Should I join the Air Force with a family?

PNP09 · Apr 30, 2009

I will graduate in August. So I have to pass board certification after that. My background is OB as well (mostly L/D).

Thanks anyway, I'll just see if he emails me back.

Good luck on your interview!

The Little Greek · May 1, 2009

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.

Yes, you will know where you will be stationed before you commission. You may decide to accept or reject at that point.

As for the forms, fill them out electronically, print them and give them to your recruiter. There are several reasons for this: 1. As I'm sure you'll agree it looks more professional; 2. If your recruiter loses them you'll be able to email them to him/her; and 3. It's likely that your recruiter will lose something so it's nice to not have to make up answers to all the questions again. (Did I mention that paperwork will likely get lost? :) ) Seriously, don't every hand anything over without making a copy first because paperwork disappears very easily.

PNP09 · May 1, 2009

Thank you for the information (and for what to expect).

deftonez188 · May 1, 2009

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

We go wherever, whenever, regardless of family. Deployment isn't a possibility, it is a certainty - not trying to sound harsh, but that is the reality of it. If you aren't sure if you can be away from all of those you love in a potentially hazardous place then you should take more time to think about it. I lost a friend in Iraq in 2003, and it could have easily have been me instead.

jazzy96 · May 1, 2009

I am quite aware of the fact that I will be deployed. I've done my research and have thought long and hard about this. Sorry about your loss, but I'm quite sure that your friend was not a nurse.

Staczse7 · May 1, 2009

there was a nurse killed in action, but it was helicpoter crash related. that is the only nurse death I have heard about

Trauma Columnist · May 1, 2009

Hubby and I were dual military for several years: both are sons were raised as military kids.

Some pros:

1. When you retire, tricare is a wonderful benefit which you won't appreciate until you are older

2. Furnished housing in most places

3. Chance to travel and serve your country.

Cons:

1. Moving with kids - neither of our sons liked to move and neither have considered the military.

2. Military medical care for children still lacks what you will get in the military. Ex: the needs of the military always, always come first - our oldest son had severe asthma - intubated and then they couldn't get him weaned. We were medevac'd to Hawaii from Korea during this episode. Nurses didn't feel comfortable with very sick peds pt.

3. Hubby and I were separated many times. During one deployment, my mother died, his father died and we still stayed separated!

4. If you have a special needs child, all the services do have a special needs family member program but the needs of the military always comes first.

5. I enjoyed the military and though we had our trials I do have some wonderful memories.

It is your decision in the end of course, but you would do well to talk to other active duty members FIRST> Take care.

sassysoldier · May 1, 2009

traumaRUs,

Thank you for sharing your experiences. For us newbies. My hubby maybe joining soon also and we will end up dual military. Its ALWAYS good to hear about the pros and cons.

When I was in college I had a part-time job at the Redcross with military contact. We used to contact units when family members were requesting servicemembers to come home, deaths, etc. I always went the extra mile everyday because I could not imagine being somewhere and your command doesn't allow you to come home for family emergencies. I would hunt down command and literally beg and plead. Thanks again.