Sorry to hear about your mom....

Given your current situation and if your mom no longer requires your assistance then you have lots of potential in any of the Armed Forces.

Don't feel too discouraged to talk to the recruiter. There are a lot to choose from and you can always verify their information by getting a second opinion. They will have the most up to date information to your entitlements.

The military in general is a GREAT place to start. It can not HARM you and will give you valuble experience. What you make of it is entirely up to you. Try to pick a job that you at least have some interest in and that has a marketable skills trait for when you get out. As time goes by you might find you like it enough to stay in or you might decide to take your entitlements and get out and enjoy the civilian sector again.

At your age you have a lot of opportunity... I would recommend that if you want to get back into service to do it now while you are young and not procrastinate.

I made the decision to join the Navy when I was 18. I've been in 18 years now and can retire in 2 years if I want to.... I used the Military to pay for my college education, my rent, my mortgage, my medical, my dental and ultimately my commission as an Officer.

Good luck with your decision..

Tim

 

The Air Force takes proir enlinsted from othe services into active duty. I've worked with more than a few.

 

Well all due respect to the O. I was also planning to go reserve with the airforce, get my training done and out of the way and like someone suggested, a job with security clearence because that can be a very good tool when applying for a job in the civilian world... and I can be home after training to start a new job at home, have the benefits of the military as far as health/dental, college money etc etc etc and I really wouldnt have to leave I just have to pick my job wisely and going active is always an option if that doesnt work out.

 

Learning a trade is the one of the best non-military alternatives for those who dislike school (which doesn't neccesarily mean an air conditioner technichian with a degree from some mid-day TV advertising "college"). I also happen to be motivated by short term results and ended up working in the optics (eyeglass, not fiber optics)industry.

At 23 I was making $32k/year and am now making considerably more at 25 with the position of lab manager/district technical manager. I tried and tried to self motivate in regard to school, but sitting in class bores me to death.

Most importantly, a strong type-A personality and a very good work ethic are key. Many, many self-made millionares never made it through college.

 

Well, I'm 18 and I am enlisted in the Air Force. My departure date is April 25th of this year. My career field is a X-ray technician. I'm going in as an E-3 with a 6 year contract. I haven't take any ROTC or gone to College of that sort. I just hope that by enlisting in the Air Force I would attain a better life. Many people have told me that this is a great decision and that I would be very successful in life.