Should I join the Air Force with a family?

just_cause, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2009

It seems you have every option to do so.... it depends if you want to serve in the AF or not - your family and kids sound supportive.... sounds like the choice is yours. (I would... :) )

athena55, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2009

Thank you for even considering joining that branch of the Armed Forces.

I think the biggest issue is....Deployment and how that would impact your family. As you are aware, deployments happen and not just down range but to other places.

You would meet with a representative from JAG to formalize your family care plan, but also understand that when you deploy you will be away from your family for 4-6 months at a time (not quite sure about the Air Force and their length of deployments)

Good Luck with the process!

athena

jazzy96 · Apr 8, 2009

Thanks for the response. I know I stand a good chance of being deployed. I have a lot to think about. :confused:

sassysoldier · Apr 9, 2009

I am married an have a 4 year old and a 10 year old step son. I am joining the navy and considered the Af. I thought long and hard about it and since I am a Army brat I thought the military has alot to offer families. I grew up in the day of when we got sick we went to the clinic, got our rx and my mother never looked in her purse. I grew up in the military when we wanted to play soccer, basketball, tennis lessons whatever there was no looking around town putting yourself on waiting list. We just went down to the MWR youth center and signed up and my parents paid a SMALL fee. I grew up in a military where if my parents wanted date night the daycare center on base had "parents night out" once a week!!!

I grew up in a military that everyone knew our family and we knew everyone and all of my friends parents knew mine. So if I misbehaved and they found out I had several people to answer to. I grew up in a military that in the 80's when groceries were sky high. My mom lived in the Commisary(grocery store) tax free!

I could go on and on and on. However, now that I am 28 years old and have my own family I don't see how people survive. Yes, my father was a Vietnam Vet and got deployed, unaccompanied assignments. Yes my mother worked for the government and traveled alot to conferences without my siblings and I . But I had a GREAT childhood as a military brat. I want my children to have the same!

The military has changed alot in my 28 years but the community feeling, helping each other supporting each other has not.

As long as your "partner in crime and childrearing" as I call my husband is down for adventure your kids will most likely "go with the flow".

I think of all the 18 and 19 year olds that go enlisted right out of high school. Some get married and have a house full before 21 years old. They move around, get deployed and adjust. Its us late 20s, 30, and 40s who have some more life experiences under out belt that analyze things more!

Good luck to you and Go for your goals.

JDCitizen · Apr 9, 2009

I agree: Thank you for even considering joining that branch of the Armed Forces.

I have seen this question asked on different sites and by many people with many different career paths.

The answer was almost the same from those who were actively serving: “You are joining the military and basically your family is to..”

For the most part family conferences were encouraged…

Making a list of pros / cons was encouraged…

When I hit the point to finally see the recruiter face to face I was there with my wife and she had her own list of questions.

Best wishes

NursePamela · Apr 10, 2009

My advice is to go for it! At least do one tour, (4 years). If you hate it, you get out and at least know that you tried it. If you love it - you made a great decision. If you don't do it you will ALWAYS wonder,,, what if,,,,?

Good luck!

jazzy96 · Apr 10, 2009

I appreciate the response. What made you choose the Navy over the AF? I also considered the Navy. Thanks for your inside input on the military life. I'm glad to see there are other people with kids and a family even considering joining the service. Thanks!

PNP09 · Apr 30, 2009

I can sympathize with you in that I am on the same side of it as you are (considering it with a family...of 6!). I really benefitted from reading your post and all of the responses. I know a lot of people don't support the idea that I am even considering a military career. But like you, I have always wanted to. I think that it offers to our children a good example (which is generally our goal as parents) of responsibility and, of course, service to our country. It also exposes them to new experiences.

Have you started the process yet?

jazzy96 · Apr 30, 2009

Yes, I'm in the process right know. I still need to have my interview with a nurse. I've done everything else. How about you? For me the pros of joining out weight the cons. Good luck!

PNP09 · Apr 30, 2009

I have been trying to decide between the AF and Navy. I have met with an AF recruiter and have all of the forms to start, the Navy has not been easy to make contact with. I have been leaning more toward the AF as it was something that I wanted to do right out of high school and didn't (married a Marine instead).

Do you know where you want to be stationed initially?

If you don't mind me asking, and I know this may sound stupid, did you fill in the forms and then print them or print them and fill them out? I emailed my recruiter but haven't heard back yet.

If selected, I will actually be going in as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, so it will kind of be a new role for me altogether.

Good luck with the rest of your process! I'd love to hear when you get a COT date.

Thanks!

jazzy96 · Apr 30, 2009

Oh that's great! Did you just get your PNP? My goal is to become a PNP. As far as the forms the recruiter gave me everything to fill out. So I'm not sure what you should do. I will be working in the NICU so my choice's were limited. I choose Travis and Lackland as my first two. I was also looking into the Navy, but like you I always had the desire to go into the Air Force since high school. Best of luck with your decision!