Hubby to join US Military

**davedove** · 4th November 09, 07:41 AM

Originally Posted by Spc. Scott

I can't say for the other branches but the Army contract has a neat little line tucked in there that says that anything the recruiter may have promised you is null and void. So if it is the Army that you both decide on be sure it is in the contract that you sign.

As well as the "needs of the Army" clause, which basically says we'll guarantee you all these things, UNLESS we really, really need you somewhere else.

**dfmacliam** · 4th November 09, 10:37 AM

I commend your husband for his deterimination for wanting to make a better life for you and your family.. He is already showing the proper attitude to succeed in the dream.

The wife of a serviceman, is not an easy one either.. there will be times, you will be the sole, responsible person, for the home.. you will be alone, and you will have to do it all, while he is away, for training or deployment.. The military can be hard on a marriage, if one is not wanting to do their share.. but it can succeed, and make your bonds stronger, if you both work at it together..

I think you both are on the right track.. its good you feel comfortable enough to ask us for advice, and I hope we are able to help you. Good luck on your journey!

**davedove** · 4th November 09, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by peacekeeper83

The wife of a serviceman, is not an easy one either.. there will be times, you will be the sole, responsible person, for the home.. you will be alone, and you will have to do it all, while he is away, for training or deployment..

There is also the aftermath of the time away. The spouse has become so used to doing everything that the returning spouse feels unneeded. This can also cause problems and requires the right attitude.

**###KILTEDKIWI###** · 4th November 09, 02:37 PM

There is also the aftermath of the time away. The spouse has become so used to doing everything that the returning spouse feels unneeded. This can also cause problems and requires the right attitude.

Second that.

I have returned, and I am the man of the house, depend on me damnit...

After spending months away, and returning home, seeing how the wife was quite capable without me taking care of chores that I designate "mens work" - lawns etc, it would take a while for things to settle down again...

My best turn around period was 4 days, was away for 6 months south of NZ, then spent a further 9 nine months away, must of really pist off the postie for that one...

**Dirka Skene** · 4th November 09, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by ###KILTEDKIWI###

Second that.

I have returned, and I am the man of the house, depend on me damnit...

After spending months away, and returning home, seeing how the wife was quite capable without me taking care of chores that I designate "mens work" - lawns etc, it would take a while for things to settle down again...

I was raised to be independent. There is nothing around this house that my husband does, that I can't do. Wait, what does he do? He doesn't get a chance to do anything because I've always done it myself.

Anyways, as far as the self-reliance thing, that isn't unfamiliar territory for me and my husband has adapted well to it.

**###KILTEDKIWI###** · 4th November 09, 03:21 PM

I was raised to be independent. There is nothing around this house that my husband does, that I can't do. Wait, what does he do? He doesn't get a chance to do anything because I've always done it myself.

Anyways, as far as the self-reliance thing, that isn't unfamiliar territory for me and my husband has adapted well to it.

My wife was bought up the same, but I'm a little more old fashion and believe that there are things that I don't want her to do, i.e. rebuild the rear fence and deck and all of the associated digging and heavy lifting that goes with it, besides, she already has plenty to do, having to look after 2 kids and me as well...

;)

**Woodsheal** · 4th November 09, 03:41 PM

When you join the military service, your backside belongs to Uncle Sam, and he can send you to any remote corner of the world - where the locals might or might not shoot at you! - anytime he so desires. Anyone who does not understand that fact, or is not willing to accept it, should not enlist.

You don't join the service to make money (heaven knows!), and it's not at all like going to work at General Electric or Walmart. Service to country is a calling, not a "job."

I understood all of this back when I was an artillery officer in the US Army. Given the chance I'd do it again - and stay in this time...!

**TheSp8** · 4th November 09, 10:05 PM

I'll speak for the Army, sort of. Yes, there is the "needs of the Army" thing but I've never seen that used in 19 years unless the person failed their MOS training. I've been to Korea, Europe, and Iraq and each time there was a bit of an adjustment period with my wife and son. We've been married 25 years now so I guess we figured something out. We were able to see alot of Europe while stationed in Germany. Overall, it has been a good life and I originally enlisted for the GI Bill to go back to college for a seconde degree. Then I found out I liked it and was good at it. Tuition Assistance is currently 100% so he can work on a degree without using his GI Bill benefits. That being said, I advised my wife's nephew to go Air Force. From what I have seen, the AF puts more effort into quality of life things than the Army does. The advantage the Army has over any other service is that when you leave the MEPS station, you know what job you will have. Our nephew was given a choice of three to pick while going through Basic based on his scores and got his third choice. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

YMOS,
Tony

**SteveB** · 5th November 09, 12:44 AM

Another Air Force veteran here. Enlisting in the Armed Forces is writing Uncle Sam a blank check to use you in any way needed, including your life. I am quite proud to have served the country, and it has made me ever more aware of what a great nation we are. I served in the Air Force, but that included working side by side with Marines, Army and Navy. The effort is well worth it. I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn a lot while serving that has kept me employed regardless of the economy. A spouse of a serviceperson does get pushed around a lot. Way back in the ancient time that I served, the Air Force treated the spouses very well when it was possible. Out in '78. Any questions PM or email. All the info is in my profile. Anytime. i congratulate your husband for considering serving our nation.

Slainte

**Tattoo Bradley** · 5th November 09, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by TheSp8

The advantage the Army has over any other service is that when you leave the MEPS station, you know what job you will have. Our nephew was given a choice of three to pick while going through Basic based on his scores and got his third choice.

That's interesting. I had my job even BEFORE arriving at MEPS. I've been out 7 years, so things may have changed. But the Air Force definitely gave me a "guaranteed" field.

Oh and btw Dirka: In the Air Force they're called "SP" (Security Police.)

He'll definitely want to utilize that 100% tuition assistance while he's in if a degree's what he's after. When I was in it was at 75%, and I used it to complete an associate's degree. Here I am 7 years out and using the MGIB to finish up my Bachelor's. It's a beautiful thing.