5 answers
Thien
Student
Carrollton, Texas
2
Questions
Updated
1489 views
How can i join the navy? What will I need to prepare? After I done serving the navy, should I come to marine?
Im still an 8th grade, my little brother also want to become part of the Air Force, he really like military type game, and mech type of game, same as me. what should i chose, navy, marine or Air Force? What is different between navy, marine, Air Force?
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5 answers
Sai P
Risk Manager, Financial Technology
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Sai’s Answer
Given your interest to serve in the forces, For the US Army, one way to explore is through ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), a college-based program that trains students to become commissioned officers in the U.S. Army while earning a degree.
As a next step you can identify schools in your state that offer the ROTC program and learn more. They may provide you information on similar Navy and Air Force college programs too.
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc/find-schools
Good luck!
As a next step you can identify schools in your state that offer the ROTC program and learn more. They may provide you information on similar Navy and Air Force college programs too.
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/find-your-path/army-officers/rotc/find-schools
Good luck!
Philip Gauthier
Nuclear Plant Work Week Manager
31
Answers
Prairieville, Louisiana
Updated
Philip’s Answer
Hi, Navy Veteran here!
If you are interested in the Navy specifically then I would recommend looking to see if there are any Navy Sea Cadet programs in your area. I was a Navy Sea Cadet when i was your age and it prepared me for a lot of the basics I experienced in the Navy. I went into the nuclear field in the navy and was able to focus on learning nuclear engineering since the military lifestyle (uniforms, drills, marching etc...) was already engrained in me. The USNSCC (US Navy Sea Cadet Corps) is a fun program the will give you the chance to learn a lot of different topics that you otherwise would not learn in high school.
The Navy Sea Cadets are not the only option. There is also the Young Marines and Civil Air Patrol which are also youth military programs which will give lots of opportunities. These programs may also give you higher rank if you decide to enlist in the military, and look good on college applications if you decide otherwise.
As far as pay goes, the military will never make you rich. However, you will always be taken care of in the sense that you will have healthcare, food, and a bed to sleep in. If you want to join, don't do it for the money. Do it because you want to serve your country and position yourself so that you can be successful after the military.
The nice part about the Navy is that you get to choose your job/skill before you sign on the dotted line. In the Marines everyone is a rifleman first and then you are given a job after the fact. Airforce has the best quality of life but promotes fairly slowly depending on your performance. Army is the largest of the branches and has the largest active-duty population. I would speak to a recruiter from each branch you are interested in.
If you are interested in the Navy specifically then I would recommend looking to see if there are any Navy Sea Cadet programs in your area. I was a Navy Sea Cadet when i was your age and it prepared me for a lot of the basics I experienced in the Navy. I went into the nuclear field in the navy and was able to focus on learning nuclear engineering since the military lifestyle (uniforms, drills, marching etc...) was already engrained in me. The USNSCC (US Navy Sea Cadet Corps) is a fun program the will give you the chance to learn a lot of different topics that you otherwise would not learn in high school.
The Navy Sea Cadets are not the only option. There is also the Young Marines and Civil Air Patrol which are also youth military programs which will give lots of opportunities. These programs may also give you higher rank if you decide to enlist in the military, and look good on college applications if you decide otherwise.
As far as pay goes, the military will never make you rich. However, you will always be taken care of in the sense that you will have healthcare, food, and a bed to sleep in. If you want to join, don't do it for the money. Do it because you want to serve your country and position yourself so that you can be successful after the military.
The nice part about the Navy is that you get to choose your job/skill before you sign on the dotted line. In the Marines everyone is a rifleman first and then you are given a job after the fact. Airforce has the best quality of life but promotes fairly slowly depending on your performance. Army is the largest of the branches and has the largest active-duty population. I would speak to a recruiter from each branch you are interested in.
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
142
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Thien,
It's great that you are thinking about your future and considering a military career. Being in 8th grade is the perfect time to start learning about the different branches and what they offer.
I am sharing my insights to the best of my knowledge however there are changes to recruitments and eligibility by region.
Navy
You will need to finish high school first. After that, you can talk to a Navy recruiter. Focus on your studies, especially math and science, and stay physically active. Teamwork and discipline are key. The Navy operates on ships, submarines, and supports aircraft, protecting the seas and supporting missions worldwide.
Air Force
The Air Force is all about aviation, technology, and space. Good grades in science and technology will help you. Your interest in military and tech games shows you are curious about technology, which fits well here. Careers range from pilots and engineers to cybersecurity specialists.
Marines
The Marines are known for their strength and quick response in combat. Physical fitness, leadership, and discipline are important. They work closely with the Navy and handle missions on land, sea, and air.
Pay and Benefits
Military pay depends on your rank and years of service. Starting pay is modest, but you get housing, healthcare, education benefits, and career training. Pay increases as you move up in rank.
Differences Between Branches
Navy: Sea missions with ships, submarines, and aircraft.
Air Force: Focus on aviation, technology, and space.
Marines: Quick-response combat missions often first deployed.
I would suggest please stay focused in school and keep your grades up. Build physical fitness through sports or regular exercise. Check out JROTC or similar programs if available at your school. Learn more by visiting official military websites or talking to recruiters when you are closer to graduation.
Your interest in military and tech games shows you enjoy strategy, teamwork, and technology, all great qualities for a military career. Exploring your options now will help you find the right fit.
Wishing you and your brother lots of confidence as you explore these exciting paths. Please note that playing video games and excelling in tasks is totally opposite when it comes to reality so be prepared to face the reality when you join any of the armed forces.
It's great that you are thinking about your future and considering a military career. Being in 8th grade is the perfect time to start learning about the different branches and what they offer.
I am sharing my insights to the best of my knowledge however there are changes to recruitments and eligibility by region.
Navy
You will need to finish high school first. After that, you can talk to a Navy recruiter. Focus on your studies, especially math and science, and stay physically active. Teamwork and discipline are key. The Navy operates on ships, submarines, and supports aircraft, protecting the seas and supporting missions worldwide.
Air Force
The Air Force is all about aviation, technology, and space. Good grades in science and technology will help you. Your interest in military and tech games shows you are curious about technology, which fits well here. Careers range from pilots and engineers to cybersecurity specialists.
Marines
The Marines are known for their strength and quick response in combat. Physical fitness, leadership, and discipline are important. They work closely with the Navy and handle missions on land, sea, and air.
Pay and Benefits
Military pay depends on your rank and years of service. Starting pay is modest, but you get housing, healthcare, education benefits, and career training. Pay increases as you move up in rank.
Differences Between Branches
Navy: Sea missions with ships, submarines, and aircraft.
Air Force: Focus on aviation, technology, and space.
Marines: Quick-response combat missions often first deployed.
I would suggest please stay focused in school and keep your grades up. Build physical fitness through sports or regular exercise. Check out JROTC or similar programs if available at your school. Learn more by visiting official military websites or talking to recruiters when you are closer to graduation.
Your interest in military and tech games shows you enjoy strategy, teamwork, and technology, all great qualities for a military career. Exploring your options now will help you find the right fit.
Wishing you and your brother lots of confidence as you explore these exciting paths. Please note that playing video games and excelling in tasks is totally opposite when it comes to reality so be prepared to face the reality when you join any of the armed forces.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Thien
Shane Wood
Telecommunications - Loop Capacity Manager/Engineer
6
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Shane’s Answer
You wouldn't be doing it for the money. It's more about serving your country while gaining education and training. You also get the chance to travel and see different places. The GI Bill can help with college costs if you need it. For pay details, check military.com/benefits/military-pay/charts. In the military, you get food and housing, so you don't need much money for those. When I started, most of my money went toward buying a car and covering insurance and gas.
Mr. Wood
10-year Navy Veteran
Mr. Wood
10-year Navy Veteran
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Thien
Jose Guevara
Pilot
20
Answers
Yuma, Arizona
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Awesome Goals to have. I was in the Air Force for two years as a KC-135 Mechanic then I joined the army to become a ranger and eventually a pilot. I really did love the air force and they really took care of me. Lots of traveling to be done and the benefits and pay are pretty standard throughout the services. It comes down to what do you want to do? How would you like to serve. There are a ton of different jobs in each branch. The one thing I would advise is that you keep up with your physical fitness. Being in shape is really important. Your physical fitness score is factored into most schools you will attend (if not all). So right now, keep up with your grades to sharpen your mind and try to stay active. Good luck.
I appreciate your support, Jose
Thien