View Full Version : So, I've done it.. Joined the Air Force Reserve
ryanek9freak
02-15-2010, 19:09
I'm tired of shitty dead end jobs, tired of paying for school myself. I want to get into law enforcement, so I signed up for security forces.
I feel like a dumbass going through BMT as a 30 year old, but whatever, it will be worth it.
Would have gone full enlistment, but I"m too old.
Wish me luck, I ship out at the end of march.
Good luck. Will you be able to stay in Colorado?
Good luck my young man [Beer]
Your the coolest, thanks for your help.
jerrymrc
02-15-2010, 19:22
I'm tired of shitty dead end jobs, tired of paying for school myself. I want to get into law enforcement, so I signed up for security forces.
I feel like a dumbass going through BMT as a 30 year old, but whatever, it will be worth it.
Would have gone full enlistment, but I"m too old.
Wish me luck, I ship out at the end of march.
I wish you luck my friend. If there is anything I can help with let me know.
theGinsue
02-15-2010, 19:23
Spend a little time learning this now. It is the Securty Forces Creed and all SF members are required to recite the creed prior to receiving their badge (shield).
USAF Security Forces Creed
I am a security force member. I hold allegiance to my country, devotion to duty, and personal integrity above all. I wear my shield of authority with dignity and restraint, and promote by example high standards of conduct, appearance, courtesy, and performance. I seek no favor because of my position. I perform my duties in a firm, courteous, and impartial manner, irrespective of a person's color, race, religion, national origin, or sex. I strive to merit the respect of my fellow airmen and all with whom I come in contact.
http://www.usafa.edu/10abw/10msg/sfs/images/sfs/SFS_003.jpg
Just let me know when you have some time I'll show you what to do with your beret to get it to look like the one in the pic and make it fit nicely.
So, think you'll be able to qualify with an M4 (actually, I'd be surprised if they have you initially QC with an M4 instead of an M16)? Ever handle a weapon like that before? [ROFL2]
Congrats and you know that you can count on me if you need anything. Just remember that BMT is mostly about testing your mental stamina - lots of mind games in USAF BMT.
Do you know what unit you will be assigned to after Tech School? Both the 302 Airlift Wing (at Peterson) and the 310 Space Wing (at Schriever) have a lot of SF personnel assigned. I know (or at least USEZD TO KNOW) folks in the 302AW, & the 310SW is right next to where I work now.
theGinsue
02-15-2010, 19:46
Just thought of this. You have to know this to get through BMT: The USAF Organizational Structure.
1 Headquarters United States Air Force (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Headquarters_United_States_Air _Force)
2 Direct Reporting Unit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Direct_Reporting_Unit)
3 Field Operating Agency (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Field_Operating_Agency)
4 Separate Operating Agency (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Separate_Operating_Agency)
5 Major Command (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Major_Command)
6 Numbered Air Force (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Numbered_Air_Force)
7 Operational Command (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Operational_Command)
8 Air Division (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Air_Division)
9 Wing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Wing)
10 Group (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Group)
11 Squadron (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Squadron)
12 Flight (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Flight)
13 Reserve components and auxiliary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Reserve_components_and_auxilia ry)
13.1 Air National Guard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Air_National_Guard)
13.2 United States Air Force Reserve (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#United_States_Air_Force_Reserv e)
13.3 Civil Air Patrol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_structure_and_hierarchy_of_the_Unit ed_States_Air_Force#Civil_Air_Patrol)
When I was in all we had to know were the ones in red text. It was easy to remember with this pneumonic:
How.......HQ USAF
Many......Major Command
New.......Numbered Air Force
Airmen....Air Division
Will........Wing
Get........Group
Sore.......Squadron
Feet.......Flight (The Flight is the smallest element in the Air Force, but can actually have 100 people in it. Typically, Security Forces units are broken down into Flights [sort of like "shifts" or teams] and have alphabetic designations such as Alpha Flight, Beta Flight, Charlie Flight...)
Next Lesson: The Phonetic Alphabet
The AF has no clue of these sore feet you speak of...[Muaha]
(Former Lt. Inf. Medic speaking.)[Awesom]
theGinsue
02-15-2010, 19:58
The AF has no clue of these sore feet you speak of...[Muaha]
(Former Lt. Inf. Medic speaking.)[Awesom]
ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?
Let's see you go 6 weeks without your weekly pedicure and see how sore YOUR feet get! Sheesh! Some people don't understand how rough it was in the USAF!
jerrymrc
02-15-2010, 20:00
The AF has no clue of these sore feet you speak of...[Muaha]
(Former Lt. Inf. Medic speaking.)[Awesom]
Ain't that the bloody truth. This coming from one who's combat patch is the Big Red One.
jerrymrc
02-15-2010, 20:03
ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?
Let's see you go 6 weeks without your weekly pedicure and see how sore YOUR feet get! Sheesh! Some people don't understand how rough it was in the USAF!
Our member Splogan (my SIL) started out in SF. He switched jobs and spent 9 years here in Space Command. Yes he has done a few deployments to the Sandbox but spending your day in an AC equipped trailer surfing the net is not my idea of going to War. Sorry bout that Matt.;)
ronaldrwl
02-15-2010, 20:12
Awesome, good luck. Sounds like a good choice.
ARE YOU FREAKIN' KIDDING ME?
Let's see you go 6 weeks without your weekly pedicure and see how sore YOUR feet get! Sheesh! Some people don't understand how rough it was in the USAF!
NO, I'm not.. My Brother was in the AF for 20 years... I know...[Tooth]
theGinsue
02-15-2010, 20:26
Okay, all joking aside, check out this page to get an idea of what USAF BMT is all about:
http://www.baseops.net/basictraining/airforce.html
Now, for more inter-service rivalry humor:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/Smmy195/military-sucks.jpg
I mean, really, this is part of the reason I chose the Air Force. Another reason is that the Air Force was the only branch that sent it's officers and not it's enlisted to the front lines (sure, in planes, but...).
Yeah, We was surrounded by those guys at Ft. Sam...[LOL]
BuffCyclist
02-15-2010, 20:33
Best of luck to you!
You were able to do what I am unable to at the moment. Talk to me in another 4-6 months without a job and perhaps I'll sign up. At the moment, I don't know if I can commit the next 4-8 years to the Air Force, though that is the branch I was looking into.
thank you for joining and serving your country!
Yesterday I deadheaded (rode in the back of the plane) down to panama city FL near tindall AF base and got to sit next to a AF chick so we chatted for a while and I found out she is an explosives expert and handles disarming IEDs and bombs and stuff!! very very cool[Beer]
and the .mil branch fighting now continues[ROFL2]
you guys crack me up...actually all .mil and former .mil do.
AF is always justifying, Marines are always attacking, Navy says they can handle the most and ARMY are a mixture of offensive and defensive. I always laugh at that! they are all the best in their own minds!
In my mind, they ALL are the best for doing what they do to serve the country!
All in fun... If one can't torture your fellow former/present/future fellow servicemen and women.. It's one hell of a fraternty to belong too..
theGinsue
02-15-2010, 21:03
And the crowd said AMEN
SA Friday
02-15-2010, 21:16
The USAF collects over 80% of all counterintelligence information in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We did this by utilizing our SFS troops as tactical security elements (TSEs). That's 6 missions outside the wire in hot zones every week at every base in both countries. The school for this mission for both SFS and AFOSI is second to none and the only AF training approved for live fire break contact and peel off drills. All three other branches are sending CI collectors to it now. I wouldn't be suprised if they integrate the braches to this school very soon.
When SOCOM started to intrigrate CI collectors into their units, they specifically asked for AFOSI agents. Yes, that's also working the missions.
There are still a butt load of AF guys living in the zone behind the wire, but times are changing and the AF troops are getting integrated into ground combat more and more as the troops get stretched out.
Not complaining about the AF ribbing at all. Just wanted to make sure you old geezers were updated. [Tooth]
And, us old geezers appreciate that....
[Peep]
So after boot camp do you get to remain in the state or will you have to move? Will you deploy? I understand that Air Force Reserves are the only branch where it is voluntary. Is that correct?
Bless you.
The older I get, the more I regret not enlisting instead of screwing around in college after high school. Worked at a service station to pay for changing majors every year at FRCC... yeah, that was a productive 4 years. But I would have been out before the Gulf War and that would have bummed me out.
BuffCyclist
02-15-2010, 22:37
...deploy?...Air Force Reserves...only branch where it is voluntary...
That is all the info I read, if that is true I would definitely consider it more seriously.
So after boot camp do you get to remain in the state or will you have to move? Will you deploy? I understand that Air Force Reserves are the only branch where it is voluntary. Is that correct?
Not correct in any way shape or form.
Me too Buff. I'm only 26 and could still join up. I just don't want to jostle my family around unless I'm getting paid enough for the lady to not have to work anymore. $80,000 a year and I'd consider moving our family to follow the money.
Not correct in any way shape or form.
Well you sure didn't go out of your way to correct anything did you? Quit being so lazy.
BuffCyclist
02-15-2010, 22:58
Me too Buff. I'm only 26 and could still join up. I just don't want to jostle my family around unless I'm getting paid enough for the lady to not have to work anymore. $80,000 a year and I'd consider moving our family to follow the money.
Me: 24yo, single (ie no family to support it's just me), jobless since graduation from college last May, bored out of my mind and getting desperate for a job (ie flat broke and barely scraping by)
My biggest concern though is deployment, I don't want to sign up if there is a huge chance I'll be deployed, and yes, I know it's a gamble for everyone. It's just one of those mental battles with myself of going for it or not.
And to be honest, movies like The Hurt Locker (which I know is not realistic in all sense of the fact), but they make me want that camaraderie, that sense of always being alert, working for something bigger than yourself.
Perhaps I just need to go talk to a recruiter in person and see what my options are as far as officers training and go from there.
I'm under the impression that it is not even a gamble. You sign up right now, you're getting deployed.
Troublco
02-15-2010, 23:02
Don't sweat the age. I have a new guy who just got back from Basic and Tech School, and he's 35.
BuffCyclist
02-15-2010, 23:05
I'm under the impression that it is not even a gamble. You sign up right now, you're getting deployed.
I've been told that it's not a certainty, and that it all depends on which unit you are assigned to and other conditions like that. But that was told to me informally by an army recruiter.
Troublco
02-15-2010, 23:06
Me: 24yo, single (ie no family to support it's just me), jobless since graduation from college last May, bored out of my mind and getting desperate for a job (ie flat broke and barely scraping by)
My biggest concern though is deployment, I don't want to sign up if there is a huge chance I'll be deployed, and yes, I know it's a gamble for everyone. It's just one of those mental battles with myself of going for it or not.
And to be honest, movies like The Hurt Locker (which I know is not realistic in all sense of the fact), but they make me want that camaraderie, that sense of always being alert, working for something bigger than yourself.
Perhaps I just need to go talk to a recruiter in person and see what my options are as far as officers training and go from there.
I'm under the impression that it is not even a gamble. You sign up right now, you're getting deployed.
I wouldn't call it a gamble. It's really closer to a certainty, no matter if you're Active, Guard, or Reserve. Especially if you're an SP. But it's just part of the job. It's what you train for, so when the time comes you go do your job. And, of course, the longer you're in the more times you'll go. I don't know very many folks who've been there just once (or not at all) unless they're new. But once again, it's what you do.
Troublco
02-15-2010, 23:10
I've been told that it's not a certainty, and that it all depends on which unit you are assigned to and other conditions like that. But that was told to me informally by an army recruiter.
It isn't a certainty. Losing the lottery isn't a certainty, either. Your unit and specialty does play a part in it. But don't think that there aren't good odds in going. What I meant in the last post and this one is that the odds of your going are VERY good. Not 100%, but good.
Bailey Guns
02-16-2010, 00:26
Congratulations on taking a huge, life-changing step. You'll be a better person for it. I know I was and I really enjoyed my time in the AF.
My son has been in almost 7 years and has been deployed 3 times to Iraq and 2 times to Afghanistan. He's in a combat job and loves it.
And don't let the ragging from the guys in the other services get to you...they're just jealous!
Birddog1911
02-16-2010, 10:42
OP, congrats on your decision, and good luck at BMT. Are you going to be at Pete, or Schriever?
Buffy, if your concerned about deploying, the military might not be for you. Your going to have to think long and hard about your decision.
I want to join the @#$%& military but no... I'm too @#$^#%^ fat though I can #$%^*&^ run and #$^* gun and $%^*follow the @%$&^ orders like everyone else. Tried every @#$^ diet and every @#%&* workout "program" out there, lose some %^&* weight but never enough. $%&*( it all. Fudgeingflickyfaxt!!!! I've won over 6 @#$&^& auditions for militarty bands, 4 of them "premieir" bands in $%^*(% Washington, but I'm too $%^* fat!! I'm a big boy, worked on $&^*& farms for two decades and every summer, gimme a $^*( break!!
Rant over. Congrats on your enlistment. Have fun.
I want to join the @#$%& military but no... I'm too @#$^#%^ fat though I can #$%^*&^ run and #$^* gun and $%^*follow the @%$&^ orders like everyone else. Tried every @#$^ diet and every @#%&* workout "program" out there, lose some %^&* weight but never enough. $%&*( it all. Fudgeingflickyfaxt!!!! I've won over 6 @#$&^& auditions for militarty bands, 4 of them "premieir" bands in $%^*(% Washington, but I'm too $%^* fat!! I'm a big boy, worked on $&^*& farms for two decades and every summer, gimme a $^*( break!!
Rant over. Congrats on your enlistment. Have fun.
[ROFL2]
I give it 7/10. It would have been better if you typed out alll the cuss words and I had to take 2 off for mis-spelling military, but I gave you an extra point for fudgeingflickyfaxt![ROFL2]
A #%^&* 7?!?!?! I pour out my @#$%& bleeding $&^* heart and you %$&*( give me a $%&^* 7?!?!?
lol, thanks.
Seriously though, a HUGE thanks to everyone who serves and protects our country.. from the outside... now if we could do something about the inside, lol...
I actually enjoy deployments. I dont like being away from home, but thats the only part I dont like.
You get to go out there and do exactly what you were trained to do. No simulated this and that. Just the real thing.
Pretty much every little war and major relief effort since 1988 I have got to play in. Some good, some bad.
Its also great to get out there and live with the guys in the squadron. Instead of just seeing them during the week, you actually become friends with the people you work with.
Being a cop you are close to the top of most deployed jobs. The 302nd cops are good guys.
theGinsue
02-16-2010, 23:52
but they make me want that camaraderie, that sense of always being alert, working for something bigger than yourself.
I was told that I would but I didn't believe them when they said that, even retiring, I'd miss the camaraderie and sense of duty. They were definitely right about it though. The friendships that you can form in the military - especially during deployments and remote duty assignments - are the closest you'll ever have in your life.
... now if we could do something about the inside, lol...
Boy, I heard that. We've still got the elections this November. This is where we can make a difference.
The 302nd cops are good guys.
I got my best SF training from a 302nd reservist SF/CSPD officer. Good guys and they know their stuff.
ryanek9freak
02-17-2010, 06:51
Holy shit 5 pages, lol didn't think it would generate this much response.
Thank you everyone for the kind wishes, Thomas, thank you for all the info, that's exactly the things I wanted to learn before I go.
Stu, I go to BMT at lackland AFB in san antoinio, for both my 8.5 week BMT and 14 week tech school. After that, I come back to the Springs, and depending on where they need me, I may be going to either Schriever or Peterson. At this point it looks like Schreiver, my recruiter told me the 302nd at peterson is busting at the seams with people.
I had another meeting with my recruiter yesterday, and im a little upset, as he told me that now I probably cant leave until July, as they have no AIT training blocks until then. I was like "Come on man, here I am throwing myself at the Air Force like a filthy whore, and I'm being told I have to wait? what gives?" I bet that changes when he sees my ASVAB score after saturday. I plan on scoring very high. Been taking sample tests and prep guides for weeks now.
Stuart, btw, you sure as hell ain't makin anywhere near $80k as an E-1, or hell even an e-5. I am going in as an E-2 because of my college credits, and i'm only making about $1700 a month. I literally took a 50% reduction in pay just to do this, but since I will have nothing to pay for but my truck, insurance, cell phone and child support,I will be ok.
They are giving me a $15,000 enlistment bonus, paying off my existing student loans, and giving me the G.I. bill to go back to school. The benefits were just too good to ignore.
ryanek9freak
02-17-2010, 06:55
So after boot camp do you get to remain in the state or will you have to move? Will you deploy? I understand that Air Force Reserves are the only branch where it is voluntary. Is that correct?
Oh and yes, I WILLbe deployed at least once ( signed up for 6 years) possibly twice, for about 6 months. And it IS NOT voluntary. Like someone else said, all your training is spent teaching you how to quickly deploy. I don't care, I need the change and welcome it. I've never been outside the US, save for Canada, I (as of recently) have no wife or GF, my daughter is 12 and lives with her mother in Ohio, so as it is, I only get to see her about every 6 months anyway, so I'm not really losing out.
Good luck, I'd make the same decision if in the same situation.
ryanek9freak
02-17-2010, 17:59
Yea, I was kinda held back by my former GF, I moved out of her house and told her to piss off, so now i'm free, and have no reason not to go.
Troublco
02-17-2010, 21:35
I actually enjoy deployments. I dont like being away from home, but thats the only part I dont like.
You get to go out there and do exactly what you were trained to do. No simulated this and that. Just the real thing.
+1
theGinsue
02-17-2010, 23:30
I plan on scoring very high. Been taking sample tests and prep guides for weeks now.
That's how I prepared for the ASVAB tests (I had less than a week to prepare) - my LOW score was 85.
Since you're taking this seriously and preparing, I'm sure that you'll do great.
Be careful though. I was in a hurry to actually get in just like you. Even with a lowest score of 85, once I talked to the the folks at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) about jobs, they kept trying to convince me into taking jobs like Aviation Fuel Specialist. It's NOT what I wanted, but they told me how they could get me in immediately in those jobs. It turns out that they were critically short in those jobs and the MEPS guy had incentives if he could get the positions filled.
If you are coming in for 6 years, you should be able to come in as an E3 (Airman First Class), not just an E2 (Airman). Of course, the programs may have changed, but that's the way it USED to be for 6 year enlistees. I was 1 college credit away from coming in as an E3, but I got the E2. I asked about getting E3 for 6 years (a buddy had done it 3 months before me). The MEPS guy flat out lied to me and told me that it was only open to certain career fields and mine wasn't one of them (mine was the exact same career field as my buddy's! - turns out it was NOT career field specific).
BUT, keep in mind that EVERYONE attending BMT is an Airman Basic until after you graduate. If you come in as an E2, you are eligible for promotion to E4 (Senior Airman) the same time as those who came in As E1's (Airman Basics) - 36 months. If you come in as an E3, you should be putting on E4 @ 28 months. At least, this is how all of it works for Active Duty. The Guard and Reserves do promotions a little differently -- based on available positions.
Before completely committing and getting locked in, be sure to ask about these things. Until you take the oath and sign the actual enlistment paperwork, you can always change the terms!
Thanks for your future service.
ryanek9freak
02-19-2010, 06:50
Yea, I confirmed this with my recruiter Thomas, he did say that I would be going in as an E-3 right out of BMT. Pretty cool.
Say, since i'm going in SF, do I need a secret clearance, or will a regular confidential do? I already have to paperwork to fill out for a secret clearance, but IDK if I will be able to obtain one (My ex wife destroyed my credit by defaulting on our mortgage, and ran up thousands in CC debt)
That stuff is still there, and haunting me, and I refuse to file chapter 7 to get rid of it.
THink it will screw me?
theGinsue
02-19-2010, 09:22
In the old days, it was sort of a given that EVERYONE in the AF had at least a Secret clearance. These days, it very well may have changed.
Depending on what type of work you get assigned to, you may even have to get a TS clearance. I doubt it for regular SF assigned to either Peterson or Schriever, but it's possible. If you get assigned to Schriever, I can almost guarantee you'll need a Secret.
Now, your background shouldn't be a major issue in obtaining a Secret clearance, but it would definitely be an issue for TS.
SA Friday
02-19-2010, 10:31
Yea, I confirmed this with my recruiter Thomas, he did say that I would be going in as an E-3 right out of BMT. Pretty cool.
Say, since i'm going in SF, do I need a secret clearance, or will a regular confidential do? I already have to paperwork to fill out for a secret clearance, but IDK if I will be able to obtain one (My ex wife destroyed my credit by defaulting on our mortgage, and ran up thousands in CC debt)
That stuff is still there, and haunting me, and I refuse to file chapter 7 to get rid of it.
THink it will screw me?
You will require a secret clearance minimum for the AFSC, and the majority of the ANG SFS in your unit have TS/SCI security clearances. If you go to Schreiver, you will require a TS/SCI at a MINIMUM. There's less need for the TS at Peterson, but just barely. Don't be suprised if you have to do an SF 83 immediately upon your return from Tech school. It will take about 2-3 years to adjudicate the TS/SCI clearance request after filing for it.
I "celebrated" my 24th birthday at BMTS and I was the "old guy" in my flight. Don't worry, the time will fly by for you. I just retired after 25 years on active duty and it seems like just yesterday I was being yelled at to "pick them up, put them down" (our suitcases).
Also, I just started a job that requires a TS/SCI. I just submitted my paperwork and my security manager said they are being adjudicated in about six months now. If that's true, that is a HUGE improvement from a few years ago.
ryanek9freak
02-19-2010, 19:01
You will require a secret clearance minimum for the AFSC, and the majority of the ANG SFS in your unit have TS/SCI security clearances. If you go to Schreiver, you will require a TS/SCI at a MINIMUM. There's less need for the TS at Peterson, but just barely. Don't be suprised if you have to do an SF 83 immediately upon your return from Tech school. It will take about 2-3 years to adjudicate the TS/SCI clearance request after filing for it.
What is an SF 83? Update, was supposed to go to MEPS tomorrow morning at 5 am, just got a call from my recruiter, and had to cancell the trip, I guess when they do saturday appointments, they have to do the ASVAB on friday night, starting at 5pm. I found out about this at 4:30.
So I had to reschedule for 2 weeks from now. Sucks.
jerrymrc
02-19-2010, 19:49
It is now an SF-86. I just had to re-do my SF-85 since I am not in a wiz-bang field. They ask the same questions.
SA Friday
02-19-2010, 19:50
What is an SF 83? Update, was supposed to go to MEPS tomorrow morning at 5 am, just got a call from my recruiter, and had to cancell the trip, I guess when they do saturday appointments, they have to do the ASVAB on friday night, starting at 5pm. I found out about this at 4:30.
So I had to reschedule for 2 weeks from now. Sucks.
It's the form they have you fill out to do your background investigation. Essentially, it's everything you've done, everyone who knows you or is related to you, and everywhere you've been for the last 10 years. Every boss you've had too. It's the paper form of a colonoscopy.
Ya, it's an SF form 86... one of those 80 numbers. You'll know it when it's coming regarless what its called, kinda like the lubed finger....
GunTroll
02-19-2010, 19:56
I'm tired of shitty dead end jobs, tired of paying for school myself. I want to get into law enforcement, so I signed up for security forces.
I feel like a dumbass going through BMT as a 30 year old, but whatever, it will be worth it.
Would have gone full enlistment, but I"m too old.
Wish me luck, I ship out at the end of march.
Good for you man! I whent Army at 25 so you'll be fine.
ryanek9freak
02-19-2010, 22:32
It's the form they have you fill out to do your background investigation. Essentially, it's everything you've done, everyone who knows you or is related to you, and everywhere you've been for the last 10 years. Every boss you've had too. It's the paper form of a colonoscopy.
Ya, it's an SF form 86... one of those 80 numbers. You'll know it when it's coming regarless what its called, kinda like the lubed finger....
I already have that form, and am filling it out as we speak.
Ok so hypothetical...what happens if you're already enlisted, and you cant get a clearance? What do they do with you then?
SA Friday
02-19-2010, 22:46
Unless you have something like being a member of the communist party in your background, you shouldn't have an issue with getting a secret. TS standards are a bit higher, but I've known more than a few with serious financial issues in their background get their TS. Just be honest on the thing. Let the investigator do their job and it should work out. Current financial responsibility is a mitigating factor, and explaining what occurred helps too. Just don't lie or you're toast. Let me explain 'lie'. An omission through lack of information isn't a lie. Omission or alteration of information for the sake of deception is. So, you can't find the address of an old girlfriend, fine give what you have. You omit being incarcerated... It all boils down to integrity.
Already enlisted and can't get the necessary clearance = AFSC reclassification into another job that doesn't require a clearance or a gen discharge (no harm, no foul type discharge).
jerrymrc
02-19-2010, 23:29
I already have that form, and am filling it out as we speak.
Ok so hypothetical...what happens if you're already enlisted, and you cant get a clearance? What do they do with you then?
I will tell you one thing. If it has ever been a matter of record DO NOT LIE. The form is simple but the result is not. If you have ever been arrested it will show up. Anything that is between you and the 4 walls....
Now that said this is the age of the computer. ANYTHING that has been posted on the WWW is now a record. That's why us old folks don't give a crap. And I will agree with SA Friday.
ryanek9freak
02-20-2010, 10:18
Well, i have a zero criminal record, and the only court records you'll find on me are my divorce proceedings. I have no reason to lie about anything. I think I might have to attatch additional sheets to my financial obligations section, as they only give you four slots to list them all. I have way more than 4.
Beleive me, I would NEVER lie on a form like that. You might as well shoot yourself in the foot.
Completing a hard copy SF 86 is probably a thing of the past (at least for the USAF).
It's all completed on-line now through a web-based program called EQIP. It's very easy to use.
ryanek9freak
02-20-2010, 19:26
Then why do I have one sitting in front of me?
SA Friday
02-20-2010, 19:37
because doing an SF 86 and then sitting down in front of EQIP is the only wan to do it without saving, resaving, getting more info, then going back for more.... BTDT....
theGinsue
02-20-2010, 19:48
Just be honest on the thing.
Just don't lie or you're toast.
If it has ever been a matter of record DO NOT LIE.
Beleive me, I would NEVER lie on a form like that. You might as well shoot yourself in the foot.
More like shooting yourself in the face. I worked indirectly with some folks through the years that lied and were found out. A couple got discharged, others got criminally charged. Either way, it did not go well for them.
Completing a hard copy SF 86 is probably a thing of the past (at least for the USAF).
It's all completed on-line now through a web-based program called EQIP. It's very easy to use.
Sure, but I strongly recommend keeping both a soft and a hard copy of all of the documents for later use. You have to re-do the process every 5 years for a TS clearance and every 10 for Secret. Having the documentation from your last investigation speeds the gathering process for the next investigation. Having a soft copy saves you from having to re-type the info again. Even if they go to another version or a whole different application, you can usually just cut-and paste the data from the old to the new, then fill in with what's happened since that time.
ryanek9freak
02-20-2010, 19:56
This shit is wearing me out.....
SA Friday
02-20-2010, 20:07
This shit is wearing me out.....
Bro, this is the easy shit...
jerrymrc
02-20-2010, 21:36
Bro, this is the easy shit...
+1
Sure, but I strongly recommend keeping both a soft and a hard copy of all of the documents for later use. You have to re-do the process every 5 years for a TS clearance and every 10 for Secret. Having the documentation from your last investigation speeds the gathering process for the next investigation. Having a soft copy saves you from having to re-type the info again. Even if they go to another version or a whole different application, you can usually just cut-and paste the data from the old to the new, then fill in with what's happened since that time.
That's the reason I saved a .pdf copy AND printed out my completed questionnaire - all 52 pages of it!
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.