MOS, AFSCS, Rating ??

[Walter Pigeon]

When I got to my first Submarine in 1976, the code key had already been removed, everything was done with a teletype and a satellite relay... the only thing we used a key for was programming SOS into the emergency bouys...

[Famoussenior]

Enlistment in the Army Security Agency was a 4 year hitch and required a Top Secret Crypto security clearance. Very few guys washed out of code school because washing out meant you were retained by the Army for the duration of your enlistment in whatever MOS you could immediately qualify for....as in Light Weapons Infantry! It was a great motivator for me to succeed while I was in Morse school. Just to add a little bit of more pressure in school, our instructors reminded us of the "alternative MOS" just about every day.

All the best!

[SittingElf]

I joined the Army in 1973, initially enlisted and trained as an SF medic, then as a Flight Medic. Got tired of sitting in the back of helicopters, so applied for Warrant Officer flight school and ended up flying Cobras for the rest of my career.

Currently married to an Active Duty Colonel and Senior Commander at Tinker Air Force Base, OK. She is the Medical Group Commander on the base. So...these days, I'm just a "Trophy Wife" and Arm Candy for her!

We're planning to retire at her 30-year mark in 2024 and sit in the sun at our permanent home on the Space Coast in Florida.

[CYAH OUT THERE!]

[deanathpc]

Spent from '89-'94 as a 5937, Aviation Radio Repairman, USMC. Despite the title I did not work on aircraft. All ground radio equipment.

[gunther1369]

USMC 6060 Flight Equipment / aviation life support systems
huey / cobra helicopters

[Roocrew]

USMC 0311 & 0313. ‘88-96
NJANG 11B & 91W. 05-06
CTANG 11B & 21C 07-08

Thanking all my Brothers & Sisters who served, no matter where or when, you served!

[jk510]

Originally Posted by Famoussenior

Enlistment in the Army Security Agency was a 4 year hitch and required a Top Secret Crypto security clearance. Very few guys washed out of code school because washing out meant you were retained by the Army for the duration of your enlistment in whatever MOS you could immediately qualify for....as in Light Weapons Infantry! It was a great motivator for me to succeed while I was in Morse school. Just to add a little bit of more pressure in school, our instructors reminded us of the "alternative MOS" just about every day.



All the best!

I hear you!
05K for 2 years and 33S for 10 more.
1973-1985

[NJKris]

What Famoussenior wrote about the ramifications of 'washing out' of a school being a great motivator brought back memories. When I was attending Aviation Electrician school as a young Marine at NAS Millington, TN, the threat was if you washed out, they would make you a 'crispy critter'. They were the guys wearing the silver fireproof suits on the flight line. Apparently those suits were ungodly hot on their own, even without southern heat and humidity, and most of your day was sheer boredom. Yep, passed all my schools!!!

[rockfordroo]

When I was in AE school as a sailor in Jacksonville (1971), if you fell asleep in class they had a 70 lb propeller blade for you to hold at "port arms" for a while as a persuasion to not fall asleep. Then the guy next to you held it for a while because he didn't wake you up!

The Marines in class seemed to hold the prop more than the swabbies. Seems they went out carousing at night more than the we did.

[NJKris]

It's a miracle I even made it to class sometimes. Wouldn't even have time to hit chow hall, would grab a burrito and a cream sickle from the vending machine (thankfully a wonderful thing called a microwave was available then). At the Basic Electricity and Electronics class, which was a hell of self-teaching through 'modules' while you sat at a desk with dividers, you would struggle to stay awake, all hung over and sleep deprived. Chief Petty Officers would walk around watching for people to nod off, then grab them and escort them out, never to be seen again. One sailor had the best excuse when the Chief said, "I caught you, you were sleeping!" He exclaimed, "no Chief, I was just praying!!!" What quick thinking.

[tlf65]

I was also in ASA as one of the last 3 year people I went through radio repair school at Ft Gordon in the blazing hot GA summer. The classes were in old barracks with no AC so it was very hard to stay awake, the instructors gave me a bad time about sleeping but after I consistently passed all the tests they just ler me sleep. The threat if you failed was pole climbers school.

[Mad Cow]

I spent the majority of the 70's in the Army, going where I was told to go, doing what I was told to do. Paid my dues during 3 Presidents and one President elect. But heck, got a medical retirement out of the deal so a tax free retired check every month since December 1980 and at first Champus then later Tricare for medical. So it has its up side. If I were to go back in time and had it to do over, knowing what I know now... just not sure. Glad I don't have to make that decision.

I tend to avoid watching many military related movies, but there was a great line in the movie "Hamburger Hill" that summed it up pretty well (I am paraphrasing).... You don't have to like it. You don't have to like being here. But you have to show up. And there it is.

[USMC0369]

Originally Posted by Mad Cow

I spent the majority of the 70's in the Army, going where I was told to go, doing what I was told to do. Paid my dues during 3 Presidents and one President elect. But heck, got a medical retirement out of the deal so a tax free retired check every month since December 1980 and at first Champus then later Tricare for medical. So it has its up side. If I were to go back in time and had it to do over, knowing what I know now... just not sure. Glad I don't have to make that decision.

I tend to avoid watching many military related movies, but there was a great line in the movie "Hamburger Hill" that summed it up pretty well (I am paraphrasing).... You don't have to like it. You don't have to like being here. But you have to show up. And there it is.

Ours was more of a Twisted Tennyson. "Yours is not to question why, ours is merely do or fing die".

A little dark, but turned out to be a very true statement.

[rockfordroo]

"A million dollar experience that I wouldn't give you a plugged nickel for."

[Iwannacamp]

I highly respect all the military people. I am glad I didn’t have to go, but I am so proud of those who do and did. Thank y’all with sincerity for your service.

FWIW DS is graduating Navy boot camp on August 2.

[Buck1032]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

I highly respect all the military people. I am glad I didn’t have to go, but I am so proud of those who do and did. Thank y’all with sincerity for your service.

FWIW DS is graduating Navy boot camp on August 2.

Bravo Zulu to your son. May I ask what rate he picked? I was an AD, Aviation Machinist Mate from 85 to 05. I did not prepare me for my future life that I now live. Stay at home Dad. But I love this life and am happy I did what I did.

[Iwannacamp]

Originally Posted by Buck1032

Bravo Zulu to your son. May I ask what rate he picked? I was an AD, Aviation Machinist Mate from 85 to 05. I did not prepare me for my future life that I now live. Stay at home Dad. But I love this life and am happy I did what I did.

You very well may.
AN/PACT

[Phalanx]

6years 0311 Infantry Rifleman USMC

[CYAH OUT THERE!]

Thank you all for your service!!!