What is pay diff between Air Force Academy vice USAF new entrees? Can my Son be married for either? (20yrold)?

wraeth - PHA

The Academy isnt something you enlist for or even something your recruiter can help you with. If he's already 20 then the likelihood of him getting accepted into the academy is slim to none. They have a very strict application process which includes getting nominated by a congressman.

AngryPatriot

Pay chart is listed below. $18K for enlisted and he has to work toward his commission with no guarantee. $31K starting for an officer.

He can be married for either. (he can be a married officer, but I believe they are right...cannot be in the Academy and be married) He can marry after.

If he joins enlisted he will have school opportunities, but has to work that into his schedule. Tell him to find someone in the local college that is in the ROTC (reserver officer training candidate) They can get a scholarship if they qualify and have to promise 4 years as an officer when they graduate. He can go to almost any school and doesn't have to go to the Academy.

That is the truly objective opinion. Now my personal views. I'm enlisted and joined the USAF 21 years ago as research for a novel. My heroes were gritty guys like John Wayne, Robert Conrad, Clint Eastwood. I loved my job so much I never left the AF.

I love the enlisted corps. Its a different kind of person, still a leader, but born and bread from the bottom as a worker first. Officers tend to be softer, more political, "educated" (I say that because most of the enlisted corps also gets a college degree before its all over). After my first 2 years, I never considered being an officer. Instead I want to be an enlisted leader and lead down with the troops, fight for them, and be directly involved in getting it done; not simply a manager or figure head. Again, these are my personal opinions and why I still continue to serve. Everyone will have their own ideas and vision or what they think its going to be like or what they want.

He needs to find what he wants; but it might just be there is more to it than the money. Tell him to at least explore the officer side though.

NWIP

If he goes to the Academy he cannot be married, he will be automatically released and forced to pay back the cost of education.

The fact that the Recruiter is telling him to apply for the Academy is very rare to happen. It means that it did very well and can qualify for the program.

Air Force Wife

you cant have any dependents when going into the Academy. So yes the recruiter has him where he wants him, because if he is married, that's all he can do. and he will get more money just going straight into active duty.

S M

Your son cannot be married and attend the USAF Academy.
The pay is not enough to support a dependent (wife or child).

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