Have You or Anyone You Know Experienced the Air Force - We Need Advice!!! ASAP!

S.....I can't give you specific advice about the Air Force but my husband spent 30 years in the Army...so I can definitely tell you about life in the military!! It has been a wonderful wonderful life for my family!!! I wont lie to you...money will be tight at first...young enlisted folks dont make a ton of money but there are so many benefits. After a certain rank ( sorry I am not sure exactly what it is...my husband has been retired for 10 years now..) you can live on Base...which will save you a TON of money. They allow you a house that is big enough for the current size of your family..probably a 2 bedroom house...with 2 boys so close in age. Your husbands housing allowance part of his salary will take care of the rent...most utilities, upkeep on the house....etc. Then you will have access to reduced cost ( or free in some places) health care, great savings on groceries in the commissary, and wonderful family support groups that are in place on all military installations. When I first became a military wife, almost 40 years ago, it was nothing for us to pack up and move once a year but I think that has really become a thing of the past. They are not moving men and women around nearly as much now and I know that at least the Army has developed a "home post" type of theory...he may be posted somewhere for a while...maybe a tour in Afghanistan or someplace else that you can't go...then come back to the "home base" where you and the boys have stayed while he was gone.
The camaraderie and support you will find in the military is 2nd to none. Everyone around you is in the same set of circumstances that you are...and everyone just steps up and supports each other.
If your husband wants to join our military world.... I say go for it!!!! Keep an open mind...look for opportunities to join in and learn..and explore this wide wonderful world of ours. Maybe the recruiter would have some AF wives who would be willing to visit with you and answer your specific questions.
R. Ann

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Hi S.,
I was a weather forecaster in the Air Force for about 9 years, and then worked for them as a civilian for about 4 years. The Air Force is definately the way to go as far as which branch (less physically demanding, more like a corporation once you're done with initial training.)

Air traffic controllers work shift work, sometimes 12 hour shifts, maybe a schedule like 4 on, 3 off or 3 on, 3 off. He will be stationed somewhere state side (in the U.S)for his first tour. If he wants to stay in for 20, he will have to do what's called a long-tour (some call it a hardship tour) in which he has to leave for a year by himself to some country without his family. Repeat--without. That's the reason I got out (honorable discharge). I didn't want to go to Korea for a year without my hubby and 7 month old daughter. Don't get this long-tour confused with a "TDY" (temporary duty assignment--which is usually 3 or 4 months) or a couple weeks, depending on why they would send him (usually some type of training.) There's lots of support groups with other Air Force wives, good commeraderie.
Also, I highly recommend him to pay into the "Montgomery GI Bill". You pay $100 month for 1 year (total of $1200,) then when/if he gets out, they pay for his college.
They also have a retirement fund call "TSP" or Thrift Savings Plan, which is decent if you don't already have a separate 401K.
You can't beat the free medical, you pay no tax for food at the commissary (military grocery store) and living on or off base highly depends on where you get stationed. (Tyndall AFB in Florida has a beach right on base!)
I just wanted to give you the "down low" since I have experience. I am a college student at JCCC right now, using my GI Bill!
Good luck on your decision!
Angie

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Hi S.! My husband's cousin is currently in the Air Force and has been for several years. She started her training as an Air Traffic Controller,but with the demands & stress of the job, and having children, she choose another profession in the air force.
The Air Force or any branch of the military for that matter is good..they have great benefits, training, housing, and the GI Bill. However once you commit to the military...you're their property...ha, ha!

However, if you choose not to go in that path...My brother is an air traffic controller in Ft. Lauderdale...and obtained his undergrad degree in air traffic control. There are a number of colleges throughout the country that offers this program...just make sure they are accredited.
You as a family will have to decide what will work best for you and remember to talk to current or retired Air Traffic Controllers...some have military background...others like my brother do not. They can provide insight and suggestions.
Currently there is a shortage of air traffic controllers and the demand for them are great! They pay very well too...Good Luck! I wish you all the very best!

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my uncle n aunt retired from the air force and it is a job. my daughter is a recruiter in marine corps in pasedena california. she prefers not to live on base lol. guess it is all in what u like.

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Hi S.!

I have a cousin whose husband was a pastor of his own church. He decided several years ago that he wanted to join the Air Force as a chaplain. He has made it his career and he and his family feel like this was the best decision ever made. They had 2 young girls at the time he joined, and while he was stationed somewhere in California, they ended up adopting a 5 yo little boy. The Air Force opened up opportunities for them they never thought they would have. Recently, they were stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado for several years. His children had a blast there. This past July, he was transferred to Germany. They are still getting settled, but they really love it there, too. Their oldest daughter has decided she is going to a German college because she feels like this is something she really cannot pass up. She thinks eventually she will transfer to the States to finish her degree, but right now, she is enjoying the experience. My cousin has been deployed to Iraq in the past, so that is something to be aware of. Overall, though, it has definitely been the right decision for them. Good luck to you and hubby. God bless. J.

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Hi S.. I just wanted to let you know that the job you get depends greatly on the number of openings at his grade level and what he scores on his ASVAB test. My husband enlisted and went in at an E-3 because he had a certain number of college credits and was an Eagle Scout. If your husband has a bachelors I would recommend he go in as an officer. If he doesn't but is close to earning a bachelor's and under the age of 35 I would recommend finishing his degree ASAP after enlisting so he can commision as an officer. It is a lot more money and treated a lot better than the enlisted. Concerning the Air Traffic Control. My DH seriously considered this career field and it has really tough hours. It is a highly stressful career field so have your husband get into contact with someone who is already in the field to make sure that is what he wants to do and that you will be willing to support him through it. One thing I learned is that just because your DH may have a job that works 7am-3pm doesn't mean they can't call him in whenever they need him after those hours. He is on call 24/7 and there isn't much you can do about it. The Air Force does a pretty good job taking care of their families though. There are some inconviences but overall I would say we enjoyed/ are enjoying our experience.

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I don't have a lot of experience with the military, but EVERY one of my friends or family that enlisted in hopes of doing a particular job were made to do something else.

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S.,
I think of all the branches of the military the Air Force is top notch. My dad retired after 26 years in the Air Force my parents would agree they are good to families for the most part; and their housings is usually very good. A lot of the medical care is civilian so that is better for military families. I have never heard anyone regret being in the Air Force I can't say the same for the Army or the Marines. The tours are usually better and most of the time your husband can probably have you and your family with him. I know there are remote assignments, but that is part of military life. The Air Force usually doesn't see alot of combat. Hope this helps. C. L.

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My husband is in the Navy, so I have some general military-spouse perspective. Yes the military is an outstanding way to learn job skills and/or continue your education. And most employers think very highly of candidates with military experience. If your husband goes that route, he will get out of it what he puts into it -- there is a lot of opportunity for people with dedication and discipline.

However, the lifestyle is not for everyone. And if you two aren't on the same page about how you're going to handle it, it will make life tougher for your whole family. Be prepared for moving. I always kind of liked the challenge and adventure, but some couldn't stand the temporary-ness or being away from family. It will also make it tougher for you to build a career, if you're so inclined.

Some of the pluses: We found a real sense of community and affinity for the families we were stationed with. I guess you would also consider the Air FOrce as a "safer" assignment, i.e. not directly going into combat.

As far as living on base, most people I know preferred to live off base, but it will probably cost more even with your housing allowance. Navy bases always had a shortage of on-base housing; I don't know about Air Force.

Let me share one story to illustrate some of the frustrations: About 3 months before our wedding, my now-husband told me that his squadron was scheduled to go on a 10-day "work-up" deployment right through our wedding date. Being a newbie I protested, "Tell them you can't make it!" He wisely resisted the urge to laugh in my face, but nevertheless, the next day I was on the phone rearranging wedding plans.

Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good luck.

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My father is in the Air Force Reserves. He was in the guard and then switched to the reserves. The only move we ever did was once from Illinois to Missouri. If you are not crazy about moving or him being stationed somewhere you can't go then talk to him about joining one of the other two. You still get benefits from it only one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

Very proud of my father being a part of the Air Force Reserves. Served in Iraq twice now. Couldn't be prouder.

Hope you can find a way that works well for your family. Good Luck.
N.

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My cousin's husband is in the Air Force, and she loves it. She says the Air Force is the most family friendly branch of the military. They have always lived on base, and have a 7 year old, and a 2 year old. If you want some info directly from her, let me know and I will try to get you two together.

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I would advise you to live off post so that when your husband comes home... he actually leaves work! My husband has been in the Army 8 years now. The military has its perks. The steady income and the medical are great! The AF is more family oriented than the rest. For air traffic control be prepared for him to be gone a LOT for all the schools etc. As long as you don't mind moving about every 2 years you'll be fine!! Best of luck!

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My dad was in the Air Force before I was born. He always talked well of it. I have a special place for the Air Force in my heart cause my dad is the coolest. I know it isnt much, but anytime I hear of someone in the Air Force I like to chat with them about it. It has always been good.

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My Grandpa served in the Air Force for 25yrs I think it was? When my Dad was younger they got to travel overseas and see some great things. I have a friend who is in the Army National Guard, and is going to switch to the Air Force active duty when his time is up with the ANG. From what I hear from him, it's great... at least for him! It can take a toll the wife and kids though, as any military career will. I'd suggest joining an Air Force message board and take to other Air Force wives for opnions. It also depends on where he gets stationed at and a bunch of other factors. Good Luck!

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There are both positive and negatives to the Air Force. My husband has been in the Air Force for the last 6 years. The good side is they are really supportive of families if you live on or near base (unfortunately we can not). Lots of programs, etc. The benefits are good, including use of the comminsary, nice gym, lots of days of leave, etc. For the bad side there is deployments, exercises, and moves. The deployments are usually only 4-5 months but my husband has already gone twice and will likely go again in the next year. Exercises can pop up at anytime where your husband will be working weekends and 12 hours shifts at little notice to you. Plus they can move you to a different base at any time. These things are a pain but tolerable if you are a stay at home mom. If you have a career like I do it can make things stressful at times. My husband has enjoyed his time in the air force and really likes the people. Hope this info helps.

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Well when my husband wanted to join the Air Force I was not really happy about it. But I have to tell you I LOVE it. I didn't realize how much I wanted to move from home. Other people are right about it not being for everyone. And some people have had a harder enlistment then others. But we've lived in the same place for 5 years. It is good pay, medical, and job security. And there is a great support system. I really like living on base. We've lived both on and off base. But I love the safety of living on base. I think the best thing about being in the Air Force then in other branches of the military is that other then when he's deployed or on a TDY I get to see my husband every single day. So if you can get through the first few months of training it's worth it. Good luck to you!

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Well, I hate to burst the bubble. All the responses seem so rosy.

I have been married now 8 years to my husband who is in the Army. Granted, Army is different than Air Force, but you will come across the same issues.

If your family decides to go this route, I certainly hope YOU are made of some tough stuff. You WILL have times (4 months to 12 months) apart. You WILL need to have incredible trust between you during those times. You WILL be living like a single parent during those times. Every chore he does around the house will be yours. Managing the money will be your job. The kids demands will be yours 24/7 whether you are sick or not, and he won't be there to give you a break.

We've been in 8 years at 5 different assignments and were only eligible for on-post housing once. And that was a school he went to for 6 months and they HAD to have some housing set aside for the schoolees. On-post housing is "cheap", but it is also small and usually old. It is getting better. They've been building a lot more newer, bigger housing on many bases, but it is a roll of the dice. If you don't like what you see and refuse to live there, then off you go to find your own off-post. They don't give you several options. Don't bet on living on-post. IF they happen to have empty quarters for your rank and number of dependents at the same time you move to that area, then you better go buy a lottery ticket.

Medical can be great if you are near a real post with Tricare familiar doctors. We have had Tricare Prime Remote a few times since we lived too far from a real installation. It will pay...you will get care eventually...but you better be prepared to sit on the phone and argue with people from time to time about why something didn't get covered or why the referral didn't go thru. Even if you are near a real post, you get assigned to a doc who may be great, or may be in the miitary because it was the only one hiring. We had to go to the Tricare office recently and request a primary care doctor reassignment because I had no faith in the one we were first assigned. (He said my 2 year old, who had been sick for 2 weeks puking, was maybe just a puker and it would be part of his "normal". The ER we finally took him to the third week said my son had pneumonia. Yeah, that is so "normal")

Sorry to rant so much. I have a lot of gripes. My experience has not been much fun. I am not familiar with the "commaradery" the others mention. It has been a hard and lonely time.

I think if he wants to go in, kudos to him. It is a brave and honorable thing to serve your country. I just want you to go in with eyes open as to some of the reality you will face.

Good luck. Write me back if you want to hear some more. or have other questions.

S.

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My husband was in the Air Force for 11 years, the last 4 of them we were married and the last 6 months of them, we had a baby, so we've had a lot of experiences. First of all, my husband was a pilot, so his (our) experiences probably won't be very similar to yours, but I can tell you about the organization as a whole. The Air Force is likely the best branch of the Armed Forces. I only say this b/c they're more like a professional organization, than a war machine. Seemed like there were more people with a college education & more women in general, to at least, add some diversity.

That being said, the Air Force is an overwhelmingly large group of men. Sometimes it's like a bad spoof of a fraternity movie. Their primary concern is the guys. You could be bleeding to death at one of their "hospitals" & they'll completely ignore you if a guy comes in w/a paper cut. Their focus is not the family unit, it's the mission. If you, as a family, have a problem, their only desire to interact w/you is to resolve the problem so their attention can be put back on the mission & guys. You'll learn that you're second (always) & to resolve any problem you have yourself, privately, quietly. If not, you'll be talked about behind your back & your behavior might affect your husband career. The sooner you find friends outside the Air Force, where you can be yourself, the easier it is, unless you buy into their message.

I never lived on base b/c my husband wanted some space from all the ugly camo & shiney boots. I've noticed that more of the enlisted guys lived on base, but they also have a much tighter circle, so if you have a family, they'll be more receptive to a family environment. The on-base living situation seemed very high school-like, but again, the women seemed very close & I could see that they'd be a huge support system for when the guys are gone.

A lot of your experience will depend on where you are. It matters significantly! It matters if the boss is gun-ho, if he'll stomach a Democrat or independent thought, pretty much everything b/c he runs the show. Most Air Force people, educated or not, really don't know what to do with highly educated woman without children. Once you have a kid it's easier, b/c then you're a mom (only). It makes them nervous to know you might be rightly critical of them or the current administration b/c no matter what they think, they'll tow the political line without waiver, even if it's obviously stupid.

Since you're married with children, and your husband might not ever even move, you might not have these issues. Furthermore, the more the guys interact w/civilians, the more normal they are. The health care is not free, but it's very inexpensive. You also get what you pay for. I had many terrible experiences with TriCare (that's what it's called). We all made fun of TriCare (Try 2 Care!). Some people had minimal issues, so go figure. Job security is one benefit, with the only down fall being that incompetent morons are simply shuffled around instead of being fired & eventually some of these people get put in positions of authority. It was shocking how really dumb some of my husbands superiors were. I guess that's not too different from many other career fields though.

I can tell you so much more but I'm sure you don't want to read it all! You can call me anytime since I'm a stay at home mom ###-###-####). I'm sure you've noticed now critical I was of the Air Force, but we were in when the War on Terror was of major importance and before we knew how little our government knew about it themselves. It might be completely different now, but nothing in the military changes quickly. Your husband's job isn't like a ground troop or deploying position (I think), so the gun-ho focus on war might not even be in play. Still, Air Force is better than other branches. I have family members who can confirm that. Good luck.

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We have been in the Air Force for 15 years. If you don't mind moving I highly recomended. Because of the medical and housing benefits I have been able to stay hoe with all my children. We lived on base for the first 13 years and just brought our first house last year. On base you are surrounded by people who are also in the military and understand all the special situations you will encounter (deployments, over night shifts....) the only down side to base housing is that somebase housing is now being run by a management company who are more intrested in making money then taking care for the tenants.

My only advise in "Recruiters Lie". Make sure you have the job you want before signing papers. Do not go in under General enlistment. Or you will get what ever job they feel like giving you. My husband wanted to go into the security police and ended up as a Medical Technian.

Other then that the military is pretty much like any other jobs but with great benefits and job security.

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Hi. My husband's sister's husband is in the air force and they love the life. They have 3 young children and do have to move every few years, but they are well taken care of. Good luck!

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Hi S.,

I was in the Army for 16 years and I loved it. But of course the military isn't for everyone. I see you have gotten a lot of advice and I believe you need to weigh all the pros (there are a lot) and the cons (there are some of those too) before you decide. Yes, recruiters paint a rosy picture because they have a quota to meet each month, so don't let that be the only deciding factor. If you have some friends or family members who have friends that have been in, ask them questions and lots of them because once you committ, you sign a contract and can not get out of it until it is completed. I am not sure how long they are making you sign now, but also watch that.

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I had 2 uncles that made the Air Force thier career.It was great for both of them.They got to travel to other countries and when they retired they went on to a second carrer.Also they got health benefits for them and thier wives.I saw them and thier sucess.Great choice I think.J.

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Hello,

My husband is not in the Air force but in the Navy, We have never lived on a base because you can get great money for off base housing. ours has covered our house payment and then some. I would suggest that you and your husband talk to a recruiter. I believe that when your spouse goes into the military their family goes with them. Military life can be great or hard, depending on how the family handles it too. it is important to have a strong family support because of the possibility of a lot of moving around. It can be hard on children but with a good support system it makes it easier.

I have heard that out of all the military branches that the Air force has the best luxuries. but i think all the branches have there own great points to them.

if he does join i recommend finding out who the Ombudsman is for the area that you are stationed. an Ombudsman is a great resource to find out where to find information about questions or problems you may have. They are usually a spouse of a serviceman.

a lot of people have mensioned Tricar (insurance). my family and i Have not had any problems with it so far. i think the trick is to find a tricare person that is very knowlage about it and keep their number close.

I wish you two luck in whatever decision you guys make.

J.

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Hi S.,
My hubby has been in the Air Force for 15 years now, only 5 to go! For the most part, we have really enjoyed it. There's always that "what if", how would our life be if not in the military. If you plan to do 20 years, the retirement benefits are great. Or just 4 years for education benefits may be worth it as well. There is a new GI bill going into effect next August. You don't have to pay into it and it can be reassigned to spouse or children - great benefit!

If you don't mind moving and enjoy experiencing new places, you will enjoy it. If you have a positive attitude, you can make any place work for you. I have enjoyed every place we've been assigned. (California, Japan, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois).

We only lived on base in Japan. Mostly because we like having a larger home. Base housing can be quite small. You make friends much faster if you live on base though. You can also save a lot of money and feel safe. If you really like the close-knit feeling, living on base is the way to go. If you want to have a feeling of being a normal civilian, live off base.

Medical benefits are great as far as cost. Tricare is like any other insurance, you just have to make sure you are well informed how it works. 90% of our care has been through base doctors and almost entirely positive. There are those few doctors with rotten bedside manner or that just do not do a good job. It all depends on the base whether you can go to civilians or military docs.

The commissary can also save lots of money, and there are lots of ways to get support through the base. The biggest downside is family separation. We have been very lucky so far. Only a one year short tour and two 4 month deployments. Other than that we've had several 1-6 week separations, but those are easy). It all depends on the job and the base how much you'll be separated, but no one avoids it entirely!

Separations are much harder with kids. We have a 2yo and 1yo, so last year was the first time hubby had to be away from kids for 4 months and he HATED it. He and I had been there before and knew how to get through it, but he missed the kids terribly. His view on being in the military has definitely gone downhill since then. He wants to do his part, but doesn't want to miss out on any time with his kids. So, keep that in mind!

Most people seem to hate it or love it. I like it a lot, but there are definitely times you wish you could be near family and friends, not have to wonder when and where you will move next, and not have to change jobs each time. I am glad that my kids will still be young when we retire so they won't have to move around so much, keep that in mind as well!

Good luck with your decision!

1 mom found this helpful

My husband has been out of the AF for about 2 years now and I personally wouldn't recommend it to anyone. If you don't mind the whole "service before self and family" thing, because they really don't care about your husband or your family, then it would be okay. It definitely varies from base to base, and we didn't have much luck at our 2 bases. My husband hurt his knee in basic training and it took THREE YEARS of multiple doctors at multiple bases blowing him off and giving him Motrin until he finally demanded an MRI, he had a torn ligament in his knee all that time...by the time they finally fixed it, it was messed up for good. He gets a small disability check now. That was pretty typical of the medical care we received.
Housing was okay at our bases but apparently it isn't that way everywhere.
Personally, it was the worst 4 years of my life, but I was raised a civilian in a civilian family and just didn't adapt well to the military ways. I personally don't feel that the military lifestyle is very healthy for children, (it is pretty much a given that children do best when they have a lot of stability, routine, etc. and the military lifestyle is anything but stable)...but some families can make it work.

Good luck!

One more thing: recruiters will tell you almost anything to get you to sign on the dotted line. We were promised that we would not go overseas if we didn't want to...ha! Our first base was the Azores, Portugal (and btw, it is not anywhere near Iceland. And it was a pretty horrible place, actually.) The benefits of the military can easily be exaggerated and so you really do need to watch out and do your homework so you know what to expect. The commissary is okay, depending on what base you are at. No, you don't pay tax, but you do pay a surcharge which is almost the same as what you would have paid in tax, plus you have to tip the baggers because they don't make wages, and depending on the base, the cost of the food and items are actually cheaper off base. The GI Bill (especially the new one) is great, but if your husband plans to make a career out of the AF, he likely won't even have the time to use those benefits until he retires. There is job stability unless you have a medical issue or whatever and then they will kick you out..or they decide they have too many people in that field and you get "force shaped" out.

It can be good, but it can be bad too. Just do all of your homework and think about it...if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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Hi S.
Before my husband chose the Army, he was going to go into the Air Force, the reason that he didn't was because we had two kids. Unless things have changed in the past six years, you can only have one child upon entering. That is the one downfall that we found. Other than that, I would definitely recommend the AF, as I have many good friends that are still in. I can tell you that the promotion rate is slow, since they get promoted by tests and not by performance. And that the deployments are shorter and more comfortable, if you will. If you are strong and independent, I would absolutely say go for it, if not, I would try and find a different profession.
~T.

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From what I have heard, the Air Force is the branch of the military to enlist in if you chose to enlist. My father was in several different branches and told my sister when she chose to enlist in the military that the Air Force will treat you better than any of the other branches. My sister and her husband are currently enlisted and stationed overseas in Italy and are doing well. There are downsides such as restrictions of being able to chose your doctor for medical treatment, which my sister doesn't like, but overall they are doing pretty well with it. Good luck to you!

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Hi S.,
My daughter married a man that is in the air force. They have been stationed in Japan, where my (made in Japan)grandson was born. Then stationed in Azores, Portugal, Iceland, where my (Ice princess)granddaughter was born and now they are in Germany. They stay 2 to 4 years on a base.They love being able to see and live in different parts of the world. Although I hate having them so far away, and only get to see them once or twice a year. They enjoy experiencing the different cultures, like in Azores where they had the running of the bulls and festivals, on the streets, right out front of their door. They have lived both on and off base, and my daughter has even worked in the commissaries on some of the bases. They have made friends from many places, and sometimes they will be stationed at the same base as some of the friends from other bases.They both take collage classes to further their education. Sometimes he has TDY and has to leave for a week or so. They get to list a few of their most desired stations and they have usually gotten one of them. If you would like to check out Cafe Mom, I think they have different groups for military moms, to discuss and help other moms. There are many different groups of moms discussing and helping other moms, I am sure you could find something you would like. You should check it out, here is the address for my page. http://www.cafemom.com/home/Kathy1705
copy and paste into your address bar. I hope this helps a little, and maybe another mom that is a air force mom can answer a little better. God bless, and have a wonderful day, K.

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My father was in the Air Force for 30 years. I got to live and travel to alot of unique places. The only negative thing was not going to the same school all the time because we were transferred all the time, but the travel experiences outweigh the one negative. Good Luck!

D. R

As a former military brat and Army Soldier with an Army family (literaly around the military my entire life) I will tell you, if you are going into the armed forces, Air Force is the way to go. They are better about taking care of their members and families than any other service. Deployments are shorter (if that becomes a factor), budgets for the bases are better (i.e. better facilities, rec programs, dining options, etc.) As for on or off base, it depends on where you are. If you have specific questions, feel free to send me a message and I'll answer anything I can. You are fortunate to be married to a man who wants to serve our country. best of luck in whatever path you and your family choose.

Hi S.! I don't know if you and your husband have decided on anything yet. I just would like to share with you my adventures. I am a retired military brat. My father was in the Air Force for 20 years. I will admit to you my dad miss a few christmas' and thanksgivings, but I am glad he did what he did. I enjoyed the life as a military child. We had rules and curfews to live by and I am glad we did. It made me who I am today. You get ALOT of benefits. FREE housing, FREE utilities, FREE healthcare. Those are some of the things that are so exspensive these days.

The job your hubby wants to do is a fantastic one. My husband actually has a couple of buddies who did that. They are now out after 6 years and work at an airport and make FANTASTIC money. Money that I can never dream of having. There are downfalls to having that job, but you can actually be proud of your husbands job. My husband is a Medical Technician in the Air Force. We have been in for 3 years and he has not deployed yet. If he does I will stand by his side.

You have to be a strong person to be a military spouse. You guys need to sit down and figure out what is best for you and the children. I have a 6, 4, and 2 year old. I am glad to say that my children are alot more safe on a military housing area than anywhere else. They have alot of friends too.

Don't let other people scare you off about the recruiters. Yes I will be the first to admit they do like to make things sound WONDERFUL, but you guys need to decide as a family what is best for you. I completely love the military life. Everybody has thier opinions. Good luck to you and let us know what you guys did!

~S.

Hi, I TOTALLY agree with Angela B, Aug 18, 2008. The Air Force is NOT what it used to be. They WILL send your husband off where he is needed and it IS "service before self" and they mean EVERY word of it! Yes, and the Recruiters? Oh don't get me started on them....they WILL tell you anything to get your hubby to sign on that line. They will say EVERYTHING they think you want to hear. My DH has been in the military for 12 yrs now and I do not recommend the life. We have two young kids and he missed a lot with our first. Thank God he got to see his him take his first steps! The military has become VERY unpredictable. If you believe in God, please pray about it and ask Him to give you and your husband guidance. Take Care.