Should I go into the USAF or stay here and work and go to school?
83675
I was in the Air Force for 10 years, and it's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. I only did 10 because I wanted to experience other things while I was still young enough, but I had so much fun while enlisted.\n\nFirst off...you REALLY need to decide if the military is right for you. The rules are quite strict, and you just don't have the freedoms you do as a civilian. You also have to adhere to many rules...some of which will get you blacklisted for a long time (trust me on this!!).\n\nBasic training is no cake-walk either. While nowhere near as bad as what the other branches of the service go through, it is still something to be taken seriously. Can you handle being yelled at for anything by someone who is literally standing nose-to-nose with you?\n\nBut once you get past that (6 weeks when I did it, but I think it's a couple of weeks longer now), the fun part starts. After tech school (where you'll be trained for your job), you'll be able to go anywhere. I have been all over the world, and I had a blast. Where else can you travel like that and still get paid for it? I have been to Iceland (not as bad as it sounds), Italy, Germany, Bosnia (volunteered for that one), Greece, and all over the US..including a tour at the Pentagon. I gotta tell you, that was an interesting assignment.\n\nThe best advice I can give is to find someone who has been in, and ask him or her everything you want to know. Don't talk to a recruiter, since it's their job to hook you in. Get some straight answers before you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. Also think about what's going on the world today, and ask yourself if you are ready to tackle that kind of situation.\n\nGood luck in all your future endeavors.
1021837
You will get basic discipline out of it from your schedules.  Waking up early, getting certain things done in a short amount of time.  Keeping your area within certain specs.  You learn to be more aware of yourself.  Depending on your tech school (career choice), you may get more discipline there.  Security forces is a little tougher.  Para jumpers will have more.  I think that you can make the right moves to make you more disciplined.  The Air Force is definitely more geared towards brain than brute however.
318392
Depends upon what career field you would like to get into.  If you're looking to go fighter pilot, mmm, well, let's just say your chances are slim.  Want to work on the jets those proud few fly?  Better chances for that than flight school.  There are alot more desk job/technician positions in the AF than probably in any other branch.  The ASVAB will determine what kinds of jobs you have some innate ability for, and then the best bet is simply to shop your recruiters until you find one that will give you straight up answers and a job you'll be happy with.  Some people say that it is hardest to enlist into the Air Force. Personally, I think that's a bit high-minded.  Your success in the military is dependent on finding a good match with a MOS (job) that fits your personality and interests...and how willing you are to work at improving yourself.
280340
I am not in the army but have worked on bases overseas for many years. There are definite benefits for joining the armed forces like a steady job, no rent, ultilities, health care bills, etc. You can go overseas and have interesting life experiences. It could help you figure out what you want to do with you life and provide you future career and education options.\nHowever, I have seen many bad things about the army. It is a difficult life. Depending on the job, you could have extremely long hours. There is a lot of drinking, sleezing around and promiscous behavior in general. You may be assigned to a job that you don't want and have no choice in the matter. You could die.\n\nI would go back to college if I were you and try to find an area that interests you. Having a college degree opens up so many doors that will remain shut until you have the degree, even in the military. If you really want to go into the armed forces, I would recommend the air force over the army. The quality of life, general level of education of its members, and overall organization seems to be much higher on air force bases. I have lived on army, air force and naval installations. \n\nLet me know if I can be of further assistance.
1051279
If your intentions are to possibly leaned towards a career I would highly reccommend the choice you have already made. The Air Force is an excellent choice family wise also. If you like to spend months onboard a ship, then by all means join the Navy. If you like walking, marching or bouncing around in a vehicle, join the Army. If you think you are the macho type and enjoy running errands on a ship, plus like to march or strut around like a tin soldier and think your the badest ass in town, go with the Marines. It's as simple as that. There is no such thing as the best, we're all in this together and should act as such. To me there is no single hero, in my personal opinion anyone who puts on a uniform and serves his country (USA)honorably for a full tour of duty in any branch of the services deserves to be called a hero.
512158
You should talk to an Air Force recruiter or a Navy recruiter.  There is lots of real fly time if you are selected.
1077068
I guess I would have to answer yes, since I did enlist in the Air Force.  That was some time ago and I'm out now.  \n\nThe Air Force is one of the better military branches.  It has good schools, you don't go on 25 mile hikes, you're not cooped up on a ship, you don't dig foxholes.\n\nDuring basic training, you do some marching, learn how to salute, and stuff like that, but they don't go overboard about it.  Typically, you have your choice of some very excellent schools in technical areas.  \n\nMay Air Force training was always a help as a civilian looking for a job.  I also took advantage of the education benefits to go to college after I got out.
505862
Hi there!  U.S Air Force guy here. I was in Desert Storm in the early 90's.  From experience I will tell you that you should first decide what you really want to do.  Secondly, you should take advantage of the Veterans Affairs support.  They can help you transition back into the Civilian life from the Military life.
729797
I not see anything wrong with the Military. If, you have a degree you may be able to enter as an officer also, which would mean better pay. You could advance your studies while in taking maybe one college course a semester. Stay for 20 years you can retire and have time to start another career. I tell my friends, do not go in as a Tank Driver, there other jobs to consider.
811798
I am enlisted Air Force I think you should, having a occupation that fits the Air force is more important. In nursing for instances you can get direct commissioned. \nHuman resourses, weather, Air way science, computers and Military science are big ones. You should be thinking about a Masters too if you are considering being an Air Force Officer.
996920
Join the Air Force...\n\nAIRBORNE LEADS THE WAY!
1008014
Yes, it does depend on your job(afsc), but there are many opportunities to travel.  I am in the Air Force and do enjoy it.   I would join the Air Force, because you are not stuck on a ship for over six months, seasickness, and if you are a straight male the Air Force does have more women serving.  The Air Force gets better funding than the other branches, we have better bases, better medical facilities, etc. If you are to join and looking to travel, ask the recruiter what jobs can you travel a lot with...GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!
507019
It is not losing 4 years of your life. If you join up you will be exposed to all kinds of new experience and all kinds of people, some just like you. If you stay in a maintenance job for long enough, you are able to qualify for the same job in the real world. Meaning, that the Air Force pays you to learn something new and will give you the option to attend college while serving in the Air Force, feed you, and cloth you at their expense. If you score high enough on the ASVAB test you are able to choose your job. Also the door is open to become an officer and many other things. Think about it. You are the only one who can decide what you do. No one else can.
665440
You should join the Air Force ROTC.  They will let you finish college and they will pay your tuition.  Then, you are obligated to 4 years in the Air Force as an officer.
207431
This is a truly personal decision, and if you have any doubts, don't do it.\n\nKids your age do not appreciate their freedom in this country, but let me tell you that older people do.  There may not be much support for the war, but there is tremendous support for the men and women who fight.\n\nMy husband waited until he was 23 to join the Army.  It was always something he had wanted to do, but he waited until he was sure.  His family and friends are all very proud of him.  I think the cut-off age to join is 30, so you have more than enough time to think it over and decide if this is something you want to do.\n\nThe Military lifestlye is not easy.  You basically give up your freedom to fight for someone else's.  It means long hours of hard work, even when you are not deployed to war.  It is separation from your family and friends.\n\nBut the Military is a family in and of itself.  Your brothers and sisters in arms are always there to help you in your time of need.  You are always fed and you always have a free place to stay.  You become very close with your new family, and some of these single soldiers are wild!  It can be a lot of fun at times.  \n\nThere are many benefits.  Employers will always look at your military service and respect you for your decision.  Not only do you get full medical and dental insurance, you get good life and disabilty insurance, God forbid you ever have to use it.  You also get college tuition assistance, and you only have to serve for three years to qualify for the G.I. bill and a VA loan.  You can get college grants when you get out and you are almost guaranteed for a home loan.  These benefits will follow you forever.  I have an uncle who served in Vietnam who is still using the VA loan benefit to buy land.\n\nSo, there are many risks and many benefits to serving in the Military.  You have to weigh these in your own mind and heart and decide what you want to do.  But let me tell you that there are people who will appreciate your decision if you decide to join, now or later.\n\nGood Luck
441452
personal opinion?  couldn't find any web statistics so, here's just what I would think.....\nif you have the option to do so, I'd go to college premilitary.\nin case you haven't noticed, there is a very vicious war going on & God knows when we will EVER get out.  Once you are deployed, you could experience things in war that will haunt you/distract you the rest of your life hindering your ability to concentrate & learn.\nIt may even destroy your motivation to go to college...if it was peacetime with no chance of war, i would say go for it, pick up the experience & training the military has to provide, but in the present/ongoing world climate, go on to college first....besides once you get your bachelor's degree, you can enlist & go into officer's training & commission in as an officer with all the ammenities attached.  good luck in your decision
479370
The higher the better.  Air Force is very competitive.  Also, your ASVAB score will determine which MOS (jobs) you will or won't qualify for. You only get a couple shots at the ASVAB, so study your brains out!