[Sonoma]

Cattle^

RNs in California actually can start at around 50. My sister just got offered 50 an hour plus night differential at two jobs, one in the valley, one in the bay area

[Red Jaguar]

I read the gist of what you want; security of income in case the military doesn't work out. I'm prior service; Just finished my 6 year National Guard Contract and did some time before that in the Active Army. For me I joined for love of country but my lack of preparation didn't help me for when I was about to get out. Some of the things really depend if you're going active or reserve but here is what I recommend.

In the Military:

*Use your time wisely. It is super easy to blow stuff off, especially where most soldiers are complacent, unless you have a plan. Where most will fail to plan, you must be at the top of your game, physically and job proficiency.

*Get a strong grip and knowledge of your finances. Take any classes that you can while on post, the Army graciously gave me a finance class but me being the dumb ass Private I was then, I didn't pay attention.

*You will be called a tool but guess what, promotions and post assignments go to the best, especially for PT Studs. Life ain't fair but you already knew that.

*(Recommended) Maintain a journal of sorts while your in Basic and throughout your service. When I read what was going on back then I just laugh at how simple life used to be. Waking up at 0630 was considered sleeping in.

Post-Military:

*You should know if you want to stay in the AF, go reserves, transfer to another branch (Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard), or get out altogether but you should start working on your exit strategy.

*Had a technical job? Show that you were top of your class or among your platoon. Not the best you say? You were among the top 5%.

*Had a not so technical job? In my own example I used to handle numbers, type it into a computer, hit send, and things went BOOM. How did I word it? Exact words from my resume (I was wording a combat branch position but structuring it for it to apply for a civilian company): "Set up and maintain classified communications with cannon line, forward observers, and/or safety range via wired or wireless communication equipment from platoon level (~25 soldiers) to battalion level (~250 soldiers)".

*Network with everyone you meet!!! The beauty of being in the National/Air Guard/Reserves is that everyone knows the military is a game and what you do outside of it is what matters. My former Captain is a Real Estate Investor and he has given me insights on how to get in and thrive in the business. Everyone can become your friend but still screen everyone you meet. Blue Falcons, aka Buddy Fuckers, exist everywhere.

Final Thoughts:

I have never regretted joining the military. While there are some things I wished I could have done or tried (The French Foreign Legion, Going to Ranger School, etc.) I was always glad of the type of the unique brotherhood I became a part of. The red pill community is the same but some will always ask "what if?". That is for another thread.

While most of my experience dealt with being in the Field Artillery in the US Army National Guard, you can ask me any military oriented questions that I will give some general pointers toward.

[toejam]

Sorry op.
Meps is butt

[Eskhander]

well I went through the Congressman and got an answer today.

No dice. They are not letting me in.

They did say something curious though. That their decision came after "subsequent assessment" (of me) when I received no such thing. I was sent home from MEPs before that could happen.

So I'm looking into that. With this news in mind I must thank you all for the advice you've given.

Also, one last favor. If you pm'ed me with advice personally could you do so again? I was away from this forum and missed the change which deleted old pms.

Again, thank you all.