So, I’ve Gotten the Ball Rollin’
First and foremost, thank you all so much. All of your advice and opinions have meant a lot to me. That’s why I love the internet. By posting one entry, I was able to receive a myriad of responses. They ran the gambit of “Girl, You crazy!” to “Just follow your heart” to just solid fact. Believe it or not, I really took each and every opinion to heart. Not just the opinions from people that I was “friends” with. Even the random anonymous comments played a part in my decision. Thank you again.
I decided to start the whole decision and research process all over again. Instead of looking into just the Air Force versus the Army, I took into account ALL of the military branches. I set my vanity aside and over looked the haircut in basic training of the Navy. I actually listened when my Jarhead boyfriend spouted the benefits of the brotherhood that is the Marine Corps. Still a tough one to swallow for me, but hey, I listened. I met with recruiters for the Army, Marines, and Navy.
The Marine Corps is out. I just can’t picture myself as a Marine. It’s not that I doubt my capabilities. I just genuinely do not feel that there is a place for me there. I love my Marine very, very much. I am prouder of him than I could ever possibly explain, now so more than ever. In the midst of his second deployment to Iraq, not only is he strong for himself and his brothers, but he is so supportive of me as well. Of course we don’t see eye to eye on everything, though. “I don’t know why we don’t just get married.” I’m not one to get married just to reap the benefits. Plus I’m trying to get more out of the military than just health coverage and a roof over my head. I love him very much, but it’s just not the right time.
Next stop was the Navy. I’ve come to learn at this point, that while the missions of the branches are different, the positions it takes to make it work, aren’t. Meaning that if I had my heart set on a certain AFSC/MOS, and I’m qualified for it, I can have it. No matter what the branch. What I didn’t like about the Navy was something that I hadn’t realized prior to this new round of research. Obviously, I know that there are always going to be things that I am unable to do in the military due to my gender. In the Navy this was even more apparent. Many “rates”, as they are called in the Navy, are closed/very limited to women due to the fact that women cannot be stationed aboard certain types of vessels. For some reason that really pissed me off. Really, really pissed me off. Ugh, Gloria Steinem would be so proud.
OK. So I was leaning towards the Army in the first place. The bonuses are better. The health care is the same. Promotions come quicker (hey what can I say, I’m a product of the NOW generation). The Army plays a larger, if not more vital, role in current world affairs. Now that could also be seen as a drawback. It definitely is in my parent’s eyes. Which is the major drawback for me. My parent’s absolute hatred of the idea of me in the Army. Which really friggin’ agitates me. I know I’m the one that has to live with my decision and I’ve told them just that. I’ve also told them that they have absolutely no power over my decision process and that I was fully prepared to make my choice without their input. I still would like them with me every step of the way. I don’t want my parents to truly hate the life path I choose to embark on. They tried to bribe me. Like who does that?! As if I could be brought. As if dangling a new car in my face would suddenly change my aspirations. Well, given the state of my current automobile, I can understand why they chose that avenue.
I spoke to my Air Force recruiter. Boy was he not happy with me. He basically told me I was a waste of his time and that he was sorry that he had invested so much into me. He told me I was an idiot, that I was throwing away a great opportunity, that so many would die for. I explained to him why I wanted to discharge and the second thoughts that I was having. He morphed right before my eyes. He went from a man that I considered a god among men, a man that I felt very close with and that I had trusted, to a man that was callous and rude. A man that was pissed because I was throwing his quota off. A man that was standing beside his office door escorting me out before I was finished with my sentence. It broke my heart.
In the end, all of the branches have something to offer. I would be lucky to be a member of any of them. Thanks to good test scores and a very open mind, I have the military world at my feet.
Been awhile
I am so sorry that it’s been awhile since my last post. That is for several reasons. First off, after the research is over and the contracts are signed there is only one thing to do, WAIT. Secondly, well, I guess there isn’t a secondly. Sorry guys.
Lots of other things have been going on, too. My relationship with my mother is becoming increasingly strained. I know it must be very difficult for her, but it’s making it increasingly difficult on me! I feel selfish saying this, but I can barely handle it anymore. During this time I’m struggling with letting everyone I know in on my future plans which can be incredibly difficult. Everyday I am faced with someone who tries to deter me from what I want. Most people try to talk me out of it, some just ask the inevitable question “why?”, and some people are just friggin’ idiots that be little the service, war, and government.
Why do people insist on doing this? As if my worries about being deployed, my strained relationship with my mother, and overall nervousness aren’t enough. Now I have to think about the people who are so narrow minded yet overly spoken. I have to think about how the views that are so frustrating and bring my morale down, are the same views that I’ve sworn to protect. I’m also dealing with my grandmother’s tears, my cousin’s skepticism, and my own sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. A feeling that wasn’t even there until the first time I heard “But you’re really smart, why would you join the military?”
I’ve also been thinking I made a mistake. Not in joining the military. How could choosing to serve your country, better your education, and see the world, be a mistake? I think my mistake is in the branch of the military I chose to enlist with. I chose the air force for several reasons. I thought I could get a better education, more transferable skills, and a somewhat better lifestyle than any of the other branches. As time marches on (many military puns have invaded my life) I realize that while all these things are true of the air force, they may not be the best reasons for me to have made my decision. Add to that the fact that my parents let it be known that they didn’t see any branch besides the air force as an option, and I felt very stuck. Now as I contemplate what I wished I’d have done, I realize I wish I had gone army. People will probably think I’m crazy. In researching the Army I found that many of the same jobs that I was offered in the Air Force would have been offered to me in the Army. As a matter of fact, I would have been offered even more positions. No matter what branch I would have chosen, I’d still have a vagina and therefore not be infantry. That’s all that ever mattered to me. I didn’t join the military to NOT deploy. How could I expect to reap so many benefits from the military without giving something back?
I’ve been doing my research. Since I am in the DEP and have not signed my final enlistment contract, I am still eligible to dis-enroll. I feel terrible and great about it all at once. I feel terrible about it because I signed a contract, I made a commitment. What am I worth, if my word isn’t worth anything? At the same time I feel absolutely elated. I can’t wait to join the Army. I feel like I can be of more use there. There is more of a need for me there. Plus, I have more job security there. With the Air Force cutting back on personnel, there is a chance that after my original enlistment, there is a chance I won’t be eligible for re-enlistment.
So, What’s On Your Mind, Ma?
This past week has been so full and fast paced. I’m a very independent person and I pretty much decided to join the military on my own. I was meeting with recruiters from various branches of the military for MONTHS before my parents even knew that the joining the military was a thought of mine. Neither of my parents were happy with my decision. Actually, that isn’t entirely true. I’m 22 years old and didn’t really have any direction in my life. So while it might not have been the direction they had in mind… at least I was heading SOMEWHERE. That’s all the really matters to parents. That’s a huge thing that I’ve learned. I kept my research to myself for so long because I was so worried that they would try to talk me out of it or, even worse, forbid it. I’m the youngest daughter of a hispanic family, believe me, they have COMPLETE authority to do so (in their minds, at least).
But I digress. It’s been such a crazy week and I haven’t really had a chance to speak with my parents since they both work and our schedules keep conflicting. I definitely spoke to them while at the hotel, but I don’t think they wanted to add to my anxiety. Plus, this just really isn’t an over the phone type of conversation. This morning was the first time my mother took a look at my enlistment contract and all the information I was given about TRICARE, the Montgomery GI Bill, and my AFSC. I guess, as most children are, I was so self absorbed during all this I didn’t really let my parents chime in.
I love my parents. I know that my parents aren’t happy with my decision. I know that they would rather I went to college or trade school. My mom didn’t let it show, though. Instead, she asked me intelligent questions about anything she could possibly think of. She read and re-read all my paperwork. She asked me if I would let her buy me my things for BMT which I thought was really nice. My dad is insisting on speaking to me only in Spanish. He thinks that sharpening my skills in one language I’ll be that much more prepared. He’s probably right. Either way he sounds like a dork and I love it.
Santos, CPL Wang Will Be Administering Your DLAB Today
I have spent the last 3 1/2 days in the Albany MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) in Albany, NY. My first two days are chronicled in my last entry and this is my attempt to keep you up to speed on the last two days.
I had to meet Medina in his office at 1300 hours (it’s slowly seeping in). Since this time I wouldn’t be going through physicals and I had already enlisted (I still can’t believe that that’s done already), I could wear what I wanted. Thank God for that. It’s been about 100 plus degrees here the last few days and I didn’t think I could make it another day without flip flops and a tank top. I still made sure that I was presentable and my underwear wouldn’t embarrass me if I were to land in the ER, thanks mom! There was a girl going up to MEPS for her physical so we were going to ride the train together. Medina’s pretty cool about making sure we have company so we never feel alone. He wanted me to travel with her because he could tell she was particularly nervous and thought it would ease her mind to have someone with a “been there, done that” attitude.
I had to fill out more forms and a Request for Examination form 60-3A-E. This was to hold my seat in the DLAB. It’s the same form that you have to fill out and sign to take the ASVAB. Nothing new or different there. Name, address, social security number, signature and date. I also had to sign a form acknowledging that SSgt Medina had informed me of what was required of me while in the DEP (delayed entry program). Then Medina gave me my list of items to pack for boot camp and all my study materials of things I will be required to know by the end of BMT.
Then it was off to the train station. Krystle (the female I was traveling with) wasn’t very talkative. I was able to engage her in limited conversation and it was very difficult. It had nothing to do with nerves. We just had nothing in common and it’s hard enough to talk to a stranger under that stress, let alone one that is so different from myself. My travel buddy was a 20 year old girl with a shaved head and unshaven legs. Personally, none of that really phased me. In my eyes, a person is a person. Period. I’d be lying if I said that I was COMPLETELY indifferent to it, however. The same way that she was very tolerant of my pink flowery shirt, leggings, and eyeliner. We just had a difficult time bonding without common ground. But whatever, we got along fine and were polite to one another. It was a big difference from Arla and Victoria, however.
When we got to the hotel we checked in and, alas, Medina succeeded in getting us roomed together this time. We killed the night by taking a very long time to eat our dinner in the restaurant with some fellow recruits/trainees and by watching a movie in the lounge. Last night we watched “The Guardian”. Good movie, highly recommend it. Plus it was nice to watch a military movie about a branch that none of us were entering. Less anxiety, less jibber jabber during the movie.
Another 0400 wake up. Woopty do. Better start getting used to that. Another atrocious breakfast, sans coffee, awaited us downstairs. Then it was off to MEPS.
This time was much quicker than the days I took the ASVAB and enlisted. I went straight to meet with MSgt Matarazo so that I could give him my transcripts to prove prior education and to check in for the DLAB. Then I only waited about 15 minutes to take the DLAB.
The same Marine, CPL Wang, who administered my confirmation test, administered my DLAB. That was the most intense test I’ve ever taken. I couldn’t even tell how well I did on it because it was so weird. In the test they make up a language that follows constant grammatical rules. Each section of the test adds another rule to the language until at the very end of it I had to translate complete sentences. That portion of the test was completely auditory and there was no repetition of any questions. Nor was there more than 30 seconds between questions. Very little time to think. The remainder of the test was all pictures. Under the pictures would be strings of made up syllables that defined the pictures. From the serious of given pictures and syllables I had to decipher what was ocurring in the unlabeled picture. I couldn’t gauge how I did because it was all jibberish that sounded the same, yet I would instinctually put down an answer. I was the only person taking the DLAB at that point, so no gauging how I was doing by the looks on others faces.
When I was finished I was told to go see MSgt. Matarazo and wait for my scores. Within 5 minutes I learned what my score was (112). The Air Force requires a score of 100 to qualify for entrance into the Cryptologic Linguist program. Since I passed my airborne physical I was also qualified to become an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist. Currently, linguist is the AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) with the highest stress level. Currently every linguist in the Air Force is doing the job of 2.8 Airmen. Since I scored so well on my ASVAB and qualified with the DLAB, that is the AFSC I have been assigned. I’m pretty excited about it.
Hurry Up and Wait!!
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| I’m Backkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. I just showered, so I officially feel like I’m back from MEPS. Had to wash the day off me, ya know?I started out with the intention of meeting SSgt. Medina in his office at 11am. At 10am he called me to tell me that (shock of all shocks) he needed me to fill out more paperwork before I left. So I got to his office around 1030am, filled out paperwork, and waited for him to get off the phone with various people out of his command. Then he had me speak on the phone with some of the other recruiters from his command. He had them ask me the questions that the various liaisons at MEPS would. Have you ever done drugs, NO. Any open court dates, NO. Then, it was off to the train station.
Medina is the shit. One of the recruiters from NYC was sending a female applicant up to MEPS, too, so they arranged for me to get onto her train when it came through Poughkeepsie. I had no idea who she was or what she looked for so I plopped down in an empty seat. I noticed that there was a very pretty girl who smiled at me every time I looked up and was being really polite. Then I read her shirt: AIR FORCE. So duh, I was sitting next to her the whole time. Her name is Victoria and she was really really nice. She’s from Alabama, and moved in with her uncle. Her uncle is a recruiter so she is staying with him until she leaves for BMT. It was nice to walk to the MEPS desk with someone I was friendly with. It really made all the difference in the world. Victoria had already taken the ASVAB so she was just going straight to the hotel to relax. Lucky Duck. I had to take the ASVAB, so it was straight to MEPS for this girl. I only had to wait about 20 minutes until one of the computers freed up. I felt like I breezed on through it. They told me that I would have to wait til the next morning to find out my scores. But whatever, it was already like 5 in the afternoon and I was tired. I must have the best luck, ever. As soon as I walked out of the testing room the shuttle bus driver was leading a group of trainees to the bus. They had us staying in the Crown Plaza. Not too shabby, Mr. Federal Government. We were told to go to a special room that was used as the MEPS check in desk. The civilian that was checking us in definitely came in last for the the title of Miss Congeniality. No eye contact, very short one word answers. Medina had told me that he would attempt to make Victoria and I roommates, but no such luck. I ended up rooming with a girl named Arla, from Vermont. She was entering the Army National Guard. Another very friendly girl and we decided to be friends, haha. We were given vouchers to eat dinner at the hotel restaurant. Very yummy. Over dinner we gave each other a little of our background information and spoke about all of our personal reservations. It was nice to be able to talk to someone who was feeling exactly how I was. After dinner we sat around in a lounge that they had set up for us and watched “The Village”. Nothing like a little M. Night Shyamalan to put you at ease. While we sat there watching the movie we were joined by a variety of different people. Some of them were shippers, meaning they were checking in at MEPS before they went to BMT or AIT. Ack!! Acronyms are taking over my life!! We made it an early night and had the lights out before 10pm. We stayed up for a good hour yapping in the dark. 4am came WAY too quickly. We met more civilian employees that were in the race for the Miss Congeniality title as we checked out. The breakfast they served us was nowhere near as good as the dinner we were served the night before. No Coffee= DEATH. Then it was back on the shuttle to MEPS. We reported to our liaisons to receive our folders and then we had to wait in line at the control desk. At the control desk they gave us a checklist for various personnel to sign as we went through all our tests and physicals that day. When I got to the control desk they told me I had to take a confirmation test for my ASVAB. Apparently because I did so well (94) they wanted to make sure that I hadn’t cheated. So while everyone else was starting the medical process I was taking the ASVAB again. I got a 93 so they let me keep my 94. The entire time I was taking the confirmation test, the marine who was proctoring kept saying “See how the military treats ya if you’re smart? Get used to it.” After I was done with the test, I was sent to up to Medical Processing. I took all my hearing and vision tests, as well as a blood test and urinalysis. A picture was taken to place on the back of my file to verify my identity every time I came to MEPS from here on out. The Sgt that took our pictures wasn’t even telling us when he was taking it, so I’m sneezing in mine. How ridonkulous is that?! No reshoots. After all of the medical processing it was back to sitting in the Liaison Lobby to wait for my meeting with the Air Force Liaison. This is when Hurry Up and Wait really hit home. I sat down around 1130am. I walked into the Liaison’s office at 530pm. That was the longest 6 hours of my life. MSgt Matarazo was really nice and he said that the fact that I was so researched and had a long list of AFSCs that I was willing to do made his life easier. He explained that I was vastly over qualified for some of the jobs I had chosen and suggested becoming a linguist to me. I had thought about it but since I hadn’t taken the ASVAB yet, I wasn’t sure if I would qualify for it. He told me that he wouldn’t force me to do anything that I didn’t want to, but that he doesn’t have many applicants with my education background and ASVAB scores come through his office. I told him that I was willing to take the DLAB and he scheduled me to do so on Thursday. As in tomorrow. So as I’m sitting here writing this I really should be in the shower since I have to stop by my high school for a transcript before I head over to Medina’s office. I get to take the train all over again, sleep in the hotel all over again, and get up at the butt crack of the morning again. Msgt Matarazo said that there was someone who had reserved a linguist job who dropped out of DEP at the last minute. He was scheduled to go to BMT on tuesday, so there is a chance I ship out next week…. Geez… |
Is This Within Your Job Description, Sir?!
So today is definitely going to be interesting. I’m going out to lunch with my recruiter and two other recruits that are going up to MEPS on Monday. They aren’t his recruits, they are from another recruiter in his command. I think it’s pretty cool that they are doing this with us. Probably to get a last minute feel of how serious we are about this. They probably also figure that if we feel comfortable with someone before we get there, we’ll be less likely to be nervous or back out. One of the recruits is a guy, the other is a girl.
I met my recruiter’s commanding officer the other day. That was an adventure. I was so nervous that I thought I made a bad impression. I was on my best behavior and probably went a little bit overboard with my “Yes, Sir” and “No, Sir”. SSgt. Medina had me meet with his CO (ahhh the acronyms begin) because I have a tattoo on my upper back which slightly extends onto my neck. I need a waiver for it, so I had to meet the CO. They were only at my house for a few minutes, 15 tops. After they left, Medina called me to tell me how it went. Apparently I blew his CO away. He thought I was extremely polite and well spoken. I thought I had made the opposite impression, but hell, I’ll take it!
Time to get in the shower…
I Hate to Break it to Ya, But…
When you decide to join the military you learn a few things about the process as you go along. The biggest thing that I learned was that at the end of the day there is a quota that the recruiter should meet. From what I’ve gathered its about one recruit a month, or 12 per year. If they are off the national average by a significant amount they are reviewed by their commanding officer, something I doubt any military personnel would like to deal with. 12 doesn’t sound like that bad a deal for an entire year. Just think about how many high schools they sit in, how many people walk through their office, how much time they spend looking into each individual. Now imagine all of that hard work, effort, and energy being wasted because somebody changed their mind. And so many do. Joining the military is one of the biggest decisions someone will ever make in their life. When I realized that I didn’t like the army recruiter I met with I found another one. No need to let one bad apple ruin the bunch, right?
With that said, most recruiters are on top of their shit, so to speak. When they get a potential recruit, they keep that ball rolling. When so many people are disqualified or just simply change their minds, they have to keep up on the ones that are eligible. Once I began the quest (ha, I watched Camelot this morning) to join the military my phone rang off the hook. I had recruiters calling me several times a day, from all the branches, from the two different recruiting centers in our area. As I narrowed down my search from military to air force, I had to let the navy and army recruiters down gently.
I just got off the phone with Sgt. Correll. Sgt. Correll is a member of the US Army and a GREAT man. I genuinely enjoyed speaking with him and I almost wish that the army was a better fit for me, because I genuinely enjoyed speaking with him. Considering the fact that I’m 22 years old, I don’t do drugs, and I’ve never been in any REAL trouble (I feel the need, the need for speed… in my ford focus that is), I’m an ideal candidate. Throw in the part about me being very enthusiastic about the process and being well researched, I’m a recruiter’s dream. Correll was all set to schedule me for MEPS and I had to tell him that I had chosen a different branch and that I was scheduled for MEPS on Monday. I could hear the disappointment in his voice but he wished me all the best. Even told me to come back through if I changed my mind about the Air Force. If you live in the Middletown, NY area and would like to join the military I highly suggest a stop into his office.
You’re probably wondering what the point of this entry was. I guess it’s my way of saying: Don’t just let the recruiter go to voicemail if you are no longer interested. These men work long hours and very hard everyday. Let the know where you stand and do your best to keep up your end of the bargain. Whatever that bargain may be!
Ya Cut Me Deep, Shrek. You Cut Me Real Deep.
Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that you’re work is doing exactly as you intended. I started this blog less than a week ago and I would never have guessed that I would have received feedback so soon. I’ve been receiving e-mails from all over the world from people who say that this is exactly what they’re looking for. Some have said that they just graduated high school and are looking into the military as an alternative to college. Some have been in a similar position as I am and are looking for a little direction/guidance with what to do with their futures. Some of the most gratifying have been from current and retired airmen who have said that this is a valuable source of information and that they wished that had something like this to read while they were making their decision. I just wanted to acknowledge these e-mails and thank you. The best ego boost (besides your h.s. guidance counselor, haha) is affirmation of a job well done.
Now of-course not all of my feedback has been positive. I received one e-mail that really made me second guess whether or not I should continue writing this blog. He wanted to know what made me an authority on joining the military and basically belittled me to the point of questioning what my true intentions are.
I want to make it very well known that I AM NOT CURRENTLY IN THE MILITARY. I go to officially enlist on Monday. I created this blog to have a place where I can put down all my thoughts and ideas regarding to the process. I also figured that anyone who was looking into the military can see what I’ve been going through and what to potentially expect.
ASVAB ASVAB Everywhere, But Not a Drop to Drink
At this time next week I’ll be sitting somewhere inside of MEPS waiting for whatever physical or interview comes next. Knowing that there is less than a week before I go I’m becoming very nervous/anxious(i never was that good at distinguishing between the two).
I finally told my parents about my decision. I really was pleasantly surprised. My parents are both liberal democrats strongly opposed to the war in Iraq and President George W. Bush. I guess I was being foolish when I thought what their reaction would be. I assumed that they would forbid it. I should have known that they are my parents and only want whats best for me and what will make me happy. I decided to just give them all the facts and see what happens. I mean, I had to tell them sooner or later. Might as well be sooner.
My father was great. He told me that he understood why I had come to that conclusion and that he was proud of me for making a decision that would not only benefit myself, but help my country as well. I told him that I had narrowed my search down to the Air Force and the Army, but the Air Force predominately. He kept saying over and over again, “Please, I know this is your decision, but please not the Army.” I told him that I was 99% sure that I would join the Air Force. I completely understand him on that one. It’s a big reason why I didn’t pursue the Army more. With our country engaged in the war the way we are, he fears for my safety and I can’t blame him. I’m his little girl. Always will be.
My mother was a different story. She didn’t yell or scream. She didn’t protest. She just didn’t say anything at all. She nodded at everything my father was saying. Finally I had to say something to her. I had to draw her into the conversation because I knew she wouldn’t volunteer her opinions otherwise. She told me she wasn’t happy with my decision. She offered to help finance furthering my education. When I asked her what she had against the military, she said “nothing”. “I just don’t want my daughter dying in a war that isn’t worth fighting.” She told me she would support me in everything that I do, but please don’t expect her to go above or beyond that. It’s not what she wanted for her daughter. I can’t expect more than that. As long as I know that she is still there for more, that’s all I need. I love them both so much.
With MEPS less than a week away, I’m really grinding out those practice ASVABs. Here is what Wikipedia (aka info bible) says about the ASVAB: “The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple choice test, administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command, used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States armed forces. It is often optionally administered to American high school students when they are in the 11th grade, though anyone eligible to and interested in enlisting can take it.” There are nine different sections to the ASVAB: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto & Shop, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects.
I think I’m going to do really well. I’ve been scoring in the 80’s every time I take the practice ASVAB. I score really really high when only the AFQT score is computed. That’s the score that determines whether or not you’re eligible for the military. The score is computed by adding general science, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, and paragraph comprehension. I just hope my scores are high enough to qualify for the cryptologic linguist program. Not only would that ensure me a great military career if I so choose to make it my career, but it would also ensure me a fantastic career outside of the military world. I could work for the UN or any section of the US government. I could also be a privately hired translator.
I’ve posted this on Milblogging.com to spread the scope of who can find me. if you’re interested in military blogs i highly suggest you mosey on over there!!
Here Goes all the Forms You Requested, Sir
As per usual, when I walk into Staff Sergeant Medina’s office, I’m clutching my “cross into the blue” folder. I bet you can’t guess were I got the name for my blog from, haha. Today it contains a copy of my high school transcript, a letter from Arden Hill Hospital explaining why I can’t obtain my medical records, and my completed “Questionnaire for National Security Positions”. If I never have to write down my social security number again, it will be too soon. It’s not a difficult form to fill out. It’s just tedious. At first I wasn’t even sure if I knew enough people to fill out the form, let alone knew enough people well enough to let them be my character references. It’s basically the most personally intrusive job application anyone will ever fill out.
And as per usual, Medina had even more forms for me to complete. I had to fill out a military medical pre-screen questionnaire (form DD2807-2). It consisted of about 70 different questions. They ranged from “Do you wear contact lenses?” to “Have you had your spleen removed?”. I wanna see the person that’s sitting in a recruiter’s office with no spleen. LOL. Each question had a yes or no answer. Every yes response needed to be explained. I only answered yes to two of the questions: “Do you wear contact lenses?” and “Have you ever broken a bone?”. My yes response to wearing contact lenses only required a simple one sentence explanation: “I wear contact lenses due to being diagnosed with near sightedness”. The broken arm was another story. What should have been a simple 6-8 sentence explanation, ended up being written first by my recruiter, then rewritten by myself, then rewritten once more. All in all it wasn’t too bad. Lot’s of “sign here, here and here”. Along with all the medical questions on form DD2807-2, the form also doubled as a request for medical examination. I was told that this form would be sent up to MEPS to set an appointment for my physical when I go up there next week. Watching that form have that little green light from the fax machine go over it was the weirdest thing. Like “Wow, I’m doing this.”. I can’t even describe the level of excitement I felt. Or the even higher lever of excitement I reached when I realized that I WAS excited. It was the first time I felt 100% sure of the decision I was making.
The entire time I was in the office speaking with SSgt. Medina there were two other people in there with us. One was an A1c (airman first class, I’m getting pretty good at my ranks and insignia) and the other was someone who was waiting on something from MEPS. What, I don’t know. He was one of those magical creatures who was able to speak a mile a minute and have absolutely nothing of consequence come out of his mouth. I was most interested in the A1c. I learned that he was only 8 months into his first enlistment and just out of technical school. He had managed to attain his ranking via previously earned college credit. He had taken to hanging out in Medina’s office during his leave while he waited to be stationed. It was nice to have someone on “the other side” who was so close to where I was now.
Onto the completely uninformative air force issued video “What to expect at MEPS”. Why I had to sit through that 9 minute video is beyond me. All I got out of that video was to a. wear underwear during the physical, b. i was going to get a piss test and c. bring a book ‘cuz this is going to take awhile. When the video was over, Medina asked me: “So what did you think about it?”. “I think I’d like a better feeling of what’s going to happen next week.” That’s exactly what I got. I heart my recruiter. That last statement made me wonder if it was appropriate. I haven’t taken my oath yet.
Medina told me to get a lot of rest before I go to MEPS. I’m taking my ASVAB there as well so I’ll be staying overnight. At first I was a little apprehensive about staying overnight, but now I see it as an advantage. Not that there really are any advantages, besides being in good morale standing. I’m excited to meet other people who are going through the process, also. I’m a very outgoing person and I love interacting with people. Now that the forms are almost over (I know, I know. The forms are NEVER over in the military) and the actual steps are being made towards enlisting, I’m finding everything to be so exciting. The thought of Warrior Week gives me the same rush of excitement that I had the first time I went to DisneyLand.
