My heart says marines but my brain says army. which do i listen to? help me choose?

Question

I want to join the military but I can't decide a branch. my brain says I can join the army and go airborne and do all sorts of cool stuff and get an elistment bonus and the MOS I want. Also I wouldn't have to be based on the coasts. Also basic is sorter and id really like to be done with basic by my 19th birthday in august and I know the army is understaffed so I could probably go to basic son. not to mention its somewhat easier so I won't have to spend so long preping for it



My heart says the marines. take the challenge. be one of the few and the proud. but I don't know. if I join the corps ill probably be in boot during my bday ill have no bonus and the college benefits are a lot less. but I still think they are some of the best fighters and I'd like to be an excellent infantryman.

What do you all think I should choose?

I plan on applying to west point through the enlisted to west point program. marines have something similar. but armys is more structured.

Answer 1

You have done a great job in pointing out the Pro's. Now do your homework as to the negatives, such as quality of life, future training, living conditions, etc.. Write them all down. If it is still equal then I recommend the coin toss method of decision making. Don't worry about your birthday, you'll be with a whole troop of friends on that day. You could spend your birthday in transit somewhere. You can have some fun and use the IBM method, but for that you will need to add the Navy and Air Force to your list.

Answer 2

There are pros and cons for both of the branches. I can tell you that yes the Marines will give you the bigger challenge. I was in Boot Camp for my 19th birthday and the one thing that I can say about that is that it is the one birthday that I will never forget. Also there are a lot of cool MOS in the Marines as well, you can be a crew chief on helicopters, and much more there are too many to list. Talk to the recruiters they can give you the complete list. On the issue of being undermanned the Marine Corps has been instructed to increase the size of the Corps by about 17,000 so they are looking for people ready to go now. And an FYI once you complete Marine Boot Camp and your enlistment you can go to the other branches with out completing their basic training, but if you join the Army and want to join the Marines at the end of your enlistment then you will have to go through Marine Corps boot camp.

In the end you have to make the choice that you can live with.

Answer 3

First of all I know your looking for advice but the decision is yours. Half the people on here dont know what they are talking about. The others are going to be biased as to what branch they were in. Talk to the recruiters, talk to people that you know are in either the Marines or the Army, not that say they are over the internet. I think either one you choose you will find rewarding. You need to research and make the best informed decision you can make.

I will tell you that I spent 10 years Army Infantry. I will tell you that even with the bad I wouldnt trade any of that time. But it isnt for everyone. Just figure out what suits you and Goodluck.

Answer 4

Choose either, although I am a former Army officer that did the hooah Airborne and Ranger training - your heart and brains are in the right place - that of an Infantryman. I had several friends that were Force Recon marines that I did my Ranger training with. I was proud to train and serve with these gentlemen. Remember, if you want to be a Marine officer that comes from a service academy - you have to go to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. You could, however go to a regular university with both Navy ROTC and Army ROTC and get a scholarship. I had a friend who switched from Navy ROTC (Marine Option) to Army ROTC in his second year no problem. As long as your academics are on track.

Answer 5

I think you should really base this on what you want to do ultimately. I looked at all of the branches before I signed a number of years ago and went with the one that offered me a job (MOS) that I felt that I could live with for an indefinate amount of time. That is probably how you should look at it too. It is fine that you want to go to West Point, however that can be a time consuming process and you will still be competing for the available slots. You want to be in a branch and MOS that suit you so that you can still enjoy your life until you can make it into the Point.

Answer 6

Well, if you like boats join the Marines, otherwise I'd join the Army. I joined the Army and felt the same way about the Marines as you do. However, I'd rather stick to land. Besides, you could always try to join the Rangers. Another issue is that promotions are much quicker in the Army.

Answer 7

If one is going to benefit ou more thatn the other, then choose that one. If you would prosper more from the Army, then join the Army. The thing is, either way you're serving your country. Both are honorable...and a man in uniform is hot no matter what branch! (That's just a side note- the most important thing is to do what's best for you!)

Answer 8

Former Marine,,,
The Marines are strictly a fighting force.They are the pinkie of the NAVY.
The Army is giant in comparison.
The Army is more multicultural and diverse.

Answer 9

I don't think either branch of the armed forces would be interested in a person that couldn't make a decision without publishing it on the web first.

Answer 10

The simple fact that you mentioned you have a brain will disqualify you for the Marines. Go Army!