113 jumps for me. I always managed to reach planet earth, never missed a single time. It is just how fast and what part of planet Earth when you land.
Jumped into Panama, at night, in the rain, with a low cloud cover. Zero light on the ground, zero light above, like jumping into black paint from a can of black paint.
In addition to the jump units already listed, there is Special Forces, and 75th Ranger BN's. I was in the 75th.
...bad ass picture!...do you still have that GI watch your wearing in it?...they are very collectible today
Hell Yeah OP...keep your center of gravity low and kick some ass!...Thank you for Service...drop me a PM I’d your ever in San Diego and I’ll treat you to lunch
Been there, done that. Have the VA disability card as a souvenir. Be safe and enjoy while you can.
I went in so broke, straight out of high school, I didn't even have enough to avail myself of some of the "almost" free traveling that I could have done. Do it, if you can.
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Think long and hard about Airborne - I work with too many 30 year olds who can't walk right anymore due to knee and hip issues. Not how you want to spend the majority of your life.
If you do go Airborne - JBER in Alaska provides some of the best views during a jump the Army can offer (4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division). Fort Wainwright has the 1/25 Stryker Brigade (why walk when you can ride...) and a massive aviation presence (Apache, Blackhawk, and Chinooks) along with Gray Eagles.
@3stars said:
Think long and hard about Airborne - I work with too many 30 year olds who can't walk right anymore due to knee and hip issues. Not how you want to spend the majority of your life.
And all are "non-service related injuries" according to VA
113 jumps for me. I always managed to reach planet earth, never missed a single time. It is just how fast and what part of planet Earth when you land.
Jumped into Panama, at night, in the rain, with a low cloud cover. Zero light on the ground, zero light above, like jumping into black paint from a can of black paint.
In addition to the jump units already listed, there is Special Forces, and 75th Ranger BN's. I was in the 75th.
...bad ass picture!...do you still have that GI watch your wearing in it?...they are very collectible today
The old E-7 in me want to know who left an unattended weapon in the Jeep ???
Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211
Get a bank (checking and savings) account with USAA (and/or NFCU if you are near a Navy base). They understand.
Sign up for the TSP, even if it's just a little bit. Combat pay can bump up your contributions. Have a little tucked away even at the beginning, time is on your side. Either pick a target date fund, or split it between C, S, I, and maybe the G funds. You are young, the G fund isn't necessary until later in life. Some day become financially literate and you will be glad you did the TSP.
Be proactive, be motivated, be a hard charger, anticipate, don't wait to be told to do things.
That said, don't be a suck up and don't throw anyone under the bus.
You do NOT NEED TO BUY A CAR. And, if you do, the places near base (especially with the helpful sales staff that will come pick you up) will not give you a good deal. They are experts at designing ways to separate you from you money by allotment. More than one car has been sold over and over again to in a sell-and-repo cycle.
If you are ever in the position to be the command's financial guru, take the training and do it.
There will be lots of people trying to separate you from your money. You do not need a whole life policy, you do not need to 'rent-to-own' anything.
Don't get married just to get out of the barracks or off the ship. Not worth it.
Use a condom. Always.
Have a port buddy (or whatever it's called in the other services). Have fun, but if you go somewhere interesting take the time to see it sober.
Don't let a bar girl bring you an open drink or open a tab for you.
Make good use of your GI Bill.
Save some pocket change from wherever you go.
Not everyone who joins is altruistic or patriotic. You get criminals. You get sociopaths. Learn to recognize them.
Thank you.
@MilesWaits said:
Military brat, here. Best life I could’ve had. Didn’t like when my dad told me he was going to retire because I didn’t know what civilians even looked or acted like.
Enjoy yourself!
My kids were ASTONISHED that regular movie theaters did not play the national anthem before the start of every movie!
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Great advice from @Stork above — you should print a copy and refer back to it from time to time. I’m in my 33rd year in the Air Force and wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been a great life. Thanks for serving and good luck to you!
I'm addicted to exonumia ... it is numismatic crack!
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
I wish you the best and can tell you that you have made a very wise life decision. The three years that I spent in the US Army from 1968 to 1971 was a very memorable experience in my life, In retrospect, I have often thought I should have made the military a career........but at heart I am an entrepeneur and value my personal freedom above all else. I did miss all of the opportunities that were available to me, but have had a very interesting life after my service.
And I would add.......the US Military was the BEST employer that I ever had.
Comments
Good luck to ya!!
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...bad ass picture!...do you still have that GI watch your wearing in it?...they are very collectible today
Hell Yeah OP...keep your center of gravity low and kick some ass!...Thank you for Service...drop me a PM I’d your ever in San Diego and I’ll treat you to lunch
Good luck with your new adventure. Keep us posted about the new and exciting places you go. Be careful.
Alex
US Army Infantry Branch 1963-1983
Thanks for serving our country. Do check here once in awhile and let us know what's going on!
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
Been there, done that. Have the VA disability card as a souvenir. Be safe and enjoy while you can.
I went in so broke, straight out of high school, I didn't even have enough to avail myself of some of the "almost" free traveling that I could have done. Do it, if you can.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
@mustangmanbob
AMAZING!
m
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Thank you for keeping us civilians safe.
Think long and hard about Airborne - I work with too many 30 year olds who can't walk right anymore due to knee and hip issues. Not how you want to spend the majority of your life.
If you do go Airborne - JBER in Alaska provides some of the best views during a jump the Army can offer (4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division). Fort Wainwright has the 1/25 Stryker Brigade (why walk when you can ride...) and a massive aviation presence (Apache, Blackhawk, and Chinooks) along with Gray Eagles.
And all are "non-service related injuries" according to VA
8 Reales Madness Collection
The > @3keepSECRETif2rDEAD said:
The old E-7 in me want to know who left an unattended weapon in the Jeep ???
Not unattended. I was in the 75th Ranger Battalion. The M203 I am holding is for my right hand, the other M203 is for my left hand.
8 Reales Madness Collection
Old person advice:
My kids were ASTONISHED that regular movie theaters did not play the national anthem before the start of every movie!
@Stork
Great post. I’ve always admired your style
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Thanks for your service. Please work hard as I like living in a country with a strong military.
Great advice from @Stork above — you should print a copy and refer back to it from time to time. I’m in my 33rd year in the Air Force and wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been a great life. Thanks for serving and good luck to you!
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
Good luck, and thank you for your service!
I wish you the best and can tell you that you have made a very wise life decision. The three years that I spent in the US Army from 1968 to 1971 was a very memorable experience in my life, In retrospect, I have often thought I should have made the military a career........but at heart I am an entrepeneur and value my personal freedom above all else. I did miss all of the opportunities that were available to me, but have had a very interesting life after my service.
And I would add.......the US Military was the BEST employer that I ever had.
OINK
Good luck and thanks for your service (everyone)!
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