Can I join the Air Force as a single mom?

Single, divorced or separated parents or those in common law marriages with legal, physical custody of up to three children under the age of 18 and/or incapable of self care may enlist provided you are otherwise qualified, but a waiver will be required to permit you to enlist.
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Can I join the military if I'm a single mom?

Single parents are not allowed to enlist in the active-duty military. Except for the Reserve components of the military and Army National Guard, waiver approvals are rare, and most recruiters won't even submit one.
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What military branch is best for single mothers?

The Best Military Branch to Join for a Mother
  • Fly for the Air Force Reserve. ...
  • Serve Domestically in the National Guard. ...
  • Sail With the Navy Reserve. ...
  • Other Opportunities in the Reserves.
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Can I join the Navy if Im a single mom?

Can I Serve As A Single Parent? Yes, you can. However, due to the risks associated with serving in the military, the Navy requires a waiver for any single-parent applicant.
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Does the military deploy single parents?

Thousands do duty

Although the Army does not allow single parents to enlist, there are 37,000 single parents on active duty. According to the Army, 8,300 single parents are currently deployed. About 1,800 are single mothers. Legal experts said the Army tends to accommodate family needs, to a point.
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Single Parents in the Military | The TRUTH and My Advice



Do I have to give up custody to join the military?

Applicants are not allowed to give up custody for the purpose of enlistment. Army representatives are prohibited from advising single parents to relinquish custody. Therefore, the only option for a single mom joining the military is to prove that she has a child in the custody of another parent or adult.
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Can you join the Army if you're an only child?

Contrary to popular belief, "only sons," "the last son to carry the family name," and "sole surviving sons" must register and they can be drafted. However, they may be entitled to a peacetime deferment if there is a military death in the immediate family.
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What is the best military branch to join for a woman?

The Air Force is believed to be the most “laid-back” military branch in terms of physical difficulty. This could be the main reason why it appeals to most women.
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What happens to single parents in military?

While the military no longer allows single parents to enlist, if one becomes a single parent while in the military, due to death of a spouse, separation, divorce, or adoption, or if a military couple has children, the military will not force them to separate from the service, as long as they meet the family care ...
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What happens if you get pregnant in the Air Force?

AirForce & Space Force

The birth parent receives six weeks of Maternity Convalescent Leave and another six weeks of Primary Caregiver Leave. The secondary caregiver receives three weeks of leave. Pregnant service members are allowed to perform all duties so long as they are medically able.
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Can I join the Air Force If I have a child?

Single, divorced or separated parents or those in common law marriages with legal, physical custody of up to three children under the age of 18 and/or incapable of self care may enlist provided you are otherwise qualified, but a waiver will be required to permit you to enlist.
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What military branch is the most family friendly?

The Air Force has the reputation of having the best quality of life programs (dormitories, family housing, on-base shopping and services, and recreation) of all the military service branches.
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What is Airforce Reserve pay?

Air Force Reserve pay for a person with six years of service

Basic Airman E-1: $224 per month. Airman E-2: $251 per month. Airman First Class E-3: $298 per month. Senior Airman E-4: $355 per month.
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Can you join the military if you have a family?

To receive any military benefits, military family members must be registered in the military's personnel system, the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and receive a military ID card. To do that you need to be the service member's spouse or child.
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Can you join the Marines if you have a child?

Single parents can't join

Recruits who have three or more dependents — which could be a spouse and two children — cannot join the active duty Corps but, with a waiver, can join the reserves.
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Do you need both parents consent to join the military?

Military and service academy minimum entrance age requirements are 17 with parental consent or 18 without parental consent.
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How many moms are in the military?

Over 30,000 Single Mothers Serving in the Military.
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Who needs a family care plan Air Force?

All Airmen with family members will have family care arrangements that reasonably cover all short and long-term situations. Each Airman has the responsibility to implement their family care plan when required to be absent from their family members. This ensures the Air Force has an available force to meet its needs.
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Can husband come home from deployment for birth?

Military family emergency leave is absolutely available for family emergencies. Unfortunately, the Department of Defense does not consider giving birth to be an emergency unless your life or the life of the baby is suddenly in danger.
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What percentage of Air Force is female?

Of all the branches in the US military, the Air Force has the highest percentage of female active duty service members with women making up 21.1% of the US Air Force in 2020.
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Is it hard to get into Air Force?

How hard it is to get into the Air Force Academy? Many places you'll see admission stats claiming that USAFA has around a 10% admission rate. This is true if you include the thousands of students who inquire about admission. In reality, the offers of admission for QUALIFIED applicants range from 50-60%.
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How long is Air Force basic training?

Every enlisted Airman begins their Air Force career with 8.5 weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT). Challenged both mentally and physically, you'll get the skills and training you need to develop into Airmen, Wingmen and Warriors.
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What is the best age to join the military?

However, you may want to think about the best age to join the military.
  • The best age to join the military is 21-25 years old. ...
  • The age you should join the military is in your early to mid-twenties, as you'll have the self-knowledge to navigate military training and also have more life experience.
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What can I do instead of joining the military?

5 Alternatives To The Military
  • #1. Four-Year College.
  • #2. Vocational Training and Community College.
  • #3. Americorps.
  • #4. Peace Corps.
  • #5. Other Volunteer Work.
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Can you be deployed if you are an only child?

According to current regulations and directives, being an only son/daughter does not constitute sole surviving son/daughter status with regard to service in the Armed Forces. The fact that a son/daughter is the only child or son/daughter does not exempt him from serving overseas or in a combat zone.
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