So they can be more selective, which they are.

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/20...asvab-082210w/

If your long-term career goals include being an international mercenary, I think the army or marines would be a better choice. Otherwise, the air force seems like a good option. I wish I'd done the military thing when I got out of college, because it seems like it's not just a job, but perhaps more of an adventure.

I haven't read the thread, at the risk of repeating someone:
If your friend goes AF and gets in to INT, infosec, IS, or any of the other tracks that require him/her to obtain a TS/SCI/Poly clearance he/she will be laying a solid path for a very good civilian career when they get out.

Most of the guys I know that did that are happy they did because of the mostly free health care and meds.

It's not my friend; it's me.
I just got a promotion at work, which would put me on pace to make as much as I would starting in officer school, but unless I join the corporate arm of my company, my promotion is pretty much the cap of what I can achieve with my current company. And, like I said before, I just get restless with providing a service and going home. It doesn't challenge me, and it doesn't really feel like I'm making a difference.

KCtotheSB, what was the family atmosphere like? I know there are implicit risks with joining the military as a married man, but I've heard the Air Force allows you to maintain something that at least resembles a family life. Are you an officer? Would you dissuade someone who has no prior military experience from joining as an officer?

Honestly, pretty much any government job is better than any private sector job these days unless you're on Wall Street pulling down nine-digit bonuses for ruining America.

can u roller-skate

So, I told my wife I was interested in the Air Force and: holy monkey wrench, Batman, she wants to enlist too. Problem is, I'd be going in as an officer, and she can't do that (no degree). Other thing is, I figured if I went in, she would accompany me with whatever we were doing. I did some research and found out that about 20% of married couples that are enlisted can't even travel together.

Just plain wrong. I served in both wars in Iraq, which is to be expected of a Seabee. But regular fleet sailors have been going to Iraq and Afganistan as prison guards and a lot of other functions. Same goes for Air force folks.
There are no front lines or safe jobs.

Stanley,

If you are still thinking about joining and going intel, give me a PM. I was a 98C in the Army, (Signals Intelligence Analyst - enlisted). I did two tours at DLI for languages as well as both learning and teaching Cryptanalysis.

Mind you, I've been out a few years (99), but I'm pretty sure some things (like training) are still the same based on the military guys and civilians I work with here as a Gov. Contractor in the Ft. Meade area.

I can't necessarily speak for the other services, but just based on casual talks with some Army and Marines, the Air Force is about as close to a normal family life as you're going to get in the military. My wife has epileptic seizures at night when she's asleep and I work in an environment that is 24/7. Because of my wife's condition, my leadership has allowed me to work a normal 7-5 job, M-F. However, a lot of others are not nearly so fortunate, having to work horrific hours that see them change from swings, to days over to mids all in the span of five days. Between that and surprise trips to the middle of bumf**k countries (which as much as some people might not want to do, is a necessity if you're going to be in the armed services), the Air Force is very good in regards to maintaining a family. Just be sure beforehand that your intended spouse is alright with traveling and seeing new places, otherwise your marriage might be doomed from the get-go.

And no, I am not an officer. Would I dissuade one from being an officer? Personally, yes, but I'm not sure what the individual joining is looking for. Myself, I'm a follower and prefer that role a shitton more than being a leader in most any capacity. If you're coming in as a 2nd Lietenant, expecting to spit fire and take command of your subordinates from Day One, then people will hate you inside and out. Respect is something you earn and as long as that "officer-bound" individual remembers that, then he should be fine.