since i was a little kid running around in camo i've always had a passion for all things military. i consider myself to be patriotic and i always wondered if i'd end up in the military...and it appears as if that's the route i'm choosing to take. i'm excited about it and i think it will be fulfilling and bring me a sense of pride in what i do. the problem is...which branch do i try to join? dad is 30+ years in the army...many people tell me the air force is the route to go...yet the navy is also pretty intriguing. about the only ones i've ruled out are the marine corps and the coast guard. i'm not sure why. i've now talked to recruiters for the army,air force,and navy. thus far, the army recruiter has been the most helpful...the navy has been second most...and the air force one has been basically non-existent. so i'm throwing this out here for opinions...and i'm conducting a poll....so lemme know what y'all think. good times.
12 comments:
Just tell me where to sign and i am in
You probably know what my vote is. Sorry about the Spurs. Are you having a rough day? At least you have Chrissy to help cheer you up:)
Here is my opinion for what it is worth. I would rule out the Navy. Your father would know more about this than I do. But this is what I have read. It is the hardest serice on marriages and has the highest rate of awol. The problem is that even during peace time you are on a war time schedule and away from home a lot.
I would go Air Force if it was me. I tried to get in at one time. But times back then were similar to now, bad economy so it was harder to get in and especially in the Air Force. They can be more selective.
I don't know much about the Coast Guard other than my father-in-law was in it for a few years.
Do you think the helpfulness of the recruiter may be inversely related to the desirability of the branch? The Air Force isn't as helpful because they don't need to be. The Army is helpful because they are at the point where if you can walk upright they will take you. That has probably also changed in the last six months.
I assume you are trying to get in as an officer.
Here's my 2 cents (though it's probably worth a little more like 12 cents now that we're getting married): The shorter the deployments the better. Clearly, you and I have already talked about this into the wee hours of the night, and you know that my ultimate stance is that I want you to be happy. But the Air Force appears to be the most friendly option. Stinks that they've been so ridiculously difficult to get a hold of, but I agree with Red... that probably is a sign that they are the better choice. Plus, Papa Oliverson (or should I say Colonel) recommended Air Force.
And may I just say, little tid-bits like 'hardest on marriage' and 'highest rate of awol' aren't so much what I'm lookin' for.
i'm definitely of the opinion that the air force has been most difficult because they don't really have a need right now...and it would be even more competitive trying to get in with the economy like it is. but yes i'm looking at officer programs and chrissy i'll give ya even more than 12 cents. ;)
Actually, the Army doesn't take just anyone anymore(not sure they ever did). I agree that the Navy is more difficult for a family man, because even if you're not deployed you're out on a ship a lot of the time.
I vote Air Force, mostly because it's all that I know and from what I hear it is the most family-oriented. Ili says to do AF reserve, because it is a better all around deal if you get in. I guess you should google it to find out more since they're not really getting back to you
I say whatever Chrissy says you'd better go with. Oh, and if you learn that early you'll live happily ever after!
PS LOVE the announcement!
Yep, Air Force. Good luck figuring everything out. I'm sure you'll make the right choice. I love the announcement, by the way. :)
I have no military background but I hear the Air Force is a good choice and the fact that your future bride thinks so. I can really see you in the military.
I don't think it is accurate to assume that any branch is more family friendly than another. All branches have invested lots of time and money into family readiness and family support. Strong families make stronger soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines and therefore a stronger force overall.
I also wouldn't base your decision on a recruiter's desire to work with you. That could very well be unique to the quality of that recruiting office or that individual recruiter. Another person in another region may have a completely different experience with recruiters. Every recruiter still has their quota, regardless of the economy.
I am biased to the Army, considering I'm in it. I think if you are going to place a significant portion of your decision on family life as opposed to the unique mission each branch has, you should take another look at the Coast Guard. You will always be stationed (for the most part) in the United States. You will always live with your family and you will always live in a port city. You will still be military, but you will fall under the Department of Homeland Security which affords a whole new realm of training, funding and unique domestic based national defense missions. From what I understand, since Coast Guard has moved from Treasury to Homeland Security, Coast Guard members are now also considered Federal Law Enforcement officers.
I think the observations of the Navy are probably accurate. I am sure my Grandfather would be willing to discuss his experiences in the Navy with you (he's a retired Commander). He would probably tell you to go Coast Guard for the reasons I just mentioned.
The National Guard is also something I would consider. The National Guard component has both Army and Air Force. Your Commander in Chief is the Governor of your State. You have a joint role as a domestic security and support force for natural disasters, homeland security and also deploy wherever needed in the world in support of federal missions. When on federal missions, your unit is attached to either the Army or the Air Force (maintaining your Guard unit integrity in the process unlike most reserve units) and your Commander in Chief becomes the President of the US until you return.
Most people don't realize, but there are many AGR (Active Guard Reserve) opportunities. AGR soldiers and airmen are active duty guard personnel who work full time in support of the part time force. This is good because you can live in a specific geographic area in your state for most of your career. You will still be in a reserve status Guard unit for one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer, and you have a separate full time Guard job the rest of the time with the same benifits any other active duty military person would have.
No matter which branch, I am sure you will find your experience challenging and equally fulfilling for both you and your family.
My e-mail is mark.p.miner@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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