Posted: 8/26/2007 7:19:28 AM EDT
| So I'm 18 years old and have made the decision to join the military! I've been talking to veterans and recruiters for quite some time, but I need an opinion from someone IN the military that's not trying to sell me on joining their branch. Which branch would YOU choose and why? |
If you want to be the best join my beloved Corps. The USMC is a way of life! The rest are just jobs........ |
|
Got to college join ROTC they will help with some of the bills. After college you owe Uncle Sam 4-6 years. The break down on the Services Army - OK but they have something like 2 million people, you'll be just another # on a form. Navy - Glad we got them but the uniform hing Air Force - In the rear with the gear. Nice chow and good rooms. Coast Guard - You are stuck in some frozen ocean saving some dumb ass. Marine Corps - The most elite of the services. Best looking uniform, toughest training there is. You will be wet, cold, and hungry. You will be the baddest 'mo 'fo on the block and proud of it. Once a Marine always a Marine. |
|
Well, since the USMC brainwashing hasn't taken affect yet, you have your options only. What do you want to do? I have to say that the marines have a good thing going, but they do treat their lower enlisted like dog shit in garrison. That is why you see so many former marines out in the world. I have no clue what their 1st term re-enlistment rate is like. However, deployed, the marines generally (from what I have heard having talked to many of my friends who are marines) they really yank back the bullshit. Airborne infantry is a great life and few things in life compare to jumping out of a high speed aircraft while in flight in the dead of night. (on that note, finished air assault on friday and repelling out of a blackhawk at 90 feet was an absolute hoot. I had a grin on my face the whole day) I don't know many sailors and those I do know got out. I have a huge amount of respect for the submariners I have known. Those guys are top notch, but its a rough life and that is why they all left the Navy. Air force is great if you are a pilot and I am not sure why you go in if you aren't (with some exceptions) Time to take stock of what your skills are and interests. If what you do in the military matches what you already enjoy/are good at, then your chances of success and enjoyment go up that much more. Do you like camping/hiking? How tall are you? Can you run well? Can you swim very well? (opens up some amazing opportunities if you can) Do you enjoy roller coasters  What sports do/did you play? Let your online recruiters help you. Vote for Pedro, and all your wildest dreams will come true. |
| USAF UAV Program. Easy chair, bag of Doritos and some Star Trek tapes. All kidding aside there is always a need for guys with guns and guts. I am not a large framed man and I wanted to serve I would have slowed down a high speed unit. So I went AF and did wrenching for my country. |
|
if you want a comfortable life style, join the Air Force, it really is a great way of life compared to the other services. if you want a hard life and like a rough and tough lifestyle join the USMC pay rate is the same there is a reason why people are waiting to get in the AF , they have no problem finding recruits. I also notice the AF has lots of former Marines, a former USMC Staff Sgt artilleryman told me he joined the AF because he didnt want to be on the front lines anymore and he had a family to raise [wife and child] |
|
Ultimately it comes down to whatever your interests are. The Army treated me well. I had a good balance of laid back work vs. hard charging training. Laid back in Germany and real soldiering in the 82nd. I did five years Active and I'm in my twelfth year with the Guard. IMO the Warrant program is the Army's best kept secret and allows you to influence a lot of decisions in your unit. It offers the best balance between being a technical expert, taking care of soldiers, and advising your command. Unless you enter a flight program you typically have to put in your duty as an enlisted soldier first. Whatever branch you choose you can't go wrong. All branches have their ups and downs (pros and cons) and you have to make the best of it. Just keep your standards at a high level during your time and you will be successful. |