Quote Originally Posted by JLC View Post
Ahhh... I can't answer your questions, unfortunately. I'm only a spouse and never joined the military myself, outside of marrying into it. And my hubby went the ROTC route, so, so far as I know, he didn't ever take the asvab himself. I wish Nate was here (one of our admins) because he just signed up last year (Air Force). He finished up basic and is now almost done with tech school. I'm sure others can answer those direct questions, though.

What I wanted to say is to remind you to have a very clear plan about what to do with your animals while going through military commitments. You wouldn't be able to take them to basic...and probably not tech school either, depending on living situations. If you're single, I think you have to live in a dorm-type setting for tech school. And some base housing, even outside the dorms, have strict rules about what kinds of pets and how many are allowed. Not to mention deployments (they WILL happen, no matter what field you go into) and potential moves to exotic locations overseas.

Even as a spouse who stays home, with 20+ years in the military, we still have to give a LOT of thoughts to our pets each and every time we move. Finding a home that will not just fit our family but allow our pets. Transporting our pets. Checking on local restrictions on exotics. It's a lot to consider and deal with...and we move a LOT. Eight moves in the last eleven years. I can never have more than a small collection of critters....and I've got a pretty good routine down for transporting them....but it's a huge pain in the butt every time, let me tell you. Nothing like driving for twelve hours straight across the desert in the summer time with a car full of heat-sensitive animals.

I am in NO way wanting to discourage your thoughts about joining the Air Force. Personally, I think it's one of the best things a young person can do for themselves...especially if they want to go to college, but don't have the financial means to do so. Stay in for just a few years...or for a full, life-time career....it's an amazing experience. Just know going in that pets and military don't mix well together.

AH, That is defiantly one thing i am worried about. My animals. I have been with my boyfriend now for 5 years. We are not sure if we want to get married before i join due to the stress of joining and newly married drama but at the same time we have been together for a while and think what does a piece of paper due to our relationship anyways. but, i know training is in Texas for 8 weeks. maybe have him take care of my snakes for me till i know how or where i will end up to see if i can bring them and my small dog with me. but at the same time not sure if it would be best for me to rid my collection and stay with the dog till i am more stable so i do not have to have someone who has little knowledge in keeping reptiles, with the responsibility if MY animals.

Maybe i should send a little message to Nate and say JLC says you have good info for a newbie. =]
"Not to mention deployments (they WILL happen, no matter what field you go into) and potential moves to exotic locations overseas. "
Why i am also scared to join. I have no idea how to go about sending my animals over seas! if i was to be based in Germany....

I know i cant let things keep me from trying to make a career specially in this economy. but, animals is all i ever had. I never had friends >.< so, i would be scared for them and how to go about moving them. Guess i am more scared about oversea then in the states moves. =[