I am 23 and a freshman in college. I have two boys (2 an 4) and I am thinking about joining the AF. Mostly because I have found it nearly impossible to attend school and provide for my boys (healthcare, housing, etc) and because I love this country!
This is a huge decision and so I am asking everyone for any thoughts or advice about this? Really anything! Things to watch out for, good points, how I should help my boys, etc.
Thanks:)
2007-12-28 08:27:04 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I am married. My hildren would be with their father while I am away. (he is in he Air National Guard)
2007-12-28 08:59:40 · update #1
You can get a waiver for dependants, you just have to work at it. My husband enlisted and he leaves for Basic on March 18, 2008. We have 3 daughters for a total of 4 dependants.
Talk with a recruiter, that's your best bet rather than asking here.
BTW, my husband got in with 3 waivers and is nearing the cut off age, so anything aside from PDQ's are possible.
2007-12-28 09:44:59 · answer #1 · answered by trrei 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you can't enlist if your husband is in the national guard because what will happen if you both deploy at the same time... They used to allow that till the gulf war when people could not deploy because their husband or wife was deployed and they have children. I believe you might be able to do it with a waiver... but you would have to set up someone who would agree to take custody of your children in the event that you are both deployed. plus you would then have 3 dependents and the cut off is two. My sister enlisted in the Navy with a child. but she had to give up temporary custody. The Navy still considered her son a dependent and he had full health care, and had to send my parents child support while he was in their care. She was going to join the Air Force so she had gotten married so she would not have to give up custody. Her husband didn't want her to so he called her recruiter and told him that he was in the army. she was then no longer eligible to join the air force because she had a dependent and he was in another branch of the service. She was however able to join the navy under the same conditions.
2007-12-28 17:39:29 · answer #2 · answered by ms.jackson... 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Single parents are not granted acession into the USAF, sorry.
You can become a single parent after you come in but you can't get in as one.
Full custody to another party for the first X (1-2 years) and maybe. But I have never seen that waiver granted before and we aren't exactly hurting for recruits today.
See your local recruiter to find out if you even have a chance.
Ret. USAF SNCO, Former Recruiter
2007-12-28 16:45:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It would be next to impossible. You have too many dependants. The AF will let you have 2 dependants but not three. Your husband will count as a dependant.
The Army would take you in a heartbeat and you would receive the same benefits.
2007-12-28 17:06:06 · answer #4 · answered by mustangsally76 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Please talk to a recruiter at your first opportunity....We can tell you what we think but that really doesn't matter too much at the end of it all...I had to laugh when somebody said we were downsizing - we are but not the way most people think...we're not looking to reduce the number of people that come in...we're reducing the number of people who stay, specifically certain career fields. A recruiter is going to give you the most current, most accurate information.
Also, please seriously consider taking the GI Bill. Even if you plan on taking classes while active duty. You can use the GI Bill for a masters etc.
2007-12-28 18:32:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who are you willing to give your children to if you need to deploy? That is the question you need to ask yourself. The AF is a job that you wear a uniform to. The Air Force was good for me, but I've a sister who served who lost her child to the husband, and a niece who also lost her child to the husband. If you are willing to accept that "may" happen to you, then the AF may be the right choice for you.
2007-12-28 16:39:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You would have to find someone to look after your kids while away in training or in time of war. If you have no problems and the Air Force lets you, I say go for it. Just keep your kids in check.
Just remember, it's the military first.
2007-12-28 16:35:53 · answer #7 · answered by Rawbert 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
if you are a single parent, you may not enlist Active Duty. you may not give up full custody for the sole purpose of enlisting, and you may not regain custody at all during the first term of enlistment, a minimum of 4 years.
With a solid Family Care Plan, you could enlist in the Reserves.
2007-12-28 16:35:38 · answer #8 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If you are a single parent, I don't recommend it. Too many problems with child care and deployments, overtime, shift work, training, etc. In fact, the Air Force may not even accept single parents anymore.
2007-12-28 16:44:50 · answer #9 · answered by npk 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Since you don't mention a husband, I'm assuming you're a single parent. You can't enlist, sorry (except possibly in the Army National Guard).
2007-12-28 16:32:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋