Enlisting in the Air Force (or maybe the Army if the A.F. doesn't want me)

[stridera]

When I was in Iraq (again, totally different jobs/culture) we worked 12 hours on/12 hours off (When we weren't doing convoys.)  I think this is pretty common.  They might even give you lawyer people days off.  Depending on where you go, power should be pretty easy to get, and even internet, so you will probably have time.  My problem was that I wanted to do other things on my off time.  I was in Balad (about 30 min north of Baghdad) and we had pools and stuff.  Our offtime was spent doing laundry, writing/calling home, shopping at the PX/BX, relaxing, etc.  If writing is relaxing for you, it might be a good activity.  Otherwise, you'll probably find yourself putting it off to do some other activities.

Stateside, it'll be just like another job with the added expectancy that you'll show up whenever they ask.. but I believe my friend already explained most of that to you.