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Getting Your BMT Dates

Getting Your BMT Dates

Ok, so I should reiterate, that I am in the Air National Guard. Meaning, my experience from enlistment on up to shipping will be different from active duty- and I’m not certain how it compares to reserves, but I assume its similar. Before you can get your dates for basic training and tech school, there is a check list of things you have to accomplish. It’s not very long, but it can take a little…

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Do's and Don'ts - now that you're enlisted

Do’s and Don’ts – now that you’re enlisted

Ok, so now that I have been enlisted for a few months, I have learned a few do’s and don’ts of being in student flight & preparing everything so you can leave. DO Be self motivated Once you are enlisted and attending student flight (for those in the guard), your recruiter may not pay as close attention to you anymore. You will have tasks you need to accomplish like getting your ID card,…

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Drill Weekend- Student Flight

Drill Weekend- Student Flight

This weekend I attended Drill for the first time. In the Air Guard, new trainees begin reporting for drill weekend even before they have gone to basic training. As explained by the Lieutenant overseeing the Student Flight, the main goal of the flight is to make sure we are all completely in processed and as prepared as possible before shipping out. So I’ll recap what happened this weekend. Keep…

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Reader Feedback

I know that my site is fairly new and I don’t have many subscribers or readers; but I’m looking to improve. This site wasn’t created to make my story famous or make money. I started documented my experiences in hopes that it will help others down the road. Since many aspects of the military change regularly I figured it wouldn’t hurt to have another account out there on the web, as updated as…

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A Quick Update

It has been a little while since I’ve shared what has been happening in my enlisting process. As of today, I have officially been in the Air Force National Guard for one week! Last week I drove straight from work to my recruiter’s office, where I was sworn in by an Officer. It happened pretty fast- so fast that my husband, who was stuck in traffic and arrived 1 minutes late, missed it! So I have…

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Here are a few quick steps to help you narrow down your job search and make a list of your top careers…

Browse through all the current jobs available.

You can view careers specific to your branch and read a brief description of each by visiting their page and selecting careers. Personally, I browsed through both the airforce.com and the goang.com lists.

Do further research regarding any jobs that caught your eye

Essentially, I googled the specific job title or code and read whatever articles/blogs I could find about it. Another good idea, is searching on YouTube. Make a note of any jobs that you think you would enjoy. Also, make sure that your ASVAB scores qualify you for these jobs!

Talk with your recruiter about the jobs and types of jobs that you are interested in.

They are the ones that will be able to get you into the job or job field you want. They may also be able to suggest other jobs based on your interests.  It’s true that some recruiters may have their own agendas and will try to push certain jobs- if this happens to you, don’t be easily swayed; stick to what you know you want (because you did your research).

I know that the Air Guard is different from going active, and probably is different from all the other military branches. In the ANG, you swear-in to the specific job that you selected. In other cases, active recruits will have to give a list of their top jobs and top fields and hope for the best. Either way, researching and knowing where you fit is the best way to end up in a career that you enjoy!

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Once I was finished at MEPS and recieved my ASVAB score, it was time to start thinking seriously about what job(s) I wanted to pursue. I had done some browsing leading up to this point, but didn’t really make a list of my top jobs until after I saw my score and what I was qualified for. I was fortunate enough to be qualified for just about any job.

I set up a time to sit down with my recruiter to talk jobs and what would be a good fit for me. Before the meeting she sent me a list of what jobs were currently open on the base. This came as a bit of a SHOCK to me- there were not many jobs that I was interested in. I was discouraged and a little frustrated. However, I was holding out hope that I could perhaps transfer to a different base or I would have to pick something I wasn’t crazy about and wait to cross-train in 3 years.

Here is my biggest suggestion regarding jobs…

When you meet with your recruiter, be sure to tell them which jobs you are most interested in, even if the jobs aren’t on the list of open jobs. THEY CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN FOR YOU. – My top pick was Contracting because it would provide me with so many job opportunities both while I was serving and once I was out; and these jobs would be very good pay! Of course, I am not the first person to think this, and the job was already over staffed when I talked to my recruiter about it. But she didn’t tell me to rule it out, she knew the base needed people and she thought I would be a great fit for the job. She told me she would speak with her supervisor about getting me into the career. Although she gave me some hope, I still had to make a list of jobs I wanted, both open and unavailable, in order of my interest, and she told me she would get back to me as soon as she heard.

I just got off the phone with my recruiter about an hour ago and she gave me some awesome news: she was able to get me into the Contracting job I wanted! Everything is falling into place.

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Taking the ASVAB exam is part of the enlistment process. Your score on this test is a major determining factor for what jobs you are qualified for. Leading up to the test, I knew that I wanted to score as high as I possibly could, so that I could have my pick of career.

I set out researching about what to expect on the test, how to study, and I talked to a few friends who have already taken the exam. It seems that some people thought it best not to study, while others studied for at least a month; I ended up somewhere in between. I'm sure my system won't work for everyone; but I found it to be successful for me- I scored a total of 91 (in the Air Force Scoring system).

How I Studied

Read through the book ASVAB for Dummies

Questions & flash cards Union Test Prep

Practice Tests

Vocabulary Practice

My recruiter recommended this site to me: 4Tests

After trying a bunch of different tests, I found that the ones on the Military site were the most challenging and accurate.

All of these resources, other than the vocabulary practice, will cover all aspects and subjects of the test. I felt like I wanted to focus in on the word knowledge, mainly because it seemed intimidating; there was no way I could memorize every word that ever was! The link I gave for vocabulary practice was my favorite that I came across.

Essentially, I focused on taking practice tests and reviewing what questions I got wrong. I continued this process until I started seeing the type of scores I was looking for. Hint: try not to take the same test twice, so you know you're actually learning and not memorizing.

I think my biggest tip would be to be prepared but don't go overboard. You are going to do FINE. Don't wear your mind out right before the test. Do all you can, then get a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast, and do your best!

Good Luck!

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MEPS

After meeting with my recruiter, filling out the initial medical request papers, and studying for the ASVAB until I felt ready to test, I finally got scheduled to go to MEPS for my physical and ASVAB test on January 9, 2017. In Michigan, they only allow you to do both the test and physical on the same day on Mondays. Since I was going to have to take the day off work, I decided to get it all over with in one day. So I am going to break down everything for you from the night before, the testing, and exam details. (It's going to be a long post, but I want to cover everything for you!)

My experience really started the night before my scheduled day at MEPS. I decided to stay in the hotel that was offered free of charge that night. MEPS had it's on office inside of the hotel where you go to check in - you don't have to reserve a room in advance, they already have your information so just sign in at the desk. I was assigned a room with a girl shipping out to the Navy basic training the next morning. After a brief meeting we are released to hang out around the hotel until curfew at 10pm. I went back to my room and tried to get as much sleep as I could because wake up call was going to be at 4:30am.

Right on time, the phone rang at 4:30am on Monday and we were to report down for breakfast with all of our belongings by 4:55. Breakfast was served, we all ate quickly thinking we would be rushed- but we weren't, then we waited for further instructions. I drove my own car so I was instructed to pull up behind the bus and follow them over to the MEPS office. Nothing complicated, just pay attention and you'll make it to MEPS!

Once at MEPS, everyone gets on the bus to listen to instructions about when you enter. Nothing ground breaking- just go through security, put your stuff in a locker, go to your branch liaison and get your name tag, and check in at the operations desk. The operations desk is where I got my file that I had to carry around with me all day. After I was checked in, they sent to the Medical Wing where the phsyical exam began. One thing I should add: the MEPS building was FREEZING, I brought a jacket but wasn't allowed to wear it to medical because it had a zipper all the way down (they consider that a coat)- they only allow hoodies and half-zip pull overs; I wish someone would have told me that before!

Hearing & Eye Exam

There is really not much to explain about these two portions of the exam. The hearing test consists of putting on headphones, listening for a faint beep, and pressing a button whenever you hear something. For the eye exam you will do the whole "close one eye and read the smallest line possible" and then a couple tests I haven't done before. The first was one to check if you can see colors. You just have to read the number hidden in colorful dots. You will also look at a line of circles and one circle is supposed to appear closer than the others, so you just tell them which circle looks closer. Just try to relax your eyes and do your best- not everyone was making it to the last level of this one.

Medical Briefing

Next, we were all brought into a classroom to go over rules and paperwork. Make sure you have your SSN and emerency contact person's info memorized. You have to fill out the same type of medical paperwork you did with your recruiter- it's important to listen to the person directing you. He wanted us to go at his pace and not get ahead of him- there were several guys in the room that weren't listening and made mistakes. They were lucky, the doctor was very gracious- but I assume not everyone will be as lucky as these guys. It's also important to remember  what you initially wrote on your paperwork- they ask you the same questions a million times, and you want to be sure to stick to the same story! At the end of the briefing they took everyone's blood pressure and gave everyone a breathalyzer test, then sent us on our way.

ASVAB

At this point they sent everyone taking the ASVAB out to take the test- anyone who already tested, continued on with the physical. I will not go into detail about the test and studying right now- keep a look out for another blog all about how I studied and managed to get a 91 on my test. As soon as I was finished with the test, I was given my paperwork to take to the operations desk, and the operations desk sent me right back into medical.

Blood & Urnine Testing

Try not to use the restroom before this point! If you can't go pee when they want you to, you'll end up being stuck drinking water for a long time in the lobby. Luckily, when I was out of the test I was ready to go! Yes, what you heard is true, someone will watch you go and I think this is why some people have so much trouble going- so just try to ignore them. Once you do fill your cup, you have to take it to the window, you have to watch the tech label it and stuff and verify your Social Security Number. There isn't much to say about the blood test; you sit down, give them your arm and they take a small vile of your blood- then it's over! I'm not a fan of needles, but I didn't find this to be a big deal at all.

Doctor Interview

After the blood and urine test, I was told to wait to interview with the doctor (this was the first time I had to wait!). I didn't have to wait too long, maybe 10-15 minutes. When you interview, the doctor pretty much just asks you the same questions that were on that medical paper you filled out earlier, and tries to collect any additional details. The doctors are picky and a little skeptical, but fortunately for me I've never had any medical issues, so they couldn't really find any dirt on me. I heard you can get a waiver for most of the things that they do find, so if you have some medical complications in your past, don't worry it probably isn't such a bad thing!  He also looked at my wrists, I guess to see if I had ever cut myself. He tried to make a big deal about two very faint scars on my right wrist that are less than an inch long. But I'm right-handed and I've had the scars since childhood, so he really couldn't make anything of it. At the end of the interview he stamped and signed my paperwork and had me sign too; that was it.

Exam & Exercises

I should first mention, that this portion was a little different from anything else I had read because I was the only girl doing this at the time. There were only 2 girls processesing that day, and the other girl didn't have to test, so we both went through our physical and exercises alone. At this point, I had to "strip down" to bra and panties to have my weight and height taken, I then had to put the paper gown on and nothing else for the physical exam. The doctor was a guy so he had a woman with him for the 1 on 1 exam. There wasn't anything unexpected here: he listens to your breathing, checks your eyes, ears, bottoms of your feet, and spine. Ladies, he will feel your chest and stomach and then have you put your feet in the stirrups. No one enjoys this part but it's not the end of the world- he moves your skin "down there" and just makes  sure everything looks fine (nothing is inserted) it probably took less than a minute for that awkward part.

After the personal exam with the doctor, I went into the larger room and was able to put my undergarments back on. This is the part where you have to do strange movement so they can make sure you are mobile. I had to speed walk, squat, rotate wrists and ankles, kick, and do the "duck walk", to name a few - I know there a lot of videos demonstrating the different exercises if you want to really know all about what you'll have to do. But really, don't worry about this part. It was weird because I was the only person performing these exercises, but it wasn't hard. I'm sure if it was a room full of people it would be even easier because I wouldn't have felt so awkward.

That's it!

When I was finished with the "exercises" I got dressed and returned to the lobby to wait for them to sign off on my paper work. They gave me all of my files back to turn in to the operations desk. The operations desk took my paper work and sent me over to the Air Force office to finish up. The guys there had me do one more test- I had to lift a weight up over my head. If you lift: it wold be like doing a dead lift and then lifting it all the way up over your head- I know there's a name for this but I don't know it! haha.  The sergeant in the office was cool and he gave me a little help so that I could be cleared for lifting up to 100lbs- it just helps you qualify for more jobs. Once I did that, I was free to go! I just signed out at the desk and went home!

I was out of MEPS before 1pm. From what I understand, this is NOT NORMAL. My roommate the night before said she didn't get out until 8pm. It all depends on how many people are at MEPS that day and how quickly they work to get you through. I was lucky to be one of the only girls. Even if it's a long day, rest assured that it is nothing you can't handle!

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Sunny Saturday

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis Rodriguez, with the 177th Security Forces Squadron, New Jersey Air National Guard, guards an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Thunderbirds at Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J., Aug. 11, 2014. The Thunderbirds performed during the Thunder Over the Boardwalk air show. (DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht, U.S. Air National Guar

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“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” —Albert Einstein #MondayMotivation

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Are you ready to train with the best and brightest?

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Welcome!

Hey everyone! Welcome to my blog! I am starting to document my life as I join the Michigan Air National Guard. If you're anything like me, you're looking for any and all information about these experiences from people who are actually experiencing them. So, I am going to do my best to give frequent and accurate accounts of all my experiences as I go. Please stay tuned for my blogs! If there is every anything specific you would like to know, feel free to  leave a comment and I will do my best to answer you.