So, I'm joining the Army Reserve....

[highspeeddirt]

I too was in the army stationed in Germany.  During desert storm.  I didn't like it at all, but I can't say I regret it either.  It was a learning experience.  If I had it to do all over again, I definately would go air force.  I went in for diesel mechanic, and well they sent me through school (AIT) for it (mainly just basic engine theories we all already know)  Then I was  chosen (I did not get the choice) for recovery school.  So my permanent duty job was basically a tow rig.  (track vehicles)  My goal for diesel mechanics on the outside didn't get ANY help from the army.  The recuiters are just like salesman.  They tell you everything you want to hear.  "Self propelled field artillery systems mechanic with recovery identifier"  Sounds cool, but nothing more than a tow truck so to speak, and every once in a while we got to pull an engine, but NEVER, and I mean NEVER, were we allowed to open up an engine.  That was "civilian level maintenance."  I agree with DAYTONA, if you sign up, sign up for the minimum amount of time, you can always add more time, but they won't let you take any away.

Good luck with whatever way you choose, and I'd check into possible animal care in the military, there might be something, cause I know some MP's have dogs.    Then again, that migh be "civilian level maintenance" too! 

[DAYTONA]

...I was told I would be trained in computers(I was a computer programmer already)......because their equipment was so outdated, I couldn't even test into the school with the knowledge I already had....I ended up being a payroll clerk(easy job, but NO ONE anywhere in the civilian world needs people trained by the government on outdated equipment)......it was a joke in my office, the only job we learned we could use on the outside was a trash truck driver....we  "volunteered" to drive it once a month....

high IQ, highest test scores possible...
good work ethic...
extensive civilian training in computer programming...
I had been working as a programmer for 2 years for a large insurance company...

...................to driving the garbage truck

it was an experience I will never forget, nor regret.....but it just wasn't for me...

[Prowler Orange Challenger]

Daytona, I kind of know what you're talking about. I too am in the Air Force but, soon to be medically discharged from the service. Some of the training hasn't changed within the past three years. While it's not bad, we're still behind the times when it comes to government. I know this first hand.

[Topcat]

I was similiar to Highspeeds MOS. I was a 63W10. All we ever did was pull engines, trans, and diffs out. Worked on the tanks too. Never got to pull engines apart. One time they needed somebody skinny to crawl in the belly of a M60 tank so they could pull the turret off. So I was volunteered. They needed to pull it off because the PTO Hyd pump blew an O ring. When I got down in that dark dirty bottom of it, I found out that it still had 3 inches of Hyd. fluid in it that didn't drain out. Needless to say, I was wearing pink underwear and T shirt right before I took a shower afterwards. Took 3 days to get the oil out of my hair. Ghost, just wanted to say that when you do go that there will be days like this. But you will definitely have some others that will make up for those like this. Good Luck.

[highspeeddirt]

I was similiar to Highspeeds MOS. I was a 63W10. All we ever did was pull engines, trans, and diffs out. Worked on the tanks too. Never got to pull engines apart. One time they needed somebody skinny to crawl in the belly of a M60 tank so they could pull the turret off. So I was volunteered.......

 ...just wanted to say that when you do go that there will be days like this. But you will definitely have some others that will make up for those like this....

I feel your pain topcat, I too was the skinny one that got volunteered for the hull "spelunking."  63D10 H8 was my MOS. We were being redeployed to the states about the time I was getting ready to ETS, and therefore all tracks had to be absolutely spotless in every nook and cranny.  Customs...  

Like topcat said, there will always be days like this, and even worse, but when it's over you'll find yourself talking more about the good times to people than the bad. 

[Ghost]

Why not just go to school to become a Vet?

Lack of money.  Joining the Reserves would be a way to pay for it.  Plus I want to serve my country.


Although, I've had enough people tell me that I should join the Air Force instead, that I've reconsidered.  I'm holding off untill I can do a little more research, and find which branch fits me better.

[Oldschool]

Although, I've had enough people tell me that I should join the Air Force instead, that I've reconsidered.  I'm holding off untill I can do a little more research, and find which branch fits me better.

   Good move....      You've got some time,   no need to rush into something you will regret.  Get it right the first time.........   Oldschool

[Robb]

Get a good MOS.   


You could even be a Medic maybe ?   Humans are Animals too. 
You see enough blood, guts and muscles and after a while its like looking at an engine bay....   mechanical.   Heres whats wrong, now fix it or mitigate the damage till you can fix it.

FWIW Id wait till youve had some school before you join or can maybe get into ROTC or OCS.  Being an officer translates much better to the real world and youll get more that you can apply to your career later in life, leading others in stressful situations (such as an emergency vet clinic).  Youll get money and USEFULL experience.

being a buck private, you can expect to get a good education on janitorial procedures 101.

Dont trust those recruiters too much man, theyre the only thing worse than used car salesmen.   And if a particular recruiter seems like "hes different, hes not the stereotypical one you hear about"  BS, hes just really really good and what hes doing. 

Keep your head down, and be smart.


(youre a husker right ?   either KState or UNL both have Animal/Vet Science programs.   Last I saw was that 75% of the students in the Vet Sciences programs were women and that the schools are pumping out more women Veterinarians than men. You gotta have the passion for helping animals to graduate on top.  Get yourself a girly studybuddy  )

[fantum]

Believe it or not, there are veterinarians in the Army and the Army Reserve!!!  I worked with one in a Civil Affairs Unit (Army Reserve).  One of his duties was to evaluate the physical condition of the animals in the area to determine if there were any diseases the military should be concerned with, and in the case of edible livestock, he conducted random sampling of the animals to ensure they were fit for human consumption prior to them leaving the processing facility.

The other vet (active Army) was the wife of a good friend, and whe was responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health of the animals that belonged to military units (police dogs) and/or members stationed on the base.  The active Army vet also had a small staff of military people working with her - enlisted individuals who were trained in veterinary operations.  The military also has degree completion programs that will enable you to take college courses while on active duty.

ASK about the opportunity to follow your dream!!!

Good luck,


fantum

[71GTX]

Although, I've had enough people tell me that I should join the Air Force instead, that I've reconsidered.  I'm holding off untill I can do a little more research, and find which branch fits me better.

Good Decision! The best of luck to you on whatever decision that you do finally make....I did my 4 years of active duty and am into my 16th year in the National Guard fulltime....Just remember that most jobs with veterenarians deal with fulltime forces. Ammo is something that is not transferable to the outside world. Not only do the research into what job you want, but into what the recruiter is telling you! Just keep in mind, they are not your friend, but just a number to them for their quota. Make them work for their money and for you! Dont let them blow smoke up yer hind end....if ya aint happy with something, tell them!

[Prowler Orange Challenger]

Good idea Ghost on a reconsideration. I know I would do so. And yeah don't like these recruiters blow smoke up your booty. I know Air Force Recruiters I believe need to meet a quota of getting two to enlist per month from what I understand. I believe the Air Force has veterinarians. But having friends or knowing guys from all services while in Okinawa helped me show that the quality of life was better in the Air Force vs the Army or Marines IMO.

[Topcat]

Get a good MOS.   


You could even be a Medic maybe ?   

 Id wait till youve had some school before you join or can maybe get into ROTC or OCS.  Being an officer translates much better to the real world and youll get more that you can apply to your career later in life,



You can qualify for OTC being signed in first as an enlisted. The test you take when you first joined can tell you and them if you qualify. Then you can switch over to OTC then. I qualified. but I declined.

[AprilsPink72Cuda]

Ghost, a few friends of mine joined the Army and became K9 explosive detection/drug detection dog handlers/trainers.  It is a very rewarding job that I am sure you would enjoy.  If you would like me to get any info on this let me know and I will send off an email for you.

April

[Robb]

One thing to consider is that his local Reserve Unit may not have all of these exotic MOS's available.   Thats going to be a significant factor.  He needs to see whats available.

Good luck dude, and dont sign anything the recruiter puts in front of you when hes all "acting your buddy". 

[blueberry]

Good idea to join up now and get to pick from whatever choices they say they will give you. 
With bill HR 4752 introduced to The House of Representatives, it looks like the draft will be back, so the sooner you are in the better.  Lots more people coming on board, so the job pickings will be fewer.