Wake,

I am currently still in the Army. Please check with your recruiter and make sure he/she knows that you are a single parent. I'm not sure but they may not allow you to enlist. Folks who become single parents are not forced to leave service if they are already serving as long as they have a valid family care plan, but it used to be that they no longer allowed single parents to enlist.

Note that may have changed and your recruiter will know. I agree with RIF that you need to assess your real reason for wanting this. The military is great, but it is a challenging life for everyone, single parents in particular.



This is incorrect. You may become commissioned via ROTC, but you will need to have completed all of the appropriate ROTC training while in College. If you have completed your 4-year degree, you can enlist with the option to attend OCS and become an officer that way. The only other way is via a direct commission for which you would need a profession such as a lawyer, doctor, dentist, etc.

Best of luck to you.

Who

Patriot- what MOS? Wouldn't happen to be in the missle system with the same name, would you?

I had thought of joining the military when I first entered the police academy....it was an option...and honestly I do miss my ROTC days....it was the one time in my life where I felt like I fit. I know it would bring more stability and structure to our lives (DS and I). My sister said if they had room they would have no problem taking A.J. while I was at basic. But I have yet to get ahold of the recruiters they are out of the office until thursday and I would like to sit down with them while DS is at his fathers.

I have been in the Marines for 15 years now, and all I can say is don't make this decision lightly-- keep in mind we are at war.

Have you considered working at a base as a government employee or contractor?

Even if I was currently in a department here....I would be at war...as our gang problem here is significant and the war between the gangs is spilling over now into the good parts of our city. we just a few months ago had 19 shootings in a week and a half.....I made an oath when I entered the academy here and part of that is understanding that it is a dangerous business and you are putting your life on the line just wearing a uniform. The gangs here have become ruthless and are gaining greater firepower and learning our tactics as well as those of our military...Officers are purposly being targeted...they are even preforming servelance on our public officials and law enforcement. The war across the seas isn't the only on we are fighting. I am not saying I don't honor or respect those fighting over seas.....they are high on my list of respect. But it seems no matter what I choose I will be fighting a war.

I am in the Marines and I have been a single mom. I know that in order to join the Corps you have to sign custody of you child until you complete bootcamp and school. It is hard as a single parent, but it can be done. It will require you to find people that you can trust and establishing a network at every base you go to to help you with your child/children. In the military, it truly takes a village to raise a child, especially as a single parent. I am greatful for all of my friends and family that have helped me be succesful as a mom and a Marine.

As OMWH said, consider that we are at war. Since me and my S are both in the Marines, we have to have a "family care plan" to ensure our children will be taken care of in the event that we both deploy at the same time, and it happens more often then not.

I think it is wonderful that you are thinking of the military, especially in during these difficult times. I do not regret the 11 years I have spent in the Marines, but I am reconsidering wether to stay in or not due to the tremendous sacfrices my family has had to make.

There are other challenges as well with being a woman in the service, as I am sure any woman will tell you-so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

It's funny because in my younger days I aspired to want to be a pilot....I had...well still have a thing for jets. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Wake,

I just retired from the Navy 3 years back after my 20. I still work as a contractor within the same squadron community I served with.

I'm sure you have many questions, and I'm sure if I can't answer them on the spot.. I can find the "honest" answer quickly. Regarding the Navy anyway.

Feel free to email me at the address listed on my profile. I will give you my phone number for some quicker QnA.

-JKT

Thankyou all for all your insight...is is so important and valuable to me....JKT I will email you after I get back I have to step out of the office temporarily. thanks again you all are inspirations to us all for what you have given and sacrificed for the benefit of us here at home.

Wake,

I will check my email this evening. I'm unable to do so from work. "personal email is blocked from the network".

-JKT

What are the chances of becoming a linguist....just asking not hopeful....if I was offered it...I know it would station me home here in cali close to my family....anyone have an Idea.....oh JKT you have mail as well. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wake I did not receive mail.

Here is a link to some chat about (CTI) Which is the Navy rating for linguist. LINK

Here is a link with some practice tests that will determine what rating or job you qualify for.. LINK

All Navy positions require a Sea/Shore rotation. In the case of CTI'S NOT going to Sea is a possibility, but getting stationed overseas is almost inevitable.

The position also requires a high level Security Clearance, and investigation.

Send me an email again, the third character is the the number one.

-JKT

hmmm....ok re-sent....it's from gmail....so possibly went to spam or....filtered....lemme know if you get it.

I got it and replied. Don't hesitate to call!

P.S. I CC'd my W to ensure no suprises! <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

Wake,

My father offered something for me to consider when I was thinking of making the military a career, that most never think about. He was a career officer in the AF and yes Army Air Corps. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

He told me to think carefully about making it a career because it was only half a career. Just as one might be entering their peak earning time in their career, yes even in the police force, you will be retiring. Sounds good but you then have to find something else and that can be tough even today if you are over 50 and retiring.

I grew up in the military, served 6 years, during the Nam period, and decided to pursue my career outside of it. I do think the military has lots to offer, but it comes at a cost...deployment, moving, and often long hours.

And I mean no disrespect but being in a combat zone is not really like policing the inner city. It is far more dangerous.

I am biased of course, but the AF probably offers the most stable with regard to deployments of the branches other than perhaps the Coast Guard.

I honor you for considering this choice, but do make it carefully as others have said. I did not have to worry as much as you, as I was going into the military one way or another, draft or volunteer, in my day. Today, you have in my mind much better trained and profession men and women to work with, but the force is smaller and thus the demand is higher.

Good luck with your decision.

God Bless,

JL

Wake,

To (belatedly) answer your question from yesterday. I was already pretty well established in the AF before I had my oldest.

I'm glad you're getting well rounded advice here from many angles.