Expert: John L - 10/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm prior service army and my fiance is active duty AF. I can't get into AF active duty in a career I want, but if we were to marry in January (she's deployed right now and I have our little girl) after I went back into army, how would we go about trying to get assignments together? She's been at Lackland AFB for almost 5 years and we'd both like to go overseas somewhere OTHER THAN IRAQ, we've both been there enough. My question really is, would it be better to get married before I reenter? I'd rather join the AF than the army but right now I'll do either. Thanks for any help with this.

ANSWER: No one can guarentee that, I have seen couple split on seperate coasts.   Then one has to try to trade with another, army allows it, i don't know if AF does.  I suggest go guard, try to get AGR, easier to transfer to another state as AGR (such as recruiter)  As far as overseas, go as a dependant.  Its hard to get same assignments, especially in different services.

Good luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I've got some paperwork started with the AF reserve--once I'm actually enlisted, how difficult is it to get a full-time position? I've heard of the reserves allowing temporary assignment for man-hours, as I will need a full-time job outside of the reserve monthly drill pay! I understand there are AF "technician" positions, ARTs? Thanks again for any help!

Answer
Alot of reservists fill full time positions either on a temporary or full time basis.  I myself am a Guardsman, but work full time for the last 4 years.  All the benefits of full time, but different chain of command, etc.  As a Reservist, you can easily transfer to a new station as you move to follow your wife.  If you go to...say..Japan...  They can either utilize you there or put you in the IRR until you return stateside.  It all depends on your job and needs of he AF.