I have a dilemma. I am about to graduate and always wanted to join Air Force but never had the courage because of the whole Iraq situation. But now that I hear that the military can help pay off your student loans...I am thinking about joining. So I was talking about it to my husband...I will be serving for 4yrs and have my loan paid off then paying my loan for the next 20yrs. He says that he will leave me if I do join. I am assuming because he was in the Army he had bad experiences or that I will cheat on him. But I would want to give payment on a house instead of paying my loan. So should I do it or not? Please help. Thank you.
2007-08-22 14:50:46 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
hun, you should only enlist if you feel a strong urge to protect and serve your country. If it's only to pay off bills, than go to a finacial advisor to help lower the intrest rates and consolidate them.
your husband is a bit off for saying an "or else" kinda thing. But at the same time, he's been through it and is probably just protecting you from alot of heartache.
2007-08-22 19:30:23 · answer #1 · answered by Green eyed Tlingit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One thing that you have to remember is this. Once you join, thats it. It's not like a job where if you don't like after a month you can just leave. If you sign up and they say 4 years, than that means 4 years. Not a minute sooner, not a minute later. I know its very tempting to just let uncle sam pay for the loans.
Just think though, how long have you been in the relationship and is it worth it? Are there kids involved? You have to decide if the benefits outway the consequences. I don't think theres a guy on the planet who can be faithful for 4 years, so thats why he probably said he'd leave. Not because he's worried about you, but because of everything he would have to deal with.
Oh and FYI in case you chose the Air Force thinking they only fly and don't fight on the ground...... thats definately not the case.
2007-08-22 15:04:06 · answer #2 · answered by GTO LovR 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are talking about CLRP (College Loan Repayment Program). It is the one of the main reasons I ended up joining the Air Force. Prior to joining I went to college for 3 years, and couldnt afford to go anymore. I had student loans and was told the Air Force would pay off my student loans for me. My recruiter didn't really know a whole lot about CLRP when I joined. When I got to basic we had a briefing on the GI Bill and CLRP. They said you could either sign up for the GI Bill or the CLRP, but not both. And even if you sign up for the CLRP you are NOT guaranteed to get your loans repaid. You have to be selected to receive CLRP. Well, I still had a year left until I got my bachelors, and I wanted to get my degree, so I chose the GI Bill which is free money for education to finish my bachelors and get my masters, rather than applying for CLRP and having the possibility of not getting selected. Then I'd be out of luck receiving money for college to finish school and STILL not have my loans repaid.
So take everything into consideration. This is something you should talk about and be in complete agreement with your husband on. Don't do anything to rash. BTW, I am now happily married to a fellow Airman, but my ex husband is Army and I understand how your husband would have a bad taste in his mouth about the military. However, the Air Force way of life is ALOT different than the Army. They treat their people a whole heck of a lot better than the Army treated my ex husband. Yes, the Air Force still goes on deployments and what not, but the quality of life is much better for the Air Force.
Just remember, the military is not for everyone. Good luck in whatever decision you make.
2007-08-22 16:08:19 · answer #3 · answered by Sharpie211 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe try to talk to him about the options they offer you. You should see if there are any bonuses available, or if you can choose the base you go to once you complete your initial training. If he knew that you had done research and knew where you were headed he may get on board. There is nothing that says you would have to leave him where you live now for four whole years. While you are in basic training he couldn't come, but after that, he would be able to come live with you and it would be a great chance to see new places and experience new things. That BAH is not a lot of money, but it's enough to cover most of a mortgage payment every month. Good luck.
2007-08-22 15:34:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
decide which you want more: your spouse, or to have the loan paid off. Then decide if you are really wanting to join for the RIGHT reasons. I see nothing in there about you wanting to serve your country, in fact, I would. hazard a guess that you would balk at being deployed anywhere based on your comment above.
2007-08-23 01:16:24 · answer #5 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you only live once. Four years is so short, you'll feel better that your lone is paid off and you'll have done something you always wanted to do but never had the courage. I would go for it!
2007-08-22 14:55:35 · answer #6 · answered by Keith M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tough situation... I would stay with your husband, especially this is the beginning of your marriage. All else comes second, even money trouble.
2007-08-22 14:55:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is a critical job then there maybe incentives and I think one of them is in the medical field.
2007-08-22 14:56:06 · answer #8 · answered by American Dissenter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I heard air force life isn't that bad. I say go for it.
2007-08-22 15:00:55 · answer #9 · answered by Patsfan 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋