Air National Guard/ Reserve Experiences

[ChiefFaith]

Don’t know if should join.

I’m a 25 year old woman, currently in college to become a nurse. I wanted to join the military at 18 but didn’t so that I could help my mother and sisters. I’ll be 28 upon graduation and possibly in 30s if I decide to join. I don’t regret my decision but I still dream of joining still here and there. To serve, to see the world, and learn to be a better nurse. 

But I also want manage my civilian life well which is why I’ve decided to look into the reserve and national guard components. 

Only thing holding me back is that I want to be married at some point. Next to being a military nurse, I’ve always wanted a family of my own. How can I have a family of my own while in the military or even date properly. I live in a small town now; with dreams of adventure and being skillful in the medical field. I’m unsure of this aspect and if I should join. 

For third reason I’ve looked more into the air guard or reserves for more balance. Though I know they still deploy. How does being a service member effect families and being a wife? I don’t mind hard answers.

 

 

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I'm an AF reserves nurse.  I was active duty before that.  I can say that it's significantly easier to balance life in the reserves.  As far as having kids/family, it is very doable but challenging with either active duty or reserves.  Active duty requires more time away of course.  Supportive spouses, parents/family, and friends are essential.

Pregnant women are on a non-deployment medical status from conception until 4 months after delivery.  After that, you certainly could deploy or be required to do training away from home for several months at a time.

For AF reserves, the minimum time commitment is 2 days each month plus an additional 15 days every year.  Further, there is initial training of 8 weeks (officer basic), and up to 5 additional weeks for job specific initial training (varies based on job).   In addition to that, the potential to deploy right now is currently 6 months out of every 3 years; you don't necessarily go each time.  These days the deployment tempo is slower, but obviously that can change.  The air guard's requirements are identical, but your deployment role can additionally include natural disasters or civil unrest at the state level in addition to overseas traditional military deployments.  The reserves can do those things too, but is primarily focused on overseas/federal missions.