It’s the brave men and women in the United States Air Force who play a significant role in keeping our country safe from foreign threats, but it’s not always easy to be the parent of one of these Airmen. It’s not uncommon to experience complicated emotions when you hear the news that your child wants to become an Airman. While we can’t alleviate all of your stress or concerns, our guide below will help you learn more about what you can expect when your child joins the Air Force and some of the best tips for handling the transition. 

Things You Can Anticipate When Your Child Starts the Process of Joining the Air Force

As a parent of a future Airman, you may have a lot of questions, especially if there’s no one in your family who has served in the Air Force or in the military. It’s also common to experience some conflicting emotions since you want what’s best for your child and want them to succeed, but may also have some concerns about their safety. 

One way to alleviate some of the stress or anxiety you may be feeling is to learn more about what happens when someone joins the Air Force, so you can understand what your child will go through as they progress in their career. Below, you’ll find the steps necessary to join the Air Force so you can help your future Airman anticipate what will be required of them during the process. 

Choosing a Career in the Air Force

Your child has already chosen their branch, so the next step is to choose a career. The Air Force has specific career opportunities that aren’t available in the other branches, so there will be specialized fields your child can pursue if they’re interested. You can help your child find information about these opportunities by talking with recruiters or searching online in forums. You can also connect with current and former Airmen so your child can ask more specific questions they might have about being in the Air Force.

Picking Between Enlisted and Officer

One decision your child will have to make is whether to enlist in the Air Force or join as an officer. If your child decides they want to enlist in the Air Force, they will need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, visit a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), take a physical exam, and pass a background check. 

If your child decides to be an officer instead, it’s important to understand that there is more responsibility in this role. Your child will need a college degree and additional training before they can start their career as an officer. When choosing a college, consider if they offer an ROTC program, which would provide your loved one with training for their career in the military.

Meeting Eligibility Requirements

The Air Force has specific requirements for everyone who wants to join, and your child will need to meet these requirements or receive waivers before they can start their career. You will need to be at least 17 to join with a parent's permission or 18 without permission. At minimum, you will need a high school diploma or GED and a qualifying score on the ASVAB. The better your child does on the ASVAB, the more job opportunities they’ll have in the Air Force. 

Taking the Official Oath and Beginning the Training Process

Once your child finishes the enlistment process, they will need to take the Oath of Enlistment to kickstart their career. This may be an emotional moment for you as a parent, as it indicates your child moving into their adult career, so it's natural to want to spend some time with them before they’re shipped off to basic training. If your child chooses to enlist, they will be gone for training for several weeks before they officially start their career. If your child is choosing to become an officer, they will start getting their college education, which can be equally as emotional for parents.

Graduating From Training and Beginning Their Career

Once your child finishes all their training to develop their career, they’ll be sent to their duty station to begin their work. After basic training, your child may pursue additional training if they’ve selected a more specialized field. Graduation from their training is an indication that they’re ready to move on to the next step and start progressing through the ranks.

Our Tips for Coping With Your Child Joining the Air Force

While you likely have great pride for your child and their decision to join the Air Force, you may still have some concerns or anxieties, especially if your child is moving far away and you’re in contact less than usual. However, there are ways to cope with this change so you can continue to support your child and live your life to the fullest while they’re busy with their career. Some of the tips we have for parents of new Airmen include:

1. Research What You Can About the Air Force

It might be overwhelming to learn that your child wants a career in the Air Force, especially if you’re not familiar with how it works or what their career might look like. It’s easy to be consumed by anxiety or overthink, but taking some time to research what you can about the Air Force and what a career as an Airman looks like can help alleviate some of your anxiety. 

Apart from research you can do online, you can also contact current and former Airmen to ask what it’s like to serve. A recruiter can also give you some information about what to expect from a career in the Air Force. Additionally, the information you find can help you teach your child about the different opportunities the Air Force offers, which can help them as they’re deciding on their career path.

2. Connect With Other Parents

While it can be hard to deal with the idea of having a child in the Air Force, know that you’re not alone and there are plenty of other parents who share the same concerns and emotions you’re experiencing. You can talk with other Air Force parents like you’re in a support group, and experienced military parents can provide guidance if you’re struggling with difficult emotions.

These parents can also answer any questions you might have, especially if there’s something confusing you don’t understand and your child isn’t able to contact you due to their training or operations. There may even be people in your local community who have children who are in the Air Force that you can reach out to, but there’s always online support available to those who need it. 

3. Learn to Be Comfortable Without Control

For years, you’ve guided your child and provided them with structure and routine that was vital to their upbringing. However, there comes a time in every parent's life where they must give up the control they once had so their children can lead their own lives. While you’ll always be a parent, your child is starting their own adult life, and it will take some time to adjust.

Instead of resisting this change, embrace it. Encourage your child and let them know you’re confident in their ability to perform well in the Air Force and are proud of their decision to serve the country. Remember that you won’t be able to adjust overnight, and it will take some time to focus more on your life than what your child is doing every day. Practice patience and accept the emotions you might be feeling. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family members, friends, or other Air Force parents when you need support.

4. Allow Yourself to Feel Your Emotions

It’s common for parents to feel big emotions when their child leaves home, and that’s especially true for parents of Airmen. Know that it’s okay to feel these feelings, and try to find healthy and proactive ways to deal with these emotions, whether you’re taking on a new hobby, connecting with loved ones, or journaling about your feelings. It’s essential to make an effort to process your emotions so you can move forward and be in the right headspace to offer your child support while they’re going through one of the biggest changes of their lives.

5. Discover Your New Purpose

For the last 18 years, your main purpose has been to raise your child and help them adjust to the world around them. While this doesn’t stop the moment your child turns 18 and decides to join the Air Force, you’ll have a lot more time once your child moves out of your home and you may feel like you lack a sense of purpose. 

Try to find a new purpose in your life, whether you want to try something new or rekindle an old passion you didn’t have the time to pursue while you were busy raising your children. If you want to get involved with the Air Force to support your child, you can volunteer, attend events, or donate as a way to offer your support and find a new purpose. 

Help Your Child Find the Uniforms They Need at AUSI

While your child will be issued a few uniforms while they’re at basic training, it’s always a good idea to have several uniforms on hand in case of damage. It’s also a good idea to keep extra uniforms handy in case you fall behind on laundry. Help your child find uniforms that meet strict Air Force regulations by directing them toward American Uniform Sales. Our uniforms are AFI-compliant, allowing your child to rest easy knowing their uniform is within regulations. Check out our selection to get started, or contact us if you have any questions.