I'm looking to join the ANG TACP unit here in Charlotte, NC at the beginning of next year. I havent received much info from the recruiter yet, but I just wanted to have some questions answered before I make a decision. Sorry if this is in the wrong section. Say I went and signed papers to enlist on January 15th, when would I be able to head to boot, then tech school? Whats the longest deployment for TACPs?
I'll just start with those for now. The timing isnt too important, but it would be nice to be able to tell my wife when I would be leaving, and that the mortgage will be paid. Also, I turn 28 next May, so I'm worried about hitting the age limit. I've wanted to be a PJ since I went to the Citadel in '00, but I just cant be away from the wife and house for 2 years in training. She's alright with 6 months at a time...
The recruiter really has the latest poop on the timeline. the sooner the better I would say to get in there and knock out BMT,etc. If its TACP your going and your wife has issues with 6 months at a time when TACP from what I just read are rolling out for year long deployments, there might be problems.
Originally posted by mkaskowicz: So back to the PJ thing, how long/often would a Reserve or ANG PJ unit deploy? ...
All the reserve component Pararescue Squadrons and STS (Air Guard + AF Reserve) are completely integrated into the Air Force/DOD/USSOCOM day-to-day operations. Doesn’t matter if it’s support of shuttle and other NASA requirements, response to natural disasters, SAR, or deploying to the combat areas of operations. IF you aren’t deployed or TDY to participate in operations there is good chance you will be TDY or in field doing training.
I'm not a ANG TACP, but I am an AD TACP with ties to the ANG and I slept in a HIX last night.
First, don't listen to anything out of AF Times or people who are not in the job.
Second, as a ANG member, you will have to volunteer to deploy unless your supported NG unit deploys. Also, you won't be going anywhere until you are trained, which will be a while.
Third, maybe the military isn't for you if you're not even in yet and are all ready balking at deployments and being gone.
Deploying is part of todays military regardless of what job or branch and if you are not willing to do that, Mc Donalds is always hiring.
I'm a SP down in FL, I've been debating on applying for a cross-train into TACP. I can meet all the physical demands however my biggest down fall is that I do not have depth perception. Can this issue be waived for TACP? I talked with a prior CCT and he told me that his depth perception was waived so I figured I'd ask. Thanks in advance!
I whole heartedly agree with MS275. If deploying is what you are worried about, both of the jobs you listed are not for you. You train yourself 365 days a year TO deploy. That way when you are deployed, you are as trained as you can be for the people whose lives depend on your skill set. Those two jobs have crucial dependents on them. The STS and TACP I am friends with live for the chance to employ their skill sets. When done correctly, lives are saved. It is not a job for them, it is what they are.
There are great jobs in the military that might be suited to you better. Plenty of ANG deploy when they want/need to. Lots of low demand/high density jobs to have. Not sure if you are looking to those two jobs for the name/ego, but this isn't a movie. It is real life.
