Job fields in the PNW..

[JOOP]

This isn't really what you asked but here's my experience....I did a 3 year tour in the army as a helicopter mechanic and aspired to continue in aviation when I got out. When I got out I wanted to take the summer and do something mindless and different so I took a summer job in construction. My full time job back then was carrying **** up stairs........~ 26 years later I still work for that same company and have great medical and reitirement built up.
I guess my point is you never really know which direction life could take you but honest hard work can get you a long ways FWIW.
Good luck!:beer:

This.. I never expected to end up in the automotive field but I did and I'm good at it. But I hate it.

I was in the Army for 8yrs. I worked on some high tech stuff (avionics). I found it was very tough to get into that field with out going back to school for a couple of years, so I stayed out of it. Have you thought of reclassing to a different MOS?

Knowing what I know now, I would of stayed in. Being in the Army was the easiest and toughest job I ever had. Looking back I want to kick myself in the ass for getting out. I've even considered going back in. I talked to the recruiter and they said even though I've been out since '99, I could go back in as my same rank etc. I would just need to get my ass back into shape to pass a PT test and height/weight.

I would really consider reclassifying to a different MOS and stay in. I loved the aviation MOS'. :redneck:

Binder, what was your MOS? Years/duty stations? :corn:

Hey Jeepasaurus, I thinkw e were in during the same time. I did 8 years but my 1st MOS was 29E (radio and comsec repairman) then it went to 35E which was basically everything electronic repairman including radars and NVG's. But the final years I was in I was OTJT for 18E

 

[boardbysled]

I'm going into Forestry, just because I know, in my lifetime, there will always be a need for a Forester. It will also allow me to work outside, and I have a chance for good advancement.

There are a few 2 year technical schools for Forestry, but mainly companys are looking for people wit bachelors.

 

[charliesnyder]

If I work my ass off on school I can have an associates by the time I get out.. Than finish a bachelors shortly after.

 

[zukkev]

There's always the Berry Fields in the PNW!!!!:fawkdancesmiley: :redneck:
Seriously, good luck with whatever you choose to do!!!:awesomework:

 

[Jeepasaurusrex]

Joop, yea, they combined my MOS with 68R and 68L (later 35R and 35L). They did that after I got out. If I went back, I would prolly have to go back through AIT to get up to speed on the others.


CharlieSnyder, are you a member of Military.com? There is a big job board on there where you can search jobs that prefer former military personnel.
http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm:redneck:

 

[charliesnyder]

Joop, yea, they combined my MOS with 68R and 68L (later 35R and 35L). They did that after I got out. If I went back, I would prolly have to go back through AIT to get up to speed on the others.


CharlieSnyder, are you a member of Military.com? There is a big job board on there where you can search jobs that prefer former military personnel.
http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm:redneck:

Thanks for the link! Good looking out guys. I really appreciate all the input on this. Giving me something to look forward to when I get home.

 

[JOOP]

Joop, yea, they combined my MOS with 68R and 68L (later 35R and 35L). They did that after I got out. If I went back, I would prolly have to go back through AIT to get up to speed on the others.


CharlieSnyder, are you a member of Military.com? There is a big job board on there where you can search jobs that prefer former military personnel.
http://www.military.com/Careers/Home/0,13373,,00.htm:redneck:

Where were you stationed?

I was
1991 June-August Basic, FT. Jackson, SC A2/39 Infantry
1991 Aug-1992 May, AIT Ft. Gordon, Signal Corp. 29E radio repairman
1992- 1993 June, FT. Lewis 99th Support Bat.
1993- 1995 July, Ft Clayton, Panama 193rd Infantry Support
1995-1999 April , Ft. Campbell, KY. 311th Military intelligence, This is where I got on a QRF team.

Then I got out...

 

[ain'tstuckjustresting]

Charlie, Unless you "love" working on diesels being a diesel mechanic gets old in a real hurry. The market is tough now but by the time you are out of school the demand will be back because 60% of grads don't stay in the field.
If you really want to try it you have many options.

The best is the 4yr BA at Eastern Montana in Havre.

Have worked with guys that did the 18mo program at Wyotech and I'm not impressed.

Bates in tacoma has a 2yr AA

Centralia Comm College has a 2yr AA (thats where I went)

Lake Washington Comm College has a 2yr AA

But, the best is to find a employer that has an apprenticeship program so you get paid while going to school and have a job when you get out.

If interested in Ag equip you can get sponsored by a JD Dealer and I believe the program is still running at Walla Walla Comm College.

If you're serious swing into our shop when yo get home and I'll try to help you in the right direction. Good Luck!

 

[Jeepasaurusrex]

Where were you stationed?

I was
1991 June-August Basic, FT. Jackson, SC A2/39 Infantry
1991 Aug-1992 May, AIT Ft. Gordon, Signal Corp. 29E radio repairman
1992- 1993 June, FT. Lewis 99th Support Bat.
1993- 1995 July, Ft Clayton, Panama 193rd Infantry Support
1995-1999 April , Ft. Campbell, KY. 311th Military intelligence, This is where I got on a QRF team.

Then I got out...

30 July 1991 Basic at Ft Jackson Eco 4-13 Inf.
Sept 91-March 92 AIT Ft Gordon GA, Bco 366
Jump School- Ft Benning GA
March 92-March 94 Katterbach Germany, 1st Armor, 3rd ID
March 94- July 1997 Hunter Army Airfield Ga
Echo Tango Suitcase.

 

[wentz912]

Charlie have you considered not just reclassing but switching branches? Might be able to try the Air Force or Coast Guard or something else that might keep you a little closer to home and in a less stressful job.

 

[charliesnyder]

Charlie have you considered not just reclassing but switching branches? Might be able to try the Air Force or Coast Guard or something else that might keep you a little closer to home and in a less stressful job.

The problem with that is, with my new boss(big boss), they are downsizing the most of the forces. both Navy and A.F. are pushing people out. Most of them come to the Army. I don't think I could do the whole Marine thing. Nothing against them, just not that kind of guy. I know A.F. won't take prior Army guys as well. Don't know about Coast Guard.

I think the biggest issue with me and another service is its just time for me to have that "normal" life again. I've searved my country proudly, done things I never knew I could and its time to take care of me..

 

[wentz912]

I hear you. I finally hit the halfway point of my 6 year enlistment contract a few weeks ago, but I am only a part timer in the Reserves there at Ft. Lewis.

Hell, that or the national guard might be the ticket for you. I know there are a lot of jobs around the Ft. Lewis/Lacey/Tacoma area as Government Contractors that pay well and some of them even require dual status as military/army civilian. If it at all interests you I can try and get a hold of my squad leader and a couple other guys I know that work up on or around post and get more information for you.

 

[charliesnyder]

I hear you. I finally hit the halfway point of my 6 year enlistment contract a few weeks ago, but I am only a part timer in the Reserves there at Ft. Lewis.

Hell, that or the national guard might be the ticket for you. I know there are a lot of jobs around the Ft. Lewis/Lacey/Tacoma area as Government Contractors that pay well and some of them even require dual status as military/army civilian. If it at all interests you I can try and get a hold of my squad leader and a couple other guys I know that work up on or around post and get more information for you.

Thanks for the offer man, I think as of right now I'm just trying to figure out where I need to concentrate on as far as post mil work. I'll have almost 9 years in at the end of this enlistment and want to be set up as best as possible when I'm done.

I know, you guys are all going to say "9 years!! Your halfway done!! Stay in..."... Not happening, sorry.. If I get out then, I'll be at an age(in my opinion) where I can still start a new career. I'll have just turned 28 a few days before my ETS, and if things go ok for the next few years, I'll only feel 38!

 

[messix]

consider being a lineman for a pud. they are getting to where they have many retirements coming in the near future.

 

[wentz912]

Understood man. I will try and stay in touch here on the board, and if you change your mind or need more info about jobs in the civilian contractor side of things, let me know and I will get in touch with the people I know.

 

[JOOP]

Thanks for the offer man, I think as of right now I'm just trying to figure out where I need to concentrate on as far as post mil work. I'll have almost 9 years in at the end of this enlistment and want to be set up as best as possible when I'm done.

I know, you guys are all going to say "9 years!! Your halfway done!! Stay in..."... Not happening, sorry.. If I get out then, I'll be at an age(in my opinion) where I can still start a new career. I'll have just turned 28 a few days before my ETS, and if things go ok for the next few years, I'll only feel 38!

I don't blame you for wanting to get out. I did 8 and was done.. FTA!!!.. You'll make more money in the civilian world and have a much happier family if your home everynight.

 

[charliesnyder]

I don't blame you for wanting to get out. I did 8 and was done.. FTA!!!.. You'll make more money in the civilian world and have a much happier family if your home everynight.

The money isn't so much what I'm worried about. As long as I can make what I bring in now I'll be happy. This is more about myself and my wifes happiness..

 

[JOOP]

The money isn't so much what I'm worried about. As long as I can make what I bring in now I'll be happy. This is more about myself and my wifes happiness..

Well I don't know what your making now, but count on a cut in pay for a few years. I know you being deployed a lot pays well, but expecting to make that kind of money right away is not likely without an education.

 

[charliesnyder]

Well I don't know what your making now, but count on a cut in pay for a few years. I know you being deployed a lot pays well, but expecting to make that kind of money right away is not likely without an education.

I know I won't make my deployment money. I really dont make all that much right now. E-5 with 5 years pays ok. Not great. I make the same as my brother Chris did when after a few years in the HVAC business. As long as Michelle and I can make it without stretching too much. I'll have one hell of a savings by the time I get out.. :awesomework:

 

[Jeepasaurusrex]

Pay off as many bills as you can prior to getting out. That will make your life even easier to transition.

 

[BobR]

my brother enlisted at 22 into the Airforce as a 2 nd Lui in 1984.
in 1996 he was given an early pension they were thinning the ranks.

in 1998 he reenlisted because private employers would not respect any of his work history. they figured the only thing he had experience in was showing up every morning on time. remember the saying;

theres the right way,
the wrong way
and the military way.

private employers want people trained the right way.




Bob

 

[charliesnyder]

my brother enlisted at 22 into the Airforce as a 2 nd Lui in 1984.
in 1996 he was given an early pension they were thinning the ranks.

in 1998 he reenlisted because private employers would not respect any of his work history. they figured the only thing he had experience in was showing up every morning on time. remember the saying;

theres the right way,
the wrong way
and the military way.

private employers want people trained the right way.


Bob

Thats where my GI Bill comes in play. Plan on going to a tech school for whatever field I go into. Not going to rely simply on my Mil background.

 

[Indefatigable]

Pipe fitter.

Move close to the CDN border and you may not have to look hard to get a job north of the 49th...

Most of our pipe fitters here, after they get their ticket end up heading to the oil patch in Alberta to work ($$$) if they don't land exactly what they are looking for right away.

 

[BobR]

Thats where my GI Bill comes in play. Plan on going to a tech school for whatever field I go into. Not going to rely simply on my Mil background.

he went to school to be a civilian accountant (most simular to what he did for the millitary) when he first got out. all he was offered was bookkeeping jobs.







Bob

 

[BobR]

if worst comes to worst you might be able to go back for a second pension like my brothers doing.






Bob

 

[Lincolnlock]

Go to Bellingham Tech. and get a degree in controls. They have placement right out of school at any of the refinery's in the area. Also, the natural gas industry is always looking for good people. I was also in the Diesel industry for 7+ years. It doesn't really pay all that well unless all you do is work yourself into the ground. Get a job with oil/ gas industry. Way more stable.

 

[cricket1]

didint read the entire post, so if someone already said the best job in the world forgive me. Electric Lineman. Goodluck

 

[jimijam19K]

didint read the entire post, so if someone already said the best job in the world forgive me. Electric Lineman. Goodluck

Charlie I was a at a recent jobfair at the AmVets in Tacoma, I have a flyer for a Electricians Apprenticeship program that is for Vets only. 12 wk advanced classroom then enter directly into 2nd year of apprenticeship. Journeyman card pays 40 somthing an hour plus benefits adding up to a 50 something an hour total package. If your interested I'll go look for it.