Okay, I work in a middle kiosk at the mall with four other guys and we're all pretty routy and crazy most of the time. We are always playing pranks on eachother to pass the time. Sometimes, when a military recruiter comes up to our booth, I give them one of my co-worker's names and numbers and pretend to be him so that the military recruiter ends up calling my friend to give him more information about joining. I know it's immature, but hey... Well, sometimes that particular stunt is pulled on me...but last time a recruiter called me thinking it was me they were talking to, I actually agreed to meet them for more information. My question to you guys (and girls) is, what are some good questions to ask the army recruiter lady that i'm meeting in about an hour? I really am sort of interested in joining. I know it's a cowardly question, but should I ask which jobs are least likely to see combat? What else should I ask? Pay, Food, Training...what about these things should bring up?
2007-02-21 04:48:03 · 11 answers · asked by World Expert 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
First, your questions aren't cowardy. Most people who joined the military were just like you at first. I was kind of lost when I joined but I had a recruiter who told no tale sort of speak.
Ok, I read the other answers and they have some good points. I am soon getting out of the militry after 8 years now and I worked as a recruiter for a bit. First things first, as far as the job you want, it is all about your ASVAB score. The higher your score, the more variety you will have in picking jobs. Also, in terms of college money, once you get a 50 or better on your ASVAB it will give you the maximum amout of college benifits (Bonus, Kicker(extra money), and more). Have a job or profession in mind if you really consider joining and don't take a job they are offering you.
Remember this, they military needs you more than you may need them right now. Make sure you get the job you want, I can't stress that any more. There are gonna be jobs that offer bonuses which will put a chunk of money in your pocket from the bat. However, most of those jobs are jobs that the military has shortages in.Think about this, if you are in a job that you don't like, most people find a new job and quit.. or just quit. Well, it does not work like that in the military. You definately can't just quit but you can find a new job but every job has special training for which takes a special school, which is a big process. If the recruiter says "We can't get you in that job" or something to that effect. Than tell her that is what you want to do in the military, so let you know when you can. Do not be intimidated by them at all. Also, if they say "sign up for this job and once you are done basic training we will get you in that job". Trust me, 99% of the time they don't. It is not because they are liers but it is because they can't guarantee it. Get the job (MOS) you want in the begining, that way it's in your contract and the military has to get you that training.
Ok, as far as the like likelyhood of you seeing combat. Well, combat and being in a combat zone are two different things. If you decide to take a job in the combat arms (infantry, field artillery,tanker, cavalry, air defence artillery and some communications) there is a chance you will get deployed. I was deployed 10 months after I joined and I just returned home from Iraq a few months ago. I will be honest, you will eventually face a deployment. Make sure you have a job that you want and it will make it easier to face and handle. Your recruiter can't tell you if you are more likely to go somewhere. They don't know for sure.
As far as pay goes, if you get someone else to enlist, have ROTC from high school, college credits or relevent job experiance that applies to your military job than you may have the possibility to join as an E2 or E3. The pay difference isn't too significant but it all helps.
Remember, if they can't put what they say or what you want on paper, it is not a guarantee and there is nothing that you can legally do about it. The recruiter will be friendly but they work for the army and they need your numbers so they will try to befriend you. They aren't your friends because your best interest isn't what they are working for. So, make sure you own the situation, until you swear in, you are not in the army. Even after you sign the contract... don't tell them I told you that. So, remember that you are a civilian until the moment you rase your hand and you have all the control.
I hope I didn't take too long to answer. Good luck and don't make a decision today, take your time because this is a decision of a lifetime.
Best wishes
2007-02-21 05:36:10 · answer #1 · answered by Jimmy P. 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was sitting in that chair myself, 13 years ago, and never regretted it. Depending on how you play your cards, you can have a great time, get an education, and support a family more easily than you could ever do on the outside. Or you can cop a negative attitude and have a very miserable four year stretch, getting out and being bitter like some of the pukes that evidently hang out at Yahoo Answers, trying to turn people off the military. LOL...
Realize that your recruiter is human first of all, and until you let her see who you are and what your goals are, she's mainly going to see you the same way you see her, as a thing and not a person. So be up front with her about what you would like to get out of military service.
Second, don't be pushy or rude. Recruiters are not so desperate that they have to put up with every bonehead who walks in the door thinking he's the cat's meow. You are not God's gift to the Army, so be humble.
Third, realize: it IS a job interview. Present yourself appropriately and professionally, and you'll be treated with respect. Act like a kid, and that's how you'll be treated too.
Don't be too intimidated by the prospect of combat. Yes, it is a reality, and being deployed to nasty places is not going to stop even if we do get out of Iraq this year or next. There will always be some dunghill dictator who needs a lesson only armed force can teach -- but the good news is, you're not always in the field, you're very rarely under actual fire, and you're very well protected and financially compensated when you are. Plus you'll be part of a team and a unit family, a brotherhood that will feel like home. You cannot duplicate that closeness in civilian life.
Wish you the best and let us know how it goes.
2007-02-21 05:15:15 · answer #2 · answered by around_the_world_jenny 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
The recruiter that says you can go in without a guarantee about what career field, you don't need to talk any more. This is a negotiaton, at stake is the rest of your life, you can always walk away from the table and come back (when they call you in 2 days) a cooling off period.
Get a good career if you don't want combat say it 2 or 3 times don't back down. Being a man dosen't mean not scared to fight it means you will finish a commitment.
The Army need fire protection, heavy equipment drivers, Medics, artillery gunners. and Infantry but if you sign for infantry and money you will probably regret it.
2007-02-21 07:55:44 · answer #3 · answered by usamedic420 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask any and all questions you have. It would be a good idea to have a prepared list before you go in. Talking to people who have served is a good idea as one poster suggested. However, they wanted you to go to the VA hospital and I'm not sure that would give you an accurate view. Keep in mind, less than 10% of the US Army (reserves and NG included) is currently in iraq...so its not like going there is guaranteed. That said, joining the Army could put you in harms way.
The most recent VA data suggests that veterans post 1990 actually have a higher level of education and earning potential than the general public so service has been good to many.
My bother is an E-7 in the army and he makes about 65,000 a year if you include all his entitlements which is much higher than the national average.
2007-02-21 05:41:54 · answer #4 · answered by Kilroy 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Forget the recruiter its the Army Liaisons at MEPS you need to be concerned with. Ask about education yes and those type of things but make SURE your Enlistment Contract guarantees you the Military Specialty (MOS) you want to do in the Army. The higher your ASVAB scores and better physical shape your in, the more you will qualify for. Also, if your recruiter guarantees where you will be stationed at after boot camp and AIT, make sure it is in writing as well BEFORE you put your hand in the air and "Do solemnly swear."
2007-02-21 04:54:19 · answer #5 · answered by aiminhigh24u2 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Well i know its kind of late but u can always get in touch again. Consider ur situation now n how u can use the military as a stepping stone to better yourself. Where as u can always not join n continue to do wat ur doing turning in fake names and numbers to people who are earning $65,000-$70,000 a year. Now dont get me wrong not that the military is for everyone but at least u r exploring ur options to advance yourself in a better direction.
2007-02-21 07:49:43 · answer #6 · answered by Secretlyfe 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ask about benefits after you get out.
ask them about the horrid stories about walter reed hospital and how that can happen.
ask about job placement after you get out - ask why so many vets are unemployed and homeless.
ask about advancement and pay - see if you can somehow get into officers training so you make better money and get better pay.
treat it like any job interview and be tough on them, and don't let them snow you with a bunch of crap.
it's your life...
2007-02-21 05:14:55 · answer #7 · answered by nostradamus02012 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Is ther any way to go in as an e-2 or 3?
2007-02-21 05:00:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Remember this....The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. Good luck.
2007-02-21 05:20:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
ask if your going to iraq, afganistan or iran and how much life insurance they give you, who gets it when your dead, and where your local VA hospital is. then go visit the hospital and ask anyone missing a body part if it was worth it
2007-02-21 04:56:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 6⤋