Jiggly and 5niner0 are pretty much spot on. I'm at the very tail end of my 4 year enlistment. I actually went to technical school with Jiggly for a little bit. Unless you have a family, yes, you will be in the dorms for at about 2-3 years depending if the base you go to have enough rooms or not. Not so fun.
The Reserve and Nat'l Guard has incentives for education. You just have to research online and talk to some knowing recruiters that know what you're going after. ROTC is a great idea. If you're going in, might as well go in commissioned. The Coast Guard isn't a bad branch either and I wouldn't rule them out for an education.
As said above, you will deploy. The AF is envisioning a joint service and is keeping close with the Army, as is the Navy. AF Basic Military Training (BMT) is longer than when I went through it and they place a greater emphasis in field training. So don't be upset if you're called to a 180 day rotation at someplace with no internet access. It's a commitment and you have to honor it. Or get the hell out with a dishonorable discharge for staining the uniform.
Do your research. For me, I reaped the benefits of what the AF had to offer and I'm walking out with pride with my arms full. I became a Non Commissioned Officer, got a second AA degree from my 4 years in, gained extensive knowledge in avionics, learned management techniques, I have the MGIB ready to use at will, and I have the experience and professionalism the AF helped me see in myself. I wish I could stay longer...
Weigh your options and choose carefully. Good luck!
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Nice!
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