Hi my name is Kira. My DH, 28, has always wanted to go into the military. I have always supported his choice, just a few things have always blocked his way. Well yesterday he got the OK and we are going next week to submit all the necessary paperwork. I was in a realtionship before with a guy who was a reservist so I know a few things, but I think my DH wants to go active. I am a little scared since we have 2 young boys 3 and 1 yo.
The inital financial impact is what worries me most. I was on a website that offered a calculator for Basic Pay, BAS, and BAH and he would actually make more money that he is right now, so that doesn't bother me much.
I know that it takes a few weeks for pay to come in once he is in Basic and that makes me nervous. Also is it the same pay as Basic Pay?
Right now we both work, we switch shifts ( he works days , me nights ) to avoid the cost of daycare, I just don't know how I would be able to work since we don't have any family members willing to watch 2 young boys until 4 am. Even if I switched shifts it would be difficult, so basically I would be down to my savings and his pay. I am scared of losing all my savings. I read that if he gets AIT more than 20 weeks then I can move, but what if it's less, can I still move to settle in?
Also I hear too many horror stories about the military, except I haven't read too may here. I know that some things things are not always as it seems but I think since we are both truly unhappy with our lives and our jobs, we would love it, but I am so on the fence about being active or reserve, if anything. As much as i want change, change is scary.
My pro's and con's:
Reserve we could keep our medical. Our youngest has some medical issues that we already see specialists for, we would have to see other specialists and I have heard that medical care is not that good, basically you pay for what you get. We could both keep our jobs. I would not be with out him as much ( unless deployed ), I think #2 after financial concerns for me is the fact that I will miss him, and so will our boys who are definately daddy's boys.
I think I have a million questions to ask the recruiters but I want to ask real opinions as well. Thank You for any help !!

Hi, my name is Amber and my husband has been in the Marine Corps three and a half years. You asked alot of questions and sorry that I can't answer them all, but I might be able to give you some first hand perspective at least! First off, I don't know what branch of the military your husband is thinking about joining, but I know that my husband didn't get paid until he had completed boot camp. The military is notorious for taking a long time to get backpay ( my husband was TDY in March, and we are just now getting paid for his time away ). So while I can't say for sure that he won't be paid while in boot camp, I would definately try and build up your savings just in case something gets screwed up in the paperwork and takes months to complete. Once he gets his orders to his permanent duty station, you will be able to move your family out there. The military is very helpful with moves, and can have a moving company come out, pack you up and move you. You can try and do the move by yourself, and the military will reimburse you for what they estimate the cost of the move will be. More than likely it will be more than what you pay and you can pocket the change...however, again it might take a few months before you see that money. As far as your job goes, it is expensive to get daycare, and unless you can get your child in daycare on base ( the waiting list is usually very long ) you will more than likely save money staying home with them. Can't say for sure, but that's how it has worked for us. You do get what you pay for with the military hospitals...however if your son has special needs they cannot address, you might be able to be referred to a civilian doctor. The military lifestyle is difficult, but you will get used to it. My husband has deployed twice and is set to go again this fall. I also have a 3 year old son and due with another boy this fall, so I understand your concerns. My husband and I were only 18 when we moved away and joined the military, and we have lived in 4 different places in 3 years already!! It can be exciting though if you are up to the challenges. Hope that I answered some of your questions. Good luck to you