Anyone in or retired from the Armed Services?

I'm currently in the DEP for the USAF. I leave September 25th, 2012 for basic. Just wondering if anyone else out there is a veteran of the Military? What was it like? What did you like best about it?

Never was, but I have the highest respect for those that choose to serve - best of luck to you and be safe!

Military wouldn't take me.  Was USBP for a short while.  Good luck to you sir.  Thank you for the service you will provide.  Words of advice for boot camp.  Never come in first or last.  And if they offer something nice like seconds of chilli in the mess . . . that's probably the day you will be sitting in a room full of tear gas.

^ Haha so i've heard. All of my parents (Mom, Step-Dad, Dad, and Step-Mom) have all served in the airforce besides my Step-dad whos about to retire from the army. They've all given different sorts of advice on surviving basic training.

I've heard the USAF basic is somewhat of a "cake walk" compared to the other branches. I went through basic in the army in 1988 on Fort Dix NJ. I was there for both basic and AIT from October 88 to April 89. It was good for me, but you learn real quick to watch your back. We had thieves in the barracks and nobody was doing anything about it. They were going into the base PX and walking out with sweat suits under the BDU's and then selling them to people in the barracks. Then we had guys stealing walkmans (yeah I know...old) and they kept trying to get mine. they got it off of me when I was sleeping, but I wasn't having it and got it back that day and they found 8 more stolen items in a couple other lockers.
All I have to say is watch your butt. You will be getting in with people that may not have the moral values that you do. There are a lot of good people out there, but it only takes a couple of bad ones to ruin a great experience.

I was in the naval reserves from 88 - 94.  I went to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois for 2 months just like the "full time" navy guys.  Then went to my "A" school in Memphis, Tennessee for 2 more months to learn my job.  I was then assigned to my duty station which was only 20 miles from my house.  That was the benefit of joining the reserves.  I was an aircraft mechanic at NAS Alameda in California (it is not a military base anymore).

I loved my military duty.  I wanted to join from a very young age.  All the marching and uniforms and stuff like that.  The bond you form with your fellow servicemen is really cool.  You all work together to get the job done.  Plus the feeling you get from serving your country.

Just listen very carefully to everything they tell you and do exactly what they tell you to do and you will do just fine.  If Air Force boot camp is like Navy boot camp (which it probably is for the most part), you will spend most of you days in classrooms learning everything about the Air Force.  History and ranks and the sentry General Orders.  I just looked up the Air Force ones, they only have 3, the Navy has 11, man!

I didn't experience the stealing stuff that Randy spoke about but, he makes a good point.  Watch your back.  You won't have to worry about it too much in boot camp because you aren't really allowed to have ANYTHING but, when you get to your training school to learn your job, they let you have more things in your barracks like music and food and stuff like that.  I guess cell phones these days are allowed also but, there are probably very strict rules for them I would imagine.

I've always wanted to join, especially now with the economy the way it is. Unfortunately they wouldn't take me and even if they had my knees, ankles, and back are pretty torn up and would wear very fast.

Blutonka22 on 07:11:38 PM / 13-Oct-11I was in the naval reserves from 88 - 94.  I went to boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois for 2 months just like the "full time" navy guys.  Then went to my "A" school in Memphis, Tennessee for 2 more months to learn my job.  I was then assigned to my duty station which was only 20 miles from my house.  That was the benefit of joining the reserves.  I was an aircraft mechanic at NAS Alameda in California (it is not a military base anymore).

I loved my military duty.  I wanted to join from a very young age.  All the marching and uniforms and stuff like that.  The bond you form with your fellow servicemen is really cool.  You all work together to get the job done.  Plus the feeling you get from serving your country.

Just listen very carefully to everything they tell you and do exactly what they tell you to do and you will do just fine.  If Air Force boot camp is like Navy boot camp (which it probably is for the most part), you will spend most of you days in classrooms learning everything about the Air Force.  History and ranks and the sentry General Orders.  I just looked up the Air Force ones, they only have 3, the Navy has 11, man!

I didn't experience the stealing stuff that Randy spoke about but, he makes a good point.  Watch your back.  You won't have to worry about it too much in boot camp because you aren't really allowed to have ANYTHING but, when you get to your training school to learn your job, they let you have more things in your barracks like music and food and stuff like that.  I guess cell phones these days are allowed also but, there are probably very strict rules for them I would imagine. 

If you have a passion for things that fly we should hook up next time you are up in the South Metro area.  I've got cool $hit for airplane nerds and gearheads.

imtheguy247 on 10:46:44 AM / 14-Oct-11 I've actually got Tactical Aircraft Maintanence. I've always been infatuated with airplanes and what not. I actually plan on getting my degree, and then going into OTS (Officer Training School) to become a pilot. Only thing against me right now is my eyes. I have to get PRK surgery (like Lasik) and get a medical waiver saying i can fly. Would really like to become a fighter pilot, but even being a bomber would be pretty bad ass.

I was active duty USAF for 9 years. I was a Medic. I learned a lot, and was a good time overall.....easiest paycheck I ever earned.   At times I wish I would have stayed in as I would only have like 3 years left till retirement at this piont