Air Force vs. Army??

Chelsey - posted on 07/08/2011

I love that you posted this! We also live in Tulsa right now and are doing the same thing! I was a AF wive then got out and went Gaurd in Tulsa now we are going Army! These are the same questions I have! But I cant wait. I know the deployments are long and have alot more but I think if my hubby and I have made it through as much as we have with 3 kids and no family to help us, we can do anything! Best of luck!

Beth - posted on 06/14/2011

You have more control over what job he gets and where you go in the Army. He can enlist with a specific job and first duty station. Air Force is more of a dice roll. I personally was in the Army and I loved it. My DH has been in the Army for 10+ years. Now military Drs really do suck ( it's like goign to the DMV every time you go to the Dr), but you can go to civilian drs with tricare standard they only difference is you have to pay a co pay but it's so worth it.

Rosa - posted on 06/13/2011

My husband and I were in the same situation, but lucky for us we didnt have any kids so we both join. The Army isnt negative you can get promoted easy. The biggest thing I can tell you about the army is this dont trust anyone until you know what thier agender is, know your regulations and the commanders policy for your unit. That will help your husbands not get messed over, and just do what is right, dont take side unless you know the trust fully and you will be ok. Its all common sense. Dont drink and drive or go wiith the wrong crowd, etc. You can have a great career and remember SAVE, SAVE, SAVE, DURING DEPLOYMENT. Make sure he job you are getting into is something you really love and enjoy. And ask about it as well. Some job come with alot more responsible and bull than they tell you. Wish you and your family all the best.

Alysha - posted on 02/02/2010

@Kari All branches make the same money across the board. No one branch makes more money than the other. The only branches that don't make the same amount of total monthly income would be Reserve or National Guard due to being only part time. Here is a pay chart for officer and enlisted side for all branches: http://www.navycs.com/2010-military-pay-...

I think the Air force is def more family oriented. Also from what I have learned from my own personal self when joining the military, the AF can not guarantee the job you want in writing after you complete Basic. The only branch that does that is the Army. So if your husband is dead set on a specific job the Army is the way to go. Like everyone else has said they do make rank faster in the Army.

C. - posted on 02/02/2010

That is so true, Kari! Air Force is definitely more family-oriented than the Army. That is one thing that I forgot to mention. But Shannon, have you ever been to an Air Force Base? They have more supplies and more of a variety of supplies than the Army does on Post. Not quite sure where you got that, but we always ended up going to the AF Base near wherever we are at the time instead of the Army Post b/c they have better variety.. Unless of course all we need is milk or toilet paper.

Ricki - posted on 02/02/2010

Thanks so much|| I've been all over COM's and it seems the majority I've read has been negative. I know there's going to be hardships and I'll probably get fed up with it a time or two, but I'll always have my husbands back. And I also know that for every bad story there's a dozen great ones that you never hear about||

Kari - posted on 02/02/2010

I know that the AF gets paid more and is more understanding when it comes to family things. My sister is an AF wife and I'm an Army wife and I love being an Army wife. And I know that army ranks faster. And like you said the deployments.

Shannon - posted on 02/02/2010

Welcome to the family. :) Army life is somewhat different from AF, by way of longer deployments, theirs are usually a few months and no longer than 9. Ours are a year, and have been known to go 15 months. That's dying down now though, so don't worry. Army's budget is bigger, so there's less of a hassle for making sure that the posts get what they need. It's easier to make rank, so that means more money in your pocket in a more timely fashion. Good luck, and enjoy the ride. Always look at this life with a half glass full attitude, otherwise it can drive you batty. LOL

Amber - posted on 02/02/2010

The living is different and the deployment time is longer...

C. - posted on 02/02/2010

I grew up in an AF family (both of my parents actually served in the AF) and my husband is Army after growing up w/ his dad in the AF. Now, the Army and Air Force are totally different. Just be warned that the Army can be a lot less organized with their paperwork than the Air Force can be. So be on their butts about Command Sponsorship and everything, b/c they will probably lose your paperwork a dozen times (I think they lost ours about 7 times). Yeah, you will have to deal with 12-15 month deployments with the Army. Really other than that, I don't know what to tell you. My husband has only been in the Army for 2 years, and out of Basic & AIT for 21 months. One thing I can tell you is that the Army tends to rank up faster than the AF.



Good luck!