I am 24, married, and I have 2 children. I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager but have recentlky discovered that time has healed my back. Now that I have a clean bill of health and a straight back I am interested in joining the Air Force (something I have only dreamed about til now) and to become a nurse. Would it be selfish of me to leave my kids to join the military? I'm really sruggling with the idea of leaving them and my husband to follow this dream.
2007-01-12 01:35:41 · 5 answers · asked by kjclaycamp82 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
One thing about the Air Force: it's in the middle of a massive draw down, which means they're forcing a lot of people out. You might try the Navy.
2007-01-12 02:28:12 · answer #1 · answered by DOOM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that it would be selfish to join the Air Force; your family normally is going to be with you except for basic training and deployments. You need to talk to your husband, though and see what he feels about this. Are you looking to become a nurse while you are in the Air Force or do you think that it could be better for you to become a nurse then join the Air Force?
If you join the AF, you should be able to go to school and your tuition will be covered, but your job may require you to deploy and you'll have a harder time finishing up with school. If you become a nurse first, you'll be paid better once you join active duty.
Another thing to consider is the level of physical activity in the Air Force, will you be able to run and be active consistently now that your back is okay or can you hurt your back by that?
So in a nutshell, no it is not selfish of you to leave your kids to join the military.
2007-01-12 01:51:40 · answer #2 · answered by Pen E. Wise 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a great life and it pays well when you get higher in rank. It takes commitment as any other job would, but a lot more demanding than working in a factory. You won't get bored and the scenery usually changes as you have different "tours" at different bases around the world. As a nurse you may well end up in Iraq and be away from your family quite a bit. Just the educational benefits are worth a six year tour, but if you want to retire in 20 years with half pay you'll have to stick with it. On most bases there is a tight knit community and its like having an extended family. The camaraderie is the greatest, and so is the "esprit de corp". Your family will grow up as military brats, and most likely it will be a great experience for all of you. Like I said before it takes a lot of commitment, but well worth it. From a retired Senior Master Sergeant (Air Force) with 39 years total service. Have a great life!!
2007-01-12 01:53:51 · answer #3 · answered by ronman612001 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tough decision there although it's true the AF is the Cadillac of the service going in married with children,now is the time these children need their mom and you will not be around much for them at such a young age then your husband might not like it much either. Not much money and then theirs housing not enough on base housing it's reserved for those with a little more rank. Been there done that lady. Become a nurse and stay home and raise those kids.
2007-01-12 02:20:43 · answer #4 · answered by L J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the idea of moving every four or five years doesn't bother you than I say go for it. The military, especially the Air force has a lot of opportunities. It can be hard on dependents moving and having to make new friends every four or five years but kids are tough and will adapt.
Go for it.
2007-01-12 01:45:33 · answer #5 · answered by crazyhorse19682003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋