MILITARY: Yays Or Nays?

[Jake616]

For those of you that have been in any branch of the United States military (any brand/reserves).. Please post up your Yays or Nays of joining and the reasoning behind it please... I have been checking into my options and prefer real life input over recruiter fed input.

Please post up your braanch/ your pros or cons/ and also, please only people who have been in the military, I just want to avoid any kind of drama.

Thanks!
-jake

*Moderator edit* No need for terse language in a thread asking for advice. (trapin)

[derekf]

I joined the Marines in 1989, well, out of spite.

I was failing out of college, and my parents gave me a choice: Move back home, get a job, and pay rent, or join the military. I think they were thinking I'd go National Guard reserve or something, but I marched right into the USMC recruiter's office with my list of requirements: 4 years, active duty, guaranteed combat arms. The recruiter was, of course, thrilled to have someone ASK to be in the infantry, but my parents not so much.

On reflection on my time in.. infantry doesn't really lend itself to post-military job skills. However, if I was to have the opportunity to do it all again, I think I'd still do it the same way; there's a pride that comes from being in the front lines compared to supporting the folks in the front lines. I might have pushed for a shorter enlistment, had a couple of folks in my unit on 2 or 3 year stints.

[anarchy99]

It really depends on what your looking for out of the military. I've been in for around 10 years and have loved every second of it. What type of job are you looking for?

[cudaman]

I was in Army Aviation and loved it tremendously. However, I was single at the time. It is no life for a family, though, in my experience. I was also an Army brat, so my I know that aspect from both angles. Don't get me wrong, it's not the worst option if you have a wife and kids, but it ain't the best, that's for sure. If you're young and single, there's no better way to grow into an adult than being committed to something larger than yourself.

You'll make the best friends of your life.

If you do it right, you can have money saved up by the time you get out. Most don't have the discipline to do this, however.

VA mortgage backing means you can buy a house with no money down.

Outstanding college payment options. Also applies to trade schools.

Other GI Bill benefits.

Since you appear to be an auto enthusiast, most posts have garages with lifts and tools that are free for the using. You just have to reserve a block of time.

Outstanding advantage in gaining post-service employment, particularly if you have a technical MOS.

There are many others, I'm just not able to type indefinitely today. As far as what branch, they all are good. I personally view the military as a chance to do something that you'll never have the opportunity to do again, so I would pick a career path that you really want to pursue, but can't get outside of the military, like infantry, for example. It doesn't translate well into a civilian job, but you'll always swell with pride thinking about being part of the essence of the military. You know yourself better than anyone, maybe you'll get just as much satisfaction from being a nuclear tech on a naval vessel. If that's the case, go with the technical job. The Navy and Air Force might have an advantage in the technical jobs as far as civilian opportunities.

Two more points:

If you're thinking the military might be something you want to do, and then don't do it, I guarantee you will have regrets about it at various times in your life (I have known countless men in that category). If you go in and make it out okay (extremely likely), you will not regret it. Live your life with a zero regret policy- whatever that is to you. Just don't be married while you're in and get out before you get married. Especially if you get deployed alot.

Also, as a suggestion, don't tell others to "STFU" in the same breath that you're using to ask advice or help. This is an example of how the military may help you.

Good luck.

[Ollie8974]

Retired Air Force, with 35 years, 6 years active, 29 years in the reserves. Trained as a Jet Engine Mechanic, Vietnam era. After discharge went to A&P school on hhe GI bill. Worked at Boeing and Goodrrch Aviation. I recomend serving a 4 year enlistment then joining the reserves.
Joining the reserves means giving up one weekend a month and two weeks a year for annual tour. The extra pay always kept my in a nice daily driver and parts for the project.
The medical benifits and extra income plus good 401K, premitted my wife and I to retire at 62.

[6'9"Witha69]

I never joined, disqualified for the same reason I lost college basketball scholarships, knee. I have had many friends who did go, and I can share some pointers. Have a rough idea what you want to do and go for it. If you really want an IT advantage go AF. If you want to go into law enforcement, become an SP or MP. GI isn't good for many civilian jobs, but you learn discipline and work ethics either way.

The only thing I don't currently know about, since noone I know has been in combat, is how easy it is to choose your position right now.

[va72mlibu]

Been an Army Aviation officer for 10 years, currently getting ready to leave my pregnant wife for a 1 year Afghanistan rotation. Did a year in Iraq in 04-05 as well, but was single then. They don't call it "Service" for nothing. That being said, it's been a great life so far for myself and my wife and I wouldn't change a thing. I don't know your situation or what your goals are, but from my foxhole, being in the military seems a lot better (and certainly more lucrative) with officer brass on. I also taught ROTC and there are some seriously good scholarships to be had if you're interested in college $ before service. Like many things in life, your experience in the military will be reflective of what you put into it. Feel free to PM me if you have more in-depth questions.

[Ollie8974]

If it's Technical Traing you are looking for, join the Air Force. Plus I always had three hot meals, a day, and a hot shower and warm bed at the end of the day.

[WILWAXU]

I originally joined because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, but knew that my appetite for cars/toys wasn't going to pay for it's self.

I've got 19yrs in the Navy now, still haven't figured out what I want to do when I grow up, but I've had a great career, traveled the world and had a decent time doing it.

[Jake616]

As for telling whomever to STFU, It was out of no disrespect...I am on a couple other forums and the guys arent as good about keeping threads where a serious question is being asked on topic or it gets completley full of drame that its not even fun to sort the BS.... So no disrespect at all on that part. I have just had alot of BS other places I have asked.


The branch I was considering was the NAVY due to my grandfather being retired NAVY and Air Force, but as for a job title.... I was unsure. I just want to consider it as something I would enjoi post-NAVY if I left is all, so I am not stuck with knowledge and training that gets me no where in the civilian world.

Yes, I am a car enthusiast so the idea of garage access w/ lift sounds appealing and I od live my life with a No regrets attitude for the most part. I know there would be things I dislike, havent had a job yet where I havent. Just trying to get an idea of what the "dislikes" were for the most part, as well as the "likes"...



Thanks for the info so far! I appreaciate it alot!
-jake

[69stang]

Ex AF here. Spent 10 years in aircraft maintenance as a jet engine mechanic through the eighties. I traveled extensively though for the most part during peace time. I enjoyed my time in though I didn't care much for the politics. I imagine that's not so much during war time. Peace time politics were part of the reason I got out after 10. That brings me to a warning, realize, before you join, we are currently in a 2 front war. You will, more than likely, be deployed to a war zone. Don't be one of those (like many during the first gulf war) to join for education benefits then cry about going to war. Its the military. I gave my son the same speech over 2 years ago when he joined the navy. He's a corpsman (medic) and recently returned from Kuwait where he was assigned to an army EOD unit. He loves his job and is currently assigned to Parris Island so if you go through marine basic at the island, you'll meet him. Come the first of the year he gets reassigned to a marine unit at camp Lejeunne (sp?) and said he'll be going to Afganistan. My oldest daughter's bf is thinking of joining the AF also. It is a great way to grow up and learn about life.

[anarchy99]

I'm in the navy and love every bit of it. The navy, like every other branch has tons of jobs for someone to do, from electronics, to SEALs, etc. Alot of the job skills from all of them can be used in a civilian job once you get out. I would figure out what type of job your looking for whether it's messing with airplanes, or kicking in doors, etc.

[cudaman]

It's better if you fly a King Air or Apache like va72mlibu.

[70TWO NOVA]

Been in the Air Force Reserves for about 5 years now. My dad (also Air Force) convinced me to go Reserve first to see if it was really for me rather than just go active duty. Im glad he did becuase although I like the Air Force I dont think I would have enjoyed it as much in active duty. In my short 5 years Ive gotten opportunities to do and see things I never would have otherwise.

[69Pony]

My father was in the Coast Guard for 27 years. Went in just after college and retired at the age of 50. With good investments and smart savings (you won't be a millionaire in the military) he was able to stay retired. He worked with the reserves on a part time basis to get a total of 30 years in and is now living on 3/4 base pay plus the benefits....

Not bad - retired at the age of 50 with 3/4 pay and the ability to take another job if so desired. Not bad IMO....

Added benefit - seeing the world. I have been in every US state, Canada, Mexico, France mostly due to direct postings or the trip to get to the posting.

[va72mlibu]

It's better if you fly a King Air or Apache like va72mlibu.

No arguments here. I'm just a regular blue-collar upbringing guy. All it took was a little hard work and determination and Uncle Sam handed me the keys to two different high-performance machines and told me to operate them at the ragged edge of their capability. Oh, and get paid well to do it.

(you won't be a millionaire in the military)

Not neccessarily. I've met a few people that bought real estate at each new duty station and then rented it out when they left. Millionaires (at least in assets) after 20 year careers.

[cudaman]

If you play it right, you can leave the service with a lot of money and a nice pension. Then you can go onto something else while you're still relatively young.

I have an old friend and college roommate who is a Marine aviator who has a boatload of money from saving and investing. He will be retiring as a colonel, which doesn't hurt, but any rank over E-3 can do it. When you're deployed or otherwise tied down alot while serving, it's easier to exercise fiscal discipline.

I personally don't know any military retirees in the poor house.

[va72mlibu]

Just trying to get an idea of what the "dislikes" were for the most part

Time away from family is definitely the biggest detractor. One year combat rotations are way stressful, even without getting IED'd, shot at or mortared. Only upside to those is more $

It's a disciplined life. Getting up early to do PT every day is a commitment. There's no "sick days". Integrity is non-negotiable. You will ALWAYS have a boss, some outstanding, some atrocious. You could spend significant amounts of time being cold, hungry, wet, homesick, scared, hot, eaten by bugs, eating MRE "food", or just plain BORED.

You will move. A LOT. 3 times in the past 18 months for me. And I'm not talking to the next town. In the past four years I moved from Germany to Virginia to Arizona to Alabama to Texas. This is actually a positive for me and my family as we like the bedouin lifestyle, but it's not for everyone.

On the contrary, I could write pages about the positives. First and foremost is serving with and becoming friends with some of the finest human beings you could ever hope to meet. All of my very best friends are people I've served with and there are a few I trust with my life. And I promise you, that is not hyperbole.

[2yellow69]

va72mlibu pretty much sums it up except fo calling MRE's "food"! Now granted, they are edible. But then again I've been out for awhile.

I was in the Army. Most of it I loved but there were definately crappy times. My friends from that time in life are the best. I can still depend on them now and in the future.

What a lot of people don't realize is that the military is just like a huge company (plus you get guns!). The same political crap happens in every "business".

I would not trade my military experiance for anything!! Just the stories you'll be able to tell all your civilian buddies will make it worth it.

[Declawed69]

Aww c'mon MRE's aren't that bad! It's sorta like canned food, except one meal is something like 1600-2000 calories, but at least you can warm it in the field and have a hot meal. If your college age/in college/want to enroll now I'd say got for ROTC all the way, if not you can always go for OCS later. Plus with ROTC you can sorta "feel" it out before you contract, military is not for everyone.