Well, 1 year until I graduate

[SilenceDoGood]

So I'm entering my last year of college (hopefully, might have to tac on an extra semester for the good times i had freshman year), and I made up mind sometime ago that upon graduating I was going to enlist in one of the armed forces.

How do you pick which branch you want to be in? I've limited it down to USMC, USCG, or the Army. I know there is no real science to it, but what are some things I should perhaps think about in choosing?

I appreciate it,

SDG

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[David in FL]

Ask yourself, what is it that you want to get out of your time in the service....... Do you want additional technical training, learn to fly, see the world, fight in a war, develop leadership skills, etc.....

Once you've answered that for yourself, go talk to the officer recruitment team for each branch and see what they have to say. Choose the branch that best meets your wants and needs.

Good luck.

[Paco]

I can't tell you how to pick which branch, but I can tell you why I chose Army, in no particular order.

1. Army JROTC, kind of started off with that influance
2. At the time I thought there were more choices for jobs (my goal was Airborne, then Ranger, then SF; but that didn't work out)
3. Dress Uniform looked better to me, yes that was a real reason however small and petty it is.
4. Rangers just seemed cool to me, of the ones I actually knew.
5. I knew more about the Army than the other branches, better Army recruiters at my H.S. than the other branches.

If I had it to do over again, I would still go Army but maybe not Combat Engineer; probably would go Infantry. Plus My ASVAB scores weren't high enough for much in the Air Force or Navy, I was scored as a grunt from day one.

[jarhead79]

There's really only one answer to that question. Especially between those three.

USMC, BABY!!!!

You'll take away pride that will last a lifetime and is only understood by other Marines.

[PatrioticRick]

I had an Uncle that was gunner and grew up with him in his cracker jack uniform and thought it was cool, so I joined the Navy after High School. Really liked it, until I got married, then it wasn't good for a married guy, so I got out and joined the Air Force and it was a stable environment for raising a family, but I felt anchored or dry docked. The Navy was great for traveling and the Air Force was great for staying put. (11 years in one place)

[buckeye .45]

If you have to ask what makes the Marines different and aren't drawn by the dress blues and ethos/mystique, you might need to do more reading. Take a look at what each services specialties is, and choose the one that you like best.

[sniper58]

As stated before, it depends on what you want. My youngest will graduate in about 18 months and wants to go into the Navy for it's IT unit. What is your major? What are your interests? Do you want a solo career or do you want to double-dip in a second career (post discharge)? Do you want the training, benefits and the resume entry? Whatever MOS you want, investigate which branch offers that MOS and then get it in writing. In most branches of the service, once you choose an MOS you can't change until your hitch is up (unless that specific MOS is eliminated).

[Roadrunner]

I'd just like to start by saying thank you. I appreciate your willingness to serve. No one can really tell you which branch to join, you need to look into each one and see which fits YOUR personality and goals the best. Try to talk to members of each branch and find out what they like and hate about what they do. The Army wasn't for me, so a few months ago I joined the Air Force and haven't looked back. I'm too much of an independent thinker to get along well in the Army, plus I seemed to have a knack for ending up with really badly run commands. Since you have time and hopefully a more mature perspective than I did at 17 when I made my choice, shop around. Read histories and war stories of each branch, talk to service members, visit bases. It's a big commitment, know what you're signing up for. Then when you go to the recruiter, DO NOT let him/her push you around! They need you more than you need them, don't forget that. If they start jerking you around, go over their head and tell their commander you want to work with a different recruiter. Do it again if you have to. Doing so will not make them unwilling to recruit you, it will just prevent them from giving you a raw deal. I speak from experience. Feel free to PM if you want to know more about the Army or Air Force.

[bluelineman]

I was USAF for 8 years. I worked with the Army Airborne Infantry (1/501st at Ft Richardson, AK) for 2 of those years. Here's my $.02

My Dad was career USAF, so I knew quite a bit about it. I knew that the food & the housing was the best, although promotions probably slower than the other branches. I chose USAF because they tend to use you more for your mind than your body. I'm not trying to flame the other services in any way, just that each has their own mission. And the Army's mission involves A LOT of running.

What are you looking at getting out of the military? What kind of job are you interested in? Do you want a job that translates into a civilian career? I take it you're going to be an officer?

Remember, recruiters are like car salesmen (some of them). If it's not in writing, it ain't gonna happen. Good luck in your decision. Let us know if you've got any more questions, and keep us posted.

[SilenceDoGood]

The only reason I'm not 100% USMC is b/c i'm color dumb. i.e. I can see red and green (and even distinguish them from other colors and point them out) but can't see the "hidden" numbers in the dots at MEPS. Army allows for a little more flexibility because they have more MOS's to choose from.

I appreciate the advice everyone. Keep it coming.

[buckeye .45]

What MOS do you want? I assume you plan on going officer?

[retsupt99]

Let's jump ahead 6 years and you're out...

Now let's scan the newspapers for jobs!

Wanted: Torpedo Repair, must be able to work in tight waterproof spaces. Must have large weapons experience. $7.00 per hour.

Wanted: Tank Mechanic, experience needed. $8.50 per hour.

Wanted: Security Man, must be able to shoot long distances. Should be able to sleep in mud and rain. $6.50 per hour.

Wanted: Computer Design, must have USAF computer experience. Should be able to design programs for detailed and complex operations. Starting salary: $50,000

Wanted: Air Traffic Control, must have USAF experience. Must be willing to start at $80,000 per year.

Wanted: Airline Pilot, must have large plane (USAF Bomber) experience. Starting salary: $60,000 per year.

The choice is yours...

Stay armed...think ahead...stay safe!

[rodc13]

Just go for the branch where you get to jump out of airplanes and blow stuff up.

[retsupt99]

Just go for the branch where you get to jump out of airplanes and blow stuff up.

The AirForce, when it absolutely has to be destroyed overnight!

Stay armed...keep a safe distance...stay safe!

[bluelineman]

The only reason I'm not 100% USMC is b/c i'm color dumb. i.e. I can see red and green (and even distinguish them from other colors and point them out) but can't see the "hidden" numbers in the dots at MEPS.

I am too. The USAF seemed to keep me employed for 8 years.

Read the post by retsupt99. Think - quality of life.