Joining as a nurse with children

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I am just wondering as to the benefits and drawbacks of joining the military as an Officer once I finish my BSN. I have two kids Caitlin 11, and Matthew 6. I wouldn't be done for 5 years or so, just getting my ducks in a row (I am a wreck if not organized). I just have a few questions:

1. Would my family get to go with me if I were stationed overseas?

2. Would I be entitled to Officer housing on base?

3. How long are deployments generally?

4. What are the benefits or drawbacks of each branch of the military?

5. What are the benefits of joining with my family?

6. What are the retirement options for me if I join when I am already 35 years old?

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.
i am just wondering as to the benefits and drawbacks of joining the military as an officer once i finish my bsn. i have two kids caitlin 11, and matthew 6. i wouldn't be done for 5 years or so, just getting my ducks in a row (i am a wreck if not organized). i just have a few questions:

1. would my family get to go with me if i were stationed overseas? for the most part yes, but there are some 1 year tours which they can not. also, if you are deployed they will not be able to.

2. would i be entitled to officer housing on base? yes, depends on the base if there is any available. if there is not any available you can sign up on a waiting list.

3. how long are deployments generally? for nurses it is 6 months for the most part. but as always there are execptionals, ie company positions etc.

4. what are the benefits or drawbacks of each branch of the military? that you will have to explore for yourself to see what is a good fit for you.

5. what are the benefits of joining with my family? travel to locations they overwise would not. if you live on base the family activities etc. being able to might new friends from a wide background, not just from their hometown.

6. what are the retirement options for me if i join when i am already 35 years old? the military has a 20 year retirement as of today. if you stay on active duty for the 20 years you would be able to collect once you retire. but, if you do your active time (3-5 years) then go reserves and do 20 "good" years you would be able to draw a pension at age 60. since you will be around 40 when you join this does not effect you but does others. the military also has tsp, which is like a 401k.

thank you guys so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hopes this helps a little

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