Dear nisha:

You separated from the Air Force 3 years ago and are back to school for engineering.

Option One: a paid internship as an engineer student in the Air Force Research Lab. being a veteran increases your chances for landing the internship (compared to a non veteran). Your starting salary will be $30,000 a year, plus benefits, with more earning potential over time (earning credits and competing your engineering degree). And your internship will pay for a master degree. This option affords you flexibility regarding where you work and live.

Option Two: going back to Reserves at the Air Force. It will involve re-training for 6 months to a year in another state (and possibly, be re-trained for a third time, in yet another state), separated from a loved one who will probably not wait for you. You will be postponing your engineering studies and time of earning your engineering degree. The pay is about $300 a month ($3,600 per year, for comparison purposes) plus same benefits as in option one. You could convert the reserved status to active duty if you choose and earn full time pay.

You wrote that when you were in the Air Force, active duty, you felt you belonged there and had a lot of confidence-boosting support. You want that back (option two). My question to you is: if you had that strong sense of belonging and that great support, why did you leave, three years ago and why did you not go back during those three years, even though you were in great need for money (being homeless, I understand)?

anita