Need some advice

[Shiper]

I am scheduled to ship November 16th for basic. With my degree, going in as an E-4, getting student loans paid (mostly) off, and a small enlistment bonus. MOS will be 68K, medical lab specialist. I was laid off last March from my job, I worked in the oil industry making pretty damn good money, but had really just gotten started in the field. I enjoyed the work, but as many know, the oil industry is a wild ride, up and down a lot.

Here's my dilemna. I have been offered the opportunity to get back to work in the oil field. The job is 7 on, 7 off, bringing home about 4k a month. It is doing rig hand work, so there is a level of danger in the job.

I'm torn on what to do, and was curious if any other military, current or former, have faced a similar decision. I know what the rigs are like, and how life is out there. Not really sure about the military life, as I've never done it obviously. Don't know if it would be a 5 year commitment or a career, because who really knows how you'll like it till you do it.

This isn't really a oh, I'm scared, or how do I get out kind of thing. I'm looking for advice, relatively un-biased, because with the war effort and the great likelihood of deployment, my family and friends aren't exactly helpful. I'm really looking long term here, and what might be most beneficial to me in starting a life, a family, etc.

Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated. I know someone has faced a similar situation, and I'd love to share your insight.

Thanks in advance :beer:

 

[Steve03SVT]

Go ahead and join. You're not gonna get laid off, great benefits and you're gonna get paid every two weeks regardless. Im a Marine, i love the lifestyle and everything it has to offer. Its what you make of it.

 

[saleensc281]

I would join man, like you said its a up and down career field in the oil industry. I see that you are going into the Medical Field, which is always a good field to get into. If I was you, I would push for X Ray Tech, because they make good money outside the military. Not sure if you are married and have kids...but the Army will def take care of them and you. The benefits are awesome for both you, your spouse and family members. As long as you keep your nose clean...you will get promoted rather quickly. Sure you might be deployed, but in your field you shouldnt see much if any combat action. Ive been in for 12 and 1/2 years and I like it a lot..sure it has its good and bad moments...but then what job doesnt. Im getting married the end of this month, and its nice to know that my family will be taken care of thanks to the job security of the Army. Its up to you man, its your decision...in the end I know you will make the best decision. Good luck.

 

[FX4 SAPPER]

Tough one man. The military has a steady paycheck. As far as being stable in one place thats another issue. Going in as an E-4 you will make about 22k pre-tax with your base pay. But, you wont have to pay any health insurance, if you are single, youll get fed, have a roof, all not coming out of your pocket. Plus, your student loans will be paid so you will be out of debt. Besides, you can always ETS (pending you dont get stop lossed) and go back in your civilian field. Who knows, in 4 years time where the oil industry will be anyways.

 

[Sapperstang]

I say go ahead and join. Look at the big picture, not just the dollar signs. You got a good MOS so even if you get deployed you will be somewhere away from any fighting. If you already have a ship date I am not sure if you can back out now since you probably already signed your name on the dotted line.

 

[svtcobrar2004]

lucky you going in as a e-4

 

[AlanSVT]

Just do it.... Going in as a E4 with in two years you should be a E5. Your MOS is a good mos and it also transitions to the Civilian life pretty easy.

Steady Pay checks and as of right now great benefits and a good retirement plan. Where else can you get a job that when you retire you start collecting it Immediately.

do you know where your first duty assignment is going to be?

 

[Shiper]

I have no clue where my first duty station is. Basic at Leonard Wood, half of training in San Antonio, half somewhere else TBD. After that, no idea.

Thanks for the input guys, keep it coming. I'm not looking at it from a strictly financial position, there are lots of other factors I'm considering.

 

[AlanSVT]

* 26 weeks, 0 days, at Fort Sam Houston, TX
* 26 weeks, 0 days at a major military hospital for residency training. Possible locations include:
o Fort Sam Houston, TX
o Fort Gordon, GA
o MAMC, Tacoma, WA
o TAMC, Honolulu, HI
o WRAMC, Washington, DC
o Fort Bliss, TX
o Fort Hood, TX
o Fort Belvoir, VA
o Fort Jackson, SC
o Fort Leonard Wood
o West Point, NY
o Fort Knox, KS
o Fort Riley, KS
o Fort Sill, OK
o Fort Polk, LA
o Fort Bragg, NC
o Fort Campbell, KY
o Fort Carson, CO
o Fort Stewart, GA

 

[AlanSVT]

if you happen to come to ft. bragg hit me up.

Alan

 

[97desertCobra]

Do it. For all the reasons stated. The only thing that will suck will be moving around the country. Unless you like going to new places. Are you married? Kids? If you get deployed you wont have to worry about seeing any combat with your MOS. Its a possibility, but very highly unlikely. The hardest thing would be being away from your loved ones and fighting boredome.