IA preAPI?

[WEGL]

This might be stupid but WTF: I've been told to expect at least a 6mo wait to classup for API after commissioning and was considering volunteering for an IA job in the sandbox opposed to some stash job. Does anyone know if this is possible, practical, stupid, good for career, good way to serve etc...???
I keep getting the crazy eye when I ask around the unit, but really I didn't do the NROTC deal for the free degree, I'm in it for the commission, and I'd just like to contribute in a meaningful manner, serve, blah blah blah.... :tongue2_1

 

[Brett327]

This might be stupid but WTF: I've been told to expect at least a 6mo wait to classup for API after commissioning and was considering volunteering for an IA job in the sandbox opposed to some stash job. Does anyone know if this is possible, practical, stupid, good for career, good way to serve etc...???
I keep getting the crazy eye when I ask around the unit, but really I didn't do the NROTC deal for the free degree, I'm in it for the commission, and I'd just like to contribute in a meaningful manner, serve, blah blah blah.... :tongue2_1

I would be extremely surprised if CNATRA released students for that purpose.

Brett

 

[KBayDog]

...I'm in it for the commission, and I'd just like to contribute in a meaningful manner, serve, blah blah blah.... :tongue2_1

As many on this board will tell you, after you leave the training command, you will get MORE than your fair chance to "contribute in a meaningful manner."

Until that time, enjoy any time off you can get.

 

[BigIron]

As many on this board will tell you, after you leave the training command, you will get MORE than your fair chance to "contribute in a meaningful manner."

Until that time, enjoy any time off you can get.

Concur.

 

[Gatordev]

Also, generally, an IA is longer than 6 months. The 6 months part (ie, 179 days) is actual assignment time. There's still the training portion, and for some of them, the "decompression" time. I empathize w/ your motivation, but really, find another outlet and enjoy the time off.

 

[midhusker]

Also, generally, an IA is longer than 6 months. The 6 months part (ie, 179 days) is actual assignment time. There's still the training portion, and for some of them, the "decompression" time. I empathize w/ your motivation, but really, find another outlet and enjoy the time off.

yeah, enjoy your time off. It really hits the fan and starts going when you get to the training command.

 

[ThetaChi]

Yeah.....I doubt if CNATRA would allow you to serve that type of duty just yet....they are reluctant to let us ride motorcycles, jet-skis, surf, or much else other than training right now (and yes, I am aware that is a totally different thing). I do commend you for your willingness to serve...that should take you far in your career.

 

[WEGL]

As many on this board will tell you, after you leave the training command, you will get MORE than your fair chance to "contribute in a meaningful manner."

Until that time, enjoy any time off you can get.

That's the same sentiment I keep running into. I guess there must be something to it. The only thing is that I consider my 4 years of ROTC to have been time off. I've had lots of friends and relatives already serve two tours in the hotspots and I kinda feel I've not really done jack. I know and understand that I'll have an opportunity after training to contribute and I understand completely about taking time off when it's there, but it simply doesn't prevent that guilty feeling knowing I'll be hanging out on a beach for 6 months while other dudes are in combat.
But, I guess the point is moot if it's not happening. Is the 179 day deal set in stone? Are there no varied length augments?

 

[SuperFly]

Graduate, find orders, move to Pensacola, and enjoy your time off, bro. I would be jumping up and down if I heard I was waiting 6 months for API. Enjoy the time off, go to the beach, go to the bars, and enjoy Pensacola.

 

[Bevo16]

I know and understand that I'll have an opportunity after training to contribute and I understand completely about taking time off when it's there, but it simply doesn't prevent that guilty feeling knowing I'll be hanging out on a beach for 6 months while other dudes are in combat.

Dude, it is your duty to enjoy your time off now as much as it will be your duty to put hot fused metal on target after you finish your training. When you boil it all down, the reason we are in this business is so people can enjoy themselves on the beach, or with their family, or whatever it is they want to do. If the Navy orders you to sit on your ass for 6 months, do it. Trust me, when you are getting jammed with double pumps in flight school of flying 9 hour missions you will long for those 6 month stash jobs.

 

[WEGL]

Dude, it is your duty to enjoy your time off... When you boil it all down, the reason we are in this business is so people can enjoy themselves on the beach, or with their family, or whatever it is they want to do. If the Navy orders you to sit on your ass for 6 months, do it.

Nice point. You've succeeded where many others have failed. Thanks. The unanimity on this is pretty surprising to me though. I guess I have a screw missing to be so wrong. Now I guess it's on to plan B then...

Enjoy the time off, go to the beach, go to the bars, and enjoy Pensacola.

Thread Dead, converted to beach bumhism! :icon_brav

 

[Schnugg]

Get a good stash job you enjoy.

Work at DWEST, survival school or find a squadron that will sponsor you for 6 months of no-cost TAD. Do OHARP duty in your home town, work with the PAO on base, give tours, etc...

Lots of ways to "contribute."

 

[webmaster]

WEGL, I will answer it a different way. Ok, so you and your pals at your NROTC or heck in the A-pool are told, you have xx month wait. You go gung ho and do IA... well, lets say pilot/nfo production peaks while you are on month three, and the stucon goes down his list, "who's next... WEGL... well, he is gone for 4 more months, next warm body is...."... At least in the other billets Schnugg and the others have mentioned, you are recallable or easier to get to. I doubt that once committed to the IA billet, that they could as easily pull you out of country to start the pipeline.

 

[highlyrandom]

Sorry, real quick, I searched a lot but what does Individual Augment have to do with the sandbox?

Obvious answer in 3...2...1...

 

[zab1001]

Are you joking?