Im the wife of Army. My husband says he should have done AF. He even tried to go AF once instead of reenlisting Army. I can say the Army changes your life ALOT. The benefits are good but not what they were and are getting cut back constantly. We have become "instutionalized". Its a lifestyle that is very unique and if you thrive in here the civilian life is ....... Im not sure what word to use Hard, scary, intimidating. Its our life and I wouldnt change it(except the war be over) but its not for everyone. My Husband tried to get out and only lasted 6 months. Depression and the loss of the "life" that we were in was to much for him. Think really hard before you go in.

Well there is alot to think about. Its not just the rewards of a college degree or payments being met. Now days you have to go in with the ideal that you are going to serve for the country and be gone from family and friends. They will tell you about bonus but they don't tell you the rest of the deal. It doesn't pay out in one time its broken up over your period of time in. My husband is in the Navy a reservist and this is his 2nd tour. My youngest son is in the Army and we tried to get him to join the AF. He was going into ranger and then was sent over to Iraq. Both my husband and son are there now. I'm very proud of them both. It takes very special people to do what our service women and men are doing over there. Sometimes the conditions we have are taken for granite and they live over there with very little. Sometimes roughing it worse than camping in the summer time. I support the troops and are very proud of our men and women. But you need to realize that is very possible where you will be. The retirement is great but you need to hold out that long to really get a good one. Now they offer it sooner. Good Luck and we will pray that you follow your directions you feel is right for you and not because of financial reasons. That's not a reason to do this. Be sure once you sign on that line you are owned by the government and you have no say. No turning back.

I think if your heart and soul are in it, go for it..... I worked for the Army for 30 years, I loved it. And that is exactly what you'll need to do..... Put your heart and soul into your job. It can be a joy (it was for me). All I had to do was to remember I was working to support the soldier in the field.... reminded me of my mission. I retired in 2004 and am now back to work as a contractor for the Army, I still feel like I have a mission. Man, it gets in your blood.