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.

That's...troubling.

Well, big strike one, he was supposed to be here 13 minutes ago. CJ has looked outside to see if he was lost and has called his number, only to get VM.

I have pen and paper for notes.

I don't think the Army is an automatic no way thing for CJ. It is more of a why now? He is just a junior. Yes, junior year is the year to explore post graduation options, so in that sense I get it. But beyond that, chill out.

Fifteen minutes late. Not impressed.

And a big point to CJ. He teaches at the dojo on Wednesdays and had told them he would be late so he could be here to talk with the recruiter. Since he couldn't get ahold of the guy, CJ put on his gi and left.

If dude shows up now, I'll talk to him for a couple and send him on his way. Twenty one minutes late.

It shouldn't be that difficult to develop an expedited certification -- test out on the things they've covered, a short course on the things they have not. It's a matter of political will.

So, you know, good luck with that.

We've got VA benefit databases that don't communicate -- too bad we don't have a bunch of unemployed people lying around who could do data entry. It seems like "support the troops" only lasts as long as they're being shot at.

I've seen time in the military do people a lot of good, but until we're treating vets better I'd be hesitant to go that route.

The Merchant Marine, on the other hand... lots of order, better money, an actual union, far less killing and dying.

I've known a couple of doctors who got their degrees on the job. They had to commit to...I think, but don't quote me on this...6 years post grad service. But, hey, free medical school does not grow on trees!

This is Bobby's master plan. He has grown up around doctors because of my business. He plans to get his Bachelor's degree, then enlist in the Air Force (family tradition both sides) and have them pay for medical school. His favorite friend doctor did it this way in the Army.

I don't know if he will stay on this path at this early stage, but I love that he has an actual plan.