What does quality of living mean in the military?

TheDalaiLloyd

lol more like AF -motel 6
others - box under the freeway overpass

Your guess is the answer in a nut shell. We just get treated better overall.

Victory Soldier

I had the unusual opportunity to attend a Army BNCOC held on a Air Force base.

As an Active Army NCO I had been accustomed to sharing a 270 sq ft barracks room and 1 bathroom with two other NCOs. No laundry facility, no functional 'day room', nothing.

When I got to the Air Force base, I was given 'temporary NCO quarters'. It was a suite with:

- full kitchen
- living room with cable TV
- a nice bedroom
- a nice bathroom
- a laundry room (2 wd/2 dr) shared by only 8 other units

Wow...those AF cats know how to live.

There was even an optional maid service for a few extra bucks.

And senior NCOs (E-7+) got a mini-bar.

Jennifer K

The AF has been called the nicest branch for some time now due to the fact that they invest more in their people. Dorms and base housing tend to be nicer and bigger. BX's and commissaries are bigger and nicer than the other branches. I've seen a couple posts here that are wrong:
AF does not get more pay - pay grades are the same across all branches.
The AF is not a 9-5 organization. Your hours will depend on the job you choose and the mission tempo of the base you're at. I worked at a F-15 mechanic working 11 hours a day, never starting at the same time - one day I'd need to be there at 0500, the next day might be 0730, it was random. I've also worked as an Information Manager (admin) working 0730-1630 M-F, but I've also pulled plenty of 12 hour shifts during exercises (like 1800-0600!)
The AF is a smaller organization than the Army and we tend to specialize, you won't work outside your career field unless it's mission essential (very rare.) The AF focuses on the mission, but also on the people necessary to get the mission accomplished, which is why I think it's the best branch.

alexander m

try a decent apartment vs the barracks from fort bragg that you saw on CNN.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46vYZFU1Dew&feature=PlayList&p=32BA02C3C90055B3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=12
when you have to live there for 4 years, trust me quality of your living situation means alot. also AF guys dont sleep in the rain or mud in the field...if they even go to the field at all.. its easy to say "yeah thats no big deal" until youve actally been there. it shows alot in iraq too. AF largely occupied bases have swimming pools. best thing my little fob had was a gym. we didnt even have a px
chrys is kinda wrong: pay is the same no matter what branch your in. same for medical.

USMC wife <3 Due in June

Yes, the AF does have nicer things and are generally treated better. But don't let that discourage you from other branches. Barracks vary from base to base and even then barracks to barracks. All the facilities are like that.

laurenmarie

AF has the best quality of living right now because EVERYTHING is newer. The AF started building single-person rooms and apt suites with full kitchens before anyone else so now pretty much everyone living in dorms has their own room after school and access to a full kitchen, etc. Base housing is newer and a lot nicer and the AF bases my parents were stationed at 20 years ago offered more services than Army/Marine bases we live near ever have.

aaron m

The Air Force has the best people. The food is great. You work 9 to 5. It's an easy life. I wish I joined the AF five years ago.

Chrys

better housing
better medical
better pay
better advancement
better BX's and commissaries
better temp housing (when TDY, moving etc.)

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