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.

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.

Can a single mother join the Marines?

Single parents can't join

Under the Marine Corps' regulations: Single parents cannot join. Recruits who are married with one or more children require a waiver to get in, as do recruits who are unwed parents and pay child support.

Can I join the Air Force as a single mom?

As of 10 Dec 2015, the AF changed its policy allowing for single parents with up to 3 children to enlist (OTS applicants were not restricted). If an individual has an AFOQT score of 50 percentile or greater and has up to 3 children under the age of 18, no waiver is required.

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.

Single Parents in the Military | The TRUTH and My Advice

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.

How do you become a single mom in the Army?

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.

What disqualifies you from joining the military?

To enlist, you must be qualified under current federal laws and regulations or have an appropriate waiver. There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards that can exclude you from joining the military.

Is 28 too old to join the military?

You must be at least 17 to enlist in any branch of the active military. The oldest you can be to enlist for active duty in each branch is: Coast Guard: 31. Marines: 28.

What disqualifies you from joining the Air Force?

Criminal Record

The Air Force is strict about criminal records. Even an excessive number of traffic-related law violations within a 365-day period could disqualify your eligibility, but you should discuss any concerns with your recruiter.

What is the best military branch to join for a woman?

The sixth and newest U.S. military service may also be the one most appealing to and inclusive of women. Air Force Maj.

What happens if you become a single parent in the 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 ...

Can I join the Coast Guard as a single parent?

Joining the Coast Guard as a Single Parent

The Coast Guard will not allow single parents with dependents to sign up for active duty. However, if there is a proper family plan in place, a waiver may be available for the Coast Guard Reserves.

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

For the Army and Air Force, you must pledge that you do not intend to try to regain custody after basic training. If you do, you could be discharged and might face charges of fraud. It's also strongly discouraged, or even prohibited by some branches, to give up your parental rights specifically to join the military.

What percent of the military are mothers?

Moms are still a rarity in the military. Women make up 16 percent of enlisted forces and 19 percent of the officer corps, and a minority of those women have children under 18.

Can I join Navy with two kids?

Military Regulations and Dependents

Navy: The Navy requires a waiver for any applicant with more than one dependent (including the spouse).

What military branch pays the most?

The highest pays by branch are:

• Army: $646.
• Marine Corps: $750.
• Navy: $750.
• Air Force: $520.
• Coast Guard: $805.

Is there a height requirement for Army?

The cause for rejection for Armed Forces male applicants is height less than 60 inches or more than 80 inches. The cause for rejection for Armed Forces female applicants is height less than 58 inches or more than 80 inches.

Why flat feet is not allowed in military?

Those with flat feet are not suited to marching - they can sustain spinal damage. The government may not care if one is killed, but cannot take the chance of anyone's seeking a disability pension.

Can you join the military in debt?

When joining the Air Force, for example, recruits are subject to the "40 percent rule": Any recruit who's monthly consumer debts (not counting debts which can be deferred, such as student loans) exceeds 40 percent of his or her anticipated military pay is ineligible for enlistment.

Can I join the AirForce 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.

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.

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.