can someone tell me what it is like to be in the military?

Question

any branch including coast guard is ok

Answer 1

I was raised by an Army Sergent. I have worn all the other uniforms. Air Force 4 yrs, USMC 2 yrs, Navy 11 yrs, and I'm serving the Coast Guard for the next 3.

In some ways all are the same; yet unique. It all depends on what you want. If you want hard core military (like in the movies where they bounce a quarter off your bunk) you'll want the Marines. They are definately the most squared away and like their ad says, "We don't take applications, only commitments."

I think the CG is great. It's more a combo between law enforcement and search and rescue. Again, if you like small boats and being close to shore daily adrenlin rush, CG.

Air Force, if you like aircraft and flying. They're more into head games though. They're not so military (call each other Bob and Joe), but they definately have the best facilities; housing, golf clubs, rec centers etc...

Navy, probably has the most opportunities. There is aviation, submarines, surface navy, amphibous navy, seals....

Advancement is slow in the AF and USMC. Better in the CG and USN.

What's it like? You don't have to decide what to wear to work. You know how much your pay is going to be, 2wice a months. You know what's expected, the rules are clearly told and posted. You know who's who by what they wear on their collars and ribbons.

They all have are a lot of hard work and long days. Usually a lot of job satisfaction. I've had 10 years in the job market too, overall the military's the best and everyone I've known who served and got out wished they'd stayed (for the retirement pay) and I know several who don't want to get out even after 30 years.

Structure, purpose, sense of accomplishment

Answer 2

In the Air Force
I've worked in an Army unit, under an Amry command (that sucked)
Worked on a Navy base
Have some Marine friends, served with a couple of them.

Here's what I've learned
Air Force has a great standard of living, depending on what you do this'll change, I have a real pogue job, but it's versatile enough that I've seen the worst of the worst
Army, Lot of great guys, really the meat and potatoes of the military.
Navy, from what I've seen, love to party. Also, they get plenty of opportunities to build equity on foriegn soil.
Marine Corp; they get the *** end of a lot of crap, I've a had taste what they do every day, it aint pretty.

Back in America, here's a typical day as an Amn-SrA, get up at 0530, work from 0630 to 1600 (but that does flucuate quite unexecteantly), then PT for an hour to two hours, go back to the dorm. You're be expected to do the sacrifice play on some holidays (terrorists don't take Christmas off). Maintain your dorm to the level military professionalism. Don't drink and drive, work hard, hold yourself to a moral standard and shave everyday and everything is great.

Answer 3

It is definetely not a job, especially nowadays that we are at war. I can share about the Army and Marines since I have been in both branches. The training and discipline are tough. There are alot of different military occupational skills,(jobs) you can do. To me, the Infantry was very tough but very rewarding. You will do things that you never dreamnt you could do. You will also become part os something only a few Men and Women can claim, to be part of the greatest military force in the world. Good Luck in finding what is best for you.

Answer 4

It all depends on how you view life. You decide but you have more rules to follow and no privacy since you belong to the US Federal Government.

If you like a strict life then you will enjoy it.

People have different views, but it is up to you as to how you want to see reality.

The US Coast Guard has the toughest requirements followed by the US Air Force.

Answer 5

Air Force here. I got up, took a shower, put on my uniform, went to work, came home and changed. Repeat as scheduled. When I was stationed in the states I had to march in a parade, but overseas I worked. On my off hours I visited different parts of the country I was stationed in. Had fun with my friends. Played Golf, went skiing, enjoyed all the amenities on base.

Answer 6

It is what you make of it. I was in the Marines. A typical, non deployed day had me getting up at 0500 so I could be at PT for 0530. Then we would PT until 0700-0730, and then get cut loose to shower and get dressed, grab chow, and report to the platoon by 0900. Then we would work until about 1200, get chow until about 1300 or so, then work until 1700. Then we got cut loose for the day. Then we had a good time. Deployed, we worked our @$$es off, as hard as we could. Combat, well, that was just whatever needed doing, whenever it needed doing.

Answer 7

Army is a tough job, with unique challenges, outside of combat. But the pride and job satisfaction make up for the long hours and third-world pay. Also, chicks get a warm sensation in their panties when a fit, clean-cut soldier walks by in uniform.
I'm thinking of going back in the Army after 17 years as a civilian. Its a way of life that gets inside you...

Answer 8

Marine Corps. Its a lot of hard work but its also a lot of fun