I'm thinking of joining the armed forces, what awaits me?

Question

I'm 20 years old.. I've lost purpose with my life. I've worked @ a bank in South Carolina for the past 4 years. I work here now but I feel as if I'm only passing the time and I don't make good enough money to do other things like go back to school. I had scholarships to college and partied too much and dropped out. Go figure. I'm a really smart guy who made a bunch of terrible life decisions so I think the military structure would help me get back on track. I never took JROTC in high school and the only further education I have is an A+ certification (computer repair). Which branch of military would be right for me? I'm not a lazy guy and i'm in good shape. Also what kind of service work could I do that would incorporate my brians as well as a lil brawn, I'd want to do more than just "Grunt" work.

Sorry I understand this is a very broad question and it would probably be better for me to go see a recruiter, but b4 all the hassle I want personal opinions from those who serve/served.

Answer 1

The Navy or Air Force would probably suit your skills best. Don't believe a recruiter. If there is technical training you would like to receive, get a guaranteed "A" school placement. You would be assigned to a training school right after boot camp. If you don't get it guaranteed, you could be mopping floors for awhile because your name is on a long list. I went to the Navy myself and I still believe it was the greatest time of my life. Get aboard an aircraft carrier and go overseas....there's more room, more amenities, and plenty to see and do at every port.

Answer 2

The best way to answer this question, since you're looking for a personal viewpoint? Read up on some military history. Read the personal tales of those who have served with distinction. Learn from the past. Warfare, in spirit if not in body, has remained mostly the same throughout human history. You'll learn some of the best answers to these questions through people of the past.

Some suggested reading (In order of my source links):

-"The Art of War": The basic concepts for actual warefare are here, but also the mentality of those who serve and lead.

-"Panzer Commander: The Memoirs of Colonel Hans von Luck": A soldier who served in the German Army both before and during the Nazi regiemes rise to power, this unique look at one mans complicated position as a private citizen and nation-bound soldier holds apt comparsion to anyone who has considered that "Heaven is high, and the emperor is far away".

I'm the son of a "squid" (Navy, an E-6), myself. The Air Force is excellent choice for those who truly desire a computer-oriented career, and their benfits tend to be better. The Navy is no slouch, either, though they tend to maintain larger-scale machines. And the Army tends to deploy more 'in the field' systems, espcially with the recent push towards robotic units.

Perhaps you should consider a second option: Enlistment in the DoD's civilian research programs. You can contact the Pentagon or vist their websites for more information on R&D groups they support, if you're more technical minded.

Answer 3

I've never served in the military. But I know many people who have. And if you understand what's really going on in this country with the neocons and in Iraq and Afghanistan, WHY would you want to go in? Serving in the military for the right reasons is fine. But have you SEEN what's going on? The corporate media won't tell you. So that means you have to do research to find out. Do that if you haven't already. And then do ANYTHING else but that.

Answer 4

OK, here goes:

* A constant job.
* Training in the career feild YOU choose.
* A FREE health club that makes you stay in shape.
* Money every month with bonuses !
* College money and courses.
* Travel to your country of choice every 3-4 years.
* No chance of ever not having a job or getting laid off.
* Honor and respect from your parents and peers....and

ME.

Go into:

* The Air Force if you want to be with SMART guys, but want to get promoted slower than the rest of the planet while your ARMY, NAVY and MARINE buddies make rank like crazy.
-- But beware, ex-Marines and Sailors don't like or want to hire ex-Air Force guys...
* The NAVY if you enjoy fun and get promoted fast.
* The ARMY if you need to workout and want to get promoted mediocre based on your fitness level.
* The MARINES if you want to get promoted really fast and get cursed out a lot, but you like to drink and fight in bars.

They're all good, it's just a matter of how much ;-)

Best of luck, cheers !

Answer 5

Well since you made most of the worst choices in life. Since your good at computers I'd say become (Signal Support Systems Specialist, Satellite Communication Systems Operator/Maintainer, Radio Operator/Maintainer, Network Switching Systems Operator/Maintainer, or something along those lines. But as always you can always Google it or go to goarmy.com

Answer 6

I'd look at Air Force or Navy. Marines and Army will teach you to shoot a gun. AF and Navy will teach you to operate and repair equipment.

When I was your age, I considered the armed forces. I would have gone Air Force. But I think the Navy offers people some amazing opportunities, and for me (my vision keeps me off the flight line), the Navy would have been a better choice.

Answer 7

You should go into the military. It is a great experience. Just call your local army representative. They will talk with you for hours about the different things you can do/learn in the different areas of the military.

www.army.com
www.navy.com

Answer 8

watch the first part of 'full metal jacket', then after that its like sgt Bilko, i promise you its all good fun, ive done it and was in the Navy once, great days! crazy guys! (by the way you will survive the basic training its not going to kill you, its just good propper stuff, good luck, smart choice