I like the Army. It all depends on what you want to do. I wouldn't go NG. They will lie to you and tell you that you can go active after a few months. Talk to all the branches you're interested in and find out what jobs they offer.

 

Figure out what you want out of it.

Do you want a career?

Do you want the benefits? (School, training, etc)

Do you just want to travel and have fun?

Do you want something to do, a job for now?

This is a great time to join because they need people.... BAD and with the current job market it's better than a lot of things for someone who doesn't have an education, or wants one. Make sure you read the fine print though, make sure you have guarantees, and start getting yourself in the physical shape needed to get through basic. Can you do 42 push ups, 53 sit ups in two minutes and run 2 miles in 15:53? (Army standards for 17-21)

 

The Navy has been great to me. 1aznTT your dumb this site has not been flagged by the military.

The ultimate decision is in your hands but things to look for are what kind of job do you want? Do you like working outside or inside? Do you want to work on jets? Do you want to live in the desert? Things of that nature. Talk to all the recruiters and see what kind of jobs are available and if they interest you. Then sit and talk to your family and close friends.

The military life isnt for everyone and this is not a job where you can say F-it I quit. I have had to grow up faster than the people I went to high school. At 18 I was on my own while they had family to fall back on.

 

I say marines... i have many close friends in there and all have said they wouldn't have it any other way they love everything about it benefits schooling the works.... but i agree with the ppl in saying that you should really talk about it and base you decision around your family.

 

Im in the air force, and its pretty badass. I've been here in Tokyo for 2 and a half years, you'll have good days and bad days, but it's a good way to not have to worry about the economy sucking in america, cuz they pay you for working and assist you in paying for a house.

But whatever you do is up to you, but active duty isnt too bad at all.

You might have to deal with some bullshit, but all in all the military takes good care of you.

 

I'm going to break it down real easy for you......since I actually spent 20 years in the Navy and now collect a retirement check. Are you pretty stupid and lazy or just one of those? Do you have some semblance of intelligence and work ethic? You are either a leader or follower. Your initiative and ability to stay out of trouble and learn something will take you places in any branch of the service. Recruiters are just that............they want to get you in so I would take some of the things they say or promise with a grain of salt. My opinion is that what you think each career field represents will turn out a lot different than what you pictured in your mind. Fact of military life.

 

Good news about joining the military: The current economic crisis really won't affect you - you'll get a gaurenteed paycheck for the duration of your enlistment.
Bad news about the military: Very often your going to have a dirtbag NCO incharge of you and it's your job to make him look good. Can't quit. Can't have a bad day and say I don't wanna go to work.

You'll grow, you'll travel, you'll do things that your friends would never dream of doing at your age (You'll come home one day on R&R and meetup with your old friends. Few things will change, Johnny will be married to Sally with one kid, but for the most part they're all doing exactly the same thing as when you left). It's a good career choice, espically in times when the economy blows I think. Just remember - Your recruiter needs YOU, you don't need him. If he's being shady, not giving you the answers you want, not giving you the job you want, or what you think is a big enough bonus ... GO FIND ANOTHER RECRUITER!!!!! You say your not sure about which branch you want to join? Go see a recruiter for all of them - and let them know that your shopping around other branches. They'll see that your serious about joining the military and will be trying to get you as much as possible to 'out do' the other branches.

Lastly - and this is from a National Guard solider - DON'T GO FUCKING NATIONAL GUARD! Go active with professional soldiers, you'll be happy you did in the long run.

 

Do you like being told what to do that got beat up in high school?

How do you feel about waking up when everyone else is partying?

How do you feel about being told how to dress and how to have your hair?
.................................................. .................................................. ........

Ok but its not all bad... you have a steady pay check. Your medical and dental are covered... If your looking to make it a life style then you are set in 20 years.... Id say got officer and have the military pay for it... but thats just my .02 cents... and Id go air force over anything.. and im in the navy. I HATE the navy. They are quick to fuck you over to get ahead.

OOO one more BIGG thing ... You maybe looking around the branches.... but DO NOT go to meps untell your ready to sign papers with a branch... because thats what you go there to do.. dont let a recruiter tell you its "just to see what job you will get and you dont have to sign anything" When you lock into the branch you want then go to meps with ONLY that branch... no other one... take it from someone who learned that the hard way.

 

I heard the Coast Guard is slack and u get to catch drug boats and pick up floating cubans. Just dont sign up to be Port Security, those guys sometimes have to go to iraq. If u like boats and hanging out in the caribbean, check it out.

 

"I wanted to see exotic Vietnam, the jewel of Southeast Asia.
I wanted to meet interesting and stimulating people of an ancient culture
and ... kill them. I wanted to be the first kid on my block to get a confirmed kill."