Yea definitely. I'm a volie in NJ. The best advice is to lay low, don't step on anyone's toes, don't be too eager to please everyone and absorb as much training as you can early. Once you become a "veteran" old timer you lose your flexibilty, both mentally and physically
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Most old timer's I know are stuck in their ways and don't want to change. And they especially don't want a new probie showing them up or going against the grain as they say.
The most popular and best ff's I know started by following the older generation and learning from them, as well as absorbing the new ideas and training based on the most current models. Then once they get put into a position of authority, i.e. line officer, they start implementing those changes that they have learned. By that time that person is one of the "old timer's" and they get the respect from the younger guys.
hope this helps a little,
matt
