im a 18 year old female and i just joined the Air Force...was it the right choice??
368483
YOU GO GIRL!!! The Air Force is by far the best choice. I joined in 94 and never regretted the discission for one second. In fact while I was serving, I had individuals from each branch say to me they wish they had gone Air Force. The Air Force has the best training (many other branches train with the Air Force) and they take care of their people better than any other branch. Of course, I'm bias because I love and miss the Air Force very much.
207431
This is a truly personal decision, and if you have any doubts, don't do it.\n\nKids your age do not appreciate their freedom in this country, but let me tell you that older people do.  There may not be much support for the war, but there is tremendous support for the men and women who fight.\n\nMy husband waited until he was 23 to join the Army.  It was always something he had wanted to do, but he waited until he was sure.  His family and friends are all very proud of him.  I think the cut-off age to join is 30, so you have more than enough time to think it over and decide if this is something you want to do.\n\nThe Military lifestlye is not easy.  You basically give up your freedom to fight for someone else's.  It means long hours of hard work, even when you are not deployed to war.  It is separation from your family and friends.\n\nBut the Military is a family in and of itself.  Your brothers and sisters in arms are always there to help you in your time of need.  You are always fed and you always have a free place to stay.  You become very close with your new family, and some of these single soldiers are wild!  It can be a lot of fun at times.  \n\nThere are many benefits.  Employers will always look at your military service and respect you for your decision.  Not only do you get full medical and dental insurance, you get good life and disabilty insurance, God forbid you ever have to use it.  You also get college tuition assistance, and you only have to serve for three years to qualify for the G.I. bill and a VA loan.  You can get college grants when you get out and you are almost guaranteed for a home loan.  These benefits will follow you forever.  I have an uncle who served in Vietnam who is still using the VA loan benefit to buy land.\n\nSo, there are many risks and many benefits to serving in the Military.  You have to weigh these in your own mind and heart and decide what you want to do.  But let me tell you that there are people who will appreciate your decision if you decide to join, now or later.\n\nGood Luck
98407
My daughter was in the Air Force Junior ROTC program all through her high school years (4 years) and I know that she would tell you it was the best 4 years she had in that organization.  She had all the intentions of going to college and being a veterinarian; she did go to college and received her B.A. however, she changed her career decision  and enlisted in the Air Force instead.  With the 4 years of ROTC under her belt, she entered the Air Force with an automatic stripe and at a higher pay grade and her dossier was that much more impressive. She is still serving our country at Columbus AFB, Mississippi as an Air Traffic Controller and we are extremely proud of her.  She will be going for the staff sargeant position sometime this year.  She has also expressed her desire to continue her education funded by the military and will also be enlisting for probably another 5-6 years, possibbly serving somewhere overseas. Being in the ROTC program has not only made her disciplined and self-sufficient, but also a responsible and successful adult.  I am sure that the other branches of the service also have terriffic ROTC programs so please check with your school or community's program availability and for any answer to the questions you may have.  Good luck!\n\nP.S.  Tragic Hero is wrong. The ROTC programs begin at the school levels and count toward your "real-life" military career in that branch of the service (it's just not Army). ROTC and Jr. ROTC all adds up when you are being looked at for entering the military or officer's school.
1008014
Yes, it does depend on your job(afsc), but there are many opportunities to travel.  I am in the Air Force and do enjoy it.   I would join the Air Force, because you are not stuck on a ship for over six months, seasickness, and if you are a straight male the Air Force does have more women serving.  The Air Force gets better funding than the other branches, we have better bases, better medical facilities, etc. If you are to join and looking to travel, ask the recruiter what jobs can you travel a lot with...GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!
430705
it really depends. on the text results you get. I was a reserve raf. based in londong. if you want to join the officers corp or going in as an airwoman. you do have quite alot of choice. I wish you luckk what do you want to do in the raf.\nt
576163
Joining the Air Force was the best thing I ever did for myself -- I loved it.  The Air Force is one of the more "intellectual" branches of the military (no offense to the others).  It's just a lot more cushy, but that's not everyone's thing.  If you want to sleep out in the wild during your field exercises, go Army or Marines.  If you want to stay in a nice hotel-like room during your deployments (complete with maid service) then the AF is for you (my brother was in the Army while I was in the AF, and he just hated the unequal treatment, but the mission is just different for the various branches so the lifestyle is as well).  Bit it wasn't all peachy keen when I was in, we had our field exercises and mock-wartime scenarios to contend with, too, but for the most part it wasn't all that tough.  I'm not opposed to doing my part when wartime arises, but the reality is that the Air Force is probably a safer branch of the military when that arises.  I just can't say enough good things about it, the opportunities are so great and I think everyone would be better off having experienced any military service, not just the Air Force.
1106429
Well if your freind really doesnt have a plan in life, then they need to step it up.  Speaking from personal experience I was given the choice by my parents, who aren't anywhere near rich either, that if I wanted to stay at home i needed to pay rent.  Mayebe your freind's parents should do the same thing.  There are plenty of options out there, your freind just needs to find on for her.  If she goes to college, then a community college is always a good place to start for those who don't exactly know what they want to do.  There is always the military as well, just tell her to join the Air Force if she's going to join, because (once again from personal experience) the Army sucks.
985738
Follow your heart, young man. Of course, give the choice plenty of thought and think about it from all angles. After you graduate, if it still looks like the right choice for you, by all means go for it. I would also suggest looking at the other services and comparing your options. \n\nMy parents made me do the same thing but it didn't matter to \nme. I knew by the time I was maybe 10 that I wanted to be a Marine. I enlisted and served proudly, and would do it again.
1176416
What branch?  The army, I'm assuming.  If you do join, you will go to war with the army.  My fiance is in the navy.  That is the only branch, other than the air force, that is over there on volunatry basis only.  He loves the navy, and ships out in October again.  If you do join, join active duty, not the reserves.  You do not qualify for the benefits and pay if you join the reserves.  With active duty, you get great medical and dental, as well as better pay, and you qualify for combat pay, hardship pay, etc.  Since you are a female, I reccommend the navy.  My sister was in the navy, my dad the army, and my grandfather the marines, my uncle the air force.  I am from a military family, and I think the military is a great thing.  I would reccommend getting a degree first, though, because if you do, you will go in as an officer, with more rights and better pay.  Some cons are being away from your family.  There aren't really that many cons in my opinion.  When joining, you are serving your country.  With the military, you are financially secure and, if you choose to stay in, there are great retirement benefits.  This is a life-changing decision, and a very difficult one to make.  I wish you all the best, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  Good Luck!!
911392
I think that you should get married if you really love him and you want to be with him for the rest of your life and the military life is hard but if your strong enough you can get through it. I'm 20 too and I'm married to someone in the military and it did not matter that I was only 19 when I got married. I know who I wanted to be with it and there was no point in me waiting until I was older.
563830
My response will be a little different form everyone elses.  As a current member of the Navy, I have to say that it is very difficult and strenuous on the family life.  I have a daughter, and I have to tell you, as much as I stay involved in her life, I have a hard time leaving her everytime Im with her.  Would it be beneficial for you to join.  Well in some aspects it is.  In a lot of aspects its not.  Let me elaborate.  The medical and dental benefits are great, the money is good in reguards to a steady income, but of course the pay could be more.  You can start a college fund for her through USAA.  But on the flip side of that, the military, especially the Navy is down sizing.  Which means for most service members, more frequent deployments with all the drama going on in the world.  Im  currently deployed to Kuwiat in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Although Im not in the direct line of fire, the risk is always there.  We took some mortar rounds when I first got here, but every since, things have been a little less stressful.  The Navy as whole, image is changing.  Actually that speaks for most services.  The branches are not seperated like they use to be.  All the forces are working as one joint force.  More and more Sailors are sent in to war zones in support of Army, Marines, and Airforce.  I joined the Navy to see the world, get money for college, go to college, gain technical, and real life expierence.  So far I have done just that.  But I also joined the Navy so I wouldn't be on the front line.  I figured I could accomplish this by joining the Navy, being on a ship, a good distance away from direct enemy fire, while still making a major contribution to the efforts.  There are a lot of things they you need to way your decision.  These people are right, your child should always come first.  I put my baby first in everything I do.  She is what keeps me going out here.  But again, being away from her is very hard.  I do everything in my power to be involved in her life, but I always feel like Im coming up short.  Her mother is very supportive of me, and her being prior military, she understands the difficulties of the military life.  If you have a supportive family that you trust will do the right thing by you and for your daughter, I would say look further into it.  I am available for more questions if you like.  I think you are a beautiful women and you will be successful in whatever you put your mind to.  Just make sure you do your homework before making a major decision like that one.  If you like, you can contact me at jayc_lark@yahoo.com...I hope to hear from you.
330923
Go talk to a reqruiter.  But first of all you need to decide how you would like to serve your country.  There is a very big difference between joining the Marines and the Air Force.  In the Corp. be ready to be one hard charging GUNG HO MO FO.  lol.  The Air Force is 300 times more laid back and much easier duty.  So it really depends on your personality and just how much of a bad ass you want to be.
876938
I'm in the Air Force. I like my job. I load bombs, missiles and do mechanical and electrical work on the F-15 fighter jet. It's a great job with better people. I like the "military life-style". it's really no different than a regular job. You go to work (although sometimes you work 12hr days or have to wear chem gear to work) and then you go home. There are co-workers and bosses and pay checks. It's a great community. If you want me to tell you more IM me. If I had it my way, I'd be a Marine, but I have a husband.\n\nThere are all sorts of jobs in every branch. Everything from being a regular doctor in a hospital, dentist, computer geek, cafiteria chef, all sorts.... not everyone in the military goes to a war zone. My friend is getting out soon. He's served his 4 years and has never been deployed (going to a war zone) or been TDY. I don't think he even left the US.\n\nP.S. basic training isn't hard! I actually had fun. If you're in shape and mature (or at least can follow a simple instruction) you'll have fun. I've heard of tons of tohers who have had fun there too. It's only 6 and 1/2 weeks anyway (air force)
256615
As long as you have a pulse, it's never too late. I'm 32 and looking into Registered Nursing. Just got out of the Military after 12 years. My ex father-in-law sold his successful Alarm Installation business at age 45 and became a flight attendant for a year or so. Then opened up a Sub way. He has 8 of them now. Follow your dreams grasshopper.
915126
Please be a little careful about what the ROTC instructors tell you. They can and do give out inacurate information for various reasons, one being they want to keep you. It is all about numbers.\n\nDo your own research. My son did just that and found out it is not easy at all. Here is why:\nHe found out that when you complete ROTC for one branch and at any time want to switch to another branch, they look at you as DAMAGED GOODS. They want to know why you are not happy? They think you are pulling out so therefore you are not dependable. It is just like any other jobs. You try to switch and they feel you are hopping around looking for the best deal. There are a few exceptions but it is not easy.\nMy son took NAVY ROTC in high school while he did Civil Air Patrol (Air force Aux). But then the Army gave him a scholarship to college so he went Army hoping later to switch to Air Force. It never happened. As soon as he graduated he was assigned to transportation and shipped out to East Coast for training. From there he was assigned his base in Texas and from there he was shipped to Iraq. He is now a 1st Lt in the Army and proud of it.\n\nAnother thing is that the Army advances you in rank much faster than the Navy or Air Force. Higher rank means more responsibilites and more pay. But the Air Force treats its men the best (food, lodging, education).\n\nSo keep in mind if you go Army dont plan on a switch as it may not happen. The Air force can tell you they dont want you and the Army does not have to let you go. Simple as that.\n\nAlso remember, ROTC is a recruiting tool. They have you and they want to keep you. They will help pay your education but you will serve your country for 8 years. Dont do it just for the education or the money. Make sure you are a soldier first.
544748
I served during the Viet Nam era, in the Army, also I am a guy so things can be a little different for women. If I was a woman,  I would pick the Air Force. The Navy can be quite confining and in the Air Force when you go on 'leave' it is allot easier to 'take-off' from where you work. The one big factor about military service you have potentially at your finger tips, schooling and education learning you can use almost endlessly.
668825
kucitizenx....you're a fool. I guess you just forgot what yesterday was all about already didn't you? Amazing that people have given their lives, given the ultimate sacrifice so people like you can remain free....and IGNORANT....\n\nYou don't have to like Bush or his policies, but when you start making baseless remarks about servicemen and women, you're wayyyyy out of line.\n\nAnd to answer the question "Is The Air Force The Right Thing For Me?" That's a tough one because I don't know your situation or you options, but I spent 15 years in military service and I got a great deal out of it including the GI bill which paid for me to go to school. I graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in '98.\n\nBut of the 4 branches, the Air Force is probably the "easiest" physically and generally has the least risk in combat situations unless you're a pilot...