Im going to enlist as Infantry in the Military. Im leaning towards the Marines because they have a specific MOS you can get in your contract, while the Army has 11X where they could stick you at mortarman or somewhere where you dont want to be. I want to enlist as, what in the Marines is 0331, Machine Gunner.
What are the pros and cons of each branch when compared to one another? (Including Housing and Family and what not)(And can you enlist in the Army as a specific MOS or is it only a broad "x" category?
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Im about to sign on the dotted line for the Marines; Ive already been to both recruiters a few times and am about to go into the DEP until High Schools over.
Thanks for any advice
2007-02-17 13:22:00 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
If you want to run with the best, then join the Corps. Every other branch is just fighting for second place. And, everyone knows that whoever comes in second is the just the first loser.
I may be a little biased, as i served in the Corps for four years. I had a secondary MOS as an 0331. I loved it. It sucked on forced marches, carrying that heavy @ss M240G. But, when you went to the range, and everyone else was shooting their little semi auto 5.56(.223 caliber) mm, I was letting out hundred rounds of 7.62mm(.308 caliber) in less than a minute. It was worth it.
But, what did you score on the ASVAB? You may qualify to do something else depending on your score. There isn't much call for infantry in the civilian world when you get out. But, if you have your heart set on being a grunt, 0331 is the way to go.
The Corps is what you make of it. I knew people who never even left the states during their four years. What a waste. I saw 14 countries on three continents during my time in. You just have to make it work for you.
Good Luck.
2007-02-17 13:33:15 · answer #1 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Do yourself a favor and stick with the Marines. Smaller group, better bootcamp and your not as much of a number. It is elite. Also, as a former recruiter, don't enlist as infantry. Machine gunner is the same as infantry you just have to carry more gear. Infantry is slow to promote and treats you worse. It is a harder life. Go for something specialized like 0861, forward observer. You get to climb mountains and blow stuff up. Also you can opt for jump school and it promote really quickly. You would also have the option to serve with ANGLICO which is a sister unit to recon. I reccomend this highly but you have to have a fairly good asvab score. As for the benefits, the Army and Marines have the same benefits and pay so there is no debate there. Do your homework on your MOS as it is reall hard to change it. Good luck.
2007-02-17 13:38:03 · answer #2 · answered by waitingon2angels 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The pros and cons of each branch is for you to research.It is something that you have to look into BEFORE you decide.If your heart is set on the marines then follow your heart. What is it about the Army that intices you? I mean there has to be a reason why you sound a little skeptical. If the Marines are the ones that can guarentee you the job you want then go with them
SEMPER FI
Good Luck
2007-02-17 13:40:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ok, does money mean anything to you? Check out the army bonuses and the marine bonuses.
Availability of special schools (ranger, airborne, mountain, air assault, special forces, etc.)
Best promotion potential once you are in
Knowlege that you never have to worry about being stuck on a boat or guarding an embassy
As far as the machine gunner goes, everyone has to qualify on the rifle first. If you have trouble with that, then yes, you will have trouble being a machine gunner.
The MOS you want is 11B by the way.
2007-02-17 13:40:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a 25 year retired Marine, I will tell you that I am proud that you want to serve. There are pros and cons with both branchs. My son was in the Army for 21 years and he got one heck of an educaion. The Marines are not the easiest place to advance your education but it is a Proud service to be in and you will always be reffered to as an X-Marine. Do what ever you feel is right.
2007-02-17 13:34:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I was in the army for 4 years - I learned a lot of stuff and it was great - however, I signed up pre 9-11 - but I believe it is the best choice as the rest of my family was in the air force, marines, and navy - if you don't want to fight in any war, get a desk job or a computer tech - or even intel - you won't be let down.
Edit: I can see everyone is biased with the Marines - but you should actually talk to someone with some experience first.
2007-02-17 13:29:05 · answer #6 · answered by NsB 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I was a medic in the Army. Got more training, had just as many chances to get shot at and had a skill when I did not duck fast enough and was discharged. Became an RN and had a very good life. Would not go back and do anything different.
2007-02-17 13:49:07 · answer #7 · answered by oldhippypaul 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no such thing as an X-MARINE !!! We happen to be the largest Fraternity in the world and darned proud of it. I spent my year in DaNam and was and remain a 0311 Grunt. The proudest thing I've ever done in my life is having been a Marine Squad Leader in Combat!!!!
2007-02-17 13:56:09 · answer #8 · answered by supressdesires 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will go to Iraq for 1 year at a time in the army and 7 months at a time in the marines. Good luck whatever you decide.
2007-02-17 13:29:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Can't go wrong with either service!!
I DEP'd into the US Army Reserves (I ship for BCT on 13-Jul) as a 15U. Read your update on where you're intending to go, so I'll not try to change your mind - Just wanted to say Hooah!!
See you out there, buddy.
Orion
2007-02-17 13:53:06 · answer #10 · answered by Orion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋