Opportunites for a female in the military?
June 19, 2009 1:34 PM Subscribe
What opportunities exist for a female in the US military?
I'm at the age where I'll soon enter college and I have to decide what I'm going to do with my life. I've always wanted to be in the military; it's been a dream of mine for a long time. I'm afraid not joining will, later in life, leave me with a sense of "oh I wish I could've...". I know that the military could provide a life's worth of experiences and I want to take advantage of what it offers. However, I'm a bit wary because I am female, and I'm not very knowledgeable about the opportunities that are available to me.
I know that at the most basic level, I don't want to simply be a grunt. I think I'm intelligent, I want to make use of the skills I have and develop them further. I'm hoping the hivemind can throw out a few ideas that could lead me in the right direction.
Here are a few things about me:
-I love my country and I love my people.
-I'm technologically oriented- I love fixing electronics and I have a knack for figuring out how something works. I love the creative aspect that allows me to tinker with something broken and make it work again.
-I'm athletic, I enjoy being physically challenged and I'm willing to work hard to keep my fitness level. I've trained daily for the past four years in preparation for seasonal sports and I'm currently in the best shape of my life.
-I'm semi-fluent in Spanish, and have lived in South America for several months as part of an exchange program. I love languages and I'd love to learn more. I've heard about programs where you're taken abroad and taught the local language while stationed there- this is really interesting to me.
-I have the ability to get things done. I work well under pressure and years of dealing with performance anxiety (cross country/ track/ rigorous school schedule / musical performance) has given me the ability to function despite nervousness or looming deadline.
-I'm accustomed to travel and foreign places. I have lived in a third world country and it's made me more aware and more understanding of different cultures.
-I don't want a family until much later in my life (mid thirties?) and at that point I'd want some stability, but before then I'd love the opportunity to travel and focus on my career.
Extension of my education is a must (whether it be learning another language, learning survival skills, fixing electronics, etc.). I know I need a skill for use later in life. Travel is ideal, I don't mind being mobile or away from family. Programs that could help pay for college are appealing as well.
Any ideas? I realize this question is fairly open-ended (apologies) and all advice is welcome.
Thanks much!
I'm at the age where I'll soon enter college and I have to decide what I'm going to do with my life. I've always wanted to be in the military; it's been a dream of mine for a long time. I'm afraid not joining will, later in life, leave me with a sense of "oh I wish I could've...". I know that the military could provide a life's worth of experiences and I want to take advantage of what it offers. However, I'm a bit wary because I am female, and I'm not very knowledgeable about the opportunities that are available to me.
I know that at the most basic level, I don't want to simply be a grunt. I think I'm intelligent, I want to make use of the skills I have and develop them further. I'm hoping the hivemind can throw out a few ideas that could lead me in the right direction.
Here are a few things about me:
-I love my country and I love my people.
-I'm technologically oriented- I love fixing electronics and I have a knack for figuring out how something works. I love the creative aspect that allows me to tinker with something broken and make it work again.
-I'm athletic, I enjoy being physically challenged and I'm willing to work hard to keep my fitness level. I've trained daily for the past four years in preparation for seasonal sports and I'm currently in the best shape of my life.
-I'm semi-fluent in Spanish, and have lived in South America for several months as part of an exchange program. I love languages and I'd love to learn more. I've heard about programs where you're taken abroad and taught the local language while stationed there- this is really interesting to me.
-I have the ability to get things done. I work well under pressure and years of dealing with performance anxiety (cross country/ track/ rigorous school schedule / musical performance) has given me the ability to function despite nervousness or looming deadline.
-I'm accustomed to travel and foreign places. I have lived in a third world country and it's made me more aware and more understanding of different cultures.
-I don't want a family until much later in my life (mid thirties?) and at that point I'd want some stability, but before then I'd love the opportunity to travel and focus on my career.
Extension of my education is a must (whether it be learning another language, learning survival skills, fixing electronics, etc.). I know I need a skill for use later in life. Travel is ideal, I don't mind being mobile or away from family. Programs that could help pay for college are appealing as well.
Any ideas? I realize this question is fairly open-ended (apologies) and all advice is welcome.
Thanks much!
You might also want to consider the Peace Corps. You'd have to finish (at least some) college first, but you sound like you have the right attitude to be really successful there. Foreign language and tech skills are both big plusses.
posted by oinopaponton at 1:49 PM on June 19, 2009
posted by oinopaponton at 1:49 PM on June 19, 2009
College ROTC seems to be the way to go. I think the contracts are 4 years, not ten. Check out all the branches, army, navy, AF, etc. some may be more electronics-oriented than others. Don't be pressured to sign on the spot. Tell them you are interested by want to make sure you pick the right one for you.
posted by Pastabagel at 1:50 PM on June 19, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Pastabagel at 1:50 PM on June 19, 2009 [1 favorite]
Disclaimer: I am not nor have ever been in the military, but I have family members that have and am familiar with the culture.
Get a college degree before you join so that you can become an officer. Officers are not grunts so much and they get paid more (which you probably already knew). I have never heard anyone say they were glad they were enlisted instead of becoming an officer. Of course, even if you are enlisted, there is the opportunity to move up and acquire leadership responsibilities, particularly if you are in the military for many years. Also, I think all of the branches will help you pay back student loans up to $10k if you sign up after having finished college.
If you don't mind being separated from family and friends for long periods of time, the Navy is a good choice and offers the ability to travel extensively, probably more than the other branches (especially if you are stationed on an aircraft carrier). The Air Force is another good choice if you want to live in foreign countries for a few years at a time (on a base, of course), or even just other parts of the US. I don't recommend the Army; you're most likely to die in a war, if that concerns you.
My father was in the Navy for 20 years and had all kinds of different jobs and experiences, many of them really interesting. So there's a lot of potential for variety if you get bored with a particular job.
posted by Lobster Garden at 1:51 PM on June 19, 2009
Get a college degree before you join so that you can become an officer. Officers are not grunts so much and they get paid more (which you probably already knew). I have never heard anyone say they were glad they were enlisted instead of becoming an officer. Of course, even if you are enlisted, there is the opportunity to move up and acquire leadership responsibilities, particularly if you are in the military for many years. Also, I think all of the branches will help you pay back student loans up to $10k if you sign up after having finished college.
If you don't mind being separated from family and friends for long periods of time, the Navy is a good choice and offers the ability to travel extensively, probably more than the other branches (especially if you are stationed on an aircraft carrier). The Air Force is another good choice if you want to live in foreign countries for a few years at a time (on a base, of course), or even just other parts of the US. I don't recommend the Army; you're most likely to die in a war, if that concerns you.
My father was in the Navy for 20 years and had all kinds of different jobs and experiences, many of them really interesting. So there's a lot of potential for variety if you get bored with a particular job.
posted by Lobster Garden at 1:51 PM on June 19, 2009
It's brutal for women, from what I understand, and I've only met a few women in the military who didn't seem very harsh and bitter (I met loads in Bosnia) - but take that for what it's worth.
The thing to do would be to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), which is a series of tests that help indicate your strengths and weaknesses in preparation for your military career. I took it once on a lark, and scored highly enough I could have done almost anything. Unfortunately, I wasn't interested. Score high enough, and you can enter the language school in Monterey, CA (if I'm not mistaken), where they'll have you learn a couple of languages to the point of fluency, and then assign you in an appropriate place. (Although these days, it may not be somewhere very cool.) You can ask to take one from a recruiter.
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 1:58 PM on June 19, 2009 [2 favorites]
The thing to do would be to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), which is a series of tests that help indicate your strengths and weaknesses in preparation for your military career. I took it once on a lark, and scored highly enough I could have done almost anything. Unfortunately, I wasn't interested. Score high enough, and you can enter the language school in Monterey, CA (if I'm not mistaken), where they'll have you learn a couple of languages to the point of fluency, and then assign you in an appropriate place. (Although these days, it may not be somewhere very cool.) You can ask to take one from a recruiter.
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 1:58 PM on June 19, 2009 [2 favorites]
As ohio said, you are an idea candidate.
Currently I'm in the Navy Reserves, and my time (short) time spent on active duty was one of the best experiences in my life. I know that each branch will try to say that theirs is the best, but I think if you really want the learning experience that going Navy (or, although I can't speak from experience, Air Force). Every time I'm working for the Navy is a huge and gratifying learning experience for me. Also the travel is amazing (I just spent a month in Japan as a reservist) depending on where you get stationed. I've heard from some people that that they've barely seen anywhere, whereas other people (mostly stationed in the west coast) have seen 20+ countries in a few months.
If you want to (or are even slightly considering) go to college I would encourage you to do ROTC before offically enlisting. It will give you a better idea of what military life will be like, and having a good college education will take you further both in and outside of the military.
Overall the military isn't a bad experience. You always have the option of talking to a recruiter, like ohio said, and getting a more personalized idea of whether or not you would like it- you just have to remember to read between the lines. For me it has been just like every other job- you like it some days and hate it others- and it's also a lot of hard work and finding out that you thought you could deal with things that you can't. It's definatly something I would do again, and something I would recommend to anyone willing to try and put in the work.
posted by semp at 1:58 PM on June 19, 2009
Currently I'm in the Navy Reserves, and my time (short) time spent on active duty was one of the best experiences in my life. I know that each branch will try to say that theirs is the best, but I think if you really want the learning experience that going Navy (or, although I can't speak from experience, Air Force). Every time I'm working for the Navy is a huge and gratifying learning experience for me. Also the travel is amazing (I just spent a month in Japan as a reservist) depending on where you get stationed. I've heard from some people that that they've barely seen anywhere, whereas other people (mostly stationed in the west coast) have seen 20+ countries in a few months.
If you want to (or are even slightly considering) go to college I would encourage you to do ROTC before offically enlisting. It will give you a better idea of what military life will be like, and having a good college education will take you further both in and outside of the military.
Overall the military isn't a bad experience. You always have the option of talking to a recruiter, like ohio said, and getting a more personalized idea of whether or not you would like it- you just have to remember to read between the lines. For me it has been just like every other job- you like it some days and hate it others- and it's also a lot of hard work and finding out that you thought you could deal with things that you can't. It's definatly something I would do again, and something I would recommend to anyone willing to try and put in the work.
posted by semp at 1:58 PM on June 19, 2009
I'm forwarding your question to my sister, who joined the Navy right out of high school. She turned 18 at basic training. She became an aviation electrician, worked on her bachelor's degree, and applied for and received an opportunity to become a commissioned officer.
She is now 30 and a Lieutenant JG, about to begin an MBA at the Naval Postgraduate School. She will retire at the age of 37.
I'm forwarding your question to her in hopes that she'll have some time to share some of her experiences.
posted by padraigin at 2:08 PM on June 19, 2009
She is now 30 and a Lieutenant JG, about to begin an MBA at the Naval Postgraduate School. She will retire at the age of 37.
I'm forwarding your question to her in hopes that she'll have some time to share some of her experiences.
posted by padraigin at 2:08 PM on June 19, 2009
If you haven't already, familiarize yourself with the structure of the military, specifically the difference between enlisted and officer ranks (wikipedia is useful for this, if occasionally unreliable.)
I think you really should look at ROTC; if you complete the program you start your service as an officer.
Don't believe any promises the recruiters may make about training/job categories if they aren't in writing (even then, it's not a given: others may have more information about what you can to do ensure you don't get screwed.)
Keep in mind that the 'training' is for military systems that may not be applicable to civilian life. I knew somebody who was trained to maintain large air conditioning systems; unfortunately for him AC maintenance on a nuclear submarine doesn't translate into experience with civilian HVAC.
From what you say, the military sounds like a good choice; but make sure you understand what you are getting into.
How do you deal with authority? Are you OK with not being able to make your own choices for four to fourteen years? (Even after you're served your term and left the service, you can be on Individual Ready Reserve and called back into service, for up to 10 years.)
Are you OK with riding for four hours in a non-air conditioned Humvee in 120 degree weather while wearing body armor to replace a circuit board in a computer packed with sand on some god-forsaken FOB in Helmand Province?
Are you OK with killing people?
posted by theclaw at 2:15 PM on June 19, 2009
I think you really should look at ROTC; if you complete the program you start your service as an officer.
Don't believe any promises the recruiters may make about training/job categories if they aren't in writing (even then, it's not a given: others may have more information about what you can to do ensure you don't get screwed.)
Keep in mind that the 'training' is for military systems that may not be applicable to civilian life. I knew somebody who was trained to maintain large air conditioning systems; unfortunately for him AC maintenance on a nuclear submarine doesn't translate into experience with civilian HVAC.
From what you say, the military sounds like a good choice; but make sure you understand what you are getting into.
How do you deal with authority? Are you OK with not being able to make your own choices for four to fourteen years? (Even after you're served your term and left the service, you can be on Individual Ready Reserve and called back into service, for up to 10 years.)
Are you OK with riding for four hours in a non-air conditioned Humvee in 120 degree weather while wearing body armor to replace a circuit board in a computer packed with sand on some god-forsaken FOB in Helmand Province?
Are you OK with killing people?
posted by theclaw at 2:15 PM on June 19, 2009
Finish your degree and at least enter the military as an officer.
posted by kldickson at 2:17 PM on June 19, 2009
posted by kldickson at 2:17 PM on June 19, 2009
Mod note: few comments removed - can we stick to the topic please? MetaTalk or email is also available.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:20 PM on June 19, 2009
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:20 PM on June 19, 2009
It may be blashphemous to say, but there's a pretty hopping Military board over on Yahoo Answers. There's lots of experienced military folks over there that might be able to provide you with some additional information on any questions you have.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 2:22 PM on June 19, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 2:22 PM on June 19, 2009 [1 favorite]
College ROTC seems to be the way to go. I think the contracts are 4 years, not ten.
The internet tells me it's an eight-year period of service, three years in the military then the remainder in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Of course, due to stop-loss you might end up serving the whole eight years if there's a war.
posted by Mike1024 at 2:32 PM on June 19, 2009
The internet tells me it's an eight-year period of service, three years in the military then the remainder in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Of course, due to stop-loss you might end up serving the whole eight years if there's a war.
posted by Mike1024 at 2:32 PM on June 19, 2009
Reiterating the above, take the AVSAB, make sure you finish college - I recommend that you do not enlist.
Consider majoring in engineering or a science - this will open more doors for you and make you an even more desirable candidate.
Talk to recruiters, but be sure you talk to officer recruiters. Most recruiters are seeking to enlist you; talk to them, but be sure you get the name and number and business cards of the officer recruiters, because being commissioned is much better. In my experience with officer recruiters, they are not as warm or friendly, and their attitudes may discourage you; ymmv. Ask them about things like opportunities in intelligence services, flying, fixing equipment and electronics, managing supply and ordnance, logistics.
If you have a good idea about which service you want to join, look for campuses that have ROTC programs.
I know that at the most basic level, I don't want to simply be a grunt. I think I'm intelligent.
I don't think this is that bad of a thing to say. I get what you mean. There are very intelligent grunts out there, please, please remember that. When you are an officer, treat them with respect. But I still recommend that you become an officer.
My father was enlisted in the Navy for 30 years - but he absolutely, absolutely required us to be officers if we decided to join.
posted by jabberjaw at 3:33 PM on June 19, 2009
Consider majoring in engineering or a science - this will open more doors for you and make you an even more desirable candidate.
Talk to recruiters, but be sure you talk to officer recruiters. Most recruiters are seeking to enlist you; talk to them, but be sure you get the name and number and business cards of the officer recruiters, because being commissioned is much better. In my experience with officer recruiters, they are not as warm or friendly, and their attitudes may discourage you; ymmv. Ask them about things like opportunities in intelligence services, flying, fixing equipment and electronics, managing supply and ordnance, logistics.
If you have a good idea about which service you want to join, look for campuses that have ROTC programs.
I know that at the most basic level, I don't want to simply be a grunt. I think I'm intelligent.
I don't think this is that bad of a thing to say. I get what you mean. There are very intelligent grunts out there, please, please remember that. When you are an officer, treat them with respect. But I still recommend that you become an officer.
My father was enlisted in the Navy for 30 years - but he absolutely, absolutely required us to be officers if we decided to join.
posted by jabberjaw at 3:33 PM on June 19, 2009
I'm a female soldier in the US Army.
You haven't really indicated whether you actually want to go to college now, or if you'd like to pursue the military (or something) first before attending college in the future.
If you want to go to college now, ROTC is a decent suggestion. I did a semester of it after high school, and it was a good introduction to military service (with which I was completely unfamiliar at the time). It's a fairly easy path to becoming an officer, while covering the costs of your education and giving you a fairly "normal" college experience.
If you'd rather join the military first, the post-9/11 GI Bill would be available to you afterward and it's pretty decent. (The Montgomery GI Bill is also still available instead, if it's more beneficial.)
I dropped out of school during my first winter break to enlist active duty. It worked out all right. I certainly don't regret that I chose to enlist rather than stick with ROTC and become an officer. However, my military experience would have been very different if I'd stayed in college. Different strokes, etc.
If you're not interested in being a grunt, your options as a woman are not especially limited. If you want a more technically-oriented job, I'd definitely go with the Navy or Air Force. With travel in mind, the Navy is probably the better of the two. You will be trained in what they need you to know for your job. And it's worth clarifying with your recruiter (whether enlisted or officer) exactly how guaranteed your desired job would be.
Though you also mentioned languages - you could also look into becoming a linguist, which is something available in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
While the scope of my military experience is limited to enlisted/Army/healthcare(/Iraq), if you have any particular questions about being female in the military, feel free to ask. MeMail or email works if you'd like. There is a pretty wide spectrum of experience out there just with respect to being a woman -- a minority, to be clear -- in the military.
Also: (Even after you're served your term and left the service, you can be on Individual Ready Reserve and called back into service, for up to 10 years.)
Not so much. A standard contract is a total of 8 years. For example, I signed a contract in January 2004 for 8 years. I spent four and a half of those on active duty with the remaining time to be served in the Individual Ready Reserve. My military service obligation is up in January 2012. This is very average.
posted by lullaby at 4:47 PM on June 19, 2009 [1 favorite]
You haven't really indicated whether you actually want to go to college now, or if you'd like to pursue the military (or something) first before attending college in the future.
If you want to go to college now, ROTC is a decent suggestion. I did a semester of it after high school, and it was a good introduction to military service (with which I was completely unfamiliar at the time). It's a fairly easy path to becoming an officer, while covering the costs of your education and giving you a fairly "normal" college experience.
If you'd rather join the military first, the post-9/11 GI Bill would be available to you afterward and it's pretty decent. (The Montgomery GI Bill is also still available instead, if it's more beneficial.)
I dropped out of school during my first winter break to enlist active duty. It worked out all right. I certainly don't regret that I chose to enlist rather than stick with ROTC and become an officer. However, my military experience would have been very different if I'd stayed in college. Different strokes, etc.
If you're not interested in being a grunt, your options as a woman are not especially limited. If you want a more technically-oriented job, I'd definitely go with the Navy or Air Force. With travel in mind, the Navy is probably the better of the two. You will be trained in what they need you to know for your job. And it's worth clarifying with your recruiter (whether enlisted or officer) exactly how guaranteed your desired job would be.
Though you also mentioned languages - you could also look into becoming a linguist, which is something available in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
While the scope of my military experience is limited to enlisted/Army/healthcare(/Iraq), if you have any particular questions about being female in the military, feel free to ask. MeMail or email works if you'd like. There is a pretty wide spectrum of experience out there just with respect to being a woman -- a minority, to be clear -- in the military.
Also: (Even after you're served your term and left the service, you can be on Individual Ready Reserve and called back into service, for up to 10 years.)
Not so much. A standard contract is a total of 8 years. For example, I signed a contract in January 2004 for 8 years. I spent four and a half of those on active duty with the remaining time to be served in the Individual Ready Reserve. My military service obligation is up in January 2012. This is very average.
posted by lullaby at 4:47 PM on June 19, 2009 [1 favorite]
Air Force. Whatever you do, go Air Force.
I live in an Army town with a small Air Force base there as well, and I have a son in the Air Force and a son-in-law in the Navy. I know for a fact-because both Army and Air Force people tell me this regularly-that the Air Force treats its people better than the Army does...and I have seen way too many women leave the Army with various levels of disability because Army PT is too rigorous for most female bodies. (I'm talking stress fractures in basic training, etc etc.)
When you talk to any recruiter, take anything they tell you with large grains of salt-talk to as many people in the branch of service you are considering as possible.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:43 PM on June 19, 2009
I live in an Army town with a small Air Force base there as well, and I have a son in the Air Force and a son-in-law in the Navy. I know for a fact-because both Army and Air Force people tell me this regularly-that the Air Force treats its people better than the Army does...and I have seen way too many women leave the Army with various levels of disability because Army PT is too rigorous for most female bodies. (I'm talking stress fractures in basic training, etc etc.)
When you talk to any recruiter, take anything they tell you with large grains of salt-talk to as many people in the branch of service you are considering as possible.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:43 PM on June 19, 2009
As an officer, I'll give my standard advice: get a degree and come in as an officer. Do not do it any other way.
posted by i_am_a_Jedi at 5:45 PM on June 19, 2009
posted by i_am_a_Jedi at 5:45 PM on June 19, 2009
nthing ROTC. Get your college education and join as an officer. It sounds win-win for you.
posted by moojoose at 5:56 PM on June 19, 2009
posted by moojoose at 5:56 PM on June 19, 2009
My mother was in the first class of women navigators in Air Force ROTC. She had a 22-year career, including service in the first Gulf War, and dealt with all kinds of shit but also met her husband and made some great friends. If it would help I know she'd be perfectly happy to talk with you over email -- just memail me.
I considered it for a while, and applied for and received an ROTC scholarship to college (though I ended up going to a school that didn't have a program). At the time, the Air Force was hot for electrical engineering grads, was offering a $10k bonus upon graduation (as well as a guaranteed job), and was only asking four years -- or, basically, one year per year of your scholarship, so it would have extended the obligation had I gone to grad school on their money as well. I think it's a great deal and a great career to have. Best of luck and let me know if my mom can help.
Oh, and definitely go Air Force.
posted by olinerd at 6:17 PM on June 19, 2009
I considered it for a while, and applied for and received an ROTC scholarship to college (though I ended up going to a school that didn't have a program). At the time, the Air Force was hot for electrical engineering grads, was offering a $10k bonus upon graduation (as well as a guaranteed job), and was only asking four years -- or, basically, one year per year of your scholarship, so it would have extended the obligation had I gone to grad school on their money as well. I think it's a great deal and a great career to have. Best of luck and let me know if my mom can help.
Oh, and definitely go Air Force.
posted by olinerd at 6:17 PM on June 19, 2009
Clarification: this was in 2002 that I got the ROTC scholarship and they wanted EEs. Don't know how much that's changed, if it all, but it does sound like it'd be right up your ally.
posted by olinerd at 6:20 PM on June 19, 2009
posted by olinerd at 6:20 PM on June 19, 2009
As another officer, I also recommend going ROTC, but I also recommend joining the National Guard or Reserves.
You can make the jump from there to active duty, so it's a way to get a taste of what you're getting into without being totally in over your head. At the very least, if you're interested in a particular job, go to a Guard unit that has that job and talk to the people doing it. Save yourself some agony.
I myself am in an Army dive unit at the moment, and I know we're dying for people. It takes a special kind of woman (or man) but it's a hell of a job. I think it's the best enlisted job in the Army outside of flying.
Feel free to mefi mail if you have questions about the differences between Reserve and active-duty or anything else.
posted by atchafalaya at 6:37 PM on June 19, 2009
You can make the jump from there to active duty, so it's a way to get a taste of what you're getting into without being totally in over your head. At the very least, if you're interested in a particular job, go to a Guard unit that has that job and talk to the people doing it. Save yourself some agony.
I myself am in an Army dive unit at the moment, and I know we're dying for people. It takes a special kind of woman (or man) but it's a hell of a job. I think it's the best enlisted job in the Army outside of flying.
Feel free to mefi mail if you have questions about the differences between Reserve and active-duty or anything else.
posted by atchafalaya at 6:37 PM on June 19, 2009
Response by poster: Thank you, everyone, for your advice so far- it's been really helpful and I've been looking into ROTC at nearby colleges. From what's been said, I'm fairly confident that I'll attend college and receive my degree first.
From research I've done recently and the comments above, the Navy seems most appealing in terms of careers that cater to my interests. However, the Air Force remains a viable option as well.
More advice is still very much welcome :)
posted by pyrom at 6:49 PM on June 19, 2009
From research I've done recently and the comments above, the Navy seems most appealing in terms of careers that cater to my interests. However, the Air Force remains a viable option as well.
More advice is still very much welcome :)
posted by pyrom at 6:49 PM on June 19, 2009
Response by poster: I received a message about this and wanted to clarify:
Apologies, I didn't realize grunt had any military connotation. I simply meant that I didn't want to be someone who did menial work. I've searched threads here and heard horror stories of those who remained on base and pushed a mop around for most of their careers, I was trying to say that I didn't want this.
posted by pyrom at 8:25 PM on June 19, 2009
Apologies, I didn't realize grunt had any military connotation. I simply meant that I didn't want to be someone who did menial work. I've searched threads here and heard horror stories of those who remained on base and pushed a mop around for most of their careers, I was trying to say that I didn't want this.
posted by pyrom at 8:25 PM on June 19, 2009
Female Army vet here, both enlisted and officer. My story is similar to lullaby's except I went into ROTC after being enlisted.
I love fixing electronics and I have a knack for figuring out how something works. I love the creative aspect that allows me to tinker with something broken and make it work again.
If you go the commissioned officer route, you will not do any of this. You (or really your NCOs) will supervise people that do. Or Warrant Officers will. In the Army, at least, the more technical branches are Air Defense (most famous for the Patriot missile system), Ordnance, and Signal. Similarly you would not likely use your language skills as a translator - not that such skills wouldn't be helpful, they just would not be your daily job.
There are very intelligent grunts out there, please, please remember that. When you are an officer, treat them with respect.
Yes, please keep jabberjaw's words in mind. Some of the enlisted training schools, where you learn your job after basic training, are over a year long and you have to have very high ASVAB scores to get into them. Soldiers going to the Defense Language Institute need a really high ASVAB score and have to take an additional aptitude test.
I'm athletic, I enjoy being physically challenged and I'm willing to work hard to keep my fitness level. I've trained daily for the past four years in preparation for seasonal sports and I'm currently in the best shape of my life.
This will serve you really, really well. Fitness is huge deal in the military. If you want to create an immediate positive impression, whether you go officer or enlisted, be able to score 100% on the fitness test for your branch, age and gender.
Almost all the stuff I've read on about.com's military section is good and interesting. I really like this article on the DLI.
Re: officer vs. enlisted - I have no regrets about having enlisted. It was a great experience and I got through college with no debt thanks to the educational benefits. (At the time, Army benefits were a lot more generous than the other branches but I don't know if this is still true or not). I knew early on that I wanted to be an officer but it was still a good experience. You have to deal with a huge amount of politics at the officer level which can be frustrating at times.
I could go on all day on this topic but this post is long enough already. Follow up or memail me if you have any questions.
posted by txvtchick at 8:40 PM on June 19, 2009
I love fixing electronics and I have a knack for figuring out how something works. I love the creative aspect that allows me to tinker with something broken and make it work again.
If you go the commissioned officer route, you will not do any of this. You (or really your NCOs) will supervise people that do. Or Warrant Officers will. In the Army, at least, the more technical branches are Air Defense (most famous for the Patriot missile system), Ordnance, and Signal. Similarly you would not likely use your language skills as a translator - not that such skills wouldn't be helpful, they just would not be your daily job.
There are very intelligent grunts out there, please, please remember that. When you are an officer, treat them with respect.
Yes, please keep jabberjaw's words in mind. Some of the enlisted training schools, where you learn your job after basic training, are over a year long and you have to have very high ASVAB scores to get into them. Soldiers going to the Defense Language Institute need a really high ASVAB score and have to take an additional aptitude test.
I'm athletic, I enjoy being physically challenged and I'm willing to work hard to keep my fitness level. I've trained daily for the past four years in preparation for seasonal sports and I'm currently in the best shape of my life.
This will serve you really, really well. Fitness is huge deal in the military. If you want to create an immediate positive impression, whether you go officer or enlisted, be able to score 100% on the fitness test for your branch, age and gender.
Almost all the stuff I've read on about.com's military section is good and interesting. I really like this article on the DLI.
Re: officer vs. enlisted - I have no regrets about having enlisted. It was a great experience and I got through college with no debt thanks to the educational benefits. (At the time, Army benefits were a lot more generous than the other branches but I don't know if this is still true or not). I knew early on that I wanted to be an officer but it was still a good experience. You have to deal with a huge amount of politics at the officer level which can be frustrating at times.
I could go on all day on this topic but this post is long enough already. Follow up or memail me if you have any questions.
posted by txvtchick at 8:40 PM on June 19, 2009
Best answer: My sister's response follows:
Where to begin? I’ve been in the Navy for 13 years. I enlisted out of high school. I, also, was concerned about not being a “grunt”. I scored well on the ASVAB and was given the sage advice to stick to aviation, as it is a tight, family-like community. So, when I sat down with the guy that helped me choose my fate, I told him I wanted aviation, and I wanted something that required a high ASVAB score. I became an aviation electrician. It taught me fantastic technical skills, and I really enjoyed the nine years I spent chasing wires.
I spent years five through eight earning my bachelor’s degree while on active duty. From there I applied and was accepted to Officer Candidate School (which, incidentally, is represented with remarkable accuracy in An Officer and a Gentleman). I became an Aviation Maintenance Officer, a natural progression. I’ve been playing this gig for four years now, and while I miss the excitement and satisfaction of working on jets, it was inevitable that I would become management, and I’m glad I went the officer route. The money is definitely much better.
Now, a little about what I’ve done and seen. I’ve been on four deployments on board an aircraft carrier for a total of two and a half years of time on a ship. Two of those deployments were when I was enlisted, and consisted of working the flight deck. It was dirty and exhausting work, and I loved every second of it. My third and fourth cruises were as an officer and were far more low-key as far as the work went. I’m management now, and I love taking care of the guys, but it’s quite a bit less exciting. I come with a whole ton of street cred, because I was enlisted and have been exactly where they are. It is indescribably rewarding to be able to help people in their lives and careers.
Some general thoughts to consider… If you want to see as much of the world as you can in a short amount of time, go Navy. I’ve been to 7 different countries. In my first 4 years, I had already been to 5 of those. If you want to go technical, Navy and Air Force are your best bets.
People who started their military careers as officers will tell you that it’s the only way to go. I, however, value my enlisted time above everything, and I’m certain it makes me a better officer.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is fantastic, and you’ll be entitled to that after one enlistment. There are also commissioning programs from within, like I did. You may also want to consider the Naval or Air Force Academy. You go through four years of boot camp/college and come out with a world class education and a commission. I have friends who went to the Academy, though, and they say they wouldn’t recommend it just for the fact that it is absolutely NO FUN. So, there’s that.
I have never found my career to be difficult because I’m a woman. It was a little tough for the guys I worked with in the first few years (I was the first girl in my first squadron), but they got over it as soon as they saw that I could pull my weight. Don’t pull the ”but, I’m a tiny girl” card, and you’ll be just fine. You sound like a strong woman already, and the simple fact that you want to serve in the military, says a lot about your character.
You have a ton of options available to you to satisfy your need to serve your country. I have, several times, over the last 13 years, questioned why I didn’t join the Air Force. It really is a bit more pleasant (no boats, no 250-man sleeping quarters), but I really wouldn’t change my choice for anything. I’ve seen more than I could have in the Air Force. I’ve knelt on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, 5 feet from a F/A-18 Hornet and watched the catapult shoot it off the deck. I’ve eaten sushi in Japan, and Pad Thai in Thailand. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Good luck with your decision, and thank you for wanting to serve.
posted by padraigin at 9:27 PM on June 19, 2009
Where to begin? I’ve been in the Navy for 13 years. I enlisted out of high school. I, also, was concerned about not being a “grunt”. I scored well on the ASVAB and was given the sage advice to stick to aviation, as it is a tight, family-like community. So, when I sat down with the guy that helped me choose my fate, I told him I wanted aviation, and I wanted something that required a high ASVAB score. I became an aviation electrician. It taught me fantastic technical skills, and I really enjoyed the nine years I spent chasing wires.
I spent years five through eight earning my bachelor’s degree while on active duty. From there I applied and was accepted to Officer Candidate School (which, incidentally, is represented with remarkable accuracy in An Officer and a Gentleman). I became an Aviation Maintenance Officer, a natural progression. I’ve been playing this gig for four years now, and while I miss the excitement and satisfaction of working on jets, it was inevitable that I would become management, and I’m glad I went the officer route. The money is definitely much better.
Now, a little about what I’ve done and seen. I’ve been on four deployments on board an aircraft carrier for a total of two and a half years of time on a ship. Two of those deployments were when I was enlisted, and consisted of working the flight deck. It was dirty and exhausting work, and I loved every second of it. My third and fourth cruises were as an officer and were far more low-key as far as the work went. I’m management now, and I love taking care of the guys, but it’s quite a bit less exciting. I come with a whole ton of street cred, because I was enlisted and have been exactly where they are. It is indescribably rewarding to be able to help people in their lives and careers.
Some general thoughts to consider… If you want to see as much of the world as you can in a short amount of time, go Navy. I’ve been to 7 different countries. In my first 4 years, I had already been to 5 of those. If you want to go technical, Navy and Air Force are your best bets.
People who started their military careers as officers will tell you that it’s the only way to go. I, however, value my enlisted time above everything, and I’m certain it makes me a better officer.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is fantastic, and you’ll be entitled to that after one enlistment. There are also commissioning programs from within, like I did. You may also want to consider the Naval or Air Force Academy. You go through four years of boot camp/college and come out with a world class education and a commission. I have friends who went to the Academy, though, and they say they wouldn’t recommend it just for the fact that it is absolutely NO FUN. So, there’s that.
I have never found my career to be difficult because I’m a woman. It was a little tough for the guys I worked with in the first few years (I was the first girl in my first squadron), but they got over it as soon as they saw that I could pull my weight. Don’t pull the ”but, I’m a tiny girl” card, and you’ll be just fine. You sound like a strong woman already, and the simple fact that you want to serve in the military, says a lot about your character.
You have a ton of options available to you to satisfy your need to serve your country. I have, several times, over the last 13 years, questioned why I didn’t join the Air Force. It really is a bit more pleasant (no boats, no 250-man sleeping quarters), but I really wouldn’t change my choice for anything. I’ve seen more than I could have in the Air Force. I’ve knelt on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, 5 feet from a F/A-18 Hornet and watched the catapult shoot it off the deck. I’ve eaten sushi in Japan, and Pad Thai in Thailand. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Good luck with your decision, and thank you for wanting to serve.
posted by padraigin at 9:27 PM on June 19, 2009
Padraign's sister touches on a notable point: life on ships.
I long ago served in the USAF (enlisted), chose it over the Navy because of the living, day-to-day realities of life on ships. Clearly, though, some people are okay with it, happy to have the upsides of considerable travel.
Another broader-level thing: Seems you have a good measure of time to track down all sorts of information via the Net, talking to people, talking to enlisted women, talking to officer women, etc., etc., etc.
I'd agree with those who encourage you to get your degree before signing up. Being an e-1, e-2, e-3 ain't always times of joy, however much you may enjoy the work... .
Obviously it's possible to complete a degree while serving, but the work, having any semblance of a life outside of that, it makes getting the degree a tough slog.
Taking a couple classes a semester/quarter is no small thing (I did it for a couple semesters while in the USAF) and it takes a long time for that to add up to a degree.
As people have noted, an officer would take you away from the hands-on electronic challenges, though perhaps you could address that via a hobby?
posted by ambient2 at 11:22 PM on June 19, 2009
I long ago served in the USAF (enlisted), chose it over the Navy because of the living, day-to-day realities of life on ships. Clearly, though, some people are okay with it, happy to have the upsides of considerable travel.
Another broader-level thing: Seems you have a good measure of time to track down all sorts of information via the Net, talking to people, talking to enlisted women, talking to officer women, etc., etc., etc.
I'd agree with those who encourage you to get your degree before signing up. Being an e-1, e-2, e-3 ain't always times of joy, however much you may enjoy the work... .
Obviously it's possible to complete a degree while serving, but the work, having any semblance of a life outside of that, it makes getting the degree a tough slog.
Taking a couple classes a semester/quarter is no small thing (I did it for a couple semesters while in the USAF) and it takes a long time for that to add up to a degree.
As people have noted, an officer would take you away from the hands-on electronic challenges, though perhaps you could address that via a hobby?
posted by ambient2 at 11:22 PM on June 19, 2009
From a friend of mine who's not a member and is also a woman, active duty Air National Guard captain:
"If you want to travel, work an exciting job, get free college with extra money for living expenses, and a great work environment...go Air National Guard (www.goang.com for specifics).
"I joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard at 17 and worked one weekend a month/two weeks a year as an intelligence analyst. Monday through Friday, I took classes full-time at the University of New Hampshire and finished my bachelors degree in three years, debt-free, thanks to 100% free tuition through the ANG. Immediately after finishing university, I commissioned as an Air Force officer in my unit and now I'm an intelligence officer.
"The great thing about the Air National Guard is how many choices you have - I chose to be in intelligence and I chose to be part-time when I was in college, but after college I chose to be full-time military. Through the Air National Guard, I've been all over the world...Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Iraq, Belgium, England, Qatar, and Ecuador just to name a few - and I'm typing this post from Afghanistan where I volunteered to serve. And the best thing is...my unit is in my home state. Remember, no matter what branch of service you're in, you always run the risk of getting involuntarily deployed somewhere - but my deployment to Iraq was one of the biggest adventures of my life. Plus, I got a chance to serve my country alongside some great people.
"I'm a female captain and I can tell you that it is a GREAT time to be a woman in the military. There are many, many opportunities available to any woman who's enthusiastic, patriotic, and willing to learn and work hard. Right now, one of the highest ranking National Guard intelligence officers is a woman (a two-star general). Sometimes it's a little harder for us than the guys - I'm 5'2" and the body armor can get a little heavy! - but finding I'm stronger than I thought and capable of more than I realized has been VERY rewarding."
posted by dseaton at 4:17 AM on June 20, 2009
"If you want to travel, work an exciting job, get free college with extra money for living expenses, and a great work environment...go Air National Guard (www.goang.com for specifics).
"I joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard at 17 and worked one weekend a month/two weeks a year as an intelligence analyst. Monday through Friday, I took classes full-time at the University of New Hampshire and finished my bachelors degree in three years, debt-free, thanks to 100% free tuition through the ANG. Immediately after finishing university, I commissioned as an Air Force officer in my unit and now I'm an intelligence officer.
"The great thing about the Air National Guard is how many choices you have - I chose to be in intelligence and I chose to be part-time when I was in college, but after college I chose to be full-time military. Through the Air National Guard, I've been all over the world...Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Iraq, Belgium, England, Qatar, and Ecuador just to name a few - and I'm typing this post from Afghanistan where I volunteered to serve. And the best thing is...my unit is in my home state. Remember, no matter what branch of service you're in, you always run the risk of getting involuntarily deployed somewhere - but my deployment to Iraq was one of the biggest adventures of my life. Plus, I got a chance to serve my country alongside some great people.
"I'm a female captain and I can tell you that it is a GREAT time to be a woman in the military. There are many, many opportunities available to any woman who's enthusiastic, patriotic, and willing to learn and work hard. Right now, one of the highest ranking National Guard intelligence officers is a woman (a two-star general). Sometimes it's a little harder for us than the guys - I'm 5'2" and the body armor can get a little heavy! - but finding I'm stronger than I thought and capable of more than I realized has been VERY rewarding."
posted by dseaton at 4:17 AM on June 20, 2009
You need a four year college degree to qualify for OCS/OTS if entering as a civilian, or 90 credit hours if entering from the enlisted ranks. Since she hasn't started college yet it's not an option for her.
posted by txvtchick at 1:01 PM on June 20, 2009
posted by txvtchick at 1:01 PM on June 20, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
You could also try to get in contact with a female officer at a base near where you live or near your school. I bet dollars to donuts you'll find someone who would love to tell you about their experiences and guide you through the best way to sign up if you decide that you would really like to go that route. (If you live in the DC area I'd be happy to put out some feelers for you!)
posted by ohio at 1:45 PM on June 19, 2009