Joining the military at 25!
Hey guys, I could really use some advice.
I'm trying to decide between joining the Army Active Duty as a 25B (IT Specialist) or the Air Force Reserve.
My Air Force recruiter told me I can 100% get either Crew Chief or Fire Protection. Crew Chief comes with a $20k bonus, but Fire Protection is the job that honestly interests me more. I'm also open to other Air Force Reserve jobs if you guys think there are better options.
On the Army side, 25B seems like a great opportunity because I'd have full-time pay, housing, food, and healthcare, so I'd be able to save a lot of money since I wouldn't be paying rent. The downside is that I'd be away from home for a 5-year contract.
A little about me: I'm 25 years old, currently working toward my bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. I work as a coach making $30/hour, but I only work about 4 hours a day, so it's not a full-time income.
One of the biggest reasons I want to join the military is to help my mom with her possible green card process and to use the education benefits so I can finish school without going into debt.
Part of me feels like, at 25, I should become more independent and move out instead of living with my parents. That's one of the biggest reasons Active Duty appeals to me, it seems like a good opportunity to build savings and become financially independent. At the same time, I'm a huge family person, so being away from them for five years, especially missing my little brother growing up, would be really hard.
The Air Force Reserve seems like it would help me with most of my goals. I could stay close to my family, hopefully help my mom, and use the education benefits for school. The only thing I'm worried about is the financial side. After paying my bills, I barely have enough money left to save, so I'm not sure I'd be able to move out and become independent if I stay part-time.
If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Would you go Army Active 25B, Crew Chief with the $20k bonus, or Fire Protection? Or are there any other Air Force Reserve jobs you think I should look into? I'd really appreciate hearing from people with experience. Thanks!