hey guys,
I am going to join the military and still deciding on which branch to go to. They all seem to have their pro's and con's. Just wondering if you guys could give me your input on which one you have served and the pro's and cons.
Few questions I have
Which give the best sign on bonuses?
Which are the best jobs in each?
Which helps with college the best?
which pays the best?
So far I am thinking air force or a marines.
I can't say what the current situation is as far as enlistment bonuses and such, It's been over 15 years since I retired.
Pay wise, the pay scales are all the same, based on rank.
For example an E-5 pay grade in the:
Army is a Sergeant
Marines is a Sergeant
Air Force is a Staff Sergeant
Navy/ Coast Guard is a Petty Officer Second Class
They all get the same amount for basic pay.
Some say certain branches let you earn rank faster. But some branches will grant you advanced rank upon completion of basic training based on any education you may have before entering the military. IIRC, back in my day, someone with 1 or 2 years of college graduated from basic training with 2 stripes (E-3) compared to someone just out of highschool who got "no stripes" (E-1).
Generally speaking, the Air Force will be the more "technically" oriented service. People who enlist in the AF will likely end up repairing aircraft, missles, or some sort of trade (civil engineering plumber, electrician or welder) that can be used after your time in the military is done. And usually, the job is performed in a relatively safe location a long way from where the bullets & bombs are flying. For the most part with a few special duty exceptions, the AF lets it's officers do the fighting.
The Navy gets it enlisteds a bit closer to the action on board ships & subs. But their a lot of their jobs are very technically advanced too.
The Coast Guard has a very interesting mission that encompasses everything from helping flood victims, rescuing folks from sunken boats & ships to stopping drug smugglers and possible terrorists. Every day can be something different. But then again, there's Tank who's job is to surf the internet all day.
oke: LOL
But by far, the Army & Marines has a much higher percentage of its enlisteds in higher risk combat or near combat jobs. I'm sure I might get hammered on this, but there isn't much demand for a person in the civilian world with experience as an infantry/rifleman. Go for something in aviation or heavy equipment maintenance if you go the Army or Marines route.
My advice would be to think about what you'd like to do in the civilian world after the military. Gain experience & training in the military as a stepping stone to that objective. Yea, serving your country makes you feel good and makes you proud for 4,6 or 20 years. But the reality is that pride & good feelings won't pay the bills 21 years from now.
One last point I'd like to make:
I was a B-52 crew chief for 3 years.
Experience in military aviation maintenance isn't a free ticket to a job fixing airplanes at the local airport. The Federal Aviation Administration has very stringent standards for aircraft mechanics. They won't give you a mechanics license just because you fixed helicopters for 4 years. They will however give you credit for that experience. Right now I'm finishing my first of two years in school to get an Airframe & Powerplant license. I could have gotten advanced placement, but I'd been out of fixing airplanes game for so long, I welcomed the "review" that the more basic classes gave me. But its all coming back very quickly. After the first semester last fall, I had a 4.0 GPA and made the Dean's list. Next year though, will be pretty much "virgin" territory, stuff I didn't have exposure to in the military.
Good luck!!
