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TheRookie64 · 06-07-2021, 19:54

Hello everyone. I'd first like to thank everyone who contributes to the info on this site, as it helps those who come upon this site with open minds make the correct decision.

I am currently an Aeronautical Engineer in Texas, a little over a year out of college. While I am mostly happy with the job (sitting indoors with no windows for 11-14 hrs per day NOT included), I am constantly aware of my desire to serve and that the "right" time to join will never come. I "tried" to join a local NG unit in college, but my recruiter was injured and was no-contact for months. When he later contacted me to resume the process, I had already accepted my current job offer.

I am drawn towards trying out for SF because I have always volunteered for the harder tasks, as by doing so I knew I would come out the other side a more capable individual. I forced myself to finish college a year early by taking more than the full load of courses and not taking any summer or winter off, all while putting 30+ hrs/wk into my extracurricular design team. These efforts were rewarded in my job interview where I had to distinguish myself from the hundreds who had already interviewed that day for the same position. Additionally, I am interested by the wide range of skills that each team member must bring to the table. Back in high school, I spread my experiences across the whole spectrum; there was a period in time where after school I'd go to football practice, then theater, then work on robotics, and I might be home by midnight. Being a well-rounded individual has always and will continue to be important to me.

I also see trying out for the more difficult jobs to be a responsibility of those who feel they could do the profession justice. I take national security very seriously, and would deeply regret letting the teams have an inadequate supply of good members just so that I could remain in my comparably cushy job. Simply put: If not me, then who?

I am currently focusing on improving my PT, as I did the "wrong" sports and played the "wrong" positions in HS (Football... DT, Track & Field... throwing), and didn't devote enough time in college to getting better physically. Once I hit those goals, I plan on contacting B Co 3/20th to start the process, as they are the closest unit to where I grew up and where I plan on moving my civilian job back to after my attempt at the pipeline is made. Being away from family for extended periods of time is fine, but permanently leaving is something I'd like to avoid. Appreciation for being around family/friends was something that moving halfway across the country alone during COVID taught me the hard way.

Lastly, I'd like to thank all the QP's. Your conduct and actions I have seen and read about both on this forum and in many other places is what inspires young guys like me to follow in your footsteps and do the profession proud.

Now I will return to reading and listening, as I have no questions at the moment, and lots of PT to do.

06-07-2021, 19:54	#2624
TheRookie64 Asset Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Texas Posts: 1	Intro Hello everyone. I'd first like to thank everyone who contributes to the info on this site, as it helps those who come upon this site with open minds make the correct decision. I am currently an Aeronautical Engineer in Texas, a little over a year out of college. While I am mostly happy with the job (sitting indoors with no windows for 11-14 hrs per day NOT included), I am constantly aware of my desire to serve and that the "right" time to join will never come. I "tried" to join a local NG unit in college, but my recruiter was injured and was no-contact for months. When he later contacted me to resume the process, I had already accepted my current job offer. I am drawn towards trying out for SF because I have always volunteered for the harder tasks, as by doing so I knew I would come out the other side a more capable individual. I forced myself to finish college a year early by taking more than the full load of courses and not taking any summer or winter off, all while putting 30+ hrs/wk into my extracurricular design team. These efforts were rewarded in my job interview where I had to distinguish myself from the hundreds who had already interviewed that day for the same position. Additionally, I am interested by the wide range of skills that each team member must bring to the table. Back in high school, I spread my experiences across the whole spectrum; there was a period in time where after school I'd go to football practice, then theater, then work on robotics, and I might be home by midnight. Being a well-rounded individual has always and will continue to be important to me. I also see trying out for the more difficult jobs to be a responsibility of those who feel they could do the profession justice. I take national security very seriously, and would deeply regret letting the teams have an inadequate supply of good members just so that I could remain in my comparably cushy job. Simply put: If not me, then who? I am currently focusing on improving my PT, as I did the "wrong" sports and played the "wrong" positions in HS (Football... DT, Track & Field... throwing), and didn't devote enough time in college to getting better physically. Once I hit those goals, I plan on contacting B Co 3/20th to start the process, as they are the closest unit to where I grew up and where I plan on moving my civilian job back to after my attempt at the pipeline is made. Being away from family for extended periods of time is fine, but permanently leaving is something I'd like to avoid. Appreciation for being around family/friends was something that moving halfway across the country alone during COVID taught me the hard way. Lastly, I'd like to thank all the QP's. Your conduct and actions I have seen and read about both on this forum and in many other places is what inspires young guys like me to follow in your footsteps and do the profession proud. Now I will return to reading and listening, as I have no questions at the moment, and lots of PT to do.
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