OT: Anyone on Active Duty or in The Reserves

[bagged87blayzer]

I started talking to a Navy recruiter today about joining. I just have to wait to see if I pass the physical because I have had neck surgery when I was younger. The only thing I am wondering is I was told they are not taking active duty, only reserves. I was told that I would have to start as reserve then apply in a year or two for active duty. Is it worth starting in the reserves then going to active duty or should I look into the Army?

 

[Fuzzy]

My son is active duty in the Air Force.
I'll tell you the same thing I told him.

While I am very proud that he wanted to serve, look to the future after your enlistment is up.
What branch of service affords you the most safety, and the best job skills training when you get out.
In other words, use your brain not brawn.

Fortunately he listened, and is an Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force. He made Staff Sergeant last year, and got a Huge re-enlistment bonus.
Now he is working on finishing his degree and considering applying for OCS and possibly pilot training.
If he ever decides to leave the Air Force, he will be able to walk into a high paying job just about anywhere in the country.

Best wishes on what ever you decide.

 

[bagged87blayzer]

I do want to go active duty in the medical field, more toward the x-ray side. I have always wanted to be a x-ray tech but have never had the money to go to school.

 

[bagged87blayzer]

The one thing that suck is - if I go active duty the I will probably get out of the hobby till I get stationed.

 

[JosefDevaty]

Im a veteran of the Air Force. I looked at other branches but like Fuzzy said the Air Force has more opportunities when you get out of the service. The GI Bill I received from my enlistment has paid for my degree (I graduate this semester). Medical is definitely a good possibility in the Air Force. I would talk to a recruiter. They will BS you some but do your research, talk to some vets or those still in.

 

[MitchReef]

I'm also a veteran, O did 8 1/2 years in the Navy. I will also recommend giving the Air Force a serious look. Being away, at sea for 6 to 9 months at a time sucks. They will tell you that you could very well be assigned to a hospital somewhere, but EVERYONE in the Navy goes to sea at some point. I wish I had considered the Air Force when I joined up, just for the stability of an assigned Duty Station.