Nerds in the Air Force?

Renraku asks: "I know that I am considering joining the U.S. Air Force and going with their networking course. I saw in a story the other day how several people answered with comments about their own life in the Air Force, in the line of work I would be doing. Does anyone have any stories, or tips for surviving basic / tech school / Air Force life in general?"

I can't answer your question, but

[Syncdata]

It's clear that the Navy/Air Force et all are actively recruiting those of a geekish persuasion. The America's Army game appears to be but the tip of the iceberg.
Yesterday, I saw a commercial for the Navy, I believe, featuring a kid growing up through the years playing with increasingly sophisticated model/remote control planes, the final shot being the (now) man controlling an UAV in front of a monitor with a keyboard/joystick combo. The tag Line? "We've been waiting for you."

My 10 years experience as a 3C0X1

[theinfobox]

I got out of the Air Force in 1999 after 10 years in the career field you mentioned (3C0X1). The most important thing for you to remember is that in that job, you can work with anything that involves a computer. This means you might get a great position as a network security specialist or you might work as a telephone operator. Most likely you will start in the hell known as Base Comm Center. Basically, you will operate systems that process classified email. It is extremely boring and if you make a mistake, you get burned because you compromised national security.

And don't think that you can waltz in and impress the commander into giving you the network job because of your vast knowledge. Everyone in the 3C0X1 wants that job and you will be the lost ranking person. So guess what... back to the Comm Center.

Another thing about the 3C0X1 job is that they are needed at every single AF installation in the world. This is good and bad. If you want to travel around the world, you will like this. However... most of the time you don't get your choice. I put in for any East Coast base, and I got Germany. The next time, I put in for East Coast bases again and I got California. Neither assignment was what I wanted, but both turned out to be great.

And as far as assignments go... Don't just pick the base you want because of location. Find out what they do at the base. For example... If they have a Combat Communications Squadron, be prepared to spend 180 days a year away from home (do you like Kuwait at Christmas time?). Hint: Look for Space Command bases. For me, I was lucky and got Onizuka AS in California. I worked in a satellite mission control center. In addition to working on a ton of military space launches, I also worked on 33 space shuttle missions with NASA.

One last word of caution.... I know you probably aren't expecting the AF to beat a civilian job in terms of salary/benefits. But, be aware at how pitiful the benefits and pay really are. When I got out in 1999, I almost tripled my salary. A lot of the benefits the AF does have are shrinking and suck. Ask anyone in the military (besides a recruiter) about the medical benefits!

Anyway.... If you want some more insight... Email me at [e-mail]