Air Force lifestyle - effects on family and loved ones?

B

Beth

New member
My boyfriend of three years is thinking about joining the air force because of the benefits. His family seems to be encouraging it; at first, I didn't approve. But I began looking into it, and I can see why he wants to join.

What is the lifestyle of one who joins the Air Force? How long are they away from home? Etc. Any information would be appreciated!
 
I think it's an excellent decision and provides a person with great opportunity for the future. I intend to join the Air Force as well and have read and asked many questions to friends and family. A military life is it's own different type of lifestyle but the Air Force is very family friendly. He will have to be away from you during basic military training (8.5 weeks) and tech school (time depends on the job). You will get to see him graduate and spend some of that weekend with him, it depends on what priviledges he's earned. There are several phases in tech school and I don't remember but it's either the 2nd or 3rd where he will get to go off base during the weekends. After tech school is done then he will be stationed where he's needed (quite possibly a AFB on his dream sheet - but it is called that for a reason) and since he's not married will probably end up living in the dormitories. If you were married then there would be some differences. Hope this gives you a little insight, feel free to e-mail me if you have any specific questions.
 
If he is joining active duty then he most likely will never be stationed near his home town during the duration of his service. He can come home and visit, military members recieve 30 days of leave per year.

Deployment tempos depend on the job that he gets. For instance, security forces deploy frequently, as does some aircraft maintenance specialties, and some communications career fields. Deployments are usually 4 months for aircraft maintenance (due to inspection requirements for the aircraft) and 6 months for most other career fields. This does not include training. I'm an information manager (admin) and I've only deployed once in 7 years. However my deployment required 10 weeks of intensive army combat training followed by my 6 month deployment. I'm currently in a special duty and so I'm non deployable but if I had remained at my last base I would have had less than a year before I deployed again. The way it's supposed to work is 6 months deployed, 2 years at your base for most career fields.
 
it's great. they take good care of you. free medical, free meds, for him 3 free meals a day. a career. no worry of job loss. some go their whole careers only being away from their families for basic and tech school. go air force
 
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