Joining The Army

tbclrk · September 23, 2009

So lately i have ben pondering joining a part of the military. I have ben talking with my friends army recruiter lately and it's looking they they have the most job choices i would be interested in. Alot of people say no go Air Force, shorter tours blah blah blah, or go Marines they are bad a$$. I don' really want to go Marines. I have not talked to an Air Force Recruiter yet but i plan on it. ANYWAYS, i was looking for someone who was recently ben in or currently is in the army and their experiences. I am not looking for answers like my friends brother told me he heard this. i would rather have someone who actually had experience or a close friend/relative had experience.

Thanks guys

fort.texas · September 23, 2009

So lately i have ben pondering joining a part of the military. I have ben talking with my friends army recruiter lately and it's looking they they have the most job choices i would be interested in. Alot of people say no go Air Force, shorter tours blah blah blah, or go Marines they are bad a$$. I don' really want to go Marines. I have not talked to an Air Force Recruiter yet but i plan on it. ANYWAYS, i was looking for someone who was recently ben in or currently is in the army and their experiences. I am not looking for answers like my friends brother told me he heard this. i would rather have someone who actually had experience or a close friend/relative had experience.
Thanks guys

have you looked into the Coast Guard? pretty good stuff, check us out at uscg.mil, gocoastguard.com, or email me bud!

Zak_LScrew · September 23, 2009

I would go Army Reserve or National Gaurd, that way you get to drive your truck and go to school and not let it sit there because your overseas or training somewhere. I did 4 years active and 4 years reserve in the ARMY and was honorably discharged in 1997. I doubt much has changed besides technology, the same principles apply uncle sam says jump and you say "how high?" Good luck with what ever you decide and I(we) stand behind you for support and Thank you for serving our wonderful country. GO USA!!!

tbclrk · September 23, 2009

I would go Army Reserve or National Gaurd, that way you get to drive your truck and go to school and not let it sit there because your overseas or training somewhere. I did 4 years active and 4 years reserve in the ARMY and was honorably discharged in 1997. I doubt much has changed besides technology, the same principles apply uncle sam says jump and you say "how high?" Good luck with what ever you decide and I(we) stand behind you for support and Thank you for serving our wonderful country. GO USA!!!

Was your experience good? Terrible? LOL

And to fort.texas, i will go check out the website and email you with questions. Thanks!

firstrock · September 23, 2009

I spent 7 years in the Army, 1994-2001. I was an airborne infantryman and loved EVERY minute of it! Spent 4 years at Ft. Bragg and 3 years in the 2nd Infantry Division forwardly deployed in South Korea. If you are looking for adventure, join the infantry. If you want a skill that you can use when you get out look at the AF or USN first. The Army has the quickest promotions and best pay but you'll earn every penny if you go combat arms.

There is something to be said about the camaraderie formed with your brothers in times of great turmoil and stress. Being in the Infantry means enduring troubling times with men who are worthy!

John

Zak_LScrew · September 23, 2009

I agree the trust you build and comraderie with your fellow soldiers is like nothing in this world. Especially when you serve together during war!!! Yes it is well worth it, but like anything you get out what you put into it. You will be challenged in every facit of your life and it will change you and give you the tools you need to succeed.

I am now a Senior Electrical Design Engineer and blessed with a wonderfull wife and 3 kids... Go for it, and don't look back.

tbclrk · September 23, 2009

Thanks guys, the only thing that is really holding me back from just going and enlisting is the fact of leaving my family and friends. i know i will still be able to see them with my vacation. I am like 80% wanting to go the other 20% is leaving everyone thats holding me back. I am signed up to take the ASVAB and see if i qualify for any jobs i will like and hopefully that will go the way i want it and push me along towards enlisting.

limpalong · September 23, 2009

Our son is with the Army (82nd Airborne) stationed at Ft. Bragg. It has been a great opportunity for him and he is the first one to admit how many benefits he has. He made rank fairly quickly, has a couple Army Commendation Medals, won Soldier of the Month awards (plural) while in Iraq, and is planning on making the Army a career. Or course, he is the first to tell you the Army is what YOU make of it.

Very few jobs, today, offer full medical and dental and vision benefits... for life. Few jobs offer full college tuition and, in some cases, will even send you to college while on active duty. Few jobs have the retirement benefits. And, TODAY, few jobs have the job security of the military. Few jobs offer the "opportunity" to jump out of perfectly good airplanes!!!!!! (He loves to jump... is extremely proud of the 82nd... and, recently, got to jump with the Golden Knights Parachute Team.)

If you do consider the Army, look at MOS choices (jobs) that will get you trained for a career you can use on the outside. With the early retirement benefits... or if you just decide to separate early... get the training to further a career. Medical.... culinary.... criminal justice... there are some excellent career paths available. And, once you are through basic and AIT, look long and hard at volunteering for some of the more elite branches such as Airborne, Ranger, Special Ops, etc.

Good luck on whatever decision you make. If you do decide to make a career out of the U.S. military.... defending our freedoms... I thank you in advance for your service!!!

glacked · September 23, 2009

I got out in '94. Did my entire time at Ft. Bragg. I was an airborne indirect fire infantryman - mortars. Not only is it one of the most positive things I've ever done, it was also a huge kick in the nuts. As for leaving family and friends, that's tough but everyone survives. As for leaving that special someone, don't worry. Someone else will slide right into your spot before the seat next to her is cold. All in all, no worries any way you look at it.

I always believed it was a job you could never pick. It picks you. If you hear the call, answer it. If you don't, press on and good luck in life. As for job choices, I always felt there was only one way to enter the military - combat arms. You could always branch out from there.

There were times I hated it. Most of the time I loved it. It's a tough job, so don't let anyone tell you it isn't. And no matter what anyone tells you about what to expect, they will never come close to what it will be for you. Expect a fundamental change in who you are - for the better.

Good luck.

cerbomark · September 23, 2009

So lately i have ben pondering joining a part of the military. I have ben talking with my friends army recruiter lately and it's looking they they have the most job choices i would be interested in. Alot of people say no go Air Force, shorter tours blah blah blah, or go Marines they are bad a$$. I don' really want to go Marines. I have not talked to an Air Force Recruiter yet but i plan on it. ANYWAYS, i was looking for someone who was recently ben in or currently is in the army and their experiences. I am not looking for answers like my friends brother told me he heard this. i would rather have someone who actually had experience or a close friend/relative had experience.
Thanks guys

have you looked into the Coast Guard? pretty good stuff, check us out at uscg.mil, gocoastguard.com, or email me bud!

Don t pass looking into this.

Huntervh · September 23, 2009

What kind of job or skill set are you looking for?

I spent 8 years in the Army, 5 years stationed in Germany. Loved it, had a great job, had a chance to travel most of Europe. Then I ended up in Ft. Bragg for the last 2 years and found out the Military was not for me.

While in the Army I gained a great skill, was able to take college courses on the Army's dime. After I left the military I still was able to go to College on their dime.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of skill sets in the Army and Air Force, find the top 3 things you are most interested in and go from there.

Just a warning, just cause you go to school for a certain skill set, does not mean the Army will place you in a job with that skill. For instance I knew a computer operator that ended up sorting reports the whole time he was in Germany, he never touched a computer.

Good Luck in your search!

fort.texas · September 23, 2009

Ive been in the USCG for six years and love it, i have another 3 years left on my enlistment and plan on staying in, I love my job, theres plenty of options to go with, dont just zone in on one branch, look at them all, see what fits you best, every service is different, look at he Rating and the Job as a whole, then ask questions about it, theres the military.com website and boards you can browse as well as fredsplace.org for more info... Just trying to point a fellow GM lover in right direction.

joetart · September 24, 2009

I've been in the Navy for 9 years now, I don't think it matters which branch you choose it is what you make of it. You start off by doing EXACTLY what you are told to the best of your ability. You shine your boots, keep your hair cuts sat, and a sharp uniform and learn your job and you make rank as fast as you can. Do your research and try to pick a job before you sign your life away(I chose the Nuclear Field), Look at what type of careers you can have on the civilian side of things if you decide the military is not for you and if you can get a chance for college take it!!!

The military has a ton of benefits and it is definitely what you make of your time in it. Good luck and if you got questions about the Navy let me know.

tbclrk · September 24, 2009

Wow thanks a lot guys. You have all ben very helpful. Like i said I'm gonna go check other branches out and I just added a couple more to the list with what you guy have said. Thanks again.

Fobroader · September 24, 2009

I dont know about the US, but I was in the Canadian air force. I still think that the air force or navy is the way to go, the army is better if you like tours and getting the actual "army experience, but you wont have a lot of options once you get out if all you are is a good ol' fashioned grunt. I did aircraft systems technician on the C-130 and now am making awesome money in the civilian world. Think about your future too man, while it might look awesome at 18 to jump out of airplanes and sleep in the forest....think when your 40, with a wife and kids. Research what you want to do very well!