Now that I have had time to sit and write most of it down
Ok here is the full story:
Shortly after Christmas I was completely shocked by my husband when I got the ‘ so honey, what do you think about me joining the military?’ question dropped on me. Apparently he had been thinking about for some time and decided now was as good a time as any. Needless to say I was completely taken by surprise, For any one that really knows Jay, with his mild mannered approach, strong Bahai beliefs and very analytical mind, this was somewhat of a shock. I knew that he had a warrior spirit when it came to protecting his family but this was still a complete paradigm shift for me. My husband, after very careful review of his/our life, many nights of discussions and lots of research online, has decided to go in to the Army to help better further his career goals and help provide for our future.
And to deal with the questions that I know will be asked:
· He is 34 years old. The Army now takes up to 42.
· Physical requirements to enter basic are:13 push-ups, 17 sit-ups and 1mile run in 8.5 min, which he can do now (I can almost pass that now, as out of shape as I am). He is planning on being able to meeting the physical requirements to exit basic before he gets to basic so he will have an easier time of it.
· Health care for military personnel and families is very good and very inexpensive.
· When you add the very basic pay rate (e1, which he will probably be going in at e3) to the basic housing allowance offered he will be making more than he was at home depot with the added bonus of getting training and experience that will further his career goals in civilian life in 6+ years. Just the e1 pay rate alone matches what he was making at home depot.
· He could not go in as an officer since he does not have a bachelors degree (very strict on this now days) however, he will be trying to advance in the ranks as quickly as possible.
· He will have the opportunity to gain all kinds of hands on knowledge, certificates and college classes free of charge.
· 6 months after entering basic he will be able to get lasic surgery for vision correction
· And for the inevitable question that will come about how I will handle all of this: I was a single mom for many years and survived. Now that I am married to a soldier it will be better than it was as a single mom. I love my husband and I’m very proud of him. The kids and I will be with him when ever we can. We will be supportive. We will take care of all that we can on the home front so that is one less thing he has to worry about. We will act with honor, loyalty & fidelity, be frugal, and do what ever it takes to better ourselves and be here when he gets home. And above all else be thankful and proud that we have a husband/father that is willing to place his life and comfort on the line to protect and provide for us.
Here are the specifics I have so far:
ASVAB score = 93
MOS = 25B (Information Technology Specialist)
Basic info: leaves for Ft Jackson SC on April 30th 2008 for approximately 9 weeks
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for MOS 25B : 20 weeks and 2 days in Ft. Gordon Ga.
After that who knows.
Tour: 6 years active and 2 reserve.
His goal is to learn as much as he can as fast as he can and not get his ass shot off.
Love you all
Tori
Shortly after Christmas I was completely shocked by my husband when I got the ‘ so honey, what do you think about me joining the military?’ question dropped on me. Apparently he had been thinking about for some time and decided now was as good a time as any. Needless to say I was completely taken by surprise, For any one that really knows Jay, with his mild mannered approach, strong Bahai beliefs and very analytical mind, this was somewhat of a shock. I knew that he had a warrior spirit when it came to protecting his family but this was still a complete paradigm shift for me. My husband, after very careful review of his/our life, many nights of discussions and lots of research online, has decided to go in to the Army to help better further his career goals and help provide for our future.
And to deal with the questions that I know will be asked:
· He is 34 years old. The Army now takes up to 42.
· Physical requirements to enter basic are:13 push-ups, 17 sit-ups and 1mile run in 8.5 min, which he can do now (I can almost pass that now, as out of shape as I am). He is planning on being able to meeting the physical requirements to exit basic before he gets to basic so he will have an easier time of it.
· Health care for military personnel and families is very good and very inexpensive.
· When you add the very basic pay rate (e1, which he will probably be going in at e3) to the basic housing allowance offered he will be making more than he was at home depot with the added bonus of getting training and experience that will further his career goals in civilian life in 6+ years. Just the e1 pay rate alone matches what he was making at home depot.
· He could not go in as an officer since he does not have a bachelors degree (very strict on this now days) however, he will be trying to advance in the ranks as quickly as possible.
· He will have the opportunity to gain all kinds of hands on knowledge, certificates and college classes free of charge.
· 6 months after entering basic he will be able to get lasic surgery for vision correction
· And for the inevitable question that will come about how I will handle all of this: I was a single mom for many years and survived. Now that I am married to a soldier it will be better than it was as a single mom. I love my husband and I’m very proud of him. The kids and I will be with him when ever we can. We will be supportive. We will take care of all that we can on the home front so that is one less thing he has to worry about. We will act with honor, loyalty & fidelity, be frugal, and do what ever it takes to better ourselves and be here when he gets home. And above all else be thankful and proud that we have a husband/father that is willing to place his life and comfort on the line to protect and provide for us.
Here are the specifics I have so far:
ASVAB score = 93
MOS = 25B (Information Technology Specialist)
Basic info: leaves for Ft Jackson SC on April 30th 2008 for approximately 9 weeks
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for MOS 25B : 20 weeks and 2 days in Ft. Gordon Ga.
After that who knows.
Tour: 6 years active and 2 reserve.
His goal is to learn as much as he can as fast as he can and not get his ass shot off.
Love you all
Tori