Quoted:
1. What's the deal with the "signing bonus" that I always hear about? How much am I looking to make in a year? Do I get a lump sum upon signing the papers/shipping out for basic?
Sign on bonuses depend on the job and if they need people for that job. If they are in dire need of a certain MOS they will give a bigger sign on bonus for it if you quailify for that job. ASVAB test score. I think I remember it being Half of the bonus after you graduate AIT and sign in at your unit, than a year later 25 percent then another year the last 25percent
2. Can I go to Airborne/Ranger school after AIT, or do I have to be active to do this?
You can get Airborne in your contract, but you have to request it. Currently the only Ranger slots that aren't active duty is in the national guard.
3. I need to be "around" (responsibilities) for the next year, what are the chances of me being deployed in a year? Should I wait a year and then go active? "Two weekends a month, two weeks a year"... that sounds appealing to me right now.
Luck of the draw my man. Talk to a recruiter about the job you want and figure out which unit you would be put in and talk to that units UA. They should have sort of a idea on the next deployment timetable, but than again you could always get snagged as a individual and go with another unit.