If someone is going to join the military what branch and why

[sunny beach]

Hello, I've been thinking a lot and still pondering about joining, but not sure which branch. Of corse they all go different directions. So I was wanting to hear other peoples perspective on their choice.

If you want to learn a trade, join the Army. If you want to fix airplanes, join the Air Force. If want to see the world, join the Navy. If you want to fight, join the Marines.

[x007x]

Thanks everyone for the advice and help. I am going to go for the Marines. The Marines is on the top of my list.

[RPBrown]

I was in the Marines. Once a Marine always a Marine. I respect your decision to enlist, however, if you are only going in to learn to work on guns, then I would look into a gunsmith school.

With all of the changes now days, if I had to do it all over again, I would probably choose the Coast Guard. But keep in mind it was 40 yars ago that I was in.

[angretired]

If you want a sense of what the miltiary is about, take the time to visit a VA hospital and talk with some veterans. Better yet, go to Walter Reed or even a National cemetary such as Arlington. Volunteer for a Wounded Warrior project. You will quickly realize all gave some and some gave all and many joined for the same reason(s) you are considering. In my opinion, there is no higher calling of a profession. It's a very serious commitment, particularly in the world we live in today. Some veterans had no choice (drafted) and others voluntarily joined for many reasons including the "opportunities". All will tell you; the pay is low, the hours are long, some places and conditions are deplorable. I am sure you will have a completely different perspective after joining than you do today.

Having said that:
I served 23 years in the Air Force and proud of it. All branches have the same opporuntiies for a noable career and none are any better or worse than the other. It all depends on you, your interests, physical ability and goals. The Air Force gave me training (3 career fields), education (Bachelor of Science and 2 AAS) and travel far beyond my expectations. I had some real crappy assignments and deployments as well as some awesome ones. My first enlistment was 6 years as a security specialist (AF grunt) guarding nuclear missile sites, aircraft, personnel and bases. I carried several types of small arms on a daily basis including m16,m203, m60, m9, 38. I then retrained on my 2nd enlistement into my 2nd career field in Aircraft maintenance including KC-135, B-52g/h, B-1B and the beddown of the B-2B. My 3rd career was on the AF Honor Guard and peformed at many events including parades, ball games, retirements, promotions, change of command ceremonies, dignitary arrivals/departures and of course providing honors to our fallen hero's. I volunteered to be at every funeral whether active duty, retired or veteran. I respectfully carried the casket, played TAPS, cased the flag, 21 gun salute and also presented the flag to the next of kin. I can tell you, there is nothing more humbling or sobering than carrying a casket with the US Flag draped over the veteran who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I could probably write a novel about my experiences in the AF but there has been none greater than honoring veterans for their service.

When I joined the AF, I was looking for a job and a chance to do something with my life. During my career, my perspecitve about the world, politicans, religion and people in general changed. I would like to believe, I became a better citizen, patriot and hopefully gave a small payment back to those who served before me.

The military has changed dramatically over the years and even during my short career. Familiy and friends would always ask if I was going to make a career of it every time I reenlisted. I often replied, "I'm not sure yet'. I wouldn't recommend or advise against a military career to anyone. Its not for everyone though. I guess I did make a career of it because I'm now in the retired reserves. I advise young people interested in joining the military a few things. If you decide to join; talk to veterans about the various branches - not recruiters, pick the branch that fits your abilities and desires, look into commissioned officer training, check out the air national guard & reserves (many well kept secrets), try to pick the best job possible and make the best of all the education, training and travel opportunites. The only regret you may have is not taking advantage of them.

Best of luck on your decision!

Respectfully to all veterans and their families,

Master Sergeant, AF, Ret

[x007x]

If you want a sense of what the miltiary is about, take the time to visit a VA hospital and talk with some veterans. Better yet, go to Walter Reed or even a National cemetary such as Arlington. Volunteer for a Wounded Warrior project. You will quickly realize all gave some and some gave all and many joined for the same reason(s) you are considering. In my opinion, there is no higher calling of a profession. It's a very serious commitment, particularly in the world we live in today. Some veterans had no choice (drafted) and others voluntarily joined for many reasons including the "opportunities". All will tell you; the pay is low, the hours are long, some places and conditions are deplorable. I am sure you will have a completely different perspective after joining than you do today.

Having said that:
I served 23 years in the Air Force and proud of it. All branches have the same opporuntiies for a noable career and none are any better or worse than the other. It all depends on you, your interests, physical ability and goals. The Air Force gave me training (3 career fields), education (Bachelor of Science and 2 AAS) and travel far beyond my expectations. I had some real crappy assignments and deployments as well as some awesome ones. My first enlistment was 6 years as a security specialist (AF grunt) guarding nuclear missile sites, aircraft, personnel and bases. I carried several types of small arms on a daily basis including m16,m203, m60, m9, 38. I then retrained on my 2nd enlistement into my 2nd career field in Aircraft maintenance including KC-135, B-52g/h, B-1B and the beddown of the B-2B. My 3rd career was on the AF Honor Guard and peformed at many events including parades, ball games, retirements, promotions, change of command ceremonies, dignitary arrivals/departures and of course providing honors to our fallen hero's. I volunteered to be at every funeral whether active duty, retired or veteran. I respectfully carried the casket, played TAPS, cased the flag, 21 gun salute and also presented the flag to the next of kin. I can tell you, there is nothing more humbling or sobering than carrying a casket with the US Flag draped over the veteran who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I could probably write a novel about my experiences in the AF but there has been none greater than honoring veterans for their service.

When I joined the AF, I was looking for a job and a chance to do something with my life. During my career, my perspecitve about the world, politicans, religion and people in general changed. I would like to believe, I became a better citizen, patriot and hopefully gave a small payment back to those who served before me.

The military has changed dramatically over the years and even during my short career. Familiy and friends would always ask if I was going to make a career of it every time I reenlisted. I often replied, "I'm not sure yet'. I wouldn't recommend or advise against a military career to anyone. Its not for everyone though. I guess I did make a career of it because I'm now in the retired reserves. I advise young people interested in joining the military a few things. If you decide to join; talk to veterans about the various branches - not recruiters, pick the branch that fits your abilities and desires, look into commissioned officer training, check out the air national guard & reserves (many well kept secrets), try to pick the best job possible and make the best of all the education, training and travel opportunites. The only regret you may have is not taking advantage of them.

Best of luck on your decision!

Respectfully to all veterans and their families,

Master Sergeant, AF, Ret

I'll look into this, thanks.

I won't be joining just for the guns. That's how I was earlier this year, but I want to be a soldier, have the fighting experience and knowledge. I want to improve myself and become a better man, to serve for the brothers and sisters and my country. To do my service, and time and live life to the fullest and there is more personal reasons too.

[x007x]

Hello everyone. Well I have some great news! I swear in Wednesday for the U.S. Army. I am reviewing my MOS' Monday for my final choice. I have already been through MEPS last week, and I couldn't be any happier with this decision.

[gljjt]

Hello everyone. Well I have some great news! I swear in Wednesday for the U.S. Army. I am reviewing my MOS' Monday for my final choice. I have already been through MEPS last week, and I couldn't be any happier with this decision.

Congrats. Good luck. And thanks!

[JP171]

Hello everyone. Well I have some great news! I swear in Wednesday for the U.S. Army. I am reviewing my MOS' Monday for my final choice. I have already been through MEPS last week, and I couldn't be any happier with this decision.

HOOAHH my son, choose a combat arms MOS as all the rest are fluff in the brush and REMF's

[x007x]

I chosse Attack helicopter repairer as my MOS.

[Medic624]

Thank you for your willingness to serve and maturity to do some homework before you make a decision that can and will change you and the course of your life... that being said, my Dad was in the Marines and is still loyal and considers himself a Marine he loved it and it per him defined a major aspect of his life. My son is currently Army Iinfantry and is currently at the Pentagon and is on his way to selection for SF he loves being in the Army and hopes he can stay for 20+. My Son in Law was Navy SEAL team 4 and says it was the best and worst experience of his life but would change any of it... I was Navy Submarines and had I continued with the schooling I received it could have been as good a life as I have had in the medical field. I had some amazing schooling while I was active duty but if you want more weapons type training Army Ranger Marines or any branch SF including Air Force Pararescue.

Any choice you make congrats and thank you for the sacrifice...

[x007x]

Graduated!!

[Dadtodabone]

Congratulations!

[bigity]

Not bad for a ground pounder :)

All of our services are excellent and in each you will get out of it in proportion to what you put into it, IMO.

I worked with all branches at Goodfellow, even some foreign services. Outside of one Army warrant officer that liked to hide his rank insignia so he could ambush poor Air Force students around the chow hall, I never met anyone I actively disliked.