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I retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1994 after spending about one-third of my life serving. It wasn’t always easy and there were times when I’d had enough and was going to get out. But I didn’t. I have a decent monthly retirement check with excellent medical insurance. I have not paid a medical bill since I retired.
I am 77 now and have had five heart attacks and related medical expenses. With Medicare and Tricare for life, all my medical expenses were covered. That includes access to mental health services with which I have several options. The VA has been great. In addition to those benefits, I had three different jobs while in the service: communications specialist, recruiting, and security services. Each required a few months of training.
The GI bill paid for my four-year degree at Husson University. While still on active duty I obtained three associate degrees. The VA sent me to advanced training in the IT field, which led to some excellent civilian jobs. I am still working part-time transporting military applicants to the Portland Military Processing Station and bringing them back the next day. It’s the best job I’ve ever had to be honest.
My point is that while it is true that military service is not for everyone. Many don’t qualify, usually because of low Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores or because they fail the physical. Those that get in have an opportunity to travel, get training and education, and have life experiences that can not be found in too many other places. Yes, it can be difficult at times. What job isn’t? What job, after you have been there for a while, does not become a struggle to stay there? Even if you enlist for three to four years and get into a job that has transferable skill sets into civilian life, you will be far ahead of the pack in terms of getting a good-paying job. There is also the National Guard option where you get training but come back to your hometown where you can hold down a job and have extra income for your part-time service.
Shop around. Talk to an experienced recruiter and see what might work for you. Good luck to you and who knows, I might be driving you to Portland.
Dave Winslow
Brewer
