I'd like to think my aspirations would lead to better things than mopping piss of the floor at a convenience store... thanks.
I think everyone has some uncertainty when looking toward a career. To say that asking questions and seeking information shows a lack of dedication and ultimate failure is a bit much. Competition exists in all fields of work. But most jobs aren't located underwater or in tropical locales. Ask anyone about their job and I guarantee you that there is some drudgery involved. Look at my job. Sure, I get to jump out of planes, fly around in helicopters, shoot guns, drive cool trucks offroad and travel around the world. Sounds like a sweet job right? Well the pay kinda blows, theres a LOT of competition for rank, to go to schools, to make yourself stand out above the rest and get promoted and start making decent money. I do the same training day in and day out whether I want to or not. I have to deal with people I can't stand. Some days its horrible. Some days its kinda fun. Some people stay and make a career out of it. Some aren't built for it and get out. The turnaround rate for the military is probably pretty close to dive pros. No job is perfect for everyone. I get that.
So lets switch the subject a bit and those who have been successful or think they know what it would take, chime in and say so. We've established the pay blows. Ok, lots of competition. Alright, got it. So... how do you stand above the competition?
This isn't purely for me. I started this topic out of curiousity and because I'd seen a bunch of threads along this basic line. Me personally... More than likely I'll end up doing the same thing everyone suggested. I'll be right back over here as a civilian contractor and save up a bunch of money then evaluate my situation again when I have a large nest egg to sit on. But its still nice to get input from people who have done it, are doing it, and who have more experience. Its been a good read. Keep it goin.
Oh and Slonda, yes. One trip on a medivac chopper, two trips casevac. I've hit the same spot that you hit. And feel free to throw some Jack Daniels into a bottle. Its always appreciate