join the air force

How I did it: The first step is talking to a recruiter and getting the process in gear.  You will be filling out paperwork.  A LOT of paperwork.  You will also be going to your closest MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), probably more than once.  You will go to the MEPS to  take your ASVAB, get your physical, swear in, and ship out.

The entry process will probably take at least a few weeks.  Mine took months because of medical issues.  If they find a medical issue, they will send you back to the MEPS to reexamine the problem.  If you are denied entry in to the Air Force, especially due to medical problems, you can appeal depending on the problem.  It is unsafe for you and your fellow Airmen for you to be allowed to join the military with certain medical conditions.

Wether you have medical appeals in progress or not, the entire process will take a while.  I took this time to start working out and start learning military customs.  I did a lot of research and visited many military forums.  I lived at About.com's site (see resources below).  I highly suggest you visit this site if you are considering joining the military.  Some of the vast resources include: A step-by-step guide to the enlistment process, surviving Air Force Basic training, and information about Air Force jobs (known as AFSCs).

Lessons & tips:

• Be careful of any verbal promises from your recruiter.  Nothing against recruiters, but they are salesmen (or women) and they have a quota to meet.  I would like to say that for the record, my recruiter did nothing shady and did not lie to me.  Sure, he blew a lot of sunshine up my skirt, but he never lied.  Remember: if your recruiter promises you something that you REALLY want or need to be honored, be sure it is written in your enlistment contract.   
  
• If you don't get a guaranteed job, they can put you in to any job.  Note that if you want a particular job, you may have to wait for the job to open up.  You could wait for months to start basic training, but it would be well worth it if there is a particular job you want.  Remember:  certain jobs require certain ASVAB scores.
• Do NOT do anything to stand out in basic training.  You will get a packing list.  Follow it!  If you bring candy or magazines for the trip to BMT, get rid of them at the air port prior to boarding the bus to BMT.  TI's will raz you for items you consider harmless and they will be thrown away during "shake down."  This will make you stand out. Remember: standing out is BAD.
• The Air Force is NOT like a regular job, at least at first.  After basic training and technical training, you will attend FTAC (First Term Airman Center) upon arrival at your permanent duty station.  Some duties I performed at FTAC were pulling weeds, filing paperwork, and washing the General's car.  My AFSC was 4NO-Aerospace Medical Technician, by the way.  Remember: once you advance up the ranks, it becomes more like a regular job.
• Females beware.  As with any male dominated career, it can be tough for you, ladies.  In technical school, my predominantly female squadron was unofficially called "the med ho's".  Rape is also very prevalent.  I haven't done a study, but I would bet that your chances of being raped double.  Sure the Air Force doesn't advertise these things, but they will be some of the first issues your First Sergeant addresses with you when you arrive to technical school.  Remember: Be prepared for some of the special challenges you will face and be careful out there!  Just because he is your "wingman" doesn't necessarily mean you are safe with him.  Treat him like you would treat any other man you don't know.  Do not put yourself in a situation with him that you would not put yourself in with a stranger.
• Finally, remember the phrase "Hurry up and wait".  You will be hearing it again and again and it applies to just about anything you do regarding the military, including enlistment.

Resources:

• Recruiter Locator
• What to expect at the MEPS
• *About.com's Joining the Air Force site
• Keeping it Real-Air Force Recruiting Video Parody

Apr 07, 07:50AM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers