Air Force Reserve offers security in evolving economic America

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Alex Benningfield
  • Air Force Reserve
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Every year, approximately 300 Airmen separate from Minot AFB in search of something better. The perception is that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. This was the thought when I Palace Chased in 2013.

At that time I was a Staff Sgt. with five years of military experience and a bachelor's degree. Finding a job should have been easy if not effortless. In my mind I brought something that hardly anyone did--leadership experience in an evolving mission-oriented community plus education accomplishments earned while full time in the military.

However, for my first year out of Active Duty I was unemployed and relied on unemployment pay plus the G.I. Bill just to keep a roof over my children's head.

The most humbling experience was when I could barely afford food to feed my family. It was then that my pride took a hit and I realized that yes, the grass was greener on the civilian side, however it was painted green.  Had it not been for the stability that the Air Force Reserve offered me doing my one weekend a month and often time additional time throughout the week, I could not say I would have been able to stay off the streets and become another homeless veteran.

As I still navigate the civilian world, now with a master's degree and eight years of military experience, I still endure the challenge of the catch 22 when applying for civilian work. I have noticed that employers want both a high level degree and many years of direct experience in that job. The saying that you must already be doing that job to get it rings true.

For those who are looking at separating to either go to school full time or try their hand at the civilian world, the Air Force Reserve can offer stability in the unpredictable phase when you first separate. The extra income and guaranteed pay can help ease the stress and tension should plans A, B, C and D not pan out.

Whether it is an unexpected bill, longer time needed to find a job or any number of unforeseen events, life can throw all of our plans out the window. If you are debating separation from the military, double check the grass on the other side to see if it is truly greener or simply painted.

To find out more information about the Air Force Reserve and the stability it can offer you and your family, contact Tech Sgt. Benningfield at 723-4010 or alex.benningfield.1@us.af.mil.