20 + years and still going in the Air Force. I know a thing or two about current active duty now adays.
The Air Force is a great life. Everything depends on what you want to do in the service. If your looking to get trained, gain experience and leave the service for future follow on jobs then be sure you get into the career field you want. Stick to the career and don't let the recruiter talk you out of it. If the field your wanting isn't open then wait until it is. By that I mean enter delayed enlistment until the vacancy opens.
After basic, tech school and then PCS to your first unit you will be busy. Once you get to your gaining unit you will be in upgrade training. Most days are 8-10 hour shifts. Once again, I say it all depends on
which career field your in. Flighline guys work long hours as do cops, PJ's, ATC and some CE folks.
If your not a cop or some Prime Beef guy then you might not get to touch a weapon outside of basic and your 3 year qual training.
College classes are available and pretty much paid for. Time to take the classes might be tough depending again on what career field your in. See the pattern?
Promotion is obtainable depending on you. From E-1 to E-4 is on a time line. E-4 can be obtained 6 months early if you get Below the Zone. E-5 thru E-9 is by testing and other scores. Yes you can make E-5 by 4 years but after that it aint as easy as you think. Cut throat and back stabbing is for Officers. Not Enlisted. That stuff doesn't get you anywhere when you have to WAPS test for your promotion.
TDY's, Deployments and such all depend on Unit requirements and your AFSC. Once again, everything depends on what? Thats it, the career field your in.
So far I've enjoyed my 20 + years in. I am an A-10 crew chief by trade and know what 12 + hour shifts are 5 days a week and alot of TDY's and deployments are like. It's tough on the family but makes time at home much more enjoyable. I'm finally up in the top 3 ranks and can now throttle back a bit and let the youngins take the reigns.