1) You’ll receive BAH which is housing allowance. Amount is dependent on your location. Places with a higher cost of living could give you $2500 a month, other places could only allot you $1200 a month.
2) Depends on your first duty assignment. Typically, yes. However, some places do not allow family to follow.
3) Living on base is simple. You put yourself on the waiting list and wait for a call that a home is available, sign your paperwork, move in. Base housing typically takes all of your BAH. Off base is pretty much the same idea, but you’re reliable for finding a suitable place within your housing allowance, close to base, etc. If you find a cheap enough place, you can pocket the remaining BAH to use towards other expenses.
You can likely buy a home within your first contract utilizing the VA Loan. You’ll need a small amount of money saved up for fees, a home inspection, etc but it is completely feasible if you know how to manage money. Also, make sure you have a plan in place in case you PCS, like turning it into a rental property. Which again, will cost a small amount of money, but it’s an investment that could turn into funding towards your retirement once the home is paid off. My husband and I own two homes currently with the intent to purchase more depending on where we are sent next. One is currently a rental, the other we live in m (but it will soon be turned into a rental too).
4) The closest base to your home does not factor in whatsoever if you’ll be stationed there or not. It doesn’t matter at all. You’ll be stationed where your branch needs you based on your job. You COULD end up in San Antonio if your job has a slot there and you’re assigned it, but don’t get your hopes up. You could essentially end up anywhere in the world whether it’s Virginia or the United Kingdom.
5) No info on EOD other than I have HEARD it’s a difficult job, but if interested in that field, can be very enjoyable.
Your pay is dependent on rank. It won’t change due to being married. The only difference between a married Airman and single Airman is BAH. How much BAH you receive is based on your duty assignment and the cost of living, as previously stated. If married, you’ll be eligible to live on post or off post, your choice. On post your full BAH will be taken, but typically all utilities (aside from WiFi) are included. Off post you’ll have to find your own apartment/home to rent where everything will be separated. You’ll be responsible for finding somewhere in close proximity to base to report to work on time everyday with no complications. You’ll live with your spouse full time, unless deployed, on TDY, etc and even then, it’s only temporary. That of course is if you’re at a location that she is allowed to accompany you. How often you deploy, train, etc depends on your job, the flight you’re in, rotations, etc. It’s pretty much random. The only way to sort of “control” how frequently you’ll be away is your job and even then, nothing is guaranteed. For instance, someone in a combative role like a Paratrooper may deploy more often than someone in finance.
Hope this helps.