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01-21-2008, 07:07 PM | #1 |
Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ATX
Posts: 4,513
| Air Force? Just something I've been possibly considering, but I'd like peoples honest opinions on it if you are or have had a relative in the AF. ( I will be graduating in May with a BBA in Mgnt and a marketing minor. I don't want to go in depth into my financial situation but I dont' and won't have the money to move somewhere to start a job and there is nothing where I live now, plus for various reasons I want to get out of this town ASAP. Right now various things in my life are in so much chaos I feel like the military would be a good stable job to kind of get things on track. IF I join it won't be til the fall, as I am working either in Alaska or the PNW this summer. And I still have to talk to an AF recruiter before I make any decisions, but I did look on the website and I would be making btwn 30,000-40,000 and start off as an officer b/c of my degree which sounds like a pretty decent starting salary. In addition I would also receive a pretty decent housing stipend if I didn't live on base, as well as good medical coverage. I know the commitment is 4 yrs and I'm okay with that. Of course I know things probably aren't completely like they appear on the website, so thats why I would like to hear from people that have first hand experience.
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01-22-2008, 06:38 PM | #2 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Central Texas
Posts: 2,624
| I'm sorry no one replied to you. I'm not in the military, but I know several people who are. Also, I teach at a university and have lots of students who are in the military. I think it is a good opportunity to learn many skills you would never have the opportunity to do in the private sector. Plus, if you decide to stay in, the retirement is good. I know lots of people who spend 20 years in the military, retire, and then work in the private sector. Due to their retirement income, they can be much more choosy about what they do. It really works out great for some people. There is also opportunity for advanced education with the military. We have lots of students getting master's and PhD's and they are supported 100% by the military so they go to school fulltime. Depending on how long you stay in, the lifetime benefits are hard to beat. I would seriously consider it, if I were you.
__________________ Rex & Rowdy's Mom |
01-22-2008, 06:55 PM | #3 |
BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Manhattan Beach
Posts: 460
| The Military especially the Air Force is a great way to get your feet on the ground if you don't have the means. I thought about it myself because I was in dire straights and didn't mind sacrificing for some education and on the job experience. If you can make the personal sacrifice, its great for you, your family, and our country. To me whether you are shooting guns on the front lines or sweeping offices in the military you are a hero for your personal sacrifice. |
01-22-2008, 07:13 PM | #4 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cold Lake, Alberta Canada
Posts: 622
| I have just retired after 20yrs in the Canadian Airforce as an Aviation Tech. I have enjoyed all 20 yrs and wouldn't change a thing if I could! It was a great way for me to get an education, still get paid, learn something that fansinated me and meet some wonderful people along the way. I lived in Germany, twice. Something that usually only happens to most once in their career. I loved the security of it but at the same time, I hated that I had to take orders from someone who is young enough to be my son or from someone who didn't have a clue what they were talking about! Joining as an Officer would have it's advantages for you. It is also nice to know that you will always have a roof over your head, medical needs looked after and an extended family that will follow you forever. It can be a wonderful and adventurous career! I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially for the younger ppl. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.
__________________ Diana-Mommy to Tessa ,Harley ,Misty & Boca Post unto others as you would have others post unto you |
01-24-2008, 08:44 AM | #5 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pasadena, TX
Posts: 238
| Hi there I just came across this thread. I personally have not been in the air force although I almost did join a bit after high school. But my oldest brother has been in the air force since 1999. I will say he enjoys what he does, he compares it to a 9-5 job but better according to him. It has a lot of benefits and in my opinion is one of the best military branches. If you feel that this is something you will enjoy doing I don't see anything wrong with it but don't use it as an escape goat to problems as you'll be miserable afterwards. I know of people that have joined the armed forces because they thought it was the only way out and now they regreat it. Make sure the decision you make is a wise one whatever u decide. Good luck and if it is for you you'll enjoy it.
__________________ Michi & Max - Official member of The Little Gentleman's Club |
01-24-2008, 08:53 AM | #6 |
My Four Sweet Babies Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: South Jersey near Philadelphia
Posts: 5,452
| My daughter was in the AF. The AF really treats their people pretty well and they have the best bases. I think joining the AF would be a positive thing for you, if you totally commit yourself to it and use those 4 years (or 6 if you decide to go that route) and use the time to get your life in order. It can be very, very rewarding. My cousin was a Lt. Col. in the AF and just recently retired. His wife was also a Lt. Col. and she retired a few months before he retired. They both loved it.
__________________ I LOVE MY BABIES |
01-24-2008, 09:11 AM | #7 |
YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Washington
Posts: 399
| I've never been in the military, my niece will be leaving for Air Force boot camp in March (which I've heard from someone who was in the Air Force it's not bad at all, he said his wrestling practices after school were harder ). My son's in the Marine's, my other nieces husband is in the Navy, my sister & brother-in-law were in the Navy, my brother was in the Army, my dad was in the Marine's, I could go on and on I know so many people that have been or are in different branches of the military. It was a positive experience for all of them. I think if this is what you want to do you should go for it. It's a very noble thing, serving your country. I know the Air Force is big on education. The fact that you're going in as an officer is a huge advantage. If you're not married I say go for it. If you were married I'd say really discuss it well with your spouse as there are big sacrifices to me made for someone with a family. Good luck to you in whatever road you choose
__________________ Bella & Lucee's Momma |
01-24-2008, 09:56 AM | #8 |
Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 10,534
| My brother just came back from his first tour in Iraq (they will be sending him again) hes 26, been in for 8 years so far. He can't talk about it. It makes me sad and breaks my heart how far away he is. We grew up together and then he was 18 and gone. Ive seen him once a year if that for 8 years! I support and love our soldiers but do not envy the lifestyle at all. However with that being said... if you think you can handle it, its a great career! Benefits, pay, etc... Tough decision! Good Luck with whatever you decide!
__________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz |
01-24-2008, 11:06 AM | #9 |
My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca.
Posts: 12,228
| My husband retired from the AF in 2000. I have a son who is in the AF right now. (lifer) First off if you could find someone to stay with in a state that has no state tax, then join the AF there. It will save you a lot of money on your checks, and if you stay in to retire, then state tax wont be taken out of your retirement. (make sure you make and keep copies of all your paper work that you get together to take to the recuiter.) My husband joined in FL. while we were visiting my brother, even though he was born and raised in MN. (the land of 10,000 "taxes") You wont find a job in civilian life that gives you 30 days paid vacation a year, never docks pay if you can't come to work, has $100,000 life insurance, gives you base houseing (if your married, or even if your a single parent) at a very, very low rate (VHA) and you don't pay utilities. Free airline travel inside the US, unless your go TDY or the like outside the US. The AF bases are the best of all military. They have the best physical fittness centers, bowling, movies, swimming pools, tennis courts, track, baseball fields, resturants, BX, commissary, gas station, officers club, enlisted club, barracks for singles, hobby shops, and just too much more for me to mention. I can't say enough good things about the AF and if you need more information, you can PM me. |
01-24-2008, 11:16 AM | #10 |
No Longer a Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Seneca, SC
Posts: 2,837
| My nephew is a captain in the AF..right now, he's stationed in Minot, ND(went to visit him last Jan, and will never go back to that area in the winter again)..anyway, he had a college degree, went in and then went to officer training school..He just made captain last April and has been in the AF for I think 5 years now. My son was in the Navy, I know the pay stunk, we figured it out once, he was making less than $2/hr for all the hours he was putting in in a day..Plus, what would you do with your furbabies? |
01-24-2008, 11:19 AM | #11 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Posts: 1,279
| I have a lot family and friends that were or are in the Navy men and Marines. Plus I am married to a Marine. I am all for it and have the upmost respect for our miliary and what they are doing. Joining the military is a huge comment and a life changing experience, but please keep in mind that there is huge possiblility that you could be sent to the Mid-East. |
01-24-2008, 12:12 PM | #12 | |
YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Washington
Posts: 399
| Quote:
My son leaves the end of February for Iraq, his first tour. I just purchased my ticket to fly down to California to see him before he goes. It's going to be hard to say goodbye when I leave this time. But he chose this path with his eyes wide open and I support him and all of our troops 100%. My heart goes out to all of you with family & friends serving in that part of the world .
__________________ Bella & Lucee's Momma | |
01-24-2008, 12:13 PM | #13 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,054
| I am in the Air National Guard. I am on my way out. My enlistment is almost up and they are offering me an early out due to medical because I am pregnant. I have to decide in the next month or two. I will have 11 years in. Retirement is only 9 years away, but with a baby I don't think I could handle being deployed. I have been to different places within the States. I have worked Hurricane Katrina, Turkey(twice total of 4 1/2 months) and Hawaii. I enjoyed going but with a family I am thinking differently. There is great retirement insurance and pension and opportunity with the military. If it is something you really want to do go for it. I don't think I am going to stay in and risk being deployed somewhere. I may not go anywhere, but then you never know when you will be called up. Hurrican Katrina and Turkey was not my choice. I am hoping that I am going to make the right decision for me and my family. I have great respect for anyone in the military. There are sacrifices you may have to make. Do your research and get all the information you can before making a decision. Best of luck to you on whatever you decide.
__________________ Heather - Mamma to Gracie & Hallee |
01-24-2008, 12:25 PM | #14 |
Lovin' the Cali kisses! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia
Posts: 2,990
| My boyfriend is in the Army National Guard and he always saying how he wishes he had joined the AF. He says they take care of their people really well and I have heard their boot camp/AIT is easy compared to other branches. Unfortunately, the likelihood of you getting deployed is very high. You might also be interested in the National guard. Even though the still get deployed (my bf went to Kuwait for 9 months), they handle more things in the US than outside of it.. Good luck! The beneifts you get from the military are amazing!
__________________ Larissa and Cali Let's go Georgia Bulldogs! |
01-24-2008, 02:01 PM | #15 |
Lovin my Pixie Pooh Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
Posts: 3,510
| My Husband has been in the Royal Air Force for 13 years, he has another 9 to do and then he will get a fantastic Pension. He has been treated really well and had some amazing opportunities and gained valuable qualifications. Goodluck with your descision!
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