Questions on joining the military with a family..?

Question

I'm 21 and I have a complex set of issues..
1. I'm going to be getting married to my girlfriend before I join (if I do), but she has a son from a different father, would he be covered by my benefits?
2. I also have a baby on the way, who would be born before I join. What kinds of benefits would be available to us?
3. I want to be a graphic designer when I get out of the military. Do you have any advice on what field/branch would be right for me?
4. Would they move with me if I'm sent to another base in the country, or out of the country?
5. Is military life similar to civilian? Like, get up in the morning, go to work, etc? How does it play out?
6. I also want to earn a degree. Any info on this?
7. I really don't want to stay in too long. Is there any enlistment bonuses or penalties on a short term contract?

Answer 1

1. Yes

2. All benefits will apply to you and your family, whether it is a child from another father, your own, or a combination. It is the marriage that determines that. If you were not married, then the child you fathered would be the only child with benefits.

3. Check out the Corps of Engineers, or the topgraphical field.

4. After you complete all of your training and get assigned to your permanent post, your family will be moved at government expense to your permanent duty station. Korea has restrictions on the family being in country, and of course Iraq and Afghanistan is out of the question.

5. No. Your day will run from about 6 a.m. for first formation and PT then breakfast and off to work until around 11:30 a.m. for lunch, then 1:00 pm formation and back to work until 5 pm, for last formation, then released for the day. Somedays you will have a 24 hour duty to pull, then there is always night weapons qualification, field training, that can last from a week up to almost a month.

6. Some jobs in the Army (especially combat arms jobs) are harder to get college time in towards a degree. Not impossible, but takes dedication, and your spare time to get it done. There is a "green to gold" program available, but you will have to research that to get the particulars. It is a program to assist soldiers with some college to finish a degree, and then become an officer.

7. There is really no such thing as a short term contract. You join, you are committed to 3 to 4 years, with a total 7 year obligation as a reservist which could turn out to be active reserve or inactive (which means you have to be ready for call up at anytime, just don't have to make the meetings/training.

Please understand that I have been retired since 1994, after 21 years service, so contract lengths, bonuses, college programs I am not sure of.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Have you talked to a recruiter? They may be able to offer you better answers.





1. I'm going to be getting married to my girlfriend before I join (if I do), but she has a son from a different father, would he be covered by my benefits? - Yes, if your girlfriend has custody of him, and he resides with you for more than 6 months out of the year.



2. I also have a baby on the way, who would be born before I join. What kinds of benefits would be available to us? Healthcare is free once you enroll your family in Tricare Prime. I'm not sure what other type of benefits you are talking about.





3. I want to be a graphic designer when I get out of the military. Do you have any advice on what field/branch would be right for me? I have no idea



4. Would they move with me if I'm sent to another base in the country, or out of the country? Yes, the military will move you, and your family (as long as it isn't a dependent restricted tour). Make sure your orders stated authorized move of dependents.



5. Is military life similar to civilian? Like, get up in the morning, go to work, etc? How does it play out? Yes and no. Much depends on your branch, your specific job, your unit, etc. Technically, you are on the job 24/7. Your regular duty hours depend on your unit, but you work until your job is done. Sometimes you'll be training, working late nights, overnights, etc. You can be called at any moment. When they say jump, you say "how high?". You are always on the clock. That being said, during slow periods, most units will go in to work in the morning for PT, then start the duty day and get off in the evening.





6. I also want to earn a degree. Any info on this? It depends on the branch. I believe all branches encourage education these days. You may not have time to physically attend class, but there are programs designed to help you get your degree, even if it means taking twice as long and having to take online classes.



7. I really don't want to stay in too long. Is there any enlistment bonuses or penalties on a short term contract? There aren't any penalties. Bonuses generally are given when you commit to a certain amount of time. These time periods vary, as do the bonuses. Regardless, you will have a minimum 8 year committment. If you choose to enlist for 3 years, once you get out, the remaining 5 years you will be considered IRR, eligible to be called back as needed.

Answer 3

I don't have all the answrs but I'll give what I can. The stepson will be completely covered as long as he lives with you two.(its ok if he visits his father but primary residence with you). Your child will fully covered for medical too. Iwhen the military transfers you then will pay to move you and family. some tours of duty do not allow you to bring your family but in general you can choose to take that job or not.

Answer 4

all i know about is the benifits... the military is trying to pas a law so that all family can receive benifits, i think its called the GI bill. but i do not have much info on the other 6 sorry



mybe you should look on google!!!

Answer 5

If these are all your questions, I would advise you to just go to college. ( if you haven't yet)

You will have a contract..(my brother had a 6 yr)

And expect to go to Iraq.

If you don't mind letting your future wife raise your children.

And being away from family.

And it's nothing like a regular job.