I am going to be heading to MEPS sometime in the next couple of weeks. I still haven't hammered down my job preferences, and I have a few questions.

I really want to fly. Loadmaster is my preferred job, but I am starting to think that I would take any flying job.

Are there any recommendations from current or retired Airmen? What do you do and do you like it?

Also, since flying jobs (not sure if that's the right terminology, I'm still new) seem to me like they would be away more often than not. I'm not afraid to deploy and I am willing to do my part (that is why I am enlisting), but I have a wife and young daughter who I have to keep in consideration. I don't mind the deployments or being away, but I don't want to be gone ten months out of the year, every year.

You won't be gone that much. I would say 4 months is more on the average. As a bonus to the flying job, it means extra money. Both in perdiem when TDY and flight pay just for breathing and being qualified. Not much for flight pay, but the extra money definately helps. I am a loadmaster, but started my career as a Radio Operator. I would have to say I am one of the few people in America that loves doing my job. I look forward to going to work. More so when it involves flying and not office duties. I dread the day they take my flight suit away and I have to retire.

I am praying desperately for loadmaster. It seems to me to be the most exciting (safe) job. What is an average day like for you when you are not flying?

Four months per years sounds great, to be honest. I was expecting more.

As a side note, how often do you general change bases? I mean, how often will my daughter have to switch schools? I'm a little concerned about that.

Some loadmasters have gone for very long periods (8-10) years without moving. That is obviously the exception. Six years is more normal. The Air Force is very happy to leave you in a place longer now. It saves them money. My wife on the other hand goes stir crazy about every three years, so I have moved about every four years of my career.

If not flying, you will get an additional duty. As an airman you will likely be working as a scheduler for loadmasters, in a mobility office, or something like that. For the first three years, they will honestly try to fly your wings off as much as possible so the office job won't be a big concern. They want you to develop on the plane first. Most of the flying you do in C-130 is local, meaning you take off in the late afternoon and land back home late at night. C-17 and C-5 loads do more trips where they have to spend the night away.