Air Force Reserves....?

Question

I wanted to go into the AF since I was 13; a freshman in high school. My mother always said that I was too young. So when I became a senior, I convinced her to let me go take the ASVAB. I missed it by 2 points. I took the test a second time and missed it by 1 point. My sargent said he can make some pulls and get me in after graduation if my mother signed the papers; I was 17. She didnt sign them because of the war still going on. I was out with a friend when I took the practice test for the Marines; I aced it with flying colors. I knew I could pass the actual test, but I wanted the Air Force. I've taken some time off with the test taking and thoughts about the services. But now the thoughts are back. I want to go into the air Force Reserves but I want to know a little more before I go talk to a recruiter. So, if anyone can tell me some good usefull info about the reserves, it would be greatly appreciated. I want to know about the time I would be serving, bootcamp, weather or not i will go to Iraq or wherever. Once again, thank you.

Answer 1

Air Force basic is 6.5 weeks as of now after November 1, 2008 it will be 8.5. The first week is kind of drug out and doesn't count so it's really 7.5 and 9.5. Your possibility of being deployed in the Air Force is really dependent on your MOS. The MOS's in the Air Force known as "combat jobs" aren't open to women anyways. The Air Force isn't really a combat branch but it is possible to be deployed for rebuilding etc. The only thing I can really tell you about the Air Force is it's slow ranking and more than likely no sign on bonus. Not to mention they are not very well trained. If you are fine with that then so be it.

Answer 2

Basic training will be 8.5 weeks starting in early Novermber, of 2008. If you enlist now and leave before that date, you will only train for 6 weeks.

Everyone signs a 8 year obligation to the military. However a Reservist,  will be serving 6 years reserve, and IRR. That means, report to your unit once a month to do drills (brushing up on your assigned job skills), do training 2 straight weeks in the summer. Finally, when your 6 years is up - the Air Force will put you in IRR... that means for the remaining 2 years left on your 8 year obligation - you DO NOTdrill. But if the Air Force needed you, they could call you back during those last two years.

Your recruiter will say "50/50 chance" or flat out "no". Yes, in a time of war you can possibly go if the Air Force needs you. Not as prevalent as say, the Army and Marines especially. If you are deployed, you get lucky and only serve 6 months overseas. Compared that to the 18 months Army soldiers get. You have nothing to worry about, seriously. Its the Air Force, laid back, great chow hall, great dorms, and a branch that many people wish they had of joined (the people I've talked to who enlist).

Unlike the Army, you will most likely enlist without the big perks being offered - like a bonus. Air Force is re-shaping, and letting some folks go. So right now, they might be a tad bit slow with getting you off to basic training. Think of it as a good thing, because pre-training for your body will be needed. You choose a very good branch!

Do not let this whole war thing  scare you off. When enlisting, the first thing they'll ask is "Are you ready to take your oath". Standing their, you will feel such a overwhelming sense of pride, and accomplishment. They will ask that you repeat, and in the oath - it states to obey the Presidents orders. That means no matter who is elected, you must obey - long after they are out of office. I don't blame you though... but hey "Cross into the blue!"