A Proud Marine wife debating if to join Navy Reserves or AD?? Ughh frustrating

Christal - posted on 11/20/2011

Not sure if its all the same. But if you want to join just because of schooling, id reconsider. My husband is in the navy and as his spouse i can take advantage of the schooling opportunities. It wouldnt be free but it would be cheap. Plus you have to take in consideration leaving your family if you get called overseas. Reserves go too.

Gina - posted on 11/20/2011

I was in the army along with my husband. I'm not sure how other services are as far as tie away from family compared to the army. I know a lot of it depends on what job you choose. I am also not sure how it works wu hen you are in different branches but when I was in several years ago the didn't HAVE to station you together. If the maines needed your hubby in one place and you in another they may just do that. I go out after my initial enlistment because there was a lot of time spent away from my husband and son. I've always said I never regret joining, I am now a nurse which I love and my GI Bill paid for school. But, for me it was too much to stay in longer and have someone else raise my son. We had to have a family care plan that listed other people who would care for our child while we were both away. I have a very good friend who has been in for 13 years and has spent A LOT of time away from her kids (they are dual military as well). For her getting out was never an option, she likes the military life.so it really just depends on how much time you can handle away from your family. You have to remember that it's not just deployments to war, there are training exercises, short deployments other places and some jobs require you to work hours other than dayshift. Just be as informed as you possibly can and do what you feel is best for both yourself and your family. Best wishes to you!!

Angela - posted on 11/15/2011

I was also considering joining the Navy Reserves at one point to before we had kids. Sometimes I regret not doing it, but I'm glad to be able to stay at home with my daughter. You just have to weigh the pros and cons. The military does not always station husbands and wives together. Plus you could get deployed and there's the 2 week training that you do every year. They can take you anywhere for that. But the benefits are great. Just spend a lot time thinking about it before you sign up. Good luck!

Ana - posted on 11/14/2011

Thanks Tah, That was very helpful, Its so true, Being a mom has its challenges, and I have to be aware that its a big decision and like every step we take in life has consequences so we have to be prepared for it , and have support also, It's so good that we do live in these times with out techonology it brings so much comfort to me that I can still see them while im gone and read to them on skype, that is very comforting :) Thanks

Tah - posted on 11/14/2011

okay honey ill tell you what..hispanic moms dont corner the market on that..lol, we are all mama bears on here, but mama bear has to take care of her. If your dream is to join then you have to weigh the pros and cons..what doors will it open up for your family. If you have a strong family support system who will help you raise your children in a way that you would if you ever need their help then take advantage. Being dual military is hard im sure, my husband wont even consider letting me join..he always says.."do you see me trying to be a nurse....no, so stop trying to be a sailor..lol"..really he just hates that we would have to be apart anymore then we already have to. If you have a husband that supports it and is willing to help and support you the way that you do him, i would say go ahead and i do think that it teaches children alot when they see their parents going after their dreams. We have cell phones, skype, email...snail mail...hey its not like the days of vietnam when you had to wait for a pic so staying in touch wont be a problem so you will miss them but you open doors for them as well. I would maybe suggest the air force or the navy(not marines)..lol...my husband with his job has been in Va his whole career thus far so you may not move as much and marines and soldiers are the first to deploy in wartime...best wishes