Joining the Air Force while married or with dependents

[@Jodywithawhy]

My story of why I got married so young. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKeWgmh6gMd1gZY

[@chrisramos7067]

Hi , what are the odds of getting a location with a 12 to 24 month tour ? If you’re married and will you have chances to travel and see them ?

[@MsDeelio]

Thanks, Jody! I just turned 39 and passed the ASVAB and MEPS with no waivers! A bit nervous about leaving my hubby and babies behind, so this is a great help.

[@Jodywithawhy]

I’m glad I could help. Seeing them on your graduation will be a great day. I’m wishing you good luck with the rest of the process. 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@Pristine_Frequency]

Hi, @MsDeelio good to hear you passed, I have a question, did you have to study for it?

[@MsDeelio]

@whewnana1035, it has been a while since stepping foot in a math class for me, so I took the practice test with the recruiter to see my areas of weakness. The job I wanted required a high score in a certain area, so I found a KZbin channel to help me brush up on thoseath skills. For me, that was arithmetic reasoning, sequences, etc. I was never a math whiz, but I did really well in school with proper study habits. So, ultimately, if the job you want requires a higher score, or if you are undecided and want to qualify for a lot of jobs so you will have more flexibility in choosing a job, I’d recommend studying exactly what you need. Duran Learning was a great tool. He goes really slow, but is thorough. Too slow for me, but I just skipped ahead to what I needed and it worked well. Best wishes to you!

[@Linas1712]

Hey,how many kids were you able to join with? Thank you

[@sandrogeraldo6128]

​@@Linas1712 He is probably doing basic training since his post now lol . Hopefully will be me next year . 37 , married and 2 kids 😄

[@shades9723]

I’m looking to join at 30 with a wife and 16 month old. Always have wanted to serve and have found myself at a point in life where it makes a lot of sense. I really appreciate your videos, I’m trying to do as much research as possible and you condense it very nicely.

[@_aldair_7802]

Do it

[@mando2.049]

Did you do it ?

[@lefunk808]

This advice is gold, I married with 2 kids, enlisted and leaving January 11th for bmt. Me and my wife was kinda worried about being separated after bmt not really knowing about some of the perks of having your family with you during tech. We realize that just depends on how long tech school is. But regardless we came up with plans for both accompanied and unaccompanied.

[@matthewphosaksee4957]

Which branch did you end up joining ?

[@Tayanibanx]

what where those plans?

[@brooklynn8421]

How’s it going so far

[@Grogu01]

Do you get any extra money for wife and kids? I read online your pay doesn’t increase but I’m confused, would appreciate the info! Thank you

[@tech_gear]

So awesome that they increased the separation pay to $400/month this year!

[@jessicaexclusa8540]

Thank you! Married with two kids and just signed into DEP. Would greatly appreciate if you could do a video with a female Airmen guest that started her military career with dependents. I've been getting a lot of crap lately for joining with kids and a husband.

[@Jodywithawhy]

I’ll try and find someone. I think that’ll be an informative video, just gotta find someone who’s willing to do it.

[@metsha]

Not yet in DEP but going through the same, great idea.

[@000shayna]

Im thinking about airforce im 26 with 3 kids and a husband

[@Jodywithawhy]

You should do it. 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@GianahMarie]

@@000shayna me too! Just 1 kid tho

[@RobOutdoors623]

Thank you for the info! I’m getting married next month and will be joining very soon (not planned that way, just happened) super excited for our new chapter!

[@Jodywithawhy]

Ayeeee. Congratulations y’all. 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@Pearl-_Perla]

UR ADVICE IS GOLD!!!

[@Jodywithawhy]

Thank you so much and thanks for watching. 🙌🏽

[@Pearl-_Perla]

@@Jodywithawhy God bless you Jody, GREATLY, RICHLY AND ABOUNDEDLY IN JESUS'S NAME!!

[@TDK2K]

I've never met so many married 18-20 year olds in my life until i passed through BMT and here at tech school. smh

[@Jodywithawhy]

😂😂😩😩. That’s why I gave that disclaimer early. Lol. I know how they like to do once they join. Lol

[@ItisWhatitaint]

39 and passed the asvab and meps. Currently in DT&F!

[@boggs.tj.22]

So helpful, as always lol. I always learn so much from your videos and highly appreciated your channel!!

[@Jodywithawhy]

Glad I could help. That’s for the watching and supporting. 🙌🏽

[@karlagarcia4002]

This was super helpful and well detailed. Great video!

[@Jodywithawhy]

No problem. Thanks for watching. 🙌🏽

[@romarbell18]

All of your videos have been coming in clutch for me, going to take my ASVAB next week and I’m getting married next month!

[@Jodywithawhy]

Ayeee. Congratulations. Good luck on the ASVAB and your marriage. 💪🏽💪🏽

[@d.7819]

Excellent content and video. Thanks for sharing this. Thank you for your service. Enjoy your life. Stay safe and covid free. Aim high. Go Airforce.

[@Jodywithawhy]

Thanks so much. You’ve been really supporting. It is appreciated. 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@Catospi]

This is a great video. Currently trying to reenlist after being out of service for 7years. This time it’s not a solo trip lol got my wife coming with me

[@Jodywithawhy]

Congrats. Glad I could help as well. Good luck with the journey. 🤙🏽

[@Prodbyzo999]

been waiting for this!!!

[@Jodywithawhy]

Glad I could help. 💪🏽

[@FelipeCozachevicii]

Best channel 💪🏻

[@Jodywithawhy]

Thank you Sir. Means a lot. 🙌🏽

[@Chubbychaser37]

Another great video keep up the good work!

[@Jodywithawhy]

Thank you so much for the support. 🙌🏽

[@rboston33]

Again you put out a fantastic video. It directly impacts me and my stepson. I'm 78 and live on SS benefits. He has been my legal stepson since he was 3and will be interviewing a recruiter in May to join the AF. shortly after his 18th birthday. I will be depending on him for support. Is it possible I can qualify as his dependent?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yep. He can claim you as a dependent. Here’s a link on how to do it. www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/SecondaryDependency/secondarydependency_AirForce/claims_packages_AirForce/

[@blkdiamond1121]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@NBHRaven]

My brother was stationed at Langley for 5 years!

[@Jodywithawhy]

Ayeee. I was there from 2012-2016. We might’ve crossed paths.

[@NBHRaven]

@@Jodywithawhy he was Op Intel, in 16 he was most likely A1C Lohr

[@Jodywithawhy]

I was leaving that year. So I don’t remember a Lohr. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@NBHRaven]

@@Jodywithawhy no worries! If you crossed paths you would’ve remember. He’s gotten a few airman of the quarter and airman of the year awards. I think he was with the 27th FS

[@stephanroberts5061]

Hey Jody! I really appreciate these videos and am praying I get a recruiter willing to give me an opportunity to join. My question is, if I have a dependent but the mother and I are NOT together and do shared time, how does that factor into pay?

[@Jodywithawhy]

You should still receive your dependent pay. You’d just need the child’s birth certificate and social security card.

[@Ethan-em1xg]

Great info! currently married and have 2 kids. My question is once i graduate from technical school, how quickly do I have to get my family moved to my theoretical active duty location? For example, I currently rent an apartment in my hometown. Assuming my technical school is not longer than 20 weeks, should I already have my moving plan figured out before graduating tech school, or am I given time to get my personal property and family packed up and moved prior to arriving at base. Also, if there’s no on base housing available, am I able to find an apartment fairly quickly off base? Thank you

[@Jodywithawhy]

I believe you get 14 days of house hunting (I could be wrong on the amount of days so don’t quote me. If anyone knows the official amount of days please help). You should have your home prepared for moving when you graduate, and coordinate with the Traffic Management Office to schedule your move. They’ll pack up your home and move it to your duty location.

[@alexisvazquez8139]

So many questions! I still have a lot of them! But great video nonetheless!

[@Jodywithawhy]

What’s up. Ask away.

[@alexisvazquez8139]

I have a few and some personal? Is there a way to reach you! My recruiter really doesn’t know much

[@Jodywithawhy]

[e-mail]

[@ShadyRonin]

Great video man thank you! Question: do you ever get a choice between accompanied or unaccompanied? For example, say you REALLY prefer accompanied and would be willing to sacrifice something else in exchange (for example, taking a longer tour or lower pay), any idea if they let you make such choices / tradeoffs?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Some places do allow longer tours for accompanied orders, but some don’t allow it at all. It just depends on the location you’re going to.

[@guisenyuan8638]

Thank you for making such an informative video. Question though, I’m married with a kid. Both my husband and I are in the process of joining the air force. Once we are sent out for BMT, my kid will be watched by his grandma in our house. Will we both get BAH in basic training and tech school? Or we won’t get at all until we are located?

[@hannahfinley1194]

Do you happen to know if all branches of military give BAH for families as soon as basic training starts? Or is this something specific to ask my local recruiter? (Specifically Army) Very informative video. Thank you!

[@Jodywithawhy]

Should be asap if you have dependents. May take a little while for you payments to actually reflect, but it should be across all branches.

[@ykasken]

@@Jodywithawhywhat about FSA (family separation allowance), can you get it during basic training?

[@ramonffelix]

You always with good videos man! Could you talk about become Officer as Enlisted, OTS? Age limit, requirements for citizen and non-citizen. Thank you so much, I love your channel bro.

[@Jodywithawhy]

Thanks bro. I think these may help you. This one is going from enlisted to officer kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5SUpXaQfMusoM0 This one is the citizenship info kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJLVZauif61jgKs

[@adriannereynolds3515]

While in basic, is the BAH based on where you live or where your dependent will be. For example, my child will be with his dad in another city while I’m at basic but we live in another zip code.

[@Jodywithawhy]

It will be for your home of record address. So whatever you put there will determine how you’re paid.

[@LaNenaDelRap]

Question: while I’m in basic training & in the initial stages of tech school, are there any resources for covering rent at home? My goal is to have my husband and child live with me during tech school/duty location, but once I leave things are going to be a bit hard financially. Is that something that we have to plan ahead ourselves or are there any resources? Thx!!

[@edenramirez5155]

More info on this?

[@JessTylerBarron]

Thanks for sharing this helpful info!!

[@Jodywithawhy]

No problem at all. 🤙🏽

[@jesseniavargas8199]

Thank you for this! 26 with a one year old and husband. If they can come to be with me while I’m in tech school, it would make the world a difference. Are there some tech schools that do not offer that or is it based on the length of education?

[@anntonettequiambao7147]

If a couple is dual military (different branches for instance Navy and Air Force), is one allowed to follow and live nearby while the other is attending tech school?

[@peterlee4012]

Hey thank you for uploading helpful videos always! I’m going in as E-3 shipping to basic soon but have a question. When do i get paid? because me and my wife is living paycheck to paycheck at the moment and i’m worried about our rent and bills when i ship to basic training with no money saved.

[@SidewayzSedans]

He just said you’ll get bah on day one of bt, because of the fact that you have dependents you get it faster than normal you and your wife will have a breath of fresh air don’t worry brother

[@MeganBo-s9g]

I was so nervous about oh during BMT but I you helped me to know the BAH is immediate since we’re married. Any tips we should know financially?

[@kristenbaxter6917]

Hey Jody, new subscriber here! My fiancé is looking to join the AF soon. He has questions about SW training. Do you have any information about that or any link that will better assist him?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Hey I don’t have any content on special warfare, but there’s a channel called “Ones Ready” and they’re a bunch of special warfare guys who talk about the life. You can check them out here. youtube.com/@OnesReady?si=WIzTIOOANLRVWdat

[@andreshernandez6576]

Very great information!!!! I just have a couple questions about unaccompanied orders. What happens to my family during unaccompanied orders? Does the military provide housing for them while I'm away or how would it work to still provide for my family?

[@Jodywithawhy]

They’ll provide you a housing allowance for where your family resides in order for you to continue to support their rent or mortgage. You’d also receive family separation pay.

[@andreshernandez6576]

@@JodywithawhyOk great, this was the only doubt I had about enlisting active. Was considering reserves that reason but this helps still pursue the active duty route. Thank you 😊

[@fernandfiomgbe3197]

@@Jodywithawhy Does that mean if you're staying on base with your family before receiving the unacocompanied order, your family needs to move out and find an apartment you can be paying for?

[@Jodywithawhy]

If your family is in base housing, and you get unaccompanied orders, they can continue to stay in base housing until you return.

[@justinbranden5275]

Thanks for the video. I'm currently in DEP for PJ pipeline. Married with 3 kids. Wife works a federal job. What are some tips to go about that if you have any?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Make sure she does leave without pay when you all move. This will keep her federal status, so she will have internal preference when applying for jobs. That’s my biggest advice.

[@alextexmexmartinez]

A very great video, as all your videos are. But I would love to know more about joining the Air Force(maybe as an officer), while my husband is currently active duty enlisted Air Force. We have a son and are thinking about having a second child. Is there a difference for this situation? Any and all information would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

[@Jodywithawhy]

If you become an officer, there’s no limit to the children you can have prior to joining. If you go enlisted, you all can only have 2 children when enlisting.

[@alextexmexmartinez]

@@Jodywithawhy Thank you so much I appreciate everything you do.

[@Iamregina33]

I need a video on single parents because I want to join but I'm not married.

[@Jodywithawhy]

It’ll just require a dependency waiver. You’d have to create a family care plan which says who will be responsible for your child while you’re away for training. DO NOT GIVE CUSTODY AWAY OF YOUR CHILD FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF JOINING. That will make ineligible to join if you do, and it’s unnecessary.

[@anthonyventura6763]

@@Jodywithawhy Do you get those some benefits you mentioned in the video if you do the dependency waiver? Thanks

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yep. As long as you have dependents you’ll receive these.

[@anthonyventura6763]

@@Jodywithawhy What if youre not married but your girlfriend claims the child?

[@Jodywithawhy]

If you are still providing support for your child, and have some type of custody, you would receive the dependent pay. You would provide the birth certificate of your child and social security card.

[@YV1253]

Do you have information on joining the AF and being married to a non-citizen and having a u.s. citizen child together?

[@space6712]

Hey Jody do you have a link to your video with choosing between buying a house or renting?

[@masonmarin4448]

Hey! So I was wondering is there any way that I can deliberately choose an accompanied duty or is it completely random? Also are there are any specific jobs who never deploy?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Unfortunately it is kind of random. When creating your duty location dream sheet, you can list all locations that are accompanied tours, but it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed one of them. At the end of the day it comes down to the air forces needs. Also, there is no job in the Air Force that can guarantee you won’t deploy.

[@masonmarin4448]

@@Jodywithawhy so let’s say I finish tech school and get stationed at a base, is my wife able to live with me there off base or in living quarters or does my initial base have to be “accompanied”. Such as is there a chance my full time base will be unaccompanied in the states

[@Jodywithawhy]

Every base in the states is an accompanied tour. The unaccompanied tours are some of the overseas locations. As long as you get an accompanied tour your wife can live with you on or off base.

[@WabiSabbii]

I’ve been looking into all of this cause my boyfriend and I are getting married this year and we have a baby on the way but I haven’t heard of the 12-24 month long unaccompanied tour..is that something everyone has to do?? I hate how confusing all of this is 😥😥 Forgot to mention he’s enlisting soon lol

[@Jodywithawhy]

No. Everyone will not do this, but it’s possible for anyone to have to. I have been fortunate enough to never have to do an unaccompanied tour, but if the Air Force needed me to, I wouldn’t have much of choice. Those are overseas assignments, and I’ve never listed any overseas assignments as preferences. I kinda regret doing this now though, because I feel like I’ve missed some good life experiences by not going overseas.

[@darkclaw570]

​@@Jodywithawhy when you say you've never listed any overseas assignments, your saying you don't have to list bases overseas u want to go to?

[@darkclaw570]

Did he join? If so how is it

[@WabiSabbii]

@@darkclaw570 he did and I hate it so much I hate being a military spouse I hate where we’re stationed at and I hate that we have to do this for 5 more years… I’m so mad he joined I feel like we were better off before. The military is constantly saying we owe them money so our first four months in we made 0 and I mean 0 dollars. We only were able to get food bc my mom would send us 100$ it’s been the worse experience of my life and everyone keeps saying it gets better over time and it’s been a year and it’s still horrible we just actually get half of a paycheck now. I can’t even get a job cause the military has to approve it for one and for two I have absolutely zero transportation cause of the place we got stationed at I’m so miserable…

[@taylorgilley1033]

Great video man! One question tho I’m looking into joining but my wife is still in college, so could I still get the benefits if we choose to stay separated?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yes you would.

[@taylorgilley1033]

@@Jodywithawhy even if I live in a dorm?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Hmm…I don’t think so. Because they’d ask why she isn’t staying with you. Once you inform them it’s because of choice so she can complete school, I think that would render you ineligible for housing allowance. I could be wrong, but I think that’s how it works. I’d recommend asking your recruiter so they can clarify that for you.

[@taylorgilley1033]

@@Jodywithawhy ok thank you for the help!

[@sekaijin8193]

Thanks for the info! But the link to places you can't take family seems like it's a little off. I clicked on both and I don't see any list of the places 🤔 Any other sources where I can find a list of those places?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Here you go. media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/28/2003104852/-1/-1/1/TOUR_LENGTHS_AND_TOURS_OF_DUTY_OCONUS.PDF

[@sekaijin8193]

@@Jodywithawhy arigato

[@hisselhernandez578]

Thank you ! My boyfriend is about to join all he needs is to go to MEPS . I recently found out I’m pregnant and we are not married yet ,will this disqualify him from joining when he already has a kid with someone else?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Congrats on the baby y’all. 🙌🏽🙌🏽. I got some good and bad news. Because he knows he has a baby on the way, this will require a dependency waiver. It’s pretty easy to get, but because he needs a waiver, he’s “technically” disqualified. But it shouldn’t be a showstopper.

[@hisselhernandez578]

@@Jodywithawhy Is there anything that can be done , so he still has a chance to get in ?

[@Jodywithawhy]

This is an easy waiver. It won’t require much work for him. He just needs to provide proof of the expected delivery date. Who will take care of the child while he’s in training, and he’d have to do a credit check. Not too bad of a process.

[@elijahirby250]

Is there an article that has the pros and cons that you listed in the screenshots?

[@susanwalker9094]

What advice would you give to solo caregivers of elderly parents seeking to join? Are the same benefits available?

[@Jodywithawhy]

This explains it pretty well. I hope this helps. www.google.com/amp/s/www.military.com/spouse/military-benefits/can-we-get-military-parents-benefits-qb.html/amp

[@susanwalker9094]

Thank you for your response!

[@AnnieBanannii]

I'm a single mom 32 years old looking to join. What's gonna happen to me. My ex and I share custody

[@frymann2342]

Does this all apply if I joint the air national guard part time? Or is there a different housing allowance for the air national guard part time?

[@finsta4979]

I’m 19f and I want to join the Air Force when im 22. My bf and I have been together 3 years and we live together now. We don’t plan on having kids till our late 20s… is it smart for us to get married before I join the Air Force, just to make the most of the benefits? Do you still get the benefits if you have no kids? I want him to be able to travel with me. Can we still get housing allowance / base housing if we have no kids?

[@Jodywithawhy]

You get all the benefits regardless of kids. I don’t give marriage advice though, so make sure you all talk and plan this out thoroughly. 🙌🏽

[@Wang.812]

Thanks for sharing, it was really helpful. But i still have few questions. Hope you are still checking the comments here. I'm married now, and already started my enlistment process. My question is, if your wife can't move to live with you because of work and school. And you choose to living in military base/dorm. Are you able to receive the house Allowance to help your wife to pay for the housing? Thank you

[@Jodywithawhy]

There’s cases like this every now and then. You’d have to explain your situation to finance once you join to get accommodated. It’s possible though.

[@NicoleBermz]

How did it work for you? I’m on the same boat because my husband has to stay back home for a least year due to his job promotion in the civilian world.

[@jerrodcieslinski8210]

How often do waivers get denied for being married and having 3 children. Assuming I have savings and proof they will be taken care of while I'm gone.

[@Jodywithawhy]

They pretty commonly get approved honestly.

[@iFlankHD]

I heard that your spouse gets background checked as well as you do. I leave for basic in 2 months and planning to get married next month. My fiancé has a misdemeanor on her record that got dismissed 2months ago. I was wondering if that would affect me at all? Could that get me kicked out of the Air Force? Or not allow me to get a security clearance?

[@tyrelleunciano646]

Hey Jody! I heard you mention that starting day 1 of basic training, you’d receive BAH if you are married or have dependents. Is that the same outcome, if my husband is already active duty? Would I receive BAH while I’m at basic? We’ve been hearing a bunch of different answers

[@Jodywithawhy]

I do believe you will, you will just receive the rate without dependents. I’m not 100% certain. I know if you weren’t married to a military member, you would certainly receive it, but I don’t know if anything changes because of the military spouse.

[@tarashah3844]

Great video thank you! I wanted to know if my husband goes to training will they let him stay in a state that I am or they won't? Because my parents are sick and they need someone to take care of them plus they r getting old.

[@Jodywithawhy]

They have situations like that where a member can apply for a hardship. However, I don’t think they’ll let a member join with a known hardship if that makes sense.

[@turbo6360]

Unaccompanied for 12-24 months? Hurt

[@JessicaMarLynn]

what if you are looking to commission as an Officer in the space force as a civilian with 4 kids and a wife… 😬 Do waivers get approved in this type of scenario?! My husband is scheduled to speak with a recruiter soon but we just learned of the 2 child - 3 with waiver situation in the Air-force and it’s my understanding that Space Force operates as AF. I had no clue that kids and a wife could affect joining the armed forces. Any info you can share is greatly appreciated

[@Jodywithawhy]

If he’s commissioning, I do believe waivers aren’t required. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure they don’t have to do dependent waivers.

[@JessicaMarLynn]

@@Jodywithawhy I think I have it wrong… I am learning but I assumed that having a degree meant to be “commissioning”. I have since looked into this further and believe that maybe commissioning applies to already being a part of the armed services but moving into a new branch🤷🏻‍♀️. My husband is a civilian with a degree… could he still enter the Space Force as an officer with a waiver due to having 5 dependents (me and our 4 children)?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Commissioning means becoming an officer. Enlisted means joining without using an education beyond high school (your husband can either choose to enlist or commission). Commissioning doesn’t require a waiver for dependents. Enlisting does. I hope that makes sense.

[@bowdown6192]

If you’re going into special warfare like “TACP” does all of that training count as tech school?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yes. They have so many different parts of training, but it’s all considered tech school.

[@bowdown6192]

@@Jodywithawhy awesome thank you for the reply!

[@CODstreamz]

How does this work for reserve or guard. Do you still get BAH or any additional pay while at basic training and you have a wife and kids?

[@Jodywithawhy]

While at basic and tech school you’ll receive all the benefits as an active member. Once you go back home as traditional guardsman, you’ll then start receiving part time benefits.

[@blt_productions8738]

Hey, what if you had a kid with your girlfriend but aren’t married yet? Will they be able to come see you or will they let them come visit during tech school? I was wondering cause my baby is due in July and I’m sure I’ll be in tech school by then.

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yes. They can come visit. You will just need to get them a visitors pass. That’s super easy.

[@spency7321]

Does your dependent's Tricare coverage start as soon as you start BMT, or after you finish?

[@Jodywithawhy]

As soon as you start.

[@zenbynature4309]

Hay @jodywithawhy how difficult would it be to get a waiver for 5 children, my credit is good, and my wife is okay with staying home and taking care of the children.

[@jmoss3774]

Question Jody, How would BHA work if my wife is overseas? Will I receive the OHA? What if she doesn’t pay rent and still lives with family. Would it depend on my BHA or should I use her family in California’s address? Thanks

[@Bulian51]

What if you plan to get married after tech school how would someone go about that?

[@Jodywithawhy]

You would just let your leadership know you’re getting married. Once you get married, your spouse will have to be input into the DEERS system. And you’d have to inform finance you got married so you can start getting paid your BAH.

[@bbqstation1190]

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System

[@LunaWhitestar]

started dating this girl like 6 years ago about 3 years in we broke up. I've been with other people since then but right now I'm single, and she has been contemplating breaking up with her bf. (ive lived with her since we started dating just seeing different people) She's been with me for a while and I care about her. Thing is I don't really care about sex or the relationship side of things. Would it be bad to marry her before enlisting so I can give her a better life? I don't think the military will offer an allowance for me to continue providing for her if were not married when I enlist and I don't think she would be able to afford to live in our current place. also if I end up marrying her and they provide bah is that separate from the "housing allowance" they advertise? and how does that work if I live on base and she stays here? with the BAH calculator the amount they offer covers all the bills at our current residence but do they deduct from that for being on base as well?

[@YummyXscape]

I’m a single mother 4 children want to setup a family plan with my children’s grandparents. Will the number of children disqualify me? How hard is it to become an officer ?

[@nelsonroman2295]

@jodywithawhy I had an allergy reaction with non-anaphylactic symptoms, not even hives, just itching. Is that waiverable in AF. I sent a Dr. test and notes stating the same thing to the recruiter.

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yep. They basically wanna see the reaction you have. If it’s minor, they’re usually waiverable. But nothing is guaranteed.

[@jaythewrapper239]

If you have a dependent will you be entitled to bring your family with you to tech school or on base after tech school because I don’t want unaccompanied and I have a baby and a wife

[@shunii10]

does pollen allergies affect your MEPS? my nose gets itchy/tickle-ish and becomes runny every pollen season

[@Jodywithawhy]

Those are pretty normal Allergies and if you take Claritin or Zyrtec it’ll be fine in most cases.

[@shunii10]

@@Jodywithawhy Thank you so much sir! So taking those anti allergy meds wont affect my urinalysis? Do I have to tell my recruiter or at MEPS that im taking those? ty so much again!

[@Jodywithawhy]

No they won’t affect your urinalysis. But you do wanna tell your recruiter you’re taking them just so they’re annotated.

[@itsjaycity2893]

Jody I have a question, if you get married before joining and you and your spouse decide to join the Airforce would you be able to live with her or will there be separate deployment?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Y’all will live together after basic training and tech school (maybe tech school depending on length). Just make sure y’all both get jobs that are commonly everywhere. 🤙🏽

[@itsjaycity2893]

@@Jodywithawhy Ok thanks for the info🙏🏽

[@AK-ye4og]

What are the chances of getting non-accompany orders ? I was in Army and trying get back in ti airforce but didn’t ever know about those type orders? Would it be a deployment?

[@Jodywithawhy]

Deployments and some overseas locations.

[@AK-ye4og]

Just realized my comments grammar was terrible 🤣. Thank you for the reply.

[@alexusw]

Hey Jody I have a few questions to ask I’m very interested in joining is there an email of contact to ask questions regarding my situation?

[@mando2.049]

Hello Jody would a wife and 3 children under 2 disqualify me from joining enlisted ?

[@Grogu01]

All the Information online I can find says you don’t get any extra money for dependents, this information makes it sound like you get extra money in your check per dependent.

[@Jodywithawhy]

You get a housing allowance with dependent rate. It doesn’t increase per dependent, but if you have at least one dependent you’ll receive that pay.

[@RoseMatt-vl9uc]

Brother do you have to be married for your spouse and kids to come with you .?

[@corylee1800]

Hey i was wondering and i wanted to know if i can make more money there i am a Registered nurse right now in kaiser permanente in Southern California making 67 hr and about to finish my Family nurse practitioner in 2 years and was thinking to join then with a master degree and see if its worth to join was wondering if i get paid pretty good and would i be able to get free housing with my family if i stay in base

[@christopherramirez9090]

Curious I ship out of the 26 of April and wanted to know if they will back pay for the rent of May as far as the BHA I know it takes a while for your first check to hit your account

[@Jodywithawhy]

They will pay you for everything after 26 Apr. It may take awhile to get your pay figured out totally, but after about 6 months everything should be settled.

[@coltbergman9847]

What happens if you’re at a duty station with your wife and then you get a unaccompanied order and have to go somewhere and they decide to stay at that current duty station who pays for them to keep living there will the AF continue to pay for everything and they just have to work a civilian job to stay afloat or what happens in that circumstance

[@Jodywithawhy]

The Air Force will continue to give you a housing allowance for that area. When you get to the unaccompanied tour, you’ll be staying in dorms most likely

[@coltbergman9847]

@@Jodywithawhy are you still able to come back home on leave to visit your spouse with unaccompanied orders

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yes. As long as you have leave and can afford the trip.

[@coltbergman9847]

@@Jodywithawhy awesome thank you

[@crappppy1]

What if you are unmarried but have kids?

[@stephenmears9138]

As long as your on the birth certificate you will receive BAH. You just have to get an approved family care plan first.

[@playboydexk2345]

I just signed as a 25 u tech school is 20 weeks can my wife still come to tech school with me

[@LatoriaMartin]

Is this only if you go ACTIVE

[@uubsmith9181]

Hey I’m bout to get divorced but have a son. What benefits will my son receive?

[@pickintexas]

Is the leave for tech school the same even with guard?

[@SwolShark]

Is this just for the active duty or does this include guard members?

[@Jodywithawhy]

This includes guard members while they’re in basic and at tech school, but once you return home, you won’t receive these benefits in full

[@SwolShark]

@@Jodywithawhy thank you!

[@tylergurley2791]

How likely are unaccompanied tours?

[@Jodywithawhy]

It all depends. If you go overseas it’s definitely possible.

[@tylergurley2791]

@@Jodywithawhy thank you for the response. The video was great. I’m hoping to get stateside or at least be able to have my spouse with me. Fingers crossed!

[@torres7380]

Hey Jody, so if I marry my girlfriend (who is not in the military) before I enlist will I get extra pay? (If I were married to the person days or even months ago)

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yes. You would need to inform your recruiter so they can get your wife loaded into your orders. That way when you go to basic, the Air Force knows you have dependents and they will pay you for them.

[@torres7380]

@@Jodywithawhy Thank you so much, god bless you brother!

[@justmedave5520]

Does the family coming with me to tech school apply to the air national guard ?

[@Jodywithawhy]

I don’t know actually. I would assume no, because you’ll be going back home eventually. But I would recommend you ask your recruiter, or someone at the UTA meetings.

[@justmedave5520]

@@Jodywithawhy ok great. Thank you for responding

[@CCGDude]

Does this apply when you are not married but have a child coming? My girlfriend is expecting and I’m trying to go in and get bmt over with before her due date

[@Jodywithawhy]

It doesn’t apply until the child is born or you’re married. However, all of her medical expenses for the pregnancy can be covered by tricare.

[@CCGDude]

@@Jodywithawhy thank you! Can I ask what you would do in my shoes? I’m about to turn 26 on July 3rd. My girlfriend is 9 weeks pregnant. I was almost enlisted last year but couldn’t get my medical documents since my doctor died of Covid. Since then I have my documents switched over and now I’m ready to try again. I just don’t know if I should wait or go in as soon as possible?

[@Jodywithawhy]

I would recommend go in now. Having a baby with no medical insurance can become super expensive. If you have medical insurance and you’re not worried about medical expenses maybe you can wait and see how things go. But I’d ask myself, am I capable of raising a child on my current pay and my current benefits. If you struggle to say yes, then I’d recommend you reach out to a recruiter now. Just my opinion.

[@piercesterling6583]

Wait so to clarify, I receive BAH during basic if I’m married?? I leave May 25!

[@stephenmears9138]

Yes and during tech school.

[@piercesterling6583]

@@stephenmears9138 appreciate the comment back, helps a lot! Thank you for the info!

[@Pearl-_Perla]

BYE!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!

[@smitty360]

what about a parent you take care of , are they considered a dependent?

[@Jodywithawhy]

You’d have to prove they’re a dependent and do all the e paperwork. Here’s a link which can help. www.dfas.mil/MilitaryMembers/SecondaryDependency/secondarydependency_AirForce/claims_packages_AirForce/

[@theoverunder9985]

How would dating someone that’s in a different service work?

[@Jodywithawhy]

It all depends on your jobs, and the locations those jobs can go. Sometimes the branches just can’t get the couples close to each other because the jobs have limited available locations. They will always try and make it work to get you two together, but it’s not 100%.

[@malfon12]

Anyone out there with insight or advice on joining the military as a military spouse? My husband is active duty and I'm considering joining the Air Force. Just looking for some insight and what others experiences might be.

[@emmanuelperez2366]

Can single parent join airforce? If not what are some available options

[@Jodywithawhy]

You can. You’d require a dependency waiver. It basically means you’d have to provide the Air Force with a family care plan. That will detail who will watch your child during the duration of your training.

[@ismailadiaby8524]

Is this concern a reserve or active duty ?

[@qmtcop]

How long is basic training?

[@wb2605]

Would I need a waiver if I have a daughter? She lives with her mother tho I’m not sure if that would make me a single parent even tho she is with her mother most of the time

[@Jodywithawhy]

Yes. You’d need a waiver to join. You’d just have to show proof you’d have child care the entire duration of basic training and tech school.

[@barbararamos3869]

How does it work if my husband and I are married but the children when have are his step children? Would he need to legally adopt them for his benefits to apply to them?

[@Jodywithawhy]

No he wouldn’t. He would receive the same benefits for the children, as he would if they were his.

[@NicoleBermz]

Legally adopting them for benefits? Damn.