Hey there!
Welcome back if you’ve been here before, and if you’re new—I’m glad you found your way here! Let me introduce myself. My name is Vlad Kalinin, and I served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. Now, I’ve started this blog to share my experiences, insights, and advice to help people like you navigate your future military journey.
Whether you’re just considering enlisting or already in the process, I’m here to give you the best tips and real-world knowledge to set you up for success in the Air Force—or any branch of the U.S. military. I also offer one-on-one meetings where you can ask me anything about the process.
I know that joining the military can feel overwhelming and unpredictable, but I truly believe it’s one of the best decisions you can make after high school. It’s like a cheat code for life—if you play your cards right, the military can open doors and set you up for long-term success.
So, sit back, and let’s go over some key things you need to know when considering military service
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Study for ASVAB.
This might seem like common sense, but a lot of people overlook this step, assuming they’ll do just fine on the test without preparation. Sure, some might get lucky, but in my experience, if you don’t study, you won’t do well.
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is specifically designed to assess your skills and determine which military jobs you qualify for. That means your score directly impacts the career options available to you. If you want a job you’ll actually enjoy, studying for the ASVAB is not optional—it’s essential. The higher your score, the more job opportunities you’ll have, giving you greater control over your military career.
I learned this lesson the hard way. The first time I took the ASVAB, I failed. I assumed I’d pass because I did well in high school, but I was wrong. The second time, after actually studying, I scored a 39 and unlocked over a page and a half of job options. That score gave me way more opportunities than I had the first time around.
So if you think the ASVAB is easy—think again. Change your mindset and start studying now. If you’re looking for the best study guide, ASVAB STUDY GUIDE is hands down the best one I’ve ever used. It’s a paid resource, but trust me, it’s worth it. It’ll make sure you’re 100% ready when test day comes.
Research Your Job and Duty Station
So, you passed the ASVAB—congrats! Now, you’re handed a list of available jobs and asked to pick one. The problem? There are probably jobs on that list you’ve never even heard of. This is where research becomes critical.
Take your time to look into every job you’re eligible for and figure out which one fits you best. You have plenty of ways to do this:
1. Search online—Google, YouTube, and military forums have tons of information.
2. Check social media—there are service members sharing their experiences daily.
3. Talk to a recruiter—they can provide insight into job roles and daily responsibilities.
Remember: This is the job you’ll be doing for at least four years. If you choose something you hate, those years will feel much longer than they need to be. Don’t rush this decision.
Researching Duty Stations
Once you pick your job, your recruiter should be able to tell you which bases have that career field. Not all bases have all careers. Do your research on each one. Look at things like location, cost of living, climate, and quality of life. When you get to BMT, you’ll fill out a Dream Sheet, listing your preferred duty stations. The more informed you are, the better chance you have of ending up somewhere you actually like.
And most importantly—ask your recruiter every question you have. That’s literally their job. This is your future, your career, and your life. Make sure you’re making the best possible decision.
Take your time. It’s worth it.
Choosing a Career with the Future in Mind
As I mentioned before, pick a career you’ll enjoy—otherwise, you’ll be stuck with it for at least four years, and those years won’t be enjoyable. But beyond just picking something you like, I strongly recommend looking at careers that can transfer to the civilian world.
Why? Because when you separate from the military, having job experience and the right certifications can make it much easier to transition into a well-paying career. Some military jobs directly translate to civilian careers—like medical, IT, aviation, security forces and engineering—while others don’t.
If you’re considering a job that doesn’t easily transfer to the civilian world, that’s okay! But in that case, take advantage of the military’s education benefits and start working on a degree or certification for the career you want after service. The military pays for your education, so use it to set yourself up for success after you get out.
Thinking ahead now can make all the difference later. Plan smart, and set yourself up for a strong future.
Final Thoughts
I know this might sound like a lot to think about, and at times, the process can feel overwhelming. But trust me—if you use your resources, plan ahead, and take your time, you’ll set yourself up for success in ways you can’t even imagine. The key is to stay informed and in control of your own future.
The military can be an incredible life-changing opportunity—it can open doors to career advancement, provide financial stability, and help you build a solid foundation for your future. But it can also be a frustrating experience if you don’t make informed choices before signing your final contract and shipping out to BMT.
I’ve seen people thrive in the military because they made smart, well-researched decisions before enlisting. They took the time to study for the ASVAB, picked a job that aligned with their long-term goals, and took advantage of all the benefits the military offers. On the other hand, I’ve also seen people who struggled and felt stuck because they rushed through the process without considering how their choices would affect them down the line. The difference between those two experiences comes down to preparation.
This is your future, your career, and ultimately, your life. Take control of it now. If you have any questions, concerns, or just need guidance, I’m always here to help. Reach out anytime—I’d be more than happy to assist you in making the best decision for your future.
Stay Connected!
I publish new blog posts every Thursday, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox!
If you have any questions or just want to chat, feel free to reach out. You can send me an email or schedule a one-on-one session through the “Contact Me” page—I’m always happy to help however I can.
Next Thursday, I’ll be diving deep into “Tips to succeed in the military part 1/3” If you’re serious about making the most of your military journey, you won’t want to miss it!
If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it with others who might benefit from it. Your support means the world to me, and I truly appreciate every read, comment, and share.
Thank you for being part of this journey—I couldn’t do it without you!
Very Respectfully,
Vlad Kalinin