6 answers
Ruben
Student
Moreno Valley, California
2
Questions
Asked
715 views
What branch of the military should I consider?
I was considering joining the military, but I can't make up my mind on which one is right for me
6 answers
Denesha Smith, MEL
Yeoman First Class Petty Officer and Freelance Writer
11
Answers
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Denesha’s Answer
Hello Ruben,
Thank you for sharing your post. It's great to see your interest, and I completely agree with Dr. H's perspective. While I can't speak for all branches, I've heard the Air Force often has more comfortable deployments and living conditions.
I've proudly served in the Navy for 13 years and am about to retire next month. As a Yeoman, Petty Officer First Class, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to travel to 16 countries, not just through deployments but also by being stationed in Europe twice. This journey has allowed me to build friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, races, and cultures. I've made a positive impact through volunteer work and earned two college degrees. As I retire, I’m excited to pursue my second Master’s degree.
The Navy offers countless opportunities. If you dream of traveling to places like Japan, Italy, Singapore, Spain, or South Korea, consider roles like mine or becoming a Personnel Specialist (PS). It’s important to do your research and find the field that excites you.
Keep in mind, you’ll need to adjust to spending time at sea, whether for workups or longer deployments. Staying physically and mentally fit is essential. Also, decide if you want to become an officer or start as enlisted. If you have a bachelor’s degree, I highly recommend considering the officer path. However, starting as enlisted can give you valuable experience before becoming an officer.
Make sure to gather insights not just from recruiters but also from others who have served. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck on your journey!
Thank you for sharing your post. It's great to see your interest, and I completely agree with Dr. H's perspective. While I can't speak for all branches, I've heard the Air Force often has more comfortable deployments and living conditions.
I've proudly served in the Navy for 13 years and am about to retire next month. As a Yeoman, Petty Officer First Class, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to travel to 16 countries, not just through deployments but also by being stationed in Europe twice. This journey has allowed me to build friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, races, and cultures. I've made a positive impact through volunteer work and earned two college degrees. As I retire, I’m excited to pursue my second Master’s degree.
The Navy offers countless opportunities. If you dream of traveling to places like Japan, Italy, Singapore, Spain, or South Korea, consider roles like mine or becoming a Personnel Specialist (PS). It’s important to do your research and find the field that excites you.
Keep in mind, you’ll need to adjust to spending time at sea, whether for workups or longer deployments. Staying physically and mentally fit is essential. Also, decide if you want to become an officer or start as enlisted. If you have a bachelor’s degree, I highly recommend considering the officer path. However, starting as enlisted can give you valuable experience before becoming an officer.
Make sure to gather insights not just from recruiters but also from others who have served. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck on your journey!
Gregory Bass
Security Forces/ Law Enforcement
10
Answers
Girard, Ohio
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
When it comes to joining the military the branch you decide to go with is mostly your decision. There are many factors that can influence this decision. One of the big ones is ASVAB scores. The better your scores the more options are available to you. Additionally the career you want to pursue will play a major part. Each branch has its own specialties as well as jobs that carry over from branch to branch.
Jacob O'Leary
Go To Market Product Management
1
Answer
Carrollton, Texas
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Ruben,
Choosing a military branch is about what you want to do and how you plan to contribute. Here are some key points that influenced my military career and personal life:
1. Find Your Passion: I had family in every military branch, so I saw different experiences early on. I discovered I loved flying and wanted to be aircrew, but not a pilot. I took my time with recruiters to ensure I got the job I wanted.
2. Check Eligibility: If you haven't been to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to take the ASVAB, do it soon.
- Take the ASVAB, and if you're not happy with your score, retake it. This test determines what jobs you can choose.
- Look into jobs available in each branch. Know what you absolutely don't want to do.
- Be aware of what might make you ineligible, like wearing glasses, flat feet, or bee allergies.
3. Make a Choice and Own It: People succeed in all branches, so there's no wrong choice. Be passionate about your role, whether it's cooking or rescuing lives. You'll be part of what makes the military work, and that's something to be proud of.
We all join for different reasons, but we make the choice and then go on to execute on that choice.
-O'Leary
ASVAB Test
Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)
Choosing a military branch is about what you want to do and how you plan to contribute. Here are some key points that influenced my military career and personal life:
1. Find Your Passion: I had family in every military branch, so I saw different experiences early on. I discovered I loved flying and wanted to be aircrew, but not a pilot. I took my time with recruiters to ensure I got the job I wanted.
2. Check Eligibility: If you haven't been to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) to take the ASVAB, do it soon.
- Take the ASVAB, and if you're not happy with your score, retake it. This test determines what jobs you can choose.
- Look into jobs available in each branch. Know what you absolutely don't want to do.
- Be aware of what might make you ineligible, like wearing glasses, flat feet, or bee allergies.
3. Make a Choice and Own It: People succeed in all branches, so there's no wrong choice. Be passionate about your role, whether it's cooking or rescuing lives. You'll be part of what makes the military work, and that's something to be proud of.
We all join for different reasons, but we make the choice and then go on to execute on that choice.
-O'Leary
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1463
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Yo Ruben!
Alright, so picking a branch can be tough, but here’s the thing, each one’s got its own glow. If you’re down for getting your boots dirty and being out there in the field, the Army’s a solid pick because, They’ve got everything from combat roles to tech positions, so it’s pretty diverse. But ofcourse each has its real talks, the physical demands are no joke. You’ll be on your feet a lot, pushing through intense workouts, and the deployments can keep you away from home for a while. It’s tough, man, but there’s a lot of camaraderie in the Army. You’ll find some solid lifelong bonds in that brotherhood. The grind’s real, but if you stick with it, the rewards are huge. The downside? Sometimes, rank advancement can feel slow, and you could be stuck doing some of the less exciting jobs for a while.
But if you’re into being on the water, doing big ship things, and still getting plenty of action, the Navy might be your jam. They’ve got cool roles like aviation and engineering, plus you’ll get to travel all over. But, heads up, life on a ship can get rough, there will be small spaces, long deployments, and you might be stuck in the middle of nowhere for months at a time. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds, especially when you’re away from family and friends. You won’t always have great internet access, so keeping in touch can be tough. My friends father is in the Navy, and he tells me how less he sees him and that isolation can hit hard, and trust me, you’ll get tired of the ship life. But the hard truth is that the benefits and the pay are pretty solid, and if you can handle the lifestyle, it can definitely be worth it.
Now, if you’re more into high-tech and like the idea of flying or working with satellites, the Air Force’s got that speed and tech edge. Lemme say just super modern, always pushing new boundaries, and if you’re a fan of aviation or tech, you’ll be in your element. The training’s top-notch, and the quality of life is better compared to the other branches – comfy living conditions and less deployment time. But, not everything’s perfect. You might feel like things can be a bit too structured at times, and if you’re not into tech or aviation, some of the job options might feel limited. Plus, the physical demands are still there, even if you’re not on the front lines. You’re gonna have to stay fit, no question about it.
Now, you must already know this path will be Heartbreak. You’re gonna miss out on a lot – birthdays, anniversaries, just regular family moments. It’s tough, and not everyone’s ready for that level of sacrifice. And there will be the mental strain, It’s real. The military will push you physically and mentally. Sometimes, you’ll feel like you’re at the end of your rope, especially during deployments or tough training. You’ll get burnt out. But here’s the thing – if you stick with it, you’ll come out the other side stronger than you ever thought possible. And you’ll have the experience to show for it.
It’s not always as glamorous as the movies make it out to be. There’ll be boring admin stuff, long hours, and a whole lot of waiting around. But trust me – there’s something about that life that makes it all worth it. The pride, the discipline, the growth, the skills. You’ll come out with stories to tell and skills that’ll set you up for whatever you want after.
Honestly, I’d say talk to a few recruiters, see what clicks with you, and get a feel for what sounds exciting and fits your style. This is YOUR journey, Ruben. No matter which branch you pick, it’s gonna be tough, but it’s gonna be life-changing. You got this! Just stay focused, keep your head high, and keep pushing forward. You’re gonna crush it! Hope this helped answer somethings.
Alright, so picking a branch can be tough, but here’s the thing, each one’s got its own glow. If you’re down for getting your boots dirty and being out there in the field, the Army’s a solid pick because, They’ve got everything from combat roles to tech positions, so it’s pretty diverse. But ofcourse each has its real talks, the physical demands are no joke. You’ll be on your feet a lot, pushing through intense workouts, and the deployments can keep you away from home for a while. It’s tough, man, but there’s a lot of camaraderie in the Army. You’ll find some solid lifelong bonds in that brotherhood. The grind’s real, but if you stick with it, the rewards are huge. The downside? Sometimes, rank advancement can feel slow, and you could be stuck doing some of the less exciting jobs for a while.
But if you’re into being on the water, doing big ship things, and still getting plenty of action, the Navy might be your jam. They’ve got cool roles like aviation and engineering, plus you’ll get to travel all over. But, heads up, life on a ship can get rough, there will be small spaces, long deployments, and you might be stuck in the middle of nowhere for months at a time. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds, especially when you’re away from family and friends. You won’t always have great internet access, so keeping in touch can be tough. My friends father is in the Navy, and he tells me how less he sees him and that isolation can hit hard, and trust me, you’ll get tired of the ship life. But the hard truth is that the benefits and the pay are pretty solid, and if you can handle the lifestyle, it can definitely be worth it.
Now, if you’re more into high-tech and like the idea of flying or working with satellites, the Air Force’s got that speed and tech edge. Lemme say just super modern, always pushing new boundaries, and if you’re a fan of aviation or tech, you’ll be in your element. The training’s top-notch, and the quality of life is better compared to the other branches – comfy living conditions and less deployment time. But, not everything’s perfect. You might feel like things can be a bit too structured at times, and if you’re not into tech or aviation, some of the job options might feel limited. Plus, the physical demands are still there, even if you’re not on the front lines. You’re gonna have to stay fit, no question about it.
Now, you must already know this path will be Heartbreak. You’re gonna miss out on a lot – birthdays, anniversaries, just regular family moments. It’s tough, and not everyone’s ready for that level of sacrifice. And there will be the mental strain, It’s real. The military will push you physically and mentally. Sometimes, you’ll feel like you’re at the end of your rope, especially during deployments or tough training. You’ll get burnt out. But here’s the thing – if you stick with it, you’ll come out the other side stronger than you ever thought possible. And you’ll have the experience to show for it.
It’s not always as glamorous as the movies make it out to be. There’ll be boring admin stuff, long hours, and a whole lot of waiting around. But trust me – there’s something about that life that makes it all worth it. The pride, the discipline, the growth, the skills. You’ll come out with stories to tell and skills that’ll set you up for whatever you want after.
Honestly, I’d say talk to a few recruiters, see what clicks with you, and get a feel for what sounds exciting and fits your style. This is YOUR journey, Ruben. No matter which branch you pick, it’s gonna be tough, but it’s gonna be life-changing. You got this! Just stay focused, keep your head high, and keep pushing forward. You’re gonna crush it! Hope this helped answer somethings.
Robert Peters
Customer Service Support Driver
30
Answers
Kissimmee, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Ruben, It would first come down to what career field you are interested in. Your test scores would let you know if you are eligible for it. The main thing is to make sure you get what you want and not signup for a general opening. I was in the US Air Force and wanted to be a fireman but did not pass the color vision test. That wanted to place me in a general opening but I choose something else. After I was re-certified to not be fully colorblind they would not let me cross train so I left after 5 years. Good luck
Mark Malinowski
Information Technology
1
Answer
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi Ruben,
Are you thinking about enlisting or becoming an officer with a degree? Both paths offer great opportunities, and knowing your plan can help you move forward. If you're considering enlistment, I was in your position about 20 years ago, choosing between the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. I met with recruiters from each branch, and I ultimately chose the Navy. They guaranteed me a specific job and the recruiter was honest about military life, which made a huge difference compared to the less transparent Army recruiter.
Here are two important things to consider:
1. Pick a job with a future.
Choose a career field that gives you skills you can use after the military. I went into IT in the Navy, and it set me up for a solid, well-paying civilian job after I retired. Not every military job easily translates to civilian life, so take time to research which ones do.
2. Know your strengths and interests.
Think about the kind of work you enjoy. If you like being hands-on and active, a mechanical or field-based job might suit you. If you prefer working indoors, something tech-related or administrative could be a better fit. The military offers a wide range of roles, and there's likely one that matches your interests.
Take your time, talk to different recruiters, and ask direct questions. This is a big decision, and it's wise to think about both your short-term experience and long-term goals.
Sincerely,
Mark
Meet with recruiters from each service and ask them direct questions.
Find a MOS, Rating, or AFSC that will align with your long-term goals and civilian employment.
Are you thinking about enlisting or becoming an officer with a degree? Both paths offer great opportunities, and knowing your plan can help you move forward. If you're considering enlistment, I was in your position about 20 years ago, choosing between the Navy, Army, and Marine Corps. I met with recruiters from each branch, and I ultimately chose the Navy. They guaranteed me a specific job and the recruiter was honest about military life, which made a huge difference compared to the less transparent Army recruiter.
Here are two important things to consider:
1. Pick a job with a future.
Choose a career field that gives you skills you can use after the military. I went into IT in the Navy, and it set me up for a solid, well-paying civilian job after I retired. Not every military job easily translates to civilian life, so take time to research which ones do.
2. Know your strengths and interests.
Think about the kind of work you enjoy. If you like being hands-on and active, a mechanical or field-based job might suit you. If you prefer working indoors, something tech-related or administrative could be a better fit. The military offers a wide range of roles, and there's likely one that matches your interests.
Take your time, talk to different recruiters, and ask direct questions. This is a big decision, and it's wise to think about both your short-term experience and long-term goals.
Sincerely,
Mark
Mark recommends the following next steps:
Delete Comment
Flag Comment
Delete Comment
Flag Comment