[Little Pig]

So:

1) Will Obama ruin the military that badly, that I wouldn't want to be in the service despite Gates as SecDef

2) How do I address the age issue to the satisfaction of the service? I am only 2 years past the cutoff (and the AF allows people as old as 42 for healthcare jobs, and I'm under that).

[randomhero97]

Do you still have an active clearance? Have you looked into the DoD contracting world? There is all kinds of companies that are constantly looking for folks. You have an MS in IA so that puts you a step above most hires. Do you have a CISSP or any other certs?

[SuzyQue]

I can only address your question #1 - I suspect that Barama will affect the AF and the Marines less than the Navy and Army. I would not recommend the latter two right now, but i would think the AF will be OK.

[Jet Jaguar]

In regards to Q2, everything is waiverable.

[SIDENET]

How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?

[usafsk]

First, if you join the military you must follow the orders of the C-in-C, who, like it or not, is Obama. Going in with the thought that Obama will “ruin” the military conveys a very low opinion about the institution you wish to join and it’s ability to withstand whatever ruinous things might happen.

I also find it hard to fathom that you can’t find a job in the civilian sector, especially with a Fed contractor. Even the stimulus bill contains cyber security elements. Also, NSA and HSA are hiring people in this field. Where do you live? That might be the problem.

As for not fitting into the corporate world, I think that would be a bad indicator of how you would fit into the Air Force or other branch, especially as an officer. What about the corporate world is the problem.

[Eaglefixer]

As an old retired USAF Major, I say go for it if they will have you in your field of expertise. I joined under JFK and retired under RR.

You can never depend on any administration or SOD. The congress is notoriously fickle. Your field however has good prospects for long term priority.

I was an aircraft maintenance officer hence the handle. Good luck.

[oh8eleven]

I am only 2 years past the cutoff
Two years past the actual maximum age or two year past the adjusted maximum?
When I re-enlisted (many moons ago) they deducted my previous 3 years of service from my actual age which just got me under the maximum.
I don't know if that's still done.

[ansel12]

See if this helps you.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/enlstandards.htm

[ducdriver]

1) Remains to be seen. The hope is that His Zeroness will be a one-termer, and that will certainly help if it comes about. There are some disturbing developments having to do with employing armed forces within our borders, so the armed forces will need brave patriots. As far as Gates, I have heard it opined that he was retained by Zero because Zero wants big defense cuts, and Gates, being a Republican holdover, will be in a weaker position than a Dem would be in fighting for his share of the budget.

2) I recently received information that the AF is seeking retired O-5 and below rated officers to return to duty, if they are under age 60. This does not affect you, per se, but it may indicate a trend. Go aggressively after the waiver if you need one. Prior service may help, and could be a plus for you in obtaining waivers. But that's only my guess.

[1-Eagle]

1- No Obama will not ruin it that badly. Even if he damages it, we need good people in there all the more.

2- Not sure about Air Force, but Army calculates your age by subtracting years of prior service. USAF probably does the same thing.

You'd go in as an Officer with a desk job, make great pay and have great benefits... I'd highly recommend it.

I served 12 years in USAF. I think you'll like it. I tried to get back in a few times but they have changed the rules about diabetes. I'd have to work myself off meds and I don't think I can at this point.

[Krankor]

Well, the important question here is, how do I get rid of this damn Netflix ad that keeps popping up in Firefox?

[RetiredArmy]

Be ready for the fags in the military. Be ready of the 10% proposed defense cuts. Be prepared for a lot of cuts in everything else the military has to spend money for. I was in the Army when Comrade Carter was Premier. He screwed us in the ground. The ass hole in the White House now is going to be worse. Good luck. I know one thing, I would not go in the military under Obama. It was bad enough under Karter. Thank God for Ronald Reagan. And, there is no Ronald Reagan to save us from Obama.

[autumnraine]

I’m not sure what I would do in your situation, but I sure would like see someone with your experience and education serving on our side and watching our back. Even with Obama as leader...

[TankerKC]

Don’t do it.

[pabianice]

Take orders from that Kenyan pretender? No, thanks!

[geo40xyz]

I would suggest the Army's Warrant Officer program

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=Warrant+Officer+Air+Force&page=1&qsrc=0&zoom=Army+%3CKW%3EWarrant+Officer%3C%2FKW%3E%7C%3CKW%3EWarrant+Officer%3C%2FKW%3E+Flight+Training%7CArmy+%3CKW%3EWarrant+Officer%3C%2FKW%3E+Program&ab=5&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usarec.army.mil%2Fhq%2Fwarrant%2FWOgeninfo_enlmos_af.html

It has the right MOS’s for the field you are qualified for!!! More pay and “less” Officer crap:-()

see old pay scales:http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/pay/bl05warrantsalary.htm

I was enlisted Army and had a chance for Warrant Officer but only MOS then was “153A - Rotary Wing Aviator

[Navy Patriot]

1: Yes.

2: The Air Force will be heavily involved and highly at risk in the Obama wars. He will "fight" like Clinton. You're way too old for reeducation.

[Seaplaner]

LP, good on ya for thinking about rejoining the service.

While I agree that Marxist Obama (and BFF Ayers) will do their dirtiest to undermine our wonderful military and personnel, I'm hoping that those fantastic troops who would have stayed in in a GOP admin will do so in an Obama admin.

My reason is that we need them, and that the replacements who Obama might have in mind may not have a true sense of what's right.

I'm also hopeful that well qualified and properly motivated folks enlist or receive commissions (including you, sir) for the same reason...we need you.

Here's my take on should or shouldn't.

Did you "resonate" with the military experience? If so, then it might be a "go". If you hated it, then...nah.

I spent 4 yrs in the USAF back in the viet nam days. It was a (mostly) good organization, with some great people, punctuated by some true sphincters.

Keep in mind that I'm currently a Blue Star Dad, with 2 daughters, a son-in-law, and a nephew in uniform, and I spend a bit of time watching the military channel. Thus, I may be viewing your decision through camo-colored glasses.

.

[Eagle Eye]

You aren’t going into healthcare so it’s time to look at plan B and forget the USAF.

[saganite]

You should check this yourself but the last I heard was that the cyber command was shot down (an Air Force turn of phrase there for you).