So, I've done it.. Joined the Air Force Reserve

[SA Friday]

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.

[Marlin]

And, us old geezers appreciate that....

[Irving]

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?

[wyzardd]

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]

...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.

[Hoser]

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.

[Irving]

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.

[Irving]

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]

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.

[Irving]

I'm under the impression that it is not even a gamble. You sign up right now, you're getting deployed.