Question for any and all who have served in the Air Force

[Grimloktt]

'96 to present. I was going to do 4 years and get out. Guess that plan went out the window. I'm glad I did it; however, I don't know if I'd join now. There's year long deployments, etc. If you don't have a family, no problem. But I have a wife, 15 mo. son and one on the way. I don't mind doing shorter deployments but not looking forward to a 1 year tour...

[lora84]

I was active duty from 1990-1996 and really enjoyed it, wish I would have stayed! The only reason I seperated is because I got pissed off at the system. The reason I got pissed is because they wouldn't allow me to get into to OTS. The AF paid for all of my college (University of Texas) and after graduation I applied to OTS and was refused. Applied for the second time with the endorsement of Major General Anderson and was denied again so I said screw it and seperated. I just didn't want to be an enlisted guy with a B.S. in my career field. I know it sounds petty that was my stand on the situation. If I would have stayed I could have retired in 2009

[xd4life]

I was a firefighter in the Airforce for 4 years, I joined in 96. It was a good time. It really does change you and your outlook on life. You will be all gun-ho military for about a year depending on your job and length of TECH school. I learned a lot, Although due to injury I can no longer get a job as a firefighter, the attention to detail, respect, and skills I learned are something that no civilian job can ever teach you. Take advantage of all the educational benifits that you can...

My wifes brother is a Linguist, He speaks several dialects of Chinese, Italian, Spanish and Arabic. He can get a job with several security agencies when he gets out, making good money. He also has been going to school to get a degree in medicine, I think he is only a few credit hours away before he can intern as a PA. he has really taken advantage of everything that they offer. And will be able to choose from a wide variety of jobs when he makes the leap to the civilian world.

[ColoXD_Fan]

I'd like to thank everyone who has provided me with stories and info. It has helped more then any recruiter could of ever done for me.

[Frenchy]

I was in from 66-70, but all of the services have changed dramatically since then. I doubt my experiences then would equate now.

[oklawall]

I retired after 24 years all in the aircraft maintance area. I loved it! The job had its ups and downs but over all there is nothing like the feeling you get when you see that jet take off and you had a part in it. The best part about the service is the people they are the best but there well be some that you can live with out. I was station in Indiana, Hiawaii, and Oklahoma with many trips to other parts of the world.

PM if you have any other questions

[XD9822]

I toured from 1958 to 1966 in SAC If I had it to do over the only thing I would change would be to remain in until they kicked me out
Attitude is every thing. I left the Nam as an e-5 just prior to my discharge. and to this day I still regret having left the service

[DanTheEldest]

One of my chief regrets in life is that I didn't serve (in my youth I lacked the idealism I now possess ), but the Air Force would have been my pick if I had. If you have any desire at all in enlisting, my advise would be to follow Nike's motto and just do it. As has been mentioned, there are many benefits that come from having served once you get into the outside world in addition to the satisfaction of knowing you did it. I come from a family with military roots and all the services are represented--the AF definitely treats its people the best and has the best facilities. Good luck, and keep us posted on what you decide to do.

[ColoXD_Fan]

bump, just for the chance at more input

[The Knight Of Light]

Originally Posted by ColoXD_Fan

bump, just for the chance at more input

Well OK! I have been in for 13 years(Jan) and I have had a lot of fun and a lot of heartache and pain doing this job. You need to be ready to give yourself up for Temp duty in places you don't like as well as ones you do like. If you are married I would stay as far away from Careers dealing with Aircraft, finance, administration, and Security police as you can get. Take jobs in Communications, Computers (anything in computers really), Medical and Medical Equipment repair, PMEL, and Space anything (NOT Balistic missile maint!!!). Those are the jobs that keep you with your family as much as possible. Medical still deploys but not as much as does PMEL. You can make a lot of money on the outside with those careers. Don't think you are here to get what you can and leave!! We don't need that and we don't want that. We will do our best to get what we need out of you! This is not your job, this is your life. Devote yourself to it and you will go far. Married life in the military is nothing like the rest of the world. Trust in your spouse is essential. You have to trust her and she must trust you if your military marriage will work. If you have initiative there will always be something that needs to be done and something you can do to help someone out. Don't sit on your ass but remember there is lots of "Hurry up and wait" going on. you can force anything out of anyone that just makes stuff take longer. Come in expecting to be the lowest man on the totem pole. I can't stand it when I get some older person in that thinks because they are older than the rest of the airman that they should get special treatment. I will give you special treatment alright, the mopping the floor kind! Rank is everything as a new airman and you need to understand that you need to show as much respect as possible to your new boss.

Number one thing....

Be polite.

Sir and Ma'am to everyone even people that you outrank. A smile and a good attitude get you farther than anything else in this business. It will get you better service with the admin types and it will help you when you need answers.