Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/about the air force

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Question
QUESTION: I'm still in high school and was wondering that if i joined active do i get paid every month or not. If not do i get any money while i'm in high school that i can spend or do i have to wait until i graduation. Thanks if u can help me.

ANSWER: Billy:

 1:  You can't enlist until you are 17 (with a parents signature) or 18 without it.  You can enlist in high school if you meet that criteria, in either delayed entry (you don't get paid and leave when you graduate) or wait and then enlist then.  The Air Force does not accept non high school graduates.  At one time there was a program to enlist those who met the age criteria during their junior year of high school, send them to boot camp, then they went back to school after returning for their senior year (yes, they got paid).   I don't believe that program exists anymore.  Check with an Air National Guard recruiter on that.

 You get paid every 2 weeks while in recruit training and then on active duty.  You get paid once a month in the reserves if you complete your 2 day drill.

Jason

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

QUESTION: i'm 18 and was wondering do i get paid from the air force when i enlist or does it go into a savings account while i'm in high school.

Answer
1:  Talk to a recruiter, since it seems you haven't done so.

2:  Yes, you get paid, as I stated, in recruit training.  You'll be required to open a bank account.  You do not get paid until you go to recruit training.

3:  The Air Force will likely not take you until you GRADUATE high school.

4:  TALK TO A RECRUITER.  If you are already 18 and going to graduate this year, you need to get moving if you hope to go to recruit training before the December time frame.  Most slots are closed at this point due to high demand and the bad economy.  If you have another year of school then talk to them anyway.  

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

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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