Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/delayed entry/ buddy system

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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/26/2009


Question
A friend and i planned on going into the Air Force together but we're both only 17 and i wanted to know if you can still do the buddy system if your in the delayed entry program.

Answer
Stephanie,

Yes, it's possible.  Buddies join together, may be stationed together, and may also receive a grade-in-pay advance.  An enlistee can delay entry into active duty for up to one year (normally used by high school students) and they allow for the enlistment of small groups of not more than four male individuals or four female individuals who wish to remain together for as long as possible during their enlistment.

Under the Air Force program, "buddies," are guaranteed to be able to attend basic training together, but not follow-on job training, nor further assignments.  If by chance you both enter the same career field, you may very well end up in training school together also, if that particular Air Force Speciality Code is trained in only one location.

Congratulations to you both on joining an elite Service!
Colonel H  

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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