How difficult is it to join the military with a family?

Have you talked to a recruiter yet? Because a recruiter can answer all your questions and have the most accurate info.

Yes you get paid in basic and AIT. It depends on what MOS you pick where you go for AIT (Advanced Individual Training where you learn your MOS). It's probably unlikely that your family comes to AIT unless you have a job with a really long AIT. You get BAH with dependent rate as mentioned below it seems.

The biggest issue is going to be your husband and if he really thinks he can handle you being gone for months. I think basic is what, 11 weeks now? That's just basic. My AIT was 16 weeks and 4 days. If you think your marriage will survive you being gone and all that, then go for it. This is an Army perspective - I don't know about other branches.

Your best best is to go talk to recruiters from all services.

If you want any insight into being a woman in the Army, you can PM me.

Contact one of these three gentlemen... they are very knowledgeable in Military related questions/issues.
MSG (Join to see) MSgt (Join to see) SFC (Join to see)

Joining at a later age presents some issues, but nothing that can't be overcome. Joining with a spouse and child, while difficult, can still be successfully done. It's a challenge, but a beatable challenge. After Basic Training, you would go to AIT, then after AIT you will then go to your permanent assignment. Depending on where you go, yes your family can join you afterwards...as soon as all of the required paperwork has been completed and processed. And yes, you will get paid during Basic. You'll also receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) stipend to help pay rent. The BAH rate for you would be dependent on your Zip Code and your rank.