re: Thinking about joining the military soon and...

Coast Guard/Air Force/Navy...for Quality of Life...imho....


Post 911 GI Bill is worth putting in 4 years to Uncle Sam...at least you will have earned it and not be getting a free hand out...

a 51 is not great but their are still plenty of MOS/Rates open for you

I did 9 years active and still in the Reserves..it has been good for me and my life...made me grow up, learn a lot, and see lots of shite I wouldn't have otherwise...plus I got my B.S.....

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If you want to serve your country in a different way and see combat and be able to carry around that distinguished honor, then join the Army or Marines.

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Is that what they tell you to make you feel better about yourself these days?

OP, as I stated earlier, every branch has the opportunity to see combat. And if you are really interested in police - type work, you will definitely have that opportunity no matter what branch you choose.

Coast Guard is pretty cool. We kinda get forgotten about and people don't really know what we do... If you're on a ship you'll get to go to some cool arse places and won't be gone as long as the Navy. I work at a desk now and work 7-3 M-F. I'm gonna get out when I can, but it hasn't been a bad gig while I've been in.

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A 51 on the ASVAB is pretty shitty, no?

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Do you like to cook. The military needs cooks too. They even have these recipe cards so you don't actually have to think.

Navy. try not to hit boot-camp in the winter.

First chance you get, get stationed at GTMO. Navy's best kept secret. It is much better with a wife and kids.

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* Which is the best branch? Talking benefits, living conditions, etc.

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Each branch has the same benefits, but the living conditions in the AF are the best by far in terms of facilities along with the abundant selection of locations (be careful though, there are some shitty locations in the states you WILL be stuck at for at least several years if you land one of them).

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A 51 on the ASVAB is pretty shitty, no? I feel like my recruiter is bullshitting me lol.

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Yeah, it is and your recruiter definitely is. No sugarcoating there. Just take it again and get a better score so you have more jobs to choose from in what branch that interests you the most.

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How do you feel your time served affected you? Positively, negatively, etc.

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Positively overall. It had its bullshite, federal government bureaucracy, and it's likely you won't see your family or old friends too much (it actually helps if you're already used to moving around like I was before joining).

In my 7.5 years active, the AF sent me to 4 bases and 4 deployments, including a 3 year assignment to Italy. That stint allowed me to bounce all over Europe and a few places in Africa/Asia and it broadened my horizons more than any other potential life decision would have.

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How is basic training?

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I can only speak for the AF, and it's actually changed a good bit since I did it 8 years ago in terms of length and deployment focus. The premise as being just a constant mind-frick is still there. As long as you have a pretty boring medical history, show up in half decent shape, act motivated, and a good attention to detail (pretty critical for AF basic dorm inspections and shite)..you'll be alright.

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If you go Army, know your GT score, if it's under 110, you will be considered mildly retarded by your barracks mates. It also will eliminate you from future opportunities for OCS/WOC school.

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Below 110 will also keep from a lot of the more technical jobs but you can also go to "fast class" to improve it.

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Which branch is the best?

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The USMC is the most effective branch out of them all. No questions asked. we also have the worst living conditions out of them all. We're the bastards of the military.

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51 on ASVAB

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That's pretty fricking awful and this is coming from a Marine Infantryman supposedly the dumbest people in the military.

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How do you feel your time served effected you?

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I love my job. I love the brotherhood that is the Marines. Possibly the best decision I've ever made. I'm infinitely more confident in myself and have a better outlook on things. It helped me get my shite together. I'm still in and love it everyday. Now are there times that fricking suck? You bet your arse, but you're with a shitload of other dumb grunts that are right there with you. Ya gotta embrace the suck.

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How is basic training?

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Well, boot camp for the USMC fricking blows, you'll get fricked with but so does everybody.

All the other branches' basic is pretty much summer camp. They're jokes.

OP, if you want respect, lifelong brotherhood, best uniforms, and can put up with bullshite, join the USMC. If you're a punk bitch, join the others.

There's nothing like getting done with the Crucible and earning that EGA, you're a recruit when you go in, you're a Marine when you come out. You aren't given the title of Marine, you earn that right. And it's something that stays with you forever and nobody can take it away from you. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

Good luck.