My son who is 20 has narrowed his choices to Army Infantry or trying for AF TACP. The infantry contract would either be 3 or 4 years, 20k and 30k bonus, which he says is really the only thing really making him consider 11b over TACP. All things being equal he would choose TACP no question. He was trying for a scholarship in hockey, hasn't worked out so now he wants to try the military. He has no idea what he wants for a civilian career and wants TACP because it has better training and mission than regular infantry. I prefer TACP because he will not be kicking in the doors but a few yards away, lol. Honestly, don't really want him to do either.
His profile 20 years old, 6' 175 lbs and has been a high-level hockey player for years. Has taken the ASVAB (64G). Currently, 10:03 on 1.5 mile, 42 push-ups, 47 sit-ups, and 5 countable pull-ups. His swimming sucks and can only do around 200 meters before he needs a break. Treads water for 7 minutes. He hasn't worked out much since his season ended in April. I am thinking the right program he could bump up everything pretty quickly.
We have talked with a BA and regular AF recruiter but wanted to double check a few things with people who are currently doing the job/working at the schoolhouse.
1. How good of a swimmer does he have to be for TACP? I have heard the 500m swim is not mandatory but used to select some recruits over others when training slots are limited?
2. For the AF he goes to MEPS and tells them he wants TACP once he clears medically he is placed into DEP program and assigned a trainer/mentor? My understanding is a regular AF recruiter can handle his packet up to this point?
3. If he goes to MEPS and doesn't pass medically (no reason he shouldn't but want to double check) is he still obligated to the AF and has to give AF his list of 12 other jobs (which he hates the not being able to select a specific job)?
4. How many times will he have the chance to take the PAST test while in DEP? Is it one and done or train until the BA recruiter feels he will meet the standard?
5. If not selected out of DEP for TCAP (gets hurt, doesn't want to do it, etc) is he obligated to regular AF or can he go back to the Army?
6. Being prior combat arms I do not want him to do either and prefer he choose an AF job none BA related. I can think of no good reason for my kid to potentially lose a limb or worse. This has really made me understand what I have put my parents and wife through. However, having to choose 12 jobs and not knowing what he will get is a big turn off to him. If I could find another job he found acceptable is there a way to "game" the AF system to pick a specific job? I have tried to push cybersecurity but he wants nothing to do with an office job.
I am using the search function to answer some of my questions but wanted my thoughts all in one place. Thanks, Cory
<Mod Edit to add some much needed paragraphs>
Ooh Rah
His profile 20 years old, 6' 175 lbs and has been a high-level hockey player for years. Has taken the ASVAB (64G). Currently, 10:03 on 1.5 mile, 42 push-ups, 47 sit-ups, and 5 countable pull-ups. His swimming sucks and can only do around 200 meters before he needs a break. Treads water for 7 minutes. He hasn't worked out much since his season ended in April. I am thinking the right program he could bump up everything pretty quickly.
We have talked with a BA and regular AF recruiter but wanted to double check a few things with people who are currently doing the job/working at the schoolhouse.
1. How good of a swimmer does he have to be for TACP? I have heard the 500m swim is not mandatory but used to select some recruits over others when training slots are limited?
2. For the AF he goes to MEPS and tells them he wants TACP once he clears medically he is placed into DEP program and assigned a trainer/mentor? My understanding is a regular AF recruiter can handle his packet up to this point?
3. If he goes to MEPS and doesn't pass medically (no reason he shouldn't but want to double check) is he still obligated to the AF and has to give AF his list of 12 other jobs (which he hates the not being able to select a specific job)?
4. How many times will he have the chance to take the PAST test while in DEP? Is it one and done or train until the BA recruiter feels he will meet the standard?
5. If not selected out of DEP for TCAP (gets hurt, doesn't want to do it, etc) is he obligated to regular AF or can he go back to the Army?
6. Being prior combat arms I do not want him to do either and prefer he choose an AF job none BA related. I can think of no good reason for my kid to potentially lose a limb or worse. This has really made me understand what I have put my parents and wife through. However, having to choose 12 jobs and not knowing what he will get is a big turn off to him. If I could find another job he found acceptable is there a way to "game" the AF system to pick a specific job? I have tried to push cybersecurity but he wants nothing to do with an office job.
I am using the search function to answer some of my questions but wanted my thoughts all in one place. Thanks, Cory
<Mod Edit to add some much needed paragraphs>
Ooh Rah
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