Air Force or not??

Question

My husband wants to go into the Air Force and I just wanted to ask..preferably people that have been there done that, if they think it was a good idea or not? Im just worried he's going to go straight to Iraq. Well just let me know, thanks!

Answer 1

You asked if joining was a good idea from somebody who has done it? Well, I was a punk-@$$ kid, who had drunk his way out of not 1, but 2 universities. I was at home working in factories going nowhere quick. My brother, who was in the AF, sat me down and verbally beat the hell out of me. I came from a very patriotic family, but just didn't know if I could handle taking orders, and stuff. 17 years later, I'm still in, and love what I do. I have been all over the world, and seen things I would have never had a chance to other wise. I grew up, and became a Father. And, I know I would have never had turned out like this if it wasn't for the military. Is it a good idea? You bet! As far as going to Iraq, comparitively there isn't alot of Air Force in Iraq vs. other branches. Most of the time, we are in surrounding countries, supporting the war as I am right now. It's tough at times, and the seperation sucks, but there is a greater cause. If you keep focused on the bigger picture, it should be a rewarding experience for not only your husband, but you as well. Most of the AF rotations to the desert are 4 or 6 months, so that helps. If the two of you need any questins answered, feel free to e-mail me anytime! mac

Answer 2

I think that your husband is making an honorable decision if he serves his country. It takes fortitude and discipline to join the military. As far as the AF in particular I think it is a great choice. Your AFSC will more than likely determine how often and when you deploy. The AF does not have an infantry besides Security Forces so his chances of dying in a combat environment are slim depending on his job. I have deployed to Iraq twice and in the AF it is a great carrer. I have been in 7 years. People outside of the military always want to voice their opinion about what goes on when they really have no clue. If your husband joins and you are ready to support his choice together you will be fine. Iraq is an option however, when he signs up he should think about why he is making this choice and how you feel about it. AF recruiters are friendly and willing to show him around the base he should ask to shadow someone in the job that he is interested in. The AF is a close family which is like anything else it is what you make of it.

Answer 3

He will not go straight to Iraq, it will be at least 6 months to a year if he does go. Some jobs deploy more,like Civil Engineering jobs or Security Forces and some don't deploy often. I have been in the AF for 5 yrs and have deployed twice for 4 months. Iraq is not as bad as it seems, and its getting better. I just came back in september of this year. David S. is full of BS and I doubt that he is even in the military. I love being in the Air Force.

Answer 4

There is a chance that your husband will spend some time in a combat area, but the Air Force spends much less time in these areas than the Army or Marines.

Of all the US armed services, the Air Force is most like having a regular civilian job, especially for married troops. Once you are finished with basic training and tech school, you are assigned to a squadron and a home base, and you go to work on a fixed schedule, with regular days off, and when you're off duty, you can put on civilian clothing and do pretty much anything you want to do!

Married troops can live in government owned family housing which is like having your own private apartment, or you can find housing off-base if you choose.

During the 20+ years I served in the US Air Force, I served three "overseas" tours... Thailand, Alaska and Puerto Rico, and my family was with me in Puerto Rico. The rest of the time, I spend in the good ol' US of A. I raised three children in the Air Force, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat...

Answer 5

Depends on his job. And if he does go to Iraq... most AF jobs keep you inside the fence and we usually have the shortest deployment time over the other services. (But there are exceptions).
What does your husband plan on doing or would like to do in the AF? I've been in 9 years and been a Crew Chief and now I'm a Flight Engineer...the longest I've been in Iraq is 6 hours, we fly in, drop off our cargo and head out. That was as a C5 FE. If your husband were to go in as a C5 loadmaster he'd be doing the samething.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Answer 6

Going into the military is a huge step, and will change your life dramatically. My husband just left the military this summer in order to move closer to our family. We had a wonderful experience, and miss it terribly. The Air Force is the best branch of the military IMHO, and is a whole new family. The life is not easy, but you'll find yourself to be stronger than you thought you could ever be. We didn't leave cold- turkey- my husband is still doing the Air National Guard. But, don't be scared- the Air Force is a wonderful career.

Answer 7

Not many Air Force go straight to Iraq if any. He will more likely go straight to tech school, then his permanent duty station, then maybe possibly a 4-6 month TDY to Iraq IF his AFSC is even needed there.
AF vet

Answer 8

Good Gosh lady! Let him have his manhood back!

If he gets an aircraft maintenance field he won't be there for a long time if ever. Security Forces much more likely.

It is worth the effort to join USAF, has he taken ASVAB yet?

Our old slogan was "A Great Way of Life" and it is still true.

Ret. USAF SNCO, Former Recruiter

Answer 9

DavidSum (above) has no clue. He talks like a radical, America basher who has never left his living room. The USAF is a great adventure but you will have to expect some "away" time. I was in for 27 years and had one long tour (3 years in Italy) and one short tour (one year in Alaska). The security is absolute, the people are great and the training is the best. Go for it and enjoy...

Answer 10

Let him go,he'll most likely end up state side for the duration of the war on terrorism. The only thing you have to worry about is that the ladies are real fine in the AF,so you better watch out you'll probably lose him to another woman.