Should I join the Marines or Air Force? And then, enlisted or officer?

Question

I have a 97 on my ASVAB, 29 ACT score, and don't like running. I could do MECEP in the Marines, where I could do data systems or intelligence. In the Air Force, I don't know.

The Marines are a brotherhood, but the Air Force just has better living conditions!

Answer 1

Greetings. Let me begin answering your question by saying that there is a place for everyone within the military. Each branch is different, handle the same situations differently, and solve similar problems differently. You will need to figure out where you fit.

That being said, if you do not like to run, you will not make it in the military as a leader. That is a sad fact of life, but physical aptitude is widely viewed as proof of leadership ability, the only way to "lead from the front", since you would literally lead from the front. In that case, either change your view on running, or forget about becoming an officer of any kind for the time being.

Although a 97 ASVAB score is considered to be average to better-than-average, it still is not high enough to qualify you for all Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). Some of the "higher" staff functions require a score above 110.

Although the AF may have "better" living conditions, they pay for their "comfy" lifestyle with a lack of respect from other branch service members (i.e. Marines and Army tend to look down on AF, and it shows).

All branches require running, even the Air Force and the Navy. The AF require their members to run 1.5 miles, less than the 2 miles for the Army and 3 miles for the Marines. (I forget what the Navy requires.)

Even if you get into data systems, (you won't have many Intelligence Options due to your ASVAB score...) you will not live in an office cubicle. You will be required to do military activities, such as field time, deployments, weapons and skills training and other such fun stuff.

Bottom line is, join the branch you feel fits best with you then make the most of it. Without a college degree, consider going enlisted.

Answer 2

First matters first: end up greater at utilising the English language. No one expects you to end up a grammarian (appear at me) however your paragraph does no longer mirror how we adore our Officers to be ready to converse. Second: when you do an enlistment within the Air Force, and even as there, obtain a BA/BS from an approved tuition or school, you'll no longer be "shifting" to the Marines. You may have without problems accomplished your agreement with the Air Force. You are then loose to use for a Marine OCS slot, whereupon you'll be commissioned after you have accomplished the officer coaching application. Frankly, it's nearly unattainable for a junior enlisted Servicemember to get their BA/BS even as of their first time period. Not definitely unattainable, simply nearly. I could do a 4 12 months enlistment in probably the most Services, then cross to tuition at the GI Bill, and take NROTC.

Answer 3

I would say the Air Force, only because my husband is a Marine and he HATES it. With a passion. He has an ankle injury he got last February in Japan, and it took them 3 months to let him go see a doctor. They did surgery about a year later and messed it up worse. He cannot even run up the stairs, let alone fight. He was just stationed in Camp Lejeune, told with his injury he wouldn't be allowed to go to war. Now, all of a sudden, he leaves at the end of summer for a 7 month tour.

I've heard very good things about the Air Force, my dad being a Vietnam Vet in the AF, and my husband said he wished he would have joined them instead.

It all depends on what type of career you want to pursue when you're done with your contract and what they offer you. Talk to people and find someone with personal experience, in both. Recruiters always try to make "their branch" sound like the best so that might not be the way to solely base your decision.

Good luck in your future, no matter where you go and what you become. Serving the country isn't something all men can do, and good for you to be proud and stand up for us.

Answer 4

If you only scored a 97 on the asvab, you might not get many choices. I think, you need to score higher for data systems or intel. The air force is the easiest branch of the military tree. Running is part of military life, you will have to do that alot. The marines are the toughest branch there is. I wish you the best in what ever you choose.

Answer 5

If you have no desire to fly, Skip the Air Force. If Intel is your thing? I'd Push you toward the Navy or Marines. Better organised & the need is higher right now. If your College material I'd push you to go to school through NROTC. IT will Get you some money for school & time to see if this is for you. My greatest regret in life is having to give it up due to grades. Life in the Navy or the Corps is more interesting in my experience. The opertunities more broad. I spent time as a Enlisted in the Navy after high school. Best move I made in life. It will prepare you for great things in life. However, Being a officer has some great perks.

Answer 6

it doesn't really matter which you decide you still have to do the physical stuff and I believe you run alot more in both marines and air force so get used to it. I think the only branch you don't run your butt off is the navy and you have to know how to swim instead but you need to swim for marines too and possibly air force. I did army and we ran about 2-5 miles a day in basic so be prepared

Answer 7

I am a Marine, We run everyday, if your to much of a whimp and cant do it, or you dont have the mentality to do it, I do not want you in my brotherhood. How could I rely on you carrying my shot up a## out of a combat zone. I trust each and everyone of my brothers with my life, I couldnot trust you cause running is a little bit of a workout for you. Go into the Chair Force.... PS... even if you are Data, you still run pt, point a rifle, and everything else a Marine does

Answer 8

The one thing that turned me away from gold bars. Your on call
until your 65 years old

I did my 3 years and got out as Nam was starting

The Air force will keep you out of most combat situ's, The Marines won't

My BN Commander, a Lt Col, was recalled at age 55 for the Berlin wall build up, He lost his business, his wife and his home, For Guys like John Kerry, Kenndy or the Clinton's it's not worth it.

Sgt. 7th Army, Hon Discharge, Good Conduct Medal

This with a $5 bill will buy me a cup of coffee anywhere


BTDT

Answer 9

join the air force believe me...once you join any other branch of the military you can never become a member of the air force while joining the airforce you can change branches if you wish...the airforce have better food, better quarters, better everything.....of course you should become an officer if you have the oppurtunity...all the careers you could imagine are available in the air force...if it isnt for you then you can join the marines...if you go right to the marines you cant join the air force........

Answer 10

Becoming an officer will give you a jump start on your career and you will make more money. I am partial to Air Force and data systems and intelligence is right up their alley.