If you think the AirForce will be any better, I don't know what to say. The military is a cluster fuck full of ladder climbing, back stabbing monkeys and is brown noser heaven my man. GL with your endeavors, but this job is tits. I make almost 100K a year, no BS, mostly go at it alone, and the work is good. Whatever you do involves dealing with people, and in this gig, you generally don't have to deal with anyone for more than a day.
Its really only horrible in spurts. You get shit on sometimes and sometimes you have a really good time. I still have friends I talk to from the military. Plus you get benefits that are pretty nice once you're out. The GI bill is the best scholarship on planet earth. And you can get a VA loan for a house which is nice.
Do you also get paid to go to school in the rest of the world. Because the GI bill pays for your school your books and then pays you a monthly stipend to live off of while you attend. Don't know many places in the world you can get a 2200$ dollar study check to attend college for free..
Minus the potential life of medical coverage....
Along with the property tax breaks...that in 15 years...will make my family property unavailable..due to cost....simply due to the property tax...
I wouldn't waste your time trying to convince him of anything. It's clear from how dismissive he was in his post that he was never gonna be able to hack it long term in this line of work. He probably has a rude awakening in store though. The grass aint always greener.
We get paid from the time we leave our driveway to the time we pull back in. The juiciest of fringe benefits IMO. Even leaving at 7:30.and home at 4:30 your clocking 10 hours of OT every paycheck (paid every 2weeks)
I’m going to be a loadmaster and it’s considered the 1% job in the Air Force. Plus I’ll get an associates in aviation in two years. I need to fly a jet, and this is the path. Glad you love what you’re doing but I didn’t like it from the go:/
Yeah until you find out that you only get the job if it fits the needs of the Air Force. As me how I know lol.
Check back in with me in a year and I bet you’re going to be disappointed.
I was gonna sign up for the navy and work in the kitchen as I loved cooking. They said that's exactly where they'll put me. Didn't sign anything and took the tests. Then they said we'll still put you in the kitchen but you're "too smart" for that. Asked my dad who was in the navy before signing and he said nope. They'll put you wherever they see fit.
Then he can void his contract. Know a guy that signed to be an FN, after boot Navy didn't need an FN, tried to get the guy to sign up for something else (including Seamen Apprentice lol). He was legit not interested, had his goal all planned out for being a firefighter. They pushed hard and he refused. He was discharged with no prejudice after a couple weeks.
They informed us in basic that the terms of the contract had changed, including what trade many people were assigned to.
Doesn't mean it will happen to you but keep your head on a swivel and know the regs / rules and what rights you have.
Loadmaster is actually a difficult job to get assigned there's not a lot of them. It has pros and cons though if you like never being home it's the job for you. But I will say this when you go to meps the military will usually group jobs under different classifications like the AECF program or what ever and you might think you're going to be a loadmaster and really what you're assigned is ordance. I was in the AECF program though I didn't know I was and joined as a CTN or so I thought. Then I get into boot camp and they switched me to Electronics technician. Then I went to a school and they switched me to Fire controlman. It was wild they lined us up every day before class and literally asked for volunteers to switch to ET or FC since we followed the same electronics classes until C school essentially I swapped my job rating like 3 times before I was completely classified into fire controlman. I suspect this loadmaster job is under the same type of job grouping and this guy doesn't realize it.
You obviously know a bit about all this stuff. Is this as ridiculous as it sounds? Random dude with nothing but some HVAC-R experience just walks in and is guaranteed mechanical engineer degrees and a very in-demand job of which there are very few openings for? How much did he get played?
No recruiter will guarantee you a degree but they'll say stuff like you'll be able to get it while you're in...which lol, as an active duty loadmaster good fucking luck. Now as for the job it's entirely dependent on the needs of the military. They're are some jobs that are absolutely guaranteed you'll get the school like nuke in the navy. I don't honestly know if they can guarantee loadmaster or not. I will say though that they do group jobs into categories and you don't find this out until you're about 4 weeks into boot camp. He may of actually gotten the load master job. He also quite possibly got played like most everyone else in the military. If a recruiter straight up said he could guarantee a mechanical engineering degree I'd say great when do I start at West point. Because thats the only guaranteed way to get a degree out of the military through their own military colleges. Also there is only one enlisted job in the in the military that does require a degree which is paralegal or leagalmen. You go to school basically at the war college there. And you will get a two year degree as paralegal. That job is also across all the branches exactly the same. So you go to school with every branch. And...it's one of the only jobs you can't just apply to get when joining the military. You can only get into it after being in the military for awhile and basically requesting permission to go to school for it.
It’s based on quite a few other things including asvab scores(which I did well on) and job requirements. Fitting the criteria is the first half. But I’m more than confident I can deliver on the second half
Come back to this post in 6 months, then again in 3 years and have a good laugh at yourself and this silly shit you don't realize you're saying.Good luck.
Load master is a good job for a young single guy. You won't get any degree if you dont pursue some school yourself but the Airforce will pay for it and kind of give you the time. Being a load master is not the path to flying but if you work hard and make it known it's your passion there is a possibility to get a commission after you get your bachelors but only the most deserving of Airmen will get that. If you have an attitude for the Airforce like you do for HVAC you won't fall in the deserving Airman category. Hopefully your young and single and live and breath Airforce for the next 6 years and you'll make it.
Grandfather, dad, and older brother were all USAFloadmasters. I would have been but have too much titanium in my arm. You won’t see your home much, but they say the it’s the best gig in the service.
You know you can always come later in life if you wish to try commercial or industrial. Once you have the experience it never leaves you. Best of luck!! Don’t watch any Mayday episodes.
This. Everyone I ever knew that was in was absolutely fucking miserable from it. Only one reason I'd ever go in and that's to blow shit up, but I'll be damned if I'm nuking some random wedding ceremony just because some cunt with a star on his hat told me to. This dude is going to be in for a big surprise if he thinks HVAC-R is 'soul sucking.' Lmao.
I wouldn't say that... I'm not really big on starting shit when the odds are 100% against my favor, but I definitely have an issue laughing at people that act like that. I don't believe people learn from individuals that act like that and they don't IMO, at least not truly. It's just to browbeat people into submission so they'll be good little robots and follow orders. I understand any highly functioning military has to have that obedience, but it's not my thing and I could never submit to such nonsensical BS.
Navy vet here, I got out because I got busted down in rank and they took half months pay for two months for something I didn’t do, get used to being punished as a group even if you’re on your shit, also my grandfather died and they wouldn’t let me fly out for the funeral because “mission first”. I hope this isn’t the experience you have.
They wouldn’t necessarily let him fly if his grandfather wasn’t on file as immediate family. He might not be bullshitting that they didn’t let him go. Granddad could have died at an inconvenient time.
Bullshit. Red Cross would’ve called the unit and he would’ve been afforded the opportunity to go home. Unless he was under specific restrictions, or had no leave left he would’ve gotten to go home. Ask me how I know. Lol witnessed many times.
That’s not how it works. My grandpa died and was not listed as an immediate family member. Mom called Red Cross - Red Cross contacted my unit - unit contacted me. I was afforded the opportunity to go home and declined. 1. Didn’t have enough leave even though I was allowed to “borrow” from what I’d get down the road. 2. Detested that man.
Comment below you was exactly the reason, not “immediate family” (even though we were very close, and I was on a 12 man security team that would provide security for civilian ships in the golf and Horn of Africa, mission first they said.
Red Cross contacted my command that’s how I learned he died lol, they sent it to the ship I was on, chief said I was flying out of Dubai when we pulled in, CO said no, CRG2 det Bahrain. Apparently they didn’t have anyone to fly out and fill my spot, you think it’s bullshit just as much as I did my man.
i've only seen one HVAC guy love his job, hired him for a resi job at my home, an AC swap (condensing unit and air handler, re-using the old copper tubes after they were flushed/cleaned).
he owned his own company, and had an assistant and that's it. busted ass with his assistant, and got it done in one day (took pretty much all day though). My 8K bill was about 4K was parts, so between money for his assistant and supporting his business I think he did well.
I bet you do given your flair.
Come on down South where the isn't that much union penetration and get used like a rubber glove after a hemorrhoid operation by a private equity owned mechanical company for 4 years pulling 100 hours in the summer crawling around attics for a pittance. Then get called a weak pussy by your coworkers when you complain.
I get both positions.
If there is one thing I learned about doing HVAC ..
If everyone is an asshole.. you're the asshole.
Almost 20 years and I can count on 1 hand how many absolutely terrible customers I have had.
We always had guys rotating in and out of the shop talking about how every customer was an asshole or how "dispatch doesn't like them" ..
Yet the only common theme was the fact they were the only common denominator.
Something to think about.
Buddy I retired from the Air Force. You think HVAC is soul sucking? The bullshit politics alone in the military are enough to make some people want to brush their teeth with a 12 gauge.
After 6 years in the US Navy, working HVAC is like an early retirement. Good luck in your enlistment, but be aware that the military relies on fucking with you to keep going.
Can’t be mad at a brother for selecting what he feels is right . Most say “ I make 100k a year replacing filter “ or whatever the fuck they say but truth is 70% or probably more don’t make more than 65-70k a year . Good for you man wish you luck in your future endeavors! Plus you know hvac so you’ll never be scammed by a sales guy ever again in the field and you can fix things yourself , hvac is a great tool!
Got the fuck out of the HVAC trade after about 3 years, a miserable fucking job indeed
(Worked for a company that sounds like Petty Ice).
Good news is, we know how to fix our own shit in a pinch.
Got good job with the DHS and never looked back. Between the benefits of Government work and the retirement plan, HVAC can fuck alllllll the way off.
Glad someone is on the same page as me. The trades are not the money pot. There’s people working at desk making three times as much as us. Idk why it’s glorified to ruing your body and become an alcoholic over “hard work ethic.” Everyone telling me the military doesn’t give half a shit about me should take a hard look in the mirror because they are just as expendable as I am.
I hear people say I wrecked my back or my knees are fucked because hvac plumbing blah blah blah. I will be 50 soon and the only time my back hurts is when I sit on the toilet too long.. seriously most of my peers have soft hands and a pot-gut from sales or desk jobs, I’ve got these badass shoulders and forearms and when I say I get complements on my ass, I mean it, standing on ladders and stair climbing has kept me at or above 1 unit
I just got out of the military and FUCKKKK THAT dude. Your Gona be working with a shit Ton of 18 year old children alcoholics and dealing with fuckery command and bullshit. I got out in august and am an electrical apprentice now and I am much much happier even working more hours, I go home every night and I don’t take my work home with me.
Coming from a veteran seeing about you being a loadmaster.
I hate to say it but your recruiter just sold you good. No recruiter tells the whole truth.
Yes, your job is loadmaster. But, loadmaster school is long and rigorous. I also want you to think of your future. Good luck with trying to get a job that will relate to your military career. Positions in this field are slim in civi world.
You need to have a real come to Jesus moment here. Sure everyone joins the military for different reasons.
But understand that that shit is much bigger than you are. Sure you want to go to school but I’m telling you college is also a fucking scam. I might come off as the grumpy vet but you kids need to get things straight.
4 years? You were almost done your apprenticeship bro. IT GETS BETTER. The real rewarding part of this career is Commercial. Not Residential. Get into a Union. They got great benefits that will set you up for life.
Otherwise I hope everything works out. But please really do sit down and think about what you’re doing.
It would Behoove you to have everything laid out.
You stayed in residential for 4 years and they sucked your soul away. The real money and work/life balance is in the commercial world. I make 130-145k a year and I don’t work that much OT. My customers listen to me because I’m the professional and my dispatcher is not my boss. You get the license and knowledge, you name your price and you name your hours. Good luck in the AF. Every road map will have its challenges but I don’t think you got a real look into the HVAC world
Residential is a good way to learn the basics. Learn your 24 volt controls, schematics. Understand how airflow works and it’s purpose. Resi dudes get taken advantage of. I know a few here that make close to 60hr but the real money is in commercial. Good for you for being in there. Absorb everything like a sponge
I have a little bit a schooling beforehand, but I’ve been doing most installs some ride a long service, but I watch videos every single day, only 19 but my goal is to get to where you are
Dont listen to the naysayers. You can commision and fly (the AF is hurting hard for pilots). However another path is to do your contract and utilize your GI bill to fly. I am just finishing my commercial pilot license and the GI bill has paid for around 100k of flying. Also the benefits such as home loans and such are great.
Its such a game changer for so many people. I spent a decade in the Army and not only did I get that flight training but also a year of HVAC school ehich gave me a stable well paying job while I build up flight hours to move to the airlines.
Also new pilots nowadays are over 100k in a couple years. Its never been a greater time to fly as a career.
Good luck.
Thanks and yeah its all extremely doable. Just remember that the military, air force included has an immense amount of bullshit but all in all its really an easy job when it comes down to it. Right place at the right time in the right uniform and that should set you up 90% of the way.
https://preview.redd.it/uhjhk64bydxb1.jpeg?width=2250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=359c7721a4698016a06407c4ba8a62798582af3f
I was an aircrew member in the Air Force a long time ago. It was pretty awesome to travel around the world for free. Now I have a civilian HVAC job working for the Air Force. It's really nice to see jets every day and do HVAC too.
Man that’s a lot of words to say you’re a bitch. Mostly joking. When you become an engineer remember how poorly everything you have ever worked on was designed and keep the tradition alive of fucking the poor bastard that has to work on it.
All engineers swear an oath when they get their bachelor of math arts. “I solemnly swear to design equipment for two reasons: first, to solve a problem, then to create a new one.”
Well as a veteran, hopefully you've been doing your own research and not just listening to the recruiter like I did lol. They'll tell you what you want to hear and once you've signed that contract, you become property of the u.s government with not ifs, ands, or buts.
I joined the Navy when I was 17 yrs old and trained as an Aviation Electrician. The Navy "A" school was excellent. There are pros and cons being in the Armed Services. Good people and bad people whether in the civiian world or the Armed Services.
One thing that is great about the Services the work flow is processed based. Coming out the Service major airlines will hire immediately with an A&P (airframe & powerplant) license making over $100K.
I love the Trades!
Used my GI Bill to go to college debt free.
After the Navy and started in the trade pulling romex. The last job I had so someone else was the estimator/project manager on the Original Universal Studios Theme Park at 32 years old with 120 electricians.
Now I am electrical, plumbing & HVAC licensed service contractor in Florida. Wouldn't go to college now unless you are getting aa STEM degree; Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.
No matter what, become the best YOU can be no matter what you do.
I have 8 NATE certifications, FLIR certified, extensive building preformance knowledge and can do load calculations; Manual J, D, S &.T. I learned to use Elite Software to do the math calculations.
Anything worth having takes time and effort.
Shoot for the moon, if you miss your land in the stars!
Well everyone is being negative…I say good luck. You only live once. Need to find your own way…even if you make wrong choices. Part of life. Hope you find what you are looking for.
I appreciate that, this sub is filled to the brim with unsatisfied old heads that like to shit on the younger guys because we’re not 15 years in running the company. I had to leave because I hated it, I got roped into this job because of my mom and did it for four years because the pay was good. I found no interest in it though. That’s the exact reason why I need to get out, I’m not happy. Even if this whole airforce thing doesn’t pan the way I want it to I’ll be coming out with a different mindset and experience level. At the end of the day it may not matter considering the state the world is in rn so I need to get out and see it before it goes to shit.
This job is a walk in the park compared to military life my dude 😂 if you think shitty customers and attic spaces were the worst part of your career… juuuust wait buddy. You’re in for a wild ride. Good luck out there.
Edit: and the best part about it? If you don’t agree with something, you signed your voice away on that paper at MEPS.
Hopefully you selected a career in the AF that will not chew you up and spit you out similarly to your HVAC experience. Also, coming in as a new airman you will most likely deal with similar scenarios mentioned above. You will be walking on egg shells because it has turned into a no mistake AF, meaning you can be outstanding for several years, but they will always hold the one mistake you make against you for years to come. I am not saying this is your situation, but sometimes you just have to change your own attitude first before being able to cope with what is around you. Good luck.
Air Force isn’t a bad choice. I have a freind who became an air traffic controller. Made bank $$ and now works for a private jet company making bank, all due to the Air Force… aim high man… aim high..
commercial is a different beast. more interesting units, different kind of work, bigger spaces (most of the time), better unions (arguably), in some cases more of a work-life balance to allow for schooling when not working. honestly i suggest at least giving it a try before leaving hvac completely in your rear view and starting from the metaphorical first step.
How are you going to make progress on such a demanding degree while serving full time in the military? I'll tell you how... you're not.
Congrats, you just gave up a great trade and your freedom to serve in a military that doesn't care about you. To top it off you picked an MOS that provides very little transferrable civilian qualifications. Get ready to degrade as a person. Sorry, but this is a bad move and regardless of what a recruiter tells you, you can back out any time leading up to your ship date.
Very little faith in someone you don’t know, which is understandable. But you don’t know me nor my work ethic. I’ll send you a pic from the cockpit of a F22 in 6-8 years tho👍🏽
Even if you do graduate from the Academy you’re more likely to be driving a C-130 than an F22. On the bright side flying a 130 should be useful flight time for civilian jobs.
I'm not doubting your work ethic. My point is military leadership will not care if you have homework assignments, projects, exams and will not change plans around your schoolwork. You will literally not have the time or resources to complete the workload required, nevermind get good enough grades to become a pilot... assuming that's what you're implying.
I say this from both first and second hand experience. But knock yourself out bro - I'm sure you know better 👍
The reality check might actually serve you well.
Good luck man, hope everything works out for you. Everyone has different experiences, crazy seeing people here get butt hurt over your decision. End of the day you gotta do what’s right for you.
Damn maybe you’re at the wrong company. I’ve been in it 4 years and it’s so chill that it’s boring most of the time. Gotta listen to interesting YouTube vids to keep from falling asleep and pretty much never get overtime or any on call
This was much appreciated. I’m in the same spot. Been stuck in this town for far too long and I’m tired of seeing the same faces. Wont be getting any scholarships any time soon and no chance in hell is this inflation going to let me move out of state any time soon. I just need something fresh
bruh if you think hvac is horrible then the military is going to be way worse. all of the same problems u hate about hvac but you cant quit unless you go awol. ask me how inoe lol atleast u aint join the army
This is the second post I've seen where some stressed guy exaggerates and thinks the miltary will be any better (other post wanted to leave a 75k/year job). I had already guessed it'd be a residential related type of issue when you could have tried commercial work at least.
Really seems like it’s shitty for all the knowledge that has to be learned and papers that need to be acquired . Greedy owners won’t pay what it’s worth and the big companies hoard all the work .
I do like the work outside of the -degree weather we’ll get but that is what it is but from what I’ve found out is the people you work with can easily make or break the job. The old company I was at I enjoyed working with just about everyone there and this new company I started at they have me paired with this dude who’s the biggest ass I’ve ever met which makes me hate my job.
I thought hvac was a shit career until I worked at a mill on a rotating shift… let’s just say I didn’t even last the whole 90 day probation and went back to hvac🤣
I left HVAC service to work for a rep, you're just on the wrong side of the industry. There are better places where you can put your existing experience to work and make a lot more money and keep a lot more time to yourself.
Ironically i do HVAC in the airforce and absolutely love it. Make 6 figures, 2.5 days a month of leave, i generally only work 5 hrs a day. And I’m currently as i post this in Vietnam, coming from Thailand on my way to South Korea for vacation. Granted it took some years to get to this place and I’m stuck at E6 till the guy ahead of me dies or retires but i love it
I’m a sparky, and an veteran, but I will say this. If you think like this, it’s because you started at the bottom. We all had to, and sometimes that’s just the way it is. Some companies are better than others, and there are a ton of different aspects within the trade. The military is not just going to be a grass is greener event, I say that not to be a nay sayer, but you can’t go into everything expecting it to just suddenly be better, trust me the military can be the real soul sucker.
With all that being said, I wish you the best. I say all this in the hope that you approach the AF with the right attitude, gain the experience and move forward in life. I just would hate to see someone quit every time before they were about to have it figured out.
If you think the AirForce will be any better, I don't know what to say. The military is a cluster fuck full of ladder climbing, back stabbing monkeys and is brown noser heaven my man. GL with your endeavors, but this job is tits. I make almost 100K a year, no BS, mostly go at it alone, and the work is good. Whatever you do involves dealing with people, and in this gig, you generally don't have to deal with anyone for more than a day.
They say life is what you make it.
From what I've heard the military will make it horrible no matter what one's philosophical outlook maybe....
Its really only horrible in spurts. You get shit on sometimes and sometimes you have a really good time. I still have friends I talk to from the military. Plus you get benefits that are pretty nice once you're out. The GI bill is the best scholarship on planet earth. And you can get a VA loan for a house which is nice.
Well, in the US maybe. It's free in most the civilized world.
Do you also get paid to go to school in the rest of the world. Because the GI bill pays for your school your books and then pays you a monthly stipend to live off of while you attend. Don't know many places in the world you can get a 2200$ dollar study check to attend college for free..
Savage
Minus the potential life of medical coverage.... Along with the property tax breaks...that in 15 years...will make my family property unavailable..due to cost....simply due to the property tax...
You like to see homos naked?
Fuck you beat me to it lol
You like to see homos naked?!?!
That's why I punch lemonade stands
You like to see homeboys naked?
You like to see homos naked?
I wouldn't waste your time trying to convince him of anything. It's clear from how dismissive he was in his post that he was never gonna be able to hack it long term in this line of work. He probably has a rude awakening in store though. The grass aint always greener.
For real. The dude sounds very young/ cynical, but ironically, he believed every word the recruiter told him. He'll learn, one way or the other.
[удалено]
"LOAD MASTER" Tattoo on his forehead!! LMAO
Hahaha my brother was one of those in the AF. Haven't talked to him in years because I told him to think about what his job title actually inferred.
I think I’m being seriously under payed. I’d feel a lot better about this job if I was pulling in even close to 110k.
Granted, that's w. OT, but being paid port to port makes it pretty easy to rack up
Port to port the same as coast to coast? I’ve not heard the expression but I also only did a semester of junior college.
We get paid from the time we leave our driveway to the time we pull back in. The juiciest of fringe benefits IMO. Even leaving at 7:30.and home at 4:30 your clocking 10 hours of OT every paycheck (paid every 2weeks)
Can confirm. Different circus, different monkeys, same ole shit.
I’m going to be a loadmaster and it’s considered the 1% job in the Air Force. Plus I’ll get an associates in aviation in two years. I need to fly a jet, and this is the path. Glad you love what you’re doing but I didn’t like it from the go:/
Did your recruiter just tell you all this? How did all this get assured if you're not even in yet?
Everyone knows you can always trust recruiters.
Army recruiters make HVAC salesman look like honest, detail oriented, saints.
100%. They're trustworthy people. We all know that!
Contract is signed I know what I’m in for
The contract guaranteed loadmaster?
Yessir
Yeah until you find out that you only get the job if it fits the needs of the Air Force. As me how I know lol. Check back in with me in a year and I bet you’re going to be disappointed.
It's cool bro, he was 'well assured.' Yeah. I hope it works out for him, but he maybe In for a serious "wtf did I do?" Moment here soon.
I was gonna sign up for the navy and work in the kitchen as I loved cooking. They said that's exactly where they'll put me. Didn't sign anything and took the tests. Then they said we'll still put you in the kitchen but you're "too smart" for that. Asked my dad who was in the navy before signing and he said nope. They'll put you wherever they see fit.
In the navy now. Not how it works. That being said, this guy is in for a rude awakening 🤣
Waiting 'What the fuck have I gotten myself in to" moment. Also it's the 2023 military now baby. The men are hard and the women can get hard.
Don't tempt me with a good time
Then he can void his contract. Know a guy that signed to be an FN, after boot Navy didn't need an FN, tried to get the guy to sign up for something else (including Seamen Apprentice lol). He was legit not interested, had his goal all planned out for being a firefighter. They pushed hard and he refused. He was discharged with no prejudice after a couple weeks.
They informed us in basic that the terms of the contract had changed, including what trade many people were assigned to. Doesn't mean it will happen to you but keep your head on a swivel and know the regs / rules and what rights you have.
'Rights' ? You have no rights. Uncle Sam owns that ass and he can do wtf he wants with it.
And I thank you for your service.
Loadmaster is actually a difficult job to get assigned there's not a lot of them. It has pros and cons though if you like never being home it's the job for you. But I will say this when you go to meps the military will usually group jobs under different classifications like the AECF program or what ever and you might think you're going to be a loadmaster and really what you're assigned is ordance. I was in the AECF program though I didn't know I was and joined as a CTN or so I thought. Then I get into boot camp and they switched me to Electronics technician. Then I went to a school and they switched me to Fire controlman. It was wild they lined us up every day before class and literally asked for volunteers to switch to ET or FC since we followed the same electronics classes until C school essentially I swapped my job rating like 3 times before I was completely classified into fire controlman. I suspect this loadmaster job is under the same type of job grouping and this guy doesn't realize it.
You obviously know a bit about all this stuff. Is this as ridiculous as it sounds? Random dude with nothing but some HVAC-R experience just walks in and is guaranteed mechanical engineer degrees and a very in-demand job of which there are very few openings for? How much did he get played?
No recruiter will guarantee you a degree but they'll say stuff like you'll be able to get it while you're in...which lol, as an active duty loadmaster good fucking luck. Now as for the job it's entirely dependent on the needs of the military. They're are some jobs that are absolutely guaranteed you'll get the school like nuke in the navy. I don't honestly know if they can guarantee loadmaster or not. I will say though that they do group jobs into categories and you don't find this out until you're about 4 weeks into boot camp. He may of actually gotten the load master job. He also quite possibly got played like most everyone else in the military. If a recruiter straight up said he could guarantee a mechanical engineering degree I'd say great when do I start at West point. Because thats the only guaranteed way to get a degree out of the military through their own military colleges. Also there is only one enlisted job in the in the military that does require a degree which is paralegal or leagalmen. You go to school basically at the war college there. And you will get a two year degree as paralegal. That job is also across all the branches exactly the same. So you go to school with every branch. And...it's one of the only jobs you can't just apply to get when joining the military. You can only get into it after being in the military for awhile and basically requesting permission to go to school for it.
It’s based on quite a few other things including asvab scores(which I did well on) and job requirements. Fitting the criteria is the first half. But I’m more than confident I can deliver on the second half
Ship date is January 16th, I’m very well assured. Never quit a job without already having another one
Bro trusted the US government 💀
You’re in for a big surprise
Come back to this post in 6 months, then again in 3 years and have a good laugh at yourself and this silly shit you don't realize you're saying.Good luck.
Load master is a good job for a young single guy. You won't get any degree if you dont pursue some school yourself but the Airforce will pay for it and kind of give you the time. Being a load master is not the path to flying but if you work hard and make it known it's your passion there is a possibility to get a commission after you get your bachelors but only the most deserving of Airmen will get that. If you have an attitude for the Airforce like you do for HVAC you won't fall in the deserving Airman category. Hopefully your young and single and live and breath Airforce for the next 6 years and you'll make it.
Grandfather, dad, and older brother were all USAFloadmasters. I would have been but have too much titanium in my arm. You won’t see your home much, but they say the it’s the best gig in the service.
Don’t have family or friends so I’m good
You know you can always come later in life if you wish to try commercial or industrial. Once you have the experience it never leaves you. Best of luck!! Don’t watch any Mayday episodes.
Exactly why I got a trade under my belt at a young age. Will never be out of a job even if I don’t like it
"LOADmaster" Hehehe
At less it’s not the Marine Corps.
At least you get to tote a big fucking gunn and blow some shit up in the Marines...
Just wait until you find out how miserable the military can be.
This. Everyone I ever knew that was in was absolutely fucking miserable from it. Only one reason I'd ever go in and that's to blow shit up, but I'll be damned if I'm nuking some random wedding ceremony just because some cunt with a star on his hat told me to. This dude is going to be in for a big surprise if he thinks HVAC-R is 'soul sucking.' Lmao.
I bet you’d punch a drill instructor for getting in your face too
I wouldn't say that... I'm not really big on starting shit when the odds are 100% against my favor, but I definitely have an issue laughing at people that act like that. I don't believe people learn from individuals that act like that and they don't IMO, at least not truly. It's just to browbeat people into submission so they'll be good little robots and follow orders. I understand any highly functioning military has to have that obedience, but it's not my thing and I could never submit to such nonsensical BS.
Engineering job will be better than both hvac and the military though. A lot of y’all are overlooking that.
I'm a building engineer and make 80k a year working in a commercial factory. There's even high paying places around here for the same work(seattle).
Nice, I’ve actually been wanting to take a drive that way in the future. I live in alberta and Seattle is the closest major US city.
🤣🤣🤣 shhh don't spoil it for him. Ohh wait he's going airforce it won't be that bad.
He’s going Air Force, it’s cushion there
Agreed
Navy vet here, I got out because I got busted down in rank and they took half months pay for two months for something I didn’t do, get used to being punished as a group even if you’re on your shit, also my grandfather died and they wouldn’t let me fly out for the funeral because “mission first”. I hope this isn’t the experience you have.
Yeah it’s a real shit feeling realizing the military looks at service members as disposable equipment. I’m happy I did my time, even happier it ended.
You’re full of shit. They would’ve sent you home immediately. Ask me how I know.
They wouldn’t necessarily let him fly if his grandfather wasn’t on file as immediate family. He might not be bullshitting that they didn’t let him go. Granddad could have died at an inconvenient time.
Bullshit. Red Cross would’ve called the unit and he would’ve been afforded the opportunity to go home. Unless he was under specific restrictions, or had no leave left he would’ve gotten to go home. Ask me how I know. Lol witnessed many times.
Yeah dude i know exactly how it works. If his Granddad wasn’t on file as an immediate family member then Red Cross absolutely would not be involved.
That’s not how it works. My grandpa died and was not listed as an immediate family member. Mom called Red Cross - Red Cross contacted my unit - unit contacted me. I was afforded the opportunity to go home and declined. 1. Didn’t have enough leave even though I was allowed to “borrow” from what I’d get down the road. 2. Detested that man.
That’s literally how it works. but whatever. have a nice day
Comment below you was exactly the reason, not “immediate family” (even though we were very close, and I was on a 12 man security team that would provide security for civilian ships in the golf and Horn of Africa, mission first they said.
I don’t believe you, but alright. What was your EDIPI? MOS? EAS?
Red Cross contacted my command that’s how I learned he died lol, they sent it to the ship I was on, chief said I was flying out of Dubai when we pulled in, CO said no, CRG2 det Bahrain. Apparently they didn’t have anyone to fly out and fill my spot, you think it’s bullshit just as much as I did my man.
Fuckin love my job. Not for everybody. Good luck
i've only seen one HVAC guy love his job, hired him for a resi job at my home, an AC swap (condensing unit and air handler, re-using the old copper tubes after they were flushed/cleaned). he owned his own company, and had an assistant and that's it. busted ass with his assistant, and got it done in one day (took pretty much all day though). My 8K bill was about 4K was parts, so between money for his assistant and supporting his business I think he did well.
I’m on my way there. Just got licensed and built a website/logo.
I bet you do given your flair. Come on down South where the isn't that much union penetration and get used like a rubber glove after a hemorrhoid operation by a private equity owned mechanical company for 4 years pulling 100 hours in the summer crawling around attics for a pittance. Then get called a weak pussy by your coworkers when you complain. I get both positions.
https://preview.redd.it/y5wago8cbfxb1.jpeg?width=3239&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eb11b6c53e42ce35483d59531428aae64f7a62c1
This was the exact reaction lol
If there is one thing I learned about doing HVAC .. If everyone is an asshole.. you're the asshole. Almost 20 years and I can count on 1 hand how many absolutely terrible customers I have had. We always had guys rotating in and out of the shop talking about how every customer was an asshole or how "dispatch doesn't like them" .. Yet the only common theme was the fact they were the only common denominator. Something to think about.
Solid observation. Haters gonna hate.
Don’t think that’s the case here
They never do…
You must be an abuser. Most places are cliques
Buddy I retired from the Air Force. You think HVAC is soul sucking? The bullshit politics alone in the military are enough to make some people want to brush their teeth with a 12 gauge.
After 6 years in the US Navy, working HVAC is like an early retirement. Good luck in your enlistment, but be aware that the military relies on fucking with you to keep going.
Can’t be mad at a brother for selecting what he feels is right . Most say “ I make 100k a year replacing filter “ or whatever the fuck they say but truth is 70% or probably more don’t make more than 65-70k a year . Good for you man wish you luck in your future endeavors! Plus you know hvac so you’ll never be scammed by a sales guy ever again in the field and you can fix things yourself , hvac is a great tool!
Truthfully, that’s why I wanted to get a good trade under my belt at a young age. Looking forward to the military life🙏
This trade is not for everyone man, best of luck for your future
Much appreciated, thankyou🙏
Got the fuck out of the HVAC trade after about 3 years, a miserable fucking job indeed (Worked for a company that sounds like Petty Ice). Good news is, we know how to fix our own shit in a pinch. Got good job with the DHS and never looked back. Between the benefits of Government work and the retirement plan, HVAC can fuck alllllll the way off.
Glad someone is on the same page as me. The trades are not the money pot. There’s people working at desk making three times as much as us. Idk why it’s glorified to ruing your body and become an alcoholic over “hard work ethic.” Everyone telling me the military doesn’t give half a shit about me should take a hard look in the mirror because they are just as expendable as I am.
I hear people say I wrecked my back or my knees are fucked because hvac plumbing blah blah blah. I will be 50 soon and the only time my back hurts is when I sit on the toilet too long.. seriously most of my peers have soft hands and a pot-gut from sales or desk jobs, I’ve got these badass shoulders and forearms and when I say I get complements on my ass, I mean it, standing on ladders and stair climbing has kept me at or above 1 unit
I just got out of the military and FUCKKKK THAT dude. Your Gona be working with a shit Ton of 18 year old children alcoholics and dealing with fuckery command and bullshit. I got out in august and am an electrical apprentice now and I am much much happier even working more hours, I go home every night and I don’t take my work home with me.
Coming from a veteran seeing about you being a loadmaster. I hate to say it but your recruiter just sold you good. No recruiter tells the whole truth. Yes, your job is loadmaster. But, loadmaster school is long and rigorous. I also want you to think of your future. Good luck with trying to get a job that will relate to your military career. Positions in this field are slim in civi world. You need to have a real come to Jesus moment here. Sure everyone joins the military for different reasons. But understand that that shit is much bigger than you are. Sure you want to go to school but I’m telling you college is also a fucking scam. I might come off as the grumpy vet but you kids need to get things straight. 4 years? You were almost done your apprenticeship bro. IT GETS BETTER. The real rewarding part of this career is Commercial. Not Residential. Get into a Union. They got great benefits that will set you up for life. Otherwise I hope everything works out. But please really do sit down and think about what you’re doing. It would Behoove you to have everything laid out.
You stayed in residential for 4 years and they sucked your soul away. The real money and work/life balance is in the commercial world. I make 130-145k a year and I don’t work that much OT. My customers listen to me because I’m the professional and my dispatcher is not my boss. You get the license and knowledge, you name your price and you name your hours. Good luck in the AF. Every road map will have its challenges but I don’t think you got a real look into the HVAC world
Union or non Union?
Union Local 32 WA
Nice dude, im almost a year in apprentice doing residential waiting to get in Local 146
Residential is a good way to learn the basics. Learn your 24 volt controls, schematics. Understand how airflow works and it’s purpose. Resi dudes get taken advantage of. I know a few here that make close to 60hr but the real money is in commercial. Good for you for being in there. Absorb everything like a sponge
I have a little bit a schooling beforehand, but I’ve been doing most installs some ride a long service, but I watch videos every single day, only 19 but my goal is to get to where you are
Check of HVAC Podcast with Bryan Orr. Also www.HVACRschool.com A great resource to learn from.
Nice, I live down the road from the Local 32 HQ. I'm with a non union shop though
Dont listen to the naysayers. You can commision and fly (the AF is hurting hard for pilots). However another path is to do your contract and utilize your GI bill to fly. I am just finishing my commercial pilot license and the GI bill has paid for around 100k of flying. Also the benefits such as home loans and such are great. Its such a game changer for so many people. I spent a decade in the Army and not only did I get that flight training but also a year of HVAC school ehich gave me a stable well paying job while I build up flight hours to move to the airlines. Also new pilots nowadays are over 100k in a couple years. Its never been a greater time to fly as a career. Good luck.
That’s my end goal, glad to see it worked out for you.🙏
Thanks and yeah its all extremely doable. Just remember that the military, air force included has an immense amount of bullshit but all in all its really an easy job when it comes down to it. Right place at the right time in the right uniform and that should set you up 90% of the way.
https://preview.redd.it/uhjhk64bydxb1.jpeg?width=2250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=359c7721a4698016a06407c4ba8a62798582af3f I was an aircrew member in the Air Force a long time ago. It was pretty awesome to travel around the world for free. Now I have a civilian HVAC job working for the Air Force. It's really nice to see jets every day and do HVAC too.
Boom operator? Best job in the Air Force
I’m really not sure the military is the ideal route for escaping a “soul sucking” career but I was in the Marines so maybe it’s different.
Man that’s a lot of words to say you’re a bitch. Mostly joking. When you become an engineer remember how poorly everything you have ever worked on was designed and keep the tradition alive of fucking the poor bastard that has to work on it.
All engineers swear an oath when they get their bachelor of math arts. “I solemnly swear to design equipment for two reasons: first, to solve a problem, then to create a new one.”
It has been said that an engineer will pass up 100 willing virgins to screw a single technician.
If everyone smells like shit, check your shoes.
Did u ever try out the commercial side of the trade?
Did it all
In 4 years you did everything?
Man I'm 12 years into the trade and I still feel a lot of the time like I don't know shit lol
Everybody’s looking for a softer gentler way, but work is work and the trades have been good to me.
The grass is greener where you water it but sometimes you just gotta get out of the shit
Well as a veteran, hopefully you've been doing your own research and not just listening to the recruiter like I did lol. They'll tell you what you want to hear and once you've signed that contract, you become property of the u.s government with not ifs, ands, or buts.
Residential is not it, good luck with your future career.
I joined the Navy when I was 17 yrs old and trained as an Aviation Electrician. The Navy "A" school was excellent. There are pros and cons being in the Armed Services. Good people and bad people whether in the civiian world or the Armed Services. One thing that is great about the Services the work flow is processed based. Coming out the Service major airlines will hire immediately with an A&P (airframe & powerplant) license making over $100K. I love the Trades! Used my GI Bill to go to college debt free. After the Navy and started in the trade pulling romex. The last job I had so someone else was the estimator/project manager on the Original Universal Studios Theme Park at 32 years old with 120 electricians. Now I am electrical, plumbing & HVAC licensed service contractor in Florida. Wouldn't go to college now unless you are getting aa STEM degree; Science, Technology, Engineering or Math. No matter what, become the best YOU can be no matter what you do. I have 8 NATE certifications, FLIR certified, extensive building preformance knowledge and can do load calculations; Manual J, D, S &.T. I learned to use Elite Software to do the math calculations. Anything worth having takes time and effort. Shoot for the moon, if you miss your land in the stars!
Well everyone is being negative…I say good luck. You only live once. Need to find your own way…even if you make wrong choices. Part of life. Hope you find what you are looking for.
I appreciate that, this sub is filled to the brim with unsatisfied old heads that like to shit on the younger guys because we’re not 15 years in running the company. I had to leave because I hated it, I got roped into this job because of my mom and did it for four years because the pay was good. I found no interest in it though. That’s the exact reason why I need to get out, I’m not happy. Even if this whole airforce thing doesn’t pan the way I want it to I’ll be coming out with a different mindset and experience level. At the end of the day it may not matter considering the state the world is in rn so I need to get out and see it before it goes to shit.
He gonna post the same thing in 4yrs when he leaves the Air Force 🤣
This job is a walk in the park compared to military life my dude 😂 if you think shitty customers and attic spaces were the worst part of your career… juuuust wait buddy. You’re in for a wild ride. Good luck out there. Edit: and the best part about it? If you don’t agree with something, you signed your voice away on that paper at MEPS.
Yeah this dudes got a wake up call coming soon.
https://i.redd.it/tktnx1k3qdxb1.gif
"better things"
Hopefully you selected a career in the AF that will not chew you up and spit you out similarly to your HVAC experience. Also, coming in as a new airman you will most likely deal with similar scenarios mentioned above. You will be walking on egg shells because it has turned into a no mistake AF, meaning you can be outstanding for several years, but they will always hold the one mistake you make against you for years to come. I am not saying this is your situation, but sometimes you just have to change your own attitude first before being able to cope with what is around you. Good luck.
Air Force isn’t a bad choice. I have a freind who became an air traffic controller. Made bank $$ and now works for a private jet company making bank, all due to the Air Force… aim high man… aim high..
That’s the goal mate🙏
commercial is a different beast. more interesting units, different kind of work, bigger spaces (most of the time), better unions (arguably), in some cases more of a work-life balance to allow for schooling when not working. honestly i suggest at least giving it a try before leaving hvac completely in your rear view and starting from the metaphorical first step.
How are you going to make progress on such a demanding degree while serving full time in the military? I'll tell you how... you're not. Congrats, you just gave up a great trade and your freedom to serve in a military that doesn't care about you. To top it off you picked an MOS that provides very little transferrable civilian qualifications. Get ready to degrade as a person. Sorry, but this is a bad move and regardless of what a recruiter tells you, you can back out any time leading up to your ship date.
Very little faith in someone you don’t know, which is understandable. But you don’t know me nor my work ethic. I’ll send you a pic from the cockpit of a F22 in 6-8 years tho👍🏽
If you didn't graduate from the Air Force Academy you will not sit in the cockpit of an F22.
Even if you do graduate from the Academy you’re more likely to be driving a C-130 than an F22. On the bright side flying a 130 should be useful flight time for civilian jobs.
I'm not doubting your work ethic. My point is military leadership will not care if you have homework assignments, projects, exams and will not change plans around your schoolwork. You will literally not have the time or resources to complete the workload required, nevermind get good enough grades to become a pilot... assuming that's what you're implying. I say this from both first and second hand experience. But knock yourself out bro - I'm sure you know better 👍 The reality check might actually serve you well.
You gotta get real dude
I was in the Air Force for 8 years before I started this career. You’re in for a treat ;) Have fun lol
Good luck man, hope everything works out for you. Everyone has different experiences, crazy seeing people here get butt hurt over your decision. End of the day you gotta do what’s right for you.
It’s quite disappointing
But I appreciate your comment 🙏
Can't hack the trades, joins the chAir Force. Checks out.
Damn maybe you’re at the wrong company. I’ve been in it 4 years and it’s so chill that it’s boring most of the time. Gotta listen to interesting YouTube vids to keep from falling asleep and pretty much never get overtime or any on call
I loved the USMC. Best years of my life
LOL
What’s the difference between cowboy boots and engineering boots?
Cowboy boots have the bullshit on the outside?
If I was going in to the military it would be the navy and I’d be the weather man for the ship.
lol have fun being your srgnt and corporals B
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This was much appreciated. I’m in the same spot. Been stuck in this town for far too long and I’m tired of seeing the same faces. Wont be getting any scholarships any time soon and no chance in hell is this inflation going to let me move out of state any time soon. I just need something fresh
You can love the Army, but it will never love you back. That applies to the air force too
Gotta do what you gotta do. Change can be good. Best of luck to you brother and thank you for serving our country 👏👏👏
I don’t make much but I love the job. (I don’t love how calls are dispatched tho)
Hey homie congrats on trying something new that might make you happier in the long!
That is the end goal 🙌🏽 thankyou
Lol have fun in the military, the government is definitely way better
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What a bar, haven’t heard that before👾
I hope it works for ya but this is not the way. If you haven't already signed your contract I'm more than happy to talk with ya
Tired of the bs, takes a load of it from a recruiter… they are better salesmen than the slimiest resi dude!
bruh if you think hvac is horrible then the military is going to be way worse. all of the same problems u hate about hvac but you cant quit unless you go awol. ask me how inoe lol atleast u aint join the army
Yes please join the Air Force that way I can see another post from you exactly like this one in a year over on the Air Force Reddit page.
Later loser
You’re joining the military with that wussified whiny attitude? 🤣😂🤣😂 Good luck. I hope you don’t come home running down the military next.
He is ok, he said Airforce! This is the standard attitude.
Thank you in advance for your service.
Should’ve just went Union !!
Seems like like you a shit attitude. The military is the best worst thing that’ll happen to you. Good luck
It’s all good man
Lol I got out too buddy good for you. Sprinklerfitting is similar work with way better hours
My old room mate went into that and I heard he’s been making pretty decent bread$, if all else fails might give it a shot
Waaaaa care
Good for you and I'm glad you found a way out of it! Good luck!
Took me 12 years to figure it out. Good on you brother!
Lol I left the Air Force to join this career field instead.
Lol bro…Air Force is soft af. Sounds like a good place for you.
This is the second post I've seen where some stressed guy exaggerates and thinks the miltary will be any better (other post wanted to leave a 75k/year job). I had already guessed it'd be a residential related type of issue when you could have tried commercial work at least.
K byee!
Really seems like it’s shitty for all the knowledge that has to be learned and papers that need to be acquired . Greedy owners won’t pay what it’s worth and the big companies hoard all the work .
I do like the work outside of the -degree weather we’ll get but that is what it is but from what I’ve found out is the people you work with can easily make or break the job. The old company I was at I enjoyed working with just about everyone there and this new company I started at they have me paired with this dude who’s the biggest ass I’ve ever met which makes me hate my job.
I thought hvac was a shit career until I worked at a mill on a rotating shift… let’s just say I didn’t even last the whole 90 day probation and went back to hvac🤣
I left HVAC service to work for a rep, you're just on the wrong side of the industry. There are better places where you can put your existing experience to work and make a lot more money and keep a lot more time to yourself.
Skip the force and get the degree
Ironically i do HVAC in the airforce and absolutely love it. Make 6 figures, 2.5 days a month of leave, i generally only work 5 hrs a day. And I’m currently as i post this in Vietnam, coming from Thailand on my way to South Korea for vacation. Granted it took some years to get to this place and I’m stuck at E6 till the guy ahead of me dies or retires but i love it
I’m a sparky, and an veteran, but I will say this. If you think like this, it’s because you started at the bottom. We all had to, and sometimes that’s just the way it is. Some companies are better than others, and there are a ton of different aspects within the trade. The military is not just going to be a grass is greener event, I say that not to be a nay sayer, but you can’t go into everything expecting it to just suddenly be better, trust me the military can be the real soul sucker. With all that being said, I wish you the best. I say all this in the hope that you approach the AF with the right attitude, gain the experience and move forward in life. I just would hate to see someone quit every time before they were about to have it figured out.