ATTN: Anyone with military experience

[EvasiveEF9]

Hey, everyone. It's been a while since I've really been in here. I've been "enjoying" some intense training with the Marines. I just graduated MCT uphere at Camp Lejeune, NC. Today I head back in for another 6-10weeks of training on the H53 Sea Stallion helicopter (the huge f*cker from movie transformers). Once I complete training, I'll be assigned a unit and there I'll stay for 2-3yrs (likely 3yrs before I can move, again).

If I do well in my classes, I'm given the choice to request east coast, west coast, or overseas. I've done alot of thinking where I wanna be. But I can't decide. First I wanted overseas, because I'm single, not REALLY dating anyone, no kids, and I wanted to see another country. Problem is...being so far away from home and stuff, it'd be difficult to see friends and family. And I may get some sh*tty third-world country. So then I said screw it, I want the west coast. Rumor was you get an extra check because the west is so much more expensive than over here in the east. Found out that's ONLY if you're married. However, I would still get to be away from home, get to explore the west (because I've already seen most of the east), I know a couple people out there, there's skiing, and supposedly the west is SO much more fun. Well, last night, talking to a sgt I've known for a while who's been out there, he says for a first duty station, stay to the east coast. That way, I can usually "run home on a whim" (I'm a perm resident of Woodstock, GA) it'd be easier for friends/family to visit me, and basically it's just kinda closer to home. Not to mention, we've still got some mountains out here. Likely I'd be stationed in Pensacola, or one of two stations here in NC.

Anyone have any experience with such a decision, whether it be you, family, or a friend?

Thanks in advance to all who can open some thoughts.

[willum14pb]

I say go west coast. You're still not too far from anyone to catch a flight.. overseas feel slike your trapped. it costs thousands to get back where as spirit will fly you round trip $400 from cali and back . Good luck and god speed.

[EvasiveEF9]

True...but that's IF spirit flies there...well, depending on where. I'd probably end up at Miramar, or 29palms in socal.

[DevilK9]

I'm a Marine and I made that exact decision years ago. PM sent with contact info.

Give me a call.

[EvasiveEF9]

Oorah. Threw you a line. Probably busy with NCO stuff.

Hope to hear back.

[DevilK9]

Oorah. Threw you a line. Probably busy with NCO stuff.

Hope to hear back.

No NCO stuff anymore, I've been out for over a year. Busy with marketing stuff these days.

Good to talk to you. Drop me a line anytime.

Be careful out there, keep your head low in the sh/t and your head high everywhere else.

[EvasiveEF9]

Will do. Can't thank you enough for the head's up. I didn't follow the advice of my drill instructors on a couple things...and I learned quickly that hey...they pass on the advice for a friggin' reason!

Guess that's why you start at a private, right?

Thanks, again!

[Vteckidd]

Overseas

1) May never get to do it again.
2) Worse thing that may happen is you go to IRAQ or Afgan and make BANK

[DevilK9]

2) Worse thing that may happen is you go to IRAQ or Afgan and make BANK

First, there are a lot better ways to make money and/or pay for college. Any recruiter that tells you it's about anything money, benefits, rather than selfless service to your country is a complete d/ck and should be strung up and hung by the balls.

Second, are you ****/n serious. Worse thing?

Tell that to my friends

Sgt. Jesse Strong

Cpl. Ian Zook

Oh wait...you can't, they're dead.

[Vteckidd]

easy cowboy i come from a military family.

He asked a question and i answered. I have a good friend in the Marines, he travels overseas all the time. Hes in Jordan now, was in Iraq for 9 months too. He made ALOT of money when he was overseas for the hazard pay, tax free, etc. Hes actually trying to re-enlist when hes over there so his signing bonus will be tax free.

Its not ALL about the money, but come on, why do you think the military pays more for jobs in those areas? INCENTIVES.

Lets not pull any punches, when you join the marines, especially in todays world, and you pick an assignment overseas, you know the risk you are taking.

I appreciate your friends sacrifice, but they were brave and knew that this could have happened. You should honor them by remembering they paid the ultimate price, as do i. They knew the risk joining the military especially the marines.

So to the OP, since you have assumed the risk , i would go overseas, worse case scenario you wind up in IRAQ or Afgan. But you could be like my buddy an wind up in Asia, and other parts of the Arab world. And you make a good bit of money providing for your future as well why you are there.

FYI My father was a 20 Year Vet in the Air Force (Col.) and his father was before him, and before him. My mothers side has a Fighter Pilot and a Chief who gave almost 40 years of service. My Brother in law just got out, he was a major in the AF.

[DevilK9]

easy cowboy i come from a military family.

He asked a question and i answered. I have a good friend in the Marines, he travels overseas all the time. Hes in Jordan now, was in Iraq for 9 months too. He made ALOT of money when he was overseas for the hazard pay, tax free, etc. Hes actually trying to re-enlist when hes over there so his signing bonus will be tax free.

Its not ALL about the money, but come on, why do you think the military pays more for jobs in those areas? INCENTIVES.

Lets not pull any punches, when you join the marines, especially in todays world, and you pick an assignment overseas, you know the risk you are taking.

I appreciate your friends sacrifice, but they were brave and knew that this could have happened. You should honor them by remembering they paid the ultimate price, as do i. They knew the risk joining the military especially the marines.

So to the OP, since you have assumed the risk , i would go overseas, worse case scenario you wind up in IRAQ or Afgan. But you could be like my buddy an wind up in Asia, and other parts of the Arab world. And you make a good bit of money providing for your future as well why you are there.

FYI My father was a 20 Year Vet in the Air Force (Col.) and his father was before him, and before him. My mothers side has a Fighter Pilot and a Chief who gave almost 40 years of service. My Brother in law just got out, he was a major in the AF.

Kidd,

I know you, respect you, and I was not implying anything, just calling out a statement that appeared a little ignorant.

I know very much the dangers and benefits of overseas service. Been there, done that. True, you could wind up anywhere, and anything could happen. I was simply saying that ending up somewhere and making more money (whether that be increased BAH and COMRATS,Family Seperation Pay or Combat Pay in and area of conflict) was far from the worst that could happen.

I think it's great that your family has a history of service, but bloodlinesand military lifestyle do not a complete perspective on what the job truly means.

So to the original question, I spoke with the PFC on the phone and it looks like he's talking about a little slip of paper that they are required (by congress within the DOD Quality of Life Act of Whenever) to offer you that says "Where would you like to go?". These were passed out in peacetime and used as an incentive during A and C schools. Those that excelled got first dibs on a nice service station. Those that weren't as good generally took what they got. Since 2001, when I filled out the form, it pretty much means absolutely nothing. I gave the PFC a few ideas that will actually help him get where he wants to go.

So Kidd, this is not an argumentative post (as I've refrained from harsh language and use of sarcastic smileys). Just clarifying really.

By the way, per an article in Marine Corps Times earlier this year (yah, I still get it for some reason), the military pay equivalency came out to an average of -30% to civilian pay. Some were higher, some were lower, but overall, in skilled professions, enlisted pay is pretty bad. Officer pay isn't terrible, but there is a financial epidemic right now amongst enlisted personnel.

[EvasiveEF9]

Kidd,

I know you, respect you, and I was not implying anything, just calling out a statement that appeared a little ignorant.

I know very much the dangers and benefits of overseas service. Been there, done that. True, you could wind up anywhere, and anything could happen. I was simply saying that ending up somewhere and making more money (whether that be increased BAH and COMRATS,Family Seperation Pay or Combat Pay in and area of conflict) was far from the worst that could happen.

I think it's great that your family has a history of service, but bloodlinesand military lifestyle do not a complete perspective on what the job truly means.

So to the original question, I spoke with the PFC on the phone and it looks like he's talking about a little slip of paper that they are required (by congress within the DOD Quality of Life Act of Whenever) to offer you that says "Where would you like to go?". These were passed out in peacetime and used as an incentive during A and C schools. Those that excelled got first dibs on a nice service station. Those that weren't as good generally took what they got. Since 2001, when I filled out the form, it pretty much means absolutely nothing. I gave the PFC a few ideas that will actually help him get where he wants to go.

So Kidd, this is not an argumentative post (as I've refrained from harsh language and use of sarcastic smileys). Just clarifying really.

By the way, per an article in Marine Corps Times earlier this year (yah, I still get it for some reason), the military pay equivalency came out to an average of -30% to civilian pay. Some were higher, some were lower, but overall, in skilled professions, enlisted pay is pretty bad. Officer pay isn't terrible, but there is a financial epidemic right now amongst enlisted personnel.

What is COMRATS? Don't believe I've heard of it, yet...

And out of curiosity...that slip aside, to they normally send you nearer to home, or just wherever the hell they want to put you?

Devil, I'm sure you've heard, but thankfully they're TRYING to help that -30% in enlisted pay. I think we're expecting like 3% (???) increase in January? Only 27% to go, right?

I agree on civilian contracting...good god. I did some job searching before enlisting and saw offers for mechanics for the US in Afghan (??) offering like 70-80K a year, and more. So I called just to inquire, and they said it was pretty much only available to retired/honorably discharged personell. I decided I should have signed when I was 18.

[EvasiveEF9]

Overseas

1) May never get to do it again.
2) Worse thing that may happen is you go to IRAQ or Afgan and make BANK

Damn, long time no talk...how have you been?

It's pretty much definite that anyone enlisted WILL deploy overseas. Being that I'm in a VERY good position for being deployed (airwing), my position is about as safe as they come. Yes, the money is a definite incentive, and I've thought harshly on the subject, and it would be great to have, but I can always earn that in deployments instead of stationing overseas. Most of the cpls and above that I've talked to have said stay a little closer to home, though, as you're more familiar with it, and it's easier to see family/friends than it is overseas. I think my choice to stay in the states is made as opposed to overseas (despite how much I wanna see Germany, Thailand, Japan, Guam, and Spain) The bigger debate I now face is east vs west.

Devil, I'm sorry to hear for their sacrifice.

[Vteckidd]

Oh and you shouldnt assume a tour in IRAG or AFGANISTAN is an automatic death sentence either.

I thought you would have more faith in our men an women of the Armed Forces, i know i do

[Vteckidd]

West coast is the best coast.

My buddy is stationed in Cali normally, when hes not traveling.

Miramar would be cool, say hi to GOOSE and ICEMAN

[EvasiveEF9]

West coast is the best coast.

My buddy is stationed in Cali normally, when hes not traveling.

Miramar would be cool, say hi to GOOSE and ICEMAN

Some of the first things that popped in my head when I heard it as a possibility...but the cost of living out there is SO much more than here. Granted, the military DOES offer an extra monthly bonus to cover it...being a SINGLE marine, I don't qualify for it. SUCKS. Miramar would be AWESOME, though.

[DevilK9]

being a SINGLE marine, I don't qualify for it. SUCKS.

Yah, but you don't have the housing and food costs if you're on base eating at the chow hall. The BAH you're speaking about isn't a bonus, it's just a compensation for not having enough space on base.

[EvasiveEF9]

Yah, but you don't have the housing and food costs if you're on base eating at the chow hall. The BAH you're speaking about isn't a bonus, it's just a compensation for not having enough space on base.

Compensation was the word I was looking for...but I did a little drinking last night on libo. My grammar and vocabulary is starting to come back to me...

And yes, that's the exact comp I was referring to. Couple months ago I would have said the allowance goes to anyone west coast (not the BAH, but the compensation). It's true...with time comes experience, and experience comes knowledge.

[Vteckidd]

take my breath away.........

[DevilK9]

The best way to make money in this whole sh/tpile of a situation is to go work for a no-bid contractor like Haliburton/KBR or Blackwater.

The guy that served my eggs at the chow hall at Bagram made three times what I did.

Shameful.

[ultm8mind]

Quit beinng a Mama's Boy and head overseas, LOL. You'll have alot more fun overseas, and you will get it out of the way incase you want to come stateside later. IF they indeed give you a choice, that's what I would do. Usually it's "needs of the Marines" or Army (in my case). I know how it works, but what third world country you think you'd get stationed in, out of curiousity. Do your research to see where YOUR JOB can get stationed and ask for specific locations. But hey, that's just my thoughts on that. Did you join the Marines because you wanted to be stationed at home near Mommy, Daddy and your friends? Just curious, if that be the case you mind as well have went Guard.

Devil K9, you should listen to the guy from a "military family," his dad was a Colonel. Nothing like the life we lead. Yes, Young PFC, there is a certain risk you take, but last time I checked we didn't get stationed in Afghan and Iraq, we get deployed there. I just came back fromm Afghan in February. Devil, I was in the Korengal Valley, and N2KL areas. Don't worry about the fam PFC, they will be doing the same thing everytime you visit as when you left. Not much changes. I speak from experience and a few years in this mans military. I was enlisted for 11 years in the AF and noow the Army, I also just joined the darkside and became a Warrant Officer. But that's because I am an Electronic Tech, and to stay in my job doing my job I had to. I know Marines deploy, but it's just 7 months, nothing like the 15 I just did or the 6 the AF does. But yeah, you'll most likely deploy East Coast, West Coast, or overseas. That's the reality of it......

[EvasiveEF9]

Quit beinng a Mama's Boy and head overseas, LOL. You'll have alot more fun overseas, and you will get it out of the way incase you want to come stateside later. IF they indeed give you a choice, that's what I would do. Usually it's "needs of the Marines" or Army (in my case). I know how it works, but what third world country you think you'd get stationed in, out of curiousity. Do your research to see where YOUR JOB can get stationed and ask for specific locations. But hey, that's just my thoughts on that. Did you join the Marines because you wanted to be stationed at home near Mommy, Daddy and your friends? Just curious, if that be the case you mind as well have went Guard.

LoL. No mama's boy, here. But I would be slightly pissed if my car had to stay home while I was overseas. Not that that's what it's about...just saying comfortability of living would be easier in the states for the first DS. Not just the car, or family/friends, but the overall aura. It's already a big change in lifestyle to join the military...being unfamiliar with the culture and everything would only add to it.

Yes, the marines by FAR operate on a needs of the marine corps basis. I'm doing as much research as I can to find where the H53's are located, but it's not quite as easy as it sounds. Just last night I spent an hour hunting online. I wanna get back in there and find someone with more knoledge, but I have to wait until I at least get settled into the air station.

[Vteckidd]

I agree my first statement was in haste and i typed it fast. Prob was a little insensitive to people who have lost friends and loved ones.

So i apolagize for that

[jumpin800agl]

I did my first duty station at Fort Bragg, NC so I could be semi close to home. Right now I am in my hometown as a Recruiter and can't wait to leave. I am going to Italy in February. it's time to travel and see some of the world that doesn't involve a sandbox. Good luck to the OP in your choices.

[Vteckidd]

And i have zero military experience, just grew up in a family.

And Air Force is def not as demanding as the Marines.

[EvasiveEF9]

And Air Force is def not as demanding as the Marines.

Today's understatement.

[BanginJimmy]

If you are going with 53's when you could end up at a few places.

East coast you would be at Cheery Point NC. Its called the Cherry pit for a reason.

West coast you will be at Miramar. Nice base, nice facilities. I used to know quite a few people over there and you may run into 1 or 2 of them.

Overseas you could end up 2 places. Hawaii working on the 2 engine D models, or Okinawa working on the 3 engine E models. Okinawa kicks serious ass. I spent nearly 2 years there and I loved it. HMM 262 and 265 are both good squadrons from what I remember and you will end up on several trips on the boat to fine places like Australia.


If you have any other questions about Marine Aviaton it me up on a PM. I did it for 9 years and I know most of the nooks and crannies they stick people.

[EvasiveEF9]

If you are going with 53's when you could end up at a few places.

East coast you would be at Cheery Point NC. Its called the Cherry pit for a reason.

West coast you will be at Miramar. Nice base, nice facilities. I used to know quite a few people over there and you may run into 1 or 2 of them.

Overseas you could end up 2 places. Hawaii working on the 2 engine D models, or Okinawa working on the 3 engine E models. Okinawa kicks serious ass. I spent nearly 2 years there and I loved it. HMM 262 and 265 are both good squadrons from what I remember and you will end up on several trips on the boat to fine places like Australia.


If you have any other questions about Marine Aviaton it me up on a PM. I did it for 9 years and I know most of the nooks and crannies they stick people.

Cherry Point, huh? I think Lejeune also carries the 53's...during MCT I saw god knows how many of them and the osprey's flying out. I thought cherry point was supposed to be decent, though? I've heard about the delta's in hawaii. It caught my attention, but a down side I heard about Hawaii is if the docks go on strike...you may be out of TP for a minute. Then again, I might be able to fix that problem by eating MRE's...it'll back me up for a week. Problem solved.

The downside to Japan I heard was about the gold passes vs. the red passes and your times allowed out and stuff like that. Friggin' curfews. Not to mention people keep getting the base on lockdown due to...well, let's be blunt. Rape.

I don't mind time on a boat, at all...I think there's even some kind of comp involved with boat time, isn't there? Or was that a mere myth I heard.

Hit me with more insight, tips, advice, etc... It's all VERY greatly appreciated.

[EvasiveEF9]

But would you advise being closer to home, or away, jumper?

[jumpin800agl]

But would you advise being closer to home, or away, jumper?

It was sort of nice at the time to only be a 6 hour drive from home or an hour flight. At this point though I can not wait to get away from home and see something different. If you have th opportunity to go to an overseas duty station I say take it. The experience will far outweigh the inability to come home on a regular basis.

[DevilK9]

true words.

Afghan was interesting. It was alway nice to get back to Bagram. Orgun E/Solerno were the most interesting. Just a bit of trivia for you that I'm sure you'll know or at least appreciate.

Jalalabad is the farthest away from an ocean that the USMC has ever operated in a combat environment. It's a new world we live in.

I understand the life of a Colonel's family. There is life experiences they have I'll never know (in the same way that I'll never know the true life of an Elec Tech Warrant), I just hate hearing commentary from anyone who hasn't been there.

I respect Kidd and I like him a lot.

I like how you put it about the family. Getting out of CONUS is surely the best. I had a wife and that was hard, but as you stated, the Marines have short deployments (didn't know about the 6 months for AF).

The heat that went before me arrived the same time as an Army Engineer Battallion. They left, we came, we left, they came back and they left with the Army Engineers.
That's got to kill moral. I feel for you guys. Maybe one of these days the DOD will open their eyes to the benefits of the Marine program and the Army will adopt more than just our cammies (sorry, cheap jab).

[jumpin800agl]

true words.

Afghan was interesting. It was alway nice to get back to Bagram. Orgun E/Solerno were the most interesting. Just a bit of trivia for you that I'm sure you'll know or at least appreciate.

Jalalabad is the farthest away from an ocean that the USMC has ever operated in a combat environment. It's a new world we live in.

Bagram was a freaking resort with the Burger King, Spa/Salon, and the really cheap North Face gear shop.

Khost was fun at Chapman Airfield.
J'bad had good ice cream lol.
The last spot I went to was a complete sh1t hole in the middle of nowhere, close to Paki border.

[DevilK9]

Bagram was a freaking resort with the Burger King, Spa/Salon, and the really cheap North Face gear shop.

Khost was fun at Chapman Airfield.
J'bad had good ice cream lol.
The last spot I went to was a complete sh1t hole in the middle of nowhere, close to Paki border.

Couldn't have said it better!
The place lit up in 04. I was gone for about 5 weeks and I came back to the BK trailer and the spa. Never got an appointment...shoulda.

I used to shuttle special squirrels back and forth from Solerno to Chapman. I preferred Solerno only cuz at the time there weren't any Marines at Chapman.

Ice Cream. Hmmm...I missed out.

sh1t hole in the middle of nowhere, close to Paki border. Sounds like Orgun E.

[jumpin800agl]

Couldn't have said it better!
The place lit up in 04. I was gone for about 5 weeks and I came back to the BK trailer and the spa. Never got an appointment...shoulda.

I used to shuttle special squirrels back and forth from Solerno to Chapman. I preferred Solerno only cuz at the time there weren't any Marines at Chapman.

Ice Cream. Hmmm...I missed out.

sh1t hole in the middle of nowhere, close to Paki border. Sounds like Orgun E.

Yeah I was last there in 2004. I got a massage at Bagram. You could get an hour massage for 30 bucks lol. The outdoor gear store sold North Face coats super cheap, I got a 300 dollar coat for 100.

I just liked Chapman since it was just my company and an SF A team out there doing operations, very low key away from higher ups.

The sh1t hole wasn't Orgun E. We had to set up our own firebase east of Kabul to run intercept on people crossing the border to disturb the elections that were going on in '04. We deployed on short notice in Sept.'04 to support them and returned in November after they were over.

[DevilK9]

Yeah I was last there in 2004. I got a massage at Bagram. You could get an hour massage for 30 bucks lol. The outdoor gear store sold North Face coats super cheap, I got a 300 dollar coat for 100.

I just liked Chapman since it was just my company and an SF A team out there doing operations, very low key away from higher ups.

The sh1t hole wasn't Orgun E. We had to set up our own firebase east of Kabul to run intercept on people crossing the border to disturb the elections that were going on in '04. We deployed on short notice in Sept.'04 to support them and returned in November after they were over.

Interesting. So while you were at Chapman, did you ever get a ride (about 90mph w/ night vision) in a green pickup from an ******* Marine with an insatiable smoking habit ($6 Marlbora cartons rocked!!)

If so, that was me.

Sorry about the Orgun E assumption. Most people who landed there had no idea what it was.

[EvasiveEF9]

It was sort of nice at the time to only be a 6 hour drive from home or an hour flight. At this point though I can not wait to get away from home and see something different. If you have th opportunity to go to an overseas duty station I say take it. The experience will far outweigh the inability to come home on a regular basis.

Many thanks.

[BanginJimmy]

It was actually someone from my shop that got in trouble and caused the start of the liberty campaign plan over there, but it wasnt rape. Unless something else happened that I hadnt heard then it wasnt a rape that caused what you are seeing. It sucks hard core, but at the same time you dont really notice it. You could always goto the club on Camp Foster and it was always packed with Okinawan fleamales.

Cherry Pit is part of LeJuene, thats why you saw so many over there.

[EvasiveEF9]

It was actually someone from my shop that got in trouble and caused the start of the liberty campaign plan over there, but it wasnt rape. Unless something else happened that I hadnt heard then it wasnt a rape that caused what you are seeing. It sucks hard core, but at the same time you dont really notice it. You could always goto the club on Camp Foster and it was always packed with Okinawan fleamales.

Cherry Pit is part of LeJuene, thats why you saw so many over there.

So the airfield IS Cherry Point? I was under the impression Cherry Point was about an hour away...?

I think a rape case DID occur...probably after you'd left. Don't know, though.

Any idea where I could glance at a chart or something and find out where exactly all the possible 53 mechs can be stationed? Or will they give me a head's up before I get to make my "choice"?

[DJ Maestro]

Screw the choices, go Russian Roulette style. Drop your options in a hat, swirl 'em around, reach in, pull one out. Whatever you pull, that's where you pick. Now that is living on the edge my friend.

[BanginJimmy]

So the airfield IS Cherry Point? I was under the impression Cherry Point was about an hour away...?

I think a rape case DID occur...probably after you'd left. Don't know, though.

Any idea where I could glance at a chart or something and find out where exactly all the possible 53 mechs can be stationed? Or will they give me a head's up before I get to make my "choice"?

Like I said, the only places they have 53's is Cherry point, Miramar, Hawaii, an Oki. You will definately end up one of those places.


Its new River that I was talking about not Cherry Point. I cant believe I messed that one up.