Sly Bald Guys Forum
Various Non-Bald Discussions => Military/Serviceman => Topic started by: Camp on February 18, 2009, 11:17:11 PM
-
I've been batting the idea around for a long time. I finally went down to the recruiters office a few weeks ago and took the practice ASVAB and talked to some recruiters.
I scored a 92 on the practice....which I was told is pretty good.
I'm leaning towards the navy...but I wouldn't rule out the chairforce.
Any input or advice from anyone? Any reasons NOT to join? Reasons to join? Anyone regret joining?
-
1st off dont even get me started lol. theres TONS of reasons not to join. i was in the same boat as you. i took the test, got the physical and was sooooo close to signing the paper to join the navy until i slapped myself and really thought about what i was getting into. im not gonna discuss all the reasons why its a bad idea because itll take up like 5 pages.
2ndly, how the hell did you score a 92? lol. i scored a 46 on the practice and even worse on the ASVAB lol. i got like a 39 on the ASVAB and i think 32 is passing lol.
-
2ndly, how the hell did you score a 92? lol. i scored a 46 on the practice and even worse on the ASVAB lol. i got like a 39 on the ASVAB and i think 32 is passing lol.
I test well ha ha. The recruiter looked at my test score and said "what? couldn't get another 7 points?" I guess 99 is the max score ha ha.
-
Camp,
Before deciding to join, you have to ask yourself "Why do I want to do this?"
There are many great things about any branch of the military and some not so great things also... The best source of information about the services are people that have been there. We have a ton of Navy, Marine, Army, Coast Guard, and Air Force vets on this board and none of us will sugar coat it for you. It is a tough but rewarding life and always remember, you get out of it what you put into it.
With an ASVAB of 92 (which demonstates a very high potential for learning), you can get any job in any branch of the service, with some exceptions, i.e., you can't be in electronics if you are color blind. If you decide to proceed, definitely get a guaranteed school/job. Also, and this is just personal opinion, go for the Navy or Air Force. The technical training in both are top-notch. Electronics (Communications, RADAR, SONAR, Weapons), Nuclear, Crypto, Power Generation, Propulsion, etc, are highly sought after fields both in and out of the military.
Quality of life... Air Force is the best, hands down. I'm a Navy vet and will never regret that decision, but the QOL does leave something to be desired. It's not bad, but it's not great either, and the Navy is a much different way of life than any of the other services.
The biggest thing about being in the military is to always think about life after the military. I knew guys that did their job and nothing else... they weren't prepared when they retired or got out. Others, like myself, took full advantage of the various education programs and got my degree while I was in. That leaves my GI Bill for Post-grad work.
Whether you do one enlistment or stay for 20 (or more) years and retire, you'll never be worse off for it, unless of course you do something incredibly stupid and get court martialed.
Ask any of us here anything you'd like about our respective branches... we'll give it to you straight.
-
Camp,
BaldRob gave you top notch advice and there isn't a whole lot I can add.
I also am a Navy veteran and took advantage of the schooling which led me to the jobs I had after being discharged. I never had any regrets of serving although a few times I questioned my decision when I was cruising up and down the Mekong River during the Vietman War.
I guess only you know what your looking for and I wish you the best of luck !! O0
-
Camp, not much to add to the other bros and the great advice from BaldRob. For career job choices, hard to beat the Navy and the Air Force. As a retired Marine I have worked with both branches on many operations and always had found them to be true professionals. With an ASVAB score that high, I think you should investigate the wide job opportunities available to you. You might be surprised what cool choices there are for you that would transfer to a civilian career
-
One of my biggest regrets was not joining the armed forces.
-
One of my biggest regrets was not joining the armed forces.
Make that plus one. If I had done it right outta high school it wouldn't have been a big deal. Problem is I waited until after a knee surgery and that was an automatic DQ.
-
I guess the ultimate question is; to you want to be part of the war machine? And; how willing are you to serve someplace like Iraq or Afghanistan?
Totally uncalled for and you know it, John....by the way, why did you remove your avatar after that comment?
-
I was going to add something but BaldRob said it all as far as I'm concerned.
-
I guess the ultimate question is; to you want to be part of the war machine? And; how willing are you to serve someplace like Iraq or Afghanistan?
Totally uncalled for and you know it, John....by the way, why did you remove your avatar after that comment?
I agree with Schro. This is no place for political statements.
-
I am a very proud Marine parent... but with your scores, and perhaps the well being of your parent's mental health... I would encourage you to look at the Air Force a bit harder than the other branches. Thank you for your willingness to lay it on the line for our country!
-
I didn't serve, so I don't have any advice, but I do want to offer my thanks and appreciation to all that serve(d) in our armed forces. We don't do enough for our brave soldiers, both while they're serving and afterward.
-
I have been serving in the Army now for 6 1/2 years. My bit of advice is make sure you completely think this through and seriously research each service. In the Army I have had a lot of tough years, but they have been good. I have formed friendships and bonds that can't be seperated. You have a bond with anyone who has ever served in any service because of your commonality. What I can tell you from my experience
Navy-You spend a lot of time away from home depending on your job, but you get to travel
Army-Get some great opportunities for travel, but right now the odds of you being away from home for a year at a time are very high
Air Force-Though they get the most flack, they take care of their own. From everything I heard you will never be left wanting.
Marines-I don't know too much about them, but of all the services I will say they have the most pride, which does get them a lot of flack
Now things to actually think about and keep in your mind
Research your job options before you go
Know what you want and don't let yourself get swayed
Which service will offer you the most of what you want
On a very serious note...Do not join the military for the college money or any short of truelly wanting to serve your country and put the welfare of others well before your own. You will have long days, sleepless nights, and challenging encounters. If you don't go into this with the right frame of mind you risk causing yourself problems with poor attitude or any number of things. I have seen this many times so that is my fair warning.
I am going to reiterate the service is going to be a tough time no matter which service you join. It is truely a lifestyle and not a job. When you go in you are no longer Johnny on the block. So take soem time way your options and talk to all services, and remember you want to join the Army and become Airborne ;) Just my last minute sales pitch. :)
-
I never served either, but I come from a strong Navy family. Both of my grandfathers were Navy in World War 2. I agree with the other post that if I would have done it right after high school, I probably would have jumped right in.
With that said, I would advise not joining the military for the perks (education, travel, job skills, etc) without being 100% willing to accept the responsibilities of protecting the interests of the USA.
Thanks to all who have served!
-
I don't know why you guys are jumping down throats about Iraq and Afghanistan...anyone who joined the service now would end up there...why is that uncalled for? Its a fact.
-
noone jumped throats for iraq or afghanistan. that is just a fact and everyone knows it. the negative comment about "WAR MACHINE" was the problem. just to clear the air.
-
I don't know why you guys are jumping down throats about Iraq and Afghanistan...anyone who joined the service now would end up there...why is that uncalled for? Its a fact.
You're missing the point. The offensive part of the comment was the part about "do you want to be a part of the war machine?" None of us would enjoy the freedoms we currently take for granted were it not for people who were willing to be part of the "war machine" and put their lives on the line for what they believe in? Some may choose to protest, criticize and undermine these efforts, but they are living in denial while, as always, it's up to the grown-ups to face reality and tackle the problems head-on.
-
Sorry I scanned the post and didnt see War Machine...my apologies.
-
The original post asked for advice.... not political statements.
-
Sorry I scanned the post and didnt see War Machine...my apologies.
that post was removed from the thread.
-
No worries about that post guys. I think its fine if someone wants to let their opinion be heard (so long as they are ok with hearing everyone elses)
Anyway--I appreciate all the input from everyone so far! Currently, I am in a firefighter academy, and after that I have a job this summer in wildland firefighting--so I'll have a lot of time to debate whether or not I really wanna join the military.
Someone mentioned getting their bachelors degree while they were in the Navy? Is that right? I think that'd be a great option for me if it is possible. I have something like 70+ credit hours right now, and I'd really like them to get put towards a bachelors degree (otherwise why go right)?
Does anyone have any word about the places you could potentially be stationed in either the Navy or Airforce? I'm leaning towards Navy because I have always wanted to be on/near the ocean (I'm one of those people that is DRAWN to it ya know?)
Also, how far will a high ASVAB score really get me? As I understand, it really is only a preliminary thing to get you set into a job that you are capable of doing? Amirite?
Thanks guys
-
Not sure about assignments for Navy or Airforce really.
As for ASVAB, for the Army I can say that it gets you job choices, but once you get in there are schools you would like to go to i.e. Ranger school, Special Forces, Getting commissioned while in, Changing your job if you decide to...Just do the best you can and no worries.
My recommendation is start talking to recruiters and ask these questions they are better handled at it. Just don't feel pressured to do anything right away.
-
No worries about that post guys. I think its fine if someone wants to let their opinion be heard (so long as they are ok with hearing everyone elses)
Anyway--I appreciate all the input from everyone so far! Currently, I am in a firefighter academy, and after that I have a job this summer in wildland firefighting--so I'll have a lot of time to debate whether or not I really wanna join the military.
Someone mentioned getting their bachelors degree while they were in the Navy? Is that right? I think that'd be a great option for me if it is possible. I have something like 70+ credit hours right now, and I'd really like them to get put towards a bachelors degree (otherwise why go right)?
Does anyone have any word about the places you could potentially be stationed in either the Navy or Airforce? I'm leaning towards Navy because I have always wanted to be on/near the ocean (I'm one of those people that is DRAWN to it ya know?)
Also, how far will a high ASVAB score really get me? As I understand, it really is only a preliminary thing to get you set into a job that you are capable of doing? Amirite?
Thanks guys
Depending on your job (Navy), you could be on either coast... East Coast main bases are Norfolk, VA; Mayport, FL; Kings Bay, GA. West Coast are San Diego, CA and Bremerton, WA. Lots of opportunity for being stationed overseas also... I have two sisters that are both in Yokuska, Japan right now!
The Air Force... in all honesty, you could be stationed anywhere... Some bases are near the coast, but some are in the middle of nowhere also. However, you always will have great golf courses... HAHAHAHAHAHA
As far as finishing a degree... absolutely! You can take classes aboard your ship while you are underway and if you stay in for shore duty, then you can take classes through Navy Campus or at a local college. Best thing is they pay tuition assistance... it was 75% when I was in.
On the ASVAB, you are correct... it is your starting point. The ASVAB is a barometer of how much learning capacity that you have. Once you get your school, getting through it is up to you. If you do score a 92 on the ASVAB, your job choices are wide open.... I scored a 98 and chose the advanced electronics field, weapon systems. I'm not sure now, but you needed to score a 78 (or there abouts) to get into the most advanced schools the Navy offers, which is Nuclear Power, Electronics Tech.
Keep asking questions... We're not recruiters, so we will give it to you straight!
-
One of my biggest regrets was not joining the armed forces.
Ditto for me Schroman. I have the utmost respect for anyone who serves our great country. O0
-
And don't sign anything that a recruiter promises you unless it is in writing and you get a copy.
-
Although this is not the place for a political debate -- I think socio-political reasoning should be a part of the OP's considerations and thought processes. Does he personally believe and have deep faith in the rationale behind the US military presence in other countries right now? -- is he willing to kill or die for those reasons? Does his personal belief system fit?
-
Although this is not the place for a political debate -- I think socio-political reasoning should be a part of the OP's considerations and thought processes. Does he personally believe and have deep faith in the rationale behind the US military presence in other countries right now? -- is he willing to kill or die for those reasons? Does his personal belief system fit?
Those are legitimate thoughts, and are not really political. A person needs to be able to ask themselves these questions and answer them honestly.
-
I agree 100% with Mr. Gallagher above.
-
I've never served either and I do also regret not enlisting, My Uncle is over there fighting for our country right now, he is on his 3rd tour now, While I do believe in that everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, My personal thoughts are that if you are against the war thats your own business but dont belittle someone that is willing to protect your rights that so many of us take for granted (IE freedom of speech)
I'm off my soapbox now
-
I havent read all of the debate on wether joing or not joining the forces or not, but ill jump in. On a military point of view. I joined the canadian forces in 2006 as a reserve member and been working full time since.. So im as a reg guy, working on the base with reg guys.
And for me it was not even a political questions, I was not a question of morality. I did it because I had to do it. and I dont regret it. Some of you might ask why I am not joining the reg force, and i will answer this with this...I'm married and I havent got the guts to go against my wife wishes...because she would not want to get posted else were then Quebec city. For the rest. I wish to do it in my deepest soul.
But Im a whimp. As for Afghanistan or Iraq. Dont even ask about it if its ok or not to be there...think of it for now being in the army is a economicly safe job...army rarely cuts job. and if its not in Irak or Afghanistan...guess what it will be somewere else.
Now for the original question wheter navy or other element I cannot answer for you. Im deep inside me green army and for me there were no way I was going to go navy or airforce.
Im proud of what im doing...I found something that made sense in my universe. Now im working at the clothing store of the base. I saw myself working there. I'm happy, having a good group to work with.
I know my experience is one thing...but I wantend to talk about it.
-
If you think too hard about it your just gonna get overwhelmed, either you do it or you dont. You need to simplify the objective and follow through with your decision, every branch has something to offer. I scored a 95 on my asvab and my Marine recruiter asked me what M.O.S. ( job ) I wanted and I told him I wanted to be a grunt, so I became an 0331 ( machine gunner ) I've been a Marine for roughly 9 years and it was the best decision I made. And be advised, the individuals that tell you that they have many reasons not to join, might have had a bad experience with recruiters or didn't have the moxy or patience to follow through even with the process of joining the service. Regardless of any branch the military isnt for everyone. Take your time and follow threw, remember slow is fast. O0
-
BTW Camp, in no way am I telling you to join the Corps and be a trigger puller, but you'll never meet a Marine grunt that'll say he regretted it. Have you ever considered Intel, every branch has a Intel field? It is mandatory to have a top secret clearance ( no troubles with the law ) and there's a diverse field of intelligence jobs for enlisted from cryptology to battlefield/human assesment. Is any branch better than the other, yes and no but I'm biased towards the Marine Corps and I heard the Navy is pretty squared away in that field as well. I'm actually in the process of re-enlisting in the Army, from my understanding they pretty much lead the way for intel primarily for there threat assesment and discretionary capabilities, but that might actually apply as a whole for all........Oh yeah unfortunately the Mohawks gonna have to go, that's way beyond a high reg my friend but it suits you well.
-
High and tight is the name of the game.
-
I am an Air Force active duty recruiter and a sly bro... Ask away
-
Ok so I took the official ASVAB today at MEPS and I scored a 90 overall--but I qualified for any job I could ever want in the Navy including all of the nuke jobs.
Nick--what would be the benefits in going Air Force vs Navy?
IF I choose to join the military, I would like to put my potential to the best use possible and leave myself some good outs for when I become a civilian. I was thinking something along the lines of electronics or computers because they would probably give me the best options post military. I don't think I could hack it in the Nuke stuff honestly ha ha.
-
Ok so I took the official ASVAB today at MEPS and I scored a 90 overall--but I qualified for any job I could ever want in the Navy including all of the nuke jobs.
Nick--what would be the benefits in going Air Force vs Navy?
IF I choose to join the military, I would like to put my potential to the best use possible and leave myself some good outs for when I become a civilian. I was thinking something along the lines of electronics or computers because they would probably give me the best options post military. I don't think I could hack it in the Nuke stuff honestly ha ha.
Ok there are many more factors that determine your jobs besides the ASVAB. Physical things that unfortunatly cannot be found out until you take your physical...
You need to decide that you want to serve and make the commitment before you go to MEPS. In these tough economic times we face I cant think of a more certain career than the Armed Forces. I challenge you to go find a job that can match the full line of benefits at the point you are at in your life. I joined when I was 23 and had a little life experience. It has made me appreciate it even more. I can go on all day about the features and benefits..
As far as which branch is better? Listen we are all on the same team. I have been overseas supoorting Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom three times. I have served with every branch in the DOD. We are all on the same team... There are subtle differences when it comes to quality of life issues, but we all pay the same, same insurance, same vacation time, same tuition assistance. I will not bash any branch or pick another branch apart. As an Air Force member I am thankful for the role every single uniformed man and woman plays. U need to look at things like Retainability. the USAF has a high retainability rate. We have that for a reason. Do your research my friend and make sure all questions are answered and every issues is out on the table before you go to MEPS. Make it happen!
-
Being in the Navy your most likely going to do dome sea duty for the fleet, if your Airmen your probably going to do duty on ground or in the wild blue yonder. Me personally If I were you and had to choose between the two, be an Airmen, they have a high promotion rate and they have a high re-enlistment. Want to work with electronics? I'd suggest some kind of communications like signals or satellite, that's a great billet to have when you transition back to being a civ. Coming from the ground combat element i love throwing lead and lots of it, I just wish the Airforce would take prior service because I would be all over that aerial gunner job, running a .50 cal from a 53 pave low or a minigun from a pavehawk helicopter would be so bad a$$ ( now why does the airforce get the coolest toys :Xo! )
-
And the Air Force gives out free golf lessons when you successfully complete Basic Training! ;)
If you are looking at your long term goals, as far as what you would like to do once you get out or retire, definitely go Navy or Air Force. While the Army has a lot of the same job types, I think that most here would agree that both the USN and USAF have the best technical training and job fields. I know first hand about the Navy's Advanced Electronic Field... I was in it and I was an instructor for it! Also, a lot of employers (mine included) will hire vets over non-vets 99% of the time.
When it comes down to electronics, you have to decide which way you want to go... Crypto, RADAR, Communications are the three main types. I was Fire Control, which was the weapon system side that dealt with RADAR, computers, electro-mechanical, pneumatics, hydraulics, etc.
As far as sea duty in the Navy... It definitely isn't an easy life, but it is well worth it! Nothing against the other branches, but depending on the length of the deployment, you probably will see anywhere from 10 - 12 different ports (and countries) on a 6 month deployment. Obviously you won't see as many on shorter deployments, but rarely do you go out for more than a few weeks without stopping somewhere... I've seen multiple places in all of the countries that I've been to, plus a lot of "show the flag" ports here in the US! Boston for the Marathon, New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Ft. Lauderdale for Broward County Navy Days, etc...
-
BaldRob--I was actually considering fire control!
What kind of openings has it left you with since you got out of the Navy?
-
Hey Camp, I haven't read through all 3 pages of posts so please forgive me if I'm repeating something someone else has already said. I spent 4 years in the Army, then 4 more years in the Coast Guard and now have been with the Navy (as a civilian) for over 8.
I think the military is a great place to start and with the current economy its hard to find a job with that kind of security.
My recommendation is please take a serious look at the Coast Guard. People don't realize it but the New York police department has more people than the CG does and that equates to being a person and not a number. The other advantage CG has over the others is you're helping people here at home (99% of the time) on a daily basis. In the Army I got sick of always training to do my job (obviously before Iraq) but in the CG I DID my job every day. Granted there are only about 18 different enlisted jobs in the CG but there is enough of an overlap that I'm sure you will find something that you can enjoy.
I enjoyed my time a lot and still keep in touch with the many friends I made while I was in. Its a rewarding experience and one that I would encourage you to explore.
Best of luck!
-
Rob - I am active duty Air Force, on my way out. Even though I'm getting out, I don't regret joining one single bit. I am a better person for it. I've been very successful in the Air Force. I've made rank as quickly as possible, I've won several awards.
I am an electronics technician. I scored a 99 *pat on back* and was open to any job in the military, until I did so-so on my hearing test. At MEPS they throw you in a room with 10 other guys and you all do your hearing test at once. Well, some a$$hole thought it would be funny to kick his chair. The MEPS folks wouldn't let us retake it (it would be unfair to let all of us retake it and no one else, after all; plus they want to get people in and out), so I stuck with my score. Anyway, all the hearing test kept me out of was about 4 jobs out of the 180+ the Air Force has (or had at the time, it might be near 150 or so now). Realistically speaking there's no difference between your 92 and my 99. Virtually every job treats a 65 or above "good enough". If I remember correctly, the number isn't a percentage, but rather the percentile that you scored in.
Even in this economy I have several options in front of me. For example, I am waiting to hear back on a job in Puerto Rico with the National Weather Service. I am a finalist for the job right now. I am 24, single, and debt-free, and this job will pay me $60K to start. Not a bad place to be in, eh? I have the option to go work in Honolulu, in Alaksa, in Naples, in Southern Italy right now as well.
I was lucky enough to get stationed where I am, and then was lucky enough to be transfered to a shop on this base where I do some specialized work. Luck has played a good bit in my experience, but I am convinced that you DO have a good amount of control over how your military career goes.
If electronics is your thing, I would join the Navy. The Navy has better electronics schools. I was originally trained in navigation aids, but you can do that in the Navy, too. The Navy equipment is similar to the Air Force equipment, except it also is accommodated for the unique challenges that being on a boat presents. As such, the Navy training is more in-depth and Navy electronics technicians generally have a better grasp of electronics theory because they are forced to do so. You have to improvise a lot out at sea. The Air Force training isn't crap or anything, though.
If quality of life is your most important concern, I'd go Air Force. Making rank is slower in the Air Force, though, so if that's a concern then again, you'll want to go Navy. Be advised, though: the Navy rank structure is confusing to the point of absurdity. Guys have their job, their skill level, and all sorts of sh*t in their rank. You have to pause for breath when addressing those guys (I'm being a little facetious here but it is kind of ridiculous; that would be a silly reason for not joining the Navy of course)
Going to school will be a lot easier to do in the Air Force as well. I have two associates degrees right now (one in business, the other in electronics - two totally different things, I know) and am working on my bachelor's in Finance. I've only had to pay for books, and if I took the initiative to apply for some of the scholarships that the various base organizations offer (such as the Officers' Wives Club) I could have had my books paid for as well.
I've been to Italy once, Australia twice. I've been to Perth, Sydney, Rome, and London. I've also been in remote parts of the two countries. I have swam next to 5-ft sharks. I've caught lobster and ate it three hours later - all on the military's dime. I've slept with exotic women and believe it or not there wasn't even money exchanged. The military has treated me very well.
-
My recommendation is please take a serious look at the Coast Guard. People don't realize it but the New York police department has more people than the CG does and that equates to being a person and not a number. The other advantage CG has over the others is you're helping people here at home (99% of the time) on a daily basis. In the Army I got sick of always training to do my job (obviously before Iraq) but in the CG I DID my job every day. Granted there are only about 18 different enlisted jobs in the CG but there is enough of an overlap that I'm sure you will find something that you can enjoy.
I second this. The only problem I had with the Coast Guard is that in the ENTIRE CITY OF HOUSTON, which is the nation's busiest port, there was ONE Coast Guard recruiter. One! And he was way the hell out of the way. I could never get in touch with the guy, so I just went to the Air Force recruiter down the street.
-
I know this is an old thread but I figure I would put my 2 cents in.
As far as the ASVAB and eligibility for certain MOS's, it's not just the total score. You have different elements of the asvab that you scored in. I was an I level avionics tech in the Marine Corps and the total asvab score requirement was 75 (I think... it's been a while), but you needed atleast a 100 (again it's been a while) on your GT score (I think this stands for general technical?). I don't remember the other elements but I am sure they would show up in a quick google search.
And don't rule out the Marine Corps. Although every Marine is a rifleman, we still have individual MOS's just like the other branches. As a matter of fact, a lot of our schooling is done with the Navy (my A school, for example, was AEA school which is for aviation electricians in the Navy). Even in the fleet, there's a good chance you'll work w/ sailors. Our squadron was half Marine, half Sailor by the time I left.
BReady
-
I've been considering joining for years now, I wanted to join the Marines right out of high school, but was unfortunately stopped by my mother. There's still a chance of me going, and I'll be ecstatic if i can finally do it. I say go for it, there's a lot of courage, dignity and pride in the military. Hopefully I'll be there one day as well!
-
Hey buddie, cool hair dew. Im quite jealous and lacking hair up top - umm Im thinking about joining the army myself. I didn't know you could do a practice ASVAB - you think its a good idea? how to you arrange it ? where would i take it ? Umm Navy sounds cool if you like the water/ocean - personally I get seasick though very easily. Best of luck - I think you should go for it!!
-
when I took the practice ASVAB--it was in the office of an Army recruiter. The test takes like a half hour and is comprised of a reading comprehension, two math sections, and like two word knowledge sections.
I literally walked in off the street, asked to see a recruiter and they gave me a laptop to take the test on.
-
BaldRob--I was actually considering fire control!
What kind of openings has it left you with since you got out of the Navy?
Sorry Camp... I haven't looked at this post for a while...
FC is a great rate in the Navy because of the diversity of equipment that you work on. As far as jobs outside the Navy that relate... Obviously a lot depends on the economy at the time, but I was a field service engineer for a high-speed packaging inspection company when I first got out. Other FCs that I know have gotten all kinds of different jobs: Switch supervisor for a cellular company, maintenance manager at Harley Davidson, bench techs, field service, technical trainers, etc.
Biggest thing I can tell you is to make the most of your time in, no matter which service you choose! The military has some of the best educational programs and benefits around. Stay out of trouble and make rate (promoted)! The higher your rank is when you get out, the more job opportunities are available when you get out...
-
Camp,
I won't go into the reasons why but I did not serve in the military. Today, at the age of 45, it is the single biggest regret of my life. Alot of my customers are retired military and I have to tell you I still can't shake the sense of guilt I get when I am around those guys that did their duty. Without the military doing what they do it would not be possible for the rest of us to do what we do every day. I don't know how old you are but when you are my age looking in the rear view mirror of life you don't want the words "I wish I had done that..." to pass through your mind. I'll leave it to the experts on here to guide you more on which branch to go into but really think long and hard into the future about what your thoughts of yourself will be by not serving.