I am thinking of joining the armed forces.?

Question

What do you think about it and which part do think i should join. The one that stood out the most to me was the Marines.

Answer 1

I remember back in 1987 when I graduated high school. The recruiters called me all summer and sometimes even at my college dorm once school started. I always told them that I wasn't interested and said unless there was a draft; I was never going to shave my head and let some fool scream at me all the time and tell me what to do. I saw the movies on TV and knew that the army was for losers who couldn't make it in the real world.

Two years later, I had been academically dismissed from college twice and was working two full-time jobs and my life was coming apart. I felt there must be some change.

I joined the US Army as a combat medic. It was the best decision I ever made. I made many friends, gained self-respect, and learned the importance of learning and getting an education. I traveled to a few exciting places and had many fun experiences. I learned a lot about myself and getting along with and working with others. I guess you could say it was a great way to learn to be more mature and responsible. Also, I feel proud to have served my country in the military.

I spent 4 years in the Army and when I was done I went back to college (100% paid for with the GI Bill). I graduated 4 years later in the top 10% of my class with a BS degree in Education. I could have never done this without the motivation and determination that I learned in the military. Before my time in the military, I was a real slacker with no direction.

If you are not yet sure about what branch to join, I think you should talk to all of the recruiters, but really talk to some men and woman who are serving or have served. Don't just listen to the recruiters because they will tell you anything just to get you singed up.

From what I know...
The Marines are the hardest physically, but if you are a tough guy and want to really fight in a war then this is what I would suggest.

The Air Force is the easiest physically, but often require you to be more mentally strong then the other branches. If you are more nerdy, then I would suggest Air Force.

The Army, is a good balance of physical and mental. Basic training is tough and you will be laying on your back at 0400 looking at the stars during PT and wondering "what did I get myself into," but when basic training and AIT is over, you will look back on that time as FUN! Also, the Army is quicker to make rank then Air Force.

The Navy.... well I don't know a lot about the Navy, but how much fun can you have riding around with 10,000 other guys on a ship that stays out for months at a time. Again, I think you should ask someone who was in the Navy and see what they think.

Whatever you decide, I think you will be glad you made this choice. If you are under 20 years old, then I really would suggest you stick it out 20 years. Think about it... you can retire from the military after only 20 years (38 years old if you start at 18). Then get another career and retire at 60 or so and have two good retirement plans.

Answer 2

I have been in the Army for 10 years (5 National Guard and 5 Active) Every branch has it's advantages. The Marines are small so they can be selective but they also have much less choice of jobs and duty location. The army is huge but has a lot of different things you can do and more opportunity for SF and Ranger and the like. if you are real smart ask about High School to Flight school and become a helicopter pilot!

Just think about what you want to do in the military and then look at what Branch you want to join

you can talk to more than one branch at once

If you don't get what you want ask at the end of the month, quarter or Fiscal year, they will be trying to get their numbers up at the last min so they will work harder for what you want.

Answer 3

Hey, its a challenge, and certainly not for everyone. If your looking for an MOS that will translate into a civilian occupation you may want to think twice about becoming a "Marine" It has an attraction to some people, did me, wondered if I could do it. If you decide to join the Marines and you make it, you will become part of a very special fraternity that lasts for lifetime. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Good luck.

Answer 4

Your choice really. I've been a Marine for two years now and love every minute of it. Basic Training is some hardcore ****, it sucks when you'e there but you will miss it when you get out.

But if I were you I would not sign ANYTHING until you are COMPLETELY sure you want to go. This is around 4 to 8 years of your life... and the only ways to escape the duty once you've signed the papers is death, dismemberment, medical conditions which is stuff you can't control. The stuff you'd have to do to get out if you got in and realize it's not for you would all be shameful and make you look like a fool.

What I'm getting at is... Don't do it for anyone but yourself, don't be trying to impress anybody. Because in the end you're stuck with the obligation and have to man up and wait it out if you decide you don't like it.

Another good idea would be to try the reserves out and see how you like it. Reserve obligation is one weekend a month, two weeks during the summer. And the occasional deployment. If you decide you like the reserves switch to active.

Why I went? I wanted to see if I could hack bootcamp (bad reason to join) Well I did and I ended up loving the Marine Corps. Hard not to being the 6th Marine in the family though. Anyway don't go in for the reason I did. Most people who go in to see if they can hack it, end up pretending to be gay or insane to get out and look like asses in the end.

Anyway best of luck to you which ever way you go...

Answer 5

I was a paratrooper in the army, I loved it, but only after I became a SGT and every branch is like that. Every branch has its up and downs, you just have to ask your self which ups are great and which downs suck more than others. If you are thinking about going into the Marines I would really look into the Army because there is more schools and jobs to choose from and the quality of life is better than in the Marines, The only problem is soldiers deploy longer than any branch, but Iraq and Afghanistan is not so bad. The choice is up to you but remember that this is 3 years of your life, so choose wisely

Answer 6

Like Barbara says 'some soldiers' are just a few. Parents will moan as most soldiers sent to war are young. They certainly don't want the knock on the front door telling them their son has died at such a young age. I know 2 lads who left school this summer and have joined up for the Army. They are well aware what is expected of them.

Answer 7

DON"T LISTEN TO THESE STUPED PEOPLE, the military is a great career and very exciting, you get to travel a lot and meet new people, my husband joined at 19 and he loves it (he's 22 now) personally i think the Air Force is the way to go, they have great bases, but pick a career before you join and make sure your contract says that you will be in the job that you picked, there are a lot of dumb people that go into the military and let the government pick there career, not a good idea at all, thats why a lot of people will say they hate being in the military because they don't like there job, my husband got to pick his job and loves it!
plus everybody respects you and can definately say your making a difference, not sitting at a desk wasting away,
Good Luck and if you decide to join your gonna have a great life ahead of you :)

Answer 8

Don't join the Marines! My lil bro Darius said Basic was pure hell! And don't join ANY branch unless you're cool with the idea of catchin the diarrhea in the middle of the desert & having to do it in your pants while vomiting cuz you gotta keep shooting your gun! With the way I catch colds so easily, 3 this year not to mention a UTI, I'd get sick & crap myself the 1st day if for no other reason ANXIETY ATTACKS from OCD & panic disorder!!!

Answer 9

You are NOT thinking. Only a dumbass would join any military controlled by the idiot currently sitting in The White House.

Answer 10

Do you wanna be in the action or do you wanna chill in the cut and collect your gi bill in 4 yrs. Go marines or army infantry/cavalry if you wanna be hardcore. Join the airforce if you wanna sham. Im a medic in the army and i have been attached to cav and light inf units. They are pretty fun but they arent for everybody.