Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 6/22/2009

Question
My husband and I were in the Air Foorce in 2001. he served his full 4-year enlistment (in medical records) and I got out a little over a year(Sept.2002) because of pregnancy (I was security forces).He then joined the Army and is now active duty.We only have two children and my tubes are now tied.I w ant to re-enlist in the Army and we don't know if it'll be better if he gets out and I re-enlist or if he should re-up and then I'll join and we'll be mil-to-mil.Our biggest fear is leaving our boys with relatives in the event that we'll both get deployed. Also,the only wasy that I'll re-up is if I can get a GUARANTEED 68WM6 or 68E.Any advice you give will help us greatly.Thanks!

Answer
Dear Coretta --

It is possible for you to re-enlist, but you will have to have a family care package that states with power of attorney who will care for your children, if you are both deployed.

You may stipulate your MOS in your contract, and if they do not have a billet for you, you can decline your contract, and not enlist.  However, once you enlist, if you do not pass your training then you will lose your MOS billet and revert to a less technically challenging MOS.  If you do not want to take this chance, do not enlist.

Also do not enlist, if you do not have someone you trust who can care for your children if you are both on duty away from home at the same time.  The stress on your family will be too great.

If you want to serve, but do not want to risk being deployed when your husband is deployed, you should consider a career as a Department of Defense Civilian.  Currently a number of agencies are hiring.  Defense Contract Management Agency has a number of intern training programs, and your prior service could help you qualify.  Go on-line to USA Jobs and search for DCMA to find job opportunities there.

Good luck to you and your family.  Thank you for your service to the country.