[ladybugg74]

I am in the Air Force National Guard. I am about to complete my 11th year. Yes, there is great college assistance out there and enlistment bonuses too that entice people to join. I am pregnant now with my first and I am ready to get out, even with retirement so close at 20 years from them. I have to think about having a child and being deployed. We have had a lot of young people come in and do their 6 years to get their enlistment bonus, college paid for and then their monthly GI Bills and then get out. However, they have been activated before and had to miss a semester or two of college. Once you sign you have made a commitment and that seems to come first. I do my one weekend a month and then there is 2 week summer camp. Since 911 I have been deployed 3 times. Before that I was not activated at all. It is a chance you have to take. I have had some good experiences and got to do things that I would never have gotten to do. However, when you joint there is the personal sacrifice you have to make. It always seems like there is something going on or something that needs to be done every time I have drill weekend. I have missed out on doing those things with family ect. When talking to recruiters I would suggest having a list of questions to ask because I do not think they tell you everything. Also request a tour of the base and request to speak a few new people just out of boot camp. PM me if you have any questions or if you would like my email address to ask any questions. Good luck to you.