Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/19/2011

Question
Hello Mr.Howell,
my friend and I are still in high school, next year we will be seniors. We are planning on signing up with the air force this summer because we talked to an air force recruiter and he said that they have more people joining the air force than they have jobs, so for the seniors in high school they are doing a first come first serve basis, this is why we would like to join this summer. Although, she moved to Hawaii about a week ago and I'm still living in japan, I just need to know if in order to do the buddy system, do we have to be in the same location signing up? Because if we do then I need to buy myself a plane ticket to Hawaii this summer.

Answer
Maria,
Just because you're joining next summer, don't expect to leave for Basic Training right away.  Even after you join, you will have a waiting period of 6-8 months on the average.  That's why you should sign up in the fall of your Senior year, about October.  They will put you in the Delayed Entry Program, which means you're on hold until you graduate.

You both do not have to be in the same location when joining.  You will meet up at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX on the same day to begin your basic training.

You should verify this with your local recruiter also.

Congratulations on selecting the best Service.  (Can you tell I'm slightly biased?)
Colonel H