So, I took a Government job today...

[msbae]

...and it's a damn good one too. The job title is 'Microwave Systems Operator/Maintainer.' Essentially, I'm building and maintaining some very sophisticated communications networks for a specific Government entity. Cool, huh? Well, it get's better.

In addition to my pay and on-the-job training, I'm also getting a LOT of benefits. Some of those benefits include the following:

1.) All my student loans fully repaid. (I wouldn't have taken the job if this wasn't an option.)

2.) 100% of all tuition covered should I decide to go back to school while holding this job.

3.) Nearly $48,000 to pay for even more schooling after I leave this job, as long as it's used within 10 years of my leaving this job.

4.) A $25,000 sign-on bonus, just because I'm so damn smart and capable.

Try finding any of that in the private sector!

Oh, and, the name of that Government agency I work for now...

You might want to sit down for this one...

Ready? OK...

The Government agency in question is the United States Army.

 

[Geckothan]

Mind filling me in on some of your top secret projects? Um, I need the information, to write an essay for something, yeah that's it, totally not going to use it for anything nefarious...

 

[ShamelessMcBundy]

Good luck.

 

[Neeka Keet]

I don't look good in green and berets make my head look like a ham.

Congratulations though, it's a sweet gig benefit wise.

 

[msbae]

Mind filling me in on some of your top secret projects? Um, I need the information, to write an essay for something, yeah that's it, totally not going to use it for anything nefarious...

Not a chance in Hell.

I don't look good in green and berets make my head look like a ham.

Congratulations though, it's a sweet gig benefit wise.

It's a sweet gig PERIOD. It's also several years worth of guaranteed employment. Ladies and Germans that we didn't shoot/bomb in the 1940's, we have a winner.

 

[TheLonelySquire]

...and it's a damn good one too. The job title is 'Microwave Systems Operator/Maintainer.' Essentially, I'm building and maintaining some very sophisticated communications networks for a specific Government entity. Cool, huh? Well, it get's better.

In addition to my pay and on-the-job training, I'm also getting a LOT of benefits. Some of those benefits include the following:

1.) All my student loans fully repaid. (I wouldn't have taken the job if this wasn't an option.)

2.) 100% of all tuition covered should I decide to go back to school while holding this job.

3.) Nearly $48,000 to pay for even more schooling after I leave this job, as long as it's used within 10 years of my leaving this job.

4.) A $25,000 sign-on bonus, just because I'm so damn smart and capable.

Try finding any of that in the private sector!

Oh, and, the name of that Government agency I work for now...

You might want to sit down for this one...

Ready? OK...

The Government agency in question is the United States Army.

Congrats!

 

[freak]

That's awesome, dude! I'm hoping to get a clerical job as well that pays exceptionally well and has really good benefits too. I just wished the damn people would call me for an interview already! Maybe it takes time..but the lady I talked to the other day said that they were in a hurry to find someone ASAP cause someone gave a week's notice that they were leaving. I'm not for sure if my skills match or what..but I emailed the resume to her or them and she said she would see what she could do about it.

 

[John Picard]

Sounds like you're working for the FAA. I'm an FAA contractor. It's a very interesting place to work and changes your perspective on transportation.

 

[SPOCKED]

msbae, congratulations You left out two other major benefits - free medical and dental, which is no small thing.

And $25,000 for signing up?? Things sure have changed since my day. Well done!

 

[pookha]

uh he says in the opening post that he is in the army.

i just hope they stand by their promised.
a lot of the young people i know due to the economy slowing down went into the
service and not everything holds up.

The military contract guarantees nothing. The Department of Defense's own enlistment/re-enlistment document states, "Laws and regulations that govern military personnel may change without notice to me. Such changes may affect my status, pay allowances, benefits and responsibilities as a member of the Armed Forces REGARDLESS of the provisions of this enlistment/re-enlistment document" (DD Form4/1, 1998, Sec.9.5b).

and dont expext to given time to go back to school except for things directly relating to
your service area.

things are not as bad in 2005 but i just hope they come through with everything.

 

[msbae]

Sounds like you're working for the FAA. I'm an FAA contractor. It's a very interesting place to work and changes your perspective on transportation.

It's in the Army's communications branch. I have no idea if they have anything to do with the FAA or not.

msbae, congratulations You left out two other major benefits - free medical and dental, which is no small thing.

And $25,000 for signing up?? Things sure have changed since my day. Well done!

That free medical and dental will definitely come in handy since I haven't had insurance since 2007.

The $25,000 bonus will make for a nice little start to the nest egg I'll build up while I'm in uniform for 6 years and 34 weeks, unless I decide I like the service and make a 20+ year career of this gig.

i just hope they stand by their promised. a lot of the young people i know due to the economy slowing down went into the service and not everything holds up.

The military contract guarantees nothing. The Department of Defense's own enlistment/re-enlistment document states, "Laws and regulations that govern military personnel may change without notice to me. Such changes may affect my status, pay allowances, benefits and responsibilities as a member of the Armed Forces REGARDLESS of the provisions of this enlistment/re-enlistment document" (DD Form4/1, 1998, Sec.9.5b).

and dont expext to given time to go back to school except for things directly relating to your service area.

things are not as bad in 2005 but i just hope they come through with everything.

The recruiter did say that what I decided to pursue with my education was up to me. I found no evidence to contradict his statements. Either way, I see a Master's degree or two in my not-too-distant future. Also my service area is the most technical and nerdy part of the Army. Continuing to study technology would be no different than my previous college years, except for the uniform.

Besides, I like the idea of...

A.) Having a job with all those benefits

B.) Up to 30 days of paid vacation every year

C.) Being able to go down to the range (almost) whenever I want

D.) Being able to shop at the base PX and get things at ridiculously cheap prices compared to civilian retail.

E.) Seeing movies on the base theater for a quarter and getting popcorn for 10 cents.

I could go on but, I think I've made the point.

Also, before anyone says it, basic training is NOTHING like Sgt. Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. That's a good thing too since I'd never be able to stop laughing at him for all those insults at all the other maggots.

 

[Gaseous Anomaly]

Good luck with your new job.

You forgot to mention the opportunities for travel of the world as one of your benefits.

 

[JAG]

Congrats!

 

[Lookingglassman]

You got da hookup! I had a blast in the Army when I served and I shouldnt have gotten out. I still work for them though as a civilian and I still get to shoot stuff and ride around in tanks, I just dont have to put up with all the headaches like PT or going to the field or working weekends.

How many years did you enlist for?

If you go to Iraq and your reenlistment window opens up while there and you are getting a bonus, DO IT! All money earned in Iraq is tax free. I work with a bunch of guys who reenlisted over in Iraq and got their full $25,000 free and clear.

Good luck guy and welcome to the Army family! HOOOOAAAAHH!!!

 

[auntiehill]

My only question is this:

does said job require that you have people shooting at you? You won't be able to avail yourself of the listed benefits if you're, you know, DEAD.

I wish you the greatest luck in the world, and if the answer to the above question is YES, please, please remember to DUCK.

 

[Garrovick]

I did the same some thirty years ago.

Only I was a F-4C mechanic. Crew Chief in the Air Force, or Plane Captian for those in the Navy.

And the benefits are still rolling in.

 

[clint g]

Congrats! I enlisted as a 25U (Signal Support Systems Specialist) and will be heading to BOLC III this September to become a 25A

 

[msbae]

Good luck with your new job.

You forgot to mention the opportunities for travel of the world as one of your benefits.

I just might use that benefit to see those parts of Europe my ancestors decided to escape from back in the 19th Century too. I hear Germany and Italy are very nice places.

You got da hookup! I had a blast in the Army when I served and I shouldnt have gotten out. I still work for them though as a civilian and I still get to shoot stuff and ride around in tanks, I just dont have to put up with all the headaches like PT or going to the field or working weekends.

How many years did you enlist for?

If you go to Iraq and your reenlistment window opens up while there and you are getting a bonus, DO IT! All money earned in Iraq is tax free. I work with a bunch of guys who reenlisted over in Iraq and got their full $25,000 free and clear.

Good luck guy and welcome to the Army family! HOOOOAAAAHH!!!

I doubt I'm going anywhere near the sand pile. I enlisted for 6 years and 34 weeks worth of active duty. Also, the PT will be a great way to stay in shape.

My only question is this:

does said job require that you have people shooting at you? You won't be able to avail yourself of the listed benefits if you're, you know, DEAD.

I wish you the greatest luck in the world, and if the answer to the above question is YES, please, please remember to DUCK.

Like I said, I'm (hopefully) not going anywhere near the sand pile.

Congrats! I enlisted as a 25U (Signal Support Systems Specialist) and will be heading to BOLC III this September to become a 25A

I considered 25U. However, 25P was better. It had all the same benefits except for one, a security clearance. Having that on the resume can only look good. What exactly is 25A anyway? Is it just the Army's equivalent of a Network administrator or is it more involved?

 

[clint g]

Congrats! I enlisted as a 25U (Signal Support Systems Specialist) and will be heading to BOLC III this September to become a 25A

I considered 25U. However, 25P was better. It had all the same benefits except for one, a security clearance.

I didnt really choose, my recruiter gave it to me

Having that on the resume can only look good. What exactly is 25A anyway? Is it just the Army's equivalent of a Network administrator or is it more involved?

Its a Signal Officer. BOLCII and BOLCIII are essentially AIT for officers

 

[Sephiroth]

poor bastard, whats your Flak Jacket size? your gonna be sitting at a switchboard in Iraq, if you wanted to do Comms on this continent you shoulda gone Navy