Cheating and Promotions

[DoctorP]

Today the S&S published an article about GI's (Army) cheating on pormotion exams. Downloading answer sheets in order to answer correspondence exams for promotion points. This is nothing new. In the last 2 years there have been similar stories about the AF and Navy doing the same, actually with the AF, it was one of their own selling the answers for profit. In the MC, it is a known fact that answers are passed around by one another.

How do you feel about these "revelations"? I mean, come on, everyone knows it's going on right? It is only a big deal because it is out in the open right?

The link isn't up online yet, I will post the link to the story once it is available.

[Tempestuous]

I am sure that it is just since it has been "brought to light" that there is suddenly something being done about it.

Just like hazing, they knew it was taking place and they did/do nothing about it until it gets brought up in a negative light.

[DoctorP]

Hmmmm....strange, I can't find the story online. I just read it the other day in the print paper??? Makes me think that S&S felt pressured not to post it?

[P_chan]

I remember the air force one. It happened here on kadena and it was a Master Sgt who was passing out answers to the MSgt test.

Just goes to show you that you really can't trust anybody anymore. Someone who is that high in rank should know responsibility better then that. Kinda makes me glad I plan on getting my bachelors and getting out of the military.

[abstaman]

The reason you don't see anything written about the Marine Corps passing around promotion exam answers is because we don't have promotion exams like the other services.

You get selected based on your Fitness Reports and your accomplishments - not how well you take (memorize and dump) a test.

[DoctorP]

The reason you don't see anything written about the Marine Corps passing around promotion exam answers is because we don't have promotion exams like the other services.

You get selected based on your Fitness Reports and your accomplishments - not how well you take (memorize and dump) a test.

Not so, LCpl's, Cpl's and Sgt's, have to take PME which have tests. Now, some of them could be waverable, but most are not. And most (not all) people who take them do not do so the right way, and instead "borrow" someone else's answers.

As for SSgt's and above being promoted based on accomplishments? That is not always the case either, and I think that you know that! I'm sure you know someone who has been promoted that hasn't accomplished much in his/her career!

[Tempestuous]

Is this the story you are lookin for (obviously not S&S but same story I believe)
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/07/22/army_probes_alleged_exam_cheating/

[DoctorP]

Yeah, but S&S listed it in the paper as their story...maybe that is why they didn't post it online...I didn't see a retraction posted in today's paper though...looks like the same story!

[Tempestuous]

The reason you don't see anything written about the Marine Corps passing around promotion exam answers is because we don't have promotion exams like the other services.

You get selected based on your Fitness Reports and your accomplishments - not how well you take (memorize and dump) a test.

No testing? No cheating?
I came across this article in the online Marine Corps Times
Catching the cheaters (http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/careers/pme/mcitesting9.4/)

Now it is completely possible I am missing something as I am not real familiar with the MC but this article makes it appear there is testing and there is cheating.

[abstaman]

Yes, it is sad to say, there is cheating that goes on with MCI's (Marine Corps Institute). My point was that these are not required for promotion. They help mind you, but are not required. This is how our promotion system differs from the other branches.

There are requirements to have certain MCI's completed to be eligible for selection - but there is not a pass or fail test to pin on your next rank. Your are selected by a board based on Fit Reps and accomplishments.

As far as getting promoted based on your accomplishments - it doesn't matter what branch your in - you will always have those that slip through the cracks. I think the Marine Corps system for promotion does a great job of promoting based on performance vice test taking ability.

[DoctorP]

As far as getting promoted based on your accomplishments - it doesn't matter what branch your in - you will always have those that slip through the cracks. I think the Marine Corps system for promotion does a great job of promoting based on performance vice test taking ability.


Yes, but the tests help to ensure that people actually have knowledge! Unfortunately once people pin on SSgt in the Marines, their most notable skill is to hold a coffee cup in one hand while talking shi# out their mouth! (not everyone mind you)

[abstaman]

Unfortunately once people pin on SSgt in the Marines, their most notable skill is to hold a coffee cup in one hand while talking shi# out their mouth! (not everyone mind you)


Guess I didn't get that memo...

Anyhow, back to the subject - cheating on promotion tests is a sad thing. I suppose as long as there are tests, people will find away to cheat.

[Tempestuous]

Anyhow, back to the subject - cheating on promotion tests is a sad thing. I suppose as long as there are tests, people will find away to cheat.

Yup! And those that study their butts off to get a good score are overshadowed by those cheaters who promote and often do a dis-service to the service.

[Richard Burns]

I agree with the practice. The reason is many people know their shit but are just bad test takers. They may be good leaders, and can show you they can perform the task but for whatever reason are lousy at taking tests.

I know the irony is it's a lack of integrity to partake in the practice.

[P_chan]

I agree with the practice. The reason is many people know their shit but are just bad test takers. They may be good leaders, and can show you they can perform the task but for whatever reason are lousy at taking tests.

I know the irony is it's a lack of integrity to partake in the practice.

They have waivers for people like that.

[canjap02]

cheating is just wrong. Hell if I didnt cheat my way though high school math I wouldnt need a calculater to do anything but bear bones math. Good old BEDMAS :)

[dk]

cheating is just wrong. Hell if I didnt cheat my way though high school math I wouldnt need a calculater to do anything but bear bones math. Good old BEDMAS :)

And if you cheat your way through English, this is what happens. :thumbup:

[canjap02]

And if you cheat your way through English, this is what happens. :thumbup:

ya Ill give you that. Wasnt sure how to spell it, but to damn lazy to google it.\:-)

[SnaFu]

Yes, it is sad to say, there is cheating that goes on with MCI's (Marine Corps Institute). My point was that these are not required for promotion. They help mind you, but are not required. This is how our promotion system differs from the other branches.

There are requirements to have certain MCI's completed to be eligible for selection - but there is not a pass or fail test to pin on your next rank. Your are selected by a board based on Fit Reps and accomplishments.

As far as getting promoted based on your accomplishments - it doesn't matter what branch your in - you will always have those that slip through the cracks. I think the Marine Corps system for promotion does a great job of promoting based on performance vice test taking ability.

ShiiiiiiiT!!! The MC promo system at least in the technical fields favors the bonehead who gets shitcanned to Training NCO, blattantly pencil whipping training records and gets a NAM for it.

The jarheads who know their shit intimidate the marginal techs or mechanics who have mastered the ability to tell the officers and SNCO's what they want to hear.

Same goes for SNCO's. The dude who says left right left, yells URahh the loudest and can run like a rabbit walks on water.

An MOS performanced based evaluation to suppliment the existing evaluation system would at least give a tangible tool to evaluate technical profficiency. The only people who oppose such a system are the ones who feel threatened by it. And there are way too many of those in the ranks. I wonder why that is?

[badstreetusa]

I remember the air force one. It happened here on kadena and it was a Master Sgt who was passing out answers to the MSgt test.

Just goes to show you that you really can't trust anybody anymore. Someone who is that high in rank should know responsibility better then that. Kinda makes me glad I plan on getting my bachelors and getting out of the military.

Good on you for taking advantage of the education opportunities. I did the same and let the government pay for my AA, BA, and MA.

What's scary is I know a guy that retired...26 years...and no AA (CCAF) 2 year degree...:thumbdown:

[badstreetusa]

They have waivers for people like that.

Yep or the STEP: Stripe for Exceptional Performers in the AF. I know a few that have been promoted that way.

[SnaFu]

ShiiiiiiiT!!! The MC promo system at least in the technical fields favors the bonehead who gets shitcanned to Training NCO, blattantly pencil whipping training records and gets a NAM for it.

The jarheads who know their shit intimidate the marginal techs or mechanics who have mastered the ability to tell the officers and SNCO's what they want to hear.

Same goes for SNCO's. The dude who says left right left, yells URahh the loudest and can run like a rabbit walks on water.

An MOS performanced based evaluation to suppliment the existing evaluation system would at least give a tangible tool to evaluate technical profficiency. The only people who oppose such a system are the ones who feel threatened by it. And there are way too many of those in the ranks. I wonder why that is?

What... No takers? The standard intelegent response I usually get is "That's what the Navy does? We're not the Navy."

[Blues]

even though i was under the weather with boob flu, somehow I made it even with my test answers in the pattern of boobs, i still made it. :D

[badstreetusa]

even though i was under the weather with boob flu, somehow I made it even with my test answers in the pattern of boobs, i still made it. :D

I'm not surprised with the low scores needed today for promotion:army:...however, Congrats! :first:

[z's inmate#2341]

I remember the air force one. It happened here on kadena and it was a Master Sgt who was passing out answers to the MSgt test.

Just goes to show you that you really can't trust anybody anymore. Someone who is that high in rank should know responsibility better then that. Kinda makes me glad I plan on getting my bachelors and getting out of the military.

I'm glad you are getting out too...

[Richard Burns]

The USMC's promotion system is the best or should I say would be the best if it was carried out in the manner it was intended to be.

Proficiency and Conduct marks or Fitness Reports for Sergeants, SNCOs and O's are are supposed to reflect the Marine's job performance and knowledge in their MOS.

In theory it's a more in depth system because you are evaluated by your actually abilities and application of your knowledge on a day to day basis. This is more thorough than just mastering a test.

The problem is boneheads doing people's pros and cons or getting the "hook up" on your fitrep.

IMHO.

[badstreetusa]

I'm glad you are getting out too...

I actually agree with P on this one; it is hard to trust anyone these days. Just because someone is higher or more senior in rank doesn't mean they are a saint. If he wants to get out and pursue the education opportunities afforded to him then I'm happy for him. I'm not sure, but I think P has served at least one full enlistment if not more...more than we can say about the majority of our fellow citizens.

[Richard Burns]

I think P_chan is a good Airman. His boots look like mirrors they're so shiny.

[garryizumi]

Good on you for taking advantage of the education opportunities. I did the same and let the government pay for my AA, BA, and MA.

What's scary is I know a guy that retired...26 years...and no AA (CCAF) 2 year degree...:thumbdown:

WOW! How is that even possible? I got mine in less than 6!

[Richard Burns]

A lot of people in demanding MOSs don't have time to go to school. I'm guessing that guy BSU mentioned got out before the online college courses were avalible.

I'm just guessing and may be wrong.

[dk]

Online courses have been available for at least eight years now. Probably even a few years more than that. Nobody has time to go to school. You make time.

[badstreetusa]

WOW! How is that even possible? I got mine in less than 6!

I guess just plain "sorriness" would sum it up. It's sad and I feel for the family. I'm just thankful that in my career someone took me aside and explained the benefits of getting an education. After I finished my Master's I can't tell you the sense of accomplishment. On top of it, it serves as a good example to the other junior enlisted under me. What credibility do I have if I'm preaching for folks to go to school, yet don't myself. But if they walk in my office and see the degrees on the wall, then they MIGHT have a little respect, and see that I'm not just BS'n them.

Lastly, it serves as a great example for your children. To show them the importance of continuing your education, but not waiting until you are in your 30's, 40's, or 50's...do it while you are young and fresh.

[Richard Burns]

Online courses have been available for at least eight years now. Probably even a few years more than that. Nobody has time to go to school. You make time.

Just giving the benefit of the doubt that's all.

Man I don't know how you tackle so much school, work, JU, family. That's dicipline.

I've been moving slow. Very slow. Lol.

[badstreetusa]

A lot of people in demanding MOSs don't have time to go to school. I'm guessing that guy BSU mentioned got out before the online college courses were avalible.

I'm just guessing and may be wrong.

Member retired in 2008.

[badstreetusa]

Just giving the benefit of the doubt that's all.

Man I don't know how you tackle so much school, work, JU, family. That's dicipline.

I've been moving slow. Very slow. Lol.

I did most of mine on-line as well. Like DK said; you make time. It never got in the way of my family. Yes, I stayed up late, yes, I pulled all nighters on weekends, so I could spend time with the kids during the week, or part of the weekend. Yes it wasn't easy, but they won't give it to you. You just have to set a goal, and say that NOTHING will stop you from it. Just make the sacrifice and do it. It usually goes by fast and you'll never regret it.

[dk]

Just giving the benefit of the doubt that's all.

Man I don't know how you tackle so much school, work, JU, family. That's dicipline.

I've been moving slow. Very slow. Lol.

And somehow I still have time to be an alcoholic, game-a-holic. lol.

Guess I work and learn fast.

I also don't go out with the wife and kid as much as I probably should... I just don't like going out on weekends...

[SnaFu]

The USMC's promotion system is the best or should I say would be the best if it was carried out in the manner it was intended to be.

Proficiency and Conduct marks or Fitness Reports for Sergeants, SNCOs and O's are are supposed to reflect the Marine's job performance and knowledge in their MOS.

In theory it's a more in depth system because you are evaluated by your actually abilities and application of your knowledge on a day to day basis. This is more thorough than just mastering a test.

The problem is boneheads doing people's pros and cons or getting the "hook up" on your fitrep.

IMHO.

Still, the situation exists that there is no tangeable means to measure technical proficiency. Let's call it MOS credibility for arguments sake. In my experience I find that MOS credibility goes a long way only when the shit hits the fan and heads are about to roll. But when it comes down to getting promoted MOS credibility don't mean jack. The person who can blow the most smoke gets the better marks.

The Marine with the 1st class PFT and B billets gets promoted even though they have been out of the MOS while they were on the drill field, recruiters or embasy duty. Then you have the lat moves who come into a technical MOS with a promotion to boot with zero MOS credibility.

Like it or not for a technical MOS to be effective the techs need to know their shit and the imediate command needs to be wise enough to know what he does not know.

I would rather have a shop of proffesional qualified techs without high and tights than a shop full of dickweeds more worried about checking a box for the next promotion than supporting the grunts.

[SnaFu]

Oh yeah... Semper Fi!

[Richard Burns]

High and Tights are the gayest haircut in the world. Low-Regs FTW!

[Crazysix]

Member retired in 2008.

damn I am soooooo sorry to hear that, they have little blue pills for that and from what I have heard some type of corrective surgery:grin1:

[Crazysix]

Still, the situation exists that there is no tangeable means to measure technical proficiency. Let's call it MOS credibility for arguments sake. In my experience I find that MOS credibility goes a long way only when the shit hits the fan and heads are about to roll. But when it comes down to getting promoted MOS credibility don't mean jack. The person who can blow the most smoke gets the better marks.

The Marine with the 1st class PFT and B billets gets promoted even though they have been out of the MOS while they were on the drill field, recruiters or embasy duty. Then you have the lat moves who come into a technical MOS with a promotion to boot with zero MOS credibility.

Like it or not for a technical MOS to be effective the techs need to know their shit and the imediate command needs to be wise enough to know what he does not know.

I would rather have a shop of proffesional qualified techs without high and tights than a shop full of dickweeds more worried about checking a box for the next promotion than supporting the grunts.

Guess I was lucky, We always had the best of both worlds, Nothing wrong with a squared away individual that knows his job at and or above what is required.

[SnaFu]

Guess I was lucky, We always had the best of both worlds, Nothing wrong with a squared away individual that knows his job at and or above what is required.

I guess you were. I'm not knocking being squared away. My issue is with performance related evaluations.

Why are so many Marines reluctant to have a performance based test to quantify technical proficiency?

To them I say: If you are so good at your MOS then put your money where your mouth is. You obviously have nothing to worry about. Who knows... You may even weed out more of the slackers.

Almost forgot... Semper Fi!

[SnaFu]

damn I am soooooo sorry to hear that, they have little blue pills for that and from what I have heard some type of corrective surgery:grin1:

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/72956

Them pills you be talking about will fuuuuck up yo mind my brother. And I am not talking about a positive experience. And yes, I do know from experience.

[Spadesy]

Yes, it is sad to say, there is cheating that goes on with MCI's (Marine Corps Institute). My point was that these are not required for promotion. They help mind you, but are not required. This is how our promotion system differs from the other branches.

There are requirements to have certain MCI's completed to be eligible for selection - but there is not a pass or fail test to pin on your next rank. Your are selected by a board based on Fit Reps and accomplishments.

As far as getting promoted based on your accomplishments - it doesn't matter what branch your in - you will always have those that slip through the cracks. I think the Marine Corps system for promotion does a great job of promoting based on performance vice test taking ability.

In order to get promoted to Cpl, Marines now have to take the MCI "Leading Marines." There were a handful of Cpls as well, who got demoted back to a LCpl for not having it complete if they were promoted October 1, 2008 or later.

There are no required MCI's for getting promoted to Sergeant (despite popular myth, the "Sergeant's Course" MCIs must be completed if you want to get promoted to SSgt, not Sgt).

Also, it's pretty much well known that if you want to get promoted...period...you must do MCIs. You can have the highest PFT and rifle score possible, but without MCIs, you probably won't get promoted fast enough to even be able to stay in (unless your MOS has an extremely low cutting score). One of my peers was lucky enough to get promoted to Cpl when I did. I'm a Sgt now, and he's still a Cpl with a way, way low cutting score (virtually unchanged since he picked up) because of negative pros/cons and - that's right - having only 2 or 3 MCIs completed, if that.

As for cheating on the MCIs...it's relative. I have never known anybody to readily have the answers I need for MCIs, and thus did them honestly. Fact of the matter is, I retained about zero knowledge from the MCIs I did - my intention was to get the answer and spew it out on a multiple choice test. The real way you are supposed to do it, is study the MCI booklet for X amount of hours, and then take the test - unassisted, under a time limit while a higher-up supervises you. Every unit I have been to doesn't do it that way, they just tell you to look the answers up in the book and select it on the sheet. That would be the Marine Corp's fault for not making it "hard" enough.

But from my understanding now, people can't do tests hard-copy anymore and must actually read the MCI and take the test online. Much harder to "cheat" that way.

Nonetheless, some units actually screen the guys that are up for promotion to see whether or not they're capable of performing what others their rank are supposed to perform...if there is any implication that Cpls and Sgts aren't "earning their rank" on a massive scale, I don't buy it.

MCI's, IMO...aren't really valuable. Just another "check in the box" to getting promoted. If you really want to learn how to handle and operate an M16, only way to do that is to get your hands on one and go through a period of instruction on it. Reading and memorizing terms isn't going to help you with that. Just like reading "Leading Marines" isn't going to make you a competent squad leader, ready to invade a city in a hostile country.

[Crazysix]

I guess you were. I'm not knocking being squared away. My issue is with performance related evaluations.

Why are so many Marines reluctant to have a performance based test to quantify technical proficiency?

To them I say: If you are so good at your MOS then put your money where your mouth is. You obviously have nothing to worry about. Who knows... You may even weed out more of the slackers.

Almost forgot... Semper Fi!

only one problem with that, for example, My 1st mos school was geared toward OMA maintenance on aircraft(no specific airframe), my buddy went to an IMA geared school(circuit cards, IC chips ect), when reported to the fleet he ended up in squadron and I ended up in IMA postion......It took him less time to transition than it did me, I had no idea WTH a chip was for or how to tell if it was bad or not....I had to learn on my own. I managed and was able to gain technical proficiency of Cpl, then I bailed lat moved when I picked up Sgt.
The next school I went to taught you the basics needed in the MOS from pvt to Msgt...so upon graduation we knew you had he basics, and you learned the rest in the fleet.
Now if you were to say instead of testing, give all marines "fit reps" then it would be better than pros and cons, simply because it would cause leaders to actually look at their troops vice throwing out a random 4.0 or 4.5.

[Crazysix]

In order to get promoted to Cpl, Marines now have to take the MCI "Leading Marines." There were a handful of Cpls as well, who got demoted back to a LCpl for not having it complete if they were promoted October 1, 2008 or later.

There are no required MCI's for getting promoted to Sergeant (despite popular myth, the "Sergeant's Course" MCIs must be completed if you want to get promoted to SSgt, not Sgt).

Also, it's pretty much well known that if you want to get promoted...period...you must do MCIs. You can have the highest PFT and rifle score possible, but without MCIs, you probably won't get promoted fast enough to even be able to stay in (unless your MOS has an extremely low cutting score). One of my peers was lucky enough to get promoted to Cpl when I did. I'm a Sgt now, and he's still a Cpl with a way, way low cutting score (virtually unchanged since he picked up) because of negative pros/cons and - that's right - having only 2 or 3 MCIs completed, if that.

As for cheating on the MCIs...it's relative. I have never known anybody to readily have the answers I need for MCIs, and thus did them honestly. Fact of the matter is, I retained about zero knowledge from the MCIs I did - my intention was to get the answer and spew it out on a multiple choice test. The real way you are supposed to do it, is study the MCI booklet for X amount of hours, and then take the test - unassisted, under a time limit while a higher-up supervises you. Every unit I have been to doesn't do it that way, they just tell you to look the answers up in the book and select it on the sheet. That would be the Marine Corp's fault for not making it simple enough.

But from my understanding now, people can't do tests hard-copy anymore and must actually read the MCI and take the test online. Much harder to "cheat" that way.

Nonetheless, some units actually screen the guys that are up for promotion to see whether or not they're capable of performing what others their rank are supposed to perform...if there is any implication that Cpls and Sgts aren't "earning their rank" on a massive scale, I don't buy it.
fyi..another way to get promotion points, is to take a Nonresident Training Courses. good info in these course as they relate to your mos and they did count the same as MCI's but they did not need to be sent off to graded, they were done local and put into your SRB

[DougP]

Online courses have been available for at least eight years now. Probably even a few years more than that. Nobody has time to go to school. You make time.

With the exception if you are in areas with no internet access, 6 to 9 months out of a year and deployments continually cause conflicts with enrollment dates and assignments. After throwing away a grand or two on classes you couldn't complete, the idea of chasing a diploma while on active duty and getting deployed constantly loses its appeal real quick. :)

[Blues]

c'mon if the chick who walks in her tent with a kevlar helmet and switches to a graduation cap can do it, how hard can it really be?? :D :D

[Crazysix]

c'mon if the chick who walks in her tent with a kevlar helmet and switches to a graduation cap can do it, how hard can it really be?? :D :D

yeah but what didnt show, she was about to retire and it was her GED celebration:-|:-|:smile4:

[Spadesy]

Well, if you get put on a FOB - no internet access there. Afghanistan anyone?

[dk]

With the exception if you are in areas with no internet access, 6 to 9 months out of a year and deployments continually cause conflicts with enrollment dates and assignments. After throwing away a grand or two on classes you couldn't complete, the idea of chasing a diploma while on active duty and getting deployed constantly loses its appeal real quick. :)

Yet, somehow, for years, military service members have been able to earn degrees both online and in classrooms. HOW IN THE WORLD do they do it?!!! Impossible! Hax!

[DougP]

Yet, somehow, for years, military service members have been able to earn degrees. HOW IN THE WORLD do they do it?!!! Impossible!

Cause they all work the same jobs and get sent to the same areas... Yeah, what would I know on the subject? :D

[SnaFu]

only one problem with that, for example, My 1st mos school was geared toward OMA maintenance on aircraft(no specific airframe), my buddy went to an IMA geared school(circuit cards, IC chips ect), when reported to the fleet he ended up in squadron and I ended up in IMA postion......It took him less time to transition than it did me, I had no idea WTH a chip was for or how to tell if it was bad or not....I had to learn on my own. I managed and was able to gain technical proficiency of Cpl, then I bailed lat moved when I picked up Sgt.
The next school I went to taught you the basics needed in the MOS from pvt to Msgt...so upon graduation we knew you had he basics, and you learned the rest in the fleet.
Now if you were to say instead of testing, give all marines "fit reps" then it would be better than pros and cons, simply because it would cause leaders to actually look at their troops vice throwing out a random 4.0 or 4.5.

I hear you on all points. Pro and Cons can turn into a bagpipe fest.

As new equipment was fielded and when the suck was drawn down in the 80's there was a tendancy to start shuffling the MOS structures to meet the times. I think a lot of descisions were made without fully thinking it through. I remember in the early 80's we had some civilian chick in our shop following us around trying to define the specific tasks required to perform our mission. The result was a total restructure of our MOS and training IAW the SAT process. What a ******* joke. It did away with comprehensive testing in formal schools. In essence it said that once a student "mastered" a task they could not be re-evaluated on that task. That coupled with the "If the student failed to learn, the instructor failed to teach" philosophy formal schools turned into a glorrified protracted MOS friendship day.

The techs that formal schools were sending us couldn't and still can't troubleshoot their way out of a paper bag. Shit... I've been out of the game now for almost 15 years and I still get emails and phone calls asking for tech assist because no one has a clue. If you have a fundamental knowledge of the technology you are working with and know how to use the pubs you can probably get the job done if your not affraid to burn the midnight oil on your own. I think they call that comitment...

The people who made these descisions were the "subject matter experts" and deemed qualified to fill those slots in large by the existing evaluation system. The system may work for the grunts and no disrespect at all is intended towards them. Point is I don't want their mission to be comprimised because the CSS element is not as good as they should be.

Maybe it is not that bad in the wing. But the ground side is indeed jacked.

[Crazysix]

I remember, getting may ass chewed by a Sgt and Ssgt, cause I didnt know the basics and then they made a mistake......they said" and you went to x school and you dont know this" I just replied.....Sgt I didnt go to that x school I went y school"... they double checked my SRB and saw that somewhere someway somebody screwed up and I was the only one in the shop.........after that at least they took it upon them selves to help me learn!!!

[P_chan]

I'm glad you are getting out too...

Ah, the leader of the peanut gallery speaks. See kids, this is what happens when you eat paint chips as a child.

Actually, I haven't quite decided what I'm going to do yet. I plan on reenlisting at least once, and that would put me at ten years. If I'm going to go halfway I might as well finish out twenty years. Either way, still plan on having a degree by my 10 year mark, already halfway there with a two year degree.:thumbup:

[P_chan]

I think P_chan is a good Airman. His boots look like mirrors they're so shiny.

You don't shine the new ABU "booger green" boots. You won't find a crease in my stripes either:D

Well, if you get put on a FOB - no internet access there. Afghanistan anyone?

Depends what type of FOB. If they've got comm guys, then they probably have internet. What do you think those big satellite dishes are for?:D

[Blues]

You don't shine the new ABU "booger green" boots. You won't find a crease in my stripes either:D

BDUs until the very end!!


Depends what type of FOB. If they've got comm guys, then they probably have internet. What do you think those big satellite dishes are for?:D

An entire base sharing a single T1 connection. :army:

[Spadesy]

Depends what type of FOB. If they've got comm guys, then they probably have internet. What do you think those big satellite dishes are for?:D

A Captain I know recently came back from Afghanistan on a team made up of Marines from various specialities (ranging from CBRN to Comm to Food Services), with a team of Afghan security forces. They were literally living up in the mountains, with nothing more than rocks, sandbags and their equipment to use for shelter for the time they were out there for. All they had for communication were two radios, one for the Marines and one for the Afghani SF. Other teams would check up on them for support every so often. They spent the first two weeks up in the mountains getting shot at by Taliban.

Definitely no internet to be had out there.

[P_chan]

A Captain I know recently came back from Afghanistan on a team made up of Marines from various specialities (ranging from CBRN to Comm to Food Services), with a team of Afghan security forces. They were literally living up in the mountains, with nothing more than rocks, sandbags and their equipment to use for shelter for the time they were out there for. All they had for communication were two radios, one for the Marines and one for the Afghani SF. Other teams would check up on them for support every so often. They spent the first two weeks up in the mountains getting shot at by Taliban.

Definitely no internet to be had out there.

Depends entirely on what type of FOB you're at. A larger well built FOB like Jalalabad will have internet. While a 20 some odd man FOB or a squadron of guys roughing it thought he mountains won't.

You can jerry rig a PRC 117F to have internet. You can at least get an email pushed out or use tac chat:D

[Godzilla]

WOW! How is that even possible? I got mine in less than 6!

I know this is kinda late in the thread but yeah 6 months is the normal time for a service member to earn an AA.

Most service members are sitting on anywhere from 30 – 40 credits and they just don’t realize. The local schools on base practically give away AA degrees.

Especially the online classes, 8 weeks long verse the 16 weeks in a state side school, no final exams, everything open book. How the hell could you go wrong?

Really fellas these schools are handing out AA’s all you got to do is sign up for the classes. It only takes about an hour a week worth of work per undergrad classe.