Military people?

[SladesMommy]

I'm interested in everyones opinion that is either in the military or has an immediate family member in the military.

I ask about the AF awhile back, but I'm interested in all branches of the military this time.

I have a college degree - Bachelor of Business admin.

Which branch would be the best to join?
What are the pros/cons of each branch?
I"m slightly overweight, will this matter?
How long after signing up does a person usually go to training?
Do you get paid for your time while at Basic?

I'm sure I'll have more questions later on. I"m going to talk to a recruiter on Monday. I've not had any luck getting jobs around here and w/ the military (at AF), I would start as an officer b/c of my degree and make at least $2,500 a month plus living and food allowances and benefits.


As for the dogs (cause I'm sure someone will ask), mom will keep Laney while I"m at basic or deployed and I'm HOPING I would be able to find someone to keep Slade.

[MinMuf1]

Originally Posted by SladesMommy

I'm interested in everyones opinion that is either in the military or has an immediate family member in the military.

I ask about the AF awhile back, but I'm interested in all branches of the military this time.

I have a college degree - Bachelor of Business admin.

Which branch would be the best to join? USMC, IMO as I am a former Jar Head - So, I'm a little partial!
What are the pros/cons of each branch? USMC not very family orientated when compared to other Branches of the Armed Forces - Or, at least while I was active duty some dozen or so years ago.
I"m slightly overweight, will this matter? Yes, it does. But, don't sweat it. Basic training will slim you down for SURE!
How long after signing up does a person usually go to training? Depends on the Branch of service you choose to join. Women Marines have to wait until a full platoon is formed before they are sent off to Basic.
Do you get paid for your time while at Basic? Yes, you are paid for your time during Basic. However, you will not get the funds due you, less any deductions such as uniforms, etc until after you have completed Basic - At least that is how it works for USMC.

I'm sure I'll have more questions later on. I"m going to talk to a recruiter on Monday. I've not had any luck getting jobs around here and w/ the military (at AF), I would start as an officer b/c of my degree and make at least $2,500 a month plus living and food allowances and benefits.


As for the dogs (cause I'm sure someone will ask), mom will keep Laney while I"m at basic or deployed and I'm HOPING I would be able to find someone to keep Slade.

Good luck on Monday and your life changing decision!

[missj2007]

My father is retired Navy. I asked him about me joining and he said no join the Air Force . He did not like the months on the ship, time away from family. Also all the moving around. With the few little pounds you have I agree don't sweat it. I know my friend who joined last year after graduating had to lose a few pounds before joining. Since she is short they did not want to take any risks I guess. She joined the Navy also. Good Luck with whichever you choose!

[SladesMommy]

Thanks! Navy was the one branch I had already ruled out because of the ship time.

[morningsting]

Originally Posted by SladesMommy

Thanks! Navy was the one branch I had already ruled out because of the ship time.

It really depends on what job you get. My husband is in the Navy&he doesn't have to go on deployments EVER. He's a Chinese linguist

-Amy

[mypreciouspups]

Although I am Canadian... go airforce.. that is the best here in Canada.. my grandson is thinking about joining also..
good luck....anne

[SladesMommy]

Originally Posted by mypreciouspups

Although I am Canadian... go airforce.. that is the best here in Canada.. my grandson is thinking about joining also..
good luck....anne

Thats really the branch I was leaning toward! Just wanted to see what everyone else thought.

[Yorkiedaze]

We were in the AF for 20 years. My husband retired from the missile field in 2000. I have a son who is in his 14th year in the AF and is not stationed in Rota Spain.
You will need to lose weight if you want to join the AF. Pick up all the brochures. I wouldn't talk too much to a recruiter because they can be such liars. Go to a college that has OTS or an AF training and ask the instructors all your questions. They have nothing to lose or gain like a recruiter and will be perfectly honest.
I think the AF has the best bases and best base housing. Depending on what career field you go in will determine the bases available to you. You will get 30 days paid vacation a year and being an officer you will have a great paycheck, the best housing and so on.
My husband was born and raised in MN. but because of their really high taxes, we went to FL. in our motor home, got jobs & FL. license and then he joined the AF there so no state tax would be taken out of his AF pay. Also you have to look at the big picture. When you retire, you don't want a lot of taxes taken out of your retirement check either.
Try and go into a field that will have the best opportunity for jobs upon retirement. My son is in jets and ground equipment. He will be able to work at any airport in the word when he retires. My husband works for Boeing now on the intercepter missiles. He started out working on part of the space station. He has a fantastic position. So think hard about what you really want available to you upon retirement.

[mayfateleadyou]

Obviously everyone is partial to thee own branch. Hubby and I are army. But I'm not active but do have several friends who are. I'm NG and if you do want to know more PM me. But for the record anything you with the army basic etc you do get paid for. You don't pay for your uniforms. And all branches pay the same base pay just to let you know in your decision making.

[sheilajom]

Originally Posted by SladesMommy

I'm interested in everyones opinion that is either in the military or has an immediate family member in the military.

I ask about the AF awhile back, but I'm interested in all branches of the military this time.

I have a college degree - Bachelor of Business admin.

Which branch would be the best to join?
What are the pros/cons of each branch?
I"m slightly overweight, will this matter?
How long after signing up does a person usually go to training?
Do you get paid for your time while at Basic?

I'm sure I'll have more questions later on. I"m going to talk to a recruiter on Monday. I've not had any luck getting jobs around here and w/ the military (at AF), I would start as an officer b/c of my degree and make at least $2,500 a month plus living and food allowances and benefits.


As for the dogs (cause I'm sure someone will ask), mom will keep Laney while I"m at basic or deployed and I'm HOPING I would be able to find someone to keep Slade.

Which branch would be the best to join? If you don't like to run and excersize, I'd recommend the Air Force
What are the pros/cons of each branch? They all have different requirements, since you have a degree you'd be an officer and go to Officer Training so you'd have a different basic than general people
I"m slightly overweight, will this matter? Yes, you have to conform to their weight guidelines and you'd most likely not make it thru basic if you are not in good shape and you better like to run cause you will do a lot of it as well as situps and other excersizes
How long after signing up does a person usually go to training? almost immediately, also they wont' tell you this, but no matter how long you sign up and when you get out, you owe them 7 years min regardless of how long you sign your contract for. Meaning.....if you get out after 3 years during the next 4 they can call you back if they need and or want you and you have to go no matter what!
Do you get paid for your time while at Basic? Yes, but it's not much, however you won't be able to leave so you don't have any way to spend the money and no you can't take your dogs with you

There is also an age limit to joining, I don't know how old you are.

[ladybugg74]

Which branch would be the best to join?'
I am in the AF. However, I am in the Air National Guard, not active duty. I have been deployed and on many AF active duty bases. I hear from other branches that the AF is treated far better than they.


What are the pros/cons of each branch?
I am not sure of the pros and cons of each, but the AF has treated me pretty good. I have been in for 11 years. It also depends on what kind of job you would like to do. YOu will have to take ASVAB test and see what you test scores qualifies you for. Atleast that is what the AF does,

How long after signing up does a person usually go to training?
It depends on when the next basic training group is scheduled and if there are any openings when you will go.

Do you get paid for your time while at Basic?
Yes, you get paid while you are at basic.


Part of the enlistment process is a physical. You will have to pass the height and weight requirements. AF basic is not as physical challenging from the other branches from what I hear also. But I recommend you start running and doing push ups and sits up to be prepared for what you will be doing. I recommend if you go to Lackland AF Base in Texas for basic that you go during when it is not so hot there. I went June, July and Aug and it was not fun marching in full uniform with sleeves down ect. Way too hot there during those months.

When you speak to recruiters take a list of questions with you and write down what they tell you. Be sure you cover everything.

Good luck!!!!!

[sheilajom]

You also need to know that there is like a 90% probability that you will go to Iraq or some other war stricken place soon after you get out of training!

[sheilajom]

And think really really hard before you sign up, like I said before you owe them 7 years min no matter how long you sign up for! That's a long time! If you have a degree, I'd look for a job first and make sure you aren't just joining the military because that means you don't have to think about what to do with your life. It's a serious commitment. Also, don't just join because of your personal life. The military will never pay you want you could make in the civilian world, not even close! I have two military ex's and was a military wive for years, it's not for everyone. Asking a recruiter about stuff is also not the right way to find out things, ask someone who has been in the military for about 10 years or more and ask them to be honest. Also, ask some people who got out and ask them why. Don't forget that you will also have to give up your dogs! You are single and will be forced to live in the barracks, they don't allow dogs. Only married people or people with kids get family housing. It will be a while before they allow you to live off base.

[mayfateleadyou]

Originally Posted by sheilajom

You also need to know that there is like a 90% probability that you will go to Iraq or some other war stricken place soon after you get out of training!

That is not always true. I have been in for 3 yrs and have not gone anywhere.

[sheilajom]

Originally Posted by mayfateleadyou

That is not always true. I have been in for 3 yrs and have not gone anywhere.

You are one of the lucky 10% then. My ex had gone 3 times to Iraq, 2 times to Kuwait, 3 times to Korea and once to Saudi and those are just the ones on his record. But it depends on what your MOS is. If you are something like a recruiter then no you won't go anywhere ever.