AF applicant wanting feedback...need advice

deftonez188 · Oct 30, 2011

Single parents aren't taken to the armed forces - it's a risk for the military.

See: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlsingparent.htm

midinphx, BSN · Oct 30, 2011

It is not an easy thing being a parent in the military. Period.

The mission comes before everything. The hours are long and more than I expected. I haven't gotten a single Holiday day off at all this year. Most of us work 3 12hour shifts one week and then 4 12 hour shifts the next. Then add on mandatory training/meetings on your days off. I did a great deal of my deployment paperwork on my own time in addition to my shifts. Then talk about deployments... You will be deployed at some point. Usually just 6 months. You don't get a freebee for being a single mom, someone else has to care for your child while you are away (must have family care plan). There is Skype and phones usually, but you are away. You will miss things in your children's lives that you won't get back. Dad's even miss their child's birth sometimes.

That is the reality check. There are tons of great things. But I think you want to know this and should be aware of all aspects.

I'm still glad I'm in. My kids are 100% behind me and are so proud to show their mom in uniform.

ATLRN0828 · Oct 30, 2011

Single parents aren't taken to the armed forces - it's a risk for the military.
See: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlsingparent.htm

Oh, my recruiter told me that the rules were different for enlisted and healthcare officers. I hope has not changed since I have already started the very tidious process. I will be sure to ask her again on Monday.

deftonez188 · Oct 30, 2011

I'd ask, because how would the rules apply any differently? If you have to deploy immediately short notice, you can't refuse because of a child at home.

ATLRN0828 · Oct 30, 2011

Thank you so much Midinphx! That was such great information. I expected that there would be no special treatment for single parents, and I really want to be prepared if selected. Can I ask what are the age of your children? 3 12's are even difficult in civilian life on a family, so hopefully I will be able to adjust well. What does the family care plan consist of and can I write it up before I am accepted in the AF? I do have a support system and do know who is going to help me if/when I get deployed. Do the CDC's have extended hours?

ATLRN0828 · Oct 30, 2011

Yeah, I guess you do have a point Deftonez188. I will definitely let you know what she tells me (if I can get ahold of her) tomorrow. Midinphx was telling me of a family care plan so I'm going to ask about that too. The recruiter can be hard to get in contact with and I hope that she was not giving me misinformation as well :confused: .

midinphx, BSN · Oct 30, 2011

I came in as a single parent. Question the validity of that article. Also, nurses are commissioned not enlisted. I can't answer why the rules would be different, but who says the military is fair?

You will be required to fill out a family care plan during the paperwork process. You have to have names of your back up plan and signatures. If you already have a plan, then it is just the formality of filling in more paperwork.

The recruiter knows which things would automatically rule you out. They screen those out rather quickly; the application process is alot of work for them, they don't want to waste their time either.

ATLRN0828 · Oct 30, 2011

Ok great! I will have to ask my recruiter about filling out a family care plan and getting the necessary paperwork from her since she did not mention that to me. I guess my only other main concern would be childcare and what is available.

I just think it will be good for us in the long run. I am really grateful for all your help/advice Midinphx. If you have any other words of wisdom or just things I should know, I'm all ears.

allnurses Guide · Oct 30, 2011

Single parents aren't taken to the armed forces - it's a risk for the military.
See: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlsingparent.htm

That is only for enlisted.

allnurses Guide · Oct 30, 2011

I'd ask, because how would the rules apply any differently? If you have to deploy immediately short notice, you can't refuse because of a child at home.

The website states it is enlistment. Commissioned officers do not enlist. We commission into the military. There are lots of single parents in the military. The military doesn't just throw you out once circumstances change and you become a single parent. You have to have a family care plan if you are a single or dual military family stating exactly what you are going to do with children for deployments, after hours care, recalls etc. The family care plan has to be explicit and I believe it has to have up to five people who can watch your children for all those contingencies on short/no notice.

I have worked with lots of single parents over the last 10yrs in the military.

allnurses Guide · Oct 30, 2011

I came in as a single parent. Question the validity of that article. Also, nurses are commissioned not enlisted. I can't answer why the rules would be different, but who says the military is fair?
You will be required to fill out a family care plan during the paperwork process. You have to have names of your back up plan and signatures. If you already have a plan, then it is just the formality of filling in more paperwork.
The recruiter knows which things would automatically rule you out. They screen those out rather quickly; the application process is alot of work for them, they don't want to waste their time either.

In general commission officers, especially medical officers, come in already trained to do their job. Enlisted have to go through ,basic training, tech training, get their 5 levels etc all before they are deployment ready.