ok, Im back.
From an enlisted point of view. Remember that there are so many variables here that its impossible to give an accurate awnser. Things you have to consider... Your MOS? Does it allow for quality down time? I can tell you as an MP it changes so much... In Germany I NEVER had time to model. If I wasnt working 12hr road shifts I was training for training exercises (that sounds funny doesn't it?) I lived in the Barracks where every where Ive been this is a golden rule "NO FLAMABLES" ie glue, paint, cleaners, candles... This can be side stepped to a degree depending on 1: your chain of command (In my unit barracks inspections where common thus few if any rules where broken. In other units they were'nt so strick and if you were willing to take the chance...) 2; find ways around the rules. I still bought and kept modeling supplies and models. My stuff was stored in the cleaining closet in a tool box where such items are allowed to be kept. My next duty station was better. Straight Garrison and I was married living off post. So free time was my free time. I also had my own hobby room which some of the guys in my unit that lived in the barracks used to build thier models. Hopefully you'll hit it off with someone who has the same intrests and you guys can work something out. Though I have to warn you, most free time is spent drinking and chasing women :) few people fresh in the military are into models until they've been in a couple years and settle down. The Arts and Crafts store is always an option but here again, its mostly dependent wifes doing pottery and ceramics or older guys using the wood shop. Finding the space to slap glue and plastic together could be intresting. Add this to I can almost promise that the store will only be open during your duty hours and it doesnt look promising.
That said, your best bet for modeling will be if your married living in quarters. Modeling in the Barracks is next to impossible. However where theres a will theres a way.
As for joining the Army, I hope it works out for you. I love it, but its not for everybody. Take nothing the recruiter says at face value, only what you can get in writing. Lemme say that again... "GET IT IN WRITING" duty station, enlistement bonus's, enlistment rank, MOS,... "GET IT IN WRITING" if its not in your contract your not getting it. Cool job picks BTW MP's and Cav Scouts have very similar missions minus the law enforcement. Another word of advice. Expect nothing!!! I say this because many people I know who come into the Military with high expectations are often dissappointed. If you expect nothing then you wont be disappointed if thats what you get. However if you expect nothing and get alot it will be more than you expected and thus you will be a happy soldier :) Everything the Army gives you can be both a blessing and a curse... you gotta find the good in things to help you ignore the bad :)
I dont want to turn this into a recruitment thread so if you want more info email me at Awood23@yahoo.com Id be more than happy to awnser questions you may have (im sure others here wouldnt mind either if you asked) Make sure you put something in the subject block or it will be sent to my junk mail