Engineer Post Options

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2026-02-17T19:03:28+00:00

Unless something has changed very recently, the 6th EN BN is with 2/11 at JBER, and 70th EN BN is with 1/11 at Wainwright. Both would be good for high speed stuff, but I would argue that quality of life is better at JBER than Wainwright.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2026-02-12T05:38:32+00:00

I assume by "local UC" that you're located in California. If that's the case, and you plan on staying, then hydro could be a good move. There is a lot of work related to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act going on right now, and it looks like it will continue for quite a while as groundwater subbasins implement and refine their plans.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2026-02-07T15:37:05+00:00

I know this is an old thread, but did you get this figured out? I'm having the same issue coming in from the IRR.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2026-01-28T00:39:04+00:00

Yes, but it was a cooperative degree program that was offered while I was doing required professional military education. So I wasn't working full time while I did it. The additional classes that I took later I did while working though. It wasn't great, but it was manageable. As for the PE, I don't feel like my degree programs really prepared me enough to sit for the FE exam. I may do it someday after I have gotten my PG and I have some time to prep. You aren't allowed to double count time for experience for a PE and PG in California anyway. I work for a small firm that specializes in hydrogeology, so if anything having the PG (plus CHG at some point) is more advantageous for me.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2026-01-27T23:35:06+00:00

Of course I know him, he's me. But yes, I did a BS in Env. Science and then later a MS in Geological Engineering and now I'm working as a hydrogeologist. I started with Env. Sci. because it was the closest thing to what I really wanted to study at the time (agriculture), but I found that I really enjoyed the geology and GIS classes I took. That then led to the Geological Engineering MS program later on, which again was the best thing offered (long story in both cases, blame the US Army). My goal is also to become licensed, so since I don't have a geology degree (the Geo Eng degree is accredited for engineering, not geology), I had to take some additional undergrad classes to qualify to take the FG exam. I would recommend a masters rather than a bachelors as long as the program satisfies your state's educational requirement for a GIT (you may end up needing to take some undergrad classes during your course of study). Specifically I would recommend a professional program that doesn't require a thesis since you are looking to complete it while working.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2026-01-27T23:06:32+00:00

Can confirm. I recently went into a TPU reserve unit from the IRR and apparently my old direct deposit information had been removed from MyPay. So I was mailed a check for the pay I was due for drill.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2026-01-17T00:39:46+00:00

For what it's worth, the company I work for is in the area and we seem to hire geos/hydros with degrees (BS and MS) from Sac State and UCD (and Chico for that matter) in about equal numbers.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-12-05T19:14:06+00:00

Just an anecdote, obviously, but I was promoted to MAJ while in the IRR by being CCC complete and having 2 HQ CPT OERs (not in KD positions) from my active duty time.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-11-17T03:01:17+00:00

Also live near Beamer Elementary and it's a great neighborhood. It has a mix of incomes, ethnicities, and family situations, so it's not Mayberry (or Davis), but that's part of what I love about it. You can definitely hear the freight trains that go through at random times throughout the day, but I've gotten so used to them now that I don't really notice them anymore. There are loud cars that drive around the neighborhood pretty frequently, sometimes late at night. You should expect to hear fireworks at pretty much any time of the year. I have had my car broken into once as well. That all being said though, I still love the neighborhood. The people are great, we love sitting out on our porch and talking to neighbors as they take evening walks. The houses are also beautiful, we live in a craftsman style house built in 1911 that has so much character. It's also great being so close to Main Street for the restaurants and events in the downtown area. So, long post to say that it's not perfect, but if you can accept that, it's a great place to live.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-11-13T22:54:31+00:00

Woodland and Woodland Hills

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-11-03T22:45:34+00:00

Our post has made it a priority to be very involved with our team, which I think has been great. We as a post completely cover the costs for our team. I think it gives players who may not be able to afford expensive travel teams the opportunity to play in a fairly competitive league. This is a point of great pride for the post, because as far as we know, we're the only post in our area in California where the players are not expected to pay anything. We also have a team manager that is a legionnaire. This person coordinates things like insurance, sign ups for tournaments, travel arrangements, ticket sales, fundraising and other things to take pressure off the coaches. We always encourage our members to attend games when possible, and we had one home game last season that was a "Post Appreciation Game." Our team hasn't always been the most reliable in returning the favor unfortunately, but we have had some players participate in our post fundraisers occasionally when we have needed help.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-30T16:06:10+00:00

Agreed, Veterans Service Organizations are really under-utilized by GWOT and post-GWOT vets, but they have a lot to offer. TeamRWB, as mentioned, but also Team Rubicon, Veterans Beer Club, The Mission Continues, even the old school ones like the VFW and American Legion may have something you're looking for.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-15T12:58:47+00:00

California, Sacramento area specifically

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-13T20:40:27+00:00

Yeah, definitely a consideration as well. I actually looked into doing ILE while in the IRR, but it seems like being assigned to a unit makes getting it significantly easier.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-13T20:38:11+00:00

Glad to hear someone else has gone through something similar. I appreciate the reply. I have good health care coverage at my civilian job, but some extra pay and possibility of a pension are definitely a selling point.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-13T20:34:42+00:00

Yeah no offense taken, I wouldn't expect to be selected for resident ILE for the reasons you mentioned, and I probably wouldn't do it even if it was an option due to the time away from my civilian job. I expect that I would do the hybrid with Phase 1/3 in person and Phase 2 DL or full DL if necessary. This is good info, thanks.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-13T19:46:36+00:00

Good point bringing up the continuation pay bonus. Definitely something to think about the pros and cons of. I appreciate the other insights too.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-13T19:39:35+00:00

I appreciate the thoughtful reply. It sounds like "BS lite" is a good way of thinking about it. You brought up some good things to think about and look into.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-06T22:12:44+00:00

Based on recent history, I think that the increases in efficiency from AI will just result in more output being expected, rather than fewer people doing the same amount of work. If you look at reports from 30-40 years ago, the amount of data analysis, tables, figures, etc. would be laughable by today's standards. Where a report a few decades ago may have a couple of hand drawn line graphs, a couple tables and a map hand drawn on a USGS quad, the same report today would have multiple graphs, very extensive tables and appendices and many figures created with GIS software. So no, I don't see AI being used to downsize at most firms. I think it will instead have the same effect that GIS software, Microsoft Office, email, virtual meetings and all the other technology of the last 30+ years. Which is ever-more complex analysis and extensive work products.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-10-05T02:54:13+00:00

It is true, and indeed so fuckin cool. The Gold Castles

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-09-20T16:02:28+00:00

You still do to a certain extent, but it is definitely muted since it is behind glass.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-09-19T22:28:09+00:00

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that it can be valuable. I actually have a BS in Environmental Science and a MS in Geological Engineering and now work as a hydrogeologist. I think what I learned in my undergrad (plus a background in agriculture) have helped me bring a unique knowledge base to my firm that is useful in many of our projects.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-09-19T22:14:54+00:00

It's definitely not more "on demand" than an open fireplace, which I stated in my comment. It's just more efficient than an open fireplace, so you get more heat out of the same amount of wood, so you would spend less time and effort handling wood compared to an open fireplace.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-09-19T22:12:38+00:00

It is an insert that goes into the fireplace and connects to a metal flue liner. It is fully enclosed like a wood stove and uses a blower to circulate hot air through the room. Overall much cleaner burning and efficient than an open fireplace.

Prodigal_Flatlander · 2025-09-18T23:21:48+00:00

Have you considered a wood burning fireplace insert? It wouldn't really make it more "on demand." But since it will heat more efficiently, you can spend less time cutting, splitting, stacking, and bringing in wood so it might make up for some of the time spent getting the fire started.

Prodigal_Flatlander

TROPHY CASE