My son wants to join the Air Force

[mousefanmichelle]

Hi there. My, just graduated, 17 year old son would like to sign up for the Air Force. I know nothing about the armed services and would like some ideas on what to expect for him and for us.

I think this is a great thing for him. I think he could really benefit from the military and their rules etc. He is a bit of a brat lol! I am hoping it would make him into someone he could be proud of later in life instead of living the life he is headed towards which isn't good.

Any info is appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Really no first hand experience. But, my cousin who was a bit free-spirited fit right in with the Air Force. Re-upped for a 5th & 6th year.

My uncle with a similar disposition washed out of the Navy.

 

[dbramer]

Having spent 14 years in the Air Force (enlisted when I was 17), it did a lot of good for me. I had never been on my own and truly responsible for myself and the USAF taught me a lot about that (and quickly, I might add).

Just don't think it is a panacea for his issues. It may be that he is not cut out for the rigid discipline and the daily control of the schedule in basic training. He could wash out.

I have seen many who benefited, but as I was Security Police...I saw the other side just as much.

I will say that had I gone to college right after high school, I probably would have failed out in the first semester. It took the maturity I gained in the Air Force to get me through school. I am now working on my Master's degree in counseling. Only one of my siblings finished college. I will be the first with an advanced degree. I think the military had a lot to do with that.

FWIW....

 

[nene0182]

I don't have any personal experience (meaning I wasn't in the military myself) But, both of my parents did 20+ years in the Air Force, my sisters husband was enlisted for 10, my Ex husband was enlisted for 6 and is now reserve, my ex FIL was in the navy for 20+ years, my other brother in law is in the Marines and my niece just enlisted last year, one niece is also married to someone in the Air Force. Id honestly be shocked if my son does not express interest in joining the military and because of my background, I'd fully support it. I have seen the positive difference numerous times it has made for individuals and the opportunities people have had that they may not have if they hadn't enlisted.

 

[Robinrs]

My cousin retired from the Air Force 2 years ago. When she entered she was an 18yo bratty, irresponsible little girl with no direction.

Today she has her PhD and works for the Pentagon. She's married, has two girls, one who is also in the Air Force and has bloomed the same way my cousin did!

It was difficult, she was away a lot, made it through the Gulf War and survived A LOT but if she is an example of what the Air Force does for you, I'm all for it.

This was her at her retirement after 24 years in the AF. Her twin brother retired the same year from the Navy. They're BOTH grandparents, can you believe it???

 

[Gumbo4x4]

My cousin retired from the Air Force 2 years ago. When she entered she was an 18yo bratty, irresponsible little girl with no direction.

Today she has her PhD and works for the Pentagon. She's married, has two girls, one who is also in the Air Force and has bloomed the same way my cousin did!

It was difficult, she was away a lot, made it through the Gulf War and survived A LOT but if she is an example of what the Air Force does for you, I'm all for it.

This was her at her retirement after 24 years in the AF. Her twin brother retired the same year from the Navy. They're BOTH grandparents, can you believe it???

Tell them both "thank you" for their service from me

 

[Deffenm]

I was in the Air Force and my brother was in the Army. Basic training is tough, mentally and physically (if you are not in shape). It is hard to be away from family and friends as well and you have limited contact during Basic Training. As long as your son knows what he is getting into and goes in with an open mind (you will run, get yelled at, have to follow stupid rules) during basic training then he will be fine. If my brother can make it anyone can.

It is not for everyone but if he is willing to "tough" it out in Basic Training and there is a specific job he wants to do, that helps. Just make sure like anything else in life, do your research/ask questions until both of you are comfortable. Hopefully he has a good "recruiter" he is working with. Mine told me lots of lies about what to expect.

Best of luck to him

 

[mousefanmichelle]

My cousin retired from the Air Force 2 years ago. When she entered she was an 18yo bratty, irresponsible little girl with no direction.

Today she has her PhD and works for the Pentagon. She's married, has two girls, one who is also in the Air Force and has bloomed the same way my cousin did!

It was difficult, she was away a lot, made it through the Gulf War and survived A LOT but if she is an example of what the Air Force does for you, I'm all for it.

This was her at her retirement after 24 years in the AF. Her twin brother retired the same year from the Navy. They're BOTH grandparents, can you believe it???

That's really awesome!! Thanks to them for their service!!!!!

I can say my son is a 17yr old, bratty, know- it- all!!! My son is a very young 17 (in my opinion) and he could use a good kick in the pants. I hope this does it. He gives up easily and you can't do that with this committment. He has a lot to learn and I can only hope this sets him on his right path.

Good to hear about everyone's experiences so far .

 

[bcla]

I'm curious as to why specifically the Air Force.

I certainly understand those who are college-bound and wish to become pilots. However, those positions are few and far between. Also, the Air Force hasn't had enlisted pilots since the 50s.

 

[Robinrs]

Tell them both "thank you" for their service from me

That's really awesome!! Thanks to them for their service!!!!!

I can say my son is a 17yr old, bratty, know- it- all!!! My son is a very young 17 (in my opinion) and he could use a good kick in the pants. I hope this does it. He gives up easily and you can't do that with this committment. He has a lot to learn and I can only hope this sets him on his right path.

Good to hear about everyone's experiences so far .

Absolutely! I cannot tell you how proud I am of them!

Her brother retired, started a VERY successful photography business, all learned in the Navy. He, too, joined right out of high school and was in a state of upheaval. He was on the fast track to no good, and we were VERY worried about him.

Today he travels the world photographing weddings and sports, something I know he wouldn't be doing if not for his service. His wife is his business manager and both of his sons work in the business.

Yes, I am a big advocate of the military IF it's what you want to do. I think that the fact that he WANTS it is a good start.

 

[Kitty 34]

My son loves the Air Force. He's an air traffic controller at a base in Oklahoma. He's only been in the AF for 2 and a half years but still plans on making a career out of it.

 

[mousefanmichelle]

I'm curious as to why specifically the Air Force.

I certainly understand those who are college-bound and wish to become pilots. However, those positions are few and far between. Also, the Air Force hasn't had enlisted pilots since the 50s.

I think it is because we have a family friend who is a reservist and enjoys it. He dosen't want to be a pilot. At first he was thinking motor pool because he expressed interest in wanting to be a diesel mechanic but last night he said maybe he would like boarder patrol. We have 2 boarders to Canada in MI near us - Port Huron and Detroit and his friends dad does that as a career. He is ex-military. Once we talk to a recruiter and get the info about jobs and career training he can make a more informed decision. He also has to take the ASVAB to see where he falls.

We still have some information gathering to do.

 

[bcla]

I think it is because we have a family friend who is a reservist and enjoys it. He dosen't want to be a pilot. At first he was thinking motor pool because he expressed interest in wanting to be a diesel mechanic but last night he said maybe he would like boarder patrol. We have 2 boarders to Canada in MI near us - Port Huron and Detroit and his friends dad does that as a career. He is ex-military. Once we talk to a recruiter and get the info about jobs and career training he can make a more informed decision. He also has to take the ASVAB to see where he falls.

We still have some information gathering to do.

Again - flying is only for officers. My understanding is that becoming an officer with an associates degree used to be possible, but these days it's competitive and a bachelor's degree is almost always needed.

I recently took the family to an air show at the local Air Force base. The Thunderbirds performed, but probably the most fun was the static displays. They had some stuff there, but we didn't make it to the end where the fighter jets were brought in (this base specialized in military transport) but we did tour a couple of cargo/refueling planes that were based there. I even got to lift up the nose of an empty Predator drone. However, the lines were long to get into the KC-10 passenger/cargo/refueling tanker. We got to meet a lot of the personnel, and I think they enjoyed it when military life would otherwise be filling out a lot of paperwork when not in the air. Of course the pilots were all officers, but enlisted personnel talked about the cargo holds and how to operate the refueling boom (I got in the seat and got to look out the window). A lot of the enlisted personnel have different jobs. The most visible were the base police carrying around combat weapons, although I wasn't sure why they needed elbow/knee pads.

 

[minkydog]

My dad was career Air Force. He went to Korea but not Viet Nam. While he was in the Air Force he earned his BS in computer engineering.

DHs sister and her husband were both career Air Force. She is 60 and only retired 2 years ago. SIL absolutely loved it. She also earned her BS in the Air Force and worked in Human Services, as did her husband. She was always stateside because she worked as an administrative assistant to the CCO on base, flying here and there to temporary duty assignments. As such, she managed to avoid going to war, although BIL served in Viet Nam.

I have nothing but high regard for the armed services. I think it's a great place to grow a boy up, frankly. My brother just floundered after high school, got married at 20 to a lunatic and had two babies with her. They lived from hand to mouth and he was just lost. One day shortly after he turned 27, he saw a recruiting office and went inside, signed on the dotted line, then went home and told his wife. By December they were in Great Lakes, Illinois, AKA "the coldest place on earth." Brother earned the equivalent of an AS in electronics, which he has parlayed into a very successful career as a Master boat mechanic.

I'd give anything if my DS27 would join the Air Force. I think the structure would do him a world of good. However, with his history of mania & depression, he's the last person you'd want to handle a bazooka.

 

[sonnyjane]

I'm curious as to why specifically the Air Force.

I certainly understand those who are college-bound and wish to become pilots. However, those positions are few and far between. Also, the Air Force hasn't had enlisted pilots since the 50s.

Again - flying is only for officers. My understanding is that becoming an officer with an associates degree used to be possible, but these days it's competitive and a bachelor's degree is almost always needed.

.

There is SOOOOO much more to the Air Force than pilots. Medical, air traffic control, maintenance, law enforcement, engineering, even special forces positions (bomb squad, pararescue etc.). It's naive to think that the Air Force just means planes.

OP, my husband has been in the Navy since he was 17 (12 years now) and just like the Air Force doesn't mean that they have to fly, the Navy doesn't mean they're on boats. He's never worked on a ship. The military has just about every job you can imagine. Of the branches, the AF gets the reputation for being the cushiest (and I can say that because my AF friends agree lol!)

Do prepare him for the fact that he will have to move ANYWHERE they need him lol. Your preferences will be requested - and then promptly thrown out the window lol.

 

[bcla]

There is SOOOOO much more to the Air Force than pilots. Medical, air traffic control, maintenance, law enforcement, engineering, even special forces positions (bomb squad, pararescue etc.). It's naive to think that the Air Force just means planes.

OP, my husband has been in the Navy since he was 17 (12 years now) and just like the Air Force doesn't mean that they have to fly, the Navy doesn't mean they're on boats. He's never worked on a ship. The military has just about every job you can imagine. Of the branches, the AF gets the reputation for being the cushiest (and I can say that because my AF friends agree lol!)

Do prepare him for the fact that he will have to move ANYWHERE they need him lol. Your preferences will be requested - and then promptly thrown out the window lol.

I understand that. However, if you see Air Force recruiting commercials, they almost always center on direct flight operations of some sort. The one that I'm seeing the most these days is of an astronaut who has been to the ISS. That's kind of what they're selling - the ability to fly or at least work in as air crew or on aircraft. However, I've been to USAF bases, and I have seen the sheer number of ground crew, including support positions that were similar to civilian jobs that had little to do with operating aircraft. At the air show I was joking that the base (Travis AFB) was basically serving as "UPS for the Air Force" and the base personnel said I wasn't that off in my description. Instead of moving cardboard boxes, they'd be moving military supplier or vehicles.

A former coworker was career Air Force before he retired and went into a civilian job. He started off enlisted but became an officer after getting his college degree. He'd tell stories of the stuff he got to do, especially with another coworker who served in the Army - they had separately served in Korea in the same joint bases. However, the time I asked about VIP transportation in the Air Force, he stated that occasionally he had to get somewhere fast, and he was specifically transported in one of these military versions of corporate jets where he could travel like a CEO.

The following doesn't seem so bad does it? However, I'm wondering if she figured that joining the Air Force meant that she'd be a flight attendant for VIPs like cabinet secretaries and dignitaries.

Flight attendants provide world-class service

Staff Sgt. Danyoi Brown serves a dessert course Oct. 31 she prepared in the galley of a C-37A aircraft. Sergeant Brown is a special air mission flight attendant with the 89th Airlift Wing's 99th Airlift Squadron, Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Though they prepare and serve food and beverages, the top priority of Air Force flight attendants are to ensure the safety of passengers and other crew members on board their aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi)

 

[hallie]

My DH is a former Marine and he loved it. But he's always said if one of our kids wants to join the armed forces he'd definitely want them to join the Air Force.

 

[lovemygoofy]

OP, joining the military is not for everyone. It's not just a way to escape or sleep away grow up camp. This can be life or death experiences. It can be freezing *** off or burning up in places all around the world.

Your son won't start at the top with super awesome jobs and positions and hours. He hears these awesome cool stories but he needs to remember just like any job, you start at the bottom.

Also the military as a whole is downsizing in a big way and are being a lot more selective for jobs. When it is time to go to the recruiter, GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING, I cannot stress that enough. Any promises or ideas or job offers IN WRITING. Some recruiters, NOT ALL, can be shady GET IN WRITING. I can't say that enough.

Have your son take the ASVAB and really think about what his interests are or talents. There is so much opportunity for advancement and help within the military but he has to want it and want to succeed.

My husband has been in the army 17 years and has made such great memories and wonderful doors opened from his career. The life is not for everyone though and I don't encourage all to jump in boots first.

Talk to the recruiter and talk to some members of the military if possible. Have him really discuss WHY he wants to join. There are several educated Air Force families on here and hopefully they can chime in with that branch help.

 

[bcla]

Have your son take the ASVAB and really think about what his interests are or talents. There is so much opportunity for advancement and help within the military but he has to want it and want to succeed.

I remember taking the ASVAB in high school. It was basically an excuse to get out of class for a few hours and maybe get some experience with standardized tests. I didn't really have much of a thought of joining the military since I'm pretty nearsighted and that would disqualify me from a lot of the cool jobs. I got a good score. So the recruiters called me. And called me again. And again. They buttered me up about being officer material, possibly ROTC, or maybe even getting an appointment for a service academy. It was kind of fun, but in a way the recruiters almost felt like used car salesmen.

 

[sonnyjane]

I remember taking the ASVAB in high school. It was basically an excuse to get out of class for a few hours and maybe get some experience with standardized tests. I didn't really have much of a thought of joining the military since I'm pretty nearsighted and that would disqualify me from a lot of the cool jobs. I got a good score. So the recruiters called me. And called me again. And again. They buttered me up about being officer material, possibly ROTC, or maybe even getting an appointment for a service academy. It was kind of fun, but in a way the recruiters almost felt like used car salesmen.

WAYYYY different now. As a previous poster mentioned, now they are trying to downsize. The lucky ones are being offered out of their contracts early to pursue civilian opportunities. The not-so-lucky ones are just plain forced out due to "medical standards" that didn't exist a few years ago or because they haven't advanced to a certain rank by a certain time (also didn't use to be an issue). I'm very lucky that my DH does a job that's in high-demand, but I have friends that have husbands in different fields that have been shown the door. They never expected to be "laid off" from the military but it's happening now!