A
female
age
30-35,
*evelwiththeskyy
writes:I've been looking into joining the air force because it seems like the best branch of military for me.My question goes out to the people who have already been in the ari force or not a lot about it. It isn't anything like the marines or army where you're on the ground fighting with guns right? What is it like?I was never interested in the military for the longest time, which explains my ignorance, but it's so hard to get jobs and I feel like I need to do something so I can eventually get to school to be a paralegal. Joining the military has a lot of benefits and i can learn a lot from it.Also, do I have to get an education while in the air force? I read about a community college for those in the air force who get an A.A.S in a certain aircraft course. That seems like something you do only if you want a career in the air force, I want to eventaully become a paralegal.
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male
reader, Johnny2301 +, writes (16 December 2010):
 I am going to start by disclosing that I have never been part of the military. However, I have a number of family members and close friends that have been part of the military or are presently in it (including the US Air Force).
Among the first pieces of advice that I hear friends and family tell people in your position is to fully recognize what you are signing up for. You are signing up to be part of the the United States military. Militaries are often used for two things: providing for the defense of the country and war. Thus, you need to recognize that although you may not be on a battlefield next to a marine with a gun, it is very much possible that you will eventually find yourself in harms way. This not only goes for active military service but the reserve forces as well. When one joins any branch of the armed services this is always, and I want to emphasize always, a possibility.
Second, it is true that there are often very good benefits to joining the military. First, you may have the opportunity to learn a great deal of technical knowledge on the job, especially in the air force. Given this, it may adequately prepare you for a field in the private sector (though probably not as a paralegal). Of course, there is your base pay. There may also be bonuses for joining. Most importantly, you will have access to the GI bill that will provide a certain amount of education funds when you are done with your military service (it may even be used while you are in the service if time provides). Another very important benefit you will receive is being a veteran of the armed services. There are a great deal of individuals in the private sector that have served, which in itself may provide you with a substantial network when you are looking for a job once you have finished your service. Aside from that, many people have a high regard for those that have protected their country and may be willing to pick you over someone else.
Lastly, I just want to remind you of the consequences of joining the military. Again, as part of the military (active or reserve forces in any branch), you may ultimately be called to fight in a war. In such an instance, your life will indeed be in danger. If this is something you do not feel comfortable doing, you should reconsider this option--when you join the military you sign an agreement for a specified period and you will be held to that agreement until it has expired (unless you go crazy or something of a similar nature that impacts your capacity and fitness).
Those things aside, serving in the military is an extremely humble, honorable, and brave thing to do. Our members of the armed forces deserve the utmost respect for defending our freedoms and our very way of life. If this is something you pursue then I wish you the best of luck and I thank you for your future service. On top of that, as someone who will be lawyer in a couple years, I can say with confidence that I would consider hiring a paralegal with a military background over a paralegal that has not had one. I believe that serving in the military shows that one has a great understanding of respect and living up to necessary responsibilities.
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