Joining the Military questions!?

Question

Im 15 and Im interested into going into the military as soon as I can. I had Just a few questions.
Im a little confused about the different parts of the military such as, Marines, Army, Navy, Airforce, etc. I want to know how they differ before I make a decision on what one I am interested, for now, I like ground work so I'm pointing towards army.

Another problem I have is that I dont do JROTC because my High School doesn't have one. I am planning on doing ROTC in college however. Since Im not doing it now, will that set me back alot?

My last concern is that I don't think I will be able to go to a Military Academy for college. I don't have the exceptional grades that they require. I know those academies get you adjusted to military life beforehand so its easier for when you go into the military after, and I think the change from civilian life to military would be tough for me since I'm not in ROTC now and I wont be in a military Academy. Hows this all work?

Answer 1

I would join the Coast Guard but my opinion is probably biased.
If you have any specific question feel free to email me.

Answer 2

Don't worry about missing JROTC. Lots of people don't get that in their high schools, either.

During college, if you can't get into a military school, take ROTC, but there's something else to look into, and that's "Simultaneous Membership". That's where you are in ROTC and also the National Guard/Reserves. It will make you a better officer in the long run to do that, but again, not required.

If you do go for the simultaneous membership, one thing you should NOT do is volunteer for any of the flashy but hazardous schools, such as Airborne or Ranger school. If you do that, you will be only on Active Duty for training, and if you get injured, you blow your career without any benefits. Better to let that wait until you are fully commissioned and full time to do that.

No, the academies do not get you adjusted to military life beforehand. On arrival, you are in the military, and expected to act like it. They are not halfway houses. Don't concern yourself too much with making the transition, that's what the training is for. They know how to turn civilians into soldiers, they've been doing it a long time.

Answer 3

I've been in the military(Army) now for almost ten years and have been in Iraq, Bosnia, and many other places all over the world. I've gotten a lot from the military but none of it was free. I've given a lot to the military as well. I can't really speak for all branches but I will give you a little info on my experience. Basically if you go into the Army or the Marines you are going to be doing the dirty work. We are the ones on the groung doing the nasty stuff, especially in Iraq right now. you mentioned that you are 15 so who knows maybe the Iraq thing will be over by the time you enlist. However, there is always a war just around the corner and with our need for ground troops in the urban environment where we fight right now, I don't see things changing as far as the Army and Marines being on the ground the most. The Navy and Air Force(especially the A.F.) seem to get the best equipment. It seems like they have all the new stuff and it never seems to get dirty. A lot more of the technical jobs are in the Air Force and Navy. If you want to go into computers that might be the way to go. Each different branch has a lot of different jobs. Just make sure you pick something you like. Each jobskill in the military also transfers over to a civilian profession or job, so take this into consideration when selecting what you want to do on the military side. Make sure you are very picky and if possible talk to someone in each of the branches to see what you want for sure. Talk it over with your family too. You could be stationed in a place like Hawaii, or Guam where the weather is beautiful, or you could be doing continuous rotations to Iraq to fight insurgency. It all depends on what you are willing to do. Just make sure you explore your options before you sign anything. And remember. . .there is no such thing as an honest recruiter. Talk to someone who is just there to give you information, not try to get you to join.

Answer 4

Yes Get some community college to gain an advantage. Earn skills to do more than one job to survive the world Study the ASVAB so that many opportunities open up and take advantage of them. Study as much while on Active Duty and save money for emergencies. Take advantage to travel since she has a chance to take her children to places were most parents cannot afford to take as a civilian. Be careful with what you say. Any one against the war in Iraq is harassed a lot and you cannot criticize Democrats as well. Freedom of Expression is very limited. You have to obey the UCMJ and whatever regulation whether is from the USA, USN, USAF, USMC, and USCG. If you are in a foreign country you MUST obey the country's laws and international laws!!! ! I wish you the best!!! !!!

Answer 5

I didn't go to ROTC or to a military acadamy, like a vast percentage of our military personnel and I turned out okay.

The primary mission of the Army is to occupy and defend the ground.

The Marines' primary mission is to secure a beach or other landing area so that the Army can come in and occupy and defend the ground.

The primary mission of the Airforce is to control the sky, thereby protecting the ground forces from enemy air strikes so the Army can occupy and defend the ground.

The mission of the Navy is to control the seas and to support the Marines' amphibious assault of the beaches, thereby allowing the Army to occupy and defend the ground.

Answer 6

You are doing too much thinking. The only branch of service I favor is the US Coast Guard. When on active duty, you would serve somewhere in the US. Chances are you would not get sent to any foreign country. Chances are you would not have to fight in a war. The uniforms are real attractive. I was in the Army. The places I was sent you would not enjoy. JROTC really is not important if you wish to pursue military service. Sometimes, the military will send a person to college and pay the tuition if he/she commits to four years. You have plenty of time. Contact the service recruiters direct and see what they have to say.

Answer 7

First things first, you should look into taking the ASVAB test. Most high schools allow you to take the exam for free and this is a good way of getting started. Second thing is that you should talk to each recruiter for each branch of the military because they each offer different things.

No not having the JROTC in high school will affect you. But my question is, are you thinking about enrolling immediately after high school or college?

Answer 8

you certainly don't have to be in rotc to go into the military, my husband joined at 19 (Air Force) and loves it, they have the easiest boot camp, he basically fixes the huge C-17 cargo planes, he's been all over the world and he's only 23! check it out, talk to all the recruiters and see whats the best thing for you, if you go in at 18 you'll be able to retire at 38! so you'll be getting a pension and you'll be able to have another career if you want! good luck!

Answer 9

The best way to find out how each service differs is to go look on their websites. They all have different mission, but a lot of the services have the same type of jobs. They all have different lifestyles... they even have different ways of saying the same exact thing. So go to their websites read about them and then decide what you think you would like the best.. Then when your old enough to enlist go to each service before you make your decision... Make sure you do lots of research and talk to lots of people before you enlist so you don't join thinking your recruiter screwed you, mine tried to screw me over so I had to drop DEP complain and re-enlist. Basic Training and your job training school will help you get adjusted to military life... so don't worry about that!

Answer 10

In addition to the military acadamies think about VirginiaMiltary Institute, Virginia Tech, The Citadel and Texas A&M. All four scools have a Corps of Cadets where you can live the military lyfestyle while going to college.

Answer 11

you do not have to take ROTC to be in the military it actually makes you a step higher.

the marines-are considered the best (trained to kill)
the army is lazy the same thing as the marines just not as good

navy-"squids" work on the water of course most of the men turn gay for being under water so long

airforce-is decent i would probably join the airforce out of all of them.


but to tell you the truth i wouldn't join the military, they really eff you over, they don't give a crap about you!