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

I know this is thread is a bit dated, but the AF has very high standards and if one has already proven successful in college, they will most likely get into an excellent career field with the AF. They will probably come out as a very marketable job candidate and possibly with a completed degree to boot, if they so choose.

I have met very few even of the lowest ranks in the AF that I wouldn't hire in a heartbeat if I were deciding.

 

You're overprotective.

I did 22 years in the Air Force after dropping out of college after 2 years. In that 22 years, 1 earned two degrees, went to war seven times, drank beer in 30 different countries, and never once caught a social disease.

When I was a student, I had no idea what my limits or capabilities were. I'd never been tested, challenged, or pushed beyond the edge of my capabities. In the service, I learned how to lead, follow, exceed expectations, take and maintain personal responsibility, be a member of a team, and what it truly means to be part of something greater than myself.

If you love your son and want to see what kind our man he can become, let him go.

 

Currently 9 years in and in Kuwait for a couple more weeks. The AF has taught me more than I'd ever learn in the civilian world but at the same time, it can also drastically change a person. I've seen some horrible things happen to great people because of the good ole boy system and brown nosers. I take care of my Airmen, help those who need it, but will never be that guy who sucks up to make his life easy. I cause trouble by fighting for what we should be doing or taking up for those who are actually good people but had a little bad luck and need guidance. To each their own. I'll stay until retirement to set myself up for the future. I'm one class from my CCAF (yeah-speech bleh) and over half way done with my BA in Law Enforcement Administration which has been completely paid for by the military-never any out of pocket expenses. The benefits are CURRENTLY ok... can't say that for the future folks. I wouldn't tell him no... my mother wanted me to do something with my life but still cried like a baby when I left home. I've been stationed in SC, Japan, England, and now in Illinois. Been deployed to Iraq twice and now Kuwait. Been to SO MANY countries that I'd NEVER had seen if I didn't join the military. I'm sure he's already made his choice by now but he needs to make his own life choices. The military is one of the BEST choices compared to drug dealers and burger flippers.. jussayin.

 

Not that I can speak to the Air Force, but I can speak to the Army and the military in general. There is nothing wrong with joining, but speak to him about joining with a clear cut goal and a good endstate in mind. Joining to gain experience in, let's say, IT work with a 4 year commitment provides experience in an important skillset in the civilian marketplace plus provides great benefits in the form of the post 9/11 GI Bill, health insurance, etc.

Having spent 9 years in the military, and my wife 14 years, I can assure you it comes with significant sacrifices but can be very rewarding too. It is definitely one of those decisions you have to let your children make on their own rather than convince them one way or the other. Don't let the recruiters fill his head with nonsense though...have him go out and solicit advice from military personnel/veterans who have no dogs in the fight as to whether he joins or not.

Just two cents from someone on a forum though! Hope it is helpful in some way!

 

I joined as a Computer Systems Operator in 1989 with a "4-and-out" plan. Started working on degree, got married, had kids...you know, life happened. At the same time I was having fun, liked what I was doing, had virtually no bills being on base, and got to see the world for free. Granted, many of those places sucked, but I loved the work and the people I worked with. 22 years went by fast.

You can have a plan, but life has plans of its own.

 

Stop babying him. For god's sake he is 19 years old. If he wants to join the air force so be it. The air force may just help him grow up. He can always go back to college when he gets out or while he is in there. I give your son a thumbs up. Hell, it is better than him saying hey mom/dad I want to drop out of college and do nothing with my life or I want to be a drug dealer. This young man is far along than other kids or young adults who are in their late 20's and are totally clueless. And yes you are an overprotective parent. It is his life and he has to live it not you. I have seen so many parents like you who in the end destroy their kids because of their overprotectivness.

 

This post is nearly 2 years old...Hopefully they figured something out by now!

 

He'd be an A1C by now.

 

Depending on how many college credits he joined with he could be SrA

 

Nope - 28 months vice 36 to SrA. Been there, done that...in 1991!

 

BTZ 22 months, Been there done that

 

I came in second out of 15 - good job!

 

Every girl that has went up for it got it by a LANDSLIDE! I went in knowing the same would happen and then I was selected. No one believed me at first haha

 

First was pregnant...and then got out 4 months later. The commander was pissed - she felt that the girl shouldn't have been eligible if she was getting out. CBPO never caught it. Made up for it by getting a STEP to MSgt. Go figure.

 

@BlueT is still an active member - last sign on was today. Any updates?

 

He is doing his Engineering degree, I actually convinced him he would better serve this country if he gets his Engineering degree and designs new technology.
Time will tell.

 

Let him decide what he wants to do. If he is asking you for advice that is ok but let him decide what he wants for his future

 

He is going to regret this and resent you for life

 

That's pretty harsh there.... Dang man.

 

My dream is to go to the Airforce Academy!