Should I join the military at 22 to secure my family's future?

steelcharmrat12 · 2025-12-21T18:00:07+00:00

I'm 22 years old, with a wife and two kids. I feel stuck, tangled in uncertainty. Should I join the military, at least, to secure a good future for my kids?

shobergobuck

If she doesn’t have a stable career… then yes, join the military.
If she has a stable career and you can survive off it find a career that will pay off in the long run.
I’ve done both.
I met my wife in the military… then, when I got out, we lived off her paycheck while I learned a valuable skill, and now we have the option for her to work or be a STAHM.

BaneCappyBoa

Construction trades: if u land an apprenticeship w/ benefits, sweet. If not, u’ll gotta pull mad extra hrs, but u can still crush it. The military? It’s a fam decision, so chat w/ folks who’ve done it to get the real tea on service life 😊

MuddySarel

If ur wife is cool with it and knows what it'd be like (she might be alone for big chunks), I’d do it 😊

flamewild

Trade/Military. I served active duty for four years and received free college; my military training counts toward college credit. After one contract I entered marine mechanics, which required two years of training and schooling. I now earn $25 per hour plus 100% VA benefits for my shoulder and knees. Document everything. Enjoy it. I’m 28, make about $100 k a year, and I’m happy and content.

cptsultanshoes

as a navy vet, go air force

pantherhira91

I promised myself I'd serve three years and then get out. That promise was made eleven years ago. I was only twenty‑three when I enlisted. You really ought to consider at least one active‑duty contract for the benefits alone. Message me if you have any questions.

DeanDragonMoo

I spent 22 years in the Air Force and it was the best thing I’ve ever done.

It’s hard on the kids because of moving around, but it gives them a world view and a breadth of knowledge that most kids never get.

There are so many great reasons to join.

It is not all rainbows and unicorns, but you can earn a good living and be proud of what you do.

You will also get a job that in many cases can translate to the civilian world should you decide to do that.

I highly recommend the Air Force or Space Force.

If I had a nickel for every time a soldier sailor or marine said they wish they joined the Air Force, I would have a whole bunch of buckets of nickels.

The quality of life is definitely the bset in the Air Force.

Feel free to ask questions.

RickMoaCreed69

The military gave my family so much, but remember there’s also a lot of sacrifice not just for you, but for your family too. GoNavyBeatArmy

DeanBrute21

You have the gift of age on your side… go into the military wholeheartedly… the Air Force feels like the popular choice.

BlazingNinja17

The military will generally ensure your family always has a roof over their heads and food in your pantry.

You will, however, sacrifice stability of where you live and how much time you can spend at home.

The only people who can determine whether the trade‑offs are worth it are you and your wife.

If you’re starting?from nothing and could benefit from several years of steady paychecks and no medical bills to set yourselves up for future success, then it’s probably worth it.

Make sure the job you select provides practical skills you will use in the workforce. IT jobs are plentiful if you have the aptitude for it.

yangtmdvs92

Depends on your current living situation if it’s okay and just needs a boost. Check your local Air or Army National Guard. See if they cover trade benefits and get a trade while staying in your state. Or explore reserve options for other branches. Be warned: reserves can place you anywhere in the U.S. depending on the job you pick. If things are rocky and your family needs a fresh start, active duty is the way to go. I say this because I served five years active in the Marines and am now an Idaho Army NG recruiter. You can’t go wrong with any option; just do your homework before committing to your chosen.path.

WallySlickMistake

As a Marine Corps vet, going AF might be a little easier on the family, but it will still be tough.

SnackEternus25

Yes it changed my life and my kids lofe

DizzyWolf

I can only speak to the Army Reserve, but if you join the reserves and reach E‑4, you can move into the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) and truly get the best of both active duty and reserve life. Everyone’s experience is different, yet I sincerely love my time in the reserves both part‑time and full‑time.

IronForge

Even if you only join the reserves, the benefits you receive will make a massive difference over time. VA loans, the GI Bill, and countless other programs are there for you to use financially.

SunflowerGaming

I think about the Air Force first, and then the Army if the Air Force isn’t an option. I try to approach my career choice thoughtfully, studying for the ASVAB. Reflecting on it, joining the military feels like the most rewarding decision I’ve made for myself and my family, without a doubt.

FinCasBowie

I’ve been on active‑duty Navy for over 11 years now. I’m only just at the point where my iwfe can stay home with our baby. I don’t recommend it personally, because you can get a lot farther in 11 years in the civilian world than I have during my time active duty. I don’t think the retirement is worth the 20 years unless you retire as an E‑7 or above. I’d only recommend enlisting if you have no other option.

malmiller

If you decide to join the military, go for a career field that also translates to civilian life so you’ve got a backup plan.

There are tons of perks for you and your spouse. Speaking from an Army perspective… you get tuition assistance that can cover college after just 18 months, MyCAA for your spouse to earn certifications, and low‑cost medical, dental, and vision for you and the kids. Plus, I can’t think of any other job that hands you ove r $1,000 a month on top of your base pay just for being married with children.

MashedRaiden

I’m always late to these posts… I’ve served in both the Air Force and the Army now I’m an Army recruiter. Feel free to message me if you have any questions about either branch.

DeltaKama

Go learn a trade bro best decision i made

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