To piggy back on Hornet. To the original poster, you ask a very good question. I can tell you right now, that even individuals who have wanted the military since they "Were a kid", still have no idea what they're getting into. Most of those who get an appointment to the academies have no idea what they're getting into. Hence; one of the reasons the academies allow you to leave any time in the first 2 years, without any obligation to pay back money or service time.
(Those of you who don't like this, because it takes a slot from someone who really wanted it and didn't get it, don't go there. Most of the people who get out in the first 2 years at the academy, really, truly, did believe it was something they wanted their whole life. This is the ENTIRE REASON the academies have this option. They know you don't know what you're getting into. Especially at 16-17 years old.)
The fact that the OP is actually trying to figure out if it's something they might want, is admirable. I will give you some advice. Things like CAP are really nice programs; but they AREN'T the military. They have very little in common with the military. Same with JrROTC. There are many people who think because they were in, and liked, CAP, JrROTC, and/or Boy Scouts, that they are a natural fit for the military. Sorry; but you might as well have been in the Marching Band. (Actually; athletes and marching band have probably more success because of the level of discipline and following orders). Nothing against these programs. Just that they are not the military, and they will not help you determine if you will like the air force (Military) or not.
But generally speaking, you would like the military (Air force) if:
1. You deeply want to serve your country as a patriot and not just for the education and other benefits.
2. If you like being part of something that is bigger than yourself. Part of a "Team".
3. Don't mind being ordered around, because you know that you need to start at the bottom. And all this ordering around will eventually help you when you are in a position to order people around.
4. Can put away your Type-A personality; or at least curb it; because the academy is made up of 98% people ALL with this same Type-A personality. Class average is made up of cadets who ALL were the TOP of their high school. In other words; you go from a BIG FISH in a small pond, to a SMALL FISH in a HUMONGOUS POND!!!
If you can be this person; knowing that your little part of it, will be contributed along with everyone else, to "Accomplish the Mission" which is much bigger than yourself; then you probably would like the military. If you strive for the individual attention, or like individuality, then the military probably isn't for you. Not that there isn't individuality; just that it isn't the prime focus or importance of your personality.
Anyway; there is the 2 years to get out if you realize you don't like it. That's what it's there for. You always have that option. But being part of CAP, JrROTC, etc... is in no way going to help you decide if you'll like the military. Do those activities because you WANT TO; not because you think it's going to give you some insight of what you're getting into. It won't. Best of luck to you. Mike....