Poll: Enlist in U.S. Air force?

[MASHBY]

Captain Matt I can see it now.Well mate I think I would go for the reserves just as you are a family man and I think it would be less stressful on your family.I have never served although I have been working in the Aviation field all my life and have dealt with numerous air forces all my life.The people I have known in the Air Force realy enjoy there job.However they do get tired with the constant moving around.This is just my But you know we will support you whatever you decide to do.

[Toyuzu]

Thanks everyone for your replies so far. It's good to read all the opinions and compile infor I will use to make my decision. To answera few questions in general: I've done my homework. I still have a bit to do though.

I spent an hour on the phone last night with a friend in the Air force. Reserves are more likely to be deployed than some full-time enlisteds. So reserve will not make it any less likely for me to go. I should point out that I am not trying to avoid deployment, though. If I'm going to do this, I feel I should be willing to go.

Have it talked it over with my wife? - I haven't been HAPPILY married for ten years by accident. She's a large part of this, and 100% behind me whatever my choice. I have considered the implications regarding both her and my children. I'm fully aware of the potential impact.

The frequent moving isn't always the case anymore, either. That's a myth perpetuated by non-military people telling stories about how bad life in the military is. Even if we do have to move frequently though, we are the perfect family for that. My wife is home-schooling our children, so they will at least be spared the school-change thing.

Enough rambling for now. Back to the opinions and advice - Oh, by the way...Don't fight for GW. Fight for my kids if you need a worthy cause.

[Gummiente]

The frequent moving isn't always the case anymore, either. That's a myth perpetuated by non-military people telling stories about how bad life in the military is.

I beg to differ on that point. My father served 32 years in the Canadian Air Force, during which he had 12 different postings. I was there for 8 of those until I joined the Army; in my 15 years I had 6 postings and several short term assignments. I met and worked with many American soldiers throughout my career and their "nomadic" life was not all that different from mine.

[TechTMW]

Things are changing though, Gummi -

First of all the USA has closed a TON of bases in the past 15 years, and the list just came out a few months ago for more downsizing and closures. The Nomadic life still exists, but these days there is much more of a chance of staying in one place - basically because there aren't as many places to go.

That isn't to say moving won't happen, but a typical accompanied tour (One where your family moves with you) lasts 3 years. It does cost the Military to move you and it also has less of a benefit for them these days. Often times once your tour is almost up, you have the option to extend - stay in the same place for at least another 2 years.

[MASHBY]

Im sure the moving around probaly depends on your field within the airforce.EG Loadmaster on a herc always going with the aircraft.Flightplanning well technolgy made it is easy to stay in one place.So what do you fancy doing in there Matt.

[-Curly-]

Go Reserve. At 31 most people yor age are E-6's. You will have 22 year SSgts telling you to clean toilets, mop the floors, take out trash, and any other BS job that comes along, while they sit on there butts and tell you how hard they had it as an airman. I think you would fit in better with Reserve people who want to serve, but still have a life outside the military.

[MASHBY]

Just I thought if you can get trained as Aircraft Engineer.The world will be your oyster when you come out.Serious money in that.

[Aggroton]

...i would sign up in a heart beat...but i refuse to fight for gw. thats the only thing holding me back.

So sign up, and by the time you're even trained to DO a job, you'll be electing a new president.

callin me out?

ive tried many times to talk my wife into it...(im in sales it should be easy right) but shes not hearing me...and we are pregnant and expecting anyday now...so maybe after we get through the first year of my daughters i may be able to talk again...


what age do they stop acepting for the marine core?

[Toyuzu]

So what do you fancy doing in there Matt.

I'm not sure. I'm assuming they will test me and make some suggestions based on my aptitude. I'll decide at that point.

[BuzZz]

The Americans should be showing up in town next month for exersizes, like they do every year. Always good for a few bar-emptying fights, 'specially when the Britts are in town at the same time. Maybe next year you will be here too Matt.....

The Canadian military has no problem with moving it's people around frequently, not sure how the Yankee forces are for that. My wife just applied for a job with the forces finding houses for incoming families to buy, arranging for movers, ect. The local base is expanding and we are getting 90 new army families this year.... there is no house, shack or hovel listed on the market for more than 3 days here in Wainwright, guys in green are lined up around the block for the chance to bid on them as soon as the come up.

I got no sage advice for you in your big decision, Matt. It's a tough call for a dude on the far side of 30..... being treated like a draft animal is a game for young-uns with unformed egos yet..... Good luck deciding, Buddy. That's a tough call.