wierdmunky Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 So there have been some air force ppl in my life that tell me about how they are in and the benefits of it all. I'm 27 and in great shape and getting more and more focused everyday. I'm thinking about it, but not sure how serious. Right now, I'm just in school, not working, no boyfriend, and really no other obligations, and think it's a good not great option. I was wondering what was the deciding factor in other peoples decision making. Link to post Share on other sites
UrKillinMeSmalls Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 I think one of the main things to think about is the commitment. If you commited to the standard 4 years you would be 31 when you got out (assuming there was no stop loss). While I don't think it would be putting your life on hold in a literal sense, but deployment during those 4 years could very well throw a wrench in things like meeting someone, starting a family, finishing school, or any other things you might want out of life. It just depends how bad you want it IMO. Link to post Share on other sites
jennifer4 Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 people join at different ages. I know a woman with four kids who joined at age 30. I don't think you can join if you are over either 30 or 35. I forget.. Good luck, it's a great life, my ex husband was in the air force for 10 yrs. The benefits are great! Deployment sucks but it's all part of the deal. Link to post Share on other sites
Author wierdmunky Posted October 10, 2009 Author Share Posted October 10, 2009 Yeah 4 years is a long time, but I really want to do something like this for myself, and I'm tired of having failed relationships that leave me jaded. I like to be fit and active, I'm not "OLD" and having this would make me just feel great about myself, that and the whole financial thing. Would this be a point against me in any way? Link to post Share on other sites
4givrnt4gtr Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 and I'm tired of having failed relationships that leave me jaded. Do not do it in order to escape this. It wont work. I was a cadet for 2 years in the Air Force and what I saw was the people who actually made it thru the whole 4 years and got commissioned had a very hard core belief in the military. Most everyone else who came in either because of money, escaping something or something like that either dropped out early or are miserable counting the seconds to get out. Oh and PS if you think you have drama outside, it doubles inside...trust me! Everyone is in close quarters, seeing everyone so often, and it is madness Link to post Share on other sites
Bullydog1982 Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Wierdmunky, I'm your age and I've been active duty AF for the past 9 years. The reason I did it: A combo of a bunch of different things really. 1. I love my country, no matter how ass backwards it is. 2. I had 2 options when I graduated - stay in my little country town and get a mundane little job in which I would probably never leave or go horribly in debt attempting to put myself through college like a lot of my friends who are now sinking more then swimming. 3. I wanted to give something back and make something of myself. I knew I had it in me, just need a platform to launch from. 4. Benefits - educational, health and a consistent paycheck. 5. Meeting some amazing people and experiencing some great things 6. Travel 4givrnt4gtr is correct, DO NOT COME IN OVER A FAILED RELATIONSHIP. However; it's been my observation that the cadets are purposely beat upside the head with the AF because they're expected, as officers, to be our leaders and should be true to it and bleed AF Blue. I can give you a whole other perspective if you wish. Also 4givrnt4gtr, I'm not trying to undermine you, just give a different perspective on things. SO, until I'm a more established member and can PM (maybe I can already, don't know for sure) I'm willing to answer some questions here and there to a certain extent if you wish. NOTE: Any other posters reading this reply. I will not engage in any political or religious discussions on this matter. For one, I'm really not supposed to but mainly because I don't care. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
Author wierdmunky Posted October 17, 2009 Author Share Posted October 17, 2009 I mentioned relationships because I feel that that has been a big focus in my life, and I don't want it to be anymore. I have no problem getting guys, but it shouldn't be a main point in my life, before I am even established in anything. I have no problem in you PM-ing me Bully Link to post Share on other sites
Bullydog1982 Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 WierdMunky, Sounds like you’re on the right track then. I think I read somewhere that you need to true to yourself and be happy being you and everything else will fall into place and so far, from my experience, it appears to be right. Also, it appears I can’t PM yet. Guess I need to post more before I’m given that feature. If you have any questions, post away and I’ll check here and there and respond. Link to post Share on other sites
Author wierdmunky Posted November 16, 2009 Author Share Posted November 16, 2009 As far as danger factor goes - I had one friend who said he is a little "messed-up" but not to the extreme. I think it just goes to the point of some anxiety in certain situations. How big of an ordeal is that in deployment? Link to post Share on other sites
Bullydog1982 Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 (edited) As far as danger factor goes - I had one friend who said he is a little "messed-up" but not to the extreme. I think it just goes to the point of some anxiety in certain situations. How big of an ordeal is that in deployment? Depends on the job, location of the deployment, how long he was subjected to the conditions and how well he deals with stress (I know that's not a real answer but really it is). What does your friend do? What are you wanting to do in the AF? Edited November 17, 2009 by Bullydog1982 Link to post Share on other sites
Author wierdmunky Posted November 19, 2009 Author Share Posted November 19, 2009 He did... combat search & rescue? navigated i think. Well I did a lot of research and I found out that the cutoff age is 28 (which I turn in January) So disappointing.... Link to post Share on other sites
Bullydog1982 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 He did... combat search & rescue? navigated i think. Well I did a lot of research and I found out that the cutoff age is 28 (which I turn in January) So disappointing.... That's understandable then. Those guys are closer to what the AF has to special ops so I'm sure he's been in some intense situations and has seen some crazy stuff. There's always waivers and ways around the age limit. Sometimes you can get waivers in special circumstances - but not always. Have you considered the AF Guard or Reserve? I think they're cut off age is like 34. Just throwing that out there. Link to post Share on other sites
USMCHokie Posted November 21, 2009 Share Posted November 21, 2009 I joined because I get to shop at the commissary and I get a free meal at Golden Corral every year for Veteran's Day. But seriously though...PM me if interested...I'd have too much to say without specific questions...and before you wonder, I've had some AF days too... But I love it. Best decision of my life. Link to post Share on other sites
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