Hubby to join US Military

**dfmacliam** · 3rd November 09, 06:07 PM

There are many benefits for joining the miltary, if you pursue them.. education is probably the best.. a simple example... My Dad.. he joined the Air Force with a 10th grade education.. He retired from the Air Forces as a Senior M/Sgt and earned a Masters Degree in Business Science.. he wanted something and he went after it.. He had a very good carreer in the AF, because of his work ethic, and once he retired, he was sought out by several employers who understood the benefits of hiring Veterans.

I served in the Marines and the training I received has followed me to this day.. I started in the Infantry and I saw the world and experienced things, few did, especially in the 80's. I reenlisted and was offered any MOS the Marines had, because of my scores.. I selected C130 powerplant mechanic.. and with that training (incidentaly the only Marine aviation school on an AF base (Chanute) ) I was able to move into the field I work, today.. I work in the electrical field in the natural gas industry.

You can do anything you want.. If you really want it.. You will not get rich, but you will be taken care of, your basic needs will be met.. Housing, medical, groceries, and such.. But what you gain in the long run, is something more valuable... You get a sense of pride, a family much bigger than you imagined.. A chance to see things, you might never thought possible. And the opportunity to make a difference in someones life, possibly a whole peoples life..

The military will never promise you anything.. but it will give you the opportunity to make your life better...in the long run. It has for me.. My Dad... and now.. my Son, a US Marine, serving in Camp Fuji, Japan.. as a radioman... following the foot steps of his mothers People.. The Navajo's.. as in the CodeTalkers..

**mbhandy** · 3rd November 09, 06:22 PM

Cook or Butcher? Still a good job out of the service if you work in a big hotel or manage a restaurant. I was Air Force and the experience of over seas duty was a life experience I will never forget. As stated don't trust the recruiters Unless you get it in writing and get high grades at Tech school and you can get your choice of assignments.
Got high points in all my skill levels and in the top 10 of my tech school + ROTC in High School. All that meant I knew when to volunteer or not?????

MrBill

**Dirka Skene** · 4th November 09, 06:00 AM

Well, my husband had to drop out in high school to get a full time job because his family fell on hard times. He's working on his adult high school diploma now so he can get into the military. He's seriously considering the Air Force. He wants to be MP. He also wants to get a degree in Criminal Justice while enlisted and persue a job as a Police Officer when he gets out. I think it sounds like a good plan, if he's motivated enough. I have family that retired from the Air Force. One of my Great Uncles was a fighter pilot that was burried in Arlington Cemetary. My husband has a brother in law who is an E3 in the Air Force who is really trying to persuade him to join. So, as soon as this Adult High School Diploma thing is out of the way, he'll have the ball rolling. We've been through and overcome a lot of hard times in the short 4 years that we've been married. I think, with a little Divine Help, that we could survive the military. Besides, he's at a standstill in his career and he doesn't want to miss an oppertunity to better himself while he's young.

**Inchessi** · 6th November 09, 05:25 AM

Originally Posted by Dirka Skene

He's seriously considering the Air Force. He wants to be MP. He also wants to get a degree in Criminal Justice while enlisted and persue a job as a Police Officer when he gets out. I think it sounds like a good plan, if he's motivated enough.

Even though I am a Marine, inactive for 15 years:
Every Branch of the military, and the Air Force have MP's, this is coming from experience of having been in trouble with all of them. Do not think that only the Army and Air Force are the options.

If he wants to learn how to do the most with the least, I personally recommend the Marines.

There have been several times when my unit landed on Air Force installations to refuel, we were always passengers. We loved this for two reasons. They had Women, real, soft, beautiful, and delicate women. I digress, more important, their chow hall was five star to us. Their food was cooked! It looked like real food! and most importantly of all, it tasted like real food.

**berserkbishop** · 7th November 09, 08:46 AM

Glad to see the Navy getting some positive review in this thread now. I dont Chauffeur, I PUSH. Thats what we like to call it in my rate. . . . Anyway this might have been cleared up already but in the Navy your job is called a Rating, other branches call this an MOS. As to my reference on "boats," technically nearly every vessel we use should be called a ship, but Submarines are commonly referred to as boats in the Navy. Everything else is a TARGET! Little submariner joke. It would be impossible to join the Navy without a HS diploma or GED. It is just a requirement now.

E-4 is just a paygrade. E1-E9 are enlisted rates. It just is a military standard system that determines how much money you make and your respective rank.

As to tuition assistance for military dependants. . . Currently the Navy is working on helping spouses train for long term portable employment but as far as paying for college while he is in, no programs exist that I know of. The new GI bill is transferable to dependent after a finite number of years of service, but I really havent taken the time to learn the specifics. Take your time, do your research and get the most out of the military that you can. Lots of opportunities that come with a lot of sacrifice.

Squids. . . havent heard that term recently. Mostly we in the Navy say that Navy stands for NEVER AGAIN VOLUNTEER YOURSELF.

Cheers
MM3 (MM=Machinist Mate, 3= Petty Officer 3rd Class)

**Keith A** · 7th November 09, 11:36 AM

From what Iv read everyone has covered a lot of what you are asking.
I was a Seabee and very proud to have been. Just having that on my resume
got me work in the civilian world and I have no regrets. For an outfit that as far as history goes, they do not have a long history but they have a very proud one,and have accomplished some really amazing things the Seebee museum in Port Hueneme is one of the best museums I have ever been in, and covers that history, and just a walk through it would make anyone proud. I would recommend them to anyone looking to join the Navy. Everything you would learn
with them will always translate into the civilian world.
But one thing you have to keep in mind your husband would be taking a job you cant quit. If he ends up hating the military way of life It could make for a very bad time, and the stress that It will put on a marriage, and it will put stress on the marriage is extreme. So be very careful what you and he do if this is done just for economic reasons it could be the worst thing you could both be doing. Most marriages end because of money problems. Then add to that extended periods of separation that could be months and even years.
So what seams to be the answer to a problem could only make it much worse, and be regretted in the end.
Then to end it all regrettably America has a bad habit of relegating its service men and woman to the lowest rung of society,when their time is up and they have given so much
Just look at the numbers of homeless vets.
So please take your time and look at all options and some you may not have thought of.

**wvpiper** · 8th November 09, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by keith A.

Then to end it all regrettably America has a bad habit of relegating its service men and woman to the lowest rung of society,when their time is up and they have given so much

Curious, if you were to sample the homeless vets and ask them why they are homeless, how many would answer 'because I'm a vet'.

**bunchdescendant** · 10th November 09, 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by Inchessi

There have been several times when my unit landed on Air Force installations to refuel, we were always passengers. We loved this for two reasons. They had Women, real, soft, beautiful, and delicate women. I digress, more important, their chow hall was five star to us. Their food was cooked! It looked like real food! and most importantly of all, it tasted like real food.

Now I know you couldn't have possibly been at Nellis AFB! Our cooks had a knack of making food that totally inedible.

My primary AFSC was Weapons Control Systems Tech, Secondary was Security Police. The training as a WCS tech (F-4D Phantom II 'Phantom Phixer') allowed me to work for a school district as a communications tech.

I was promised a number of things going in but the all-prevailing government contract made null and void any and all recruiter promises. That was pointed out to me 'after' I signed, btw. I actually went in to be an armorer, of all things.

The USAF destroyed my first marriage and caused me to almost leave the service at one point. Military life will put a heavy strain on your relationship with your hubby so keep that in mind.

Would I do it again? You bet. In a heartbeat. Just with my current wife instead. Too bad I'm just a little too old now ...

**Keith A** · 10th November 09, 05:14 AM

Not to hijack this thread and since it is about how the militay can have an effect on your life, and being some some one who has served. And being the son of a Vet that has been homeless more then one time in his life I thougt I would post this link.

http://www.nchv.org/background.cfm

Yes a lot has to do with how people choose to live their lives but some times
what people go through in the militay can lead to homelessness.
Just because you dont know a homeless vet dose not mean they dont exsit,
and the numbers dont lie.

**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!