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-   -   Dealing with a recruiter - Becoming an 18A (http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32224)

1stindoor 05-23-2011 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by MG* (Post 394929)
You're right and thanks for the gut check. I should definitely have a backup plan and not be too cocky. I just tend to be a bit type A and optimistic and sometimes that leads to me thinking too big. I'll focus on the closest target from here on out.

-Jim

Good luck to you. Let us know how you're progressing along your journey.

MG* 09-01-2011 11:13

Good afternoon,

Just to let you all know, I enlisted today as an 18X and my ship date is in March. Thanks for all of the help and useful information that this site continues to provide. I'm looking forward to taking these interim months to make sure that my final preparations for selection are top notch. I'll post on this thread from time to time, most likely after I graduate from each school.

-Jim

P.S. For any 18Xers that read this, the order of operations regarding schools has been changed; you will go to Basic + Infantry AIT, then SOPC (where you will be screened for progression), and then if and only if you make it through SOPC will you go to airborne and then SFAS. If you do not make it through the prep course, airborne is no longer guaranteed.

JJ_BPK 09-01-2011 11:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by MG* (Post 412311)
Good afternoon,

Just to let you all know, I enlisted today as an 18X and my ship date is in March.
-Jim

Congratulations,, Now go out and do 500 flutter kicks.. :D

1stindoor 09-01-2011 13:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by MG* (Post 412311)
Good afternoon,

Just to let you all know, I enlisted today as an 18X and my ship date is in March. Thanks for all of the help and useful information that this site continues to provide. I'm looking forward to taking these interim months to make sure that my final preparations for selection are top notch. I'll post on this thread from time to time, most likely after I graduate from each school.

-Jim

P.S. For any 18Xers that read this, the order of operations regarding schools has been changed; you will go to Basic + Infantry AIT, then SOPC (where you will be screened for progression), and then if and only if you make it through SOPC will you go to airborne and then SFAS. If you do not make it through the prep course, airborne is no longer guaranteed.

Congrats, thanks for stepping up...good luck and thank you for updating the future 18Xs.

Digger25 09-01-2011 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by wet dog (Post 374109)

alright4u - pro ball would have paid better than SF, but SF was much more rewarding, agreed?

WD- if $1100/month (and that's before clubbie dues, meals, etc.) is better pay then they can keep it. Besides, MLB organizations, for the most part, seem to reward big money picks rather than those who are actually performing and deserving... Just my .02

MilkTheFunk 09-07-2011 12:26

Similar Experience
 
MG,

I had a similar experience in my lead up to signing an 18x contract. I posted an almost exact recruiter experience question on SOCNET and received some good feedback, like you have in this thread. Of course, this was back when I was naive, flippant and less educated on forum rules and respect (thank God I got that out of my system before opening an account here). Like you, I chose to go enlisted rather than OCS as SF is my aspiration. I know it's after the fact, but I hope you find the link below helpful.

http://socnet.com/showthread.php?t=100321

Back in my lane and off to run 6 miles during my lunch break.

cornelyj 09-07-2011 14:42

want it...
 
I cannot speak about anything regarding to the designation 18. BUT... I can speak about Sand Hill Basic, OCS , IBOLC and the process it takes to put in a packet as a college op candidate. I waited 1 1/2 year for my packet to even get a chance to be seen by three CPTs and got the worst possible time of year to go. I had a 3.7 double major, no waivers etc.


What everyone on this forum is trying to tell you guys is there is no 18A contract you have to want to be an officer first .

I pushed my way through all the paper work. I kept my head down through the DI assaults. I worked my ass off to make sure I commissioned and branched IN. I did it cause I wanted to, it's the reason I wake up everyday at 0415 and get to PT early. Shoot and I am just a lonely cherry IN LT. If I never get a chance to go to SFAS it wouldn't be the end of the world and I would not have wasted anything. I would have got to be an Officer in the best branch in the best Military in the world if that's not you look else where cause I don't want you leading soldiers.

The point the Quiet Professionals are politely trying to make is this is not a choice it is a living and a way of life you can not force yourself to enjoy no matter how many cool youtube videos motivate you or how many threads you post in or how awesome you are at airsoft.

Good luck on your enlistment and I hope you make it through and I too get a chance to be a visitor on your ODA one day.

JRV3 09-12-2011 15:02

If someone isn't sure, I think going in enlisted first is a good option. It gives you valuable and practical experience which can be relied on later no matter which path you choose. On a team, I find myself relying heavily on my Infantry background and I can only imagine how much more knowledgable I would be with enlisted experience.

The only downside to going enlisted first, then wanting to remain in the SF Community as a CPT is the 3-4 years you have to spend in CF as a PL before you can go back to the Q. But then again, that is also a valuable perspective for a SF Officer which has to maintain good relations with the CF battle space "owners". IMHO, you have to take a more "zen" approach to this path and find value in the journey and not just the payoff of reaching your long term destination.

1stindoor 09-13-2011 06:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRV3 (Post 413886)
IMHO, you have to take a more "zen" approach to this path and find value in the journey and not just the payoff of reaching your long term destination.

This whole Army thing is marathon...not a sprint. You have 20-30 years to try and do it all.


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