My son is 7 months old and I'm thinking about going to the army.

Question

How hard will it be on my son and me? I know boot camp is 10 weeks. How can I get past the 10 weeks of boot camp when all I'm going to think about is my son. Is the Army a good decision for me. I want to do nursing and my husband and I are struggling to survive each day. My husband can't get in at this point right now due to medical issues. Is the Army a good decision for my family or what else should I be considering. I can't get into RN school for another 2 years and the LPN program takes 18 months and there's not enough teachers to even teach that program. I was told if I do the army that after basic my family will go with me to Texas cause my AIT will be 6 months long. It's getting to that point that I may have emotional breakdowns. Let me know what will help and what I should consider? Please help.

Answer 1

The decision to enlist in the Army is a very deep individual choice.  This is a choice that ultimately you will find the answer within yourself.  The Army accommodates families and dependents, and is very rewarding with benefits.  I would definitely recommend talking to a recruiter.  The only thing I can tell you about Basic is take it one day at a time (as far as mental and physical health go).  I'm just about to ship out for it, and I've been getting a lot of advice, but you will absolutely break in half if you worry yourself about how you're going to get to where they expect you (and about how homesick you'll be).  They will get you to ultimate physical condition one way or another, and it's up to you to handle the mental part.  Just think of it this way: If the end result is worth the initial pain of being away from your family then do it.  If it means you're going to have a better life after going through BCT and AIT, then do it.  Your son will thank you for making something great of yourself, and he'll be very proud of you when you tell him your story.  Think long and hard.  Good Luck!

Answer 2

You might want to look into the AIR FORCE. They have a GREAT medical field (I am a D.E.P Medic, Air Force). The Air Force is more Family Friendly.

Make sure this is something your husband can handle. My long term boyfriend and I nearly split up over me going to the Air Force.

As for boot  camp, you use your SON as MOTIVATION.  

Answer 3

I feel your frustration and pain, but here goes a plan to hopefully get you ahead.

Consider Army Reserves first, reason being you can go away on active duty come back with a medical job, 20000 bonus and knockout your prerequisites while waiting for opening.  By doing that you will make use of your time.  Once you complete RN program you can direct commission into AMEDD.  Which pays i believe its 2100 a month while you complete a BA degree in nursing

If you need money and bills are piling up and you need full time work then yes go active duty.  Try to get a duty station like Ft Sam Houston or maybe even Hawaii.  Reason i say that is there is a lot of nursing schools in those areas that you will be able to get right into and work and go to school and they seem to be more military friendly.

Leaving your child at any age is rough to deal with, however the sacrifice now is totally worth it in the end.  You will be able to provided stability for you and your family, it will definitely put you ahead if you work the system that offers unbelievable benefits.  Not only can you get ahead but that child recieves good education and the chance to see things many his/her age will never get to experience, and your husband can use this time to advance himself as well.  Remember its a sacrifice but trust IT IS TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!

I wish you the best, if you need any help joining you can email me and ill let you know wether youre getting whats offered as well..

GOOD Luck and don't worry, its small sacrifice for BIG GAIN

I just had to add a comment, the programs that the AF and Navy offer are extremely competitive to get into, whereas the army has a critical shortage in the nursing corps and pretty much accepts you as long as you meet minimum requirements.  Also your title is army medic, but you will perform the duties similar to an lpn.  Last, you do not deploy as frequent as the other two answers mentioned, there are two hospitals located there one in Baghdad green zone, and kuwait.  You could also if deployed be attached to a unit that's deploying.  Medics do not deploy at a high rate so i just wanted to clear up some untruths.  The stipend once you get RN is 2100 plus 50,000 in student loan repayment

Answer 4

You have financial problems, and have a baby, and an ill husband. I don't think the service is the way to go, because you think you have problems now, join the military and you will find out that they decide for you, and have no compassion about your problems.

Answer 5

Bad move.  Where do you think they send all the Army nurses?  Iraq, 12 month tours.  You need a better plan than this one.  Your son should come first and I am sure you know that.  If you need to do the military thing, choose the Navy or the AF rather than the Army.  Enlisted Navy you can go Hospital Corpsman and once you get done with your "A" school you can put in an officers package if you have enough college credits to apply to have the Navy pay for you to finish you nursing degree and when you are done you would be a real nurse in the Navy Nurse Corps.  Look it up on the internet.  That is a real nurse, not a pretend Army nurse.  You would also get paid a stipend while attending school.  Being an officer overall is a way better choice than basically being an Army medic deployed most of the next four years.  If you don't want to see your little boy grow up go Army all the way.  If you want to make a better life for him and your family go Navy.  As a Navy nurse you will spend most of your time on shore duty in the states safe and sound working a pretty regular 8 to 5 type of job.  If you go to a ship for 2-3 years you will only deploy maximum of 6 months at a time.  The Army sucks for families but they trick people like you into jumping in with both feet anyway.  Do your research and do go at all if your son is the one to suffer.  If both of you need to get multiple jobs to get you back on your feet you need to do that.  I don't know what is going on but children are the reason we are alive once we become mothers, don't throw him under the bus for money there are lots of other choices you can make as far as jobs go to get you ahead of the power curve.  The Navy Nurse Corps and Seaman to Admiral Program that you would apply for are awesome.  First rate college education and a great job when you get done.  Good luck.

Answer 6

Army offers a lot in the medical field.  I think the AF is better for family life though.  AF also offers a lot in the medical field.  

Answer 7

There will be a lot of stress in the military to deal with.  Be prepared for field time, deployments, and other hardships which will involve separation from your son.  If it is something you want to do then all means try it but if you feel like you can have breakdowns from civilian life then the army will be harder.