Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/20/2008

Question
I am currently in the delayed entry program for the Air Force and my recruiter was kinda giving me little or no option on the job I wanted, but now that I told her that I was interested in Navy she has suddenly been able to pull strings.  I originally wanted to join the Air Force and still part of me does, however I do know that their base locations are not all that great and the ones like Las Vegas and Tampa FL, are almost impossible to get.  I was looking into the Navy for bonuses, and the nice beach side base locations but there is this job they offered in the Air Force that caught my eye, It was Space Systems Operations Apprentice.  I want to join the military for school and experience in something exciting and an acquired skill I can utilize in the real world.  I know both Navy and Air Force are very technologically advanced, I am just not sure which way to go.  I know that if I left the Air Force I may never be able to join, due to the down sizing, but then if I join the Navy I may find myself miserable.  I have researched many sites online, asked a lot of people, and in the area I live is mostly Army or people that know of the Air Force benefits, not the Navy. I truly know that I am the only person that can decide, I just need any guidance I can get, opinions on the two branches, I need to make a choice soon.  I haven't decided if I want to retire in military life or use the military to get my education and degree.  I just need to know what you think.  It would really help me out.  Thank you very much.

Answer
Sherrisa,

You have to understand somethng when it comes to jobs in the Air Force. Its not like we can just send everyone where they want, becasue if we did that there would be gaps in the system...or jobs that would not get filled. The AF can only fill jobs that are available at the time you enlisted. ...What job did they give you and do you qualify ASVAB for the job you are looking at?

Dont fall into the ploy from the Navy that if you leave the AF that they can do any better....they fill jobs the same way. besides, its aginst recruiting rules for the navy to be talking to you anyhow!!

If you turn down the chance to go in the AF you will not be forded the chance again....by the same recruiter. She has done a tremenous amount of work on getting you where you are at right now.

The statement you made....I havent decided if I want to retire....
You have to take your life in the military one day at a time...Get you education and further your career....before you know it you will be retiring....

My advise...Stay where you are at. 1. you dont know anything about the job you elected to take, just becasue it dont stound interesting doesnt mean its not. and 2. ALL JOBS IN THE MILITARY PAY THE SAME.... you are paid by the rank on your sleve...not by the job you do.... You got it good ...Stay put!