So, I've done it.. Joined the Air Force Reserve

[Troublco]

Don't sweat the age. I have a new guy who just got back from Basic and Tech School, and he's 35.

[BuffCyclist]

I'm under the impression that it is not even a gamble. You sign up right now, you're getting deployed.

I've been told that it's not a certainty, and that it all depends on which unit you are assigned to and other conditions like that. But that was told to me informally by an army recruiter.

[Troublco]

Me: 24yo, single (ie no family to support it's just me), jobless since graduation from college last May, bored out of my mind and getting desperate for a job (ie flat broke and barely scraping by)

My biggest concern though is deployment, I don't want to sign up if there is a huge chance I'll be deployed, and yes, I know it's a gamble for everyone. It's just one of those mental battles with myself of going for it or not.

And to be honest, movies like The Hurt Locker (which I know is not realistic in all sense of the fact), but they make me want that camaraderie, that sense of always being alert, working for something bigger than yourself.

Perhaps I just need to go talk to a recruiter in person and see what my options are as far as officers training and go from there.

I'm under the impression that it is not even a gamble. You sign up right now, you're getting deployed.

I wouldn't call it a gamble. It's really closer to a certainty, no matter if you're Active, Guard, or Reserve. Especially if you're an SP. But it's just part of the job. It's what you train for, so when the time comes you go do your job. And, of course, the longer you're in the more times you'll go. I don't know very many folks who've been there just once (or not at all) unless they're new. But once again, it's what you do.

[Troublco]

I've been told that it's not a certainty, and that it all depends on which unit you are assigned to and other conditions like that. But that was told to me informally by an army recruiter.

It isn't a certainty. Losing the lottery isn't a certainty, either. Your unit and specialty does play a part in it. But don't think that there aren't good odds in going. What I meant in the last post and this one is that the odds of your going are VERY good. Not 100%, but good.

[Bailey Guns]

Congratulations on taking a huge, life-changing step. You'll be a better person for it. I know I was and I really enjoyed my time in the AF.

My son has been in almost 7 years and has been deployed 3 times to Iraq and 2 times to Afghanistan. He's in a combat job and loves it.

And don't let the ragging from the guys in the other services get to you...they're just jealous!

[Birddog1911]

OP, congrats on your decision, and good luck at BMT. Are you going to be at Pete, or Schriever?


Buffy, if your concerned about deploying, the military might not be for you. Your going to have to think long and hard about your decision.

[BigBear]

I want to join the @#$%& military but no... I'm too @#$^#%^ fat though I can #$%^*&^ run and #$^* gun and $%^*follow the @%$&^ orders like everyone else. Tried every @#$^ diet and every @#%&* workout "program" out there, lose some %^&* weight but never enough. $%&*( it all. Fudgeingflickyfaxt!!!! I've won over 6 @#$&^& auditions for militarty bands, 4 of them "premieir" bands in $%^*(% Washington, but I'm too $%^* fat!! I'm a big boy, worked on $&^*& farms for two decades and every summer, gimme a $^*( break!!

Rant over. Congrats on your enlistment. Have fun.

[sniper7]

I want to join the @#$%& military but no... I'm too @#$^#%^ fat though I can #$%^*&^ run and #$^* gun and $%^*follow the @%$&^ orders like everyone else. Tried every @#$^ diet and every @#%&* workout "program" out there, lose some %^&* weight but never enough. $%&*( it all. Fudgeingflickyfaxt!!!! I've won over 6 @#$&^& auditions for militarty bands, 4 of them "premieir" bands in $%^*(% Washington, but I'm too $%^* fat!! I'm a big boy, worked on $&^*& farms for two decades and every summer, gimme a $^*( break!!

Rant over. Congrats on your enlistment. Have fun.

I give it 7/10. It would have been better if you typed out alll the cuss words and I had to take 2 off for mis-spelling military, but I gave you an extra point for fudgeingflickyfaxt!

[BigBear]

A #%^&* 7?!?!?! I pour out my @#$%& bleeding $&^* heart and you %$&*( give me a $%&^* 7?!?!?

lol, thanks.

Seriously though, a HUGE thanks to everyone who serves and protects our country.. from the outside... now if we could do something about the inside, lol...

[Hoser]

I actually enjoy deployments. I dont like being away from home, but thats the only part I dont like.

You get to go out there and do exactly what you were trained to do. No simulated this and that. Just the real thing.

Pretty much every little war and major relief effort since 1988 I have got to play in. Some good, some bad.

Its also great to get out there and live with the guys in the squadron. Instead of just seeing them during the week, you actually become friends with the people you work with.

Being a cop you are close to the top of most deployed jobs. The 302nd cops are good guys.