I am about ready to seriously think about joining the Air Force. I want to have the experience, I want to have good job security, I want to do it along with my husband. Not the same job as him, but I want to find a place for myself in this big organization. Right now all I'm thinking is that I should start running, and get more in shape, but I'm sure the recruitment office would help with that...where is the recruitment office here? Help me think about this... I have no idea what job I would want to take, flying is not an option (I'm blind as a bat), and I don't know how computer savy I am, and I don't know if I could do the mechanical work that my husband does (although I know I could learn, and want to on a level) ugh, so much to think about... 

I would try to give you some good advice but I have nothing right now. All I can say is think long and heard and in the end if you do it, this country is honored to have you! 

i dont know about the air force but the marines have schools for your mos(job) so you can learn more about what your doing. i wish you luck and joining the service was the greatest thing i did beside my family(kids) 

Thanks for the encouragement, it makes me feel better in this thinking process. I know the marines give good bonuses, but that's about it. The air force does "on job" training after your technical school about your job. I don't think that I'm set to be a military wife, although I think that its great if you are a SAHM or doing anything to support your military spouse. I want to do more, country, family, myself. 

i know how you feel. it was a huge adjustment for me when i got out of the marines in 2007. now i stay at home with my 3 chuckies and hardly see my husband becuase of his crazy hours he works with the mps. i can tell you that after graduation from bootcamp it was the greatest joy when they handed me the eagle globe and anchor. when you put on your dress uniform a huge relief lifts off your shoulders because you have accomplished something that few people have done or will ever do. its a great feeling. i really hope you join! you will enjoy it so much 

If I do not marry someone in the military, I will join.. (may join even if I do marry someone in military) The thing holding me back now is my dog. I don't want to leave her for basic- and then I couldn't have her until I was allowed to live offbase. It s a big choice, so fully think it through first. I support you either way! Love ya girl! 

There are a huge variety of great jobs that you could look into. I work in communications (electronics) and it's really not that difficult. I have been in for almost 6 years now. If you have any specific questions, please ask and I'll do my best to answer from what limited experience I have. :) 

I'll just put my questions here so that anyone is free to chime in... I have a college degree, useless here, and non-specific to anything that is offered on this base (Mortuary Science) (only 2 bases that allow you to work in that field). I want to become an officer I think, and communications is something that I would be interested in. That or something in the scientific field or special investigations. Mary: Were you married and then joined? Do you know where the recruitment office is? Are you Air force with communications? Were you physically fit before going to basic? How hard was basic? 

Well, I didn't have my full Bachelors' degree when I joined, so I'm enlisted. I got married after I was in for a few years (we met at night classes at Tyndall AFB). I think the recruitment office is somewhere near Marek Park on Kadena. I'm not sure of the building number though. I am USAF Comm. I was within the weight limit when I went to basic, but they showed me that what I thought was 'fit' was totally NOT up to their standards! LOL. By the time I left basic, I was in the best shape of my life. You'd go to OTS though, and I'm not sure what that's all about. You'd need to speak with MOMZ or another officer about that! :) 

If you want to join, and you want something useful on the outside I agree, I was a dental assistant in the AF because I too, wanted a job that I could do once I got out. I've had jobs as a D.A. in the civilian sector due to my training from the AF. If you're going to spend the time to get the training, make sure it's useful in case you eventually decide to get out. Good luck! 

Join the Air Force and go in "Open General." In less than a year you'll be checking ID's at the gate and makeing a ton of money. 

Not to be bias..but GO ARMY-ha ha!! :) Do you have children? That is also alot to consider when joining, as well as being dual-military. If not..I say go for it! Whichever branch you do decide...you are making the ultimate sacrifice. You've done it right by getting your college degree already, but you can continue on your masters, etc through the military 100% paid. You already are a step ahead as far as being able to get commissioned following your basic training and the esprit de corp of being amongst others w/ the same goals as you is something you cannot get in the civilian sector. You will go in with a different perspective being that you've already gone to college and done other things before joining so you should have a great start. I wish you the very best and it was truly the best days of my life as well when I was in! Loved it. You will be physically and mentally stronger! Tip: while in the military do anything and everything that comes your way! There is alot to choose from. If your hubby is in he should be a good source of information already but go through people that are in it or have been there. Do go down to the recruiting and find out your options...but also check out your other options through other branches as well and find what is the best fit for you! I also agree w/ the other comments on finding a job that will benefit you when you do eventually get back out. If you have a degree in a certain area that can help, but if you have a desire to do something (example be a nurse, dentist) then get into one of these jobs. They can also help specialize you in these particular jobs as well. (for instance L&D nurse, OR nurse). My sister is about to rejoin the AF after having a stint w/ the Army (twice) in her younger years, but she has gotten her degree now and will too go in commissioned...and she is 40+ years if that gives you any encouragement :) 

jamie you can have your dog any where you go on base as long as your in the state which you prolly would be if you joined. you would just have to worry about deployment 

Well, I don't have kids, and this is why I think its a good time. Before now I didn't think that it would be a choice for me. I can't go in as an officer, I only have an associates degree (the second was delayed since I was coming here). What is OTS? I dont' want to check ID's Honcho, I could do that at the hookah bar I worked at. lol. Oh, I have 2 tattoos, one on my foot and one in between my shoulder blades...I've heard this shouldn't be a problem. Mr. God, what kind of civilian jobs are available with that kind of AF training for those jobs? My dream would to be a brain/neurological surgeon...something dealing with science & the human body or just something overall that I could look forward to everyday. Another choice would be radio operations on C-130's...is everyones choices completely non-related?? Lol. Mary, I'm in Marek Park...I've got some looking around to do. Thank you all so much for your input, I asked my husband what he thought, and I get so much more out of y'all, he was just telling me to start running, learn to do pushups and flutter kicks...who wants to be my trainer?? 

go into some form of electronic intelligence or communications intelligence. Space systems is also a good one. They pay great on the outside with the clearance and experience. This is where it's at right now. The big thing is a clearance. If you get TS or above and then get out, you have a license to print you own money. 

Intelligence for like the secret service? Where would you "go" to get hired for those jobs...I'm going to About.com now... 

Oh, and I plan on doing this for a while, especially if I'm satisified with my job, and I know my first base will be here! lol. 

jamie you can have your dog any where you go on base as long as your in the state which you prolly would be if you joined. you would just have to worry about deployment Well, it is also boot camp. I want to join- but I would like to get my degree first :). 

Kathryn, I don't know about the other services but w/ the Army they have the green to gold program which is basically going from enlisted to officer after you complete your schooling. You get accepted into a college and go to complete your degree (2 more years since you already have your associates). Books and tuition are paid. Your other option is to get into the Amedd program which actually allows you to go to school and still get paid your active duty pay while you are attending all your schooling is paid. Both of these programs you can check into. The AF or Marines may have similar programs? 

The AF has a program like that "actually allows you to go to school and still get paid your active duty pay while you are attending all your schooling is paid.". Don't remember what it is called. 

Dunno, for the Marine Corps that's MECEP.