Should I join the Air Force with a young child?

Question

Ever since High School I've been thinking about joining the Air Force since it provides excellent training, good educational benefits, health benefits, and if I work hard I can retire while still relatively young. However, everyone I knew always said not to join the military, so I put it off.

However, I recently had my first child (she's about 6mo old), and so I'm thinking about it again since it provides a lot of security for her. Plus, and least I would get training and educational assistance that'll help me with a career outside the military, and at most it could turn into a career.

I'm just scared that I might be jumping into something without really thinking about it, so can anyone give me advice? Like, should I wait till she's older? Or what would be the pros and cons for me joining? Should I do it at all?

Answer 1

If I were you, I would wait until your daughter is old enough to remember you when you get back from boot camp. But that having been said, I don't know what kind of situation you are in. If you have other viable options that will allow you to take good care of your child, put it off for a little while. Make sure you understand that boot camp is 7 weeks (I think) and then you have more school after that, during which time you won't get to have your daughter with you. However, depending on your situation, it may be best to do it now if you have someone to watch her. Health care benefits are great, pay isn't fantastic but they will make sure you can get by. Plus there's the extra incentives of free legal services, free tax preparation, income-based child care, and a whole host of other things. My mother joined the air force after she divorced my dad, and it worked out well for her. But I was four at the time.
I would definitely say that if this is what you really want to do, go for it. But think of your daughter in every decision you make, including what job you will be doing. The good news is that the air force has the shortest deployments of all the branches, so if you do get deployed, you'll be back sooner. I wouldn't suggest the army if you have children - those poor people are gone for up to 18 months at a time.
Good luck!

PS: Yes, you CAN join the military if you're single with a child - mu husband is a recruiter and puts in people all the time who are in that situation. Whoever it was who said you can't doesn't know what he's talking about.

Answer 2

Well I think it is an excellent idea to join the Air Force. It will be a great way to support your new family and make something of yourself. I just got out of the US Navy and my wife is Air Force, and if I could do it all over again I would have joined the Air Force. They have the best quality of life between all the branches of the service. The only thing you will have to do is get your parents to take care of your daughter while you go through boot camp and or deployments. I would talk with a recruiter and ask a bunch of questions, after all that's what they are there for. also remember to choose a career field that will benefit you and your daughter. well I hope that this helps. Take care..

Answer 3

Don't go into this blind, especially as a parent. You don't talk about a husband here so I'm assuming you aren't married. If that's the case you do have to make permanent custody arrangements for your child while you're in the service. This doesn't just mean while you're in training or deployed but while you're serving at a normal stateside job. That's because you never know when you're going to be called up at a moment's notice. Sometimes you walk into the office, are handed orders and leave all before lunch. It doesn't happen often but it can so you can't be the person who is supposed to be there at 5pm to get the kid from daycare.

That and the fact that a number of civilian judges have made custody decisions to the civilian parent while the service member is overseas. I can see their argument that the child needs to know where home is and has a right to security but when they decide permanent custody while the service member is in Iraq and can't be present to state their case it's just sad.

Personally, I think this is a hard enough life for kids when only one parent is a service member. I don't know how hard it would be if their only parent was.

Answer 4

If you been wanting to join since High School, then your definitely not jumping into it w/out really thinking about it. Come on, you been thinking about it since High School, that's awhile now. It sounds like it's in your heart & something you really want to do for your future & for your kid. I think right now is a great time to join! yes, it's good security for her, health insurance & money wise. Plus, you got yourself a stable job. I guess the only bad side about it is that you will be working long hours (you will have to leave her with a Daycare Center while your working) & will have to travel alot/move around alot, be deployed, etc. If you don't mind all that, then GO FOR IT!

And NO, you don't have to give up custody of your child. The person that said that in here is a complete IDIOT! & is mad at the Military. That is NOT true at all. So, don't let any negative comments on here discourage you. Stay positive & thank you for wanting to serve our country.

Answer 5

You can join the Air Force, if you want, but I would suggest leaving the young child out of it until she is at least 18 years old and can make her own decision. PS, if you do decide to serve our country, may God Bless you and be always with you

Answer 6

unless you are married you cannot join the Air Farce under any circumstances. They do not accept single parents. Not even males who have no attachment to their children. Also be aware that you will probably deploy to a war zone if you join. Sometimes the nonknowing think that the AF doesnt deploy. It is still considered an armed service even thought it could't fight its way out of a wet paper bag.

Answer 7

In order for you to join the military now, you have to give up custody of your baby. Give custody to your parents, and when you are done with boot camp and your A school, you can take her to your new duty station. I am so pro military. It's a great idea for you.

Answer 8

if you are a single parent you cannot enlist, period. Giving up custody for the sole purpose of enlisting is not allowed. This applies to all Branches.

You MIGHT be able to go Reserves. MIGHT. but the AF is severely overmanned and is looking to get rid of thousands of AD personnel right now.

Answer 9

Ask yourself this "When the Air Force sends me over seas for 12 or more months what or who will take care of my baby".

Answer 10

no.
go to school, get a degree, get a job, then re-consider the military.