You are here:
Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Important Airforce
Advertisement
Question
Ok so everything is moving really fast now! So I'm probably going into meps tomorrow and everything! My Mom asked me why I'm doing this and my boyfriend is mad and says he needs to think. He doesn't want me to go either. My mom asks why I can't just stay here and work at a daycare center and help little kids. Oh I'm worried. I want to go, but then I don't want to go! Oh I'm so confused.
Angela -
This may come as a multiple response, but I want to make sure you get it.
This is obviously a big decision that is weighing heavily on both you and your family. Your decision will affect more than just yourself. I don't want to dissuade you one way or the other, but you need to talk this through with someone that has experience in the military and turn the muddy water into something more clear so you can better decide what path to take.
Please, this is a very important decision you are making. If you want, give me a call tomorrow evening. I will be home by 8:00 pm Eastern time (I live in Pennsylvania). My number is 610-718-5626. If you want, your mother can be there to ask questions as well. If she feels better about your welfare, it will help you as well. I'm sure she is just watching what is on the television and is worried you will either get killed, or end up on the news in some sort of trouble (like the prison guards are now).
Not to be crude, but your boyfriend is only trying to protect the one main aspect of your relationship (the sexual part), so he is going to play on your emotions to convince you to stay with him. If you are more than a passing fancy to him, he should be willing to let you explore your life and he will still be there for you. Wouldn't he expect the same of you if HE were going into the military?
Please, call me. If you make the decision to go into the military, you will need to have your head focused on your training and your career, not the family strife you left behind. Because of that, you need to get answers that will help you and your mother either accept that the military is right for you, or else it isn't and you should find another goal in life.
Call me tomorrow,
James
610-718-5626
- View Follow-Ups
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | This helped me get a real-life view on the air force. | ||
Related Articles
- My Teen is Thinking of Joining the Military
- Help Military Families – Become a Sponsor and Help Military Families
- Military Careers for Gifted Children - Pros and Cons of Military Careers
- Things to Consider Before Joining the US Military
- Counseling Students on a Military Career - Pros and Cons for Students
Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Expertise
I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience
Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.