Thinking about joining the military..

I've been thinking about joining the military (Either the army or the marines) mainly as a back up if I don't get into the college I want to go to. However, I just have a few questions about joining the military as a full time career (And I would like to apologize for my lack of knowledge beforehand, and I don't mean to offend anyone in any way). I've been interested in the army and marines on and off for the past four years and I would like to serve my country as a back up and just to show that it doesn't matter if I am a first generation born in the US, I can still fight for my country.

Would it be better to go and get a college degree then go to the military? I've heard that the job outlook isn't very good if you just go straight into the military. Except if you want to become a police officer, then it'll be easier to get the job.

What's the pay like? (I'm not going into for the pay, but, my parents are strongly against me going, and coming from a medical family, money does speak to them) I know it won't be hundreds and thousands of dollars after doing four-six years or so.

How hard is the training/boot camp for the army and marines? I'm all for getting in shape and everything, but, I've heard it's really hard and many people give up during this time.

What's the experience like? By that I mean, just the traveling and lifestyle, and basically the average day for someone.

I've also heard it's important to make friends, but also heard it's hard to make them while in the military, is this true?

Where are some of the places you can get stationed? I've heard that sometimes people get stationed in Japan, South Korea, etc.

If you're reading this and you did join/are still in the military, how long did you go far and how did you like your experience? What field/career are you currently in now?

And I've also heard if you join the marine corps, you don't really get sent overseas. You go to college normally while you are in boot camp, and I was wondering, how exactly does that work?

Thanks for taking the time to look over/answer my questions and I just want to re-emphasize I don't mean to offend anyone by posting this and I'm sorry if I have.

Talk to gsarchie, he recently had a "day in the life of a soldier" thread. It was very informative, i really enjoyed it from a soldiers perspective. Without all the media's bias thrown in there.

There are also a ton of other vets/active soldiers/ reserve on here! :salute:

EDIT: the only thing is if you join then it may delay you getting your first snake a little longer lol

I am currently in the Army. It all just depends what you want to do, but if you are looking at it as a stepping stone to a future career I would definately go to college first. I did not and I am very happy, but that is more of an exception to the rule because of my job. If you go to college first you can do an ROTC program and get paid while you attend school. As far as how much you will make, just look up US ARMY pay scales. It is all over the internet. It will break it down for you by time in service and rank. It is real easy to figure out. I have had a lot of great experiences and had the opportunity to travel all over the world and do all kinds of things that I would have never done otherwise. You just have to make sure it is something you REALLY want. If you don't really want to be here it can be just the opposite and easily be the worst experience of your life. I have had a lot of good times and also my fair share of bad ones, but in the end I intend to stick it out and do at least 20 years so I can retire. Hope that helps a little.

I'm a army vet and let me tell you south Korea was a boast and you don't make friends in the army you find brothers I know that sounds corny and cloche but it is true and I went into the army before I went into college and although it wasn't bad I think it is different. I say go for it but then again I believe amevery American should serve their country if able and basic is 80% mental and 20% physical also when in basic and AIT volunteer for every.once u are done with them.never volunteer again. Best advice I was ever given before I joined

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Originally Posted by sflanick

also when in basic and AIT volunteer for every.once u are done with them.never volunteer again. Best advice I was ever given before I joined

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Whats this part say?

There are lots of military folks here- hopefully they will chime in, as I have zero experience.

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speaking from an air force perspective...if you enjoy being away from your family and friends for 15 months at a time every year, go for it. (army, anyways).

Ok I can answer some questions. I am currently stationed at Fort Carson Co. I am a 91 F which is Small Arms Repair. I am a Specialist which is E4. The Army life isn't for everyone. I will admit that right off. Deployments can be rough. I would suggest getting a degree first then joining up. This does two things for you. First off you can stick with what you know and a job you know you like doing. Second you can join up and be an officer. Officers obviously make more money then the enlisted side does. I just finished up a deployment in Kandahar Afghanistan. Basic Training isn't hard anymore like it was in let's say the Vietnam era. But it can still be demanding. Friends are a very important part of the military lifestyle. All you normally have around you is your comrades. They are your family. If you want to know about pay, just Google military pay scale. Friends are sometimes hard to keep because you are constantly moving from post to post. If you have more questions send me a personal message and I'll throw you my email.


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As a former soldier and iraq vet i would agree mostly with darthkevin. I dont know if i would do colledge first becouse i think the guards have pretty decent programs and will mostly pay for ur school while u are enlisted. u can serve your country and not have to jump from base to base. I did both guards and active duty army and grew up on a marine corps base as a child. Basic training and AIT (advanced individual training) arent all that bad. Its rough mentally and physically but its meant to be. I would encourage everyone to serve thier country. During peace time. We lost 2 men overseas but 5 more after we returned home to suicide. Im not trying to scare u out of joining or even bad mouth the military. im simply trying to show u the possible hardships that come with a decision like this. i hope u take what the other vets and active soldiers tell u on here becouse thier words will tell u much more than a brochure at the recruitment office. good luck.

A lot of your questions has answered already but I'll throw my $0.02 in as well.

1) You say that the military is a back up. My honest assessment based on this comment and the rest of your post is that you wouldn't like the military, but I could be wrong.

2) I don't believe that the Marines can guarantee you a specific job, but I could be wrong. I do know that Army can guarantee you any job that you qualify for. If you want a job and you go to MEPS to enlist and they say that they don't have that MOS available then tell them thanks and that you'll come back when they have it. I will say that it is exceptionally important to be in the job you want or you will be far more likely to hate your job.

3) Don't expect to make more than $2K a month for your first few years. This might not seem like much but keep in mind that you will not be buying groceries (you will eat at the DFAC), paying for rent (you will live in the barracks) or paying for health insurance. You also won't have to pay for utilities. It will essentially all be disposable income.

4) You can be stationed anywhere in the world. All over the US, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Korea, Germany. Aside from that some very hard places to get are Italy and Japan. You can also deploy to Africa, I was supposed to be going there after I got home from here but now it looks like I'll be going to somewhere in Europe.

5) You can really hate some of the people that you work with but in my experience, the friends that I've made in the Army are closer than any friends that I've made in the civilian world.

6) Whoever told you that Marines don't deploy and that you can go to college while at boot camp is lying to your face. Either that or they are incredibly mis-informed. You will eat, sleep and breathe the Amry or Marine Corps every second of every day that you spend in Basic/Boot and AIT.

7) I was a reservist for 8 years before going active duty upon graduating from KU (Kansas) and finishing ROTC, and I have now been active duty for over 2 years. I was in supply, a 92A, and am now a field artillery officer, or a 13A, and am a 1LT. I love what I do, although I still have moments where I wish that I had gone pilot or infantry. I can chock pretty much every aspect of my present adult life up to being brought about as a result of my time in the Army, to include both good and bad experiences. That said, I have no true regrets, even if I would do some things differently.

I hope that helps and good luck with whatever you do. Go ARMY! And to the individual who in a round-about way talked a little smack on the Army, iPanda, check yourself. 15 months a year? Not quite. Also, the active duty side of the house (Army-wise) has moved to 9 month tours with no R&R, and my 9 month tour is only going to end up being a total of 8. Yes, I'll deploy again in a year, but your comment was a bit off. What do you do that as an airman you are deployed for more than 3 months at a time? You must be guard or reserves, yes? Otherwise you'd have to be a JTAC assigned to an Army unit doing a yearlong deployment.

The military is what you make of it. Good attitude = good time, bad attitutde = bad time...

-USMC (Retired) :salute:

Formerly Marines HOOORAAAHHH!!!! . . . Sorry. I didnt want to get out but I screwed myself and now I am a civilian... Oh well! Anyway the marines can guarantee you any job you qualify for as long as it is not full, however it is not unheard of that a marine can be attached to an infantry unit this usually is dependent on the MOS but is not limited to combat related MOS... My job was in the Logistics field but I was also attached to what we called Shotgun 1 as the turret gunner in case sh** hit the fan... Basic was not as hard as it looks although it is challenging and is 13 weeks long but it is a good time! They do scream and yell and they try to be scary and at first it is but after the first couple weeks you quickly adapt and become disciplined however they will always find something to yell about because not every recruit is gonna be on the same page... The pay is not wonderful but it takes care of you. Friends were easy to make in my case as I had many and they are the best friends you will ever have . . . IMO. Benefits cant be beaten. I say go for it. Its a great idea for anybody to join. I got to see Thailand and Malaysia and went to Africa too! Its a good time!

The Marine Corps can guarantee you an MOS as long as its open when you sign and your ASVAB score is high enough for it. There's a good amount of them that require at least a secret clearance so felons need not apply as well.

And yeah who ever said you can go to school while in recruit training (Basic is some army BS term...) is flat out wrong. Other than going to school while you're off duty the only way you can get paid to do it is though like the MECEP program, which you typically have to be an NCO to even apply, which puts it well into your military carreer, not at the beggining.

As far as joining the military as a "Back up" plan, you might want to re-evaluate. Once you ship your life becomes Marine Corps (or army or navy or airforce) 24/7/365.

And as far as difficulty, I can't speak for the other branches but if you join the Marine Corps it will be the toughest thing you've ever done. Recruit training is 13 weeks of pure pain basically, and the standards you have to uphold only get tougher once you get out into the FMF. I hear they've changed some standards and procedures in boot camp, and its supposed to be mellowed out a little, but most drill instructors would probably ignore them in the interest of making better Marines.

Don't let me discourage you though, if you decide to enlist it will be something you'll be proud of your entire life.

@Mike: haha, it probably will.
@Skylar: Thanks for the info! I'll look it up! And wouldn't you need more than twenty years to retire? Or so says my dad, but, he's a pretty simple minded character.
@Sflanick: Thanks for the reply! I remember getting told something similar by an army recruitment officer at my school.
@darthkevin: Thanks for the info! And how exactly do you become an officer first? Also, I was planning to do something with biology/zoology so I don't think the army/marines could help me in anyway with that aspect haha.
@Bill T: Thanks for the info! Yeah, the brochures have never really answered any of my questions haha. How do you join guards? Are you able to go to a university while in it then transfer to the army once out?
@gsarchie: Thanks for the reply! And you're right, I might not like the military, but, I'd like to learn more about it. Do you think they have any biology related fields? Or is it mainly law enforcement types of jobs? Can you pick where you get stationed, or do you just get sent there? And thanks, your post was informative!
@Andybill: Thanks for the info! I've asked this around to some of my friends and family, but, what exactly is the benefits for joining the army/marines? I know health care is free and such, but, is there anything else?
@devildog_dk: Thanks for the info! Some of the kids in my school have taken the ASVAB, but as a senior in high school, I'm wondering if it's too late to take it. I can join ROTC next semester in my school, but, I doubt that will help anything.

Anyone can answer the questions that are directed at the other users, and I'd love to hear everyone's own input.
I'd really like to give it a shot, but, after my dad lecturing me about it, I don't want to go in for twenty years or so and then come back and be 'stuck' without a way to get a job. But, after I read the replies, it seems pretty (don't want to say easy since I don't really know how it is) simple to get a job.
I'm still curious to see if you would make enough money to retire after twenty years in service and it still seems to peak my interest a bit. And the guards is a bit interesting to me, as a user has said that you can join it and while in college and what they actually do. I do have a few military people in my family, my uncle was in the navy and my cousin was a guard, but, I don't think they know enough about it so asking them won't really be much of a help. And I've also heard you're sometimes able to keep pets, is this true? lol.

Thanks again for all the replies, I really appreciate it!

I've been in the military for 6 years man and I'd u want to talk man and ask all the questions u want feel free to message me and I'll give u my number and u can call. I will tell u not to listen to recruiters they lie their asses off lol


1.0 normal bp- Blitz
1.0 Nicaraguan boa- Gavin
0.1 Red Tail Boa- Tara

As far as retirement stands right now, at 20 years you are eleigible to retire. You will be paid 50% of the average base pay for your last 3 years. For every year you go past 20 you add an additional 2.5% to your pay. So if you stay for 30 years you woild collect 75%. Also you keep full benefits as well as your px and commisary privelages which means you can shop on post tax free. You can take any major you want in college. I am in special forces and my last team leader, which is a Captain or O-3, was a history major. The military is obviously not helping his future in that field, but you can have pretty much any degree to become an officer.

Ill just throw my opinion about the military in. Im a SGT in the Army, 11b (infantry) and have one Afghanistan deployment under my belt. Someone already said it, but ill repeat it, the military is not for everyone, I am a perfect example. Dont get me wrong, it has done a lot of great things for me and I do not regret any of it but it can be a hard life. I am quite excited for the day I ETS. One thing I have to say about the Army, especially thinking of it in career terms, you will likely not find better benefits anywhere and you cant complain about that retirement. You have a few options on how to do it, goto college, come in as an officer, a few have recomended this here. Not a bad way, but the best officers I have ever worked with were enlisted first. That will honestly all be personal preference. Do you want to be a soldier and the lead and train soldiers, or do you want to make decisions? One thing to really think about with the Army is its a lifestyle, not a job, and it affects your entire family. Feel free to PM me with specific questions if you have any.

I was in the ARMY, stationed out of Ft. Campbell, KY. I was a ALSE technician and a rescue swimmer for search and rescue. I was assigned to HHC 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Reg.)

Couple things I would like to note. I went to college while I was in the ARMY. They have great programs out there and if you put your mind to it, you can get a degree while you are in.

I wouldn't join if I had a family. I have seen too much happen to ever worry about a family. I think being a soldier is definitely a singles game. I would watch guys deploy and the next night their wives were at the bar missing their wedding ring trying to pick up guys. Its sad.

I also would not own pets while I was in the military. I moved around too much and traveled a lot.

As far as basic goes, I didnt think it was that hard. Just be prepared to do a lot of push ups and running. I LOVED Airborne and Air assault school but 20 mile ruck marches were the worst. I have scarring on my feet from completing a 20 mile ruck march and taking my boots off just to pour the blood out.

All in all the military was a great move for me. I enjoyed the friends/brothers I made while I was in. I got to see a lot of places and I think it made me a better person. It is a personal decision however, that you alone must make, to decide to dedicate your life to the military.

Wish you all the best.

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Originally Posted by eatgoodfood

Ill just throw my opinion about the military in. Im a SGT in the Army, 11b (infantry) and have one Afghanistan deployment under my belt. Someone already said it, but ill repeat it, the military is not for everyone, I am a perfect example. Dont get me wrong, it has done a lot of great things for me and I do not regret any of it but it can be a hard life. I am quite excited for the day I ETS. One thing I have to say about the Army, especially thinking of it in career terms, you will likely not find better benefits anywhere and you cant complain about that retirement. You have a few options on how to do it, goto college, come in as an officer, a few have recomended this here. Not a bad way, but the best officers I have ever worked with were enlisted first. That will honestly all be personal preference. Do you want to be a soldier and the lead and train soldiers, or do you want to make decisions? One thing to really think about with the Army is its a lifestyle, not a job, and it affects your entire family. Feel free to PM me with specific questions if you have any.

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Originally Posted by theReptileGuy

@gsarchie: Thanks for the reply! And you're right, I might not like the military, but, I'd like to learn more about it. Do you think they have any biology related fields? Or is it mainly law enforcement types of jobs? Can you pick where you get stationed, or do you just get sent there? And thanks, your post was informative!

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The law enforcement type jobs are only a small percentage of what is available. There are all kinds of jobs. There are pilots, mechanics, gunners, doctors, dentist, nurses, lab techs, chaplains, religious assistants, aircrew, tank crews, intelligence, special forces, food service, computer security, admin, the list goes on and on. I know, at the overseas bases that I was at, they had military veterinarians.

I loved being stationed over seas and travelling. If you want to go overseas, you can usually ask for it. It depends on the branch of service you're in, as to what overseas assignments are available...

Coming from a military background I have high respect for the men and women that go out there and fight for our freedom, but personally.. I don't think I could ever die for this country. :/

I was in the Army for 3yrs and had two trips to Iraq. I don't regret joining but I'd never do it again. Think long and hard on if military life is what you want.

Going into the army, and if you apply yourself, you can be making $3,757 a month at 4 years of service. That is based on being an E-5 Sargent with 4 years of service and living off post, collecting BAS (food allowance) and BAH (rent allowance). The same grade and years of service living in the barracks would receive $2488 a month but would live rent free, utilities free and provided meals for free. You can attain E-5 in as little as 3 years if you strive for it (in most MOS's (jobs)).



Here is the 2012 pay chart for the Army. This is the flat before tax base pay chart. Chart reflects Basic Pay only and does not include bonuses, allowances and other benefits. This is only the pay chart for enlisted personnel and for commissioned officers. I did not add the chart for warrant officers.

*Based on 2012 pay tables.

**Pay for Private (E1) will be slightly lower for the first four months of service.

Cumulative Years of Service
Grade 2 or less Over 2 Over 3 Over 4 Over 6 Over 8 Over 10 Over 12 Over 14 Over 16 Over 18 Over 20 Over 22
E-9(4) 4708.80 4815.60 4950.00 5108.10 5267.70 5523.60 5739.60
E-8 3854.70 4025.10 4130.70 4257.30 4394.40 4641.60 4766.70 4980.00
E-7 2679.60 2924.70 3036.60 3185.10 3300.90 3499.80 3611.70 3810.90 3976.20 4089.00 4209.30 4256.10 4412.40
E-6 2317.80 2550.30 2662.80 2772.30 2886.30 3143.10 3243.30 3436.80 3496.20 3539.40 3589.80 3589.80 3589.80
E-5 2123.40 2265.90 2375.40 2487.60 2662.20 2845.20 2994.60 3012.90 3012.90 3012.90 3012.90 3012.90 3012.90
E-4 1946.70 2046.30 2157.30 2266.50 2363.10 2363.10 2363.10 2363.10 2363.10 2363.10 2363.10 2363.10 2363.10
E-3 1757.40 1868.10 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20 1981.20
E-2 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30 1671.30
E-1 1491.00



Cumulative Years of Service
Grade 2 or less Over 2 Over 3 Over 4 Over 6 Over 8 Over 10 Over 12 Over 14 Over 16 Over 18 Over 20 Over 22
O-10(1) 15647.10 15723.30
O-9(1) 13685.10 13882.50
O-8(1) 9683.10 10000.20 10210.80 10269.60 10532.40 10971.00 11073.30 11489.70 11609.10 11968.20 12487.80 12966.60 13286.40
O-7(1) 8045.70 8419.80 8592.60 8730.00 8979.00 9225.00 9509.40 9792.90 10077.30 10971.00 11725.50 11725.50 11725.50
O-6(2) 5963.40 6551.70 6981.30 6981.30 7008.00 7308.60 7348.20 7348.20 7765.80 8504.10 8937.60 9370.50 9617.10
O-5 4971.30 5600.40 5988.00 6061.20 6303.00 6447.60 6765.90 6999.30 7301.10 7763.10 7982.40 8199.30 8446.20
O-4 4289.40 4965.60 5296.80 5370.60 5678.10 6007.80 6418.50 6738.30 6960.60 7088.10 7161.90 7161.90 7161.90
O-3 3771.30 4275.30 4614.60 5031.00 5271.90 5536.50 5707.80 5988.90 6135.60 6135.60 6135.60 6135.60 6135.60
O-2 3258.60 3711.30 4274.40 4418.70 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60 4509.60
O-1 2828.40 2943.90 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60 3558.60
O-3(3) 5031.00 5271.90 5536.50 5707.80 5988.90 6226.20 6362.40 6548.10 6548.10 6548.10 6548.10 6548.10 6548.10
O-2(3) 4418.70 4509.60 4653.30 4895.70 5082.90 5222.40 5222.40 5222.40 5222.40 5222.40 5222.40 5222.40 5222.40
O-1(3) 3558.60 3800.10 3940.80 4084.50 4225.50 4418.70 4418.70 4418.70 4418.70 4418.70 4418.70 4418.70 4418.70


1) Basic pay for an O-7 to O-10 is limited by Level II of the Executive Schedule which is $14,975.10. Basic pay for O-6 and below is limited by Level V of the Executive Schedule which is $12,141.60.

2) While serving as Chairman, Joint Chief/Vice Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff, Chief of Navy Operations, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Army/Air Force Chief of Staff, Commander of a unified or specified combatant command, basic pay is $20,587.80. (See note 1 above).

3) Applicable to O-1 to O-3 with at least 4 years and 1 day of active duty or more than 1460 points as a warrant and/or enlisted member. See Department of Defense Financial Management Regulations for more detailed explanation on who is eligible for this special basic pay rate.

4) For the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of the Army or Marine Corps or Senior Enlisted Advisor of the JCS, basic pay is $7,609.50. Combat Zone Tax Exclusion for O-1 and above is based on this basic pay rate plus Hostile Fire Pay/Imminent Danger Pay which is $225.00.

5) Applicable to E-1 with 4 months or more active duty. Basic pay for an E-1 with less than 4 months of active duty is $1,378.80.

6) Basic pay rate for Academy Cadets/Midshipmen and ROTC members/applicants is $990.00.

Bear in mind that the American military maintains various "other" pays that are not included as part of the pay tables above. These include Hazardous Duty, Imminent Danger Pay (otherwise known as Combat Pay), Submarine Duty Pay among others. Additionally, there are certain allowances provided such as Clothing Allowance, Basic Allowance for Housing and Cost of Living Allowance.

I say go for what you want! I know it's a HUGE decision, as I recently joined the Air Force Reserve back in April. I leave in exactly 23 days for boot camp. I originally looked into the Army first, but being a single mom it wasn't practical or smart for my son's sake. I really can't say that one branch is better than the other, we are all serving our country in different ways, and without one the others can't do their jobs efficiently. Go with what your heart wants (as corny as that sounds :rolleyes:) I really liked the idea of the Reserves because I'm still serving my country and getting all the same benefits as the full timers (such as schooling!), but I work there part time and can keep my job and not move my son around the country. The Air Force's shorter deployments are also a nice relief. I have the utmost respect for the men and women in other branches, a 15 month deployment can't be easy physically or mentally :salute:

Thanks for the replies and information guys!

And how exactly do I become an officer? I know if I go to any university and obtain a bachelors degree that's one part, but, what's the second part? Also, what rank is a new officer?

Thanks again guys!

You can become an officer in the Army a few different ways. You can come in as an officer 0-1(2nd lt aka 2nd lieutenant). You can also come in as enlisted and then go through the Green to Gold program. Or one of the best officers are Warrant Officers. WO's are a class of their own, not really enlisted and not really commissioned. WO's start off as enlisted and then go through the steps to becoming a WO.


http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jo...n-officer.html

http://www.todaysmilitary.com/military-careers/entering-the-military/becoming-a-military-officer


Also the retirement for the military has changed. You no longer start receiving your retirement pay as soon as you retire. You still get all of the other benefits but your pay wont start until you turn 62.

I'm not trying to discourage you by any means, but like a few have already stated if you're thinking of joining any branch as a back up plan I would seriously rethink that. Joining the military is a commitment that isn't easy to get out of, it's not one of those regular 9-5 jobs...you can't give a two weeks notice if you decide that it's not for you and expect to be gone.

Now to answer your questions:

I haven't heard anything about the job outlook not being very good if you just go into the military. My job is Air Traffic Control, so my job outlook if I decided to get out one day is very good. I have a set of skills that are isn't for everyone. As far as the Marine Corps is concerned I have one of the few jobs that you can pass the school house but if you can't actually do the job you get booted. It all depends your job (MOS) and if there is a high demand for it in the civilian world. Though I know countless people who get out and are hired because they were in the military and have experience that lets say someone just graduating from college doesn't have.

As far as pay goes it's enough to live comfortably off of I believe. If you live in the barracks you don't have to pay for things like electricity, heat, food (you'll probably have a chow card) etc etc. It will come out of your paycheck so it's like you never had it. Everything else you make is yours. If you want a complete break down of what you'll make at each rank with time in do a Google search for military pay charts. I know you said that you're not really in it for the money but we (Marines) get paid the least as far as all the services go. Just something to think about.

Boot Camp/Recruit Training is hard and challenging. There's really no way to sugar coat it. We have the hardest recruit training out of all the services. It's also the longest. It starts pretty much before you even arrive and ends the day you graduate and are no longer a recruit but a Marine. If you want to get a better understanding check out videos like Making A Marine on youtube, Ears Open Eyeballs Click, The Marines, The Making of a Marine, and The Crucible just to name a few that are about Recruit Training. It is true though that you don't do school work at Recruit Training. You don't use cell phones, don't get weeks off, real world things that you use to do no longer exist.

Experience varies from Marine to Marine. I've been in 7years and about to pick up SSgt on the 1st, I've been deployed and about to go again at the beginning of the year. I've been to 15 different countries, and my first duty station was Iwakuni Japan. So you have a good chance of traveling and seeing other locations. Every chance I get to get out of the states I volunteer for it. So the not going overseas thing that whoever told you is a crock lol.

It's not hard to make friends in the military. It's rather easy because you have share a common bond with everyone that is there with you. Most friends that you make with be lifelong friends and become more like family.

I'm one of 4 kids, all sons. Everyone of us has joined the military. 3 Marines (1 Air traffic controller, Comm/Drill Instructor,Grunt) 1 Army (Bulk Refueler). We all enjoyed the time we have/had in and wouldn't have changed it for anything. I plan on saying in for a while...don't know what I'd do if I got out. Being in the Marine Corps isn't really hard to do as long as you can follow rules and you know how to act. If you have any questions about anything Marine Corps related shoot me a pm, I'll be happy to answer. And good luck in whatever decision you decide to make.

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Originally Posted by TessadasExotics

Also the retirement for the military has changed. You no longer start receiving your retirement pay as soon as you retire. You still get all of the other benefits but your pay wont start until you turn 62.

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That is news to me. There has been discussion of it, but nothing near that has passed. Retirement right now is the average of your last 3 years base pay, starting a 50% for 20yrs and up to 75% for 30. Payment starting immediately upon retirement. Also, from the SecDef himself, any possible future changes to that will not affect those of us currently serving. So, let us avoid unsubstantiated rumors.

As far as learning about the military, you need to do A LOT of homework. I am a Mustang (I was enlisted, now I am an officer), and the Navy has done very well by me. They paid for my Bachelors and Masters degrees. I have deployed a lot, and will very likely deploy again soon, but I would not trade the experience.

I FULLY agree with the folks that are bothered by your initial statement that you are looking at the military as a "back up", to be honest, we do not really want folks using it as a back up. We want folks who are invested 100%. Gone are the days of joining up, getting some education and moving on without deploying. When forward deployed, we need folks that are there for the right reasons, as not to get others killed from any lack of dedication or focus.

Joining any service, and especially the Army or USMC, may well mean you come home in a casket. That is just the honest truth, I have personally seen it time and time again. YOU have to be able to reconcile that, and really look at your motivation for enlisting. As a NCO or officer you may well be responsible for the lives of the men and women under you. Losing them is something that will NEVER leave you. You carry that burden for life.

Another thing to VERY closely analyze is: How do you feel about authority? You will be ordered to do things, not asked. It is not a democracy. You do not complain, you find solutions and get the job done. I have seen countless young folks who join and have a horrible tour because they have authority figure problems.

Also, it is becoming harder to get in. The forces are drawing down as the wars do. In 4-5 years, it may be even more so difficult to get in, especially in the officer corps.

As far as jobs, there are about as many types as there are civilian jobs. If there is something you like to do, and can score high enough on the entrance exams to get it, then there is likely a good job for you.

I am wrong about the retirement age... I guess you do still start collecting upon retirement. When I got out of the Army it was supposedly changing to 62, but I guess that got the boot. :D



*edit ha, too funny Jinx, you beat me to it. After I posted that I went to go look at the new changes and saw that they still have not changed the retirement as they said they were going to.

I'll tell you Air Force is an easier basic training, shorter deployments, better digs, and much better employment opportunities after you get out.


Sent from my iPho

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Originally Posted by Gomojoe

I'll tell you Air Force is an easier basic training, shorter deployments, better digs, and much better employment opportunities after you get out.


Sent from my iPho

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Ok, substantiate "much better employment opportunities".

Lazarus, when were you at Iwakuni? That was my first duty station as well, was there from 03-05. I worked at the station ISMO (the bldg next to the hospital with all the antennae on the roof).

Sorry if I offended anyone by saying it's my 'back-up plan'. After thinking it over and talking to some friends who have a big military background, I've decided I'll most probably go that way, if I don't, then I don't really know what I'll do, prob a teacher or something. However, I want to go to college first. Not sure if a lot of people go it that way, but, it's the way I want to go, just in case if I have to leave, I have something to fall back on. I don't know which to pick, the army or the marines, seeing as the majority of my friends are split in half, so I need to do further investigation on that. I've watched 'Making of a Marine' on YouTube as well as watched some of JDuWayne videos and I have to say I'm impressed and psyched. I still have quite a few questions left tho, but, I'll ask my ROTC teachers first, before coming to any of you. Although, I would just want to know, after watching the 'Making of a Marine' video, what's the army bootcamp like? I'm pretty amazed by the marines video and psyched to get into shape as a pre req. if I do happen to join.

Once again, thanks for all the replies, and I apologize for offending anyone with my comment. And thank you to the vets and the ones who are serving for helping to protect this country.

I don't think you offended us, or at least me, we just want to make sure that you're going into the military for the right reasons. If you do decide on the Marines the "M" is always capitalized lol and here is a little video just in jest between the differences of Marine Recruit Training and Army basic. All it good fun! Hope it works

Well since I couldn't add the video go to youtube and put in Marine Corps Receiving vs Army Reception.

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Originally Posted by jinx667

Ok, substantiate "much better employment opportunities".

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It all depends on what you did in the AF, or any other branch. 6 years experience in the AF can get you 80-90k/yr after leaving...depending on what you did...and where you're willing to relocate to...

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Originally Posted by devildog_dk

Lazarus, when were you at Iwakuni? That was my first duty station as well, was there from 03-05. I worked at the station ISMO (the bldg next to the hospital with all the antennae on the roof).

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I wasn't there until 07-09, but I do know what building you're talking about. I'm sure I'll be back there eventually though I really liked being in Japan.

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Originally Posted by sho220

It all depends on what you did in the AF, or any other branch. 6 years experience in the AF can get you 80-90k/yr after leaving...depending on what you did...and where you're willing to relocate to...

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This reply makes a previously very specific statement very vague. It is the job, not the branch. Just as one example, Navy nuclear reactor technicians and officers do quite well in the civilian sector. Another would be nurses and doctors in any branch. Also, the Navy flies as many or more planes than the AF, so there is the aviation sector as well. The comment came off as being in the Air Force will net you a better job over the others simply by virtue of being in the Air Force, and if that is the case, I want to see proof.

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Originally Posted by sho220

It all depends on what you did in the AF, or any other branch. 6 years experience in the AF can get you 80-90k/yr after leaving...depending on what you did...and where you're willing to relocate to...

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Yeah, the Air Force has many more jobs that are relevant to civilian life after you get out. Plus more employers look at the Air Force for technical positions. I have also seen that the transition programs are better in the Air Force. Not that coming in and handling basketballs at the gym would do you any good afterwards, but even then there are a lot of Air Force jobs that afford you the time to complete a degree while your in. I don't know any of my friends in the marines or army who are really able to knock out a degree because of deployments and what not.


Sent from my iPho

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Originally Posted by Gomojoe

Yeah, the Air Force has many more jobs that are relevant to civilian life after you get out. Plus more employers look at the Air Force for technical positions. I have also seen that the transition programs are better in the Air Force. Not that coming in and handling basketballs at the gym would do you any good afterwards, but even then there are a lot of Air Force jobs that afford you the time to complete a degree while your in. I don't know any of my friends in the marines or army who are really able to knock out a degree because of deployments and what not.


Sent from my iPho

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There are plenty of folks who work on degrees while deployed. I am still waiting to see something beyond conjecture that the AF has more technical jobs, or is looked at more favorably by an employer? The Air Force has a pretty specific scope of operations compared to say the Army or Navy, but this mission, for the most part, is also covered by other branches, so many of the same "technical" jobs are spread throughout the DOD. Also, depending on the job, a USMC or Army infantry NCO or officer may have a very noticeable edge in the leadership department. Not every good job is purely technology based.

I am taking specific umbrage with this because after nearly 20 years, the my branch is better than yours crap gets old, and is NEVER backed up by actual facts. Each branch has a mission, and does it well. Also, each branch offers opportunities for those willing to look for them. Different folks are looking to get different things out of a military enlistment or career, and a given branch may or may not be able to fulfill that for them.



To the OP, I do not think anyone is offended, we are just making sure that you really evaluate your motivations. It is very true that 20% of your people cause 80% of your problems, and this is generally from folks who did not have their intentions and motivations sorted out before joining.

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Originally Posted by jinx667

There are plenty of folks who work on degrees while deployed. I am still waiting to see something beyond conjecture that the AF has more technical jobs, or is looked at more favorably by an employer? The Air Force has a pretty specific scope of operations compared to say the Army or Navy, but this mission, for the most part, is also covered by other branches, so many of the same "technical" jobs are spread throughout the DOD. Also, depending on the job, a USMC or Army infantry NCO or officer may have a very noticeable edge in the leadership department. Not every good job is purely technology based.

I am taking specific umbrage with this because after nearly 20 years, the my branch is better than yours crap gets old, and is NEVER backed up by actual facts. Each branch has a mission, and does it well. Also, each branch offers opportunities for those willing to look for them. Different folks are looking to get different things out of a military enlistment or career, and a given branch may or may not be able to fulfill that for them.



To the OP, I do not think anyone is offended, we are just making sure that you really evaluate your motivations. It is very true that 20% of your people cause 80% of your problems, and this is generally from folks who did not have their intentions and motivations sorted out before joining.

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I am not saying one branch is better than another. What I am saying is that the branches ARE different than one another. I am positive that you could find someone who graduated from Phoenix online who is more successful than someone who graduated from MIT, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend that someone go to MIT versus Phoenix should they have the option. And I'm not saying other branches are Phoenix online. I am just saying stating a few possibilities doesn't change the reality of the situation. As far as a technical position vs a infantry position, I 100% agree that the infantry position probably has more leadership skills than the technical, but I don't know any employer who is going to hire someone with only infantry experience into a higher paid position(not that it couldn't happen). Because the Air Force specializes in Air it requires minimal people to run their equipment compared to the amount of people required to run, say a ship. They also don't provide significant ground forces like the army and the marines, so the bulk of what jobs the air force does have are either support positions or technical positions which translate to civilian life pretty well. Now my exception to the technical side is that if you are going to try and get an engineering position I think the navy has some really top notch stuff. Some of the best EEs I have worked with are out of the Navy. Having seen the way their training differs than the Air Forces in this field I can see why. Navy goes way more in depth. Anyway, just throwing out other things to consider. Another thing that is different between the branches is discipline. The Air Force is undeniably less disciplined. Enlisted can often be seen referring to officers on a first name basis and the chain of command, while outlined the same on paper as the other branches, is much more ethereal and relaxed. From my experience the navy is probably the most strict and therefore the Marines are very close as well.

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Originally Posted by Gomojoe

I am not saying one branch is better than another. What I am saying is that the branches ARE different than one another. I am positive that you could find someone who graduated from Phoenix online who is more successful than someone who graduated from MIT, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend that someone go to MIT versus Phoenix should they have the option. And I'm not saying other branches are Phoenix online. I am just saying stating a few possibilities doesn't change the reality of the situation. As far as a technical position vs a infantry position, I 100% agree that the infantry position probably has more leadership skills than the technical, but I don't know any employer who is going to hire someone with only infantry experience into a higher paid position(not that it couldn't happen). Because the Air Force specializes in Air it requires minimal people to run their equipment compared to the amount of people required to run, say a ship. They also don't provide significant ground forces like the army and the marines, so the bulk of what jobs the air force does have are either support positions or technical positions which translate to civilian life pretty well. Now my exception to the technical side is that if you are going to try and get an engineering position I think the navy has some really top notch stuff. Some of the best EEs I have worked with are out of the Navy. Having seen the way their training differs than the Air Forces in this field I can see why. Navy goes way more in depth. Anyway, just throwing out other things to consider. Another thing that is different between the branches is discipline. The Air Force is undeniably less disciplined. Enlisted can often be seen referring to officers on a first name basis and the chain of command, while outlined the same on paper as the other branches, is much more ethereal and relaxed. From my experience the navy is probably the most strict and therefore the Marines are very close as well.

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The Army and the Marines are not made up of only infantry/grunt MOS's. To say so is ignorant. There are just as many "technical" jobs in both branches as there are in the Air Force. I am willing to bet that there are actually more. And for the record there are plenty of non technical grunts that get out and do very well in the civilian sector. Some going on to being CEO's and making 6+ figure paychecks. It's not all about what you did in the military necessarily, but what you take out of it and how you apply it.

http://www.kellyperdew.com/


William J. Sandbrook


A.G. Lafley and Bob McDonald


Just a few and none of them were AF.

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Originally Posted by TessadasExotics

The Army and the Marines are not made up of only infantry/grunt MOS's. To say so is ignorant. There are just as many "technical" jobs in both branches as there are in the Air Force. I am willing to bet that there are actually more. And for the record there are plenty of non technical grunts that get out and do very well in the civilian sector. Some going on to being CEO's and making 6+ figure paychecks. It's not all about what you did in the military necessarily, but what you take out of it and how you apply it.

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Where exactly did I say that the Army and Marines are made up of only grunts and infantry MOS's? To infer so from what I wrote is verifiable ignorance. Anyway, I'll drop any further discussion on this issue as apparently some people's panties are a little tight and they are trying to angrily over compensate for something.

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And just in case anyone was wondering I appreciate all of our service men and women especially the grunts and infantrymen!

Stumbled across this post, read through it and decided to weigh in. First of all you need to take a long hard look at what you want to do. You say you want to go to college first then the military, what do you want to do while serving and what do you want to do after you serve? I have been a Marine for the past 10+ years. I decided when I was 8 I wanted to fight wars, and ever since 2002 that's just what I've done. I've fought in Iraq three times and Afghanistan once. I have seen and done a lot of cool things during this time but I have also paid for them. I couldn't begin to put a number on the number of times I should have been killed, I've walked away from ambushes, mortar and rocket attacks, snipers, and IEDs. In a three month span I took two IED's to the face that almost ended my career. On top of someone trying to kill you, you are trying to take care of your men, which at least in my case means that I take all the risks. What that also means for me is that there is a chance my family could lose me. Then there is the aspect of having to leave your family behind to go to some God forsaken country that fights like cowards. Some of the best and worse times I have ever had, have been during those times. So there is a little bit of silver lining. I have had men under my charge that are pretty much family, I have taken lives, and I have saved lives. But most importantly I have brought back every single man under me as well as myself. So my advice to you is to think long and hard about this, in my eyes why would you join the military if not to be in the infantry?

Army vet here. I joined back in 2002 mainly inspired by 9/11. When I joined afghanastan had calmed down so I didn't think I would go. I figured at least I'll get college money out of it. Then all of the sudden the Iraq war broke out and I was off to the desert with the 101st. For me I wanted to server my country but didn't think I'd get the chance to fight. Turned out I did quite a bit and now I'm on disability. I'm very proud of my service, and I'll be a soldier till the day I die even though I got out in 2005. The military is 100% what you make of it. You can join and have the time of your life, or you can be miserable want to get out every day (many do). It all depends on where your head is. Don't join for the money... military pay isn't great. If your family is against it that's tough, but they'll come around once your in. My parents hated the idea when I told them, but now they have bumperstickers proudly displayed on their cars. The college money is a big help when you get out, but it's not a good reason to do it just for that. There are easier ways such as grants and loans.

If I was in long enough to be a drill sergeant I would have tried to weed out the ones who joined just for the money. There's nothing worse than being deployed and having a guy who's supposed to watch your back not wanting to do his job saying he didn't sign up for this sh*t... REMEMBER even if there is no war going on, it could happen in the blink of an eye. There was no Iraq war when I joined. If you do want to, you need to realize it's a long term commitment. It's not like a summer camp that ends in a few months. There are friends, and there are aquaintances in civilian and the military world. You will hate some of the people you work with, and what's worse is they will often be the ones telling you what to do. Unlike the civilian world, you will not have a choice. On the other hand, you will most likely meet lifelong friends as well. I met some of the bravest men to walk the face of the earth.

Think about what job you would want to do. There is just about every type of job in the military as there is in the civilian world. Tell your recruiter what job you want and study hard so you score high enough on the asvab to get it. The recruiters will most likey tell you that the job you want is unavailable, which will most likely be untrue... They have a quota... don't let them bully you before you even join... That's all I'll say for now, if you have any questions feel free to PM me. GL

Air Assault

Sorry for bumping an old thread, but, I just received my results from the ASVAB I signed up to take in school. I got a 90 on it overall out of 99, so would that help me out a great deal? After talking to many recruiters and military people face to face, I've narrowed it down to the Navy or Air Force. Will my score be able to help out anyway? Thanks!

Joining isn't something that should be done on a whim. Do a lot of home work and know recruiters are not your friends and will lie to you, it's literarily their job. The military can be a great option for some, just make sure it's for you. Just a little FYI, daily life is nothing like the movies.

It's not on a whim, I've been looking up information on it for quite a while now and I'm most likely going to go into the military haha. I've talked to my parents about it and they seem fine, and I just need some help with some things about it because I've been getting different information everywhere I go, so I'm a bit confused.

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Originally Posted by theReptileGuy

It's not on a whim, I've been looking up information on it for quite a while now and I'm most likely going to go into the military haha. I've talked to my parents about it and they seem fine, and I just need some help with some things about it because I've been getting different information everywhere I go, so I'm a bit confused.

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That's cool once you have the idea in your head there is really no talking someone out of it, believe me I know. Just do yourself a favor and do not sign a long term contract, and don't let the recruiter tell you other wise. Get in see how you like it and if you love it re up. If its not for you, at least your time was short.

I'm not actually talking to a recruiter right now haha. I'm planning to take AFROTC while in college then when I get out I'll do 5 years, then more from there if I enjoy it. I know it sounds kind of weird, but I'm looking forward to traveling around. I'm also looking forward to be able to stay in shape, I'm already practicing for the PT things I'll have in the future haha.


And I know this isn't a realistic thing, but after talking to my friend's grandfather who was in the army, he said that after he served for a long amount of time (Forgot the exact amount) he traveled around South East Asia for a while. Do you think that's plausible right now?