What's the best thing for my husband to do?

Question

He's 28, was recently down-sized and is now contemplating joining the military. It seems like the Navy and Marines would be the best fit (in my estimation at least) so what should he do now? Start checking out the ASVAB? Contact a recruiter? I don't want him getting jerked around so I'd rather not deal with a loser recruiter but rather someone who knows what they are doing. Oh, and we live in Leavenworth, KS.

Answer 1

What ever he does you both need to know exactly what you are getting into. Don't let some recuriter feed you the line that he will never deploy. Are you ready to deal w/ long term separtions? What about the fact that he may leave and never come home? As an army wife for almost 10 yrs I've spent a lot of time as a single mom. I've had to except that the army is really the wife and sometimes that ***** gets all the attention. Can you handle that. If not then the military is not the life for you. Sorry for being so brunt but I've dealt w/ too many whinny wives who mess around on their husbands the second they've deployed then screw them over in divorces because they couldn't hack it.

Answer 2

This is definately "ask 10 people- get 10 different answers" or the Ford vs Chevy scenario.

Over the last 20 years, I have asked myself this question time and time again. Now that I am a father, I am also soul searching to provide the best, educated and qualified answer to my children.

"If I knew then what I know now"- I would join the Army AGAIN. Except this time I would have reached higher sooner. What I mean by that is, it would have been ALLOT easier to be in the Special Operations community without a wife, children, mortgage, etc. The added benefit of youth on my side would have been a welcome relief as well.

I have found that if you are contemplating a career in the military then go Army. A job that requires a clearance (Secret, Top Secret) is a value added plus. Airborne, Ranger, Special Forces, etc. are all much easier when you are single and 20 then married with children and 35.

If you are looking for a 4 years and out route, then do the AirForce/Navy thing. High Skilled civilian equivalent; so you can have a trade when you get out.

Answer 3

If he has a college degree have him look into becoming an Officer in the Marine Corp. If he doesn't, becoming an enlisted Marine is a good option as well. Just realize that being the spouse of a Military man can be hard at times. Being a Marine also looks great on a resume. And given his age he needs to go talk to a Recruiter now.

Answer 4

The recruiter is the best place to go. Just make sure you get what you want in writing. It doesnt cost anything to go talk to the recruiters. Go in for info, they will be happy to answer any questions. Once you have those answers, check them out yourself, with Ft. Leavenworth right there, there are a lot of people to talk to. Military is all over town, both active duty and retired. Just ask around.

Answer 5

I can honestly say the Air Force is the way to go. I think it's more family oriented than the Navy or Marines. My friend just separated from the Navy and she said she was on the ship for about 3 of the four years she was in. I am in the Air Force. and if you would like specifics you can email me with your questions
[e-mail]
There is so much to say i don't know where to begin but would be happy to give you as much info as you want.

Answer 6

Talk to a recruiter and HOLD out for the best enlistment
bonus they offer. My stepson went did pre-lim test
nothing with his signature and held out. He recieved
repeated calls with $$$ increases in offers of enlistment
bonus. Also the Coast Guard. Know that the Marines are the
first ones sent to war for ground troops. They have I believe
the harshest conditions while those on Naval Ships sleep in
bunks the Marines sleep in fox holes they have to dig for themselves or sleeping in the hot sun 117 plus degrees
heat under the hummers or on the dirt. Things to keep in mind while deciding. I would just go and listen but not
sign and play recruiters off each other at diff locations they
will fight to get him. Good Luck.

Answer 7

You can check out the websites first and then talk to a recruiter. Recruiters are not losers they work very hard and have a lot to deal with. You might want to let your husband decide his own life.

Answer 8

Does he have a degree? A bachelor's could help him get in as on officer, which is alot more pay. Before he does anything, check into the pay rates of the military. I was married with children in the beginning of my Navy career, and it was very tough going financially.

Answer 9

sounds exactly what happened with my family. had a great job, house started a family, then came the lay-off. my hubby always wanted to serve his country for many years and for many reasons. this gave us the perfect opportunity for him to join the Navy. so far, two years into it, we are happy, it made our marriage stronger on so many levels! just dont forget about bootcamp, A or C School, deployments, ect. all these things will take him away from you and family. but...these are the same things that made us a strong family too. recruiters are not losers...keep in mind they are the ones who help you into the enlistment process, you will have to deal with one sooner or later! good luck to you and you hubby.

Answer 10

It could not hurt to take the ASVAB; it could provide help in non-military opportunities too.

What are his qualifications? Are you willing to loose him for extended periods?

There are other opportunities out there too, do more research before making a final decision, for example Monster.com