My husband is 28 and in good shape. He wants to enlist in the military, preferably the Air Force. The only thing is, we have three children already. We've heard somewhere that there is a maximum amount of dependents that you can have when enlisting and that with 3 kids plus a wife, four dependents wouldn't be acceptable.
2007-10-06 19:22:41 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes there is a maximum number of dependents permitted without a waiver
"The Navy, for example requires a waiver for any applicant with more than one dependent (including the spouse). To receive a waiver, the applicant must show that they are financially responsible (which means the Navy will check their credit report).
In the Marine Corps, a waiver is required if an applicant has any dependent under the age of 18.
The Air Force will do a financial eligibility determination (see below) if the member has any dependents at all.
The Army requires a waiver if the applicant has two or more dependents (in addition to the spouse).
The Coast Guard requires a waiver if there is more than one dependent (other than spouse), unless the applicant is enlisting in the grade of E-4 or above, when the limit is two dependents (other than spouse). "
So for the Air Force even being married to you is too many dependents and he will have to get a waiver
2007-10-06 20:08:25 · answer #1 · answered by Gray Wanderer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Just a couple of things...$4000 a month after 7 years is no where near the norm..he is getting recruiter pay, which includes some bonuses. You can search online for the military pay charts to get a better idea of what to really expect.
Know that if he does enlist, you will be on your own while he is in basic and more than likely, while he is in tech school...so figure at least the first 6 months. Of course, once enlisted he could be gone for up to 18 months at any time. Also, base housing for larger families is limited...the average wait is usually 6-12 months. As he would be lower ranked but need a larger house, it could take longer, so you will have to be able to find a place that his housing can pay for...and again this is determined in a large part by rank. There is a very strong chance that your kids may be expected to share a room depending on how the sex and ages breakdown.
I certainly don't want to discourage him...we have been an AF family for 14 years...but it isn't easy and starting out with three kids may be tough.
2007-10-07 11:24:50 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My husband is an AF recruiter. Your husband is too old. You have to be 27 and not turn 28 before the first day of basic training. There is an age waiver, but you also have too many dependents. The AF is very hard to get into. He turns down more people than he puts in. There are credit checks (with debt ratios involved), physicals, height/weight ratios, test scores (ASVAB), among many others, that are involved. There is a dependency waiver, but I'm not sure if they can do both waivers on your husband at the same time. If my husband was awake, I'd ask him. Comment back if you want more info, and I'll ask him for you if you're really serious. Also remember that each branch (AF, Marines, Navy and Army) have VERY different standards for joining. The AF is the hardest to get into. The Army is the easiest...but we'd recommend AF and then Marines. Keep in mind that Marines and Army have infantry (and the AF does not have infantry). With three kids that makes a difference. All branches serve our country well and all get paid the same based on rank. You have to consider your branch carefully based on the type of lifestyle that you want to live. Benefits: My husband clears $4,000 a month, we pay nothing for medical, he gets 30 days paid vacation a year, and he can retire at 20 years (he's been in for 7)...not too bad.
2007-10-07 02:49:57 · answer #3 · answered by kass 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
"An applicant meets dependency requirements of this rule if he or she is
--Without a spouse and with no dependents.
--Married and, in addition to the spouse, has two or less dependents.
--Without a spouse and does not have custody of dependents.
--Married and, in addition to the spouse, has three or more dependents under the age of 18 and a waiver is granted . "
http://www.us-army-info.com/pages/pdfs/enlistment-standards.doc
2007-10-07 02:41:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hon, I don't know about that hogwash because my daughter is in the military and she has 5 children, none of that barred her enlistment.
2007-10-11 01:26:36 · answer #5 · answered by Sgt Little Keefe 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't think there is a max. Check with the recruiter.
2007-10-07 02:43:31 · answer #6 · answered by midnitrondavu 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Where did your hear this? I suppose that the solution is simple though..... don't have more kids.
2007-10-07 02:32:20 · answer #7 · answered by jackson 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋