Ok I'm at the point where i'm considering what to do with my life. And joining the Military(not sure which branch yet) is one of my options. Its not the money or college opportunites that I like about the Military,( I have enough money to go to about any college) mostly its prestige. So anyways my question is basically what were your experinces during training, how tough is it really and any info you can give me on it. Also which branch would you recommend, and will a GED cut it?
2006-06-06 10:03:37 · 11 answers · asked by Cherokee_pride 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
The training in ANY branch is absolutely "no harder than it needs to be". You'll notice that I put that in quotes. The saying is old, but it's true. The idea behind the training is to keep you alive in a combat situation. Is it hard? Yes. Is it too hard? Depends on how much you value your life, honestly. The USAF training is not too hard, because they are not on the ground. USN focuses on swimming and staying alive in water (go figure). The Army and Marines training is harder (USMC is harder and longer), because they are on the ground and doing the dirty.
Which branch would I recommend? The branch that offers YOU the best deal for YOU! I spent 20 years in the Army, and was a recruiter. I know that the Army has the best deal out there, but it's YOUR life, YOUR decision. You need to sit down with each branch, get your information, and make your decision after reviewing ALL the material.
GED? That's a timing issue. If you have some college, that will help. If you can score over 50 on the ASVAB, that will help. That's another issue that needs to be brought up with the recruiting offices.
Good luck
2006-06-06 20:03:30 · answer #1 · answered by My world 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking for an opportunity to increase your prestige, joining the Military at this time is about the worst you could do.
In the past there was honour and decency in the forces, but in the meantime the illegal and immoral war against Iraq and the thoughtless occupation of Afghanistan have done enormous damage to the Military and its image, even though the ones who are really to blame are in the White House and Pentagon.
The reason for the bad image of the Military today is simple: The USA do not have compulsory military service (as you can find it in many other countries). So nobody is forced to be a soldier, sailor, marine or airman. Which means that every single person in a US military uniform is a volunteer who obviously agrees (at least in principle, but often in total) with government policy and with the military aggression. This will backfire on many of the unsuspecting soldiers serving in the Middle East.
If there is ever a proper and independent enquiry into the war, we will all be shocked beyond our wildest imagination when we will learn of the massive and systematic war crimes and human rights abuses committed by US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And some repercussions are already coming into operation. Two of my clients have decided not to employ anyone who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. This trend has only started, but will continue.
So if you have enough money and can take your pick, go for a good and solid civilian education and leave the military work to the thugs that are in charge there now.
P.S. It was not that bad when I was there, but the training was nevertheless tough and full of systematic bullying. If I had to do it again, I would not join up, even if there was no war in the Middle East.
2006-06-06 17:23:59 · answer #2 · answered by Alex B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in the navy and if you want to be a glorified janitor with no useable skills in the civilian world go ahead and join. And if you want to pack sand and become a bullet sponge then join the army or marines.
Probably the best branch is the air force they get paid well, they have the best barracks, their boot is alot easier, there physical standards are lower..... the only problem is you don't get promoted fast since pretty much everyone stays in.
If your really init for the prestige their are alot of other ways to go you don't have to give 4 years of your life away, plus it's not that much of a plus on your resume'. It's a very hard job that takes up your entire life, my easy days I was on for 12 hours and off 12 hours, I was displaced from my family and friends for 4 years, I was stuck somewhere that I didn't wanna be and it totally sucked. You have to take orders from dickheads and morons. Life in the military is no picknick. And it doesn't matter what service you join you could always get killed because of the military, so is prestige worth losing your life over?????
One last thing if you really can pay for any college you want, then do that first, then if you decide to join you can become an officer instead of some grunt in the mud!
2006-06-06 17:10:37 · answer #3 · answered by jmdavis333 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The training can be as tough or as easy as you make it. It's all in your attitude. Go into any training with the idea that "thousands of others have made it through this, so not only will *I* make it through, I'll do it far better than most!" MAX OUT, Sister! :))
What branch you choose depends largely on what you want to get out of having been in the military. Every branch has its advantages and disadvantages. I chose the Army since, because of its size, there are more opportunities for advancement. Also, almost every service has its own "elite" forces, such as Rangers, Airborne and Special Forces in the Army.
I suggest you visit the different branches' Websites and ask them to send you their brochures, then after you've perused them, visit your local recruiters for each branch and see what they can offer you. Make CERTAIN you get everything you are promised in WRITING!
Good luck, and a big SALUTE from an old soldier who wouldn't have missed it for the world! :D
2006-06-06 17:14:22 · answer #4 · answered by fhornsr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The military is a great life. I was in for 23 years and loved it. I would recommend the Air Force, because the skills you learn translate better to civilian life. However, if prestige is a factor in you being interested in the military, I'd encourage you to go to college first, so you can come in as an officer. Try talking to a recruiter and getting a feel for what degrees would give you the best opportunities when you join and go for that degree.
2006-06-06 18:00:49 · answer #5 · answered by kathy_is_a_nurse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since I've been out of the Army for 6 years, my knowledge may be a little old, but the GED won't work for the Marines. How tough it is depends entirely on you. If you can put up with the psychological part of it, the physical part is a peice of cake. Basic training is very tiring but a lot of fun. You will learn to push yourself farther than you thought you could and you learn to work as a team for the benefit of the group not the individual. Discipline, loyalty, integrity, and a sense of duty. Plus they feed, clothe, and house you for free...hell, they even pay you for it.
Did 10 years in the Army, loved almost every minute, but I'd say check out the Air Force. Much better job relateable skills for afterward.
Good luck!
2006-06-06 17:12:18 · answer #6 · answered by johngjordan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a Marine for seven years, and loved it. It wasn't about "chest candy," or glory, or prestige. As a Marine, we are the red-headed step children, and most of us are fiercely proud of it. Looking back on it boot camp wasn't that tough, physically. Its a lot more mental. Learning everything they cram into your brain-housing group, in less time than you need. Learning discipline, and bearing. Most days it feels like you never get enough sleep, and can never move fast-enough. Once I got to the Fleet( 3 Bn 6 Mar Camp Lejeune)I loved it! I felt like I was doing something. Then I got sent to Camp Fuji Japan... What a crap hole! I hated that place. The worst part was seeing other Infantry units come through for training and being able to be with them. I even volunteered for duty in Iraq. I had just been to Afghanistan with 3/6. That got shot down! Camp Fuji was the worst point in my career. But the rest of my time In 3/6 was awsome! There is a real comradeer with other Marines. Even if I didn't get along with someone in my platoon, he had my back and I had his. Its a good feeling. Yes, a GED is okay. Just don't think that you are going to be able to go to school while you are in.If you get the chance take it, but don't count on it.
2006-06-07 00:02:53 · answer #7 · answered by russell1775 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The military, in general, gives you many opportunities and rewards, but you have to work to earn many of them. Training itself is "Dummy-Proof." Every last bit of reading and classroom, at least in the Army, is taught at a 6th grade level. All Army training is completely laid out for you. Just listen and do as your told. Talk to some recruiters and see what you like, but be warned: RECRUITERS WILL MISLEAD YOU. Do some research before believing everything they say. GED is enough to sign the contract, but the ASVAB is what allows you to pick your job in the military. Research specialties as well... many are not as appealing as you might think. Good luck
2006-06-06 17:15:51 · answer #8 · answered by t0xic_wast3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in the Army. I was on Fort Jackson base in SC. It was a walk in the park. I thought it was way tooooo easy. I was like if I ever have to go to war I felt like I would die right away b/c I thought the training was a joke and a lot of people in my batallion felt the same way. Even when I went to the MEPS for the 1st time a lot of people said Ft. Jackson was called "Relaxing Jackson" Might not be a lot of help, but my knowledge is a little rusty now!
2006-06-06 17:13:26 · answer #9 · answered by nicole h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes a ged should do. I would recommend the Navy. There is a broad range of career choices offered in the Navy. You get to travel to many different places and meet many types of people. It is a very rewarding experience. Also the Navy highly encourages furthering your education while in...
Vet/USN
2006-06-07 01:02:35 · answer #10 · answered by misstic_fire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋