Thinking of Joining the Military

The military is a great thing...for some people. However, they OWN you while you are in... You get next to no say about where you end up. It doesn't sound ideal for folks with small children...

Are you prepared to be away from your son up to a year at a time? What if you were shipped overseas.

I myself when I was younger thought about joining but that was before I had children. Now I can't imagine being away more than a few days from them without going nuts.

I'm active duty Air Force and I have been in for 2 1/2 years and am 27 years old ( I joined late =) ) and have yet to deploy. So many people only see or hear all the negative about the military and deployments, but the good far out weigh the bad. I have worked with many prior enlisted Navy, and everyone of them loved there time and wished they wouldn't have crossed over into another branch of service.
Air Force usually only deploys for 6 months, with 18 months time at home. This is not to say you will always deploy!!!! I have met many people in for over 10 years who have never deployed. The Army and Marines deploy more and for longer periods with more dangerous jobs. I work at one of the Army's largest hospitals, where all the injured go after attacks overseas. Yes, it is sad and these poor kids lives are forever changed. But talk to many of them and given the chance thay would go back over there in a heartbeat. WE ALL HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY, very few can and do.
As to being a mother, if has not hindered my ability one bit. My daughter is proud that her mommy is apart of something bigger. I wanted this for me, but I do it for my family, my children, and the generations to come. Being away for the trraining sucked, but I was able to become such a stronger person and role model for my child.
I would never pressure someone into joining the military, but you should know the facts. Being that your husband has prior service, you probaly already know most of what I said. I just wish more people were more informed of the truth of the people that live this life everyday versus what you see in the media.
If you'd like any more information or have any questions feel free to PM me! Good luck with whatever descision you make! But do know that if you join it doesn't mean your kids don't come first, it only proves that they and they future are the most important thing to you! Sorry for rambling, just feel very strongly about this!

Do you really want to set up higher chances that your son will grow up without you around - or even worse, you be dead?

You can die at any time, but being military, especially at the moment - is dangerous to parents.

My Father was career Army and I'd see families were both parents were military. They had to have a guardian in place for their children in case both needed to be deployed or if they died while in service.

Be prepared to leave your 18 month old for long periods on time. Military comes FIRST, your baby comes SECOND or THIRD depending upon your relationship with your husband.

Blessings....

Hello. I'm retired AF, after 20+ years and three children. My husband and I were both active duty and we were stationed together every assignment. I won't tell you it's easy but it is possible. Yes, there were times I was away from the family, just like hubby was. Sacrifices are made by everyone in the family but that's part of being a military family. The AF was VERY good to my family. We got to travel, see the world, get a better education and lots of training. Like Megan, being in the military made me a stronger person - my children also.

The decision to join is a personal one that only you can make AFTER you talk to with hubby. He will definitely need to support your decision. Your child is young, will adapt should you join, and will love you no matter what.

As the commercials used to say, it's not a job, it's an adventure -- and a commitment that we should all make but only a few are willing to. Bless you for considering service and thanks to all who serve and have served. They protect our nation and our freedom - which is not and never has been free.

Hello!!

Please PM me - I have a GF who just got back from a year in Afghanistan, she has 4 kids...USAF...my next door neighbor is a Colonel in the USAF and can put you in touch with her NCO that she trusts completely who is enlisted in the USAF...

GOOOOOO NAVY!!! my dad was Navy - retired after 27 years!!

you will get training and an education!!! Get everything in writing - don't sign anything without reading and do NOT promise to enlist until you have thought it ALL over and talked with your husband about it...I know some recruiters can be high pressure...I also personally know several military recruiters and would be happy to introduce you!!

Cheryl

I know alot of women who are in the military. This is a decision between you and your husband. It doesnt matter what anyone else thinks. You can always join the reserves or National Guard. Good luck.