help please

[Anonymous]

I want to be a navigator if I get accepted into OTS, or work in aerospace maintainence if I have to enlist, and will be deciding shortly. Can anyone answer these questions? What happens with your car and belongings when you move from base to base? Can you pick where you want to go? How does banking work on base? Do you need a car, as either an officer or enlisted? A few personal questions. Can you take medications like asprin or tums to basic? What happens when you have your period during training? Can you get what you need from the PX during basic? I'm one of those people who has to use the bathroom a lot, is that a problem during basic, especially during long hikes? What do pilots and navigators do on long flights? I know the astronauts use urine collection devices, do pilots and navigators use those also?

[Anonymous]

: I've been an aircrew member for 18 of my 24 years in the USAF. Lots of questions here -- let's break this apart.


I want to be a navigator if I get accepted into OTS, or work in aerospace
: maintainence if I have to enlist, and will be deciding shortly. Can anyone
: answer these questions? What happens with your car and belongings when you
: move from base to base? --If you move from one base in the US (including Alaska) to another, you drive your car and the USAF hires a civilian moving company to move your goods. The weight of your move is proportional to your rank. As a lieutenant colonel, I'm authorized to move 14,000 pounds at government expense.

Can you pick where you want to go? --You provide the Air Force your preferences. Based on your job specialty and manning of overseas bases, the Air Force does a pretty good job selecting one of the bases on your sheet -- assuming you give them something to choose from. Remember though--the needs of the Air Force come before your personal needs.

How does banking work on base? --Just like in a civilian community. No difference whatsoever.

Do you need a car, as either an officer or enlisted? --Do you need a car as a civilian? Once you're out of basic training/officer training school, your life is much like a civilian (until we go to war).

A few personal questions. Can you take medications like asprin or tums to basic? -- Yes - you're allowed to go to the BX and purchase these type of things.

What happens when you have your period during training? Can you get what you need from the PX during basic? -- Of course. Because you're in training doesn't mean you stop being human. You deal with it the same way you did when you were in high school and had physical ed classes.

I'm one of those people who has to use the bathroom a lot, is that a problem during basic, especially during long hikes? -- I am as well. Long hikes are associated with the Army or Marine Corps. We are neither. You're not going to go on a week-long excursion into oblivion. Think of basic training like a military college. You attend classes, you march, and you participate in physical training.

What do pilots and navigators do on long flights? I know the astronauts use urine collection devices, do pilots and navigators use those also? -- Aircraft that have navigators (big aircraft) also have latrines. If you become a nav on a small aircraft, those sorties are rarely over a couple of hours unless you're refueling. You learn to adjust.

dimills@msn.com

[rhouse6170]

:D You can have your personal items that you need for your period in your draw at basic training. I used to keep a couple of tampons in my pocket or even sock just in case I needed them in a pinch.
All cargo aircraft have restrooms - kinda. A C-130 has a bucket with a curtain around it and some aircraft load a 'comfort pallet' that has not only restrooms but also coffee and a place to heat your meals.
Fighters have 'piddle packs' to use.
Don't sweat the little stuff. Everyone in the AF has bodily functions, why would you think this would not be taken care of? Relax.

[Anonymous]

As far as relieveing onesself goes:
Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of short missions in fighter aircraft as once upon a time--OIF flights, at least for Navy fighters, were in the 6-8 hour range with 3 aerial refueling plugs, so women have to learn to adapt. There are a couple ways to go about it...one involves Depends...pretty self explanitory. The other involves "piddle-packs" as was previously mentioned; you basically have a funnel-type device and a collection bag. It's easy to use once you get the hang of it, and can even use it whilst strapped into an ejection seat in a fighter aircraft with all the accompanying gear.
If anyone wants detailed usage instructions, please post. I hate it when people claim women aren't suited for combat flying due to their "inability" to relieve themselves...it's really no problem.

As for your period, I highly reccommend a product called "Instead" if you've never heard of it. It's a device that's worn internally, somewhat similar to a disposable diaphram that collects your flow rather than absorbing it. They can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow, and can't be felt once inserted. You can buy them at any Wal-mart or Target for around the same price as tampons.
R/
Ann
LT USN

[Charli]

I work on C-17 and i'm an communications/navigation technician (aircraft maintenance squadron). I work w/ electronics so it's fun. I'm not a grease monkey as are most in my squadron. I would recommend an aircrew job. I work 13 hrs a day but I go TDY alot. I also get to see the fruits of labor. Aircraft maintainers work Very hard, but we have a lot of fun.

My advice...Read deep into any job you want Before you go to Meps. I almost ended up a grease monkey. I love electronics and hate tools. Don't ever join w/o talking to someone that's worked that career field. Iknow several people that were lied to because it was the job that USAF needed and not what that person wanted. I'm sure someone on this site can find someone w/ any job you want. My husband is enlisted aircrew if you want advice on that. Just let me know and I can have him email you w/a true rundown of his and other enlisted aircrew jobs.

Have fun!