7 answers
Thien
Student
Carrollton, Texas
2
Questions
Updated
1971 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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7 answers
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
148
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
Rusty Philpott
Safety Specialist
3
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Rusty’s Answer
Hi Thien,
Trevor and Jose gave you some great tips on the branches and how to join, so I'll share something a little different. Since we're both in Jacksonville, you have a unique advantage. You live in one of the best places to get a close look at military life before making a decision.
1. Check out the branches right here at home.
Navy: Jacksonville is home to NAS Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, where you can see Navy ships. Look out for public events like air shows and ship tours. Seeing it in person is way better than any video game.
Marines: The Marine Corps also has a presence here, often working closely with the Navy.
Air Force: Watch for local air shows and Civil Air Patrol events.
2. Join a youth program in Jacksonville. You can find local units of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the Young Marines, and Civil Air Patrol cadets. Many high schools here also have JROTC programs. These let you try out drills, leadership, and teamwork, helping you decide which branch feels right.
3. Talk to people around you. Jacksonville is full of veterans and active-duty families. Ask them about their daily life, what they enjoyed, and what they wish they had known. You'll learn more from these conversations than from any website.
4. Switching from the Navy to the Marines is possible, but you'd have to start the new branch's training from scratch. It's smarter to try the youth programs now and get to know both branches, so you can choose the right one from the start.
5. If you love machines, keep doing hands-on activities like joining a robotics club, building models, or fixing bikes. These skills will help you on the ASVAB's mechanical section and lead to technical jobs in any branch.
There's no wrong choice here. Stay fit, keep your grades up, and make the most of the military community in your backyard. Good luck to you and your brother!
Trevor and Jose gave you some great tips on the branches and how to join, so I'll share something a little different. Since we're both in Jacksonville, you have a unique advantage. You live in one of the best places to get a close look at military life before making a decision.
1. Check out the branches right here at home.
Navy: Jacksonville is home to NAS Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport, where you can see Navy ships. Look out for public events like air shows and ship tours. Seeing it in person is way better than any video game.
Marines: The Marine Corps also has a presence here, often working closely with the Navy.
Air Force: Watch for local air shows and Civil Air Patrol events.
2. Join a youth program in Jacksonville. You can find local units of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the Young Marines, and Civil Air Patrol cadets. Many high schools here also have JROTC programs. These let you try out drills, leadership, and teamwork, helping you decide which branch feels right.
3. Talk to people around you. Jacksonville is full of veterans and active-duty families. Ask them about their daily life, what they enjoyed, and what they wish they had known. You'll learn more from these conversations than from any website.
4. Switching from the Navy to the Marines is possible, but you'd have to start the new branch's training from scratch. It's smarter to try the youth programs now and get to know both branches, so you can choose the right one from the start.
5. If you love machines, keep doing hands-on activities like joining a robotics club, building models, or fixing bikes. These skills will help you on the ASVAB's mechanical section and lead to technical jobs in any branch.
There's no wrong choice here. Stay fit, keep your grades up, and make the most of the military community in your backyard. Good luck to you and your brother!
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.
Trevor Ramey
EMT
20
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Hi Thien! It's great that you're thinking about this in 8th grade. You have plenty of time to prepare and to figure out which branch fits you best.
How the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force are different
Army: The largest branch. It works mainly on land, with soldiers, tanks, helicopters, and vehicles. It has the widest range of jobs, from infantry and armor to mechanics, engineering, medicine, intelligence, and cyber. Since it has so many jobs, it's a good fit if you want lots of choices.
Navy: Works mainly at sea on ships and submarines, and also flies aircraft from carriers. Jobs include engineering, electronics, nuclear power, aviation, and medicine. You may spend months at sea and travel the world.
Marine Corps: A smaller, tough fighting force that's often first to respond to emergencies, on land, from ships, and in the air. It focuses heavily on combat skills, physical toughness, and teamwork. Its boot camp is known as the hardest of all the branches. The Marines are part of the Department of the Navy.
Air Force: Focuses on aircraft, space, cyber, and technology. Jobs include pilots, aircraft maintenance, drones, cybersecurity, and electronics. It's often known for good quality of life and lots of technical training.
Since you and your brother like mech and military games, you might enjoy technical jobs like tank or vehicle mechanic, aircraft mechanic, robotics and drones, electronics, or cybersecurity. All four branches have jobs like these, and the Army has many jobs working with heavy vehicles and machines.
How to join (the steps are similar for every branch)
Be at least 17 (with a parent's permission) or 18, and have a high school diploma.
Take the ASVAB. It tests math, reading, science, and mechanical skills, and your score decides which jobs you qualify for.
Pass a medical exam and a background check.
Go to boot camp.
Army basic training lasts about 10 weeks.
Navy boot camp lasts about 10 weeks at Great Lakes, Illinois.
Marine boot camp lasts about 13 weeks.
Air Force basic training lasts several weeks in San Antonio, Texas.
Go to job training for the career you picked.
How to prepare now
Do well in school, especially math, science, and reading. They'll help you on the ASVAB.
Stay fit. Practice running, push-ups, sit-ups, and swimming. The Navy requires a swim test.
Stay out of trouble. A clean record matters.
Join JROTC or a cadet program in high school. Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force JROTC programs are common in Texas. Civil Air Patrol and Sea Cadets are also good options.
Try hands-on activities like robotics club, building things, or fixing engines.
Serve in one branch, then switch? It's possible to switch branches after your service ends, but it isn't common, and you'd have to meet the new branch's requirements and go through its training. It's better to pick the branch that fits you best from the start. As you get older, talk to recruiters from each branch, and to people who served, to learn more.
One more option: If you want to be an officer, look into West Point (Army), the Naval Academy (Navy and Marines), the Air Force Academy, or ROTC in college.
You don't have to decide now. Keep learning about each branch, stay fit, and work hard in school, and you'll be ready for whichever one you choose. Good luck, Thien, and to your brother too!
How the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force are different
Army: The largest branch. It works mainly on land, with soldiers, tanks, helicopters, and vehicles. It has the widest range of jobs, from infantry and armor to mechanics, engineering, medicine, intelligence, and cyber. Since it has so many jobs, it's a good fit if you want lots of choices.
Navy: Works mainly at sea on ships and submarines, and also flies aircraft from carriers. Jobs include engineering, electronics, nuclear power, aviation, and medicine. You may spend months at sea and travel the world.
Marine Corps: A smaller, tough fighting force that's often first to respond to emergencies, on land, from ships, and in the air. It focuses heavily on combat skills, physical toughness, and teamwork. Its boot camp is known as the hardest of all the branches. The Marines are part of the Department of the Navy.
Air Force: Focuses on aircraft, space, cyber, and technology. Jobs include pilots, aircraft maintenance, drones, cybersecurity, and electronics. It's often known for good quality of life and lots of technical training.
Since you and your brother like mech and military games, you might enjoy technical jobs like tank or vehicle mechanic, aircraft mechanic, robotics and drones, electronics, or cybersecurity. All four branches have jobs like these, and the Army has many jobs working with heavy vehicles and machines.
How to join (the steps are similar for every branch)
Be at least 17 (with a parent's permission) or 18, and have a high school diploma.
Take the ASVAB. It tests math, reading, science, and mechanical skills, and your score decides which jobs you qualify for.
Pass a medical exam and a background check.
Go to boot camp.
Army basic training lasts about 10 weeks.
Navy boot camp lasts about 10 weeks at Great Lakes, Illinois.
Marine boot camp lasts about 13 weeks.
Air Force basic training lasts several weeks in San Antonio, Texas.
Go to job training for the career you picked.
How to prepare now
Do well in school, especially math, science, and reading. They'll help you on the ASVAB.
Stay fit. Practice running, push-ups, sit-ups, and swimming. The Navy requires a swim test.
Stay out of trouble. A clean record matters.
Join JROTC or a cadet program in high school. Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force JROTC programs are common in Texas. Civil Air Patrol and Sea Cadets are also good options.
Try hands-on activities like robotics club, building things, or fixing engines.
Serve in one branch, then switch? It's possible to switch branches after your service ends, but it isn't common, and you'd have to meet the new branch's requirements and go through its training. It's better to pick the branch that fits you best from the start. As you get older, talk to recruiters from each branch, and to people who served, to learn more.
One more option: If you want to be an officer, look into West Point (Army), the Naval Academy (Navy and Marines), the Air Force Academy, or ROTC in college.
You don't have to decide now. Keep learning about each branch, stay fit, and work hard in school, and you'll be ready for whichever one you choose. Good luck, Thien, and to your brother too!
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
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
Sai P
Risk Manager, Financial Technology
4
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!