Here's the deal, I'm 27. I have given the topic much thought and have decided to join the U.S.A.F. My sister, 9 years into service in the U.S. Army currently serving in Iraq, wants me to reconsider as do most of my family. I'm not so much worried about going off to war as I am worried about actually getting in. The main purpose for entry is to get my life back on track and get out of the military everything I put in. It sounds ridiculous I know but would me entering so late in life hurt me in any way, shape or form?
As far as medical waivers are concerned, I have a slight murmur in my heart, I don't want this to disqualify me. People I have asked have told me you won't know if you don't qualify if you don't try to join. Any insight would help my decision greatly.
2007-01-05 10:41:50 · 8 answers · asked by "E" 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I had a murmur when I came in 15 years ago. It wasn't a big deal, just did an EKG on me and said I was good to go. Another poster is correct; being older is actually a good thing since you are not a kid right out of HS and have seen what life is really like for the most part. I'd say if you are ready to commit to the military lifestyle for however long you choose to stay in, then do it.
My $.02
2007-01-05 11:18:52 · answer #1 · answered by Fatboy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First things first. If you can pass high school gym class and you can say yes sir/ma'am than basic will be easy. The air force BMT (basic military training) is not as hard as the other branches. Just keep out of the way of the Training Instructers and make sure your clothing is folder right, and you will be great. You might get yelled at a few times for stupid things, but its nothing to worry about. At times you will think the air force sucks, but remember this, the operational air force is nothing like Basic. Now, the difference between the reserve and active duty. Well with reserve you would deploy more often. They spend more time overseas that active duty does. Also in the reserve its harder to make rank. I see old guys the same rank as i am and i am 23. In active duty you could make a new rank every 2 years if you try. Now your job. Intelligence i hear is a good job. A guy i once worked with went and did that job. The one thing about it is this: alot of your job is classified and you cant tell anyone what you do at work. About your grandma. just remind here that you can go to college while in the air force and get a degree. There alot of great things about the air force. If you are married you get paid extra money to live off base. (BAH). You would live in the dorms, so you would get free food at the chow hall. Free medical/dental. Every base has a gym, and most have pools. Free schooling. There are so many other things. And the last advice i will give. When you go to basic take a roll of quaters for the snack/soda machines when you get pattio breaks. Once a week on a weekend you will be allowed to go out to a little area with phones and snacks and drinks to just relax for a little bit. I think they give you like 10 minutes. But it would suck to get out there and not have any quaters.
2016-05-23 07:11:42 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A heart murmur may not disqualify you from military service, but having knowledge of it and not saying so when you go through your physical will. At some point in time the Air Force will discover your heart murmur, and it won't be very hard to prove that it was there when you enlisted. They can then do one of two things: nothing and let you continue to serve, or kick you out for "Fraudulent Enlistment." Having prior knowledge of a condition that may restrict your abilities to perform your assigned duties and not bringing that knowledge to light constitutes Fraudulent Enlistment, and that gives the Air Force the legal right to kick you out.
2007-01-05 12:13:21 · answer #3 · answered by Team Chief 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, people are right. You won't know if you qualify unless you try to join. If you don't, they'll tell you.
That's probably the best way to find out.
Entering late in life? Damn, you're still young! And probably have a better head on your shoulders than some of the kids going in at 17 (like I did!).
Good luck and have a great AF day.
2007-01-05 10:48:15 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff F 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A murmur will keep you from becoming a pilot, but the USAF needs a lot more than just pilots. I'd say Stop thinking son and DO!!
2007-01-05 10:53:33 · answer #5 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well they will ask you a million questions and threaten you with fines and imprisonment if you lie about medical or legal things from your past, but i know someone who tried to join the AF with a heart murmur and he was disqualified so, if they dont diagnose you with it at M.E.P.S. than don't say anything about it. the military doctors job is to find something wrong and disqualify you, my advice is just don't say anything to anyone about it
2007-01-05 11:19:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
do it!!! stop thinking about it, its a great place to be!!! 11 years and counting!
2007-01-05 11:55:13 · answer #7 · answered by CO#1 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
don't say a word about it. If they don't find it during the physical you are in.
2007-01-05 10:45:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋