Hubby to join US Military

[Tattoo Bradley]

Dirka.

I'm one of a few former Airmen on the forum. I also served in the Army National Guard for a year enlistment after I seperated. If the AF is on his list of choices, either one of you are welcome to PM or email me (info in profile). I'd be glad to help in any way I could.

[cavscout]

I feel like their is an incredible amount of opportunities in either of the branches he's considering. The chance to get almost any imaginable skill set in such a short time and follow it up with several years of actual job experience is awesome.

Chances for base housing or a housing allowance is a nice bennifit, as well as good health care.

Both branches have bases over seas and in virtually every state. As Dave said, the Middle East is almost guaranteed. But then again, Korea has been on almost everyones deployment list I know in the Army. Ask about the policies on accompanied and un-accompanied duty stations (whether he can bring you and the kids along to live there). The Corps would send you off for a year un-accompanied or give you an option for a 3 year deployment accompanied. This can be a great opportunity to see the world or it could be a long time apart. Many wives were able to get teaching jobs at the base school and many learned Japanese by immersion.

Also, don't be lulled into thinking that reserves will be a way to avoid deployments. Many of the lads over seas now are reservists and national guard. My Guard Unit was deploying to Bosnia for a year when I got out. They were offering bonuses to keep me in but even with that and Hazardous Duty pay, the pay was not enough to allow me to leave my day job for a year.

[Frank McGrath]

Whatever the recruiter says, get it in writing.

[Steve53]

Dirka,

Tattoo Bradley's comment on the AF holds for me, too, though I'm sure Tattoo's info is a bit more up to date than mine. (Igot out in 81.) If you've any questions, PM me, please.

Steve

[Tattoo Bradley]

Dirka,

Tattoo Bradley's comment on the AF holds for me, too, though I'm sure Tattoo's info is a bit more up to date than mine. (Igot out in 81.) If you've any questions, PM me, please.

Steve

Perhaps a little. But, even mine is certainly going to be dated some.

I got out in '02.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

While the recruiters do not lie,

When did this start? they might bend the truth a little... I was even referred to once as "Good Southern breeding stock"...

Back on topic.

That aside, what ever service he chooses to join, if he targets one of the trades, he will also have the benefit of a qualification/s at the end of it, that can be used on civvie street (presumably).

(I say that because I was a Stoker, and have reaped the benefits of it)

Generally ex-service trademen are highly sort here for their experience and expertise.

And to top it off, all credit to him for considering, and hopefully obtaining enlistment.

Phil C

[dfmacliam]

There are many benefits for joining the miltary, if you pursue them.. education is probably the best.. a simple example... My Dad.. he joined the Air Force with a 10th grade education.. He retired from the Air Forces as a Senior M/Sgt and earned a Masters Degree in Business Science.. he wanted something and he went after it.. He had a very good carreer in the AF, because of his work ethic, and once he retired, he was sought out by several employers who understood the benefits of hiring Veterans.

I served in the Marines and the training I received has followed me to this day.. I started in the Infantry and I saw the world and experienced things, few did, especially in the 80's. I reenlisted and was offered any MOS the Marines had, because of my scores.. I selected C130 powerplant mechanic.. and with that training (incidentaly the only Marine aviation school on an AF base (Chanute) ) I was able to move into the field I work, today.. I work in the electrical field in the natural gas industry.

You can do anything you want.. If you really want it.. You will not get rich, but you will be taken care of, your basic needs will be met.. Housing, medical, groceries, and such.. But what you gain in the long run, is something more valuable... You get a sense of pride, a family much bigger than you imagined.. A chance to see things, you might never thought possible. And the opportunity to make a difference in someones life, possibly a whole peoples life..

The military will never promise you anything.. but it will give you the opportunity to make your life better...in the long run. It has for me.. My Dad... and now.. my Son, a US Marine, serving in Camp Fuji, Japan.. as a radioman... following the foot steps of his mothers People.. The Navajo's.. as in the CodeTalkers..

[mbhandy]

Cook or Butcher? Still a good job out of the service if you work in a big hotel or manage a restaurant. I was Air Force and the experience of over seas duty was a life experience I will never forget. As stated don't trust the recruiters Unless you get it in writing and get high grades at Tech school and you can get your choice of assignments.
Got high points in all my skill levels and in the top 10 of my tech school + ROTC in High School. All that meant I knew when to volunteer or not?????

MrBill

[Dirka Skene]

Well, my husband had to drop out in high school to get a full time job because his family fell on hard times. He's working on his adult high school diploma now so he can get into the military. He's seriously considering the Air Force. He wants to be MP. He also wants to get a degree in Criminal Justice while enlisted and persue a job as a Police Officer when he gets out. I think it sounds like a good plan, if he's motivated enough. I have family that retired from the Air Force. One of my Great Uncles was a fighter pilot that was burried in Arlington Cemetary. My husband has a brother in law who is an E3 in the Air Force who is really trying to persuade him to join. So, as soon as this Adult High School Diploma thing is out of the way, he'll have the ball rolling. We've been through and overcome a lot of hard times in the short 4 years that we've been married. I think, with a little Divine Help, that we could survive the military. Besides, he's at a standstill in his career and he doesn't want to miss an oppertunity to better himself while he's young.

[Spc. Scott]

Whatever the recruiter says, get it in writing.

I can't say for the other branches but the Army contract has a neat little line tucked in there that says that anything the recruiter may have promised you is null and void. So if it is the Army that you both decide on be sure it is in the contract that you sign.

*I'm sure that's just what Frank meant but I felt the need to expand that a bit for clarity.