Once you are in the DEP call- that's Delayed Entry Program- it's pretty much a waiting game. Your job is to stay qualified- no trouble! "Be safe" is the quote my recruiter uses- take it to heart! You are now government property. Well, maybe not officially, as you can back out with good reason, but whatever service you are in will not appreciate it. Your recruiter has spent a lot of time working with you to complete your paperwork and get you to MEPS and the military spent money on your stay at MEPS- hotel, food, medical test, and all the staff members that worked with you there.
Anyway, I'm moving on a little bit more to the emotional ride I've been on so far, as DEP gives you time to reflect. Going to MEPS, I was nervous- I'm always anxious before a test (more like excited, I suppose- I REALLY like taking tests and preparing for them, but no matter what I worry how I will do). The whole two days, though, were not as bad as I had anticipated. The highlight was coming home- I had planned to meet my stepsister for dinner when I got home. She surprised me by arranging to have my parents and another sister with her family come to dinner. Earlier, I had found out that family members can come to the swearing in ceremony if they want to sit around at MEPS and wait- I didn't know that ahead of time but I was OK with no one being there. Other recruits parents were there and in tears (of pride, joy, those kind of tears) and I know I couldn't hold it in if my family was present. That was a huge rush in and of itself listening to the commander speak and then actually taking the oath. It sunk in a little then, but now that some time has passed I can reflect more on the words and the meaning.
Anyone going into the military- be it guard, reserves, Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard... we are laying down our lives to put the lives of those around us and our nation first. I used to think that I could never do that- never hold a gun, never take orders, never step in front of an innocent life to protect them. Now I am looking forward to the opportunities- I will bear arms to protect those I love (family, friends, countrymen, fellow wingmen and other military brethren), I will follow the command of true leaders who are also looking out for me, and if I have to lay down my life for those I'm protecting, if there was no other way, I would. Now, some jobs in the military are administrative. Many will never see battle- but we all have the same basic training that prepares us if the need arises. I'm actually waiting for a job that will put me in more danger than a desk job, but no- I will probably never be at the front. I will, however, be supporting those that are putting their lives at a greater risk and I think that is damn well worth it.
I've been critiqued. I've heard the negative things people say about the military. I've had people say to me, "Oh, I can never do that. I would never hurt another man or woman. It's cruel/horrible/awful to think you could be ordered to do that." Well, have someone point a gun at your child and see what happens. The way I see it, when I took my oath I swore to protect the nation and it's people as if they were my children (no, this is not a god complex). I will also no longer be a civilian- I will be trained to take orders until I am ready to be the one giving them. I have a feeling that the military mindset is completely different from that of a civilian. There are higher stakes- everyone does things in life they don't like- day-to-day, in a job, etc. This is my job and I will perform it to the best of my ability. Now, I'm not saying I'll be ordered to kill-it's not likely I'll be in that situation and yet that's where the critic's mind goes. I feel like I sound rather high and mighty- maybe I am, I'm not sure. It hurts when my brother says that I'll have less support from him if I do certain jobs (and yes, it did affect a few of my decisions), but, and this is cliche, I look forward to being able to say I defend your right to your opinion and the right to voice them. In another post I'll delve a little more in the philosophical background of my thinking.
Granted, I have experienced mostly overwhelming and wonderful support from people. Family and friends I have told were mostly surprised at first, then very encouraging. The shock value was entertaining for a while, I must say. My father is supremely proud of me- I don't think I could have taken this leap without his unhindered support and encouragement. My step-mom and family have been phenomenal as well. She's the one that first initiated these thoughts in my head. My stepsister has been there to help me prepare physically and mentally every step of the way so far- I know she and my sister would go to BMT with me if they could! My nephew (well, we call him a nephew) has recently shipped for his basic training with the USMC. His story is definitely one to inspire, as well.
Even strangers, when they hear about my decision to join (my family really likes to share), will both congratulate me and thank me for my service. It's amazing to feel that support from people I don't really know- I've connected with people online- current military members, parents, and DEP-pers just like me- instant friendship- like joining a club. If I could get students to feel a connection like this with student life groups on campus- those clubs would be booming. I think it's pretty unique though- we've all had similar experiences, fears, worries, impatience, questions, and feelings. We know what the next person will be going through and are ready to help guide the way. Of course, there is that surge of jealousy when someone gets booked the job you want, but that is out of our control and we are always happy for them. It will add to our own excitement when the time comes!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
All about... MEPS!
The next experience to catalog is MEPS, or Military Entrance Processing Station. If you are about to go to MEPS yourself, I hope this will help you know what to expect. Your recruiter should fill in a lot of the blanks since they want you to be prepared for everything, but anything left out I hope I cover for you here! So, for those who don't know- MEPS is where you take all of your tests (unless you took the ASVAB in high school), medical exams, and background checks. It makes for a long day, so be ready to hurry up and wait!
If you've read my last post, you'll know I had a delay when going to MEPS. Once I got the all clear from the commander, it was the next week that I went- June 25-26-Tuesday to Wednesday. Usually your recruiter will drive you to MEPS, unless you come to a different arrangement. My recruiter did not go with me- he arranged for another recruiter from the area who was already going up to Iowa City with recruits, where we'd meet up with another recruiter to go all the way to Des Moines. We went straight to the MEPS building, as some of us needed to take the ASVAB (I did). After the test, we waited for everyone to be done and then we took the shuttle to the hotel. Everyone from every branch of the military goes through the same MEPS- I ended up rooming with a Navy shipper (she was shipping to Navy's basic training the next day). When we checked in we got a meal ticket for dinner, and the hotel let us refill our drinks- which is good because my recruiter told me to drink a lot for the urine test the next day (no caffiene or sugar). More on that later... There was a suite of rooms that were adapted especially for the MEPS people- video game room, huge tv (where we all watched a short video on MEPS), and movies to pick from if we wanted. Curfew was 10:00 pm as we had an early start the next day- up at 4:45 for breakfast and bus to MEPS at 5:45 am.
I'll say this now: I felt really old! Most of the people there were fresh out of high school, though there were some older people there that were joining different branches of reserves or guard, or some were switching branches.
Day 1 was when I took the ASVAB test- the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. This is what (mostly) determines your job qualifications in the military. I had purchased a book to study and review- I thought I would do terrible on the electronics and mechanical sections, but I did alright! I didn't find out my scores right away- I texted my recruiter and he told me the score (99QT!) so I went to sleep happy.
The next day was the full battery of tests, exams, paperwork, and questions questions questions. When we arrived, we lined up, checked in, and went to get our files from the respective branch offices. We started out with a briefing, where they scare you and fill out a whole bunch of paperwork- PAY ATTENTION. There are lots of directions and everything is in ink- don't make them make you redo a whole form. We had 3 people do that. After briefing, you go on to medical. Leaving the room you do a breathalyzer test, then bloodpressure, eye test, hearing, blood samples, etc. The night before, we were told to "have" to go to the bathroom to make that process easier... but they don't make that the first thing you do. One poor recruit waited about 3 hours. You then carry your paperwork around to have the various tests completed and recorded: you get your ears, eyes, every other aspect of your body (yes, I mean EVERY)... checked. Those you do seperately- the medical people will call you. In a group, you will do a hearing test in "the box" and then the physical mobility check where you are all (males are seperated from females) in your undies and do a range of motions, including the infamous duck walk. I don't know about the men, but ladies- don't be shy. It's no big deal and not that bad! It is freezing in the room, but that's the worst of it. The hearing test freaked me out- not so much being in the small box (there are 4 stools with seperate headsets and clickers), but because everyone starts at different times. I was worried that I missed mine since I could hear someone else clicking away!
I then had to check on taking the DLAB test- for some reason I wasn't pulled to take it early so I was able to take it after medical once I ate lunch (yes, they feed you!). That was an... interesting test to say the least, but I did well. The Air Force liason told me my score of 123 and my jaw dropped. I seriously thought I bombed that test.
I guess there is one more point about MEPS to make. I spent the morning concentrating on getting through and talking to the other females* as many were much younger than me and hadn't experienced all the fun exams before like I have. (Heads up to male readers- it's about to get personal for a second.) For some women, MEPS will be the first time they have to stand in a room in a group with very little clothing and many haven't had a full exam before, either. It is really not invasive at all- more of a check to make sure you are, in fact, female and that everything is healthy-looking. There wasn't a female doctor at the Des Moines MEPS when I was there, but there is a female nurse with you at all times. Don't worry about how you look- everyone is just there to get through it. Oh, and make sure you wear clean underwear and nothing exotic (which your recruiter will tell you). Also **female issue alert** if it is "that time of the month"- plan ahead. There is a length of time that you are wearing nothing but paper robes (two).
Once you are done with medical, you usually start to talk jobs meeting one-on-one with the liason- this probably differs from branch to branch, or it depends what stage you are at. We also were taken back one by one for "processing"- someone asks you all the questions that you've gone over with your recruiter when you filled out the paperwork. Throughout MEPS they will tell you if caught enlisting fraudulently, you can face 5 (I think) years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Over and over. It can be nervewracking- but hopefully your recruiter prepares you well. For me, that process happened quickly, though I had to go hunt down some paperwork (always check in at the desk!!). Back in the liason's office, we went over the job listings and contracts... then I waited to be sworn in!
The swearing in ceremony was the highlight of MEPS- there was a group of us that all went at once. We stood at parade rest and attention when a Marine Major (I believe he was major) came in and gave a speech and had us swear in. Some recruits had family members there, but I was glad mine weren't because I'd have been in tears (I know- bmt will get that right out of me!). That was when I knew I made the right decision- it felt exactly as it did when I graduated from Saint Mary's College, so something must be right!
After that, guess what? More waiting! This time we were waiting for the shuttle home. My family surprised me when I did get home, that was really nice. Sometimes your recruiter is there to debrief you- I met with mine a few days later. I am glad to be done with that process, though I didn't think my experience was as bad as my recruiter made it out to be. Maybe because I'm older- a lot of the younger people were really anxious, especially in the physical exam portion. I even got the grouchy front desk lady to smile at me :) If I had any advice- I'd say listen, be polite/respectful, and if in doubt, stop at the front desk!
*In the Air Force, boys and girls are referred to as males and females- I'm not sure if they do it to seem more respectful, but it could be to remain professional.
 |
| Image from www.mepcom.army.mil |
If you've read my last post, you'll know I had a delay when going to MEPS. Once I got the all clear from the commander, it was the next week that I went- June 25-26-Tuesday to Wednesday. Usually your recruiter will drive you to MEPS, unless you come to a different arrangement. My recruiter did not go with me- he arranged for another recruiter from the area who was already going up to Iowa City with recruits, where we'd meet up with another recruiter to go all the way to Des Moines. We went straight to the MEPS building, as some of us needed to take the ASVAB (I did). After the test, we waited for everyone to be done and then we took the shuttle to the hotel. Everyone from every branch of the military goes through the same MEPS- I ended up rooming with a Navy shipper (she was shipping to Navy's basic training the next day). When we checked in we got a meal ticket for dinner, and the hotel let us refill our drinks- which is good because my recruiter told me to drink a lot for the urine test the next day (no caffiene or sugar). More on that later... There was a suite of rooms that were adapted especially for the MEPS people- video game room, huge tv (where we all watched a short video on MEPS), and movies to pick from if we wanted. Curfew was 10:00 pm as we had an early start the next day- up at 4:45 for breakfast and bus to MEPS at 5:45 am.
I'll say this now: I felt really old! Most of the people there were fresh out of high school, though there were some older people there that were joining different branches of reserves or guard, or some were switching branches.
Day 1 was when I took the ASVAB test- the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. This is what (mostly) determines your job qualifications in the military. I had purchased a book to study and review- I thought I would do terrible on the electronics and mechanical sections, but I did alright! I didn't find out my scores right away- I texted my recruiter and he told me the score (99QT!) so I went to sleep happy.
The next day was the full battery of tests, exams, paperwork, and questions questions questions. When we arrived, we lined up, checked in, and went to get our files from the respective branch offices. We started out with a briefing, where they scare you and fill out a whole bunch of paperwork- PAY ATTENTION. There are lots of directions and everything is in ink- don't make them make you redo a whole form. We had 3 people do that. After briefing, you go on to medical. Leaving the room you do a breathalyzer test, then bloodpressure, eye test, hearing, blood samples, etc. The night before, we were told to "have" to go to the bathroom to make that process easier... but they don't make that the first thing you do. One poor recruit waited about 3 hours. You then carry your paperwork around to have the various tests completed and recorded: you get your ears, eyes, every other aspect of your body (yes, I mean EVERY)... checked. Those you do seperately- the medical people will call you. In a group, you will do a hearing test in "the box" and then the physical mobility check where you are all (males are seperated from females) in your undies and do a range of motions, including the infamous duck walk. I don't know about the men, but ladies- don't be shy. It's no big deal and not that bad! It is freezing in the room, but that's the worst of it. The hearing test freaked me out- not so much being in the small box (there are 4 stools with seperate headsets and clickers), but because everyone starts at different times. I was worried that I missed mine since I could hear someone else clicking away!
I then had to check on taking the DLAB test- for some reason I wasn't pulled to take it early so I was able to take it after medical once I ate lunch (yes, they feed you!). That was an... interesting test to say the least, but I did well. The Air Force liason told me my score of 123 and my jaw dropped. I seriously thought I bombed that test.
I guess there is one more point about MEPS to make. I spent the morning concentrating on getting through and talking to the other females* as many were much younger than me and hadn't experienced all the fun exams before like I have. (Heads up to male readers- it's about to get personal for a second.) For some women, MEPS will be the first time they have to stand in a room in a group with very little clothing and many haven't had a full exam before, either. It is really not invasive at all- more of a check to make sure you are, in fact, female and that everything is healthy-looking. There wasn't a female doctor at the Des Moines MEPS when I was there, but there is a female nurse with you at all times. Don't worry about how you look- everyone is just there to get through it. Oh, and make sure you wear clean underwear and nothing exotic (which your recruiter will tell you). Also **female issue alert** if it is "that time of the month"- plan ahead. There is a length of time that you are wearing nothing but paper robes (two).
Once you are done with medical, you usually start to talk jobs meeting one-on-one with the liason- this probably differs from branch to branch, or it depends what stage you are at. We also were taken back one by one for "processing"- someone asks you all the questions that you've gone over with your recruiter when you filled out the paperwork. Throughout MEPS they will tell you if caught enlisting fraudulently, you can face 5 (I think) years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Over and over. It can be nervewracking- but hopefully your recruiter prepares you well. For me, that process happened quickly, though I had to go hunt down some paperwork (always check in at the desk!!). Back in the liason's office, we went over the job listings and contracts... then I waited to be sworn in!
The swearing in ceremony was the highlight of MEPS- there was a group of us that all went at once. We stood at parade rest and attention when a Marine Major (I believe he was major) came in and gave a speech and had us swear in. Some recruits had family members there, but I was glad mine weren't because I'd have been in tears (I know- bmt will get that right out of me!). That was when I knew I made the right decision- it felt exactly as it did when I graduated from Saint Mary's College, so something must be right!
After that, guess what? More waiting! This time we were waiting for the shuttle home. My family surprised me when I did get home, that was really nice. Sometimes your recruiter is there to debrief you- I met with mine a few days later. I am glad to be done with that process, though I didn't think my experience was as bad as my recruiter made it out to be. Maybe because I'm older- a lot of the younger people were really anxious, especially in the physical exam portion. I even got the grouchy front desk lady to smile at me :) If I had any advice- I'd say listen, be polite/respectful, and if in doubt, stop at the front desk!
*In the Air Force, boys and girls are referred to as males and females- I'm not sure if they do it to seem more respectful, but it could be to remain professional.
Friday, August 9, 2013
The Recruiter Experience
I remember being on airforce.com and being so nervous about contacting a recruiter. I searched for the nearest recruiter, then clicked to another screen. I searched again, and then went to the BMT videos. One last time: I found the name of TSgt. Attig and forwarded the contact information to my email, then proceeded to stare at it for a couple of days. I eventually got up the nerve to actually send an email to ask for an appointment to talk about the Air Force. When I did go in, my step-sister was kind enough to come with me. I was beyond nervous, but felt better once I began listening to what TSgt. Attig had to say. I took a practice ASVAB test and scored an 85- I was pretty happy with that- haven't taken any type of test in years! Went over some info about jobs, and enlisting vs officer/dual applications. When I left I got a folder :) well that made me happy. I like to process information- the fact I had a booklet full of information excited me. What can I say- it's the nerd in me. I did start thinking about jobs- but everything depends on the score you achieve on the ASVAB. So I researched and began to think about possibilities and whatnot. Lots of fun for me!
Well, I took that packet home and poured over it and made list after list after list. I called to have one more meeting and the moment I started talking I knew the decision had been made. All of my questions were about when I'd leave, what kind of scores I'd need for certain jobs, and things about BMT (basic military training). I went right home and finished (yes, I had already started without thinking) filling out the application to bring back to my recruiter. Oh, the hassles that lay in wait for me!
I knew this already, but if you ever want to know just how large your family is, fill out an application for the military. Goodness! Then I had to remember dates and places of where I was in Europe for school (did the best I could!) as well as every other bit of information about my life. I've never felt so bad about my speeding tickets (all more than 3 years old, thank you!). Lots of medical history- and realizing how lucky and healthy I was- circling and initialling and denying and explaining... very thorough forms! Also- if you are interested in joining the military, DON'T MOVE! EVER!! Just kidding, but do keep track of your addresses and when you lived where!
After my recruiter had everything entered, he then ran a credit check, but we went ahead and planned for my visit to MEPS, thinking all would go well. Oh, that credit check. Of course, I had a flag- an unpaid bill that had gone to collections! I tracked that baby down before my recruiter was in the office the next day. I was charged for something I never had done, but they had sent the bill to an old address so I never got it to fix (as I told the billing lady- I'd hope I'd remember having bloodwork done). I went ahead and paid it so I could go make a statement at my recruiter's office. Meanwhile, the medical office is doing their own check and find out they had billed the wrong person all along. So back I go to get a letter stating that fact. MEPS had drizzled away- I now required the ok from a commander to be able to go and my recruiter tells me that the oh so necessary commander is on vacation for the next week. I held it together, but later had a meltdown- it was a frustrating day. (I'll take the time here to say how much I appreciate the office ladies of Genesis Health Systems in Bettendorf- and the woman who wrote my correcting letter has a son in the military, which is why they rushed it all for me. Thank you!!!) Oh, and yes, I was reimbursed for the bill that I paid. :) I spent a lovely long day with my recruiter getting everything together to send off to the commander for approval- now it came down to waiting.
Things were finally approved the next week- earlier than I thought! MEPS was just around the corner!
Monday, August 5, 2013
First of many... I hope!
I've thought for a long time about starting a blog. Now, I realize it may be important once I do leave to stay connected. Sure there is always Facebook and texting, but this will also have a journaling aspect since I don't need to carry one of those around, too!
As of June 2013, I have enlisted in the US Air Force. I have been to MEPS, did reasonably well on the ASVAB and the DLAB and aspire to be a linguist to serve my country while continuing my love of learning. Many people support my decision, and are even proud and thrilled for me and I greatly appreciate that. Other friends had to get used to the idea- but I know I have their support. The benefits are great- education, $$, good quality of life, health insurance (I have to admit- I'm excited about that one!), but those aren't really why I joined. Yes, I began seriously considering joining when all of those came in to question with my current position as a college advisor reducing hours, but that was more of a catalyst and the benefits are more like perks for me. I NEEDED a life change. I feel I have been doing the same thing since 2009 when I graduate college- I haven't been challenged, been struggling paycheck to paycheck, and, quite frankly, I'm tired of living like that. I've considered the Peace Corps, and a few other options, but they didn't really stick. The Air Force didn't even seem realistic when my step-mom first brought it up, but then I started researching more and a lot of the values and principles struck a chord with my own. The Air Force will provide the direction I'm looking for, and help my personal development. I'm excited about the challenges and possibilities- I've felt so lost and slothy until I met with T.Sgt. Attig and I had to get things done!
(image from deviantart.com)
When I have more time, I will go into more detail about my experiences with recruiting/MEPS/enlisting and all of the decisions I have come across. I'm looking forward to sharing what I can. I've found some blogs (www.aimhigherin.com) and youtube videos (aimhigherin, Kyle Gott, and several videos from different people/services) that have been extremely helpful in the process so far. I hope one day to be helpful to others in the same position!
As of June 2013, I have enlisted in the US Air Force. I have been to MEPS, did reasonably well on the ASVAB and the DLAB and aspire to be a linguist to serve my country while continuing my love of learning. Many people support my decision, and are even proud and thrilled for me and I greatly appreciate that. Other friends had to get used to the idea- but I know I have their support. The benefits are great- education, $$, good quality of life, health insurance (I have to admit- I'm excited about that one!), but those aren't really why I joined. Yes, I began seriously considering joining when all of those came in to question with my current position as a college advisor reducing hours, but that was more of a catalyst and the benefits are more like perks for me. I NEEDED a life change. I feel I have been doing the same thing since 2009 when I graduate college- I haven't been challenged, been struggling paycheck to paycheck, and, quite frankly, I'm tired of living like that. I've considered the Peace Corps, and a few other options, but they didn't really stick. The Air Force didn't even seem realistic when my step-mom first brought it up, but then I started researching more and a lot of the values and principles struck a chord with my own. The Air Force will provide the direction I'm looking for, and help my personal development. I'm excited about the challenges and possibilities- I've felt so lost and slothy until I met with T.Sgt. Attig and I had to get things done!
(image from deviantart.com)
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