My son is 19, is extremely intelligent and is preparing for college in the electrical engineering field. He asked me, if I had it all to do over again, what would I do to best prepare me for college. I told him "get life experience". I went straight from high school to college before getting out and having any real world experience at all. So he wants to have some memories and freedom before entering the adult world. I concur. The problem is WHERE to get that experience. His idea is to join the Air Force for 2 years. He wants feedback as to why he should or should not join the Air Force. My dad was in the Air Force, my mom in the Army and I was in the Army. My daughter is married to a soldier, so we are not unfamiliar with the service. Opinions? Comments? We are interested to hear what you have to say. Thank you.

My son, at 19 joined the Air Force for 4 years...he experienced life outside of school, but did learn, what is now his profession...he loves what he does and has been lucky to work at it for 18 years now (omg,that long already)..so I guess there are pros and cons to this question and I guess in the long run, your son will make his decision which will be the best for him..I wish you and him all the luck in the world.

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

I think that is exactly what my son is hoping to achieve by choosing this path.

We are an AF Family. My youngest GS who is also 19 decided to go stright into the AF and leaves in November. He got the job that he wanted, and they are working with him, and he will be getting his degrees for college while he is in the AF. He plans to go to OCS after he gets his batchelors. Armed Forces are not for everyone, but I do feel that young kids can learn some life lessons here. My husband was AF, my oldest GS also AF, and his other grandpa was also AF. I am not saying one branch is better than others, but it depends on what their goals are. I too went right from HS into college, and was only 17 - knowing what I know now - maybe I should have done something prior to going into college. I had never been away from home, and did not adapt well. I watched something the other night, and it was saying that young people that intern anywhere and got their degrees are better off than those that went to college and never interned. Most interns do so at minimal pay, so that could be an issue. But, they learn to deal with different types of issues, and can learn from experienced people in any field. He needs to talk to the recruiter and see what his options are. My husband was in eltronics and was able to get his degrees this way too. That too can be a benefit to all college bound students. The AF likes to see their recruits opt for the education. My GS told us his recriter told him that he was the only one that signed in that group that had opted for more education. Good luck with his decisions.

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

You hit my nail on the head. I grew up in a small town where we didn't even have buses. Then I went off to school in a very large city, far away from home, and had a terrible time adapting. He is having a similar problem. And also being concerned that he will not really KNOW what he wants to do because of lack of exposure to the real world. Having a strong goal when entering school really helps focus a student on their schooling. If you are floundering around, not sure of a direction, then it is really tough...and expensive.

We come from a country where there was compulsory military service for one year. The amount of maturity and character building in the young men that went (after that one year) could not be measured in words. It was a case of sending a child/boy and getting back a man. This applied to my son and many of his friends. The compulsory military training has now stopped and it is so noticeable amongst the young males !!! We seem to have a lot of indecisive, bored, irritable and ill mannered brats roaming around here.
Any experience that he can gain (esp. in his chosen field) and the discipline, comradeship and maturity will only stand him in good stead whichever way his life goes thereafter. Good Luck !

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

I have to agree that the military is good for young people, as it helps develop some self discipline. We do not have mandatory service here, but I really think that most kids would benefit from something that helped them mature and get their acts together.

Go to college first then do the air force if you want to. If you don't do college first you will miss the oppurtunity to do so. Speaking from experience. Suzanne

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by sandyqueen 15 Aug 2011

Think about the college help military service gives a person?

by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

The military will help with college, and if a person stays in, will even promote them from enlisted to officer once college is done.

Brother and son both joined the Navy after high school. Both got electrical engineer degrees, served their country for 20 years and then retired in excellent paying jobs. Neither would change a thing about their world travels and experiences gained doing their years of service. He should do well in whatever branch he decides on. If I were he, I would talk to each of the branches and see which one offers more of what he is interested in. Best wishes to him.

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

He has talked to the other branches. The Air Force tends to be the most intellectual crowd, which is important to him. He made an appointment with a recruiter this morning to talk. I told him to "leave his signing pen at home" till he has time to consider everything.

In the UK many have a gap year. work maybe for some months and than travel the world. Our own grandson did that and is now going second year university.
This way he will see more of the world around him.
Good luck to him anway whatever he decides to do

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

I wish we could afford travel; that would help, but the funds are just not there.
Thank you.

I think military service is a great idea and the Air Force, a good choice. The discipline and organization derived from the training in our armed forces is the best to prepare our young men and women for challenges of life. Military service period is also a good time to work towards that college degree, which is truly expensive for the non-military folks. More education means more financial and advancement incentives for military personnel, so college coursework is encouraged.
My brother made a career in the Army and received his high school and college degree while enlisted.
Best wishes for a wise choice!
Angel

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

Thank you!

My son went straight from his high school graduation into the Canadian Forces. In the four years that he's been with the CF, he has grown in great leaps and bounds in many ways; and doing a tour of duty in Afghanistan matured his outlook on life in general.

I think your son should do some soul searching and ask his self if he wants to continue the 'family tradition.' Well, that's what he's probably doing by challenging you to find the pros and cons of that particular path, or taking a look at both sides of the coin. Military service is noble and honorable, but its not exactly the easiest road to travel.

My question is: Why can't he do both? Electrical engineering is probably a wide open field in any of the military branches. Let the Air Force or Army train him for it. My 2 cents worth.

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

That is exactly what he is thinking. He was trying to find reasons NOT to go. I don't think there are very many. He has always found the Armed Forces to be appealing, and wants to work a professional job. Thank you for your input.

The AF would be great for experiences. But why not go straight to college then become an officer in the AF? Best wishes to hime for his future.

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

He is struggling with that decision. The military would help pay his tuition, which is why he is considering this.

For most people I've ever talked with not going straight into college from high school was their biggest mistake because they left a routine of getting up and going to school to study. With that said going into the Air Force you will still be in a constant routine while being exposed to many new experiences like going places, interacting with others, and learning while still getting a paycheck. If he is able to conform to being told what to do now that he is a young adult that could work for him. It's a decision I'm glad I don't have to make. Tell him "Good Luck" in whatever decision he makes.

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

Thank you.

Hi justonlyme,

I know a lot of children here in Australia after finishing their Year 12 have a GAP year where they go out into the world to widen their horizons.

"Medecins Sans Borders" - but of course for Electrical Engineering. I know a lot of the third world countries would welcome people with such qualities and experience. Maybe you could look into the Engineering field in some of the Island countries that are close to America. Also any of the Christian based voluntary organisations would be suitable.

Good luck in whatever your son wants to do. At 19 he has the whole world in front of him. Love and blessings Chris

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

Good suggestions. Thank you.

Joining the air force he will get lots of experience. It also could lead to a career as well. Good luck.

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by justonlyme 15 Aug 2011

Thank you for your reply. He is considering the same thing, even as far as to go to school with military funding and make a career out of engineering and defense.