Air Force Job Recommendations/Insight (enlisted)?
I am turning 17 this august and still am in high school, therefore i am planning to enter the air force through the softbook program. I have talked to my recruiter and even though I am dying to be a firefighter in the AF, I know the job is very hard to get a spot in even though I volunteer now at a station will have have FF I and FF II cert. by the time I graduate.
Anyways I need to pick 4 jobs as a member of the Softbook program. One is for sure fire protection apprentice. I do not like to do paper pushing jobs or sit in an office all day. I like to do hands-on, challenging, and interesting NON-COMBAT jobs. More than anything though, I like to help people and to make a difference. I also want something that has a good translation to civilian life.
I was thinking possibly as the other three:
Aerospace Maintenance/ Jet Mechanic/Crew Chief
Emergency Management/Readiness
Aerospace Propulsions Systems
Air Traffic Controller
Security Forces
Integrated Avionics Systems
space systems
aerospace physiology
EOD (Explosives Ordnance Disposal[probably more of an impulse choice])
If I had to pick today i would put:
Fire Protection apprentice
Crew Chief/aerospace maintenance
integrated avionics systems
emergency management/readiness(I would really like to know more about this job in particular)
I dont know much about these jobs and I could use a lot of first hand info about them and others you would recommend. Thank You and God Bless.
nice choice on the air force. based on your firefighter quals I would recommend training to be a pararescueman (PJ). they seem to be very undermanned right now and you are able to help others, get full paramedic qualification and do some really bang up sh*t. granted, it is the hardest training in the military with around 80% wash out, but hey, risk/reward right? unfortunately it looks like you are not interested in combat so all the special tactics jobs might be out of the question as they are balls deep in it sometimes. With firefighter or PJ you will be a highly qualified firefighter in the civilian world but if you are already a FF2 then Fire Protection Apprentice might seem a little boring, I dont know. EOD looks fun and rewarding and contractors pay good for your service on the outside. Air Traffic Controller will get you a six figure job in the civilian world but I hear that working for the FAA is pure hell. I’m weighing the same options as you my man, and I’m 24. Good Luck.
try going to ask .com and input air force headquarters, choose the first option that will take you air force hq site and choose af jobs that would have explanations of every job the things you will do in a job and things you need inorder to qualify for one.
References :
nice choice on the air force. based on your firefighter quals I would recommend training to be a pararescueman (PJ). they seem to be very undermanned right now and you are able to help others, get full paramedic qualification and do some really bang up sh*t. granted, it is the hardest training in the military with around 80% wash out, but hey, risk/reward right? unfortunately it looks like you are not interested in combat so all the special tactics jobs might be out of the question as they are balls deep in it sometimes. With firefighter or PJ you will be a highly qualified firefighter in the civilian world but if you are already a FF2 then Fire Protection Apprentice might seem a little boring, I dont know. EOD looks fun and rewarding and contractors pay good for your service on the outside. Air Traffic Controller will get you a six figure job in the civilian world but I hear that working for the FAA is pure hell. I’m weighing the same options as you my man, and I’m 24. Good Luck.
References :
Currently enlisting as Special Forces Weather in the Air Force so I can take Jim Cantore’s job one day : ). (still thinking about PJ, CCT, TACP, or EOD also)