I have always wanted to join the air force but I did not want to go right out of high school because I had already planned and applied to colleges that I was going to go into the medical field. I went to school in Kingsville for about a year and a half and things just went down hill because it was so much more harder to attend all the classes. After I left school I still wanted to do it but I wanted my friend to go with me because he had also said he wanted to join. We did not go because he was finishing school and I could not go because I got pregnant. This is where the issue comes in. The baby's father just got done doing 6 years in the army. 2 years active and 4 years national guard. My father who is currently still in the Air Force Reserves said I can still join but I have to meet all the requirements and do basic training and make sure that I have arrangements for someone or family watch my son while I am in training. All of that I can do but according to the recruiter I cannot join because I have a son. The recruiter then told me that I could join but I would have to join without a dependent. He's telling me I have to give up my son to serve the air force and my country. I wish that there was someone who could tell me why that is or is it just because they don't want to pay a beneficiary should something horrible occur. The baby's father said he would join with me if I did not get to go with my friend. Just to find out what he do about joining he talked to the recruiter and they told him that they were not accepting people who have previously already served time in the military.
Correct me if I am wrong but I believe the military is still looking for people to join considering that the whole "war" in Iraq is still going on. Also I read an article from back in August that a troop from Alaska was sent home because they had already served their time there in Iraq. Not too long after they got home they were re-deployed. If they had to re-deploy that troop then I think "Jesus, we are lacking in soldiers and I'll pray for those re-deployed." Now also the military is always advertising too that they will pay for your college education if you join. I figured since I really want to finish school and I can't afford to pay for it all on my own then I would join. To me it seems a little discriminant that any one having a child can't join. I feel that it is discrimination. I feel like they are saying "I'm sorry we can't help you get a job or help you further your education." It also seems to me that the way it is broken down is that if you do have a child then you have to be married and they only want the huysband from that family. Last time I checked we are not living in China were they only allow men to serve and they reqire one man from each family.
I honestly wish I knew who to ask a lot of the questions I have about this whole thing. These things are really frustrating to me because currently I have no job and a son to support. The baby's dad is the only one working as a truck driver for a small company. He does not always get called out constantly. So far the longest wait we have ever endured and worried about how to pay rent was a month. This is something that will always bother me until I can get some answers.
If you truly would like to join the Military and not have to give up your child then call a National Guard Recruiter in your area he/she will help you.
I agree, 100% with you. And, I don't think that is right. While in the army you can have a kid, so why can't you have one before? I agree with the other person, talk to the NG. They have GREAT programs and benefits. They exceed their recruiting goal every year. They have the best recruitment. Walk in and explain everything. If they still give you the same answer, I don't know what to say but take a stand. Go higher up. Write a letter to the president? That's about as high as you can get.
I'll pray for you and wish you luck. Stay strong, there must be something you can do....
-Jessi-
PS
I can't join period because of a skin problem (psoriasis). I was so crushed. So, I'm marrying a soldier HAHA. Best I can do (and I love him very much). So I really do wish you luck, I understand the frustration of wanting to join but for some silly reason you can't.
i'm sorry that you feel that way about wanting to be in the military. i did it, because it was a job, college money... and it destroyed my life. i've warned everyone in my path that it is NOT JUST A JOB, IT'S NOT JUST COLLEGE MONEY. sure, you hear great things about traveling, friends (you'll have plenty, you're all in the same sinking boat), discipline... but what you don't hear is that sometimes you end up stationed in a bad place, far from home, away from family. you want to raise your son? stay out of the military. stay out. i won't even mention that the chances of you getting a decent job outside of the military (unless you were an officer in the military) are slim. GET A COLLEGE EDUCATION!! complete your PHD AND THEN, if you're still thinking about it, join, because if you have nothing before you go in, you will have NOTHING when you get out. the majority end up back on the streets when their active duty service is over, working the minimum wage jobs they tried to avoid when they went in. only, this time, they have depression, instability, and are a completely different person than they were before. you lose your individuality, you become confused about politics, you lose your hard-set values. yes, the military is for some people. NOT ALL. a family friend just attempted suicide after coming back from Iraq. he is in bad shape. even if you were lucky enough not to be sent into war, (and i guarantee you will go, i have NO idea how i avoided the first Gulf War, other than the fact that we had a humanitarian crisis going on with Haiti, and i ended up in GITMO instead of the Gulf, which in and of itself was hell in paradise) you may not come out a better person. if you want to live and work in the REAL world, STAY OUT OF THE MILITARY. do that for your son. work hard, go to school, and BE A PARENT. your son needs you.
"Now also the military is always advertising too that they will pay for your college education if you join."
sure.... they do. but not ALL OF IT. you'll still have to pay some tuition on your own. that is, if you get out alive, and you still have something left in you to want more out of life. please, please PLEASE..... don't listen to the propaganda.... talk to someone that's been in AND IS OUT, talk to MANY people....