re: Thinking about joining the military UPDATE: joined Army

Which ever branch you choose, pick a job that will pay you in the civilian world. GI bill is great, but a good paying job upon release is great too. A few guys I work with even used GI bill while working. Ex navy nuc here, stay army or air force. In those groups, you can go home at night. Being in Vegas, a lot of air force around here, those guys love it. You will NOT make rank quickly in AF...nobody leaves the "chair force". If you don't have a "good" job in the army, it can suck too. Make DAMN sure you have your billet nailed down BEFORE signing paperwork. Recruiters love telling kids...don't worry. you are a shoe in to get that billet...after boot camp. Just to reiterate, sea going navy jobs SUCK! I served 88-94 (nukes do 6 years), did a NINE month west pac for the first persian gulf war. I got to stand on land for 10 days during that 9 months. The rest of the time, I was stuck on a boat with 6000 swinging dicks. Now an Aggie fan might like that idea... After that little rant, I would not take a million dollars to give up all my memories...but I wouldn't give a nickel, to do it again.

quote:

---

USAF seems to treat enlisted as actual second class citizens compared to officers.

---

Same here i was in the air force and never felt this way. Obviously the guy making this statement is clueless. To the OP i say go for it! See the world and become your own man. No need to live with mom and dad till your 30 like so many your age do these days.

Vegastiger That was some great advice
Especially the part where they tell you after training you will get stationed pretty much where you want

do it baw. make sure you get lots of tats so people can verify military status

You aren’t tough enough

Find a desk job

Don’t do it unless you need money for college.

My cousin joined the Navy right out of high school. He's been in for three years and says it is the best thing he ever did. Plans on doing at least 20 years. He says it's hard work, but if your heart is in it it isn't bad. He wanted to travel and has been to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Philippines, Guam, Hong Kong, and a few other places. He always knew that he wanted to go into the military so he started lifting weights when he was about 13 years old and is built like a brick shithouse, especially after having access to the gym facilities the Navy provides. He will start taking college courses next year when he comes back to the U.S.

I served 4 years USAF. Based on what you're looking to accomplish, don't think about joining another branch. It's the branch closest to working in the real world. There's only a 6 week basic training, shortest of the branches. You don't have to do stupid drills and bullshite inspections after basic and school, you just go to work and do your thing.

Don't be a cop, fireman, or any of that. You scored decent on your ASVAB so you'll have numerous options of career paths. Don't hesitate to choose one with a long tech school, they're typically the jobs that will be worth the most once you're out.

The Army may flash a big ole signup bonus but you have to go infantry. Unless you want to be a cop or security guard, stay the frick away from anything infantry or combat related (unless it's combat communications (satellites, tech control, etc.). It doesn't sound like you're joining because you want to be a hero or Captain America so absolutely no need to go Army infantry, Marines, etc.

Air Force takes care of their people....best food, best living arrangements, most lenient appearance policies, smartest branch so you're not dealing with a bunch of idiots, and, again, most laid back work atmosphere. I called every sergeant I reported to through my 4 years by their first names, including my shop's senior NCOs.

Do it man, you won't regret it.

quote:

---

tho it not military, coast guard seems really cool

---

Definitely another good choice. Only restrictions are your travel would be pretty limited and I'm not sure how many jobs they offer with private sector equivalents due to being so small and tasked with such specific missions.