Hello everyone.

I'm 25 years old, and finally thinking about my future. I've been a licensed barber for 7 years now, and thought the cash money is nice, I will never have benefits, or retirement.

I'm thinking about joining the Air Force in December (after my apt. lease is up) and wanted some advice in a few areas:

1. How tough is basic training? Is there anything I can do to better ready myself from now until December.
2. How often does someone who is active duty get deployed? For how long? Where are some places one could end up?
3. I got a DUI back in May. First and only offense. Is this going to ruin my chances?

Thanks in advance.

katuuz, no matter what advice you get here, you will not get around seeing a recruiter to determine 1. your physical and mental qualification and 2. Your aptitude. As you know barbers in the military are all civilians, so you will get another job. Basic in the USAF will make you slender, but there is nothing that a normal American male/female can't handle. Start running and doing pushups and situps. The needs of the USAF come first when it comes to deployment. They can send you whereever they need you for years. There is nothing you can do if you end up in Thule Greenland, Kevlavik Island or plush places like Hickam Hawaii. Concerning the DUI ask the recruiter, but it is kind of recent.

Jeez Mastertanker, now you got me all paranoid about getting deployed to Greenland. That will probably end up being my luck. Seriously though, thanks for the info. I consider every bit to be of use.

As I said, I won't be able to sign up until December, but I'm just trying to do as much research as I possibly can right now. I just picked up an ASVAB book on my way home from work to study as well.

I'm also considering the Navy after interviewing a customer at the barber shop this morning. I will go and take a look at the Navy forum now.

Thanks again man. I'd like to hear any more info you have.
-katuuuz