G.I. Joe Messina 

In 1986 I began a three year stint in the US Army. My MOS was 13C or Field Artillery - Tacfire Computer Operations Specialist. The position was and is remarkably similar to a GIS tech person. My rationale for selecting the job was that in support of my ultimate goal to be an officer, the field artillery was the dominant source of General Officers in the Army. Ultimately, the force cutbacks ended my military aspirations, but I'm still proud to have served our Country with the US Army. I spent three years in the US Army - primarily at Ft. Campbell with the 101st Abn. My specific unit was 3/320th FABN, though technically we were 3/319th for a month or two.
 

Joe's Military Tips and Advice for the Pentagon

For prospective soldiers

Get it in writing - I was supposed to enlist as an E-3, but started an E-2 (Note: I had a good recruiter - it was a bizarre case)
Get in shape
Forget about living off base, having a lot of money, or getting married right after basic training

For the Pentagon

For officers the service is a sellers market, for EM's it's a buyers market - the two markets require different management approaches
The new career soldier enlistment is good for the Army and bad for soldiers - everyone knows that.
Stop the ticket punching officers from interfering with the NCOs. (the decline in NCO status is likely the single greatest threat to our military culture)

Interesting Links

 101st Airborne Division Association   US Army
 101st Divarty  E-mail me

Pictures from my Army Days

  Air Assault Badge Fellow squad leader and Air Assault Sgt.   B-7 Barracks   CH 47 about to "sling load"