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4 yr college graduate seriously considering enlisting in the Airforce. What are my pros and cons?

Making a long story as short a possible, I had no direction in high school as far as a career goal; however, I was determined to get an education. I was not only successful in earning a degree from a major university; I also discovered what I wanted to do with my life and my true passion. I studied Telecommunications in college where my graphic designing and web development skills were enhanced. In that field I gained a passion for the fashion and entertainment industry. Once out of school I soon realized Corporate USA was not for me. I don’t have a problem with commitment and having someone to answer to, I just don’t like being limited and not allowed to advance and become more educated. Of course there is more to my reason but for now that is the gist of it. I have never been the type of person to sit in just one spot and I always got a thrill from learning something new. I decided to become an entrepreneur where I have more control over my career growth. Business is pretty good and I love being an entrepreneur but I feel there is more I need to learn before I can make it to the next level. I am a strong believer that anything worth having takes hard work. I eventually want to own and head a magazine publication and photography studio to market music and fashion. I know you are thinking what in the HELL does this have to do with enlisting in the air force! Well, at this point in my life I feel I have direction and a goal but I just need a little more training and experience. In other words before leading a publication I need to gain more leadership and problem solving skills. I already have the talent and skill, but that isn’t enough. I feel hands on training is the best form of education and I’m willing to devote part of my life to get it because I know the benefits are worth wild. So why the air force instead of a publication or advertising firm? I’ve done it already and I feel I could learn more from the air force as far as leadership skills and work ethic (which I have). Also, I would be progressively moving up a ladder instead of staying in one position for 5 year prior to advancing to another one. In the air force I could gain assistance with paying off my student loans and have the option of working on a master’s degree while having my classes paid for. Lastly, I love to travel and I wouldn’t mind traveling for an honorable cause like serving our country. I do want to see more of the world before settling down. I am definitely aware of the risk factor, but I see it this way...what part of the world is safe? I’m from Detroit! No offense, but anything can happen anywhere. I’m a strong believer in prayer and believe I’m protected anywhere I go. Life period is challenging, but I feel I will gain so much more from achieving the challenges of the air force, toward my life goal. Do you think I’m making a mistake?

Public Comments

1. No pros only cons death
2. go ahead and be a puppet of the federal government . in the air force you are unlikely to get killed./strong believer in prayer. wow, that should save you. go talk to the maimed and ask if they did any praying before getting limbs blown off and disfigured.i'm sure they were all atheist.
3. Good luck in making a final decision! Nobody else can really do that for you. However, if you do decide to join the Air Force, I would highly recommend going into an Officer track as opposed to enlisting. You will receive better pay, as well as recognition for your college education.
4. By joining the air force after college means that you have an automatic higher rank. The air force offers great oppurtunities such as seeing the world, benefits for life and the honor of serving your country. The air force is great in teaching disipline, respect, and you can apply your college degree in whatever job you choose to take. Boot camp is only a couple weeks of sucking up and doing what you are told. If you wanted to further your education it would be paid for and they could offer you classes that a normal college doesnt offer. The cons is being away from family, friends, and of couse the risk factors involved in going to war. However I can tell you, that the job you choose will be the deciding factor on whether or not you go to war. Air force is a great branch and the navy is also a great one!
5. Think it over first. You sound very "rudderless" and uncommitted to anything. In the military, you have to subordinate your individual desires to the organization's goals and needs. Its not all just about what you think you can get out of it, its about what can you contribute to the common good. (Maj USAF Ret)
6. DO NOT join the Air Force. My older brother joined the intelligence part and supposedly wouldn't have to fight at all. My family just found out two weeks ago that he's been in Iraq for the past two months. We have no way of communicating with him except if he gets 5 mins. to answer his 200 e-mails, and it's a horrible feeling not knowing if he's alive out there or not. Don't fall for what they make the army appear to be- you can gain leadership skills elsewhere. They get treated like dirt there. Sure, no part of the world is safe, but how can you compare Detroit to Iraq? If you commit yourself to it, you can develop your own leadership skills through the publication or advertising firm (it sounds stupid but it can happen) Also, they say that once you get into the army, adjusting back to normal life is extremely difficult. My brother had been saying since he was little that he wanted to become a doctor, but he told us before he left that he doesn't think he'll be able to adjust after what he's been through. So now he's going to make a career out of it. I really think you would be making a better decision by doing the publication or advertising job, but if you feel you are completely devoted to your country and you're willing to hand your life over to the army, that's your decision. Good luck with your decision.
7. Pros- Enlisting with a four year degree will mean you will start out as an Airman 1st Class (E3). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airman_First_Class instead of Airman Basic. Cons- The Army will start you off as a Specialist (E4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specialist_(rank) Pros- Your degree will put you above your usual peers. You might make Chief Master Sergeant in under 20 years. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Master_Sergeant Cons- With a degree, you might be eligible for Officer Candidate School. Why would you want to be an Airman 1st Class when you can be a Second Lieutenant? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Air_Force_officer_rank_insignia Pros-Air Force officers promotions are faster than the rest of the branches. Cons- Air Force enlisted promotions are slower than the rest of the branches. Pros- An E-3 starting base pay of $1,587.90 per month is not too bad considering everything is paid for. E-3 is only entry level. Cons- A 2nd Lt (O-1) starts out $2,555.70 http://usmilitary.about.com/od/fy2008paycharts/a/basepay.htm At the end of a 30 year career, would you rather be a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) $5,705.70 a month, Or a four star General? (O-10) $15,016.40 a month?