Air Force? Help

RNSuzq1, RN · Mar 27, 2004

I have a problem . I have been talking to Navy and the Air force for an enlisted position. The problem is they want me to give them an answer, but I just do not know . I want to go to the Air Force, but I have to be away from my children for long. And to top it off I have been accepted into LVN school. Do you have any advice? I was told that my journyman training would be a year with phase I,II, & III. After a year of my life I would have a EMT.

Hi Trina,

I'm not sure what a journyman is - is that a rate in the Air Force? I'm a Navy Vet (Hospital Corpsman for 6 years), so I know a lot about enlisted life and might be able to help you out. You said you've been accepted into a Nursing Program - if you really want to be a Nurse - my advice is to go to that school and forget about life in the Service. My goal when I joined the Navy was to eventually get my RN while I was in. Unfortunately, you work so much, there is very little time for school and most people have to wait until they're out of the service to go back to school (like me)!!!

I was single when I joined (no husband, no children). Since you already have children - please think long and hard before committing yourself to the Military - once you sign those papers you belong to them (in every way, shape and form). Although the military will provide your children with medical insurance - they are not a major concern to the military (you are). If they want to ship you off somewhere - it could very well be without your kids. I got married after being in for 2 years - 10 months later they sent my husband to a Navy School in Texas and me to Norfolk, VA (we were apart for 2 very long years - there was absolutely nothing we could do about it).

When we were finally stationed together again we had our 1st Son - after my 6 weeks maternity leave I was back at work. The daycare he was attending of course didn't let you bring in sick children (we were stationed far from family). First time my infant got sick - I was told I had to be at work or be considered AWOL (there's no such thing as calling in sick in the Navy). We found a friend of a friend to watch him that day and that was the day I decided when my tour was up later that year - my Navy Career would be ending.

I loved my time in the Navy, I'm very proud of serving this Country of ours for 6 years, but the pay "stinks" and it's definitely a difficult job when there are children involved. Also, they will promise you the "MOON" to get you to join - just make sure if you do this - get all their promises in writing. I hope this helps you out some. If you have anymore questions - just ask me.. Take Care, SusanNC

TrinaRoschelle · Mar 27, 2004

Hi Trina,
I'm not sure what a journyman is - is that a rate in the Air Force? I'm a Navy Vet (Hospital Corpsman for 6 years), so I know a lot about enlisted life and might be able to help you out. You said you've been accepted into a Nursing Program - if you really want to be a Nurse - my advice is to go to that school and forget about life in the Service. My goal when I joined the Navy was to eventually get my RN while I was in. Unfortunately, you work so much, there is very little time for school and most people have to wait until they're out of the service to go back to school (like me)!!!
I was single when I joined (no husband, no children). Since you already have children - please think long and hard before committing yourself to the Military - once you sign those papers you belong to them (in every way, shape and form). Although the military will provide your children with medical insurance - they are not a major concern to the military (you are). If they want to ship you off somewhere - it could very well be without your kids. I got married after being in for 2 years - 10 months later they sent my husband to a Navy School in Texas and me to Norfolk, VA (we were apart for 2 very long years - there was absolutely nothing we could do about it).
When we were finally stationed together again we had our 1st Son - after my 6 weeks maternity leave I was back at work. The daycare he was attending of course didn't let you bring in sick children (we were stationed far from family). First time my infant got sick - I was told I had to be at work or be considered AWOL (there's no such thing as calling in sick in the Navy). We found a friend of a friend to watch him that day and that was the day I decided when my tour was up later that year - my Navy Career would be ending.
I loved my time in the Navy, I'm very proud of serving this Country of ours for 6 years, but the pay "stinks" and it's definitely a difficult job when there are children involved. Also, they will promise you the "MOON" to get you to join - just make sure if you do this - get all their promises in writing. I hope this helps you out some. If you have anymore questions - just ask me.. Take Care, SusanNC

Thank you so much for your reply. I am plan on going reserve. I see that might really be a hard time too, but I am hoping that it will not be as bad :-) Do know anything about reserve?

TrinaRoschelle · Mar 27, 2004

Thank you so much for your reply. I am plan on going reserve. I see that might really be a hard time too, but I am hoping that it will not be as bad :-) Do know anything about reserve?

RNSuzq1, RN · Mar 27, 2004

Trina,

First question - are you married - husband, partner, significant other - that can take care of the kids?? I spent a time in the reserves and know plenty of people that are still Reservists - it works much better if one parent is not in the Service and can stay home and take care of the kids, house, etc. when you have to do your "monthly duty" or are called up for "active duty" - which is always a possibility with the way things are in the World today.

Our oldest Son was seriously considering joining NROTC last year when he started College. I'm actually glad he didn't and found other scholarships to help with school. He's only 19 and I think I would "die" if he was called to duty while all these "Wars" in the Middle East are going on. Even as a Reservist - that is something you need to think about, especially if you're specializing in the medical field. When there is fighting going on - there is always a great need for medics/nurses/docs, etc. and you could get pulled onto active duty. Like I said - if you're single it's different - but when you have kids - it's totally different. Hope this helps. SusanNC

TrinaRoschelle · Mar 27, 2004

I am in a relationship we are not married. We are going to get married. He is going to be the primary person helping me with my kids. I am 22. I want a do something that I can be proud of.

maire, ASN, RN · Mar 27, 2004

Just a thought, but if you get your degree and then decide on the service, you can go in as an officer. Basic training is nothing but then there's tech school, and you will be away from your family for quite a while. I would talk with the recruiter and be frank about what you want out of life and what you expect from the military. They can give you an honest answer about what they in turn expect from you.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. :)

Cherish · Mar 28, 2004

Yea you should wait if you want to join the military. If you want to be a RN you have to have a BSN to become an officer in Active Duty. If your looking for Reserve you can become an officer there too, I don't know if Reserve still takes ADN's. I heard they don't accept ADN nurses as officers, you can be enlisted though (more headachs, officer is less stress). I was Army and know that with kids around you have to have a family care plan and have a power of attorney so your kids and finiancial responsibilities will be taken care of by someone else (in the event you get deployed or sent on a mission like N.T.C. or a long F.T.X). Most people don't realize that when you join up its not a 100 percent that you will deploy but you will go on lengthy field training exercixes that can be from a week long to 6 months (more common is a month) but that adds up when you go 3 or 4 times a year. So take all this into account. You might just decide to finish your degree and then think of joining.

CarVsTree · Mar 28, 2004

I have a problem . I have been talking to Navy and the Air force for an enlisted position. The problem is they want me to give them an answer, but I just do not know . I want to go to the Air Force, but I have to be away from my children for long. And to top it off I have been accepted into LVN school. Do you have any advice? I was told that my journyman training would be a year with phase I,II, & III. After a year of my life I would have a EMT.

I was in the Air Force for 4 years with no children. Journeyman is not much to right home about. Why do you want to go into the military? I would NOT give an answer unless you're sure. They're trying to pressure you because there job is based on numbers, how many they recruit.

EMT is a 3 month course so unless you have other reasons for going in, doesn't seem like it will do you much good relative to the sacrifice to your family.