I was considering on joining the army recently untill I have spoken with at least 10 different people about it. I know that it's not a joy ride, but the benifits sound great. I need to hear from those who have been in the army and those who have family in the Army, should I join?? What are 5 good questions to ask the Army about the Army?? and what was it like for those who have been recently?
2006-07-23 10:13:00 · 13 answers · asked by ~*Demented_little_me*~ 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
The military isn't as harsh as some make it out to be. You get housing, money for college, money for food, free medical, etc etc. Not every position is a combat position. Take me for example I did Civil Affairs and Flight Operations and I've never had to use my weapon once except in training exercises. Yes you might go to Iraq, but you will be on a base away from any fighting.
Its all mental. As far has time with your family you get 30 days a year to go visit them. You can request it at any time and I have yet to see it get denied unless there was mandatory training going on which the hardly do over the holidays or if you are deployed overseas which even then they give a chance of going home for a visit before and after.
The reason most people hate it is because they hate being told what to do, all the nit pick rules while at work and I hate to say it some people are just lazy. Once you get past the Basic Training and Intial Job training, it is like any other job. You have your regular work week, which after you complete your day you are free to go out and do whatever you want. Depending if your job requires it, if you are assigned to do something, or if you are deployed, you normally get weekends off.
I was stationed in Hawaii and I spent my weekends at the beach and Friday nights at the dance clubs. Others I know around the world do the same thing.
I'm not saying take my word on it, but I just giving you my experience of it. Ask anybody who has been in for more than one term. They are the ones who will best tell you.
2006-07-23 10:56:01 · answer #1 · answered by ancient_wolf_13 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you were to ever join the army, there is one thing that you must do. Before you go there, get at least a bachelors at college. This automatically qualifies you for a better position in the military. Also, if you are going into the military, you should think about the air force. You won't be in as much danger, life is much easier, and the benefits you get from it are much better than in the army. With a degree, and also going into air force, you could end up as a jet engine mechanic, which would help you out in the civilian world to get a very nice job. Grunt work doesn't get you far, exhilerating I guess you could say...
2006-07-23 10:20:50 · answer #2 · answered by BK Randy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get the same benefit in the air force, I was in the army for over 8 years. The air force is a better branch of service.
plus you can get a better job in the air force.
If you want to join the army if you do that at least get a good job. They will try and put you in a field that is low on people. You can get whatever job you want. Just hold firm to what you want. It can be an experience, you can see the world. for free just about. Just pick a good job, Something you can use once you get out of the military. There are using you for a person to help them in need of war. You use them to pick a good job that will make you happy everyday you go to work, and can take the skills with you when its time for you to move on.
2006-07-23 10:46:16 · answer #3 · answered by mike67333 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont listen to any of the negative answers on here. I am in the AF and love it. The only problem is the AF is making a lot of cuts and for new people coming on one of the only jobs you can get is becoming a linguist.
I am also looking at crossing into the Army. The military is all what you take it. The AF has more of the business type workings and when you mess up its all just getting talked to and paper work. The Army follows a more "correct the problem now" by when you mess up they jump on you right then....
The military is a great lifestyle its just all what you make it. I say just talk to the recruiter and go from there.
2006-07-23 10:24:39 · answer #4 · answered by JB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've got a brother in the Navy (17 yrs ) he loves it. And in about 3 years he's going to be around 38 years old and retired.
Two nephews are in the air force and one likes it and one does not.
The training isn't that tough as long as you are mentally tough, don't quit and aren't bothered by people yelling at you.
Unless you join the National Guard or the Reserves you are likely going to be separated from the family. You won't be there for birthdays, etc. That stuff is why one of the nephews doesn't like the military. Being away from the family bothers him more than going to Iraq.
2006-07-23 10:22:35 · answer #5 · answered by Roadkill 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure about the Army, but I retired 3 years ago from the Air Force after 34 years (part of them in the Air Guard). The military is demanding. You will work on Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, all holidays. You will work birthdays, anniversaries etc. There will be times when you will work 10-15 days straight, and there will be times when you work 16 hours straight. The benefits? I do receive a decent retirement, I have some medical care, I have the feeling of accomplishment that I worked to defend your freedom in Viet Nam, Korea, Turkey, Kuwait, etc. It's all what you make of it.
2006-07-23 10:18:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well...I come from a military family.
I know several people involved in parts of the world now, including Iraq.
If you can't stand being told what to do and when, and how high you should jump, then i wouldn't join.
You can't count on the benefits because any US president can get rid of them at any moment.
Basically, you are married to the military and you have no other time for anything else. And it is your only job.
2006-07-23 10:18:12 · answer #7 · answered by reignydey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone smart was in the Air Force, someone has to go into the army. But for being a woman the air force is probably a better choice.
2006-07-23 10:40:00 · answer #8 · answered by NOVA50 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aside from being sent off to die and being likely to come back crazy/unable to function, yeah, the army seems like a grand idea, provided that you have no goals in your life and are willing to serve as a tool for unquestionable belligerents.
2006-07-23 10:18:20 · answer #9 · answered by Walter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say do it.
Don't listen to people who were to scared.
It's a good deal with retirement after 20 years, free housing if you stay in the barracks, free education, free college money when you get out, and guareenteed loan to buy anything when you get out.
No brainer!
2006-07-23 10:57:30 · answer #10 · answered by Martin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋