Sparky is wise. Notes and documentation are key. If there is resistance to either...you know that isn't acceptable.

I would also make sure that anything he says about financial compensation and benefits is clearly explained and understood. Here is the promise. Is it the reality that most people are actually receiving XXX.

What are the financial and other benefits of joined the Army *now* vs. as an officer?

I would also make sure that anything he says about financial compensation and benefits is clearly explained and understood. Here is the promise. Is it the reality that most people are actually receiving XXX.

What are the financial and other benefits of joined the Army *now* vs. as an officer?

Suzi, I wish CJ the best. But ... you and he might want to be careful about recruiters. It may be merely anecdotal, but I've read about some recruiters who, under pressure to get people enlisted, would really push kids to sign up.

Get all promised benefits in writing. Those promises are easy to give but often evaporate by means of whatever excuses can be found to deny them. And my dad's advice to anyone going in the military is to make 'em teach you a trade.

Talk to the recruiter...but talk to people who have BEEN in the positions and/or branches CJ might be thinking of, instead of someone whose job is getting people to sign on the dotted line.

Steph, definitely mention that you are comfortable, or even enthusiastic, about editing BDSM or M/M, and are familiar with vocabulary and techniques. The letter will get you an editing test. The editing test gets you the job. You generally have 2 weeks for the test; ask them about what style guide and what dictionary they want you to use, if they don't tell you.

And my dad's advice to anyone going in the military is to make 'em teach you a trade.

Also, apparently the military way of doing some trades, and the real-world way don't always align well. I'm trying to remember the context where I heard this - electronics, maybe? Anyway, someone I knew who found that getting a job after he got out was not nearly the gold-plated guarantee he was told - because though he had X years of experience, he didn't have X years of relevant experience.

I feel surprisingly chipper and healthy today. I hate that this makes me nervous.

Also, apparently the military way of doing some trades, and the real-world way don't always align well. I'm trying to remember the context where I heard this - electronics, maybe? Anyway, someone I knew who found that getting a job after he got out was not nearly the gold-plated guarantee he was told - because though he had X years of experience, he didn't have X years of relevant experience.

Heh, the old man got into computers in the Army in the late '50s, and was in Rand Sperry Univac's school in Ilion, NY in 1960 when he met my mom. So yeah, there was a certain amount of retraining to be done. Then again, back then they may all have been making it up as they went along.

My extensive knowledge of military experience not translating to civilian experience consists of medics on Jon Stewart saying they're not certified as EMTs of any level and have to start from scratch to certify.