The Air Force...?

Question

Ok, I'm thinking about going into the Air Force and I just wanted some feed back from people that we're in it. Pro's and Con's...stuff like that. Please help, I am 18 and I am in a place where I have no idea what I want to do...I think might be a good thing for me I just need to know a little more about it.

Answer 1

Do it do it!!!! I was in and loved it.

I served in the AF from 2001-2005 and had a blast (joined when I was 18). I only got out to get my education (which they are paying for, and thus I don't have to work through college) and then go back as an officer. Unless you have something awesome lined up for you right now, joining the Air Force is an excellent start. Just sign up for 4 years, don't let them talk you into 6. two reasons:

1) If you want to get out, you will be able to sooner.
2) If you want to stay in, re-enlistment bonuses are way better than any bonus you get for signing on (I was offered 60 grand), and you get it sooner. (the extra rank for signing up for 6 years is irrelevant, not worth it. you wont make higher ranks any faster).

I recommend the Air Force to anyone who hasn't figured out what they want to do with their lives, because if nothing else; you'll figure it out and have a great experience doing it. Employers love to hire prior military, you can get excelent experience, travel, meet the best friends of your life. Get a job which is in high demand on the outside, and you could be 22 years old making 100k a year plus like a lot of my friends are now. Deployments aren't bad, and you usually volunteer for them. I volunteered to go to Iraq in 2004 (three words: veteran's job preference), had a good time, great experience for very little real danger; and only had to be there 4 months. Compare that to Army (I don't know how they do 18 months... bless em).

JOBS!! LIke someone said, GET GUARANTEED!!! I was an Air Traffic Controller, and had a hell of a time. GREAT job. All my friends who got out are making really good money. I could be too, but I really want my engineerng degree.

Sign up, you will not regret it. Don't listen to anyone who complains about it, it's all about your attitude.

Answer 2

Justin H has the best answer hands down. Although I really don't agree with his profit motives. Your joining the service, the service doesn't serve you. If you have no prospects go with the AF they are the easiest deal of all the military branches. I'm in the marine infantry and every air force base I've ever been to is paradise in comparison. If I hadn't joined to go to Iraq I would've been security forces in the AF. If you wanted to its not even a problem to get at least your associates while your still in. When you take college classes while active duty you get FULL tuition assistance. Can't beat that. That way you'll be able to pocket more of your GI bill when you get out. Also, don't listen to that Danny Lightning guy. An open contract is the WORST thing you can do. Open means that you did not select an MOS from your recruiter before going to recruit training, this means they'll stick you in any job thats available. Why gamble and possibly get a stooge job when you can pick something you might really enjoy?

Answer 3

I think joining the Air Force is a great idea. I will encourage my son to join, when he is of age to do so.

I was never in the USAF, but I was in the Navy, and temporarily stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado.

Of the armed forces, it seems that the Air Force is the safest. It seems to have the most high technology. It offers the best living conditions - better food, better accomodations, and so on. I think it also offers the easiest basic training (boot camp). It is a good way to put yourself through college, if that's your thing. It also offers you lots of other opportunities. Why not talk to an Air Force recruiter, and check it out?

Answer 4

im not in any military force, but i am also around your age, trying to find where i want to go and what i want to do. from my research and other responses', air force is more relaxed than other forces. its not easy, you will be doing strenuous drills and workouts, but compared to the marines or the army, it is a lot less physical. i guess air force is more about brains than body. very technical and such. i think air force is a great way to shape yourself physically and mentally and also strengthen your resume for civillian life. try to become an officer, youll get more money and gain respect in the military and out. i say research all the military forces and decide. its all up to you! good luck

Answer 5

Never served in the Air Force, so I'll just say: If you go just because you have "nothing better to do," it's not a good idea and it will be very hard for you, but if you want to SERVE our country, then you have my respect and my gratitude.

Answer 6

The Air Force is a good option. They are less battle prone than other branches and so the choice is safer in that regard.

Answer 7

The AF is a good branch of the service. You can pretty much stay at one base for most of your career if you want.

Answer 8

i grew up in the air force. pros: you get whipped in great physical shape, you get to see the world, you broaden your horizons, you get usaa, you look good on your future resume, you get to meet all sorts of crazy people, you gain new perspectives on the world, you get pension when you retire...
cons: you get moved all over the world, you get bossed around, you dont get paid that much, you might get put in a war/conflict zone...

i loved growing up as an airforce brat, and for a while i wanted to join when i got out of college. i'd say go for it

Answer 9

Join the Coast Gaurd! more adventure

Answer 10

join up and tell the Air Force that you want to be stationed at Balad Airbase, immediately!