Air Force to trucking, looking for some prior military advice

I'm going to tell you like everyone above did, STAY IN, even if you are at the lowest rank whick I know you are not, but don't get out, but like everyone else that walk the path you are going to walk when someone tells you don't get out you find every excuse to say why you have to get out, you are going to regret it with six months, I walk the same path you are getting ready to walk, you will see my boot marks on the path.

Take this folish advise I'm giving you. Re-enlist, submit a form to go to school, go to school and get your cdl while you are in, after you get your cdl buy a truck put a driver in it (run the truck local or regional NOT OTR) in about a year buy a second truck do the same until you get to five trucks they don't have to be expensive $15k to $20K, retire in 14 yrs and get in one of the trucks, you get stuff handed to you while you in the military it will be very easy to get the trucks. You follow this you will be a much happier trucker. Thank me in 14 yrs.

This what I should have did but I didn't have anyone to tell me or show me how to do it.

 

Where are you located?

 

Not everyone that wants to can stay in the military. It's not like in the old days when everyone except E-2 and below could stay 20 years. They're kicking people out by the thousands now with around 10 years service. They don't care how good your service record is either; when the politicians say "RIF" they mean it. It's called RIF (Reduction in Force).

 

I heard "It's not like the old days" from the old guy at the VFW 30 years ago, the 20 year vet 20 years ago and the 20 year vet yesterday. It's never like it was in the old days. RIFs are hard and when you have 2 wars winding down and an administration that wants to "spread it around" there will be folks who will not be able to stay and staying wont be as easy. However, study for rank and pass you fitness test and get into a shortage career field, and you can write your own ticket. When you look at lifetime earning potential, you can't beat that military pension coming in when you are ~40 FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Now, if you have some plan that includes getting free education (that you earned) that would earn you more than that pension would, then follow your heart. Sure money doesn't buy happiness but it can give you choices.

 

You said, "one more stripe and your flying a desk"? Are you a 6 year E -8? I don't think so. I'm a retired FE. Me and my Loadmasters buddies flew as much as we wanted as MSgt's. while the J model will lessen the need for FE's, loadmasters are "chronic critical", so RIF's are less of a threat.

 

Happy thanksgiving Ned!

Got to love terminal! The most important thing is to have a plan. Looks like you do and I'm sure it will all work out for you. Are you using your Post9/11 GI Bill?

You took out a check, payable to the USA, for the sum of your life and handed it to Uncle Sam for 6 years. Thank you for your service and best wishes for the next chapter!

 

frankgh,
I know this is a little off topic but I am about to retire and am interested in how you make Tricare Prime work while driving since you need to see your primary care manager. Is there a way to be seen while on the road if the need arises? Just curious.

 

I don't think it is like the reserves. I'm on tricare prime and pay about $500 a year. But like Ned said, if your sick, go to urgent care. If its an emergency, go to the ER. Follow up with your PCM when you get home. I've been to the ER once since I retired. I developed a sudden, sever reaction to Celebrex and my wife called 911. I got a ride to the ER, IVs, cat scan and sent home with a cardio monitor. Out of pocket cost to me, zero. Took about a week for my flight doc cleared me to fly though!

i was able to pick my PCM, civilian doc close to home. The only time I got a referral to go on base was for my shoulder surgery. The doc was first class though. I got to do PT close to home.

i have one prescription for mild BP pills and just switched over to tricare's ExpressScrips, zero copayment and it is mailed to the house.

overall I'm happy with the prime option. It's not free health care for life like your recruiter told you but still not bad. Tricare standard is ok if you buy/get good supplementary insurance. It gives you more options but out of pocket is higher.

what does suck is my daughter lives at home and is still in school. She turns 23 next spring and I'm going to have to pay about 175 a month for her. Obamacare is not working out like promised is it...

rumore has it you can get any former living president to sign your retirement orders... Just saying...