Deciding to join the Air Force in 2008 was a life-changing decision—one that has shaped my career, my financial well-being, and my personal growth. While I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything, there are a few things I wish I had known before enlisting. These lessons would have helped me make better-informed choices and take full advantage of the opportunities available to me. If you’re considering joining the Air Force or are early in your military career, here are four key things to consider.
1. I Didn’t Have to Ship Out at the Earliest Date
When I first talked to my recruiter, I thought I had to leave as soon as a slot opened up. What I didn’t realize was that I could have waited for my preferred Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) to have an opening.
I was initially going to join the Navy as a carpenter with the Seabees. However, after meeting with an Air Force recruiter, I found out they weren’t even aware that the Air Force had construction-related careers. My top two AFSC choices were Engineering Aid and Structural. Since the Engineering Aid position required certain math courses, I was waiting for my college transcripts to process.
Then, my recruiter called to congratulate me on getting the Structural position and told me I was shipping out in a few weeks. When I asked about the Engineering Aid job, they said they couldn’t guarantee a later date because they didn’t know when a slot would open up. The truth is, I could have denied the offer and waited. I could have remained in the Delayed Entry Program for up to a year to hold out for my top choice. Yes, it might have annoyed my recruiter, but it was my right to turn down the initial date.
Although I ended up in my second-choice career, it has been extremely rewarding. I’ve made lifelong friendships and great memories. However, knowing I had the option to wait might have changed my decision-making process early on.
2. I Wish I Was More Financially Literate
The military offers great financial benefits, but only if you know how to use them. Although I was very frugal and not much of a spender to begin with, I was very wary about investing. I joined in 2008 during the Great Recession and didn’t trust the real estate or stock markets. As a result, I put everything into savings, earning meager returns.
I wish I would have invested in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) when it would have been the ideal time to start—at a historical market bottom. It hurts to think about all the gains I missed! Additionally, I had an opportunity to buy real estate for the first time in my life when I was stationed in North Carolina in 2014 and could have taken advantage of my VA home loan entitlement. However, I still didn’t trust the markets and chose to rent instead. I lost out on the opportunity to put my Basic Housing Allowance (BAH) toward an asset I could later cash out, rather than never seeing that money again through rent.
If I ever come across a time machine, I would go back to 2008 and tell my younger self about these opportunities. Understanding financial literacy earlier could have significantly impacted my long-term financial well-being.
3. I Wish I Understood Online Distance Learning vs. In-Person Schools
Education is a major benefit of serving in the Air Force, but I didn’t fully grasp the differences between online and in-person learning. I joined the Air Force with a two-year college degree and was eager to finish my bachelor’s, which was one of my main reasons for enlisting. Up until then, I had been a full-time student, and I didn’t understand how I was going to continue my education while fulfilling my military obligations. A quick note—your military duty always comes first!
I was used to in-person classes, but when I was first stationed in Germany in 2008, I found that my options for in-person schooling were extremely limited. Only a handful of courses were available, and just a couple of schools operated on base. That’s when I discovered online schooling and decided to go that route. However, I struggled with it—mainly because I prioritized enjoying my time in Europe over focusing on my coursework. The flexibility of online learning can be a double-edged sword, requiring strong discipline and time management skills to succeed.
It wasn’t until my deployments that I was able to buckle down and complete more courses. Deployments are actually a great time to work on yourself, especially academically. There aren’t many distractions—outside of working out, eating, working, and sleeping—so I took advantage of that time to make real progress toward my degree.
4. I Wish I Had Prepared More for Basic Training
Basic Military Training (BMT) is a physical and mental challenge, and I could have done more to prepare for both aspects. I went into basic training on the heavier side, barely making the weight cutoff. Although I had played soccer and ran cross country in high school, I had let myself go a bit before enlisting. Even with my athletic background, the physical demands of BMT were still tough. The Military Training Instructors (MTIs) are true professionals, and no matter what shape you arrive in, they will whip you into shape by the end of basic training.
I also wish I would have studied up more on basic movements and rank structure. Understanding these things beforehand would have made the first two weeks easier, especially when figuring out who you’re talking to—or more importantly, who is yelling at you! A little preparation goes a long way in making BMT less overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I realize that many of the challenges I faced early in my career could have been avoided with better information and preparation. While I’ve learned these lessons over time, I hope sharing them can help others make more informed choices before they embark on their Air Force journey.
If you’re about to start your Air Force career, take these lessons to heart, and make the most of the opportunities ahead of you.
