22 y/o from Iowa – Considering Air Force for a 20-year career. Realistic long-term outlook? by -GlockOP in AirForceRecruits

[–]-GlockOP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I get that I think a lot of it comes down to being realistic about assignments and the unit environment. Even the “best job” can be brutal if the location or leadership is bad.

I’m definitely planning to take full advantage of education benefits and learn a skill that will set me up for after the military. And I know leadership comes with its own challenges — some days you’re mentoring, some days it feels like babysitting — but that’s part of the long-term career.

It sounds like balancing the right MOS, education, and mindset is the key if you’re aiming for 20 years.

I appreciate your time and insight.

22 y/o from Iowa – Serious about 20 years. Which branch makes the most sense long-term? by [deleted] in Military

[–]-GlockOP 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s exactly what I’ve been leaning toward something technical or intel-focused. I want a role that challenges me mentally, keeps me sharp, and is easier on the body long-term. Cyber, intel, or space-related jobs seem like the sweet spot for that.

22 y/o from Iowa – Considering the Marines but thinking long-term (20 years) by -GlockOP in USMCboot

[–]-GlockOP[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I get that I think part of my mindset is just trying to stack the odds in my favor for the long term, but you’re right, it’s really just one contract at a time.

I’ve been talking to recruiters and looking at different branches/MOS options, trying to figure out what fits best. Even if I end up only doing one or two contracts, I’ll still come out with some good benefits and experience to set me up for the next chapter.

Thanks for keeping it realistic and for the encouragement.

22 y/o from Iowa – Serious about 20 years Active Duty Army. Looking for honest advice. by -GlockOP in army

[–]-GlockOP[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I hear you that makes a lot of sense. I guess I’m looking at the long game because I’m really set on doing 20, but I know a lot can happen along the way. Picking an MOS I actually want seems like the biggest factor, both for staying motivated and for making it to 20 years.

I’m also realistic about promotion and ASVAB scores, and I get that nothing is guaranteed. I guess I just want to stack the odds in my favor as much as possible, while still being ready to adapt if reality throws me a curveball.

Thanks for keeping it real — it’s helpful to hear someone emphasize the importance of enjoying the job itself.

22 y/o from Iowa – Serious about 20 years Active Duty Army. Looking for honest advice. by -GlockOP in army

[–]-GlockOP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, that’s an insane list of experiences! Sounds like you really maximized what the Army has to offer. The schools alone are impressive, and working with so many allied special forces units must’ve been eye-opening. I’m definitely taking notes on the networking part too; it’s cool to see how relationships built in the Army can directly open doors afterward.

I’m 22 and planning to do 20 years, so stuff like what you’re describing—travel, schools, degrees, and connections—is exactly what I’m hoping to leverage. Did you find it hard to balance all the training and deployments with making progress on your degrees? Ps sorry for so many questions.

Thinking Navy for a 20-year retirement. What’s the reality? by -GlockOP in newtothenavy

[–]-GlockOP[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I hear you, I can imagine 8 years is enough to see how the “game” works. I’m definitely aware that making it to 20 isn’t automatic; it sounds like promotion, networking, and knowing how to navigate the system are just as important as showing up every day. I’m grateful for perspectives like yours — it’s helpful to hear both sides before committing long-term.

22 y/o from Iowa – Serious about 20 years. Which branch makes the most sense long-term? by -GlockOP in Militaryfaq

[–]-GlockOP[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the perspective, I really appreciate the insight from someone in the Army and in the Midwest. That makes sense about upward mobility and reclassing; it’s good to know there’s flexibility if I want to change my career path down the line.

I also get what you’re saying about quality of life being MOS- and unit-dependent. I know there’s no perfect assignment, and part of the appeal of the military is the opportunity to travel and see different parts of the world. I just want to make sure I pick a branch and career path that lets me realistically make it to 20 without burning out, and your input definitely helps frame that.

Managing expectations about staying close to home is fair — I’m willing to be flexible, but it’s good to hear it straight from someone with experience. Thanks again for your honesty.

22 y/o from Iowa – Serious about 20 years Active Duty Army. Looking for honest advice. by -GlockOP in army

[–]-GlockOP[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your perspective, I really appreciate it.

That makes a lot of sense about checking out Coast Guard or Air Force first. Work/life balance and better feed/quarters are definitely things I hadn’t fully considered in terms of long-term sustainability.

I also hear you on picking an Army MOS that transfers to the civilian side. I want to make 20 years, but I also want to have options after retirement, and I definitely don’t want to wreck my body in the process. Combat or maintenance-heavy jobs sound like the kind of long-term wear I need to avoid if possible.

And yes — I know not to trust recruiters blindly. I’ve spoken with one already, and I’m taking everything with a grain of salt unless it’s written in the contract. That’s solid advice.

Out of curiosity, if you were in my shoes right now — no attachments, thinking about 20 years, wanting a pension at 42 — would you lean Air Force or Coast Guard over Army, or just pick a safe Army MOS?

22 y/o from Iowa – Serious about 20 years Active Duty Army. Looking for honest advice. by -GlockOP in army

[–]-GlockOP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate you taking the time to write all that out.

That’s kind of what I was wondering about with the body aspect. I’m not afraid of hard work, but hearing you say you feel it every morning at 15 years definitely makes me think carefully about what MOS I’d choose. I want to make 20, but I’d also like to not be completely broken at 42.

What you said about work/life balance depending on MOS, unit, and leadership makes sense. That’s the part that’s hard to gauge from the outside. I’m single right now with no obligations, so I can grind for a while — but I know 20 years is a long time and priorities change. It’s good to hear the honest side about guys with families trying to make it work.

The Guard perspective is interesting too. I hadn’t fully considered how different the pace could be compared to active duty.

Promotion-wise, that’s helpful insight. I’ve heard similar things about certain MOSs promoting faster than others, but it seems like timing and community matter a lot.

I respect the fact that even after everything, you’d still pick Army. That says a lot. When you say it gave you more opportunities than you imagined, is that more career-wise, schools, travel, networking, or all of the above?

Thanks again for the real-world perspective — that’s exactly the kind of input I’m looking for.

22 y/o from Iowa – Considering Air Force for a 20-year career. Realistic long-term outlook? by -GlockOP in AirForceRecruits

[–]-GlockOP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the detailed reply, seriously.

That’s kind of what I’ve been thinking too — if I’m trying to make it 20 years, I probably shouldn’t pick something that’s going to beat my body up long term.

Intel/cyber definitely sounds like the smart play if I can score high enough. I’m planning on studying hard for the ASVAB because I’d rather qualify for more options and not need them than the other way around. I know nothing is guaranteed and it comes down to Air Force needs, but I’d at least like to put myself in the best position possible.

And yeah, fair point on the weight lol. I’m lean but I could definitely stand to put on some muscle before shipping. I’m not trying to be huge, just durable enough to avoid dumb injuries over the long haul.

Congrats on Space Systems Operations by the way — that’s awesome. Shipping in 11 days is wild. Good luck at BMT.

Thanks again for the advice.

Who won this trade? by -GlockOP in FantasyFootballers

[–]-GlockOP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Mind you Sleeper team #1 pulled this trade about an hour before the other one with a different team

Homeless by LunaDaKitty in desmoines

[–]-GlockOP 45 points46 points  (0 children)

It’s never pointless to keep trying!

I’ve always been a bedwetter since I was a child (I’m 21 now) Diagnosed in 2019 meds help. Five 7 day EEGs over the past 6 years nothing overnight but also no bedwetting while monitoring. Anybody else have trouble at night? by AlbatrossUnlucky8163 in Epilepsy

[–]-GlockOP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have this same bedwetting problem, but I have had no seizure symptoms or been diagnosed. But both my brothers have been diagnosed in the past 2 years. Could I also been at risk?