18x with Tattoos

[rdret1]

Originally Posted by Fatum Me Ducat

PS- A Long Tab tramp stamped across your lower back is a great way become friends with selection cadre. And, as such, become insta-selected.

PPS- Just kidding. Don't do that.

Depends on the sex of said tattooee.

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by rdret1

Depends on the sex of said tattooee.

don't go there. We don't need to get on that Wild ride, again.
I've heard there are great bars on Tattooee. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kJkhEcQ44k

[greenberetTFS]

Originally Posted by Dozer523

don't go there. We don't need to get on that Wild ride, again.
I've heard there are great bars on Tattooee. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kJkhEcQ44k

LMAO,don't know where you found it but it sure was funny........

Big Teddy

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by Disciple

That is a lot of good information condensed, thank you.

Admittedly, I have a lot to learn about both SF and the military.

I have read "Chosen Warrior" as well as "Get Selected" and feel as though I have a respectable understanding of what to expect as far as selection goes.

If I make it though that, I can promise that I will be a very eager student of everything that is to follow, and will do my best to not be a burden on those that are to teach me the realities of SF, yourselves included.

Thanks again for your advice.

You are welcome, Grasshopper.

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by greenberetTFS

LMAO,don't know where you found it but it sure was funny........

Big Teddy

I've got a grinder out in the blacksmith shop that could quickly solve all tattoo problems.

[greenberetTFS]

Originally Posted by wet dog

I've got a grinder out in the blacksmith shop that could quickly solve all tattoo problems.

Heh,heh,heh().......................

Big Teddy

[Disciple]

I am in need of some more advice, and although it does not directly relate to this, I figured starting a new thread for the topic might be frowned upon.

----

I have been having a tough time with recruiters:

The first of my recruiters outright lied to me, saying that he would "pick me up at 5:30am the following morning to take the ASVAB," which he definitely registered me for.
By 6:00am, I figured out that that the first part was not true. After a rather discouraging 2 hour ordeal of arguing my way onto my local MEPS, I found out that the second part was not true either.

I ended up scoring a 99 on the ASVAB, am routinely scoring a 250 on APFT before I can even get a medical exam , let alone a ship date, and have STILL been getting passed of from one apathetic recruiter to the next because (I was explicitly told) quotas have already been met.

Its really a shame. I'm sure its been said before, but it seems to me that selecting recruits based on when in the recruitment quota cycle they happen to wander into an office, rather than on what they genuinely have to offer the Army, will inevitably rot the organization from the inside out.

But perhaps people in my predicament appeal to your experience:

Do potential recruits have any options for encouraging recruiters to work with them? Or, at the very least, do we have ANY method whatsoever to have recruiters held accountable for outright lying to potential recruits?

I considered writing a letter explaining the situation to the recruitment station commander, and possibly the command sergeant major regarding the situation. Would that be in bad taste?

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by Disciple

I am in need of some more advice, and although it does not directly relate to this, I figured starting a new thread for the topic might be frowned upon.

----

I have been having a tough time with recruiters:

The first of my recruiters outright lied to me, saying that he would "pick me up at 5:30am the following morning to take the ASVAB," which he definitely registered me for.
By 6:00am, I figured out that that the first part was not true. After a rather discouraging 2 hour ordeal of arguing my way onto my local MEPS, I found out that the second part was not true either.

I ended up scoring a 99 on the ASVAB, am routinely scoring a 250 on APFT before I can even get a medical exam , let alone a ship date, and have STILL been getting passed of from one apathetic recruiter to the next because (I was explicitly told) quotas have already been met.

Its really a shame. I'm sure its been said before, but it seems to me that selecting recruits based on when in the recruitment quota cycle they happen to wander into an office, rather than on what they genuinely have to offer the Army, will inevitably rot the organization from the inside out.

But perhaps people in my predicament appeal to your experience:

Do potential recruits have any options for encouraging recruiters to work with them? Or, at the very least, do we have ANY method whatsoever to have recruiters held accountable for outright lying to potential recruits?

I considered writing a letter explaining the situation to the recruitment station commander, and possibly the command sergeant major regarding the situation. Would that be in bad taste?

Tell him if he doesn't get off his ass and do his job, you'll go to the Marines.

[Peregrino]

Disciple - Welcome to budget cuts and downsizing. If you want to serve, you'll have to put up with some obstacles. The Army is rumored to be losing 25,000+ slots. If the Recruiter Bn SGM is an OK guy, he'll give you the Marine recruiter's phone number. Then you'll find out that the Marines are losing 15,000 slots (a larger percentage of their overall numbers). Good luck.

[Surgicalcric]

Originally Posted by Dusty

...you'll go to the Marines.

Or you will go to the recruiting Company Commander then to the Marines.

[sinjefe]

Originally Posted by Disciple

,I ended up scoring a 99 on the ASVAB, am routinely scoring a 250 on APFT before I can even get a medical exam , let alone a ship date, and have STILL been getting passed of from one apathetic recruiter to the next because (I was explicitly told) quotas have already been met.

What happened to getting consistent 300s on your PT test? Hmmmmm.

[Disciple]

Originally Posted by sinjefe

What happened to getting consistent 300s on your PT test? Hmmmmm.

Technique corrections =/
What used to be a reasonable pushup and situp (good enough to please fellow fighters and trainers, at least) I now try to exaggerate in every detail of form, after a conversation with a friend who served in the Army.

Went something like "I was still doing pushups, but he wasn't counting any of them. Kept saying that my arm was not dropping past parallel, but I was too tired to do anything about it"

Needless to say my numbers dropped, my elbow joints hurt, and I stood humbled.

and as far as signing up for the Marines... well, they do what they do well, but there's still too much about the special forces mission that inspires me.

I guess I'll play the waiting game. No sense in making any hasty decisions.

[Keenan]

I'll say this - I contacted the USMC, USAF, USN and USA regarding enlisting. None were any good with contact save for the USA's recruiters. It's luck of the draw, I got lucky with a standup group that put answered my questions, showed me the regulations in AR 40-501 that barred me from airborne initial entry and showed me the contracts available on their AKO/Recruiter pages.

Don't be afraid to say no - I've said it to every branch's recruiters until I got something I was interested in. If nothing else find an MOS/Rating that interests you though and find honor in simply serving.

And I've read your qualms with serving as an 11B. I've got a college degree, scored a 97 ASVAB and scored a 300 on my pre BCT PFT - and I only considered a handful of MOS'... 11B was definitely up there. If you want a resume boost or the like go Navy Nuke, I've meet some retired SF soldiers here in Tampa and I can say this - they're quicker to tell jokes and crack a smile then they are to boast about their exploits nor tout their career achievements. I will say this though... the former Rangers at my job are quick to say "Rangers lead the way!" (Especially at the Tampa MEPS - one of the advisors was frequently heard yelling the same thing but ending with "god damnit!").

Learning a bit of soldiering won't kill you. If anything lighten up and enjoy the ride and the experiences you have. One force, one fight - everyone has a place and cream has a tendency to rise, so don't fret. If you don't have it it'll all become painfully obvious. The military has a tendency of exposing your weaknesses.

Regardless good luck with getting the contract and whatever route you decide to take; military or otherwise.

-Keenan

EDIT:
Quotas coincide with FY Quarters. Here are the dates so you can better time your visit to the recruiter:
* 1st Quarter: October 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010
* 2nd Quarter: January 1, 2011 - March 31, 2011
* 3rd Quarter: April 1, 2011 - June 30, 2011
* 4th Quarter: July 1, 2011 - September 30, 2011

[1stindoor]

Originally Posted by Keenan

I'll say this - ...

Nice post, and a good "add" with the quota dates.

Originally Posted by Disciple

Do potential recruits have any options for encouraging recruiters to work with them? Or, at the very least, do we have ANY method whatsoever to have recruiters held accountable for outright lying to potential recruits?

I considered writing a letter explaining the situation to the recruitment station commander, and possibly the command sergeant major regarding the situation. Would that be in bad taste?

As for your first question...a good positive attitude and a desire to work WITH the recruiter will help. However, the Army doesn't "owe" you a shot. In case you haven't noticed, we've been making our numbers pretty easily over the last couple of years, if you want a job that everyone else wants...be prepared to wait in line. If you want a job no one else wants you may find yourself coming in sooner.

Concerning your "letter" to the commander and CSM, let me know how that works out for you. I would expect your reply to look something like this:

Mr. Disciple,
Thank you for your time and energy in writing your letter. However, as SSG Snuffy and SFC Dufflebag have been making their quotas easily over the last twelve months I find it difficult to believe they would lie to you.

However, CPT Canteen and I will investigate this matter fully. Meanwhile please take this time to call the Air Force, Navy or Marines.

Respectfully,
CSM Obvious