My Son wants to join Air Force I dont think its good idea. Help me out.

HA! My outside the wire combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan beg to differ...

But real talk. Let him do it, i was in the same situation (like many others on here) college for 2 years, didn't really pay attention or care and was wasting money. Joined the military after blowing my scholarships. Best decision ever! Now 7 years later, I have my Bachelor's, experienced things I never would've as a civilian, travelled the world, and made life long friends.

My parents were not real supportive of the idea, at first, but now are my biggest supporters. I'd reccommend it.

 

My mother talked me out of joining the Canadian Army when I was 20,now 52 I still regret it every day.He needs to try at least.No what if's...I have too many in my life.

later tig1

 

Haha you guys, you know this isn't what the man is wanting to hear..

OP, this is a good example of what could happen. Having a life long regret eat at you everyday.
And I'm curious as to what the latest is with your son and his decision, and what your current thoughts are after hearing all the input from everyone so far?

 

LMAO

 

After I graduated highschool in 2002 I went to college for a year and decided that it just wasnt' for me at the time so, I talked with a few marine recruiters about enlisting and while I was still deciding on it (leaning more towards it every day) I broke my wrists and was in casts, bone stimulation, therapy, etc and the only thing that worked in the end was surgery and now I have 2 screws in my wrists. By time it was all said and done it was 2006. While I was in physical therapy I talked to a lot of friends who joined the AF and they were talking about how good it is compared to other branches. They told me that you get treated better, better benefits, and get paid more. The money aspect is what caught my attention (I was 22 at the time and still living with my parents, lol). I know the AF is being very picky with who they take due to downsizing so if this is what he wants then he needs to commit 100% in basic and in tech school. Failing a certain area in tech school can be a reason for him to be recommended for early discharge or could deem him ineligible to re-enlist at the end of his enlistment. When it comes to picking a job, make sure it is what he wants and know what it entails. My #1 pick was x-ray technician (radiologist) but when I went in on 2% of recruits a year were picked for it. My #2 pick was tactical aircraft maintainer. I picked that because my recuiter hyped it up by saying I'll be the one responsible for that jet, meaning that if it broke then I would tell people what is wrong and they would fix it. He also told me that every time the jet flew then I would by flying with it, so I told him that's what I want! Here I am 8 years later and I still don't tell people what to do, lol. I'm the one that turns the wrenches and fixes the jets. I still haven't gotten to fly in one either. Looking back on it, I probably would have picked more medical jobs or put firefighter as my #2 pick instead of #3. Overall though, I do like my job, I like working with my hands and the people I work with. The flightline is completely different from the rest of the AF. But, I also have my days where I get pissed knowing that someone in finance is working 8 hours a day with a 30min-1hour lunch break, working indoors in the a/c and heat and they're getting paid the same as me who is working 12-14 hours a day, outdoors in all elements of weather either freezing my balls off or sweating my ass off.

Just make sure that if he enlists that it is something he really wants to do. Joining any branch of service is a huge commitment and you have to be able to live up to that commitment. Hopefully he'll be able to get a job in the AF doing what he likes and what he would like to do on the outside world.

 

I went to college for 5 years then joined, I never felt like I was making progress while at school, it was just the same bs spinning my tires the entire time. In the AF I actually feel like im going somewhere with my life, something I wish I would have done at the age of 19 like your son, just make sure he is educated about it and researches all of the jobs available.

 

Welcome to TW. Thanks for your service.

 

3d1x3 RF trans, loving every day of it

 

So, did the OP's son join or not?

 

If there is a "safe" service, AF or Navy are the way to go. AF and Navy do a great job of giving their members training for the future.

Be proud and let him make his choice. Better than regrets later and the blame game.

I joined Army about 23 years ago. Goes fast and very happy with the choice. There are difficult times for the member and the family but is an honorable life!

 

OP, join w/ your son so you can keep an eye on him.

 

Leave college. Then let the Air Force pay for the rest of his school. No student loans is a win in my book. Let him go!

 

Was thinking the same thing. Everyone wins as parents see the education followed through with and son gets to get a component of service life. In the end he has the education and a fast track to the career that he wants.

Do the ROTC programs offer tuition assistance?

Regardless the outcome thanks for raising your child to see service to their nation as an option. As a father I understand your trepidation of hearing your child wanting to take a track that may not lead to the financial security that you have hoped for him.

 

Well I am in the Air Force and I was with the 5th Infantry Regiment..

 

In my opinion, no greater honor than serving in the U.S. Military. I cannot imagine not wanting your son to serve our nation!!

My oldest son retired from the USAF, received his masters degree while serving, and now owns his own business. My youngest son just retired from the USMC. He's been retired just two months, but in a heartbeat, would enlist again!

 

Maybe school isn't for him right now and might be later. I have two sons that are in the military and both of them had there college education paid for by the government. It's been great for them. They turned out as two outstanding young men.