Posted on 06/03/2005 5:13:35 PM PDT by mickeyrig
I was just told that I am going into the Space and Missiles career field when I commision in Aug 06.
Any advice for career choices, things to do when at training/school, base selection, etc.
Thanks and Gigem
Mickey Texas Aggie 2006, WHOOP!
Congrats to you! I'm a former Army missle jock and the best advice I have is keep plenty of 100 mph tape around. The Air Force may call it duct tape.
Maybe you will, maybe you won't. Is it in writing?
Any advice for career choices, things to do when at training/school, base selection, etc
Unless things have really changed, that won't be your choice either.
I'm commisioning, not enlisting. Space and Missiles is what they picked for me. I submitted my dream sheet about 2 months ago
you always get some sort of choice when it comes to your PCS assignment. I was looking for advice on which bases I should put at the top of my list compared to what i should leave at the botton in my preferences.
Talk to squantos - he did the tour.
I had a choice of bases too. I didn't get anywhere near any of them.
my dad is retired air force enlisted. Moving is the worst part. I guess I just want to know about bases on the off chance I might actually get what I pick. Its a worse shot than winning the lottery while being struck by lightning holding a straight flush, but its still a shot.
Good luck to you, you have a bright future.
Space and Missiles means most likely a northern base such as Elsworth, Minot or F.E. Warren if they drop ya into a actual missle unit. Otherwise yer options are wide open as to the Weapons Labs, coastal bases such as Vandenburg in CA or even at the Cape in Florida. Also a bunch of missileers in NORAD type units to the best of my memory. Your first few years will be a lock and then yer options will open up a bit. I was career EOD, it's a good career for enlisted folks as myself but a career killer for officers IMO.
Good luck.....Stay safe !
thanks to all of you for your replies and insights. the worst part for me is now I have to wait another year and a few months to graduate and then comission. college needs to take less time than four years!
You'll do fine......just remember a few things in the service. Surround yerself with good troops, take care of em like they are family, kick em in the ass when they screw up and you'll go far. Listen to your senior NCO's as experience, knowledge, ability and respect is not appointed. It is earned. Those NCO's will make or break a young butter bar so use em as they will want to help you learn the mission. Be ready for some long hours as new officers will get every sh*t detail in the book from his seniors. Deligate through your senior NCO all assignments. Never try to micromanage , let yer NCO's interface with the troops on day to day issues.
My best suggestion is to learn all the tasks assigned to every troop ya have under you. Lead by example by knowing , observing , questioning and performing each task at least once so you can instantly answer any question from a superior with authority and fact. It's not an if it happens it's a "when" it happens event that will land ya on yer CO's carpet for a dressing down. Professionalism is all that counts. Your troops and superiors will smell doubt, weakness of lack of ability instantly.
It's a hard first year , long hours etc but if ya consider some of my suggestions you'll progress up through the ranks easily.
Good luck, Stay safe !
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