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*cough* I'm not dead.

So... its been a long time since I wrote a post. Please forgive.

Here is the basic idea of what is going on in my life:

1) I'm attempting to join the National Guard with the College First option. This makes me non-deployable for Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation enduring freedom. Note: I can still be deployed for US things like hurricanes and big bear butts stuck in honey trees.

2) After I become a sophomore I am going to contract with ROTC. This makes me non-deployable under any circumstances at all and gives me even more money for college.

3) The end goal is a commission in the Army. Active duty.

I have talked to a lot of people in the last few days about this. Not just the recruiter. Although everyone who knows him has highly recommended him.

I have to say the paperwork they make you fill out is freakin insane. I spent 3 hours last night filling everything out. I found out I have moved 8 times since 1998. 3 different states. I also found out that my social life sucked. I don't have any references for half the places I lived and had to scramble to find people who knew me there.

Right now I'm having to hunt down Orclette's birth certificate and my own medical records. After that I -believe- all I have left is the physical. On a good point in searching for her birth cert I found my passport! Yay.

Why National Guard? ~$600 a month for college when taking classes, all but 200$ of my tuition paid for, and 4 years added to my time in service once I commission.

Why commission? I've always liked the military. I moved down here and found myself scrambling to pay for college(no jobs... financial aid was being really slow). So on a whim I looked up the pay scale for officers. And was surprised to find that it was equal to my previous job with more room for promotion. I laughingly mentioned this to Wulfa and she asked if I was considering it. Which I hadn't been up to that point. So I sat down and thought about it for about a week. Then I went to the Major's office on campus and asked him if he could explain the options the Army offered for paying for school via them. And I couldn't find any cons. Well except having to get in shape(I have never in my life even run a mile.... push ups are this rare maneuver cats do while stretching and sit ups are what you do in the morning when you roll outa bed). But that's not really a con :P.

Oh and Wulfa was surprisingly happy with the idea.

So we decided to try and pursue this. I talked with another recruiter. And then with the civilian secretary for ROTC. And then with a Lt at ROTC. And then with a guy I know in the Guard. And then back to the 2nd recruiter. A few misconceptions were cleared up but all in all the answers I were getting matched and were all shiny.

Oh... I forgot to say why Army. No Navy or Marine ROTC at NMSU :(. And Air force has fewer incentives and don't work as nicely with the National Guard. Oh and AF has the ugliest uniforms of the Services. And seeing how the Uniform and how I look in it matters to someone short and pretty........(I kid, my major determining factor was the money for school). [yes I know their housing is better and they have free candy on Tuesdays and they get a new BMW every week...]

So that's what I'm doing and why. At least if I can get my records to them in time for them to stop freaking about a missing toenail :P.

This is why I've been not playing as well. I've been running around back and forth and taking stupidly long tests(ASVAB)[crazy test lady turned the temp down to 65 degrees. I was already cold before she did so...then I spent 3 hours getting colder and colder].

Working out though has been nice. Push ups are easier(still such a crazy small number that I'm embarrassed). Running is still crazy sucky(and no I haven't run a mile yet... I'm still walk run walk running....and taking way to long to travel the distance required).

Comments

Unknown said…
Honestly I half-wish I could go through basic training, just for the physical benefits. I need someone to whoop me into shape (I can't even say *back* into shape since I really haven't been since like grade school, and that doesn't count).

Seriously, though, I know pretty much nothing about the military, but it's good to see you focused on something. Seems like it could be a very good move for you and the family.
Anonymous said…
I was looking at strength training programs a few months ago and ran across this one. Maybe I'll eventually get around to it myself!

Good luck with the pushups.
http://hundredpushups.com
Dawn Janis said…
Kerry that's great. The military takes pretty good care of their families.
Anonymous said…
Hehe,
You are about to embark on "the great adventure" of your life. Too bad you don't like our sucky uniforms because we definitely have the best golf courses. And one thing if you think its a lot of paperwork getting in, it ain't nothing compared to what you have to do to get out lol.

There are many, many benefits while in such the education ones you stated, medical, aafes, and the TSP, etc.

Want to be "ARMY STRONG" hehe
http://www.crossfit.com/ will do it for you.

Maj Nighthawque (USAF since 1995)

p.s. talk to me in game for a AF perspective (we also have a Top Gun "Maverick" from the Navy in the guild as well)
Anonymous said…
Good luck! I know all about that whole full time work/school thing and then the bahbies! Augh loosing my mind... At least finals are this week then get a short break. Anyways enough ranting.. Good Luck!

~Byrd

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