected by no one in the Army but set yourself up for a good job in the real world. The "Hooaah" jobs in the Army are typically easier to get promoted in (more positions available) but the life style typically sucks more. If he is going to be a Paratrooper he needs to realize as well that there's a 90% chance his first duty station will be Ft. Bragg,NC; Ft. Richardson, AK; or Italy. Most likely Bragg. Unless he joins to go straight for SF or Ranger. If he signs up for a SF or Ranger contract he still goes to Infantry basic and AIT. If he fails either SF or Ranger selection then he goes to being a regular Infantryman. Either way he'll still be a Paratrooper. Airborne school is a prerequisite for both of those. Only the chosen few are selected by God to be United States Army Paratroopers! Best of luck to him. Lemme know if you need anything. 0 -
Thanks hooligan1seven. Playing football and being a defensive guard since he was seven has put him in a position where he doesn't meet the physical standards for the Army. Hes a big kid.235 and 5'10' Not huge but bigger than most kids out of highschool. Even though he has had PT almost every day of his life since seven, he needed to lose 35 pounds to be considered. We hunt in the mountains of Southern California and he humps most of our gear all over the mountains without breaking a sweat and tells me he will leave my stuff up on the top of a ridge and he will meet me later on his way down. He was always told he needed to bulk up to keep a starting position so he did what the coaches said and not what his father advised him to do, which was eat healthy and not worry what the coaches told him and football isn't everything. So right now he's taking a few college classes and wishing he could lose the weight. I passed the info on to him and he asked me to thank you for the honest things you wrote. 0 -
Not a problem. Check it out, to get into the Army nearly everything is waiverable, to include weight. If you want to know about height and weight standards google AR 600-9 (the army over weight program). I'm assuming he is a 17-21 year old male. That means he can have 20% body fat, if he fails to meet the standard height/weight requirements. If you go to 550cord.com I'm pretty sure that they have a calculator on that to figure out his body fat. If he plans on joining the Army he's gotta be able to run not matter what. Especially if he goes combat arms. Two miles might be what the PT test is, but in the real Army a 4 mile run at an 8 minute mile pace is the XVIII Airborne Corps standard. If he really wants to do the Army thing he's gotta be able to run well, especially in the Airborne. I gotta get back to my Soldiers. Sorry lemme know if you need more advice. Best of luck
quote:Originally posted by rstbkt69
Thanks hooligan1seven. Playing football and being a defensive guard since he was seven has put him in a position where he doesn't meet the physical standards for the Army. Hes a big kid.235 and 5'10' Not huge but bigger than most kids out of highschool. Even though he has had PT almost every day of his life since seven, he needed to lose 35 pounds to be considered. We hunt in the mountains of Southern California and he humps most of our gear all over the mountains without breaking a sweat and tells me he will leave my stuff up on the top of a ridge and he will meet me later on his way down. He was always told he needed to bulk up to keep a starting position so he did what the coaches said and not what his father advised him to do, which was eat healthy and not worry what the coaches told him and football isn't everything. So right now he's taking a few college classes and wishing he could lose the weight. I passed the info on to him and he asked me to thank you for the honest things you wrote.0 -
quote:Originally posted by jasonc14
if he wants to be in the deepest doo doo, join the Marine Corps
if he wants a middle ground then the army is prob the way to go.
Are you freakin kidding me?!? You ever hear of the korangal valley or the arghandab...
If that man's son wants to be a Paratrooper, he will go to some no s**t hostile places.
The 82nd Airborne...is middle of the road?....hmmm yeah ok.. come to any Parachute Infantry Regiment here at bragg and tell us that.
Oh fyi ive had the pleasure of working with some Airforce JTACS, some of thee most hardest working group of guys i ever met.
My money says you are a new boot cherry... and if you keep talking, might find yourself in some "deep doo doo".
Stay in your lane cherry0 -
quote:Originally posted by jasonc14
if he wants to be in the deepest doo doo, join the Marine Corps
if he wants a middle ground then the army is prob the way to go.
Are you freakin kidding me?!? You ever hear of the korangal valley or the arghandab...
If that man's son wants to be a Paratrooper, he will go to some no s**t hostile places.
The 82nd Airborne...is middle of the road?....hmmm yeah ok.. come to any Parachute Infantry Regiment here at bragg and tell us that.
Oh fyi ive had the pleasure of working with some Airforce JTACS, some of thee most hardest working group of guys i ever met.
My money says you are a new boot cherry... and if you keep talking, might find yourself in some "deep doo doo".
Stay in your lane cherry0 -
quote:Originally posted by 11B2P
quote:Originally posted by jasonc14
if he wants to be in the deepest doo doo, join the Marine Corps
if he wants a middle ground then the army is prob the way to go.
Are you freakin kidding me?!? You ever hear of the korangal valley or the arghandab...
If that man's son wants to be a Paratrooper, he will go to some no s**t hostile places.
The 82nd Airborne...is middle of the road?....hmmm yeah ok.. come to any Parachute Infantry Regiment here at bragg and tell us that.
Oh fyi ive had the pleasure of working with some Airforce JTACS, some of thee most hardest working group of guys i ever met.
My money says you are a new boot cherry... and if you keep talking, might find yourself in some "deep doo doo".
Stay in your lane cherry
+1 [:D]0 -
quote:Originally posted by 11B2P
quote:Originally posted by jasonc14
if he wants to be in the deepest doo doo, join the Marine Corps
if he wants a middle ground then the army is prob the way to go.
Are you freakin kidding me?!? You ever hear of the korangal valley or the arghandab...
If that man's son wants to be a Paratrooper, he will go to some no s**t hostile places.
The 82nd Airborne...is middle of the road?....hmmm yeah ok.. come to any Parachute Infantry Regiment here at bragg and tell us that.
Oh fyi ive had the pleasure of working with some Airforce JTACS, some of thee most hardest working group of guys i ever met.
My money says you are a new boot cherry... and if you keep talking, might find yourself in some "deep doo doo".
Stay in your lane cherry
Sir,
I hope your son has fulfilled his ambition of serving his country.
Now to get on the "Old Guy Soapbox:"
You two tossing back and forth the Marine/Paratrooper stuff sound like two drunk PFCs; obviously, at least one of you, by referencing the Panama campaign, is a bit older. You should both know better.
Each service has a unique mission. While you are justified in being proud of your own service, I hope you both get to a point in your life when you meet another veteran and say, "Thank you for your service." I am 53 years old, a retired Marine, and I always try to say that to others. When I hear others make negative comments about mine or someone else's service, I just shake my head and walk away, because I am dealing with an immature person with whom there is no value to arguing with. And, by the way, I graduated from Army Airborne School, Navy dive school and a few others. I qoute from the Marine NCO Handbook, "The tough don't have to brag about it."
PS: Everybody is a bad dude on the internet...
Semper Fi,
Wayne Dillon
SgtMajor USMC (Ret)0
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