The holidays seem to have slowed things down to a snail's pace. Still no word on the medical waiver. However, I am grateful for the additional time because I've learned that the Battalion Commander wants me to achieve 80 points in each Physical Fitness Test category, vs. the 60 points that is required of an OCS applicant.
This means (2 minutes each): 30 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, and a 2 mile run in 18:48 minutes.
The 60 point requirement is: 15 push-ups, 42 sit-ups, and a 2 mile run in 21:42 minutes.
To graduate Basic Training a recruit needs to score 50 points in each category. The requirements are higher for Officer Applicants/Candidates, not to mention that they need to be met even before interviewing with the Officer Candidate Selection Board, which is before Basic Training. It's a lot of work to go through when I don't know for sure if I am going or not, but it's good to be getting in shape; something I should be doing anyway. Please pray for me to have the courage and endurance to do this, and strength in so many ways! :)
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
I am like Sarah
According to the Facebook "Which mighty woman of the bible are you most like?" survey, I am most like Sarah. Here's what it said:
"Dedicated to your spouse/boyfriend, you would do anything for them. You also are a woman of faith, who takes God at His word. You have much wisdom, and are a role model to many other women, both young and old. Your life is filled with adventure, oft times and is unpredictable as you live a kind of "nomadic" existence as the Spirit leads."
"Dedicated to your spouse/boyfriend, you would do anything for them. You also are a woman of faith, who takes God at His word. You have much wisdom, and are a role model to many other women, both young and old. Your life is filled with adventure, oft times and is unpredictable as you live a kind of "nomadic" existence as the Spirit leads."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Career Branches
After much consideration, research, and discussion --- I've chosen 10 Career Branch preferences. As an Officer I don't pick a specific job. Here's the list in order of preference:
Military Intelligence Officer
Quartermaster Officer
Signal Officer
Psychological Operations Officer
Personnel Systems Management Officer
Finance Officer
Transportation Officer
Engineer Officer
Chaplain
Air Defense Artillery Officer
It is a relief to have this milestone achieved! They tell me I should get one of my top three picks. If you're curious about what something is you can look here: http://www.goarmy.com/JobSearchPre.do
Military Intelligence Officer
Quartermaster Officer
Signal Officer
Psychological Operations Officer
Personnel Systems Management Officer
Finance Officer
Transportation Officer
Engineer Officer
Chaplain
Air Defense Artillery Officer
It is a relief to have this milestone achieved! They tell me I should get one of my top three picks. If you're curious about what something is you can look here: http://www.goarmy.com/JobSearchPre.do
There are only 23 choices on the form I am completing. Many I'm not qualified for because I don't have a particular degree, two because I'm a woman, and others are directly combat related.
I very much appreciate all the help, advice, opinions, and guidance that has been offered to help in this decision. Thank you!!! :)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
MEPS Physical & Med Waiver
The physical went excellent! I scored 1 in almost every area, which is what you want. The exception was my eyes. I can see just fine, but found out that I wasn't actually granted the medical waiver as we had thought. Rather, permission was granted for me to process at MEPS. Now the waiver has been requested. Maybe when I get it the third time it will be for real! ;-)
Once the medical waiver is finally granted, we can request an age waiver. The next thing on my list is to select my top ten Career Branch preferences. I am told they will try to give me one of the top three choices, but ultimately I will be placed where the Army needs me. There are so many things I could end up doing within each branch -- it is difficult to decide. I am contemplating putting all options in a hat and picking them at random! =P Ultimately my life is in the Lord's hands and I know I will end up in just the right place. Of this I am certain. :)
Once the medical waiver is finally granted, we can request an age waiver. The next thing on my list is to select my top ten Career Branch preferences. I am told they will try to give me one of the top three choices, but ultimately I will be placed where the Army needs me. There are so many things I could end up doing within each branch -- it is difficult to decide. I am contemplating putting all options in a hat and picking them at random! =P Ultimately my life is in the Lord's hands and I know I will end up in just the right place. Of this I am certain. :)
Friday, December 5, 2008
ASVAB Test Score
The best you can score (on a percentile basis) on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test is 99. Seven years ago I scored 99. I came to MEPS in Shreveport, LA today to take the test, and will go through the MEPS physical tomorrow.
Either I've gotten dumber or the test has gotten harder, because I didn't score a 99 as I was so hoping I would. They did re-vamp it in 2004, so it is a bit different, and updated. Well, I didn't score 99, but I did score 98!!! =D I'm super excited!
Either I've gotten dumber or the test has gotten harder, because I didn't score a 99 as I was so hoping I would. They did re-vamp it in 2004, so it is a bit different, and updated. Well, I didn't score 99, but I did score 98!!! =D I'm super excited!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Really Approved and Moving Forward
I was really approved for the med waiver this time, yay!!!
Now I'm going to MEPS in Shreveport Friday and Saturday. I'll take the ASVAB Friday at 4:00, then go through the physical evaluation on Saturday. This is not a PFT (physical fitness test), but where doctors OK me to enter the armed services.
Now I'm going to MEPS in Shreveport Friday and Saturday. I'll take the ASVAB Friday at 4:00, then go through the physical evaluation on Saturday. This is not a PFT (physical fitness test), but where doctors OK me to enter the armed services.
False Alarm
I was told the medical waiver had been approved, but my recruiter misunderstood. Apparently there had been a lot of confusion and I had somehow been "deleted". When all that got resolved then the approval request got submitted twice. It's all been ironed out and I am once again awaiting approval. I'm beginning to know the meaning of "hurry up and wait"! =P
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Good News!
I'm approved!!! Yay! Now on to the next hurdle, the age waiver =P
There's a lot more involved for this one so it'll be a little bit before it gets submitted. I need to go to MEPS to take the ASVAB and physical, do a bunch of paperwork, select my Career Branch preferences, complete my essay; I think that's it, phew!
There's a lot more involved for this one so it'll be a little bit before it gets submitted. I need to go to MEPS to take the ASVAB and physical, do a bunch of paperwork, select my Career Branch preferences, complete my essay; I think that's it, phew!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Eagerly Awaiting Approval
It's Monday after the holiday weekend and back to business as usual. As usual as can be with many off on vacation or so unfortunate as to get sick in this wintery weather. I am hoping to receive word today that the medical waiver for my eye surgery has been approved. Oh I hope so!!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Progress and Hurdles
On October 15th Ryan (my brother-in-law) and I went to the recruiter's office in Mount Pleasant. I had already made up my mind that I wanted to join and was there to make sure I was eligible. We set up a meeting for the following Monday to start the paperwork. Joining as an officer involves much more and takes a lot longer than regular enlistment. I began requesting letters of recommendation, writing an essay on why I want to be an officer, gathering information on the past seven years of my life, and contacting people to let them know of my decision.
On November 18th I was on my way to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and get a physical, but on the way there my recruiter called. I was on a van with other people that were going so I couldn't turn around and come home. My recruiter had learned that I needed a medical waiver because I had had vision correction surgery (PRK/ASA - similar to LASIK) and therefore couldn't test or take the physical. So I spent the day in Shreveport, LA hanging out with the shuttle driver, then my recruiter once he arrived. It was a day that seemed wasted but was truly a blessing in disguise.
First I must explain this. The finale' of all our efforts is to get me before a board of three officers. They will approve me to go to OCS (Officer Candidate School). My "packet" must be turned in about three days prior to meeting them. The packet must include an age waiver. In order to apply for an age waiver we essentially need to turn in the entire packet, including letters of recommendation, my essay, my resume', and a bunch of miscellaneous forms.
We were trying to get everything together in time to apply for and receive an age waiver and turn the packet in by Monday December 1st. This goal put a lot of pressure on me, as at the time I still didn't understand exactly what all had to be completed when. We didn't have any leeway time wise and I was being asked to produce things in very short order.
The delay caused by not being able to process at MEPS that day meant I would not meet the Dec. 1st deadline. The next board will not be held until January. This took SO much pressure off; I cannot express how relieved I was. On top of that, I was told that I will probably have to ship out around mid January. I was hoping to leave around mid February, so that was weighing on me too.
As of today we are still waiting for approval of the medical waiver. I don't know the chances of being disapproved, but it is a concern. We should definitely find out this week. I fully expect to be approved but am preparing for the worst just in case. I remind myself that the Lord knows what's best, even when it makes no sense to me I will trust in his hand on my life. I've seen his sovereign wisdom evidenced over and over again; I am at peace knowing that it's all going to come to a good end and looking back it will all make sense, even if it's presently clear as mud.
On November 18th I was on my way to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) to take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) and get a physical, but on the way there my recruiter called. I was on a van with other people that were going so I couldn't turn around and come home. My recruiter had learned that I needed a medical waiver because I had had vision correction surgery (PRK/ASA - similar to LASIK) and therefore couldn't test or take the physical. So I spent the day in Shreveport, LA hanging out with the shuttle driver, then my recruiter once he arrived. It was a day that seemed wasted but was truly a blessing in disguise.
First I must explain this. The finale' of all our efforts is to get me before a board of three officers. They will approve me to go to OCS (Officer Candidate School). My "packet" must be turned in about three days prior to meeting them. The packet must include an age waiver. In order to apply for an age waiver we essentially need to turn in the entire packet, including letters of recommendation, my essay, my resume', and a bunch of miscellaneous forms.
We were trying to get everything together in time to apply for and receive an age waiver and turn the packet in by Monday December 1st. This goal put a lot of pressure on me, as at the time I still didn't understand exactly what all had to be completed when. We didn't have any leeway time wise and I was being asked to produce things in very short order.
The delay caused by not being able to process at MEPS that day meant I would not meet the Dec. 1st deadline. The next board will not be held until January. This took SO much pressure off; I cannot express how relieved I was. On top of that, I was told that I will probably have to ship out around mid January. I was hoping to leave around mid February, so that was weighing on me too.
As of today we are still waiting for approval of the medical waiver. I don't know the chances of being disapproved, but it is a concern. We should definitely find out this week. I fully expect to be approved but am preparing for the worst just in case. I remind myself that the Lord knows what's best, even when it makes no sense to me I will trust in his hand on my life. I've seen his sovereign wisdom evidenced over and over again; I am at peace knowing that it's all going to come to a good end and looking back it will all make sense, even if it's presently clear as mud.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Catching up
Many changes have happened in my life recently. I am now living with my sister, her husband, and my niece and nephew (Susan, Ryan, Alexis, & Taylor). This is such a great time of year to stay with family; I'm truly enjoying it!
If you don't already know, I moved from Seattle to Northeast Texas in October of 2005. Susan, Ryan, and Taylor had moved here a few years earlier and I eventually followed. Our dad is moving too and should arrive before Christmas! Our mom may move sometime after that as well, which would be my entire immediate family, and all of my family in Washington.
Back to catching up --
A couple months ago I had two epiphanies: 1) I'm not making any headway on my debt, primarily comprised of student loans. 2) Aside from financial obligations, there is nothing holding me back from doing anything or going anywhere I want. I do not have a husband, a boyfriend, children, or a house. So I started looking into debt forgiveness programs. There are certain organizations that will pay off a portion of your student loans in exchange for your time. Some of these would take you to other countries; I guess it would be called humanitarian work. I thought "what a great opportunity!” I wouldn't get rich or really be making any financial progress, but what an experience! At this point I'm thinking about how to still pay my monthly bills (debts) while going on this adventure. As I'm talking to my family, Ryan suggests that I join the Army. They have amazing incentives and I could make a career of it. Hmmm..... now this is an interesting and challenging concept!
Several years ago I told God that I would walk through any door He opened before me, and I would try to stop knocking on closed doors. This looked like a wide open door to me! We began to look into it.
If you have a Bachelor's degree, which I do, you can join as an officer. The age limit is 29, or 34 with a waiver; I am 34. The weight limit for my height is 144 lbs; I was 144 at the time. Everything seemed to be telling me "go for it!", and I'm thinking that it's now or never, and if I don't try then I'll never know and will always wonder. Also, the US Army will pay off 100% of my student loans upon graduation from Officer Candidate School (OCS), which is over $50,000.
If it were only for financial reasons, that wouldn’t justify this radical life change. I’m 34 and free as a bird to do everything and anything. My only true purpose and direction is to do the will of my Father. While on one hand the last three years have built my faith tremendously, I have also felt without direction some of the time. I would like to believe that all that I’ve experienced has been preparing me for something bigger than I can grasp and that I am right in the center of the Lord’s will. I realize the Army will test me in more ways than I can imagine, but to date I’ve made it to the other side of every trial I’ve ever faced. If this door remains open I will walk through it with confidence.
A couple months ago I had two epiphanies: 1) I'm not making any headway on my debt, primarily comprised of student loans. 2) Aside from financial obligations, there is nothing holding me back from doing anything or going anywhere I want. I do not have a husband, a boyfriend, children, or a house. So I started looking into debt forgiveness programs. There are certain organizations that will pay off a portion of your student loans in exchange for your time. Some of these would take you to other countries; I guess it would be called humanitarian work. I thought "what a great opportunity!” I wouldn't get rich or really be making any financial progress, but what an experience! At this point I'm thinking about how to still pay my monthly bills (debts) while going on this adventure. As I'm talking to my family, Ryan suggests that I join the Army. They have amazing incentives and I could make a career of it. Hmmm..... now this is an interesting and challenging concept!
Several years ago I told God that I would walk through any door He opened before me, and I would try to stop knocking on closed doors. This looked like a wide open door to me! We began to look into it.
If you have a Bachelor's degree, which I do, you can join as an officer. The age limit is 29, or 34 with a waiver; I am 34. The weight limit for my height is 144 lbs; I was 144 at the time. Everything seemed to be telling me "go for it!", and I'm thinking that it's now or never, and if I don't try then I'll never know and will always wonder. Also, the US Army will pay off 100% of my student loans upon graduation from Officer Candidate School (OCS), which is over $50,000.
If it were only for financial reasons, that wouldn’t justify this radical life change. I’m 34 and free as a bird to do everything and anything. My only true purpose and direction is to do the will of my Father. While on one hand the last three years have built my faith tremendously, I have also felt without direction some of the time. I would like to believe that all that I’ve experienced has been preparing me for something bigger than I can grasp and that I am right in the center of the Lord’s will. I realize the Army will test me in more ways than I can imagine, but to date I’ve made it to the other side of every trial I’ve ever faced. If this door remains open I will walk through it with confidence.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Welcome to my blog!
Wow, my very own blog, imagine that! The reason I've started this is to keep everyone updated on what's going on with me joining the Army. Then, if and when I get in, it will be nice to post updates on my new life. Why the name Snowflayk in the address? It's an alias I used to use and still have an affinity for. I love snow and how each flake is perfectly beautiful and unique!
I hope you enjoy following me on this journey. Your comments and support are welcome and very much appreciated. May God bless and keep you... :)
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