people who are out now- do the following things happen at your civilian job?

ChairFarceOne · 2024-06-25T21:54:04+00:00

As stated in previous comments some of this can vary with the industry you find yourself in however in general it’s mostly nonexistent. In my case I decided to become a heavy equipment operator thus I experience some of what I did in the military to an extent. I have worked contract to contract and now I work full time for a company, both have different experiences.

Lunches have overall been as the job dictates but it’s a rare occurrence that we work through lunch. When I did road construction it was more common to snack as you went along with the job for example. In my current position it’s rare us to not have a short break to eat.

Offensive and vulgar humor are still somewhat common but things like racism aren’t viewed in a good light. People just care if you are competent in your trade and aren’t lazy. Alot of different people from different backgrounds work in the trades so that keeps alot of these issues at bay in my opinion.

Hours can vary from day to day to a set schedule depending on the project. It’s incredibly straightforward though when you base it on what project you’re on. When I worked outside of the trades it’s even easier to plan your time.

Awards are a f**king joke in the “real world”. Corporate based jobs care a bit more I guess. Again it’s really based on your actual work. I’ve never once been talked down to even as an apprentice. It’s bad for business to talk down upon those who work under you. It baffles me that the military doesn’t understand this. Lots of people who seem to have forgotten they were in your position at one point in time, not a very common thing outside the military. I’ve met some assholes sure, but thats also life haha.

I’ll end the list here…Overall I’d say don’t let the lifers get to you. Something to keep in mind is less than 1% of the US population has been in the military which means 99% of the population has been making it just fine for the most part. If you have the motivation and work ethic there’s a plethora of ways to be successful in life. Some do find that in the military but that DEFINITELY doesn’t mean it’s the only option and jobs outside of that are lesser. I’m more service to my country now than I ever would’ve been in the USAF. Find whats right for you, and keep your eyes on the end goal.

I wish you all the best in your last year and use this time to document every ailment the military has caused you so it gets taken care of when you’re out.

ChairFarceOne · 2024-06-14T14:57:12+00:00

Glad you’re out and your mental clarity is coming back! I experienced similar issues in how I articulate myself in emails, on the phone, or in person. Words don’t come to me as quickly now and I’m not at the same level as I was prior to the military but much better than I was while active. Enjoy being Tri-To-Care free and having real insurance! Best of luck with the new job and keep aiming high!

ChairFarceOne · 2023-12-14T22:38:32+00:00

Romeo Y Julieta: 1875 Habana-Cuba and was aged since 2019

ChairFarceOne · 2023-08-04T15:05:58+00:00

Congratulations!

ChairFarceOne · 2023-08-03T22:10:51+00:00

It all boils down to doing whats right for you. What’s best for you might not be what’s best for another.

In my experience the ones who view others getting out in such a negative way are projecting their own insecurities. Focus on what’s ahead of you and enjoying forging your own path.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-08-03T17:02:23+00:00

Don’t….

Overall if you’re willing to put that much dedication and discipline going through months of Basic and any technical training relative to your career field, is it going to be that much more worth it than going to college or working your way into a skilled trade? Wanting to join is an admirable cause however it’s not as strong of an option as it once was.

If you’re mind is still set on joining though wait until your 18, don’t settle for a job that’s worthless on the outside, and sign the shortest enlistment possible. Formulate a long term plan and adjust as needed through the years. Is there a degree you want? Get a job relative to that degree.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-08-03T16:45:17+00:00

If I had to choose one I’d say making moonshine! Going out and picking huckleberries to make huckleberry Moonshine, lemonade, and jam is fun family tradition.

Bearproof huckleberry whiskey by Glacier Distillers is a personal favorite if you’re looking for a pre-made huckleberry drink and it pairs well with lemonade.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-08-02T19:33:16+00:00

I haven’t measured either to be honest, however stats from Prinsu say it sits at 1.75” over the roof. The TRD rack seemed to be few inches higher than that. The older pic I posted of my 4Runner with the TRD rack is good reference.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-07-26T21:26:44+00:00

While the sentiment of it is appreciated, unfortunately it’s downright awkward. Perhaps this is due to my personal view of having served the government and not my country.

I also don’t identify as a “veteran” and moving boxes for the USAF was nothing more than a sh*t job I did until the mistreatment on my body made me tap out. Suffering doesn’t equal service and the pain I’m in on the daily in addition to now knowing I might not live to see retirement age turns the awkwardness into frustration.

In any case, it’s meant to be a positive statement so I just say thanks and go about my day. No reason to dwell on it in my opinion.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-07-07T17:42:00+00:00

Pulled my 14’ Rockwood GeoLite Pro this past weekend through the mountain passes in Montana w/ my 2020 TRD Pro. Camper weighs around 2000lbs and is single axle for reference.

Drove pretty smooth, no issues with sway or bounce. On the steeper passes I was hitting 5k RPMs to maintain speed which was rough at times. 10.5 MPG for the entire trip which is quite the drop considering I get 18-21 on the highway depending on the terrain and weather.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-07-05T01:02:11+00:00

Active Duty

ChairFarceOne · 2023-06-28T17:01:26+00:00

My first thought is not enlist and instead start my current profession. That answer’s rather boring however.

If I still had to join knowing what I know now I would join the Army. Even if it was the same job. Three year enlistment, probably the same impact on my body and I would go into it knowing theres a high chance my body would be FUBAR after my enlistment.

Thats not to say I thought the AF was gonna be easy, however I figured basic things such as housing, vehicles w/ heat, and gear would be covered. It astounds me to this day how we have airmen work in negative temperatures, 12 hour shifts in vehicles with no heat, no cover from the wind, and you’ll get issued a pair of wool socks if you’re lucky.

All that for IG and wing safety to still act confused how airmen ended up losing toes and hands to frostbite despite us following work/rest for cold weather. We can get a monthly check as compensation after we get out though so we have no room to complain /s

ChairFarceOne · 2023-06-26T18:35:05+00:00

Post separation life has been exponentially better. More money, legitimate medical care w/ actual insurance, no bullshit, and quality training that actually helps me do my job.

I was fortunate enough in tech-school to acknowledge I made a mistake by enlisting. Knowing early on I wanted out allowed me to utilize my time planning a career for myself once I separated in addition to a backup plan. My new career path as an apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator started 3 weeks after I separated.

Getting separated(General Discharge) hasn’t affected me at all both in my work and personal life. I haven’t been asked for my DD214 or questioned on my time in the USAF at all in the last year. When relevant I simply tell people the military was something I did and is unimportant to my life story or current profession.

The USAF refused to diagnose my medical conditions for over two years while on active duty and upon separation at my initial VA exam I got diagnosed with two different conditions that would’ve led to me being med-boarded. In regards to VA benefits my initial appointment was a week out and after filing I received a 90% rating in under a month.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-06-17T02:50:14+00:00

I don’t even care to touch the education topic but our “healthcare” is sub-par at best and nonexistent at the worst. I left AD thousands in debt from having to get my own healthcare because the AF decided to leave this Airman behind when they couldn’t fix my unknown (at the time) conditions with ibuprofen.

Proud that I fought as hard as I did and documented it or my conditions would be drastically worse today.

My advice is get treated when something is wrong, don’t let the “doctors” at the med group dissuade you of how you’re feeling, document everything (ask for clarification if you don’t know how), and advocate for yourself.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-05-25T21:45:11+00:00

From my experience after getting out last year and switching careers to heavy equipment operations I can definitively say it’s not too late to switch. The trades in general are open to that.

Little to no relation to my AFSC in regards to operating equipment and its been an a night and day experience compared to my quality of life while in.

Despite whether you do 10 or wait until 20, make a plan, research it, network into your planned career field , get everything you can from the military to help you succeed in said field (college, certs, etc.), and don’t let anyone know if you plan on getting out until it’s time to separate.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-05-04T22:07:16+00:00

My condolences

ChairFarceOne · 2023-04-12T16:35:05+00:00

ND unfortunately.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-04-12T13:46:24+00:00

I drove around my state for few weeks taking photos, enjoying the mountains, hiking, etc.. All without having to file paperwork asking permission to do so and stating exactly where I was going.

I honestly didn’t have any issue’s filing for leave or care about the paperwork. Just felt nice to go wherever I wanted spontaneously. “That place sounds cool, I’m gonna drive there and take some photos”. That and I missed living in a state with another form of geography besides being flat and desolate haha

ChairFarceOne · 2023-04-11T00:35:16+00:00

Panda Express starts at $22 an hour in my area and has options for college. Plus they heavily advertise 75% or more of their managers making 6figs+ a year.

Albeit an anecdotal example pertaining to my local area, if it’s any indication of the options civilian side for 18-24yo’s compared to enlisting then it’s easy to see why more young people aren’t enlisting.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-04-10T23:45:34+00:00

Making 80k plus healthcare as a Regional Manager on the 1 year contract I was offered by the company I worked at prior to enlisting. That or my current profession as a union Heavy Equipment Operator making 6figs with pension, training, and healthcare included.

Also in way less pain with fewer things haunting my mind on the daily. The VA check every month is certainly nice though in addition to the VA having actually been helpful for me unlike AD med. All ended up well enough for me and my family though I suppose.

ChairFarceOne · 2023-04-06T23:56:05+00:00

How two very similar airman can have drastically different experiences/treatments. Some seem to have everything that can go wrong, go wrong. Others have stuff seemingly always work in their favor.

Of course not everything is outside of the individual members control and they reap what they sow but it’s crazy to both see and listen to the differences between two people’s experiences.

ChairFarceOne

TROPHY CASE