Military with children?

[Mike41793]

I always seem to be the one to play devils advocate and take a contradictory perspective which sometimes my not always paint a clear image of what my full opinion is.

I feel the same exact way. Sometimes i do it just to get people thinking, not necesarily bc thats what i believe. I dont think this is always a bad thing.

[tcutting]

I feel the same exact way. Sometimes i do it just to get people thinking, not necesarily bc thats what i believe. I dont think this is always a bad thing.

I agree just like to make people think, and sometimes ask the about the 800 gorilla in the room.

[RetiredJedi]

Go air force and you'll drastically lower the likelihood of deployment and decrease the duration if you do deploy, plus you will be more desirable to employers once you get out.

That's a pretty bold statement and a matter of opinion and frankly one that I don't believe is true at all. If you are successful in the military you will be desirable no matter what branch you are from. Mostly in the Air Force, they cater more towards the Officers and you get much better leadership skills in the Army of Marines. Air Force does 6 months deployed and Army is now gonna start to do 9 months. I know because I've had Soldiers go from Air Force to Army for that very reason.

LGray, you really can't go wrong going in the military. I did 20 years and don't regret one second of it. I retired when I was 38 in 2006 and am now working as a civilian for the Department of the Army. Granted the reserves are different because you can retire but your retirement comes later. Yes it gets hard being away from your kids but if you know they are in good hands while you are gone it makes it a little bit easier. I personally believe everyone should do one term in the service just to get that life experience. The Army does in fact have a two year contract but your job opportunities are limited. The military is what you make it.

[rabernet]

Sorry I haven't been on lately, I've had a lot of personal issues going on. Basically I would like people's opinions and advice on being in the military WITH children involved.

Every since middle school, my original plan was to join the military after high school...until I got pregnant at 17. Obviously, that changed everything. Since my divorce, I've been in one semi-serious relationship, and one very serious relationship that has crashed and burned. I've lived on my own with my son, and I am SO grateful for my job, but I just barely get by. I can't go to college more than one class at a time because I can't turn down over time for school, I can't take online classes because they are so expensive, and I feel like I am stuck.

My son is 5 years old. My parents are willing to take over custody for ANY reason (basic, job training, deployment). He also has his father, as much as I dislike him, he would take him in the event of a long deployment. I feel like the Army Reserves or National Guard would really benefit us for the long run. I mean, they will pay for my school, I could afford online classes AND work full time, PLUS get paid for my work done with the Army. It's only one weekend a month and 2-4 weeks in the summer (when he's at his dad's house anyways). Less people are being deployed right now, but I know I can't bank on not getting deployed. I guess I'm looking for a little guidance. I NEED to do something more with my life. I don't have any crazy skills that will get me far, I don't have a college degree to fall back on. I really want the achievement and the experience. The veteran status could help me for life.

The only thing stopping me right now is my son. I'm scared that I'm being selfish by leaving him. I really feel like this will help us later on. I want to give him the best life he can possibly have, and I'm doing okay now, but I'm capable of so much more I just haven't had the opportunity. I feel like this is an opportunity just waiting to happen, the only problem is I have to sacrifice 6 months minimum + possibly 15 months (for deployment) with my son. Are the long term benefits really worth that? Please help lol.

Leah,

I'm not going to read any of the other responses before I respond. What I bolded - you are NOT being selfish. You are carefully considering what will be BEST for you AND your son in the long run. I think that makes you an amazing Mom - no matter what you eventually decide to do!

As for the child aspect - my boyfriend grew up with his dad gone a LOT with the Navy. To this day, at age 51, he fondly remembers his experiences as a military brat. And he's so incredibly proud of his father. Though he never joined the military himself, he proudly wears clothes (t-shirts, sweat suits) emblazoned with "Navy" on them.

[rabernet]

Growing up as a military brat was great for me. I'm outgoing, make friends easily, and get bored being in the same place for long...that's why it worked for me.

You sound like you are describing Karl to a "T". He loved the moving and to this day, doesn't know a stranger.

[Wh00h0069]

I do not have children, and have never been in the military. With that said, I say go for it. You must do what is best for you family, and going earning a degree would be a big step in the right direction. If the military is what will help you earn your degree, then go for it.

I thought about going into the military myself before I started college, but I decided against it. I did go to online school, and earned my Bachelor's degree. It was very expensive, but I believe it will pay off in the end.

Sorry to hear about the relationship.

[SlitherinSisters]

I don't have a lot to add since I really don't have family or any close friends that are in the military, but I think anyone that does it deserves a lot of respect. Few people have the guts to do, I for one would never be able to do it. As for being selfish, I don't think it's selfish at all. Your son will definitely miss you very much while you are away, but he will be very proud of you.

[sho220]

That's a pretty bold statement and a matter of opinion and frankly one that I don't believe is true at all. If you are successful in the military you will be desirable no matter what branch you are from. Mostly in the Air Force, they cater more towards the Officers and you get much better leadership skills in the Army of Marines. Air Force does 6 months deployed and Army is now gonna start to do 9 months. I know because I've had Soldiers go from Air Force to Army for that very reason.

Personally I think it's more important to be careful in choosing your MOS or "rate" as we called it in the Coast Guard...that will determine how employable you are once you're out...more than what branch you served in...

[sho220]

Popeye says join the Coast Guard!



These pics were taken off the North Atlantic coast in early November of '91...it was a heck of a storm...some said it was "Perfect"...

[Skittles1101]

Just wanted to update everyone. After talking extensively with the army reserves recruiter, the air force reserves recruiter, and my family, I've decided that the air force reserves would be best for my family and I. I took the ASVAB test on Wednesday and got some high scores. I've switched my paperwork from the army to the air force, and my physical is on Thursday. Once I get cleared medically and physically, I will be getting sworn in and picking a job. I want to thank everyone for all their advice and opinions.

Luckily I've found some friends close by that are willing to take on most of my critters while I am away. I am still having trouble finding someone to watch my red foot tortoise and my boas, so if any of my buddies on here are relatively close, let me know! My female boa is small and fits comfortably in a tub, however my male is over 4 1/2 feet now and has just been switched to a 4 foot boaphile...thank you again!