Armed Forces?

[jdhawg]

Well, I see several comments from folks who have thought about joining the military, so I guess it's time for a comment from someone who did serve.

A long time ago, the summer of 1982 to be exact, I made the decision to join the Air Force as a Junior in High School. Since I was only 17, my parents went to the recruiter's office with me and signed the papers so that I could enter the Delayed Enlistment Program. I actually entered the Air Force in June 1983. I really enjoyed being able to just sit back and smile during my Senior year when my classmates were stressing out about going to college or not. I knew that for the next four years my life was set.

Four years ended up being 20. I was blessed to be a computer programmer my entire career, working in some really great places. Writing software to track satellites in Colorado Springs, maintaining systems to monitor everything flown into and out of Korea, building Orbital Mechanics training tools and Satellite Simulators in Denver, and then spending 10 years as an instructor in South Mississippi.

After I retired I took the knowledge I gained during my career and became a UNIX Systems Administrator. I certainly would not be in the job I am right now without my Air Force background.

For me, the Air Force was the right thing to do. I also met a lot of folks that should never have been in the uniform. Are there advantages to serving? YES! Saving for college after you get out, reduced tuition while you are in, pretty good pay and benefits. Are there drawbacks? YES! The chance that you will be away from home during important times in your family (I saw my son for the first two weeks of his life, then saw him again at seven months old. I was in Korea while he and my wife were in Colorado), the very real possibility that you could be sent to a combat zone, having people tell you what to wear every day. The military isn't for everyone, but if you are going to be at the Championship Event I'd be glad to talk to you and answer any questions you have from a non-recruiter angle.

Good Luck with your decision!
Jack Higgs
TSgt, USAF, Retired
Team Fusion, #364