Initial time away from work and family

[srpettew]

OK. I'll be honest. I do not know much about military terms but I've been reading a lot of threads on this forum (which is great BTW). Can someone break it down as far as a timeline of "time" away from home? I have a wife and small daughter and we plan on trying soon for another child. I'm 31 and employed full time with a decent job. I thought you just sign up, go to basic training for 9 weeks, and then go to another "job" training for 8-16 weeks.

But I've been reading about "MEPS" and "Purgatory" or "Initialization." Apparently MEPS is a pre-training for BCT? I've read that Initialization can take up to two weeks and all you do is sit around? So does that mean that basic training is actually 11-12 weeks? Is MEPS done only on the weekends?

I would just like to know these things so I can adequately prepare my family and employer. I'm not sure if I can afford to be away from work for a significant amount of time (without selling the house). If I'm called away on duty that is a chance I'm willing to take, but I just want to know how much time I'll initially miss. I know, I know talk to a recruiter :) I signed up on Monday to have one contact me, but to date, no response.

Thanks to all.
SP

[jmloml]

A couple basic things:

MEPS: Military Enlistment Processing Station. You will go to one in your local area to take your ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). This is typically a computerized, timed test that will evaluate your skills and aptitude in 10 basic areas. They include areas such as arithmetic, (basic math), Mathematical reasoning (algebra / geometry), general science, reading comprehension, automotive mechanics, electronics, word association, mechanical reasoning, construction techniques, etc. The test will consume about 3 hours including registration.

MEPS will also complete a physical and psychological evaluation along with a drug screen. This is a fairly comprehensive physical that will determine your capabilities to physically perform in a military environment. You may also go through steps required to grant a security clearance depending upon the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty - or Job) you have selected. The Physical and other components will consume the remainder of your day.

If you are set to enlist you may also be sworn in when all is said and done. Your MEPS trip will consume your entire day from about 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

You mentioned Basic and school. Time lines are about right. While in basic and AIT (your specialty school) you will be receiving base pay plus any additional pay you qualify for such as housing allowance for your family.

Give the recruiter a little time. Remember, they are spending time with people just like you, finding them open jobs, taking them through MEPS, etc. You should hear from one within 1 to 4 weeks from the time you request information. While you wait, read some more information on this forum about MEPS, ASVAB, BCT, AIT, etc. There was also a video of a day at the MEPS posted recently. Remember, while you are at MEPS, the most difficult test is the test of your patience.

Good luck

[srpettew]

Wow. Great reply. Ok, so one day then for MEPS. Not bad. I didn't know the Army will provide a housing allowance for my family while I am gone. I assume it will probably be the difference between my base pay and my civilian salary? Will the Army also do this if my unit is deployed?

From what I have read so far I could probably enlist at a higher level because I have a college degree and significant work experience. Not sure how that works. I just don't want my family to suffer financially because Daddy wants to join the Army.

Anyone know anything about the North Carolina (Morrisville/Raleigh) Guard? I don't know anyone in the service and would love to get some home town advice. Is there a website that goes into more detail regarding the MOS's available?

Thanks again for the reply.
SP

[Echo]

You should check this PAGE (http://1800goguard.com/NC/index.php) for North Carolina... scroll down all the way and you'll go past the unit listings... and at the bottom is the list of Critical MOSs for NC. There are also the Top 10 (http://www.1800goguard.com/training/training_moslist.php) ones as well. Both lists contain MOSs that pay the $20,000 Bonus.

Hopefully these lists are up-to-date.

Check HERE (http://www.wv.ngb.army.mil/join/careers/) for their MOS Video Collection link... they should help you.

Let me know if you have any questions I may be able to help you with.

[srpettew]

The MOS video link is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much. This should keep me occupied for a while.

I'm interested in MOS 74B (IS Operator/Analyst). Currently, I work in an IT dept. and handle all of the asset management/technology procurement duties. I work closely with all levels of tech support, network engineering, server engineering and workstation engineering. I don't want to be bored but this could enhance my career. Because I am a father and husband, I would probably not want to go for the "top 10", but then again they seem to be the most exciting.

Thanks for the links!
SP

[Jan]

I have a bachelor's and just enlisted this week as an E-4.

For BCT and AIT, what I have been told, is that I will receive my base pay as an E-4. PLUS BAH. (I'm still trying to figure out if I get BAH-I or BAH-II, I'll be gone 6 months). PLUS family separation allowance of $250. Do the math- the numbers will surprise you. If I just got E-4 pay, there's no way I could do it. All the other allowances- HOOAH! A round of egg nog for everyone in the house!

Also, you probably don't have to worry about losing the house, since the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act- LOOK! A LINK!!! (http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/hudvet/library/scra.cfm) protects you from forclosure, PLUS knocks all your interest rates to 6%.

You might need to get some more hints and tips from others that are in the same boat. And ask your recruiter in depth about the other benes. I know with my recruiter, he is very knowledgable and a gem. BUT, he's used to high-school kids and what motivates them. So the same perks for them don't mean a lot to me. Like, education benes. Yes, yes, yes... eventually I might go for a master's degree, but I already have a B.S. and no student loans to repay, so don't waste breath on Montgomery G.I. Bill, Kickers, etc.

[srpettew]

Hi Jan. Thanks for the reply.

After checking, it looks like pay as an E4 is $1,662.90 - $2,018.40. Does the variance depend on which State you live? What is BAH? Sorry, very new to military terms. Are these totals before or after tax?