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Military tech training

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by max98037

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I have been considering getting tech training in the military, particularly the Air Force. Is this a good idea for going about getting trained? Are there any other branches that might work better? Any input or info on military training would be greatly appreciated. I am having a really hard time making this decision whether to join or not.

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by kversaw

I was never in the military, so you can probably take my advice with a grain of salt.

If you read the news and follow the economy you probably know that IT is not the best field to be in right now. Jobs are tough to find. We are currently in a down cycle, but it will come back. The problem is, no one knows when it will come back. The economy could rebound next month and 100,000 new IT jobs could open. There is really no telling what might happen.

This is the type of situtaion that makes the military a very attractive option. In the military you will get the training and experience that might be tough to find in the private sector. Also, the military is doing some pretty neat things on the bleeding edge of technology, so you can probably get some "hot" skills also.

The downside is that there is something of a stigma against military trained people in the IT field. I am sure that with the right attitude and personality you can break through that barrier, but it doesexsist. Also, while in the military you might be stuck in a position you really do not want to be in. You don't have the same freedom to change jobs and such that you would in the private sector.

by timwalsh

It really depends on what type of technical training you are talking about. Since you are here in this forum, I'll assume you are talking IT training.

As all the services must be able to talk to each other, the specific training you get will be fairly similar in all the services. You will see a specific bias in each service's training programs that addresses each services specific needs. As to which service, a lot will depend on your interests. If you want to drive a HUMMV, join the Armyor the Marines. If you like watching planes, join the Air Force. If you like the water, join the Navy (or Marines). If you want to visit strange and exotic places, any of the services will do these days. I realize this is very simplistic, but although the equipment may be different, the concepts will be the same, no matter what the service. It may come down to which service will give you the best "bennies" (choice of station, college benefits, enlistment or reenlistment bonuses, etc.)

All though you will get LOTS of good training and LOTS of hands on experience, if you are only looking at the training aspects of military life, you are setting yourself up for failure. Military life in general is unlike anything you will experience in civilian life.

Since computers are being integrated into ALL aspects of military operations, don't expect that just because you choose an IT-related field, that you will spend your military career sitting behind a cozy desk in an air-conditioned office someplace safe. Depending on the service you choose, you could find yourself maintaining a tactical data network between units serving a six-month rotation with the IFOR in Bosnia, or troubleshooting a network outage after the last rocket attack at Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, or maintaining the data network between ships while on a six-month cruise off the coast of Korea.
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by timwalsh

I'm not trying to turn you against the military (I spent 20 years in the Army). I am trying to ensure that you choose the military way of life for the right reasons. The key, if you join, is that first and foremost you are a soldier/ sailor/airman/marine (with the commitment that is required by that), and you are an IT tech second. As long as you go into it with that frame of mind, you will get great training ad experience. But you will also be performing a job that is more important than any other job you have for the rest of your life.

Good luck with whichever service you choose!

by panchal_a

Or you might end up scrubbing toilets in the Arabian sea.

Keep in mind that RHIP is a big deal in the military. The lower you are the less of the technical stuff you'll see. You may end up doing routine maintenance on old radio equipment.

First thing to find out is what type of job you want to do. I assume your going in enlisted. Then find out how that will apply to civillian life.

Dont get me wrong. I set up a RF lan from ship-ship-shore as well as a shipboard LAN. Learned a lot, but I did my share of mess duty as well as 3AM work shifts.

by mrafrohead

Couple of things to keep in mind.

Joining the Military will definately get you some outstanding education and training in the field you choose to be in. Given that you actually get what you are trying for. First thing - get it in writing BEFOREyou leave for boot camp!!!

For school type stuff, I would shoot for the Air Force. They are generally given a better wage and living arrangements than the other services and more opportunities for in house education.

One thing to keep in mindthough, if you join the military. You are a solder FIRST!!! That means you need to be prepared to give your life for this country in a moments notice! There is none of that whining and running to canada crap. Profession comes second. And given these times that we are currently in, if you are only looking for training, I would maybe think of looking somewhere else. But if you are looking in bettering yourself within this Country and truly learning what a great place you live in, then the military is a great place to start:)

Also, if you have children, seriously think hard about the decision. Having grown up an Army Brat, I can tell you that it is really really hard moving around and losing your friends all of the time. You don't really get the luxuries of being a child ever. You're a six year old one day and then watching over the family the next day, while you're dad is off doing whatever it is that he is assigned to do.

So, there are some things to think about before you go in.

by mrafrohead

If you are looking to become a soldier first, I highly recommend that you ask any friends of yours that are in the military to go with you when you see your recruting officer. Recruiting officers are worse than used car salesmen:) They'll tell you damn near anything to get that sale. At least if you have an experienced friend there with you they can sift out the crap from the reality. And don't forget, get it in WRITING BEFORE you leave:)

Hope this helps somewhat! And I wish you the best in your future with whatever you choose is right for you!

Mrafrohead

by maxwell edison

The military is a great place to start on one's road in life (in my opinion). However, if you join just for the training, you'll be joining for the wrong reasons and, most likely, be unhappy and disappointed. I joined the Air Force right out of high school (in 1971), not only looking for training, but as a vehicle through which I could get out on my own. (As well as a variety of other reasons) At the time, I had aspirations of becoming an aircraft mechanic, and the recruiter said, of course, "no problem". But when the time came for me to be assigned to a particular field, I wound up learning about aircraft weapons systems instead of aircraft engine systems. I spent the next several years loading bombs, rockets and missiles onto fighter aircraft. (Guess where they were dropping them.) After I got out of the service, I applied for jobs at various airlines, but since none of their airliners had weapons systems, they didn't have anything for me. (Lame attempt at humor)

Nonetheless, I've never regretted any of it. In fact, I later used the GI Bill to go back to school, and although that was an education for a different field/profession (architectural engineering), it did start me on the path to my current IT position. The GI Billis structured differently today, but it's still there as an opportunity.

All military branches will pay the same pittance of a salary, as it's all based on current rank. An E-3 or O-3 (enlisted/officer) in the Air Force pays the same as an E-3 orO-3 in the Army, Navy or Marines. (Of course, everyone starts out as an E-1 or O-1.) If you have a college degree, although it sounds as though you probably don't, you could choose to go to officers' training school, which I would highly suggest - if you qualify.

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by maxwell edison

I'm sure that my experience 30 years ago was vastly different than it would be today. For one thing, in the early 70's the general public had certain disdain for servicemen that doesn't exist today. (In fact, today it's quite the opposite.) In addition, with the 100% volunteer force of today (no draft) there may be more incentives and/or more flexibility as to career field choices.

If you want the real scoop on military life/training, I would suggest you talk to current servicemen (or women)to learn what it's like today. Don't take the recruiter's word for anything. I'm not suggesting they will lie to you, in fact I'm certain they won't, but they will present the best picture possible, glossing over "the rest of the story". Depending on where you live, there may be some active or reserve bases near by. Due to security issues, you may or may not be allowed onto a base, but you could most likely find someone who knows someone.

Here's a fun and exciting idea for an opportunity to talk to a wide range of current/former GI's: If you're willing to travel a little bit, go to Colorado Springs (Air Force Academy), New York (West Point), or Annapolis, Maryland (Naval Academy), and attend the annual service academy football game. Not only will the game be a blast to attend (and the general public is always welcome), but you'll get a good glimpse of military life as well as an opportunity to pick a lot of brains. Go to the Web sites of the various academies for scheduling/ticket information. (I go to the Air Force Academy game every year - October 5th versus Navy.)

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by maxwell edison

If you are single, don't have any commitments, and/or are uncertain as to what to do or where to go, I'd say to go for it. You'll probably look back on your time in the military as a positive experience in your life. Even it you get killed, you probably won't regret it. (Just kidding - but who really knows?) And after all, you're probably safer on an air base somewhere in the desert that you are in an office tower downtown.

I wish you the best of luck.

by fluxit

The service is a great place. You'll professionally mature far beyond that of your counterparts in the civilian world. The Navy in particular is a terrific place to be. Its hard work. However, because of the nature of our warfare the Navy operates 180 degrees opposite of the Army. In the Army the officer task the troops. They give you a task and you come back for more. In the Navy, the troops use the Officer to help them solve a task or stumbling block. I know because I am Navy and work in a Army command plus I grew up in the Army.

A lot of people join the service for an education because that is an incentive to join. However, when (not if) you are called to duty you must be prepared to carry the fight.

I recall late one night justafter Desert Storm, we were operating in the Gulf of Oman when gun boats tried to board the US Command ship in the Arabian Gulf. All hell broke loose and we went to General Quarters. The calls over the loudspeakers were coming furiously. We were manning up close-in defense systems, we were breaking out our MCU-2P's, fighters were getting airborn, the TV's came on automatically and the commander was briefing strikes, bomb elevators were racing to the flight deck. A6's were sitting on the catapults good-to-go. All we needed was the State Department say GO!

In the midst of this, several 18 year olds who coincidentally were there for an education called out in the heat of the moment, "Oh God, what am I doing here!" They became overwhelmed and froze up. After it was over they put in thier request to get out.

If you join a service - Have it in your heart and mind to defend this country and carry that fight to the enemy first and foremost. In the meantime, the service will do what it can to give you benefits such as an education, healthcare, pay, etc...

by fluxit

The navy enlisted rate for technology is 'IT'. I have had these people work for me. It is a combination of two older rates, the Data Processor 'DP' and radio man 'RM', with the newer technologies added in. It is competitive and you must demonstrate an above average ability in order to promote.

The Navy is in the process of implementing the NMCI (Navy Marine Corp Internet). The IT's will be the people who stand it up and administer it. The fascinating difference about the NMCI over the Army's Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is that the NMCI is almost entirely a mobile network.

Also as an IT on ships you will work for the Electronics Maintenance Officer, EMO. The systems you will be trained on and exposed to are not just boring computers and LANS but some our weapons systems. Its like Star Trek. In fact, the writers for Star Trek frequently sail on Navy ships to learn how we do things and they write it into the shows and movies. While I was on Ranger and the Constellation the writers came out. In fact, they filmed part of a movie on Ranger.

by fluxit

The future is the hypernet - mobile computing.

The future also offers a variety of other things to come such as human centric computing. These things are already beginning to show in the Navy. The F18 has a system that talks to you. The smart ship concept leverages advanced information technology to reduce manpower. At the Naval Air Warfare Center they have developed training systems using IPIX cameras and Silicon Graphic Machines to train in virtual environments - ie the early version of ahalodeck? The Air Systems Program has a virtual unit now that develops information technology projects.

In my opinion you can go to the stars in the Navy!

by lordinfidel

w/regards to army...(this is an off topic from normal computing or the point you were trying to make)

As far as orders and what do we do next.
Depends on unit w/regards to officers vs enlisted.

Even in the navy though there is a chain of command. You just can't go around doing what you want. Knowing your job is one thing, being direclty responsible for the actions of doing your job is another.

I server in several different units, from a ranger bat to a reserve command. It really depends on what your job is.

Obviously a grunt is not going to be doing much thinking on his own. A cook though, goes to work, knows what he needs to do and does it.
In the rgrs we new what our mission was and did it. When I was in commo and S-3 Air, I knew what my job was and did it. We did'nt have to wait for officers to tell us what to do.

In any event- If I ever had to do it over again, I would probably go Air Force. Those guy's have it sweet.

by fluxit

On the whole, the Navy is more oriented towards knowledge workers than the Army.

by mr. michael

Go Air Force, better everything. I spent 7 years in the Army, the Dark Lord has it right, the Air Force has it sweet.

by fluxit

If you want a civilian like job and a civilian like atmosphere the Air Farce is great.

Oddly, I worked for a Air Farce Major at one time who actually thought he was in charge. Let alone he never led a single person in 12 years of service.

Butafter 5 years of Naval service I led 7 shops of over a 150+ people in all and travelled to nearly 30 countries.

I would say that Air Farce people are nice and its a great country club with everyone on first name basis. But for a career the Navy has them beat.

by rrgilmore_2001

I will be short.
Most eployeers do not see the miltiary as experience. They will ask what real world experience you have.

by maxwell edison

I consider military experience something "extra" that others don't have. So, in my opinion, military experience is more experience, not less (or insignificant) experience.

If I see a resume that includes military
experience I will give it an extra glance, looking for other reasons to put it in the "consider" basket instead of the waste basket. I consider people with military experience to be, in general, dedicated and disciplined, and I've generally had excellent results when I've hired people with military experience. In addition, I think those folks deserve to be given special consideration since they didicated a certain number of years giving me (and my fellow Americans) special consideration.

Moreover, if I see someone who is aMarine and/or an Eagle Scout (Once a Marine, always a Marine. Once an Eagle Scout always an Eagle Scout), I'll bend over backwards looking for a position that could be filled.

I don't think I'm alone with this opinion. I've talked to a lot of people who agree with me. Perhaps some big firms with some namby-pamby HR manager that doesn't know any more about serving in the military than he/she sees on MASH re-runs don't see it this way. But who wants to work for that kind of firm anyway?

by lordinfidel

I stayed at their guest barracks and it was like a 5 star hotel.

Their mess hall was like a upscale cafeteria.

I call people in the air force, Civilians in uniform. I did not see an ounce of hardship when I visited AF bases. They reminded memore like suburbia then a military base.

Unlike army bases that look like something out of the twilight zone.

by lyle148806

People in the Air force are NOT Civilians in Uniform, they wanted to be Public Servants, but could not take the Discipline

by jdsal

I served in the US Navy between 1993 and 1997. I was rated as a Radioman and I worked in several components within that rating (traffic/message center, radio transmitter facility, technical control) and I have say that the technical skills that I developed within my years in the military have given me a great headstart in the private sector.

by road-dog

and it was an incredible change from Marine bases. Our Barracks was a CONDEMNED Air Force barracks, but it was the second nicest one I've ever been in. After the first six months there, I had to go on the first diet of my life.

Oddly enough, thenicest I've ever been in was a barracks at CFB Cold Lake Alberta. My fellow Marines an I got evicted from that barracks because the Queen Mother's flight into Edmonton got diverted due to weather. They parked her in "our" barracks for the night. Truly a bizarre circumstance, but I've been in a barracks "fit for a Queen"!

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