From Grunt to Nerd

ArabianKnight

I just passed Security+ today and that makes 3 for A+, Network+, and Security+ in just under 4 months. I was in the military as an Infantryman for 7 years surrounded by idiots until I was finally released. It just goes to show that you don't have to be a genius and with some self dedication and hard work you can achieve your goals. Now off to get some Microsoft certs for next year, I'm thinking 70-680/686 and MCSA/MSCA: Security.:D

SteveLord

Congrats. I spent enough time as a grunt myself to earn my cushy job. 8 hours seems to go by so quick compared to 12-14.

Are you currently working?

RobertKaucher

What city are you living in? We have a pretty active group of south western Ohioans on the forums here.

chmorin

Very well done, that is working hard right there! Best of luck in the future and thanks for serving, much respect!

creamy_stew

ArabianKnight wrote: »

I just passed Security+ today and that makes 3 for A+, Network+, and Security+ in just under 4 months. I was in the military as an Infantryman for 7 years surrounded by idiots until I was finally released. It just goes to show that you don't have to be a genius and with some self dedication and hard work you can achieve your goals. Now off to get some Microsoft certs for next year, I'm thinking 70-680/686 and MCSA/MSCA: Security.:D

While I'm not a big fan US foreign policy, calling your previous colleagues "idiots" seems a bit harsh, no? Remember, you used to be one of those idiots.

Many good contributors here are ex. US Military. I've noted on a number of occasions that Marines seem to be especially over-represented.*

* edit: I don't know if this is because marines are drawn/suited for IT work or whether it's because they REALLY don't wan't to go back into battle

ArabianKnight

creamy_stew wrote: »

While I'm not a big fan US foreign policy, calling your previous colleagues "idiots" seems a bit harsh, no? Remember, you used to be one of those idiots.

Many good contributors here are ex. US Military. I've noted on a number of occasions that Marines seem to be especially over-represented.*

* edit: I don't know if this is because marines are drawn/suited for IT work or whether it's because they REALLY don't wan't to go back into battle

No, seriously we had some idiots! Most were normal but, come on were talking Infantry here!

I'm from around Cleveland now and in the Army Reserve but trying to transfer to another branch or the guard to get trained in IT, Intel, or UAV's

bc901

ArabianKnight wrote: »

I'm from around Cleveland now and in the Army Reserve but trying to transfer to another branch or the guard to get trained in IT, Intel, or UAV's

Try the Coast Guard. I'm in as an Electronics Tech, but I'm thinking about switching over to the IT side to gain experience before getting out. Our ITs cover EVERYTHING related to IT, unlike Navy techs who are specialized.

No disrespect to the Navy techs.

Hada944

Interesting. My time in the infantry left me in awe with some of those guys intelligence. Of course that was in the Marine Corps, perhaps the Army is different. Try serving in a Comm Squadron in the Air Force if you want to see idiots. The thing is, people who think they are smart because they do smart sounding stuff, usually are not really that bright. This IT stuff isn't that mentally demanding. I've met more grunts who would make it as IT douche's than I have IT pogue's who would make it as grunts.

Don't be so quick to turn your back on where you came from. Get some IT experience and deal with some of the quacks in the tech arena and you'll be yearning for times with those "idiots".

Are you the smartest person you know?

earweed

Congrats on completing the Trifecta and thanks for serving.
I'm ex-Navy but wasn't in IT or even electronics. I was a machinist mate on a sub. We had a bunch of bright people on board and quite a few numbskulls, you'll find them everywhere.

WilliamK99

Congrats, although I agree calling anyone who serves in the military an idiot is a bit harsh. Sure they may make stupid choices at time, but they are risking their lives for us, so they are not idiots....

I am currently in the military but in Signal, not Infantry, so I do see your point as most of our security violations are caused by Infrantrymen, but they are not idiots, just technically challenged.

Good luck in your future studies.

ArabianKnight

We had IT guys in the army who were dumb and smart. We had one guy I deployed with that did not know anything and us infantry had to school him!

There is alot of back and forth on talking trash to each other, (like how the IT guys said that we were just pissed because they will get out of the army and get a great career and the infantry guys were just plain screwed) they were right for the most part on that.

Well you know what they say; if you can't beat em, join em!!