airforcecapt

Hello Dee Tonia, Truth be told, it was pretty easy... especially if you had any sort of military background. absolutely nothing for anyone to be worried about. The course work was Army 101, which anyone with a college degree should have no problem with. Like any military training the cadre will walk you through everything if you are having any trouble. Show up being able to pass the PT test and you will have made things easier on yourself. If you have an overseas assignment just know that you may be in jeopardy of losing it if you can't pass the PT test. For those in our class who did not pass the PT test the second time around their assignments were changed (those with overseas assignments... Germany, Korea, Hawaii, Alaska). We had a great time, learned some interesting stuff and met some outstanding people. OBLC is nothing to be worried about. Just show up ready to learn and with a good attitude (no matter what your experience).

Everyone that I have known as a nurse stays behind the gate and do not go into combat...in the Air Force; however, I did training with the Army for 5 wks and learned combat training, I was supposed to be deployed to a prison facility as a health care provider in Iraq. Plus, everything changes in the military quickly, today we are not exposed but tomorrow is a new day. For ppl I have known to deploy do occasionally get mortars. Hope this answers your question.

Runninmom, Forwaters and I have been married for over 14 yrs, met as civilians and have two kids, 14 & 11. Hopefully, we won't ever live too far apart from each other and the kids aren't babies anymore...good luck with the multiple family, moving and kids is a nightmare just with the two of you, but add an ex...ouch!!

Just wondering who is going in Jan to OBLC, the previous thread is a little long, but informational.

I've been in the Air Force for 4 yrs and am now transferring to the Army (not because of not liking the AF). It has been a great 4 yrs. I can only comment on the AF and not the Navy so: 1. Depending on the bonus requirements you can join from 3-6 years (it changes frequently) and after your commitment it's up to you. You can resign your commission at any time, unless you accept any school training or other commitments. Also, make sure you apply early in the fiscal year, usually in Oct or Sept, new fiscal year start in Oct, because they have been known to run out of bonus incentives. 2. Deployments for the AF has gone from 4 mo to 6 mo. We are doing more deployments with the Army, those can be 8 mo. 3. Unless you are with the Army, and even then, most nurses in the Air Force are not exposed to the combat. 4. The AF requires a PT test once a year. When you go to Commissioned Officer Training at the beginning, it is only for 4 weeks and it is not hard. So, no, the physical fitness is not difficult, but important that you stay in shape and pass. 5. As to advantages and disadvantages, it's a great place to be once you learn military life. I have no complaints, but just like any job you have drama. It's what you make it. 6. The AF, as well as, all the DOD discourage sexual harassment and you do training every year. They have a zero tolerance policy. Being a female is not bad in the military and as a nurse you are around more females then males. When you are not deployed it is pretty much like working for a civilian hospital or clinic. Good luck on your decision!

LOL....I forgot I have to redo all my computer training, transfering from AF to Army. I should have it memorized by now . Thank you for the site, it will lessen our requirements when we get there and start runnin' around.

For awhile, we were not allowed to fly in uniform due to safety reasons, OPSEC. So, I would call your recruiter and see what he/she says. However, show them your orders and they will sometimes not charge you. Also, you can bill the military later. Often if the airlines know you are military, you have priority to go on the plane first. The other I don't have an answer. I went to training with the Army last Jan at Ft Dix and we had the army wool blankets...I went to the PX and bought a blanket and sheets. Good luck!!!!

Very well said!!!!!!!!!

I'm going in January!!!!! My love...I'll meet up with you......Good times!!!!

Good Luck!!! And have some fun!!!

Scout, I do believe you do miss the point...ppl are not taking physical fitness lightly...they are worried they will not do well and will fail. Their question was how they would improve themselves without causing harm. No one here is old, but to start running or exercising after a lifetime of sedetary life or small amount of exercise then it is difficult to begin, at any age. I do have 60 year olds on base who run very well, they have had years of continuous conditioning. No one got upset until they were accused of not working hard enough. So, I guess everyones perception is different. I never got the perception that anyone lessened their PT requirements. Just allow others to train the right way, they will get there. It's too bad this thread has gotten this far...the beginning was actually, who is going to OBLC in January.

Now this is the second reference to what an officer means...well, I am an officer and do I get 100 % at age 39, no. Am I out there with my enlisted everyday running with them and joining them at PT yes. Do they see me quit and whine, no. That is what they see and respect, trying your best...even when it means they are running past you. Do we joke about it, yes. My enlisted come into my office everyday for advice...professionally and personally. So, they know I am not a great fitness person, I do pass, they are ok with that, they know I stand behind them no matter what, and I would never abandon them. Now for airborne school, air assault...most likely we wouldn't get picked up on because of age, however, if you are gung ho...go for it. Personally, my goal is being a great nurse to the soldier's that need us, as well as a great officer in any role the military sets before me. Remember...grow where you are planted and you will do well.

I went to C4 training at Camp Bullis...the plastic bags are to protect your gear from the wet and organize things. Be prepared for no showers, so bring wipes. Also, take cards or a game everyone plays, the tents are co-ed and there are lots of you, also a book or anything for entertainment. (If its the same as C4) Another pair of boots is good, especially if its raining out. Also, waterproof them. Good luck...:)

GetNPhD, It can be very intense at the beginning, especially not being prior. I cried to my husband when I was at COT (air force officer training), and that was only 4 wks and now I can say it was easy. Now I can laugh about it...but I know I will be crying again when I go to OBLC in January. Air Force and Army are two different beasts. Anyway, most training gets easier as you go on...the philosophy being...break you down then build you up. And you will meet others who will not abandon you for a guy. I wish you luck, you are a trooper or should I say soldier...

NSM is basically a 3 wk class at Sheppard for Capt-Maj to teach management skills. It's a great class and something to try for when you get in...you can go when you are a 1st Lt...especially if you are an OIC (officer in charge). The AF has lots to offer...

I agree, if someone is happier then they work longer, however, I wish I can say that about the nurse corp in the Air Force. Now don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the time I've been in the Air Force and do not regret being here. I am transferring to the Army due to the Air Force "cutting off it's nose to spite its face", see the strings from forwaters, he's my husband. If my husband chose to go into the Air Force, I would complete my 20 years and be very content. Anyway, the problem with the the 7- 8 yr Capt to Maj is due to the fact that the nurse corp receives its slots after the line side recieves theirs. Our budget is from the line side and our rate of promotion is also based on that also. I recently went to NSM and learned that the Air Force is short over 400 nurses and retention has been the lowest in Air Force history. They can't keep their nurses right now. The bright side though, the Air Force now realizes this, so they are offering bonuses for certifications, retention and getting into the Air Force. They are also opening slots for more Majors, so the wait time should lessen. (We just had a Major board, however, the two previous boards were cancelled).

Thanks, I don't know...right now I'm a general nurse. I was thinking critical care...but in the army they deploy a great deal. I hope to get my masters in public health...I love dealing with infections...

Otherwise, the Air Force is a great place to be...I would not change if the circumstances were different.

I am going into the Army is because of the difficulty of getting my husband into the Airforce. They have one board for new nurses, and then they just ran out of the incentive...since we have already waited a year and now have to wait longer for maybe the possibility just seems wasteful. The training i've had is C4 training and also a five week Combat Training at Ft Dix, NJ....when I was going to be deployed with the Army. Things are changing in the Airforce...we are now being trained as ILO (in lieu of) for the Army and I was going to be gone for 8 mos, not your standard 4. So since we are already being tasked in this direction the Army doesn't seem all that different...

Hello everyone, Has anyone gone from blue to green and can anyone give any information on army lifestyle? Any training I have done with the Airforce has been Army training, so I have some exposure. Just starting the process and getting kind of nervous. Thank you in advance