I have two options: PCS to Fort Hood from Bragg or ETS in 5 months and go to college. Is mechanized any better?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 16:55:37 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 5:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:06:54 -0500

No!!! Go to college you don't want that CAV life

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 5:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:08:14 -0500

Airborne All the Way!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 5:08 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:08:28 -0500

Cav life sucks ive been in hood for 2 and a half years. Have a few NCOs in my platoon that came from bragg and they hate it here

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 5:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:14:55 -0500

I would say your style of making life changing choices needs some work if a single PCS decides your entire future.
If your plan is to get out and go to college, that's something you should have begun planning and placing into action 7 months ago.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Feb 1 at 2017 5:36 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:36:32 -0500

Let's see.... hanging from a hankie for 50 seconds vs riding around in an ied magnet all the time... or getting out & going to college... hmm, toughie... GO TO COLLEGE STUPID! When you graduate you can always cone back as an officer if you miss the green machine...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 5:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:42:01 -0500

To get into finer details theres a 12500 lump sum cash bonus (after taxes) out right now if you re enlist for 3 years. My mind was set on getting out but certain factors came to play. First i got promoted to Sgt and second the bonus. My leadership is coaxing me to reup and give the army another shot. I myself however have seen the ups and downs and i dont know if re enlisting for another 3 years is worth it. However, my end goal is to come back in as an officer after college.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 6:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 18:17:34 -0500

Isn't the army giving 10K bonus for a year?

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Feb 1 at 2017 6:37 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 18:37:10 -0500

Go to School!!!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 7:51 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 19:51:18 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Five months is not much lead time. When you ask "Is mechanized any better?", Better than what you are doing now? If you get out, do you have a potential job lined up? Do you know what you would major in, and what career field you would go into after college? Do you have savings?

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Feb 1 at 2017 7:53 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 19:53:41 -0500

I guess the big question is "What do you want from life?" What is your long term goal? How many years you got in? If you're around the 10yr point, don't waste them. At minimum go into the Reserve - at age 60 you will be glad you did(I am).
You want to get another career - do it. Make it something you like and want. You might also keep in mind something like a Vo-Tec college.
Before you make that decision, look ahead and make that long term goal, short term goal - think ahead. Don't do a knee jerk because you're pissed or something like that. Remember you only got one life, so enjoy it.

Response by SGT Woodrow Greenfeather made Feb 1 at 2017 8:01 PM

SGT Woodrow Greenfeather — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 20:01:56 -0500

No absolutely not. If you are going from light infantry to mech. No discipline at all.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 8:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 20:03:55 -0500

Bro, i got orders to hood from Bragg last year....this place blows. find a way out of your orders, IE recruiting/drill ect. like seriously, your motivation will plummet because of not only the dumb shit, but the lack of common sense, money, and good infantry training. Everything is about trucks, no one trains for what you do when you actually dismount. And none of the higher leadership actually care, its just trucks trucks trucks. And when you actually try to train your joes and give classes dudes look at you like youre crazy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 8:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 20:17:58 -0500

Not in the hood bro.

Response by SSG Waldo Yamada made Feb 1 at 2017 8:58 PM

SSG Waldo Yamada — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 20:58:30 -0500

You have to decelerate to adjust to FortHood. It's a very Big Army over there. Having a close nit group is useless. I used to wear the red beret and wore pc while the rest of the big army still wore beret. If you love the fight. Stay in and adjust. I tried but my conscious wouldn't conform. I beilieve Fort Hood has the only place for NCO's to drink while in duty uniform. While the other forts have shut down their own clubs. Do area studies for where you're deployments will be. Use google maps a lot. Be involved and take classes in JKO I believe they give out free area and NATO studies. That way you know the norms through out the branch. Trust me doing your homework will pay off.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 9:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 21:51:03 -0500

I select Option C. PCS to Hood and take all the free classes you can. Then, you can preserve your benefits to finish the degree in the best school you can get into. I got my first degree on active duty.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 10:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 22:17:13 -0500

Well....I'm at Hood and from what I have seen....things are a bit more unglued than from when I was at Bragg but that is MY opinion. My question(s) to you is:
1. Do you enjoy the Army?
2. What certifications/degrees/classes do you have right now!
3. Do you have a solid plan if you decide to leave the service?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2017 11:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 23:08:02 -0500

Suck it up go to Hood. It is not that bad.

Response by SGT Woodrow Greenfeather made Feb 2 at 2017 12:23 AM

SGT Woodrow Greenfeather — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 00:23:55 -0500

Dude that was just a quick response. I went from a pathfinder unit to the best BDE at Campbell the RAKKASANS. My dumbass ass thought I'd settle down and give my body some time to heal. I read one guys stuff on here and he is right.......trucks, Bradley, trucks. If you are a team leader and try to train your guys right all the others look at you like you got a Dick sticking out of your forehead. I lost my will to army there and PCSed to Ft. Living Room. If you just like to drink and watch your buddies get killed then by all means go mech. If you like what you do being real infantry go to selection, drill, or recruiter (if that's your only option). If you got a plan for when you get out, by all means get that 214. Best of luck, it's not an easy choice. The best units there are is where you just came from and where your going.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 12:38 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 00:38:42 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member that all depends on what you want to do with your life. Do you want to do 20 years? Do you want to do the Green to Gold and be officer? Do you want to get out and do college and work on the civilian market?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 12:51 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 00:51:21 -0500

You have to examine your personal goals and objectives....what is more important to you and your family...I was a SPC when I popped smoke, why you ask? because all my buddies that had degrees were getting promoted much faster I was a 19K at the time and the Promotion Points was stuck at 998...I think civilian education (BS) carries a max of 100 pts for Enlisted Promotions today...in my day it was 200 pts/ 1000 pt system....anyway....examine your resources, Do you have a place to live if you get out now? Do you have support from your family or spouse? With your GI Bill can you go to your school of choice without any additional financial burden? Do you want to come back as an officer once you get your degree? What degree do you want to get?? is it a marketable degree where you can get a "good" job once you get out of school?

Mechnanized has it's own set of challenges...not to mention endless hours in the motorpool...your METT-T is basically the same but has many 'Mounted Vehicle tasks'...personally I liked it better than being a Medic with the INF....I hated rucking everywhere...at least as a Tanker we usually "Mounted Up"....and I really liked the M1-A1/A2 Weapon Systems....a 120mm SABOT Round beats a 5.56mm anyday...heheheheh

So this is what I did....I completed a 4 yr Tour as an M1 Tanker...there was no re-up NCO in the world going to convince me to re-enlist..I had College on the brain from the very beginning...SO I ETS'd and joined the CTARG (Connecticut Army National Guard)....I applied to several schools....I chose a State COM-TECH school....I recieved the State Tuition Waiver AND my GI Bill...(Chapter 32, VEAP)...I finished a 2yr then a 4yr degree while in the guard...my VEAP ran out Ch 32 wasnt enough....b/c I transfered to a private school that accepted nearly all my credit from my 2yr program....I had to borrow and apply for grants to finish....I was single and lived with my Mother and Brother until I got married....I then worked as a Biomedical Eng Tech for about 4 yrs (it was financially challenging) ....I moved into an appartment, got married and had two children...then in 99 I recieved a Commission....I could have gotten it in 95...but I didnt know I qualified until approached by an AMEDD Recruiter in 98....next thing you know I was at my Officer Basic Course at Fort Sam Houston....

Initially I was just going to do 20 years in the ANG...I couldn't give up the opportunity...SSG (Medic) in the Guard or 2nd LT MSC/Signal in the Regular Army...and 16 yrs until retirement...I chose the officer option...and it was the best thing I ever did...the Army paid for 75% of my 1st Masters Degree (Tuition Assistance)...and when i retired...I burned off some of my POST 9/11 for a 2nd Masters which was 100% paid by the Army...I still have 9 months left...

As I said before, being a Tanker was fun, but also hard work and even harder training...but I only did that for 4 yrs....I couldn't imagine doing that for 20...just too hard on the body...

There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying in....if thats what you want...you can do TA..takes alot longer...but there are tools today that I didnt have....Online Programs, on-post programs....I got both of my Masters through Webster University....Webster is on nearly every installation...so matter where you PCS to...there will be a Webster....Online or in-class....I prefered in-class over online....

Well I hope this helps your decision....feel free to ask me any questions...

Major O

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 7:08 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 07:08:05 -0500

Any place you PCS will be what YOU make of it. Everyone experiences will be different, so you can't necessarily base your decision off of another persons experience. YOUR goals (short term and long term) should drive your decision. Make the best of any decision you make.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 10:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 10:25:03 -0500

I've been mech/ Stryker at 25th Hawaii and been light at Ft Drum. the training is similar per cycles and gets hectic if your unit is on global response. It is what you make of everyduty station with your time off. Had guys hate Hawaii but every weekend in the B's drinking beer was there plan. Remember the command changes. Every guy I've worked with that's come from Bragg said they train a lot but they were squared away. Ft hood haven't really heard much good about it.

Response by SSG William Segel made Feb 2 at 2017 12:36 PM

SSG William Segel — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 12:36:00 -0500

If you don't have a plan for when you ETS then I would recommend staying in and enjoy the free classes.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Feb 2 at 2017 12:56 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 12:56:23 -0500

I'm with MAJ LaFlame, go to Hood and take college courses. But SGM Dawson brought up a good point: what do you want from life? In other words when you're older what are you gonna be more proud of when you look back at your life?

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 1:10 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 13:10:08 -0500

You need to think more long-term than just the next duty station. What do you want out of life/career? I'd say get the degree and do as much time as you can. If you're a round peg in a round hole, stay in. If you're hard core, I guarantee that when you get out, you'll be a square peg trying to smash your way into a round hole.

Response by SGM Edward Lake made Feb 2 at 2017 6:26 PM

SGM Edward Lake — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 18:26:03 -0500

While your education is huge. And frankly you need to have a four year degree in civilian life. I found myself in a similar situation years ago. I chose the army and took classes as often as I could. And it took me 15 years to get my degree. If I had to do it again I would have got out and joined the guard and full time to school. Once you get your degree you can also get a commission as an officer in the guard. And if you decide to go back on active you would be an officer, better pay and retirement. I served with a guard unit while deployed to Afghanistan and let me tell you they were squared away.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Feb 2 at 2017 6:40 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 18:40:18 -0500

Hood has great access to community colleges to help you knock out your first two years of college using TA and so much of your general ed these days can be found online. Knock that out and then decide what you want to grow up to be. Hood has two education centers on post within walking distance of some of the barracks and an easy bike ride for others if you don't have transportation. I have not heard about a great night life from young soldiers at that post so the location maybe a good spot to focus on future goals, short and long term.

Response by SGM Jeff Bullard made Feb 2 at 2017 8:48 PM

SGM Jeff Bullard — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 20:48:08 -0500

I've
Done light infantry, Airborne Infantry, mechanized Infantry, Stryker Infantry and light cav. They all open you to different perspectives of the Army. This will make you more diverse and will give you a better
Understanding with combined arms. This will make you more desirable to the boards. The Army wants diversely knowledgeable NCOs. This is an opportunity to widen your view besides Airborne. I would go to Hood.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2017 11:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 23:09:59 -0500

12yr 91M Bradley Maintainer. Every 11B from the light side say they hate being mechanized. I honestly feel the Army needs to bring back 11M. 11M would never know what light is and would keep the Bradleys better maintained. It's hard to come across a good staff sergeant these days that know all aspects of mounted.

You just have to decide you want to ruck it out or ride in vehicle, lol.

Response by SFC Harold Streat Jr made Feb 4 at 2017 11:40 AM

SFC Harold Streat Jr — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 11:40:40 -0500

Do both, PCS and do your college online while you're in so that you will be able to focus on something like a new career when you finally leave the military. I retired one day, graduated from college the very next day.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2017 9:23 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 21:23:46 -0500

No. No. No. No. Don't do it. Take that ETS.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2017 8:42 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 08:42:39 -0500

I never want or plan on getting out and I was in a mechanized unit at 3ID before coming to 10th mtn div and as much as I learned from a mech unit I'm glad it's over

Response by SSG Carey Clifford made Feb 7 at 2017 7:31 PM

SSG Carey Clifford — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 19:31:45 -0500

It's about the same you just don't have to walk everywhere Lol. At least not as much as you do now

Response by SP5 David O'shea made Feb 7 at 2017 10:38 PM

SP5 David O'shea — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 22:38:04 -0500

No but stay strong and put in your 20

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2017 1:07 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 01:07:30 -0500

Do yourself a favor and get out and go to school.

Response by CPL Kris Bortell made Feb 10 at 2017 6:30 AM

CPL Kris Bortell — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 06:30:34 -0500

Ehh.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2017 6:14 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 18:14:31 -0500

If you have a love for the wondrous aroma of JP8 exhaust permeating the very core of your being then, yes. If you like spending hours upon hours waiting on mechanics to fix your heater which spontaneously combusts with you you inside, yes. If you think "motorpool Monday" sounds enticing, go for it. It is certainly less walking. But the price comes high. Very high.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2017 7:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 19:31:24 -0500

Decided to re up another 3 years to fort hood... woop woop! here goes nothing! :) But on a serious note thanks for yall's advice, I really appreciate it!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2017 11:08 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 11:08:33 -0500

Fuck man that's easy ! What gets you more fine pussy? College does genius

Response by SGT Tommy Silvas made Feb 19 at 2017 1:45 AM

SGT Tommy Silvas — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 01:45:11 -0500

I KINDA WISH I COULD OF DROVE A M1 TANK AFTER JUMP SCHOOL OF COURSE

Response by 1SG Ernesto Riverarodriguez made Feb 21 at 2017 5:09 AM

1SG Ernesto Riverarodriguez — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 05:09:39 -0500

Unless you want to move your Home to the Motor pool I strongly recommend Bragg.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2017 9:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 09:04:29 -0500

I picked up two whole semesters at Central Texas College while at Ft. Hood, TX so it is possible to go to college while on Active duty. Still you have to decide what it is you want to do with your life. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

Response by CPL Larry Garrett made Mar 7 at 2017 6:20 AM

CPL Larry Garrett — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 06:20:54 -0500

I was posted at Ft. Hood after leaving Fort Ord. I hated it there. I was assigned to a TOW 2 company whose tanks were over 50% DOWN....they didn't start training for even basic skills until we were notified we were going to Iraq. It was awful. To top things off, since I had a CIB and had recently been in combat, the commander placed me with the Battalion Scouts. The team they gave me would have caused a rupture of the sphincter as it puckered. Back then civilians were shooting soldiers in broad daylight and we were forbidden to go into the town of Killeen. It sits right outside the gate. Finance screwed up my pay, it was a nightmare for months.

Response by SGT Tim N Meagan Hall made Mar 8 at 2017 1:40 AM

SGT Tim N Meagan Hall — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 01:40:31 -0500

Fort hood is a crap hole. Avoid at all cost

Response by SGT Dennis Lushbaugh made Apr 19 at 2017 6:25 AM

SGT Dennis Lushbaugh — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 06:25:24 -0400

Foot Hood was my last duty assignment and one of the reasons I got out. I even volunteered to stay in Bosnia 6 more months then go back to Hood, I did stay the extra 6 in Bosnia. When I got back I was to re-enlist and go to BNOC but then was told I would have to stay at Hood for 2 years after school. So I got out. I really disliked Hood, or maybe just my cav unit.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 6:32 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 06:32:48 -0400

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Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 6:34 AM

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Response by MSG Mamerto Perez made Apr 20 at 2017 4:58 PM

MSG Mamerto Perez — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 16:58:45 -0400

Stay in the Service and you can still go to School