Reenlisting in the Army?

Question

I need unbiased opinions on reenlisting in the Army. I would go back in as a PFC, either with my previous MOS (56M - Chaplain's Assistant) or as a 68P - Radiology Specialist if it is available. I have a husband and 2 kids, and while I do realize that there is a possibility of deployment, our family's situation would benefit in several ways. Is it worth it? I'd really like to see if anyone can offer some fresh views on the issue. And please no answers from folks just looking to bash the military and/or the war.

To clarify, I'm not talking about reenlisting as in I'm currently a soldier, I'm talking about reenlisting as in I had gotten out and I am thinking about going back in. And don't get me wrong, I'd miss my kids like crazy if I got deployed (I've been a stay-at-home mom for 3 years now), but isn't the overall wellbeing of my family (financially, medically, and otherwise) more important than spending 12 months away?

Answer 1

My husband made that decision and even though it has been a little rough - he loves his job and the bonus and benefits are good too. Your children should be proud of you as well as your husband. Try going to marriedtothearmy.com Good luck with your decision. By the way... you could always lose your life by stepping out in front of a bus - so do something worthwhile with your life - the odds are in your favor. Look at the REAL stats not the hype.

Answer 2

Tough question ... here are some smaller questions that might help. 1 - Do you like being in the service? 2 - Do you have skills that can land you good options on the outside (do not forget medical benefits) 3 - Do the moves impact your husband's career options 4 - Same questions for your kids (some times moving is actually good) 5 - How many years do you have in 6 - Do deployments almost undo your marriage? 7 - Do you count on military benefits like BHA, TDY pay, PX commissary 8 - Do you thrive in the "Base environment" 9 - What about retirement benefits 10 - What about the real prospect of the ultimate sacrifice 11 - Do you need to be on that line of national security ... yeah I've been there. USAF 14years Navy brat. Came real close to punching out at 12 years ... two last things. Do not forget the reserves / Army NG and pray about it and a lot! MAC

Answer 3

Try talking to an Air Force recruiter about reenlisting as a Chaplain's Asst. A friend of mine from High School had the job & lined it. Main reason I mention it though is AF quality of life is much better & Iraq deployments for most specialties (including that one) are ranging from 2-6 months. It might be tough over summer with all the HS kids coming oout, but new slots open in Aug & I'm sure they'd be happy to have you. As far as the personal decision, hell if I know that's personal. If you're talking active versus reserve, is your husband/fam ready to move stations with you, and how are you going to handle child care if you deploy. Not trying to turn you away from it, just you need to think it all out & weigh your options (hence talking to the AF or even Navy).

Answer 4

You'd have to look at whether the pay and benefits you would receive in the military would be worth the separation from your family. I would say that if you are doing it soley for the money you could probably get a job or two that would pay more than you'd make as a PFC. Remember that E-2's don't make a whole lot. If its benefits you are looking for than you may indeed be better off. One thing to remember is that you probably won't be in combat with those MOS's, so your risk of injury and death is low. I would check out what they have as far as reserves go and see what benefits you could derive from there first. It comes down to which is going to help you more, working two jobs and being away from your family most of the day, or re-upping and possibly being away from you r family for a year. Tough choice you got. Good Luck.

Answer 5

If you could I would go in as the radiologist cause you would get the training for the outside world. My hubby is a SSG and just re-enlisted while in Iraq for a 2nd time so we are career now doing 20. We have been 8 years now and as much as we hate seeing him gone there is no way we would make it on the outside we have 3 kids and they have had so many various medical issues and myself we just couldn't afford it. I am not saying to do it but you really have to consider what is best for you future and the sake of your family if you have a choice I wouldn't go back in as a chaplins assistant cause they take forever to be promoted. Yes there is a possibility of deployment but what other job can you get that will help buy your uniforms, have full medical coverage, free or assisted housing and where you can in some ways make life long friends??

Answer 6

It is your choice, the military can be a great thing, but you have to consider the "what if" you go to Korea, Iraq or somewhere like that.

Can your husband take care of the kids if you are gone for a year..

If you want a better job when you get out the radiology is a good field

Answer 7

This is a very hard one but a question you really need to ask yourself as a mother....is your families well being right now worth the chance of you losing your life? Yes I know the chances are slim but they are still a possibility. Is this enlistment to improve your family situation or to make it so that your family can survive...big difference. if you are doing OK without the deployment, who enlist unless you truly love the army. Don't do it just for the benefits.

Answer 8

I think as a mom with 2 kids you should re think this as a possibilty. Benefits??? OK, sure, but, what if those kids end up being raised by a single dad?? Ya gotta look at it from every angle. Its something you really need to talk with your husband in depth about.......

Answer 9

if it is something you want too do be happy and enjoy the job you choose