Hello, I am planning on enlisting in the Air Force Reserves and I have enough college credits to go in as E-2. The problem is I have not received all my transcripts yet, but my recruiter would like me to sign ASAP. They tell me that I can enlist in a bonus AFSC as E-3 and receive that pay rate from day 1 in BMT. I've read other places that I can show my transcripts at MEPS before I ship and still receive the E-2 rate. I am leaving a 50K/yr job because I really want to be an Airman, but I still have a mortgage and family to feed while I am away. Can someone please clarify this for me
Well I was able to enlist as an E-3 because I had over 45 credits. (I think thats the number anyone correct me if I am wrong) I am going active though I dont know if going reserve makes a differnce. Also when I was at MEPS they gave an option to enlist for 6 years and get E-3 as well. Once again I am not sure about reserves, I am joining active.
An extra rank is big money in the long run. When I went to tech I was one of the few who started from the bottom (e1), and it was noticeable. I am currently an e3 serving full time in a reserve unit (seasonal training) as flight line avionics.
I would take a look at the bonus afsc's and see if anything sparks interest. I would research whatever afsc they throw up, they are not always what they sound.
Also what kind of job are you looking for? I would suggest something NON flightline if you have a family. In reserves it may not be so bad, but the divorce rate for flightline personnel serving active duty is somewhere around 50%. Flightline is time consuming because your job isn't done until the aircraft are good to go. I work fighters (16's to be exact) and they are broke often. That may or may not be the case with heavies.
If your looking for a cake job where you can go home on time I would suggest something along the lines of personnel.
If your looking to pursue a career in law enforcement security forces provides a great start, but beware they have one of the most dangerous jobs in the usaf.
If you posted what jobs were available I'm sure you'd get more help.
MAKE SURE ANYTHING YOUR RECRUITER TELLS YOU IS IN YOUR CONTRACT. IF IT'S NOT THERE YOUR NOT GETTING IT. they clowned on me in tech school, they said my recruiter got my bonus... bastards.
My recruiter is leaving this duty to go to Arizona in two weeks, and my transcript will arrive no later then August 1, 2008. I want the job of 2A7X3 - AIRCRAFT STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE, but he said there was only one spot left. And I should act ASAP! I just don't want to screw myself unknowingly down the line, because even though small the pay difference will be noticed over the long run.
