J.C.
I have been a military spouse for 12 years. First off, deployments vary greatly, but if he joins the Army he would be looking at deployments of 10-15 months. If he joins the Air Force most deployments are under 6 months, my hubby has never been gone more than 4. The benefits are great, with most if not all of his schooling paid for while he is in. The medical is good as well. As for your store, are you prepared to leave it? I can almost guarantee he will not get stationed close to home, and even if he does it will only be for the first 3 or 4 years (I do not know anyone who has stayed close to home for their first assignment though). I would not trade the last 12 years for anything, the Air force has been very good to us and we have been able to see the world, and live in other cultures. It has been a wonderful life. But from what I have seen, I am very glad my hubby is Air force and not army, just something to think about. And make sure he knows exactly what his job will be going in. The Air force has a wonderful band.