Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery
(not edited)
Or more commonly refereed to as the ASVAB.
So, I’m a few years out of high school now. Just two, but going on three. And I have yet to pick up any paperwork in the way of college. I mean I want to go, not just for the fact that you can’t really get a good career without a degree – but just for the sake of accomplishing higher education. I’m filled my brain with such a romanticized idea of what college was, that by the time I actually needed to focus on getting there – things fell apart.
So enter me, now a server living in Northern Kentucky* with all of fifty bucks to my name, and sleeping on borrowed sheets. Trust me, if you think this shit’s getting old – then you can’t imagine how I feel. And there comes a certain depression with having no fucking clue about what to do with your life.
*I’ll talk more about that later.
But the time is finally reaching a fever pitch for me, a time to grapple out of the sinkhole I’ve put myself in and do something big. So, I’m going to join the Army.
Senior NCOs educate, mentor troops to improve ASVAB, a photo by The 4th Infantry Division on Flickr.
So, I don’t ship out tomorrow. Nor do I ship out in a month, nor do I have an idea of when I’m off to basic, where I’ll be stationed or what I’ll be doing. Honestly at this point, I’m not even sure what branch I’m going to enlist in. But the fact is, I’ve made up my mind that this is what I need.
So here are my reasons. Obviously, it’s a big help financially. I hate to boil life choices down to a monetary value, but maybe it’s my distain for taking money seriously that’s gotten me into this mess. I don’t have money, and we all have to face the fact that you need it. Especially if you’re going to raise a family.
So, I just dropped the “f” word. Yeah, and it’s a little deep of an issue to get in to, but Kristine and I have entered in to a serious relationship. It’s no secret that I’ve got long-term plans on my mind with this girl, both for being there to help her succeed, but with possibility of settling down. And it would be oh-so-wonderful to have the webbing of the military infrastructure to help me raise a family.
Healthcare is a long term deal with me, and especially putting in context that some day I might have dependents and a wife to help care for. I’m fortunate enough to have gotten this far without any major problems, and I don’t want to stay on the optimist’s plan for much longer.
And then we have to talk about college again. Because, frankly, college isn’t cheap. Looking at scale models of student loans and the over-inflation of degrees from the last few years has instilled a very (what I think to be) justified fear the debt that comes with higher education. But the Armed Services means that’s paid for. Like, the US government picking up the whole check paid for.
But then… elephant in the room. I realize that we have a war going on, with no clear sign of a cutoff date. But as horrible as the military industrial complex is -and let’s not kid ourselves, it is- there’s still positions that need to be filled that aren’t pointing a gun at somebody else.
It might be naive of me to think I’ll get to do disaster relief work and clerical duties my entire four years, living in a base in Finland – but after putting in my time on the front lines like everyone else, I have a shot at working at a desk for a living, getting some exposure to the world that might spark an interest in a career. That right there is worth something big.
So I’ll be a little worried if I don’t get questions about this. Either e-mails or comments on the blog post, calling me, IMing me, Facebook message, that kind of thing. I want to hear what the people that are close to me have to say. Worries and concerns are feedback too, but I’m trying to make sure I figure out a plan for my life now, and a plan for later. Because who the fuck knows how things are going to turn out for me.
Thanks everyone.
And wish me luck on my ASVAB, this is make-or-break.
Filed under: Uncategorized | 6 Comments
Tags: Air Force, Armed Forces, Army, ASVAB, college, health care, military, test
I took the ASVAB in high school because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Unfortunately, it came back saying “guess what? You could be happy/ capable of doing a few different things!” I had been hoping for a clear-cut answer, and it didn’t give me that, so make sure you don’t go into it expecting that. (For the record, teacher WAS one of the top responses.)
If this is what you want to do, I completely support it. Just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Don’t join the military and potentially go off to war for the money and benefits. I have a cousin who joined the Marines, went off to war, and came back really changed as a person. He still struggled with what to do (eventually dropping out of college and settling for more military time), and struggled like never before in his relationships (including breaking up with a girlfriend of a few years, who everyone thought he would marry). I’m not saying this happens to everyone, or would happen to you- but I am saying to just keep in mind that the military is a huge commitment, and not only because you could be injured or killed. The time required and the situations faced could be really rough on you, on you and Kristine, and on you and your family.
Keep in mind, too, that there are other jobs out there with great benefits. (I wouldn’t really recommend teaching considering the climate right now, but it does fit that bill and there are surely others, too.) If there are any college-requiring jobs you think you might like, see if you can job-shadow someone for a day or volunteer somewhere. For me, spending time at schools is really what cemented the decision to do what I’m doing. It wasn’t immediate or super clear-cut at first, but it might not hurt to at least narrow down your choices. For my little brother, working at the YMCA coaching and refereeing and being a camp counselor has at least given him a clue towards what he wants to do, even though he doesn’t really know specifics yet.
I am getting the feeling this might be kind of a “well, I don’t know what ELSE to do…” decision, and MAN, it sucks to not know what to do with your life, but just be careful. The military might be a good way to try out some careers and figure out a direction, while also getting college paid for, but there is a lot that comes with the job and you still have time to plan for a family and all that. It sounds like you’re pressuring yourself to figure it all out now for the rest of your life- but you’re only 20. No need to freak out yet.
You sound pretty decided on this, though, so just make sure you really check out all the options from different branches. I’ve heard good things about the college National Guard program but I really don’t know how any of it works. I know Benji has been looking into various branches, so he might be a resource. I hope I don’t sound super negative- the military DOES have a ton of sweet perks, and it could be a positive move for you. I’m not trying to talk you out of it, because I know you’ve been thinking about this for awhile now and you aren’t just doing it on a whim, but I have to point out some of the potential downsides too.
Well Jenny, one of the things I’m most fortune to have is a network of people who are really trying to push me to make sure this is the right decision for me. And I’m not saying that I’m 100% ready to enlist, but it’s looking more and more likely every day. But the fact that so many people I’ve sought out, AND that have contacted me about this whole idea are pushing me to make sure this is the right decision, it’s just nice to see.
However, I have to say that a lot of people are asking if I’m making the right decision, or just trying to find a temporary fix. And while I see the validity in asking that, I respectfully disagree that I don’t have to figure everything out right now. I mean, I’m only 20 right now, sure, but 20 turns to 21 in six months, then turns to 22 in 18… You see my point? You’re right, I don’t have to figure everything out – but if I don’t start figuring SOMETHING out right now, I’m only making it harder to get back into the swing of things. (Be that higher education or a better job).
I’m just totally deadlocked right now, with no ambition to get anywhere or do anything. I feel like I’m lacking structure and would do well with exposure to things beyond what I see in Cincinnati. If I go to college now, I’ll end up spending time getting a useless degree and never going to class.
But, I understand that for me, getting a job that’s fulfilling is my number one priority for the armed services. I’m not going to join anything I’m feeling weird about, and it’s not worth enlisting if I won’t get out from the army what I need. The benefits ARE amazing, but only a by-product for me after I’ve made up my mind about job and safety concerns.
But, I really appreciate the comments, and please, keep ‘em coming.
Okay so coming from a family full of military people I can say that if your looking for money then stay away from the Army. Air Force is probably the most rounded and laid back out of all of them. I had 4 parents all in the USAF and it can really help you with future jobs (depending on the asvab) my dad still works for a contracting group, he went in enlisted and never went to college, retired after 20 years and still loves what he’s doing. When he left his security clearance was high enough that a diploma didn’t matter. My uncle took a similar route and made more money because he started working with satellites and then after he retired he also had a high enough security clearance to get an awesome job working for the NSA. (no college required) Now my mom went another route, she joined the USAF and did 10 years as an EMT and then after went to college using Uncle Sam’s money and was able to get a bachelors of science degree and now owns her own medical research company. Great careers and great opportunities, the Air Force isn’t usually the first line of defense and is more the planning and logistics part of the military. They also have different areas for different people such as chef’s, there is an annual cook-off between the branches of the military to see who has the best chef’s. I will say to NEVER listen to a recruiter because they will tell you anything you want to hear and will try to persuade you into different things that maybe you don’t want.
Now, that being said you could always be sent overseas, that’s a possibility but the military is a family and we take care of our own. It will change you as a person from basic training to other things. The military is definitely a commitment because your signing your life over for those few years but you can travel to different places and make friends you never thought you would. My dad did 2 tours in Korea, my sister and I were born in England, my stepfather did 6 months in Africa as the only American on his UN post.
I think that because of the seriousness and value you put into your relationship with Kristine that it should be a “together” decision because it could really affect her. Not only with not seeing you for weeks/months on end but money to come see you at different bases and emotionally. A lot of guys who go in just spend thousands on booze and party with their buddies every weekend and ruin relationships, there will be peer pressure EVERYWHERE to do different things and it won’t be easy. As a word of caution that things like that could change you as well, and maybe not for the better. And maybe the USAF isn’t what you want but I do caution the Army because of ‘after military’ opportunities, Navy would be really good and marines …..not so much.
I do like that you are thinking about this for all of the right reasons, you don’t want to just go shoot some person and feel like a hero. You want a way to pave the way for a future, and this could be a huge stepping stone.
Well the more information I get, and the more people I talk to (recruiters and family/friends alike) it seems like the Air Force is more in line with what I’m looking to get out of the service. Killing people, blowing stuff up and making money isn’t what I’m in this for. In fact, the less I have to hold a gun the better. I understand I’ll learn to be proficient with a firearm and have my share of getting deployed – I understand that – but at the same time this needs to be all about job placement for me. Finding something that I can do as a career, in the armed forces or in civilian life, OR, getting the benefits to pay for college if I leave the service and didn’t like anything I did.
But I’m totally with you on Air Force over Army, and I think my initial thoughts on the army being where I wanted to go was just from my misinformed ideas of what each branch really did. The AVSAB will reveal what jobs are out there, but I can go ahead and rule out the Marines. I’m not a Marine, and even if they offer me a lucrative job that I’d love, I’m not going to be, nor will I ever be that kind of person.
The overseas thing though, that’s an interesting one. I understand what people are saying about it putting stresses on relationships – but the way I see it, me having no real future, career or way to provide for the people around me is just as stressful. Sure I won’t physically be there, but Kristine’s been super supportive about understanding this might be a longer term solution for us as a couple. We’ve also talked about with her going to nursing school, me being out-of-town might not be such a bad idea.
But this is all really helpful to hear, and I’m glad to get feedback from people. Especially those with military experience. I’m happy to hear everyone’s feelings on the matter.
I would definitely pay a lot of attention to what branch you go into. I would say the marines and army aren’t in line with stuff you’ve stated above. My dad was in the Navy and he came out well trained and its set him up for a pretty successful career, and he never went to college. He was on an aircraft carrier and worked his way up and was trained up on the mechanical systems and specifically the air plants they run on the ships. He left with a ton of experience and training and was hired immediately by an industrial gas company. He still looks back on his time fondly and I’m always surprised how emotional he gets about the ship and the men he served with. It’s really something.
I tend to be down on the Army b/c I’ve seen some people go in and the people they come out as aren’t necessarily better. I was around when my boss’s cousin went into the Army and when he got deployed to Iraq towards of the beginning of the current unpleasantness. He went in with a positive attitude and was married at the time. Stateside training was all the positive you’ve described above, his overseas combat stuff was a whole other story. He came back with some severe issues. PTSD and more. The stuff those guys see over there is really insane and what we hear isn’t anywhere near half the story. The stuff he told me still makes me feel for what those guys are dealing with and kinda makes mad that the army still doesn’t really take the mental aspects of things seriously. He came out a totally different guy, it alienated his family, ended his marriage and he was just a total mess and incapable of holding a job.
Again, like everyone above I’m completely supportive of what you want to do, but I really do think something like the USAF or Navy are a better choice, both in terms of your aversion to carrying a gun and really just preparing you both mentally and training-wise for life after you get out. There are more opportunities if you can get yourself into a trade in either of those services.
I have some other thoughts rolling around and I’ll try and post those later when I have more time to write.
Everyone I’ve talked to about the matter – and I literally mean everyone – has said I should go in to the USAF over any other branch. That means people in the Air Force, people are IN the Army, have served in the Army, had parents or family in the Marines, all sorts of stuff. And like you said, it helps to really build a nice foundation. That’s what I’m trying to do here, find a way to build myself a foundation that can launch me into higher education or a good career without having to cold-start in college after a few years out.
But ultimately you’re right, war changes people and even without calculating myself into the mix, I’m pretty much against the military industrial complex in that respect. They do ignore people’s mental illness, and they do some pretty horrible things. I was just hoping that my intelligence, ASVAB score and lack of a criminal record would place me somewhere out of range of that kind of thing, but the Army’s made it clear that everyone’s subject to the atrocity that is the United States Army.
But if you get a chance to type up any more of those thoughts rolling around, I’d love to hear them. I’m trying to just gather facts and everything like that, and put myself in a situation to make an informed decision. Like I said, I’m looking to build a foundation for myself – not just figure out all my problems by agreeing to shoot some people.