Should I join the Army? Current or Veterans answer only please!?

Question

I know this question has been asked a million times, but I really am having a hard time figuring out what I want to do.

A few reasons why I want to join are:

1) I need direction in my life

I went to school to become a Medical Assistant & graduated..., but still don't know what I want. I feel like my life is at a stand-still.

2) I want to learn responsibility and be able to do things and live on my own.

I just turned 23 and I still live at home and I just feel like I could be doing so much more with my life.

3) To take care of our soldiers out there when they get hurt (I want to be a Medic) and of course to fight for our country!! HOOAH!

I got into the Medical field because I have a passion for wanting to take care of people.

I'm from a military family. My grandpa fought in Vietnam & retired as an E-8. I've wanted to join the military since I was 14 and I think it would be an honor for my grandpa to salute me at my BCT graduation. It would make him so happy!

Answer 1

The decision to join the Army has to be yours, but as a current member, I hope I can give you some advice.

Personally I found the Army provided me with some direction when I first joined, and for all the BS that goes with being a member, there are plenty of benefits in serving.

The sort of benefits I am talking about are the sort you are looking for. Yeah, you might be paid reasonably, but the real benefits are the life experiences, the growing up that you do.

Your skills would no doubt be quite valuable to the Army, and if you had the chance to employ them in an operational environment, those skills would only improve.

Some things to be aware of if you join, particularly if you join as an OR (Other Rank) which would be the case if you joined as a medic:

Without going into too much, be aware that ORs can get treated like children, there is plenty of boredom to be had, but there can also be plenty of great experiences.

I recommend you get as much info as you can from recruiting. If you decide to join, get as fit as you can, concentrating on push ups, sit ups and running (Recruiting will be able to advise the minimum standard, but try to exceed this).

Best of luck in what ever you decide.

Mike

Answer 2

Here's the good honest truth okie dokey. You should join the branch of the military that can offer you the job that you want. Because after boot camp ( basic training for Army ) all you'll be doing is just a job. And nobody wants to be at a job working doing something they hate.
So some research on the Army website and the other branches. If you are looking into something in the medical field then the Army, Navy and other Branches are what you are looking for. The Marine Corps relies on the Navy for medical care.
Think hard about what you might want to work with. Like fixing tanks for hummers or helicopters, or water purification, or maybe you want to sit at a desk or wear a badge and be military police. Anyways, you get my point. Make sure you are going to do something that you are sure you will enjoy doing.
Who ever gave me a thumbs down is a moron
Good luck

Answer 3

if you need direction and responsibility - definitely join. i did four years in the marine corps and it is true what they say, "the change is forever." I was a punk that barely graduated high school. Now at 26, I'm a vet that served in OIF and am finishing up a B.A. in which I was on the dean's list every semester.
I was apprehensive when I joined too - its a big transition, but you'll find a sense of pride and self worth that you've never felt before. One recommendation though, join the Marines - or since you want to be a medic, join the Navy and become a Marine Corpsman!

Answer 4

I don't think I can add anything new to what has been said already.
Yes there are risks being in the military, but there are risks in the civilian word as well.
Yes the army can be incredibly frustrating at times but when you are on the other side of the bs it isn't what you remember. You only remember the lives saved and the hearts touched.
Think about how you feel as an american and ask yourself if you are willing to take a stand for that belief or are you willing to let others do that for you.

There are many things that you can do when you get out and being a veteran is very helpful. (college, buying a house, federal job, etc.)

Answer 5

Despite what some of the idiots who are bound to answer say, the military is a good choice for someone in your position. I am a Marine and have sons in the military (1USMC and 1 Army), and will always be proud of being a Marine and having military sons. Joining during wartime obviously has an inherent risk, but if you are lacking direction and maturity, this might be a good choice. I always recommend my beloved Corps, but if you do join the USMC, be prepared. They don't offer all of the incentives and bonuses. About all you'll get in that department is "Maybe you're good enough to be one of us". If you are not that hard core, maybe the Army is a better option. I agree with the post directly above, the Navy does have excellent medics. All of our Corpsmen were Navy boys, and they hung right along with all us Leathernecks. We NEVER let them buy their own beer, for obvious reasons. Good Luck! Semper Fi !!!

Answer 6

That is a very hard question to answer. I served in the Army & two of my sons enlisted. One decided he hated the Army & got out as soon as his enlistment was up. The other has been in 28 yrs & has done about 7 tours of the Mid East. He is an E-8 fluent in Arabic, speaks Farsi, Dari & Pashtun. He loves the Army & plans to finish his PhD in Mid East Studies when or before he is forced to retire.
One thing you may wish to consider... the son that's made a career of the Army has produced 3 grandchildren for me by 3 different women... the Army is hell on domestic life. However, you may love it or hate it but you will never forget the people you meet or the places you visit.
I got out of the Army & used the GI bill to finish college & buy a house & must agree it allowed me to reset my goals in life. I met some of the best & worst our society produced. You will associate with people from a far different backgrounds & gain some perspective on differing cultures & people.
Best of luck... the Army is not for everyone & you can expect to be homesick & even angry at some stupid decisions & rules you must obey. That is the Army!

Answer 7

GO GO GO!!! If you want to be in combat- join the Navy or the Army medical corps. If you want to work in a hospital- Join the Air Force Medical Corps.....Spoken from experience. I was an Air Force Medic and during Desert Storm all I wanted to do was go "in country" and they wouldn't let me!!!!! So my butt was stuck in a third echelon hospital in England. NOT WHAT I WANTED. You have already made your decision in your heart- now just get up there and do it. Looking back now, though- and being around Marines and Navy, I would say Navy is the way...those Marines will have your back for the REST OF YOUR LIFE if you do right by them!!! "Doc" is a title earned- and you WILL earn it!!!

Answer 8

Sweetie, I was in the military for 4 years and it was the best thing I ever did with my life! I am now a military wife and to be honest I could never imagine my life away from the military. I now go to school completely for free thanks to my GI Bill, and I have made that best friends any one could ever ask for and I learned so much about myself in the short time I was in. I think about going back in every day. I think if you are ready you should do it, and to be honest I read your reasons and they all seem very valid! I think it would be good for you. Good luck! Oh and here is the best part my husband is an Army Recruiter now so if you have any questions feel free to write to me and I will pass it along to him! Good luck!

Answer 9

Sure. The military can be great if you go in with the right attitude and it sounds like you have that. Atleast try it for 3-4 years and if you find out it isnt your cup of tea then you can always get out. But good luck. Im not in but my husband is and i have to say i love the idea of there being medics out there that would really want to help. And your grandfather would be so proud ( as well as your fellow americans who are patriotic) Sounds like youve already made up your mind and just need that subtle push so go for it.

Answer 10

My suggestion to you, get a B.A. degree if you haven't got it, and go officer in the military, is always better than enlisted in most situation. Cause in enlisted is a gamble depend you specific job, Best medical personnel is no doubt is the navy, they earn the most men of honor medals. becaue they side by side help out marines in direct combat. If you really wanted go military now without a college degree, you would earn alot of experience as a Corpman for the navy. They learn dental and general medical care both school.