AF 4 year committment

[USAFhopeful]

Like so many others, I am waiting to hear if I've been accepted into the AF. My parents keep telling me that a four year committment is a long time and "what if I really don't like military nursing." They are also worried about how much of my freedom will be lost by joining the military in general. Does anyone feel these are valid worries? Any advice on how to approach the four year committment - what if you really don't like it afterall? Stupid question I know - but I would value any advice or feedback on this issue. I'm scared to commit but at the same time am really positive about it. Am I wrong to think AF nursing is better than nursing in a civilian hospital? Has my recruiter painted too much of a rosie picture for me? Please help.

[mobro]

there's the pep talk i needed! i just worked my last shift today and was freaking out a little as i was walking through the parking deck to my car. i can't wait to find out where i'll be going! and honestly, with the hell i've been through at my current job, COT can't touch me! (i say that now of course...)

[DrCOVID, DNP]

...What freedoms are you worried about losing? I worry about the same thing but then when I think about it I'm not sure I can pinpoint what I'm worried about losing. I really think the experience and the people I meet will make it worth it. One of the reasons I want to join is the people and everyone looking out for each other. Hopefully that's not a figment of my imagination...

Yea, I really couldn't pinpoint the lost freedoms either... we got to request our home base and if you are persistent and perform well you can work wherever you want too (or if you have the experience)... You are going to have a job and maybe some extra duties, so what? I don't consider mandatory exercise or further education/training a loss of freedom either... so.......My dad is retired coast guard (commander) and he said typically he left and came back from work just like any other job (granted it's not the same service).

I am going to go ahead and diagnose those RNs that don't join the military as having "Fear of the Unknown..." I am struggling to come up with reasons to not do it now, except for the fact that it's going to be different that what I originally thought I would be doing!