thoughts on the Air Force?

[jovahutc]

I came here because I think it's the most practical place to get advice on the subject. I'm thinking seriously about enlisting in the Air Force. I've heard that there are many job oppurtunities within the Air Force, and possibly some things that might interest me. I take a strong intrest in computers and anything of the like.

I'm currently 23 years old and have got roughly about 72 college credit hours completed in MIS. As of now I'm finding myself struggling with life and not having anough money to pay all my bills and student loans. I can't get anymore aid for school because I messed up too many times with dropping too many courses so I can no longer afford to continue. I'm sick of being in debt, I'm sick of working retail everyday. I'm so sick of it and I just need a serious change. I need to be making enough money to support myself, I need to become a stronger person.

Can someone give me some real adivce? Someone that knows a thing or two.

[retdetsgt]

The AF has a lot of opportunities and the higher you score, the more that will be open to you. You really need to talk to a recruiter though to see what's going on right now. You have to remember that the needs of the military comes before yours when they select what kind of training you get sent to. But all those things change all the time and the AF veterans here can't tell you what the AF will offer you today or tomorrow.

[JoetheGI]

Can someone give me some real adivce? Someone that knows a thing or two.

I will not venture into many specifics, however, there are some general aspects of military service that are common across all branches.

There is a WIDE variety of duties available to perform in every branch, IF you can get the slot, and IF you meet the criteria, and some are certainly more marketable than others. While I am not familiar with the specific MOS ID's, there are indeed slots that deal with computers, networking, and various other IT oriented fields in the AF, and in every other branch. While the IT field is very competitive, and requires certifications, I have little doubt that should you obtain a slot in this field, you would be able to gather both experience and certifications in whatever branch you serve in throughout your tour of duty. Those skills are marketable in the civilian sector.

Military service affords unique opportunities, and is rarely EVER a waste of time for ANY citizen. Work ethic, values, camaraderie, personal discipline, responsibility, travel, and the opportunity to say that you served your nation are all benefits that many don't take into consideration. Other tangible benefits include the opportunity to take advantage of financial and educational programs designed specifically for military personnel.

Talk to a recruiter. Check out the other branches as well, as they all need motivated individuals willing and able to perform a wide variety of duties that you may find appealing.

[mcsap]

Talk to a recruiter. While they do tend to give a sales pitch , it was one that I accepted and went on to do 4 yrs active and 3 yrs in the Air Guard. What do you want to do and how well you do on the ASVAB test will ultimatey determine where you end up.

PS I was in from 1978-82.

[TSOC357]

Join because you want to join and serve in the US Military with the thought that no matter what service you are in, you will deploy to crappy parts of the world, you can/will get shot at, and you could die.

I've got a couple of guys that are crying the blues right now because they joined to pay off bills and are getting ready to go back to the ME for a 2nd time where they will go outside their assigned FOBs and more than likely get shot at on a regular basis.

[retdetsgt]

The AF has some of the crappiest places to be stationed, but not many are going to get you shot at. But they do like to put bases in deserts and the Arctic. A friend of mine spent a year with no leave possible on a 16 man radar base in N. Alaska. No thanks......

If I didn't want to get shot at, I'd go in the Navy. Ships are pretty safe places to be for the most part. The only big ships I can think of being attacked in decades were the USS Liberty by Israel in 1967 and of course, the USS Cole. The down side is, you'll be on a ship. And the Navy has lots of opportunities for learning computers, etc. But then, there's so funny looking uniforms.......

[TSOC357]

The AF has some of the crappiest places to be stationed

I think every service as crappy places and good places. AF does have here, Guam, places in Korea/Japan, and Europe. Though, Greenland and Upper Alaska wouldn't be a fun place to be.

Army has Fort Hood, Fort Bliss, and some really crappy depots that they love to stick Sr. NCOs and Officers at.

[retdetsgt]

I didn't think Ft. Hood was all that bad, but I'm from Texas.... Although I'm also glad I never had to be at Ft. Bliss. Never been a fan of the bad lands.....

At least with the Army, most places are relatively big. The AF has little bitty places in countries like Turkey, etc. Or at least used to.

My daughter was stationed in Guam in the Navy SeaBees and she wasn't terribly choked up about it.

But you're right overall, all have good and bad. But the AF eats better.....

[Rlong1985]

I have never heard anything but good things about Alaska from the Air Force guys I have worked with. I am not in the Air Force though and have found the quality of life on USAF locations a step up from any other service. Where ever you end up, understand, it will not be your hometown. Remote locations are possible for all branches....I spent my share in the Horn of Africa and less than desirable areas in South East Asia.

[retdetsgt]

I think the AF takes care of their enlisted personnel better than anyone else. I ate at AF chow halls whenever possible. And when my daughter was stationed at the Naval base at Gulfport, she told me they went over to Keesler AFB to eat when they could because the food was so much better.

[TSOC357]

I have never heard anything but good things about Alaska from the Air Force guys

It might be good duty for some. But, for me, not my cup of tea. Way to cold up there during the winter.

Quality of life on USAF locations a step up from any other service.

By far.

[TSOC357]

I think the AF takes care of their enlisted personnel better than anyone else.

AF take way better care of their folks than Big Army does. Way better care. No question about it at all.

[retdetsgt]

AF take way better care of their folks than Big Army does. Way better care. No question about it at all.

Yep, they did 35 years ago, I can tell you that.

[TSOC357]

I didn't think Ft. Hood was all that bad, but I'm from Texas....

I wasn't fond of the place at all but that was me.

At least with the Army, most places are relatively big.

For the most part. I had a friend get picked up for a position at a Army Depot out in the middle of Utah. I didn't laugh as I didn't want to curse myself.

The AF has little bitty places in countries like Turkey, etc. Or at least used to.

Both the AF and Army have stuff in Turkey. The AF also have some strange spots like in the Azore Island off the coast of Spain and some Middle Eastern Countries that I don't really care to go back to.

My daughter was stationed in Guam in the Navy SeaBees and she wasn't terribly choked up about it.

I've been thru Guam or two. I've been told its like Hawaii was about 30-40 years ago. Not sure if i would want to live there for any amount of time though.

[retdetsgt]

The place I hated the most was Ft. Benning. And I seemed to keep having to go back there.

What does the Army have on Azore Island? A guy I used to know spent some time there as a civilian contractor, but I thought it was for the AF?