Need help deciding on enlisting into the Air Force??

Question

I am 18 years old and will be graduating in the top of my class in May. I have dualed enrolled the last 2 years, and I already have a year done towards my degree. I really think I want to join the air force right after i graduate. My parents would rather that I didnt but I really want to move out of my home town and meet some new people. If I decide to join what will the life be like on the air force base. Will I meet a bunch of new people around the same age as myself? Also, what are the typical things young airmen go out and do on their time off from their job??Please feel free to share reasons why joining the Air Force would be a good idea.

I already tried to do the ROTC thing and I missed the deadline for it. However I think there is a program to enter ROTC while your on active duty.

Answer 1

I also joined the AF after graduating high school... of course, that was in '98 when people's attitude about the military was a little different (people actually supported us if we wanted to join-- I would anticipate seeing 8-10 people who say "only join if you want to die for Bush" or something assinine like that).

Congrats on doing so well in school and I hope you maintain the motivation to continue your education if/when you enlist in the AF. As I'm sure you know, we have great education benefits (including 100% tuition assistance).

One of my main reasons for joining was something simliar to what you explained in your question: I just wanted to get out! I'm from NJ and it seemed like people never went anywhere; everyone was just content to grow up, go to school, and stay in the area for the rest of their lives. I wanted something more. Although I certainly could have gone to college with scholarships, I had no idea what I ultimately wanted to do and the thought of wasting 4 (or possibly more) years going to school for nothing seemed silly.

After all of my training (mine was well over a year long due to the career field I chose), I ended up in San Antonio, TX at Lackland AFB (right back where it all started with Basic Training!). It was not my ideal choice for an assigment, but my options are limited with my job so... You will stay in the dormitories (unless you are married in which case you will be able to live off-base or apply for base housing)... to me, the dorms are just like college dorms (and in the AF, we do call them dorms, not barracks like the other services). MOST bases have single occupancy rooms for their permanent duty personnel so you shouldn't have to worry about a roommate. You will more than likely share a bathroom with another girl thought (your rooms will be connected by an adjoining bathroom, don't worry, ;) the doors lock from both sides). There are parties in the dorms and lots of people to meet. PPQ throw BBQs and play football or volleyball, go to the pool or the gym, watch TV on the big screen in the dayroom or just chill in your room and do whatever you want! I really enjoyed my time in the dorms! And yes, the dorms are for E-4s and below (in almost all cases) so most people will be between 18-22 or so... Young Airmen do the same things that other young people do in their off time. Like I said, we hang out at the dorms, go to movies, clubs and bars (if age appropriate and if it's something you enjoy of course!), and hang out with friends!

I have been in for nearly 9 years now and I wouldn't change it for anything. I enjoy my job, I love what the AF has to offer me, and I know that when I get out-- be it tomorrow or in 11 years (like I currently plan), I will be able to get a well-paying job based on my training alone (this isn't necessarily true for all career fields-- but with mine, I don't even need college to be able to work for a federal agency starting around $60K).

Please let me know if you have any questions, and good luck with your decision.

EDIT: I saw you were interested in going ROTC...if being an officer is something you would like to do, you can get picked up for OTS (Officer Training School) and get your commission once you are in. OTS and other commissioning programs are based on your performance and your commander's recommendation.

Answer 2

have you thought about the Air force ROTC?

In both college and enlisting in the air force you will meet a lot of people your own age. Though the people in the air force ROTC will be a notch above the enlisted ones.

A typical air man does the same things any young person with a job does in there off time. Depends where you live what there is to do.

If you do ROTC when you get out you will be in the air force but with more pay and more benefits. Also while you are in college there are a lot of amazing things you can do over the summer that you would not get a chance to do just enlisting.

I think joining the Air force is a good idea but i would say if you are top of your class you really should go to college and not waist your ability. Talk to the ROTC people at a college you are thinking of going to.

Answer 3

Your best bet is the Air Force but first go to college for awhile, get a Senator to recommend you to the Air force Academy. There you can find all the people your age that is what my first husband did and became a pilot. He got his back hurt got out on Medical Discharge but the benefits he had were so outstanding. He went to Houston Air Control Center and was put in the field to instruct pilots and when the plane would leave he was a instructor to show them how to fly. He passed away from Leukemia at a young age. But, his wife has so many benefits that she will never want for anything. Try the Air Force if you must join , you'll have it made.

Answer 4

It depends on your tech school. Mine was very long but most are short, during which you're pretty much treated like a baby. Once you're out of class and have been there long enough (about a month or so) you can mostly do what you want. Once you graduate it's just like having any other job. The quality of living is higher, you don't have to be on a ship for a long time, and you won't be swamped with work and extra duties all the time like in the army.

Answer 5

The Air Force is an excellent choice for the short term or for a career. We were in for over 20yrs and loved it. Absolutely the best people in the world to work with (that includes all the services), lots of interesting career fields (many hi-tech), great training and the opportunity for advanced education. It’s a great chance to do something for your comrades, your country and yourself.

Answer 6

did you concider the AF academy? i know some people who did that and its great for your future. but tech school had some of the greatest times of my life, met life long friends and got a career out of it if i want to get out.

Answer 7

Go to college.....