howdy wrote:Start this off by saying I was in the Marines, so I am a little biased. That being said....are you married. The Marines and Navy have very few overseas assignments that allow the spouse to go along. The Air Force is a gentlemans service...good bases, good barracks/housing, etc. The Marines have nice tents and the Navy has big grey boats. The Army has most of the money and great equipment. The Marines have the tradition. Lots of men join the service to be Army Special Forces, Navy Seals, Marine Recon, or Air Force Para Recue. Very, very few get accepted for those schools and even fewer finish those courses. All that said, look at the Coast Guard. They have great base locations, great bases, and they are always performing a mission, not just training for one. They are very involved with Federal Law Enforcement, so that might give you an "in" with them.
As another Marine, I couldn't agree any more with the above post. It is spot on. I have recently been looking at all these options with my son. The Coast Guard and Air Force have a lot to offer.
The military, as you know, is not for everyone. And each service has its peculiarities.
You, and the nation, will benefit regardless of which you join.
Best of luck in your decision!
Edit: Ok, I have to say it...I am so glad I did my time in the Marines back in the 70's. It may not have been the heyday of the USMC, but I will be a Marine until I die! No disrespect to any other branch intended.