I was wondering if the air force is still recruiting people given the tough economic times and all. i have 16 credit hours of college to my name so far, and want to continue to my BA, but money is quickly becoming an issue. this is part of my reason for wanting to join. i am going to call a recruiter tomorrow and talk to him, and was wondering if any of the members here have any advice to help my chances a little. I know the AF is the most competitive of the branches and am looking for any ways to get ahead. thanks in advance for any advice

-Dustin L

 

I wouldn't say that the air force is the most competitive branch, they are probably all about the same unless you try to get into special programs like special forces, nuclear power, or diving. Did a recruiter tell you that?

Even when times are tough, the up-or-out promotion system in the military means that they keep the pipeline flowing, so someone who has some college and wants to enlist should have a pretty good opportunity. This assumes you can pass the medical and have no criminal history.

Before joining the military consider ALL branches and what you want to get out of it: a short-term job, excitement, a career, job skills for the civilian world, travel, etc.

Then pick the branch that can best guarantee that you will at least get to try out for a job you want to do. Don't forget the coast guard.

 

Always good to have goals.

When you're ready to sign on the dotted line, have the "sombody" mentioned above to come with you and read what you are actually signing. There are horror stories ... most of which are untrue or exaggerated. BUT, you can't be too careful.

 

Motosaki,
Tough for anyone to give specifics without what you desire to accomplish. All the services will help you with college etc. Would really add the Air National Guard/Army National Guard to the mix if you are interested in a local job and still want some extra money and college opportunity.
All services are good IMO, but very different in what type of deployments and job (career) opportunities.
Realize all recruiters have most difficult job to recruit best and brightest for your their individual service. Talk to all recruiters regardless of your preconceived notions, let them know what your goals and let them map it out. Try to find folks who can take a sanity look at the "map".
Thanks for considering to serve, good luck. I like all the services. Have time in USMC,USAF, and lots of Navy. Worked a tour with the Army/Army Reserve//National Guard. Good Americans all.

 

Continuing you B.A. + Making money for college = Air National Guard

Before you go talk to an active duty recruiter, I would look into the Air National Guard. What state do you live in? There are Squadrons all over the country, probably within a decent commute from where you live. When I was going through my enlisted training, heck even in pilot training, I couldn't count how many times I have heard "I wish I would have joined the guard."

When I enlisted they were giving 100% tuition, GI Bill/Kicker ($650/month), 20k student loan repayment, and a sign on bonus of 8K (I think it up to 15K now). Some jobs got more than others if they needed them. This is also dependent on the state you live in as well.

As far as jobs, there is everything. What are your goals? If ya wanna be a pilot, check out life support, crew chief or something like that. I was a crew chief and that worked out well for me.

Goodluck.

*Note not talking about the ARMY National Guard. Had many buds from college in the Army guard and those dudes took forever and a day to graduate college due to the 12-15 month deployments.

 

First thing Ill tell you is that AIR FORCE needs Come first if you are going to enlist I suggest getting a Guranteed AFSC do not go in Open General or Electrical or Mechanical GET A GURANTEED AFSC critical AFSC in the Air Force gets an SRB ask your recuriter about that, mind you SRBs Change as does critical AFSCs

Bottom line is the Recuriter is only trying to get you in if you can find someone who is actully in the AF and talk to them FYI Airforce personell are augmenting the army in alot of things IE Supply and Transportation on the ground " convoys in IRAQ and AFGANISTAN " so be prepared to be a Soilder as well...

I have nothing against any other service but I am partial to the Air Force its my alma mater how ever if I had to do it all over again I would consider the Coast Guard..

In the end you should join because you desire to serve your Country not just because no on is hiring, we want people who want to be in the service not because they Have to...

Cross into the Blue

Service demographics offer snapshot of force

Air Force Personnel Center - Home

 

Thanks to all of you for the excellent feedback... my goal in the long run is to make a living flying a plane. The instability and constant furloughs of the airlines is enough to discourage me from ever pursuing that corner of aviation. Everything else will be considered... I have always wanted to be in the military for as long as I can remember. I grew up a few miles outside Charleston AFB and seeing the dozens of C-17s flying overhead every day planted a seed that is with me to this day

I'm 22, and have been told by recruiters that to make OCS I have to have a bachelors by 26. For that reason I don't expect to fly with the military, although after reading this thread and others I am starting to take everything the recruiters say with a grain of salt. My goal of being a pilot of some sort is always the same, but I have changed my plans of getting to that point about a thousand times. Money is an issue, I want to serve in the military, and at some point be a pilot. Other than that, I really am open to anything.

 

How about helicopters? Check out the Army and Army National Guard's aviation programs- try a search of this forum, probably lots of info on it.
You can get into it without a college degree and be commissioned as a Warrant Officer. Be careful with the recruiters though.
Good Luck.

 

He's full of sh!t. You must start pilot training by your 30th birthday. I know 2 guys who were 31 when they started pilot training. That does require a waiver and are rare. Even if you take four more years to get your degree you still have time.

 

You need to make finishing your degree a priority. Grants, loans, scholarships. Start researching and get going!