Why I'm Joining the Air Force

A man in his early 20's who never attended college can face challenges in his early career life. Competitive job markets, limits in advancement with currently-held jobs, and the challenges of meeting monthly goals such as car payments and rent can take its toll on a young man's bank account and emotional well-being. Here's why this soft-spoken, aspiring writer is joining the most powerful air force in the world.

Several months ago, I quit a well-paying job because I couldn't stomach the actions of the management. I returned to my previous job of supervising shifts and dealing with high school employees at the largest pizza restaurant chain in the nation. I took a substantial pay cut with this move, but kept telling myself I could handle it because the general manager is easier to work with. When my hours were cut to save on labor percentages, however, I had to come to grips with the fact being a shift manager is only a temporary job that's nearly impossible for a single person to live on. I let my boss know that if he were interested in promoting or hiring an assistant manager, I would be happy to step up and train for the responsibility. But he made it clear an assistant manager was not on his priority list. So I started researching the United States Army.

When I told my sister and brother-in-law I was thinking about the Army, they both objected. They're both in the Army National Guard and know the military life. A few years ago they spent 18 months in Kuwait with the 1168th Transportation Company, sometimes running missions into Iraq, but mostly pulling guard duty at their base. But fears of me being deployed were not the reason they told me not to enlist. They told me the Army would suck the life out of me and my personality would be better suited with the Navy or Air Force. In addition, both services led to better civilian job opportunities at the end of enlistment. I can't swim, and have always dreamed of soaring through the clouds, so my option was clear.

Before talking to any recruiter, I went online to the USAF's recruiting websites. The easily navigable sites were filled with cool videos and tons of information. I discovered that when I start getting paid as an Airman Basic (rank E-1, a rank that doesn't even get an insignia) I will be getting four hundred more dollars a month than I was getting as the highest-paid shift manager at my restaurant. The Air Force was looking more attractive by the second! Upon further research, I found four career fields with a total of 160 jobs. Within five minutes I had a list of four or five jobs I was interested in. It was time to talk to a recruiter.

I went to the mall for the nearest recruiter. I'd heard his commercial on the radio and knew exactly where in the mall to find him. I liked Staff Sergeant Chris Mohr the moment we started talking. Without being pushy and outright saying, "This is something you need to do", Sergeant Mohr projected that emotion and his enthusiasm for the Air Force into the information he gave me. I've talked to military recruiters before, but they always gave me the impression I should support their reasons for why I should join their branch. Sergeant Mohr is the only one who supported my reasons and desire. He wants recruits to join because they want to, not because he wants them to. He made it clear that if I didn't think this was something I would enjoy, I shouldn't do it. He gave that same reason when counseling me about choosing a job in the Air Force.

"If you don't think you can spend a few years doing a job, don't list it," he told me. "Air Force needs come first, but they try to match jobs to people who want and will have fun doing them." The Air Force understands it needs motivated people to perform its functions and duties. That's a lesson that can be applied to the civilian world, and one I will take with me once I leave the service. Sergeant Mohr followed that with another important lesson, and my first taste of the military pushing me better. I had originally had my eye on the Security Forces job, in which I would learn to be a cop for the Air Force. Mohr informed me that's the easiest job to qualify for, and I was vastly overqualified for it with an ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) score of 85. He advised me to have a couple other jobs in mind while being processed at the MEP (Military Entrance Processing) Station in case I wanted something else.

I remembered his words when I was at the MEP Station, and those words were echoed by the Air Force liaison. While neither pushed me toward a different job to aim for, both thought I should challenge myself with a job that's not so easy to qualify for. In the end, I decided on Munitions Apprentice. In the blink of an eye, I went from being a potential cop to a soldier working with bombs, missiles, and whatever other ammo the Air Force has. Looking back, I'm glad I made that decision.

Another advantage the Air Force provides is the Community College of the Air Force. No other branch of the military has anything like this. The USAF provides college credits to Airmen just by their training. Enrollment is automatic once an enlistee signs their contract, and credits are earned starting in Basic Military Training. I will earn an Associate's Degree just by serving my country, and still have access to the GI Bill paying a continuing education after I leave the Air Force. The CCAF partnered with the GI Bill are good examples of how the Air Force takes care of its own.

Another good example is base living. Allowances on normal living amenities make on-base living an easy way to save money. I'll have fewer bills while still having access to everything a regular city provides, because a military base is like a city. It has gyms, pools, shops, and schools. It's a safe and secure place that still allows a soldier to do what he loves.

Considering higher paychecks, fewer bills to pay, support from Sergeant Mohr, and the chance to challenge myself both physically and mentally, it's little wonder I decided to join the United States Air Force. I understand what I'll encounter at BMT and dealing with the military in general, but it's time I tried to make myself a better person. It's time for me to cross into the blue and do something amazing.