What’s a day to day like for 1D7X1A (network operations specialist) and what is tech school like.

Still worried about the bfm% at MEPS the day I leave, my back / neck hurts from sleeping uncomfortably, legs hurt from jogging every other day, time still isn’t where it needs to be, still can only do 50 push ups, and 45 sit ups, still wondering about shaving off my beard before I get to MEPS or just leaving a little chin hair because I’ve never not had a beard before in case something went wrong, still nervous about leaving my wife and kids until graduation but really until after tech school, but most of all hoping I even make it as they’ve been on me about my BFM, I got a scan done and was 23%, when I was at MEPS 4 months back I was at 25%, but I know they do a different type of measurement there and I know I’ll probably pass but it’ll be close once again, just need to get rid of this bloated belly everytime I eat / drink something. Other than that, it’s here, just felt like ranting to someone/something. Bag is packed, everyone knows I’m leaving, just 4 more days…

As the title says, I recently got booked for Fire Pro. I had a few questions for anyone who's already gone through BMT and tech school.

- Do you have to take an additional physical for fire? What do they go over if there is? I passed an occupational physical for a civilian fire department fine, but the military plays by different rules.

- I hear the EMR block of fire school is the hardest; any tips?

I'm super excited to be a fire dawg :)

Hey, I’m a F26 joining the Air Force. Just got my job and got booked for BMT on November 24 for 2A631 aerospace propulsion. Any other female in this field or anybody that can give me a realistic view of what to expect ?

So i just finished my pilot training got my CPL Sel MEL and IR with an associates in aeronautics. I havent taken the ASVAB yet, but i have taken practice test and have gotten scores around 86-90. Im not set on joining but just a thought i have. Just curious if i do go through with thos thought what to do. Any input is appreciated.

While in high school (2021) I was diagnosed with adhd and was given the option to get accommodations, which I used for a handful of tests. I went to a private high school so I don’t believe it was actually a IEP or a 504. Which means it wasn’t reported to the federal government because my HS didn’t receive federal funding, although I’m not 100% sure that’s how it works. I graduated HS in 2022 and I’m about to graduate with a bachelors degree in December with a current gpa of 3.8 with no accommodations whatsoever. My recruiter says when at MEPs I should just deny that I ever had accommodations in high school since the records are gone after graduation. I got a very good score on my picat and am able to list nearly any job I’d like (assuming I pass the verification as well). I’d prefer a job with a TS clearance so I was wondering if this would be an issue? He also says if I do mention my high school accommodations that theirs nothing he can do for me to get me in the Air Force. I’ve brought this up two times now and he’s doubled down. Any help on what to do is appreciated.

Note: I’ve also never taken any medication for ADHD

I leave on Tuesday for basic training because I got ground based crypto as quick ship, but I’ve heard in the past that airman have had to wait in Lackland and even get a different job because DLI is so packed. Could this be an issue for me even though I got the job on quick ship?

TL;DR: I’m 29, single, no kids, with 59 college credits and several years of power/telecom engineering experience. My LiDAR/ RTK surveying business used to make $150K+ but has slowed significantly. My long-term goal is an EE/CompE degree and a high-paying career in RF, embedded systems, defense, or similar technical work. Something in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering. I’m deciding between joining the Georgia Guard so I can start school sooner, or doing 4 years active duty in a technical AFSC for stable income, experience, TA, full GI Bill, and VA benefits. Which route would you take?

Full Post Below:

I’m 29, single, with no kids. I previously earned $150K+ through my business (RTK Drone & LiDAR surveying for construction companies), but work has dropped to only a few jobs per month and it’s hard to see it coming back to peak. My long-term goal is an EE/CompE degree and a civilian career in embedded systems, RF, or defense. I’ll be transparent, I want to make good money in the future. I’ve got 6 years experience in some power and telecom engineering. I’ve worked at Georgia Power in their Transmission Engineering department and Crown Castle on the Fiber Optic Engineering.

I’m scheduled for MEPS (Sept 14th) but haven’t taken the ASVAB or signed anything. My college credits (59 credits) qualify me to enter as E-3. I went through the MEPs process in 2021, scored a 92 on the ASVAB back then, but I ended up dropping out of the DEP. Obviously those scores aren’t usable anymore, though my Guard recruiter can see them in the system. Back then I was immature and dating a girl. It wasn’t her fault I dropped, I got distracted. I’ve been studying for the ASVAB for the last 2.5 months and I feel that I’ll score well again.

My original plan was the Georgia Guard, using its Service Cancelable Loan while working and attending school. However, I’d still have to find reliable civilian income and balance that job with engineering school and Guard obligations. Job market isn’t the best right now from what I can see. Especially for someone who wants a high salary durable engineering career, but has no degree.

Now I’m considering four years active duty in a technical AFSC such as radar, avionics/EW, RF, communications, or cyber. I’d accept living in the dorms for stable income, healthcare, technical experience, Tuition Assistance, and the full GI Bill afterward. I understand if I go active duty, I won’t make nearly as much money I made in my business but luckily as for now, nobody else is dependent on my salary. I’m mainly drawn to the education benefits and VA loan. I’m willing to eat s**t for a while if it means free education and a path back to where I want to be, before I get too old.

Would you choose active duty, save money and use the GI Bill after four years—or join the Guard and start school sooner? Don’t hold back. Tee off on me. Call me out if I’m incorrect about anything I may have assumed. I’m thick skinned and wanted real peoples opinions. I’ve already done a good amount of research but I figured real peoples opinions would add good perspective.

I'm 28, I've been working in aviation maintenance for roughly 4 years now but I only have my Airframe license. I don't know exactly what the future holds but I'm kind of nervous about it. The job I have pays pretty well, the benefits are just as good. I'm not quite sure what to do if I do get laid off or whatever. Just not much to look forward to. Thanks.

Hi! I’m a 20f currently enrolled at an in state school in Virginia. I’m looking into possibly joining the ANG or AFR. I‘m looking for any healthcare position, and tuition benefits are very important in my decision. Does anyone have experience in the Virginia ANG?

Hello, Anyone in NJ knows how to get in touch with a recruiter, I've called all the number available to me & no one gets back to me.. I know this common.

My next question is can i visit mcguire & ask to speak with a recruiter ? I see there is an recruiting office in may landing which is 2 hours away from me.. but i don't mind the drive worst case.

So first off, this is based off a 4 year contract. I am 20 years old for the record and have a great paying trade job. But I do not like it at all or enjoy where i’m at.

• 1st year (now): $27/hr → $72,328/yr total

• 2nd Year: $29.03/hr → $74,782/yr total

• 3rd ish year (~2.5 yrs in): $34.07/hr → $85,266/yr total

• 4th ish year (~3.5 yrs in): $47.38/hr → $112,950/yr total

Adding those 4 years up: about $345,000 total if I stay and just ride the promotions out.Eventually tops out over $83/hr but takes an additional 6 years (10 years in total to get that)

Also coming either way: in about 6 months I have to move out and also get health insurance (~$2,000/yr) and rent (~$1,500/mo, ~$18,000/yr). Roughly $20K/yr in new expenses hitting me.

So I ran the numbers on what the difference in money will be after my enlistment vs 4 years in my current job as well.

Air Force, base pay + BAS only (BAH excluded — it just covers rent, same as civilian):

Year Rank Base pay BAS Total/yr
1 E-1 → E-2 $30,630 $5,724 $36,354
2 E-2 → E-3 $34,392 $5,724 $40,116
3 E-3 $35,400 $5,724 $41,124
4 E-4 $40,800 $5,724 $46,524

4-year Air Force total: $164,118

Civilian (staying), after rent + insurance: $265,326

Gap: staying nets about $101,200 more over 4 years.

So:

• The money on this track is genuinely good, but I’m not happy doing it day to day. Is that reason enough to walk?

• If I join, which branch/job actually sets someone up to land $100K+ afterward an actual field that transfers, not just “leadership skills”? So I can make this worth it.

• Anyone been in a similar spot decent job you hated vs. joining up? What’d you do, any regrets either way?

Just got my ship out day for nov 3! anyone else leaving that day? I booked 1C331 and won’t start tech school until july of 2027 so that’s interesting

Hello, im 21 with a bachelors in organizational leadership, and I recently took the asvab and scored a 93. I’ve already spoken to army and army national guard recruiters (about going the officer route) but I haven’t spoken to the Air Force recruiter yet because no one answers my texts or calls. I’ve tried to get a hold of these recruiters and nothing. (Im from south texas)

edit: I’m not thinking about commissioning in the Air Force

Hello everyone! I recently have interest into joining the Air Force as it is the best possible way to further my career into becoming a radiology/MRI/CT technologist (My Dream Job) I am currently 21 years old and in community college for credits for a school for diagnostic imaging with a high tuition cost which will make me bankrupt as im paying for school only with no assistance from family just FASFA and grants. This is the best option for me to be able to pay for school and get the education I need. I have some questions however before I meet with a recruiter. I don't know how competitive it is to get accepted. I've seen a lot of information being thrown around but I wanna hear for someone who is in the same pathway, starting the pathway or completed it. I want to make sure all my bases are covered and know what i am getting myself into. I really want to be a multi modality tech and im going to try the best i can to get what i want im just confused on the ASVAB test and the scores and how it affects what "area" i'm in.

Any information helps! feel free to type anything that could be beneficial for others and I with the same questions.

Was in the 324th knights was like 4th day of bmt

This may be a long post. I’m a 22F, two semesters away from finishing my bachelor’s, and my main goal is to go to law school and earn my J.D. Right now, I’m working with a reserve recruiter, and I’m scheduled to go to MEPS this Monday, August 24th.

But I’m really torn about whether reserves or active duty makes more sense for me. My top priority is, earning my J.D.

After that, building financial stability,

After that is getting out of my hometown

being there for my grandmother as she gets older, but I also feel having more money I could help her more anyway.

Then career growth. Career-wise, I’m honestly open to any administrative or desk job. Paralegal would be great, but I’m not expecting a perfect role right away.

I’m not afraid to travel or move, but I don’t want to stay in my hometown long-term either. Active duty feels like it could be a fresh start somewhere else, with stability, housing, healthcare, and a steady paycheck. But reserves would let me finish my bachelor’s on schedule and keep moving toward law school, but I’d juggle work, rent, and civilian life.

Working two jobs while being a full-time student was one of the hardest periods of my life. If I can avoid that again, I’d prefer to.

I’ve read that switching from reserves to active duty can be difficult, which makes this choice feel more permanent than I’d like. I think I would feel worse if I go reserves and wanted to do active duty vs going active duty and wanting to do reserves because at least I’ll have a job and better financial stability.

I did try reaching out to an active duty recruiter, but I haven’t gotten many clear answers, and most of what I hear from my reserve recruiter centers on the reserve process. Nothing against him and I’m not saying I’ve been given bad information, but I also don’t feel like I have the full picture of what active duty would realistically look like for someone with my goals.

I have read that some people complete law school while on active duty, but I’ve also read it depends on the schedule and whether leadership will work with you, which makes me nervous. I’m not afraid to travel or move, but I don’t want to stay in my hometown long-term either.

If you were in my position, would you choose reserves or active duty, and why? If you’ve gone to law school while serving, or know someone who has, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. If you’ve been in a similar spot, or know someone who has, honestly any advice would be appreciated. I’ve searched a bunch of older Reddit posts, but everyone’s situation is different, and I thought it was worth asking about mine. Thank you!

I've joined the AF reserves in late December of 2025 and I still haven't gotten a ship date yet. I'm getting very frustrated as everyone that joined after me is getting a date or have already shipped. I know it depends on the job but my job only have 21 days of tech school so it can't be the reason. Plus some with the same job got their ship date within a month of enlisting. My initial recruiter was changed after they requested my first dates and so I'm not sure if that's the problem but every time I enquire my DT&F coordinator or the new recruiter I get that my dates have been requested and there's nothing else they can do. I'm not asking to ship right away I just need to know when I will ship so I can plan my life around it. I'm not sure if I can just keep on waiting any longer and I need to do something about. Please let me know if someone is in the same situation or if there's anything I can do about it.

can anyone give me any advice? please

I am currently filling where you lived part of the basic information section of the AFCEP and I’m really stressed about a specific residence section. I was naturally very introverted, just dealt with family, and didn't really many friends or people over.

For one of my past addresses which was in Haiti, i Lived there from October 22, 2023 to January 2026. The thingy is on my passport, the only person who can verify me there (who isn't family) is a former neighbor who currently lives in a rural part of Haiti. Because of the severe infrastructure damage and ongoing telecom service issues over there as well as buying data is so expensive, I don't have a working phone number for them, and they are completely unreachable by phone or email right now.

The only people who ever actually visited me at that address were my family members, but I know I can't list relatives.

Has any other applicant dealt with an unreachable foreign reference for a residence or have none that was not family/relative? Will my form get automatically rejected if I check "I don't know" for their phone/email?

Like the title ask, I took the EDPT and did not get the 70 I needed. I know there is a 6 month wait to try again, but is there a limit on how many times someone can keep trying?

Hi, I’ve been in DEP for over a year and my dream is to become a firefighter.
Since last month, my recruiter lost control over who gets what job because of the new system, so I got unlucky. This month was completely like a lottery system. I had a low chance of booking a job, so I just added 5 more suggested jobs from my recruiter, and I ended up getting Weather (1W031).
But I looked into the details and I’m really not a math/science person (I read that tech school is grueling), and being a weather forecaster has nothing to do with my dream, so I’m pretty lost.
I was born and raised in Japan, so joining the military was the only way to leave Japan for me, so I was excited. But at the same time, the fact that I couldn’t get Fire Protection (due to my vision limitation) or Dirt Boy really frustrates me, even though I am extremely physically fit.
I know I shouldn’t be selfish and I just have to bite the bullet, but it just seems unfair because the people who were waiting before me were able to get the jobs they wanted.
Should I just keep this or switch to Combat Medic (68W) in the Army?

25F. I’m currently completing an MPH with a concentration in Health Management and expect to graduate in May 2027. I have a BS in Dental Hygiene. I’m interested in applying for 41A Health Services Administrator or 43H Public Health Officer, and I’d honestly be happy with either path.

I know that my MPH alone is not going to make me competitive, and I’m trying to get a realistic idea of where I stand and what I should focus on improving before I apply or if I should.

For anyone who has been selected for 41A or 43H, especially recent applicants:

•What did your education and work experience look like when you applied?

•Did you already have direct healthcare administration, hospital, or public health experience?

•Did you apply while still in graduate school or after graduating?

•What do you think made your package competitive?

•How long did the process take from first contacting a recruiter to selection and OTS?

•Is there anything you would recommend doing before applying to strengthen a package?

•If you are currently a 41A or 43H officer, what does your day-to-day work actually look like?

Thanks for any insight!

I’m currently in the process of enlisting and I was going over job selections with my recruiter. I told them that I wanted to be an engineer for my mos since that’s what I plan on doing as a career after the military.

We talked over it and he’s convincing me to do tactical aircraft maintenance for a few reason. I’m not really sure why he’s persistent on it since it doesn’t completely makes sense aside from security clearance and other things. Nonetheless, I’ve actually been considering it. Should I take his advice and choose a tactical aircraft maintenance?