5544158

Well gang

August 12th, 2011 02:26 PM

I leave for Basic in a few weeks now, so come September if I'm not around for a while, you'll know why

First it's off to Ft. Jackson, SC for BCT which is currently 9 weeks and 4 days of "summer camp." And then off to AIT (Advanced Individual Training) which is a fancy word for Job School.

My job is designated 94-H (Hotel) Test Measurement and Diagnostics Equipment Maintenance Support Specialist. A very long name I know, but in a nut-shell I fix the electronic equipment that's used to fix other electronic equipment.

My AIT is fairly long, about 33-34 weeks at Ft. Lee, VA, but I'm really looking forward to it. I should be able to get communications back up once I get to AIT and get a laptop, but I probably won't be able to use it except on weekends

There are quite a few things I plan on doing while I'm in, maybe applying for Airborne school and possibly the 173rd Airborne Division depending on how things go. I may also apply for the West Point option just for the sake of applying, but I'm not sure how selective that is. But that aside, there are places I want to go and people I want to meet so hopefully I'll get to do those things.

As far as deployments go, I have no idea. I'd expect to deploy, at the very least, once during my contract which is 5 years (1 year in training, 4 years actual service). From what I've been told it all depends on the unit you're stationed with.

But regardless, I aim to have a good time while I'm in, and I'm hoping to get a good experience from it all

5544166

Re: Well gang

August 12th, 2011 02:47 PM

It's been great reading your posts! And I look forward to continue doing so up until your departure.

Best of luck to you! Mop the floor with all that training, yeah?

Very selective! Say, don't you need a presidential or congressional nomination to attend? Or, if anyone in your immediate bloodline has extensive military experience...? I forget.

5544173

Re: Well gang

August 12th, 2011 02:55 PM

I c wut u did thar

And don't worry, I will


According to what I've read, there are 140-170 slots for enlisted Soldiers each year to attend West Point and graduate a commissioned officer. You also do NOT need a congressional or national nomination, you just need a nomination from your Company Commander. You still have to be a good Soldier and it requires that you have a decent High School record as well as a competitive ACT/SAT score.

Usually, even if you don't get directly sent to the Academy you get sent to the Preparatory school for 10 months and then get sent to West Point.

There's also a Green-to-Gold deal where they release you from duty to attend College full-time on an ROTC scholarship, but from what I've heard, that option is even more selective.

Most likely what I'm going to do is take 30+ core classes while I'm in then transfer to a full-time college when I get out and use the G.I. Bill + money saved towards it. So, either way, I get free college which is a pretty sweet deal.

5544176

Re: Well gang

August 12th, 2011 02:58 PM

Good luck, try not to fuck up too badly.

5544180

Re: Well gang

August 12th, 2011 03:05 PM

Thanks, I'll do my best, Papa Nurgle

5544187

Re: Well gang

August 12th, 2011 03:27 PM

I'll miss you, Priest! Enjoy the journey!

5544199

Re: Well gang

August 12th, 2011 04:19 PM

Good luck, there's nothing I can add that you don't already know. Try not to fuck up and/or die.

5544212

Re: Well gang

August 12th, 2011 04:55 PM

DON'T GO!
I MISS YOU ALEADY!!!

good luck though mate.

5544218

Re: Well gang

Stratopwn3r

August 12th, 2011 05:20 PM

Since you are leaving, can I have your job?

No but on a serious note, good luck at BCT. Just knowing you over the interwebz, I have no doubt that you will destroy BCT and make it your bitch, just don't tell the DIs.

Still planning on attempting SF?

5544235

Re: Well gang

August 12th, 2011 06:28 PM

Good luck. Be safe. And for God's sake, don't push the big red button!