The deal is I was waiting to see what opportunities the Navy and Air Force Reserves offered. In this case, the Navy moved a hell of a lot faster than the Air Force. My paperwork and so forth got approved without issue. Though I told them from the jump I wasn't ready to enlist, my Navy recruiter told me that if I don't decide today, they can no longer guarantee that I will be able to land another IT position. Something about a holiday stand-down coming up.
I had a few reservations about the Reserves, mainly wanting it in writing that I will get my TS clearance. I figure if I join, I might as well get all I can. Anyway, I was told that couldn't be put in writing, because my unit, and not the recruiter would have to handle that.
The impression I got researching it is that it can't be promised, and depends on the sensitivity of the material you'll be working with.
That aside, I just wanted to hold out until I found out what the AF could offer then compare the two.
Opinions?
2006-12-19 06:40:05 · 10 answers · asked by B. 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
O yea, I DO know that some of it was your typical recruiter railroading...I assume to meet some quotas. But based on research that I've done, there is a lot of truth to what he was saying. I'm not trying to be difficult, but if I (more or less) sign over myself to the gubment to do with as they wish, I should get all I can right?
2006-12-19 06:43:36 · update #1
OldGringo:
Yes, my AF recuiter has been telling me for the past few days, he's looking for a job for me. I want something in IT, that will give me my TS clearance. I'm prior AF actually...well sort of.
I finished basic, then tech school, then for sent home for hardship reasons so I never got to experience day-to-day AF life. In any case, I figure I'd get back out there and see what they're offering. Active Duty doesn't interest me currently, but maybe in the future.
2006-12-19 06:51:14 · update #2
m1a1:
I know they can't hold one for me. I never asked them too.
2006-12-19 06:53:08 · update #3
I was in the Marine Corps myself. I picked them because they weren't pitching me jobs, money, college, or any kind of gimic. I went for the Pride thing. I don't regret it.
As for the other branches. If I wanted IT, and TS clearance, I would probably go to the Navy. You have a better opportunity of dealing with something nuclear, which is one way of getting a clearance. Also, it is a little bit more respectable in my opinion to go to the Navy instead of the Army. You have good opportunities to move up.
2006-12-19 06:55:33 · answer #1 · answered by corpsengineer 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should wait and see what the AF recruiter has to say. I've been in the ANG for 10 yrs and although I don't know about the Navy, you won't go wrong with an IT position in the AF Reserves. About the TS clearance, unless you have your heart set on IT, maybe try getting into a field that guarantees you a TS clearance. Also, instead of just taking the recruiters word, talk to a supervisor or an officer in the career field you want to join.
2006-12-19 14:53:56 · answer #2 · answered by nyer_stuck_in_dc 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all - nobody will hold an 'open' position for you. The slots are all first-come, first-served (especially in a high-demand field such as IT).
What the recruiter is saying to you is that he knows he can get you an IT position today - but he cannot guarantee any positions will be available tomorrow. This is just the way it is.
Also, you will only be put in for a TS clearance if the Army decides that you need that clearance. And there is no guarantee that you will be granted eligibility for TS access anyway.
2006-12-19 14:48:46 · answer #3 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the Navy recruiter is a good high pressure salesman. At the start you said you were interested ... but not today. Nobody can fault you for prudence. Has the Air Force told you anything yet?
Have you thought of looking into regular Navy or Air Force?
2006-12-19 14:46:08 · answer #4 · answered by OldGringo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The military is a major commitment. You mentioned giving yourself to the government to use as it wishes, but most people don't really understand how true that is until they experience the dark side of the military.
The quality of life is generally better in the Air Force, but don't be pressured into joining either service, and make sure you go in with your eyes wide open. I don't have any pity for those who join the military and then claim they didn't know they would be going to war...
2006-12-19 14:53:31 · answer #5 · answered by C D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well as far as IT or networking in the AF active at least they are way over maned. people are being forced to retrain. You could go telephone, in certain places it requires a TS, same as any networking job. Well hit me up if you got questions
2006-12-19 15:19:19 · answer #6 · answered by striderknight2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the air force will take better care of you than any other, navy, army, marines. they took longer because they dont need people now. think of how many YEARS you will enlist for. dont jump because the navy was a few weeks quicker
2006-12-19 14:46:25 · answer #7 · answered by sand runner 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
why are you trying to get a top secret clearance anyway? If yur mos requires it, you'll get it before going to school.
2006-12-19 14:57:37 · answer #8 · answered by here and now 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you made a choice. go with it.
be happy about it.
2006-12-19 15:05:52 · answer #9 · answered by joey322 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes! you did!
2006-12-19 14:53:32 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋