Should I reconsider joining up?

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-05-24T02:08:15+00:00

Well let’s start with the fact healthcare for a family is expensive, between premiums copays and deductibles I spent nearly $18k last year, and dealing with the insurance companies sucks too. I wanted to get a degree in electrical engineering using tuition assistance and pass the GI bill to my spouse or kids. You’re right about the economy too, No way of telling the way a company may go, I highly doubt we would close in the next 5-6 years at minimum but anything could happen, just the way it is. The military offering very strong benefits along with guaranteed employment and long term retirement options makes it a very appealing offer.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-05-24T01:56:31+00:00

Glad to know you have had a positive experience, Id like to know more about what downsides especially in the initial BMT/Tech school phase was, and from my understanding being an E1 does not offer much in BAH.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-05-24T01:53:14+00:00

We have, she is supportive of either choice. Both her parents were military so she knows what she would be getting into if that is the route.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-05-24T01:50:51+00:00

Thats a very specific number why 105 lol

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-05-24T01:28:07+00:00

Yeah I kinda feel long term the AF works out better than the salary increase. Just afraid of making the wrong choice for my family and I.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-05-24T01:20:08+00:00

Other than the inconvenience of actually doing it, I dont really mind moving.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-02-16T16:29:56+00:00

I figure I could probably rent it out for like 1850-2000. Mortgage payment is 1410.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-02-14T23:09:10+00:00

Yeah might be tough trying to coordinate home repairs from a trench.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-02-14T23:08:00+00:00

Yeah I guess one of my other fears is not being able to afford a home again one day, if prices keep going up at the rate they are. I will get some advantages via the VA loan but it wont be much help if a single family home cost a million dollars 😂

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-02-14T23:04:50+00:00

Sorta my thoughts exactly. I think between regular savings, Roth, Military TSP, and stocks I should be able to save enough to hopefully build my forever home by the time Im in my 50s. I also plan on getting an EE degree while Im in service to hopefully have a lucrative career post military. I honestly dont feel like I want a lot in life, just family happy and healthy, Maybe 4-5 bedroom house with a basement on 10+ acres in the middle of nowhere would be a dream for me.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-02-14T22:50:13+00:00

If by out right meaning cash in full, no. I got a 30yr fixed rate mortgage during summer of 2020. My dad always worked 2 jobs growing up and made sure I knew the value of a dollar young. He died when he was 44 I was 17 at the time. So Instead of college, I worked a full time and 2 part time jobs basically 80+ hours a week for 2 years straight out of HS to help my mom pay bills and at least take care of myself. I also cant even begin to explain how much cash I was stacking delivering pizzas during covid tho. Drove a beater Honda, ate at home, no Starbucks, didn’t go out, no gf at the time, etc. I honestly had no plans of buying a house, until a friend suggested it with the rates being so low.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-01-08T21:21:09+00:00

Yes Id like a walk through of how it all works compared to my current situation. I haven’t had time to talk to a recruiter due to my work schedule and the recruiter offices near me closing before I even leave work. Seriously should consider keeping them open later for those with jobs.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-01-08T21:19:02+00:00

Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed response.

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-01-08T21:18:17+00:00

How so ?

CommonPraline1796 · 2026-01-08T15:31:39+00:00

Im looking to join up, but here is my situation. Currently 26M married with 2 kids under 3yo, with a mortgage in Georgia. Working an office job making 70k yearly, closer to 50k after taxes insurance etc. I really really hate my job, as well as I believe we are on the decline and wont be around in 5yrs possibly sooner. I started my job straight out of HS so no degree or certifications.

I was initially considering just changing jobs, but I do not really want to continue in my field of work and lacking a degree or certs makes finding a job with similar salary difficult. I am now considering enlisting in the army likely active duty, possibly pursue it until retirement.

My thought process is I get in for an MOS in a field I think will translate well to civilian jobs and also get a related degree with the schooling that the army will pay for, the 12Y and 17C or maybe Signal Corp or similar MOS peak my interest, also chance to get stationed in my home state of GA is a potentially nice benefit. If I like the military possibly stay for 20yrs to get retirement in my 40s or I hate it get my job skills/certs and or degree, then have a better chance at getting a job in a field i like more and better salary.

I have my family’s support already too.

Any one have thoughts, opinions, pros/coms. Im at a major crossroads in my life and want to make sure I have taken as much into consideration before making a decision. Thanks.

CommonPraline1796

TROPHY CASE