By Michael Izzo
Name: Matthew Nemchick
Rank: Airman First Class (A1C)
Q: What caused you to join the AirForce?
A: I joined the Air Force for a multitude of reasons whether it be travel, benefits, or the people, but the main reason is to have a career and to make a name for myself.
Q: How would you describe the quality of food?
A: The quality of food depends on what base you go to and the funding they receive. Some bases are good, some aren’t.
Q: How would the quality of housing be?
A: So as an Airman you will be in dorms unless you have dependents or you are old enough (usually older than 26/27). As for quality it once again varies by location, I’ve had the opportunity to be in the newest and nicest dorms the Air Force has to offer and I’ve been in some sub par ones. On-base housing is 99% of the time only for families so I can’t speak on that. If you are old enough or make it to the NCO ranks you’ll just find a place off base.
Q: Describe your daily duties on base.
A: I Can't disclose daily duties as a weapons troop but as far as my job goes I load and download munitions onto fighter jets/bombers and perform maintenance on aircraft weapons systems.
Q: Can you sum up how hard basic training is?
A: Basic training is not difficult by any stretch of the imagination. Listen and follow orders and you’ll be just fine. I also came in more prepared for what was ahead than others.
Q: What kind of free time/vacation do you get in the aAir fForce?
A: Free-time and vacation vary. Everyone gets 30 days of leave (paid time off) a year but depending on what base you’re at some get more 3 or 4 -day weekends than others. Also if you’re in a different country like I am you’ll get U.S. federal holidays and whatever national holidays that country has off. What you do with your leave is up to you.
Q: Are you considering a career change, if so to what ?
A: I'm currently trying to apply to the Air Force Academy and become an officer with the hope to one day become a fighter pilot and retire as a General Officer.
Q: What tips/advice do you give to those trying to join the military?
A: My advice to anyone considering is if it’s really a life they want to live. This is NOT for everyone and believe me when I say I’ve already seen my fair share of people that can’t adapt. That being said, it can be very rewarding and fun. I am not by any means discouraging people from joining but really give it thought before making a life -changing decision like joining.
This interview was conducted over a video call with Zachary Bucherer, a former student at Hackettstown High School, who enlisted as a First Class Airman after graduation.
Q: What caused you to join the AirForce?
A: Joining the military runs in the family, and traditional college wasn't for me.
Q: How would you describe the quality of food?
A: Depends on the day. It is either really good or really crappy, and rarely in between.
Q: How would the quality of housing be?
A: I live in the dorms for context. Which is not bad, I have my own bathroom and my own room. But I do share a kitchen with the whole floor of about 20-25 other airmen.
Q: What are your daily duties on base?
A: I maintain and secure the network and the infrastructure of the network on base. Mainly consisting of securing our endpoints by either patching or by quarantining the device. Cutting it off from the network. Or working on servers and switches allowing access for our end users.
Q: Can you sum up how hard basic training is?
A: It's pretty easy if you're good at a few things. Firstly, physical fitness, strength and conditioning AKA running. Listening to instructions and then executing, including marching commands. Lastly, paying attention to detail, probably the biggest one.
Q: What kind of free time/vacation do you get in the Air Force?
A: Cyber is similar to a 9-5 job with a few exclusions such as going down range. Allowing you to still enjoy your hobbies. You also get 30 days of leave/vacation days.
Q: Are you considering a career change, if so to what?
A: Yes, while cyber pays very well it's tedious, boring, and depressing. Especially if you're a person that needs to move around. I'm planning on retraining but that process only guarantees a list of jobs you choose.
Q: What tips/advice do you give to those trying to join the military?
A: Always sign the least amount of years you can. As you might think the military is for you but isn't, which is very common. Try to talk to someone that's in the AFSC/Job you want. Finally, don't be an unkind person, the military is a very small world.