New career path

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by Red Hat, Mar 26, 2011.

  1. Mar 26, 2011 #1
    Red Hat

    Red Hat Bobtail Member

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    Mar 26, 2011
    Rapid City, SD
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    I'm retiring from the US Air Force after 20 years. When I was thinking of what I wanted to do, it occurred to me that I wouldn't be able to take an office job anymore on the outside than I liked it in the military. I'm here to find the honest truth about the goods and bads of the trucking industry from the truckers themselves. I plan on paying my own way to go to school so I don't get locked in with a company that could wind up being a miserable experience. After twenty years, I'd like a little bit of control over my own destiny and driving seems like a way that you can make sure that you get rewarded for being a hard worker. I'd love to hear any other vets opinions, and anybody else too.

    My screen name refers to my job in the military. Air Force firearms instructors wear red hats on Air Force firing ranges.

    Thanks for any guidance,
    Aaron
     
    Red Hat, Mar 26, 2011
    Red Hat, Mar 26, 2011
    #1
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  3. Mar 26, 2011 #2
    Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    Aug 4, 2008
    Let me check my logbook
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    Welcome to the party!

    Thanks for your service to our country!:biggrin_25514:
     
    Lilbit, Mar 26, 2011
    Lilbit, Mar 26, 2011
    #2
  4. Mar 29, 2011 #3
    Sir Bacon

    Sir Bacon Bobtail Member

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    Mar 29, 2011
    WI
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    Air Force engineers also wear red hats (Red Horse), I've worked with them overseas a couple times on deployments, decent fellows... generally.

    You mentioned that you were planning on "paying your own way", but as a military veteran there should be plenty of financial assistance available to you. A typical truck driving school can cost $2000+, all said and done I think it will have cost me less than $400, as a veteran. Definitely something to look into. Plus some companies offer tuition reimbursement, not sure exactly how that works for somebody like me [or you] who finances their schooling through the military, but either way it's gravy if you can get it.

    I wish you the best in your journey, and thanks for your service.

    Cheers!
     
    Sir Bacon, Mar 29, 2011
    Sir Bacon, Mar 29, 2011
    #3
  5. Apr 8, 2011 #4
    Red Hat

    Red Hat Bobtail Member

    3
    3
    Mar 26, 2011
    Rapid City, SD
    0
    Thank you. That is the option I was referring to, but since it's something I've earned I count it as paying my own way. :) Thank you again for making sure that I wasn't literally going out of pocket.
     
    Red Hat, Apr 8, 2011
    Red Hat, Apr 8, 2011
    #4
  7. Apr 8, 2011 #5
    Hanzerik

    Hanzerik Light Load Member

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    Mar 30, 2011
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    Hehe, my first assignment was with the 820th RED HORSE at Nellis AFB. Spent 3.5 years in the Horse before cross-training. :biggrin_25525:

    Welcome Red Hat.

    If you paid into the Montgomery GI Bill, TA will pay up to $4500 for a certification course. If you are like me, and didn't enroll in that one, but fall fall under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, then TA will pay $2500 towards a certification. But my understanding is that with the Post 9/11 GI Bill you have to use it while still active duty (Terminal Leave). That is what I plan on doing, but will have to cover the rest of the cost of the school by other means.
     
    Hanzerik, Apr 8, 2011
    Hanzerik, Apr 8, 2011
    #5
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