I'm thinking about joining the service

[Griever]

Gidan's decision to join the Army got me thinking about joining the service. I'm 22, not in a relationship, and renting an apartment. So I have no real reason to be tied down to my current lifestyle other than to be a lazy ass and play WoW.

The problem is that I'm not very knowledgeable about the differences between each military branch. I tend to lean towards the Army or the Marines because I feel they will push me to my limits and help me discover things about myself that I don't already know. The Navy has pussy ass uniforms, but I like the idea of being on a boat (atleast for now). I hear the Airforce is pretty mild compared to the other branches. I don't want a cakewalk (I'm sure no branch is a cakewalk, I just don't want to go to the easiest one). I wan't to be tested physically and mentally, and come out a stronger more intelligent man. I want a life changing experience.

I figured the best way to better understand the different branches was to ask you guys. Going to the websites or the recruiters would be dumb. They sugarcoat things and tell you everything you want to hear. I want to hear the good and the bad. The reasons I'd want to join and the reasons I wouldn't want to.

Thanks for any insight you guys can provide.

[Lyion]

Two words: Air Force.

Best quality of life, good training, and its not nearly as military as the other two branches.

I did six years in the Navy, and my Bro in law retired as Master Sgt from the Air Force. My Sisters kid just made Major in the marines. I have two cousins in the Army.

Definitely go Air Force.

You won't be tested physically in any branch unless you go Teams in the Navy or Recon in the Marines.

If you are looking for attitude, go Marines but realize what you are getting into. It's a tough life although a lot love it.

[Phlegm]

My Sisters kid just made Major in the marines.

Christ lyion, how fucking old are you really?

[Naethyn]

My brother joined the marines and became a F-18 fighter pilot top gun ect. Later he became the lead solo for the blue angels. Now he is flying packages for fed ex.

The military isn't for me but it has shows great success for him.

[Ginzburgh]

Yeah and right now is a great time to join.

[Martrae]

Just a FYI...the Navy is/has changing/changed their uniforms, so don't let that influence you.

I agree with Lyion, though.

[Captain Insano]

I REALLY REALLY couldn't stand being on ship.

Give serious thought to NOT getting laid for six months before you join the Navy.

The Marine Corps is tough...It is vastly different than the other services, but it is a great deal of fun.

One big downfall of the Marine Corps is lack of duty stations. None of them are overly exciting.

I would almost recommend the Army so you could go to all of Asia, Europe etc.

The Airforce will train you very well technically, but it is almost like a standard blue collar job. If you are looking to become a badass and try something different than normal life you might consider not choosing them.

[Griever]

What about pay and benefits? I know pay sucks regardless but is it the same for each branch? And which branch will help me the most after I'm out of the service?

[The Kizzy]

Talk to each recruiter and get everything they promise you in writing. Only you know what is most important for you. Good Luck. P.S. Go Air Force

[Gidan]

Saying the pay sucks depends on what your doing now. One of the major benefits I have seen to the army is the job available. I will have a "gauranteed" a specific job before I go in. In the Air Force, I was asked what area I wanted to work in and that they would tell me what my job would be after I was in.

Last I checked, pay was the same for all branches.

[Darcler]

Book inc:

Being as you are single and have no ties anywhere, any branch would be good for you.
But then it depends on what you want to do when you get out or even really while you are in.
If you are technical, the Air Force has the largest selection of tech jobs available. But it wont push you physically (besides pussy PT.....if they even get that). I bet I could do their physical now, at 7 months pregnant It IS a desk job.
Navy...well, you have to ask yourself if you want to be on a boat for months at a time. I've heard it wasnt bad, they kept you busy enough that you didnt notice the dragging time, but as Capt said, if this is important to you, you wont be getting laid for months at a time....unless you like it up the pooper.
Marines. I have absolutely no input on the Marines as I havent dated anyone in it or Gid hasnt researched it. Capt would be best to really ask.
Army. I am liking the Army process so far. It is more physical than the Air Force and maybe the Navy (talking about Boot alone) and the jobs seem to be more geared to blue collar people. Mechanics, ammunition runners. Not tooooo many sit down desk type jobs. That is part of the appeal for us, as Gid doesnt want a desk job behind a computer.

The pay is more than likely the same for all branches. The benefits, as a single guy, are killer.
You would live on base (think dorm room setting), they would pay for that, you eat in the galley (or whatever branch's caf is called) for free, good medical and ok dental insurance, and then they pay you on top of that. You could buy your dream car in about 4 years if you dont blow all your cash on shit. They pay for your moves when you move bases, and pay for your education while your in service.

I think it's a great move on your part to join the military.
Oh, but as an enlisted peon, be prepared to be the officer's bitch during parties and get togethers. You'll serve/cook food and clean up after. Have fun <3

[Griever]

I am currently a contractor for the Department of Defense. I work for a small company which has promised me job security. If the contract expires they will find me a place without any change in pay. I am currently making 35.7k a year. My review is in August, of which will give me enough experience to bump me up to a higher payscale which will allow my boss to stop losing money on me. I will be getting a standard raise on top of that which is about a 3-5% raise. So that is something to look forward to. Its a really laid back job with great people... I have nothing to complain about and they promise advancement.

I love being active which is why I am leaning towards Army. I would prefer a technical job in the networking field. I have no certifications, college or any type of technical experience which is why I think the service would be a smart step for me to take which would allow me to advance my career.

So should I stay with my current job or go with the service?

[Darcler]

Gid or I, whoever posts first, will find you the pay tables for the different army ranks. With no college or anything, you would be going in at the bottom, so I know your pay wont be 35 a year. But there is relatively fast promotions in enlisted, so you would hit that pretty soon.

[Gidan]

Enlisted Rates.

Base Pay
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/mil ... asepay.htm

The charts include base pay, average housing allowance, monetary food allowance, and the "tax advantage" of untaxed allowances. The charts do not include items such as overseas housing allowance, combat pay, overseas COLA (cost of living allowance), enlistment or reenlistment bonuses, or other bonuses and allowances that many servicemembers are entitled to.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/mil ... salary.htm

[Lyion]

I REALLY REALLY couldn't stand being on ship.

Give serious thought to NOT getting laid for six months before you join the Navy.

Please, if he's on a Westpac... Well, suffice to say your boat trips do not really give you much knowledge of the Navy.

Ships are definitely an experience and not necessarily great. But the travel is brilliant.

I'd wager he'd do better in the Navy than Marines, given the lifestyles.

The Marine Corps is tough...It is vastly different than the other services, but it is a great deal of fun.

One big downfall of the Marine Corps is lack of duty stations. None of them are overly exciting.

The Marines really are not that different. Except for the abundance of short little dudes who think they are tough, and the much crappier than other branches lifestyle.

Standard Marine training ain't a big deal. If you want to prove something, go Teams. Sign up for BUDS in Navy basic, and then you'll really prove something to yourself.

I would almost recommend the Army so you could go to all of Asia, Europe etc.

You can go to all of Asia and Europe in the Air Force too. The best duty stations are with the Navy. The best quality of life is with the Air Force. If you are short and have esteem issues, the marines is good for you. If its jail or service, then I'd recommed the Army.

Heck, get a DLI/Linguist guarantee with the marines, and you can have killer duty stationed in Hawaii.

Gidan, you can get a contract for ANY branch of the service. Anyone who doesn't get guaranteed schooling and training, regardless of branch has been sold snake oil by a vapid recruiter.

I had two guaranteed schools and a guaranteed duty station in my Navy contract. They'll generally give you what you ask in any service provided your scores are good.

I'm 37, and my sister is a good bit older than me, in regards to the age question.

[Martrae]

/mourn
I'm older than Lyion for a few more months....

[Darcler]

The reason Gid brought up the training *e* could recieve, is because he wants to fly, and naturally you would think of Air Force, right? Well he is WELL beyond the age limit for pilot training so that closed of jobs for him.
With the Army, he is getting his chance to fly and they are training him to do such.

[Lyion]

Helicopter Pilot? That would be a good reason to go Army.

Splain please Gidarcler

[Martrae]

My cousin trains helicopter pilots for the Army....not sure which base he's at though.

[Gidan]

It looks like I will be going in as an Apache Mechanic, and from OCS going to flight school to be an Apache Pilot.

Every other branch requires a pilot licence to really have any shot except the army. It was one of the deciding factors for the Army. The Airforce would more then likely stick me in some dataceter which is exactly what I am trying to get away from.

[Darcler]

That's his choice, yes. He just want to fly what he can, I'm not sure he's that picky at this point lol.
Being as he's an overachiever, he's doing all those special little bonus things too, i.e. jump school, he wants to do ranger training, but....yeah right. He hates being dirty lol.

Dear Gid,
Please come home quickly. I think there is something stuck in our chimney. There are thumping noises coming from it randomly. I'm scared. And Bunny wont stay off the ledge and Im afraid that whatever's in there will fly out and attach itself to her face.
Love
Darc

[Evermore]

If you are technical, the Air Force has the largest selection of tech jobs available. But it wont push you physically (besides pussy PT.....if they even get that). I bet I could do their physical now, at 7 months pregnant It IS a desk job.

Not totally true. The AF has combat positions that are quite demanding.

[Spazz]

Do you want to die for someone elses ideas, money or cuz some jerkoff in another country wants to compare dick size ? ? The wars on right now and its looking like more war could come at any time. You could learn skills and advance your career but you could also get into a lot more than your bargining for. Im not putting down the military either just dont wanna see kids my age get used by those who RULE us and get hurt.

[Darcler]

Hey dingleberry, when your balls drop, then you may come back to this thread.
Every single person who signs up for the military knows what they are signing in to. I know there is a VERY real chance of Gid going to Iraq shortly after OCS and training. I dont like it, but I would be very proud of him for going. He knows this danger as does anyone with access to a television, radio or newspaper. These "kids" arent signing up with a blind eye.

Ever, I know there are combat postiotion with AF, but it isnt really the first thing to come to mind when you think Air Force, ya know?

[Agrajag]

But it wont push you physically (besides pussy PT.....if they even get that). I bet I could do their physical now, at 7 months pregnant It IS a desk job.

I am Air Force and for PT my flight runs 3 miles M, W, Fri. On Tu and Thu we go to the gym for an hour and a half. Pussy PT my ass.

Oh, but as an enlisted peon, be prepared to be the officer's bitch during parties and get togethers. You'll serve/cook food and clean up after. Have fun <3

I am only an E-5 (Staff Sergeant) and I end up telling the butter bars what to do most of the time. Its mostly the officer's wives that do all the bitch work!

But for the most part AF is a lot more laid back than any of the other armed services. Lots of time to go to school and plenty of off time unless you get stuck on AEF. Then you're gone for 6 months a year.