by Elizabeth Kelley

Created on: September 20, 2007

Choosing a military career is one you should make with information. Had I known all the things I know now, my military career may have been longer than four years. I recently separated from the great United States Air Force this past December. Upon first enlisting, I was excited and felt honored to be a part of the respectable military. My family and friends all seemed so proud of my accomplishments, and I was happy to revel in their praise. However, I was learning at the time all the places I went wrong.

When I decided to join the Air Force, I went to visit a recruiter. He explained all the great things about joining the Air Force and told me how I could leave in as early as 3 months! I was ecstatic about that, so I signed myself up. That was my first mistake. I signed up in what is called "open general", which means that I left for basic training without knowing what my job would be. Luckily for me, I was placed in a job that I truly enjoyed, but many others aren't nearly as lucky. In open general, they will place you into any job that is short on personnel, depending on what you qualify to do. So, if you have dreams of becoming an airplane mechanic, or whatever you want to do, you ought to make sure you get that job guaranteed before leaving for basic training.

Another thing I was unaware of before leaving was how many programs there are to commission people into the military. If you know you want to become a Physician Assistant, Nurse, etc. you need to speak to an officer recruiter, not an enlistment recruiter. There are programs where the military will help pay for your degree, and all you owe them is four years of service. Doing this, you will be commissioned as an officer upon entrance to the armed service of your choice, you will make more money while in the military, and you will have a degree and make more money upon separation from the military as well.

Now, let's discuss some of the benefits vs. sacrifices that holds true no matter what capacity you serve in the military. Benefits include respect, honor, comradity, friendships for life, a chance to learn your job in aspects that most civilian equivalent workers will never comprehend, a chance to travel, and 30 days of vacation time per year by the end of your very first year, along with free medical insurance no matter what medical condition occurs. After separation, you have a higher possibility of getting into a government position, you will be eligible for home loans, schooling, and reduced or free

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