If someone is going to join the military what branch and why

[JALLEN]

I think I would be tempted to look at something drone related. Seems to be where tech is going these days.

Drone related. That means Air Force pilot training if you mean you want to be the one flying the drone, rather than maintaining it or launching some of the smaller ones.

Slight drift!
I wish they would consider letting some of us old vets fly the drones. I wasn't a military pilot but have all the skills, instrument, multi engine etc., except carrier quals, and I can work cheap now

I was over at Yuma one day picking up our Mirage when a "gaggle" of Harriers came zooming in, showing off. Man, oh, man! I asked the Marine recruiter if I could re-up, but he said they have no jobs for old fat ex-Navy officers who think they know how to fly. What a pity! Anyway, I know I could handle the drones with very little check out. The great thing about flying the drones is that if you mess up you don't have to pick the gravel out of your teeth.

There are dozens, even hundreds, of us old vets who are pilots that would free up the young guys to fly real airplanes, earn promotions, lead, master PowerPoint, make the nation proud and qualify for USAA, like some of us did!

[Purplehood]

Army. Dad was an old 10th grouper.

Army has the best schools.

And they share them with all of the other services, so that really shouldn't have any bearing on which one you choose.

After having been in the Marines and the Army I can tell you my choice if I had to do it again. Marines. I like Professionalism.

[tarbe]

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.

[Andrew]

Be all that You can be! Horrible living conditions, punctuated with sheer adrenaline laced terror! Have people you've never even seen shoot at you with evil intent! Jump out of perfectly good airplanes, to visit exotic lands! Blow up things, places! Enjoy days/weeks long breaks from the need for good personal hygiene! Break stuff designed to be unbreakable! Ride in smelly, sweltering hot metal boxes over all types of terrain without discernible suspension at high rates of speed! Shoot Big Big Guns that target things/stuff miles away! Then run like heck to avoid counter battery fire! Meet Mr.E, solve the puzzle! Learn what a fart sack is and why the vegetarian bean and rice burrito Mr.E is not a good choice! Learn curse words in 7 languages! Join the most professional organization you'll ever be part of, learn to find solutions, not make excuses. Great people, Great Times you'll never forget. GO Army!

[G26ster]

Be all that You can be! Horrible living conditions, punctuated with sheer adrenaline laced terror! Have people you've never even seen shoot at you with evil intent! Jump out of perfectly good airplanes, to visit exotic lands! Blow up things, places! Enjoy days/weeks long breaks from the need for good personal hygiene! Break stuff designed to be unbreakable! Ride in smelly, sweltering hot metal boxes over all types of terrain without discernible suspension at high rates of speed! Shoot Big Big Guns that target things/stuff miles away! Then run like heck to avoid counter battery fire! Meet Mr.E, solve the puzzle! Learn what a fart sack is and why the vegetarian bean and rice burrito Mr.E is not a good choice! Learn curse words in 7 languages! Join the most professional organization you'll ever be part of, learn to find solutions, not make excuses. Great people, Great Times you'll never forget. GO Army!

What more can one ask for?

[Vol Texan]

None. No way. Not until the imposter squatting in the White House now is gone and a real CINC takes his place.

I do tend to agree here... I joined under Reagan, and got out under Clinton.

[x007x]

Do you get to bring your own AR in the military at some point?

[fizteach]

I joined the Marines because I wanted to learn from the best and I would do it again.

[x007x]

I joined the Marines because I wanted to learn from the best and I would do it again.

When did you join?

[fizteach]

I joined the Marines because I wanted to learn from the best and I would do it again.

When did you join?

Went to boot 2 February 1973 and got out May 1977. Second enlistment. Have some hearing loss so was discharged.

[SSGMWP]

None. No way. Not until the imposter squatting in the White House now is gone and a real CINC takes his place.

I do tend to agree here... I joined under Reagan, and got out under Clinton.

I agree. Not until this dictator is deposed. I am retired Army, my son just retired from the Army. I served part of the Peanut Farmer years and that was bad. I can't imagine what it is like under Obamao! Go into law enforcement or just take up gun smithing. However I do commend you for wanting to serve, but now is not an ideal time when defense cuts are on the horizon.

[filmtex]

Join the Navy-see the world.

US Navy vet 1971-1975, our son-in-law is currently serving his 15th years as a Sonarman in the Navy and being forced to suffer-stationed in Monterey, Calif. Our son leaves for Navy boot camp in June after his graduation. I couldn't be prouder of them both. As far as the other services go-I think they are all super and have a need for patriots of all kinds. Each service has it's own good and not so good points, but they all are comprised of SERVICEMEN and SERVICEWOMEN. Thank God not all young people believe in taking, but many still believe in giving. There IS hope...

[VMI77]

So, I am pretty sure I'm going to go into the Marines. Going to take the ASVAB test in a couple months after this semester of school, and see what I'll be good in. Also, goto the offices to talk the them and see what they offer for AF,Marines,Army, and Navy.

Good choice. I was going to recommend Marines if you want to be in the infantry.

[anygunanywhere]

US Navy Submarine Service.

There are only two types of watercraft. Submarines and targets.

The only good marine is a submarine.

Way cooler than anything else.

I have been deeper underwater than most people ever venture into. Most kneedeepers - coasties never venture deeper than where we do a flank bell submerged.

Anygunanywhere

[anygunanywhere]

Join the Navy-see the world.

US Navy vet 1971-1975, our son-in-law is currently serving his 15th years as a Sonarman in the Navy and being forced to suffer-stationed in Monterey, Calif. Our son leaves for Navy boot camp in June after his graduation. I couldn't be prouder of them both. As far as the other services go-I think they are all super and have a need for patriots of all kinds. Each service has it's own good and not so good points, but they all are comprised of SERVICEMEN and SERVICEWOMEN. Thank God not all young people believe in taking, but many still believe in giving. There IS hope...

Sonar! I was a submarine sonarman!

Cool.

Anygunanywhere