Hubby to join US Military

[Dirka Skene]

My husband has been contemplating joining the US Military for some time now, for job oppertunities. Possibly the Army or Air Force. He's weighing the pros and cons. We're going to talk to some recruiters today. I'll be there to ask the questions he forgets . He's still young, so now would be the time to do it. If he decided to make a career of it, he could retire before he's 50. Any Veterans who could offer him, and me, some advice and encouragement?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

A military career is probably the most satisfying, underpaid, profession on the planet. Your husband might also want to consider a career in the US Coast Guard as this is less likely to involve over-seas postings, if that is a consideration.

[St. Amish]

Serving in the US Army was one of the key events in my life. I came out of my term with a completely different outlook on life. It's definitely not for everyone, though, and can make things especially difficult on a marriage.

[Dirka Skene]

He doesn't like being on boats, or in the ocean very much. He has an irrational fear of sharks.

[davedove]

He doesn't like being on boats, or in the ocean very much. He has an irrational fear of sharks.

Not necessarily so irrational, they can be bigger than you are and they're in their natural environment.

Now, about the military, if he goes into the Army, it almost assured that he will spend some time in either Iraq or Afghanistan. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it is a consideration.

Have him ask questions, from someone besides recruiters. The military is a very rewarding job, but it certainly has its downside. While the recruiters do not lie, they will certainly spin it to make it appealing. It's not their fault, that's their job.

[cavscout]

DO NOT go in "open contract"! Get everything you can guaranteed and in writing in his contract.

Most will guarantee you a specific MOS (job) and give you a choice of 3 duty stations. Which duty station you get is dependent on many things like where you place in your MOS class, rank, time in service,.... The "higher ups" get first pick. If all of these things are not in writing, you are "subject to the needs of the Corps", or whichever service. I went through training with a kid who went in "open contract" and ended up as a cook, which was apparently not what he was hoping for as he was to the point of tears.

Max out any college credits, those can usually get you an early promotion.

Nail the ASVAB, that tells the recruiter what MOS you are eligible for.

Think ahead to what career he will want after the service and try to get in that MOS or one that will help with the transition. Certain MOS's just don't translate into civilian careers. At that point all you have is that you were in the service which can still help, but not as much.

While in, take all the college courses you can. They do correspondence courses and the Corps had the Marine Corps Institute where you could take classes that added to your "cutting score' or your"pros and cons" which determine your promotion eligibility.

And as a heads up, being a service mans wife is often much harder than being in the service. Military towns are not always the most pleasant places (granted the air force and the army are not typically out in a swamp like the Corps is). I encourage you both to be vigilant with your marriage.

[RonnieMac13]

Please have him check out the Air National Guard, they are a part of the Air Force, and have very good benefits. I retired with 25 years of service, 20 of which was active duty. The active duty is called active guard reserve.

[Spc. Scott]

While the recruiters do not lie, they will certainly spin it to make it appealing. It's not their fault, that's their job.

Thanks for saying like that. Recruiters really get a bad rap most of the time.


On topic: First of all, my thanks to you and your husband. I will agree that it is a very rewarding job. Serving in the Army was hands down one of the best jobs that I have had in my 31 years. After 8 years I gained a few "brothers from another mother".
As I'm sure you know, he'll need a lot of support from you. My wife is one of the biggest reasons that I got to enjoy 8 years in. Edit: cavscout really nailed this part BTW.

All the best to both of you!

[Santa Kona]

Yes get as much as you can in writing. However you need to know that once you sign the papers all bets are off. The military can change your job (MOS) or duty station "for the good of the service". With that said; I believe they do try to keep the promises the best they can.
Spec.6
US Army Retired
1969 - 1977

[thescot]

Oh, the Ar-mee. I thought you siad "military." My mistake. :twited:

OK, that was a joke. No hurt feelings or any of that foolishness; it was just a little interservice humor.

Do not even consider the Corps unless you want to be a warrior. That's what Marines are, warriors.

I would advise you to seriously consider the Navy even thought he's not fond of ships. The Navy is so big, it has everything: ships, construction (Seabees), air wing, medical, intelligence, etc. And they aren't as militaristic as other branches. They have some really good MOSes that really aren't ocean-oriented. You'll never be CNO if you don't go to sea, but it doesn't sound like the Joint Chiefs is his goal, anyway.

I was thinking he was a student, so he should check out the officer selection folks. The recruiters don't get credit for officers, so they have no reason to direct you that way; you'll have to seek out the officer people. He should at least consider getting more pay for less work, being in charge, and having guys my age call him "Sir." Navy officers' uniforms look pretty good besides.

I applaud his willingness to serve, especially in light of the fact that old guys like me can't. (They'd laugh at us.) And I also advise that you two work on this together. The military can take a great toll on a marriage, so think about it long and hard.