Posted on 12/06/2008 8:54:44 AM PST by Boxen
I've finally made the decision to serve my country as a member of the armed forces. Specifically as a combat controller in the USAF. Freerepublic has a great many current and former military members, and I was hoping to tap this wellspring of knowledge to provide some perspective on life in the military, life in the USAF, or life as a combat controller.
I've read the factsheet, and I've perused about.com. I already understand that CCT training is physically and mentally demanding.
Good luck to you.
I can’t provide any first hand info, except that a friend who is “very involved” in SpecOps said the AF guys were invaluable to have attatched to a team in the field.
Stay strong and don’t quit.
Believe in yourself.
Stay true to your core principles. While if the Air Force I found some that were down on many things, and complained about assignments.
Take your duty seriously and in the spirit of the full measure of devotion. It's an honor to serve this country. Always keep that in the forefront of everything you do.
Semper Fi!
That’s awesome, Boxen. Welcome to the Air Force family and thank you for your patriotism.
I don’t know much about the Combat Controllers (I was a SAC/AMC tanker guy) but I thought you might like to see this bird I built as a tribute to Combat Controller Derek Argel, who was lost in Iraq on Memorial Day, 2005.
http://cs.finescale.com/forums/7/743735/ShowPost.aspx#743735
It’s the F-106 most of the way down the page. The entire group build was dedicated to Derek.
And yes, the PT is very, very tough.
Debbie, do you have any info that might help this young man?
Thanks for serving, brother.
You chose perhaps one of the two most challenging jobs in the Air Force, with the other being Pararescue.
When I enlisted in 1977, ParaRescue was not available as a guaranteed career. You instead had to enlist either as ‘no preference’ or guarantee a different AFSC, such as Security Police. Then they had an opportunity during Basic for those interested in ParaRescue to take a physical stamena test. If you didn’t make the cut, or got washed out of the Pararescue program, you finished out your enlistment doing something else.
Check with your recruiter, but I think you’ll find that pretty much the same thing applies to Combat Controller, and you may have to spend some time in the USAF doing something else before you get accepted into that program.
Best of luck, and enjoy the best time in your life.
Am so proud to have served, and would gladly do it again if called upon. (Reckon I am too old at this point.)
Just found out my nephew's heading to Iraq in March. Will be praying for this young man as well.
But having spent a few years in the U.S. Naval Forces I feel that I can provide some general advice:
Keep your own counsel, be wary of the 10%er's (10 % are sh!tbirds and will drag you down). You will follow in the tracks and become "one of those people" who step out of the norm and become something more.
You also might find that you think most civilians can be, well, write me after you have been in a year and I will finish that thought.
Did I mention that they have really nice bases. Welcome to the brother and sisterhood of warriors, hero.
USMC 1976-1980
USN 1980-1996
Semper Fi!
Thank you for the decision to serve. Hooah.
Wish I could offer some advice, however my time in the USAF (GOOD CHOICE BY THE WAY) was from 1962 - 1970 and I would imagine things have changed considerably.
I started off as an Aircraft Mechanic; was stationed in Japan and Hawaii and then, as I spoke French, volunteered for Nam as an Intelligence Specialist and when I returned, cross-trained again into the Office of Special Investigations (OSI).
The only thing I can think of that is probably much the same, is that basic training and what I learned right away is that you DON'T want the DI/TI’s or whatever they are calling Instructors these days to learn or KNOW your name, which usually comes as a result of screwing up, because from then on, they have a tendency to make you live just a little miserable and always pick on those who they recognize.
Just do what is expected of you, what you are told to do, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, and you should be okay.
Everyone says the USAF basic is much easier than the other branches and it probably is, but it can still be challenging never the less and you will want to do as well as you can, regardless. The field you chose as I understand, is quite difficult and I can only wish you the best of luck.
If you have the right attitude, I have no doubt you will do well and speaking for myself and other Freepers, it is a pleasure and honor to welcome you to the ranks of those who are/have served their country.
Good luck, will say a prayer for your success and GOD BLESS!!!
I think you need to be a pilot first.
Very exciting news, you put me in a good mood just reading your post.
I am SO very sorry this has taken so long to reply. I had to get my screen name and password back for FR. I can only add that this wonderful young man is entering a field that less than 300 men perform worldwide. My son Derek, made this decision based on the fact that this group is the elite of the elite. They are now my family, and a very small family it is. To make this decision is one of extreme bravery, obligation to God and Country and to the protection of our way of life. I have been going back and forth to DC and other areas to speak. Again, I’m sorry I did not respond sooner. Please...email me privatly for my email and phone. I am now working on my project for the children of the fallen Spec Ops for 2009.
Deb
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