ASVAB?!

Potato-VS- · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 5:33 pm Post subject:

Why? Simple so simple I can fit it into several points:

1. theres no way in hell Im joining the underfunded, under trained, under paid organization that is the canadian army
2. Id much rather serve with the american army - american ideals I can relate to
3. its way better than any other army on the planet in my view - better trained, funded, and probably better manned (yes china has the biggest army but are they as well trained as the american army? I dont think so).
4. Because I can - all I need is a green card for the army, navy, or air force. SO requires citizenship.

<TVB>Potato-VS-

Paddyjack · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 6:23 pm Post subject:

Violent Pacifist · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 6:33 pm Post subject:

Potato-VS- · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 6:49 pm Post subject:

Pornstar · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 6:53 pm Post subject:

I would PM Az, he is full of knowledge on this stuff. But like you I will be joining up soon. So this is what I know. The Enlistment ASVAB is longer than the Student ASVAB that you take in High School, but is pretty much the same thing. If you think you are rusty on math and science then you can buy a prep-test book for the ASVAB. I purchase the Arco Prep-Test Book 18th Edition. It has the most practise test and some online junk. The test covers basic Middle School and High School stuff, but for guys like me who have been out of school for 6 years, I need the tune up. When you join up you can do the Delay Entry Program up to one year from you sign up date. The recruiter takes this time to get you in shape and fill your head with all the knowledge you will be required to know by the end of Boot Camp. So first off I would by the prep-test book if you feel you need it then run through it. Then go talk to a recruiter and take the test. you do not have to sign up right away, but if your score high, well then the guys are right the recruiter will not leave you alone.

The ASVAB is for all branches of the US Armed Forces. I hope you are aware that the Canadian Special Forces are considered quite good and are well funded. But I understand the upsides of being in the US military. More oppurtunities for advancement and learning. Plus college tuition assistance, best funded(not in pay, but in gear, in training and medical) and also highly respected. So good luck.

http://www.usmchq.com/
http://www.usmc.mil/

Potato-VS- · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 7:38 pm Post subject:

Yep. Thanks PS. Ive already PMed Az btw

and your right he is very helpful. I might try to head down to new york during a long weekend some time and find a recruiter down there, talk to them and ask questions and such + getting that great book. Its too bad that there isnt a free online demo test that you could take

- that would be way better. I dont know if US highschool's programs and education is the same as canadian though... If it is then I could probably join no problem - since I am going to join soon after I graduate from highschool. If not then I may brush up on some US stuff like your going to do.

<TVB>Potato-VS-

Pornstar · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 7:53 pm Post subject:

Potato-VS- · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 8:04 pm Post subject:

Yea you guys are putting your collective middle figer up on that point

. I knwo - I could probably figure out some kind of conversion though

.

<TVB>Potato-VS-

ROOFCUTTER · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 8:18 pm Post subject:

Azrael · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2003 8:36 pm Post subject:

Comput3r · Registered User Joined: 21 Jul 2003 Posts: 17

Ok, I never post here anymore. But some... maybe even most of you will remember me. (Computer or Dragoon) I very recently enlisted in the Army. Left in April for Basic training. If you enjoy personal freedom, free time or your family, then don't bother with the Army.

Let me tell you some things your recruiter won't.

First of all you will not be going home after Basic, period. You will be shipped immediatly to AIT (advanced individual training) I chose the 74B course which is Information Systems and Systems Analyst... sounds pretty high speed right? Har, well in these classes they run you through the information about 1000 miles an hour and really don't expect that yo learn any of it, and yes I've spoken with other friends in other jobs and their classes are pretty much the same way (unless your going infantry). The instructors will tell you straight out that there is no way you will learn the information and that you will do most of your training on the job, which if your not good at your job you will be stuck doing things such as... mowing grass, taking out trash, gaurding stuff anything to keep you busy.

Also keep in mind that they are going to tell you the vast amount of time you will spend, mopping, sweeping, cleaing in general, mowing grass, raking leaves, you will be doing these things because the Drill Sgt told you to and you are a worthless private and your significantly less important than the uniform that you wear.

Oh yea and your recruiter will also not tell you about reception, a little place that you will be stuck at when you first arrive at basic training and your not allowed to do anything there, no radio, tv, newspaper, magaizine, books. Sometimes they let you sleep but most the time your standing around in formation waiting to eat.

If I seem disgruntled it is because I am. I got to my AIT in July and have yet to get out of this course (which was only supposed to last 16 weeks) but I get here, get misdiagnosed by a worthless Army doctor and get sent on leave because of this supposed contagious eye infection that I have. Well me wanting to be well informed went and visited two other opthamologists (one being a friend of the family) and both diagnosed me with a different condition that is A: not contagious B: cured within 4 days, as opposed to the 3 weeks the Army doctor gave me. So because I was gone for so long I was kicked out of my class, and forced to wait for the Army to put me back in, which is going on over two months now... so I guess your wondering what I do in the time that I am waiting to get back into class? I cut grass, wax floors, sweep, buff floors, strip floors, mow grass, cut grass, wax floors... you probably get the picture.

Yes I'm told it gets much better once you get out of training (Basic and AIT) but from what I've seen so far this is the most backwards run organization that I've ever been apart of. Given I will probably recieve some great training (hopefully if I ever get out of here). But keep these things in mind. You will NOT get to pick where you want to go. And you will miss your family no matter if you think you will or not. You will gain much discipline that will be instilled through fear of the Drill Sgts, and if you get a good one you may even have respect for him/her. Gaming will come to a complete halt, free time will vanish and be replaced by inspections and time wasting formations.

Want my advice, join the Air Force, many more high tech jobs, they treat there recruits better, and live a much more comfortable life than we do.

As for the ASVAB I got a 99 on it, it's pretty much word problems for the math sections, dealing with simple algebra at its hardest and the english section is mostly defining terms with a small reading comprehension section that resembles the SAT written on a sixth grade reading level (maybe lower). As for special forces, that is an extremely hard road to travel, which no requires having a degree, Airbourne training, Air assault training and a one year program of little sleep and even less food. You will learn another language and be put through SEERS school which trains you to be a hostage, there they will beet you torture you and make life the closest to hell that they can.

Do what you want to do, but talk to people that are there now, and for gods sake don't listen to your recruiter

(Sorry if this offended anyone, but hey I volunteered so I think I am also entitled to volunteer my opinion..... If that's ok with Uncle Sam that is)
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Pornstar · Posted: Thu Oct 02, 2003 9:22 am Post subject:

Hey Computer I have heard from a few people that have had problems like yours, but I also have heard the opposite. I don't know if it has to do with the branch you go into or just the sheer size of the military(especially the Army) that a few soldiers will get screwed or misplaced. I also think some of it has to do with your expectations going into it. And you are right talking to peeps that are currently in or were recently in helps you navigate the process a lot better. The recruiter is going to try to get you in the most needed areas, which also means some of the worst jobs since nobody wants them, hence why they need personal in those areas badly.

And sorry Roof I didn't relize the military used the metric system. I guess I better get up to snuff on that. The 24 hour time period is not a problem, I already do that at my current job.