I go tomorrow to see my recruiter and officially sign my contract. He asked me if I'd prefer a 4 or 6 year enlistment. I said 4 because I can always re-enlist if I want. He told me that if I were to sign on for 6, that I would automatically get E3 after 20 weeks or end of tech school, whichever is sooner. And that would, in-turn, allow me to reach E4 after only 2 1/2 years.
Is this true? When I originally decided to join, I had in mind a career in the Air Force (ie, at least 20 years), so I don't mind the 6 years. I was only going with the 4 year enlistment "just in case". Any advice?
Also, I am going in with a guaranteed job of Tactical Aircraft Maintenance. I asked if there was any way to get a guaranteed plane, but he said no. Is this true?
The part about being an E-3 is true. You wont put on the stripes until the time period you referenced. Not sure about the E-4 part. Im just a DEPr myself so I pretend to know nothing outside of my own experiences thus far (i am putting on E-3 day one due to having a degree). Do a search for Below the Zone. Its a program the Air Force has for making E-4 but I hear that it can be tough. Good Luck to you and I am sure others with more experience will chime in.
I did it for 6 + years but I'm old going in. Don't look at right now, but down the road. After 20 years you can sit back and look back at the years that go by so fast.
Thanks for the help everyone. I am thinking down the road, if what was said is true, it is obviously the best idea. I'm just looking to make sure its true. I trust my recruiter, he hasn't let me down yet, but I've heard stories and have always been told "make sure its in your contract."
I'll probably do the 6 years, since I plan on staying far beyond that anyway. Thanks for the input everyone.
yea i am gonna be a e-3 as soon as i shipout becuase of my college credits plus i did 6yrs i plan on going for th 20. from what my recuiter told me e-4 is earned in a yr or so after you start wareing the strips of a e-3 longer for those who start out as e-1 or e-2
i tell people to look at it this way, what will an extra 2 years hurt? you get more for signing 2 more years and unless you have a hot date after 4 your not really going to miss out on anything
As a 6 year enlistee these are a couple of the advantages I see to both options.
Advantages of 6 years: A1C sooner SrA sooner Bigger bonus, if you get one
Advantages of 4 years: More time in service points when testing for Staff Being able to cross train after 3 years Being able to get out after 4 years if you do't like the AF
In order to make Staff Sergeant you have to take a job knowledge test and a general Air Force knowledge test. The scores from these are added to points you earn based on your EPR score, certain medals, and your time in service and time in grade. Time in service is based on how long you've been in the Air Force, time in grade is based on how long you've been in your current rank.
Since it will take longer to get A1C and SrA with a 4 year enlistment, most likely you would test later than someone who signed for 6 years. this would mean you would have more time in the Air Force which means more time in service points.
I signed up for the six years. I think it is the best thing for me, since I really want to do this. I know I haven't even started yet, but I already feel a lot better about what I'm doing with my life. Thanks for the all help everyone.
Originally posted by BRSaye: Also, I am going in with a guaranteed job of Tactical Aircraft Maintenance. I asked if there was any way to get a guaranteed plane, but he said no. Is this true?
Your plane will be determined by your duty station so if you know what plane you want to work on, set your dream sheet accordingly. And, yes, I think you made the right decision to sign for 6 given your specific situation. It's not the right call for everyone & I know a people who reget it but if you want to make a career, no reason not to sign for 6 & make E-3 faster.
