Give me one good reason not to change over from the army to the airforce?

Question

the airforce offers more pay for the same living conditions that the army lives in. they offer 4 month deployments instead of the over a year **** the army is doing now. i just can't see what the army has to offer me. i was trained as a tanker but do the job of a mp in iraq and i guess if the skills you have learned mean nothing to the army why not switch to the airforce and do the same job but with a better outlook?

Answer 1

My husband just looked into this possibility while being stationed din Iraq at eh Air Force Base. The Air Force is currently not taking prior service which means you get to start all over as an E-1. Secondly, the requirements for the Air Force are a lot higher. My husband would have ot finish his degree and be commissioned as an officer to keep the same job he has now in the Army. Third, don't let the easy deployments fool you. It all depends on your job. Some do have 4 to 6 month deployments but most often those are the pilots. Fourth, to get into better positions in the Air Force you will need a GT score similar to that needed for MI in the Army and you have to take the ASVAB again. The Air Force does not accept scores from prior military. I know, it sucks but there isn't much you can do. Also, the Air Force uses a lot of Army MPs and doesn't have to many of its own for deployments.

Answer 2

Go for Air Force. My husband is in it and loves it. He's in Iraq right now and instead of being on the front lines, he's further back in a support role. But, gotta warn ya, the Air Force is going to longer deployments now. Yes there are still some 3 monthers, but 6 is common now and I've heard they are trying out a few 1 years.
But the housing is better in the AF. I've sadly heard of Army folks that live on AF bases and are so surprised with enlisted housing that they think a mistake was made and they were accidently given officer housing. Its sad at how big a difference there is in the living situations between branches.
Also, talk to a re enlistment advisor before you consider cross training. Your first reenlistment as AF you might qualify for the reenlistment bonus, depending on your career field. And do your homework on career choices. Its hard to cross train after you get into certain job fields, although you will have the opportunity to cross train after making Tech Sgt.

Answer 3

Will I see you have good reason why you want to change over to the Airforce and I say it's about time you did it. I was on an airforce bases and the nco's at this bases would get a free, fresh seafood buffet every Tuesday night Airforce is the elite as far as I am concern. I don't see any good reason why you would want to stay in the Army. Go for it and see if you can transfer.

Answer 4

Curious about the "more pay" comment in your question. Pay for all service members is the same based on rank and years of service. If your an MD you get more, but not in base pay. I served as an army officer, my cousin is now in the USAF (true 4 months...good deal), my father was a naval officer and my Uncle a USAF officer. Each service has its good and not so good point. The only advantage I can comment on is that the potential and rate of promotion have historically been better in the army than the USAF. But if you are not career or a "lifer" that's not a big consideration. Good luck on your decision.
PS While on active duty in the army I attend graduate school in my "spare time?". One class was held at the AFB outside of Wichita Falls, TX (Sheppard AFB perhaps). I went to obtain transient officers housing and was give a key to a 2 bedroom, wood paneled, color TV in both bedroom, small kitchen, single bath. I went back to the housing office, told them they must have given me housing above my grade (2LT) and please adjust. The young NCO corrected me that the apartment I was provided was indeed for junior officers. My uncle, a retired USAF COL was right......best housing in the service. It beat the tar out of my PCS BOQ; single room with bath and a wall kitchen hidden behind accordion curtains!

Answer 5

Mate, Pay and "What can you do for me" is what everyone is about. The Army and Marines are about respect, while the Air Force is finesse.

Are you in the military for a short time to make some cash and get some schooling = Air Force.
Are you a soldier because you want to be a soldier = Army.

Answer 6

if you are in a critically manned career specialty (ie. "mp") - even the Air Force is extending deployments longer than 4 months - sometimes up to 12 months. You're right however, the outlook, quality of life is better in the AF. (11 years so far...) I'd make the switch.

Answer 7

You go for what you think is right for you. I almost made the mistake of going Navy from the Air Force but they couldn't guarantee to keep these two feet of mine on land. I loved my Air Force job but got stuck in the Strategic Air Command for 4 years. Once I was shipped to another command all was fine. If you don't like what your doing by all means look into something else whether or not it's Army or Air Force.

Answer 8

All the facts you point out are true - the only reason I can give is an emotional one based on prior service. The Army is a military force. The Air Force is not.

Answer 9

One reason: The Air Force is currently Overmanned and is NOT taking any Prior Service personnel at this time.

Answer 10

You need to STAY where you can bellow "HOOAH," solider!!! Stop whining and stay GREEN!!! You also have a better chance of killing terrorists in the4 Army as Rumsfeld would say, "At the end of the day, that's what it's all about!"