Serving our country by enlisting in the military has always been something I have considered. My understanding of the Air Force's ethos always led me to think that it would be the right branch for me. But in recent years, my academic drive and general plans for the future made me put the idea of joining the military on the back burner.

For several reasons though, among them seeing the chance that America may soon be moving in a new direction that will once again make me unashamedly proud to be an American, I have been thinking more seriously of the possibility once again.

Last month I graduated with my BA in Social Sciences and a second language, and so I have been considering signing up for the Air Force's Basic Officer Training.

I was hoping to get in touch with someone who is presently an Air Force officer, or who is now out of the Air Force having already served in an officer position, to talk about your experiences or recommendations.

If you would be willing to do so, I would very much appreciate it. Let me know!

Thanks!
~William

This message has been edited. Last edited by: William,

William I can not give you advice about your career in the USAF I would like to ask you why and when you became ashamed of being an American like Cindy McCain said I always have been Proud to be a American and I will always will remain the same.

I suppose that was poor wording. I have always been proud to be an American, and have always believed in the American ideals that this country was founded on. Let me just say that seeing the chance that we may move in a new direction soon has just added more to that fire.

That was probably too personal note which has the chance of opening up a pandora's box and a discussion that isn't really related to my goals for starting this thread. So I'd like just to leave it at that if possible.

No Problem just curious.The USAF often gets un-due harassement but they have a job to do and they do it.I wish you the best of luck in your endevor.

Thanks for the replies Sully. What do you mean by undue harassment?

The other branches of the military give the USAF grief for being the "cushiest" of the 4 services. Among other things, they're referred to as the "chair force".

My only experience w/ the USAF was 3 years in ROTC, so I don't think I can really answer your questions, but you're free to post them here, and hopefully one of our resident AF members can answer them.

giblackjack

I am not USAF, but my father is still serving strong at 26 years for them, so I will get in contact with him and see if I can get you some answers.

Hey, thanks a ton!

I had a long conversation several days ago with someone who has made a career serving in the Army, and he suggested that I talk to as many different people as possible (other than recruiters) about their experiences before I make a final decision... so I figured this was a good place to start.

William I am not sure what kind of person told you to get other Military people's oponion but I can tell you do your own research on the Web & books because every Military person you talk to will have a different oponion and you won't know what to believe.Do your own research.

Hello William. I am one of the few guys in this forum who has served in two Services: The USAF (4 years)and the US Army (16.1 years). So believe I can give some advice to one who wants to enlist in the USAF: Life in the USAF is cushier than in the Army/Marines but it is different. The bases are better kept, the PXs are fuller, the locations are (generally)cosier. But keep in mind that they also have bases such as Thule Greenland, Wake, Goose bay and Kevlavik Island. The prominent difference in Army/USAF life however, that I never forget, is the difference between flying personnel and 'ground pounders'. They are (so I felt then) two classes of people in the USAF. If you can't make it into the flying class you will feel this when you join anyway. This difference was absent in the Army. There, everyone is a soldier first and a xyz second. This was (and hopefully still is) prominently visible in the combat arms (Infantry, Armor, Artillery). We wore so called 'green tabs' to show this. Leadership for Officers in the Army is much more pronounced and challenging than in the USAF where you basically become an office Manager (unless you fly). In the Army/Marines you deal directly with people and their everyday problems from a cold to an exploded tank. It is your choice, but I believe whatever your decision is you will find military service a great experience that will never leave you and even US Presidents will envy you for it(especially those who want to be one).

Master, thanks so much for the helpful response!
~William