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John asked in Politics & GovernmentMilitary · 8 years ago

Should I stay US Army, or switch to Airforce?

I'm going to try and explain this as best I can:

I am currently enlisted in the Army, slated to leave on January 14th 2013. My MOS is Infantry. I am 21 years old.

Initially, I picked infantry and the Army because I wanted adventure, excitement, action, and to truly participate in some heroic events.

I have since really been considering the Airforce for many reasons. For starters, my whole family has been airforce.. both my mom, dad and both grandfathers, so it's a family tradition.

I've also heard that AF typically has better quality of life than the Army, although my Army recruiters say that's changed over the last few years (not sure if they are just trying to sway me to stay in the Army).

I've also heard the AF is generally respected more by employers.. and has better outside job opportunities

I made a 92 on my ASVAB, and so if I were to switch to AF I can get any job I want. I would be probably doing something with space, or the research/scientist (can't remember the exact name of it) or maybe Combat Controller.

I feel like the army might be more respected in some areas because they actually do a lot of fighting on the ground, and I like the idea of that, but I'm thinking logically the AF is the better long term choice.

Basically I am looking for helpful insight into those things (and anything you might want to add) about life in the Army and AF... What are some of the pros and cons from both that you might have experienced over the years?

Thanks for your help.

Update:

I should clarify: I am only ENLISTED in the Army, I have no served a term in it yet, and am only slated to leave for basic in January. So technically I'm not a prior enlistment.

8 Answers

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  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    pick whichever one offers the job you want. that will matter more than what branch you join. if you want to fight on the ground then the air force is a poor choice, because you won't. what other people think doesn't determine what you do or how content you are with your job.

    the army quality of life has gotten better over the last few years but the air force still has it the best

  • Daniel
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    First, you would have to figure out a way to back out of whatever committment you have to the Army (talk to your recruiter to see if that is even possible at this stage).

    Then see if the Air Force will take you. Bailing on the Army right before you were supposed to show up for basic would probably not be looking upon well.

    Scientist jobs are few and are officer positions (and you need to have a degree in science or engineering). There are some enlisted positions in the acquisition world though.

    CCT is also a small field with very tough standards to get into.

  • 8 years ago

    The AF is not taking prior enlisted, unless you are already in a high demand career field. And, as the AF does NOT have an infantry, you are of no use to them.

    Also, the AF does not guarantee jobs, regardless of your scores. So, while you may be eligible for almost any job, it doesn't mean they would give you the job you want, IF they even want you.

    So.. suggest you make yourself comfortable and finish out your time in the Army, and figure out a new dream.

    ETA: You've already signed on the dotted line with the Army, therefore they already own you. You would still have to request to be released from your enlistment, which they are not required to do. Then you have to go see an AF recruiter, who may seriously question your intentions as you have already backed out on one military contract.

    Source(s): AF spouse - 24 years
  • 8 years ago

    Ya btr tlk to AF 1st & make sure u can get in. I was a Marine recruiter & worked out with the AF recruiter all the time that was about a year ago and at that time he couldnt take prior enlisted but just for a few jobs. So make sure u got somethin line up b4 u get out

  • 8 years ago

    Your call

    Action, Adventure, brotherhood, etc..

    or the Chair Force

    Source(s): U.S.Army Disabled Veteran 19K20 M1A1 Abrams Heavy MBT 1990-1996
  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    "Truly participate in some herioic events" lmfao... Join Airforce dude. The Military is npt glorious. Stick to Modern Warfare and the emotional glorious ending credits of Black Hawk down. Better yet, go watch We Were Soldiers and imagine being in the fight and you and your whole platoon gets whiped out and all of these glorious, heroic, flashy events take place.

    Source(s): Saving private Ryan
  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    Air force has better career training.

  • 8 years ago

    Until you learn how to spell "Airforce" correctly, they will not even let your go to the try-outs.

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