RE: Newbie
First before anything please let me thank you for your service!
The #2 post by saramos covers all the key points very well indeed an do some rereading of that post.
I only wish to add that networking and finding a mentor (instructor) is vital to realizing the dream and this is normally done at an organized club not always but its worth finding a club.
One other item and this is on your radio system, don,t make the mixtake of buying entry level equipment if you wish to progress in the hobby/sport. I say this to all my students to always buy the most capable radio systems they can afford. Most who buy minimum entry stuff almost invaribly if they stay in the hobby are soon shopping for new equipment.
John