How can I re-enlist to become and enter the field of meteorology?

SGT Matt Schiess — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 18:23:59 -0500

I am a 13 year Army National Guard Veteran with 2 deployments under my belt. I have a very strong passion for the field of meteorology, and have plans to become a forecaster for the National Weather Service.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 16 at 2016 7:04 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 19:04:33 -0500

SGT Matt Schiess I recommend you ask SSgt Private RallyPoint Member for starters.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 10:56 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:56:09 -0500

SGT Matt Schiess Nice to hear from you and thanks for the connection. When I cross-trained into the field at Little Rock AFB, the only location, (Chanute AFB, IL) and you were first a Weather Observer, then back to Chanute to become a Forecaster. Today it is Keesler, where the Hurricane Hunters are located..

And wow, have things changed. When I was in, 74-85, we had Air Force, Navy and Marines. Also, you had to be at least an E-4 (Sgt) but that too has changed, Even the AFSC (MOS). You can ask a recruiter what you need to do. Today, you can be an Airman First Class. (E-2). You can ask SSgt John S. is currently on active duty. You are fortunate, because today's outfits are in the 21st century, with state of the art equipment. It looks exciting and is a great field and I totlally enjoyed it. There is also, a Major on this site, who was a commander in the weather field.

As far as the National Weather Service, it is a GS positon (I think GS-13) and a nice gig too. The waitiing list is long, so get a degree and while in service, you can be a weather officer, with a four year degree. Like I said, things have changed and the competition is fierce. If you love weather, then that is a good start.

One of my friends, wrote a history of Air Weather Service, all the way back to the start. So contact your recruiter and see what is availabe today.