Thinking about joining the military soon and...

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

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Air Force is the most highly respected among all the armed forces



do it

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Air Force is the most highly respected among all the armed forces

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May or may not be true outside of the military.

But the Air Force takes a ton of shite from the other branches.

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

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No branch is the best. But living conditions would have to go to the AF overall (unless coast guard is better; I have no experience with them). Navy would probably be a close second as far as living conditions/treatment are concerned.

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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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Is it high? No. But the more important question is what jobs does that qualify for. As long as you meet the minimum for a job you want, who cares? That I feel is the most important question. What are you interested in? Look at jobs in each branch and see what interests you. Then ask the recruiters from each branch specifically if your ASVAB score meets the minimum requirement. He/she is going to try to steer you towards a hard to fill job (i.e., meaning there's a good chance it is a shitty job). You don't have to take that job. Stick to your guns and see if you qualify for what you want. Hold out for that.

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

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Best decision I ever made. I enlisted, ended up getting my B.S. with tuition assistance (government dime), got accepted to OTS, got my masters and currently working on my PhD as my full-time Air Force job. I've been afforded opportunities through the military that I never would have had. It's not for everyone, but if you have a good head on your shoulders you can go far.

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* How is basic training?

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AF basic training was more of a head game than anything. It wasn't difficult, just more of an opportunity for them to break you down from the "individual" way of thinking to more of a team concept. I enjoyed it, but others didn't. I can't speak for the other branches.

Bottom line. Military isn't for everyone, but it has been one of the best decisions I made for myself. Anyone that tells you one branch is better than another is simply misinformed. It may be better for that person, but it may not be a good fit for someone else. Do your homework and find out what type of career you are interested in. See if you qualify, and hold out for it. Good luck.

I'll give you my advice from 25 years ago. AF have better food, better lodging, better hours. I worked 7-3 M-F and that working the flight line. Basic is a breeze. However they now go through the gas chamber and do a week of in the field training. Some things I learned after the fact the recruiter didn't tell me. You can enlist with guarantee job. I wouldn't sign unless I was guaranteed the job I wanted. You can enlist for 6 years and come out of basic with 2 strip instead of none. My $.02. Good luck on your decision.

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

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Benefits are the same in every branch, living conditions are better in Air Force.

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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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Don't know if that score will get you in the Air Force, or at least a good job within it, but idk. They were being really selective a while back.

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* How is basic training?

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If you are out of your bullshite, frick off phase of life, then it is fun and a breeze if you are mature and serious about what you are doing. On the flipside if you are a 18 year old punk and still think you can do what you want, don't like taking orders, so on... then you will have a horrible time and hate life.

I had a fun time there, and made friendships that are better than any I've ever had. It's a fun experience, the most important part is to remember it's basically all just one big game and that the real side of the military is nothing like the bs you face in basic. You'll still see some of it, but you'll see what I mean one day, if you join...


*Air Force & Navy girls are the hottest
*Pick an MOS that will carry over to the real world
*Use your education benefits
*Make a lot of close friends
*Don't meet a dependapotamus and don't get in a relationship. You'll likely end up married and divorced and the women you can meet & hook up with is far greater than being tied down.

If you have specific questions, ask away

My marine friends who spent time in iraq say military life fricking sucks

my air force friends say it's great

Well i was in the navy, so that gets my vote

Yep, I think a 51 is pretty shitty, I got an 85, I'm no rocket surgeon. You want a higher score than that so retake it. Dont want to go in undesignated, they'll make you chip paint and shite instead of actually learning a useful skill.

Boot camp wasn't horrible, just do what they say. The weirdest part is the lack of communication with the outside world, but you get used to it.

My time served definitley changed my life for the better, thats why I joined. Was dickin around in college and would have just kept partying. I still partied a lot in the navy, but when I got out I used my gi bill and got my degree (a lot of navy stuff gave me a lot of credits). I'm in a pretty good spot in my life right now and wouldnt be without my time in the navy.

I've never understood why people make a big deal out of the gas chamber. Mild discomfort at best. Now try being woken up with it and having to hike through it ;)