What do you think about enlisting in the Air Force?

[vailpass]

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.

[Stanley Nickels]

Originally Posted by vailpass

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.

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?

[MMXcalibur]

Originally Posted by Stanley Nickels

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?

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.