Billy the Kid

Its true guys, I'm in the Army!!

As of March 29th, 2008, I'm a confirmed soldier of our beloved US Army. My stepdad, Joel, was nice enough to swear me in. Its a pretty big decision but one that I'm most definitely happy with. Any first time applicants who wish to enlist in any branch of the military must take an ASVAB test. Its pretty much smaller and easier than the SAT. Lucky for me, I scored high enough to land any job I wished to have. While talking with the counselor after my physical was finished, he uploaded my test scores and also the jobs I qualified for. It was a rather large list and in fact slightly overwhelming, however, my decision was quite quick after seeing Air Traffic Control Operator pop up. I wanted to make sure and maximize my bonus to the best I could with my college history. I had slightly over 60 credits which barely qualified me for a 3,000 dollar more bonus than I would have had if under 60 credits. The primary reason for enlistment was because I had no true determination to finish college and be a dedicated student, right now anyway. So, after thinking about it, it dawned on me that the army could shape me up and train me both physically and mentally.

First, I'll be going to basic training in Fort Benning, GA for 2 months. After basic training is complete, I'll then be heading off to the military's aviation school in Fort Rucker, AL. The aviation school from what I hear has a 65 percent dropout rate, but with some hard work and long nights of studying, 4 months should go by pretty quick! After they train me to be a qualified Air Traffic Controller, they will send me to my first assignment wherever that may be. In AIT, they make you fill out a dream sheet. This sheet allows you to request where you wish to be stationed, my first choice will be Germany, then Belgium, and lastly, somewhere in the United States. There's no guarantee, but from what I hear, they try to get you where you want to go. And of course, there's always a chance for deployment. I'm sure there will be questions when I see everybody at the next poker game but this is just to give you a gist of what's goin on in my life.

My plan is to use the Army's tuition assistance program to finish my degree. They told me I could compile all my University of North Dakota and ACC credits, along with AIT credits (yes, even training in the Army earns credit for college institutions) and apply all of those to a particular degree. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has Air Traffic degree programs, so all my training and credits can be rolled up and used together to further myself in the actual completion of a degree, its about time right. Also, using tuition assistance doesn't touch my GI Bill, which can be used for graduate school when I'm finished if I like. Not to mention 100% health and dental coverage, I think the Army was the best decision possible for me at this point.

As for poker, dang, I forgot how to play, its been like three weeks since we've played!! Busy time of the year I guess. Anyway, I FINALLY moneyed and split first place with Stacy last tournament, can't believe it, it only took like 50 tries to get on the list : ) Hope to see everybody at the next game, I'm limited on games, time's tickin for me. Whoever is reading this, you better be there! JK....but seriously.....have a good week guys.