The other post contradicting this one, is from two years ago. I found the excerpt from a website while randomly surfing the net and I found it interesting. I didn't know if any of it was actually true, but because I thought it was interesting, I posted it for others to debate on the subject. Mostly in hopes that someone with military experience would reasonably debate the ludicrously outlandish statements instead of take the bonehead 'red-blooded American' approach. To my disappointment, most were just as curious as to the truth as I was and the only disputers seemed to throw the darts at me. Disappointing.

Two years later, I can actually dispute that post based on facts and the little experience I have in my Marine Corps career. Throw the darts if you will since this is actually coming from someone serving. I feel as though its necessary to post this to disprove the misconceptions about the military, the service members and the lifestyle that we must live as the nation's enlisted. Perhaps some clarification will encourage others to join, or maybe it'll just be a good read. Whatever the case, I hope you take something from it.

1. Education.
Although a bit difficult with obvious time constraints, it is possible to obtain a BA in 4 years. There are a handful of collegiate institutions available on each base that offer both classroom and online courses. Guess what? Its completely free, in a sense. The Montgomery GI Bill is for use post-military career. The smart route, if you're pursuing graduate study, is to complete your BA through the use of tuition assistance, and obtain a Master's (and then some) once you get out. The ability to demonstrate positive leadership ability, combined with tangible education from a respected school (University of Maryland, for example) is a stepping stone to better employment once the military chapter of one's life is over.

2. Pay and Living.
We're not rich people. Its possible to invest and maintain an upstart business, or even work a part time job, but let's face it; two steady paychecks every single month, with benefits, and no utilities to worry about is a pretty sweet deal. The barracks I live in resemble the same dorms that are at the University of Texas- San Antonio. They aren't glamorous, but they'll be clean? Why? You clean them every Thursday; top to bottom. It seems a little asinine for an adult to be told when to clean, but the quality of life is a definite improvement from those who have lived in financial underprivileged households. And for a young man or woman, just starting out in life, this structure of pay housing is a stepping stone to living life when the military is over.

3. Community.
I don't like every Marine that I meet, nor do I respect every one of them personally, but I'll be damned if I don't recognize a Marine in some strange location, salty or green, and don't give them a casual, "Oorah." This gun club isn't the largest, but we're known for sticking together. I've met a lot of people that have lived their lives as loners and couldn't find acceptance. Sure, you'll have cliques here and there and people that still feel as though secluding themselves is the best remedy for their own sanity, but someone is always going to have their back. Esprit de Corps.

These are just a few reasons. I can tell you that, for me, the list goes on. This can be a more appropriate thread for a reasonable discussion about joining the military.

If we could get rid of those M4's I'd consider it, I'd hate my gun to start jamming during action.

You should send this to the poor bastards out in the Middle East.

I am actually considering joining the military. I went to military school and it was always a falback option for me.

If you have your sights set on a specific branch for whatever reason, learn as much as you possibly can about that particular branch and the opportunities. Enlistment bonuses, going in with a higher rank based on your contract, having the MOS you want; all of that makes a huge difference when starting your military career.



You can't attack every corner with the pedal to the ground. Learning how to manipulate the throttle of a car when cornering allows you to maintain high speeds. Don't hate on my M4 (just give the magazine a slap on the ass and eject a round, then try again). Its takes a certain touch.

I've fired AR-15 variants before (I personally use an electric model in military simulation games) and I definetely love the feel of them (from both the real steel and replica), however the internals sorta piss me off. The new HK 416's seem to do really well if I'm lucky enought to get my hands on those. Same with the FN SCAR's though those are for Special Forces.

I have always thought of going into the Navy as it does involve the most traveling, and it seems as though you can learn a decent amount more from being in the navy. I have definitely done my research heavily, and my experiences of being in military school, taught me alot about what it takes to do the job.

My mom was in the army,I dont think I would want to go though

I know one thing thing, Navy > Army in football.

They pwn them in everything not just football.

I was thinking about going into the Air Force but I change my mind. Both my parents are both in the Air Force. It was fun growing up in the military because you get to move every 2-3yrs and live on a military base that has armed guards.

If you were to join the military, what branch would you join? And what would you want to do? Not everyone is a gung-ho war junkie.



If you want to travel and experience a decent quality of life, the Air Force is the way to go.

The Navy is like San Francisco. It has some surprisingly tough streets, and there's also a pretty big gay population.

If you want large bonuses, long painful deployments, new equipment, and a growing crime rate, go Army. Be an Army of one (1.4 million).

Lets say non of that suits you and you'd rather deal with bullshit, taking flak from people that you know you're smarter than, always having to play "tough guy," but getting outstanding training, be a Marine. Somehow, you'll be so proud to put up with so much nonsense its ridiculous.

Or, you can just cross over to the dark side and be a commissioned officer. All I know about that end is that you deal with a lot of politics.

My dad is a retired MSGT and my mom is a Maj.

Uh.. What branch are you in? I am thinking about it but I also have to think about the possibility of me becoming a firefighter this year.

The Air Force has the best base housing and the best rep.

The Navy's new slogan- Iraq: It's Almost Completely Landlocked

You could say I'd want to be special forces, however from stories I heard, there's many things you'd have to do, some I wouldn't want to do (i.e. killing the children). Other than that Figher Aviation also interests me however the use of Fighter aircraft is rather seldom.

9 times out of 10, you will kill an innocent person in any branch that you are in. FACT!

A person strapped with a bomb can be disarmed instead of just shot.

While that is true, you also have to be on the lookout because whenever there is one, there is never truly just one there.

Shoot to disarm, not to kill. It can be done.

Of course it can be done. I just know that in most cases, especially in red zone areas, it can't be done.

If they can shoot to kill, they can shoot to wound.

The Air Force, while still Military, are not looked upon the same as the other three branches. From what I've heard from my ROTC NSI's the Air Force personnel are looked upon as weaker and wussier. Smarter? Maybe, but not as tough/rugged/manly.

The Air Force seem to get the job done though.

True as well. I mean from all the stories that I have heard, although people don't want to do it, they have to in order to protect their own lives.

and that is why people fail in life.

True Indeed. I feel as though if you have put yourself in that position, you have already failed to achieve the ultimate goal.

Oh I'm not denying that, nor am I saying it's a bad thing to join the Air Force :)

I'd love to be a fighter pilot. Unfortunately, I'm too tall.

Sailors are in Iraq. Sailors fight in Afghanistan. Where there is a Marine, there's a Corpsman (Sailor) Field Corpsman are Marine grunts with Naval insignia and medical equipment. There are make shift hospitals, dental clinics, religious support, etc. All of which are manned by the Navy.



Naval Aviators > Marine Aviators > Air Force pilots



Define innocent. An innocent child or woman can be pawned. That same innocent person can be walking around with a bomb. My friend Jessica was killed. She was an clerk in an intelligence shop and was told to search a female POW. When put in that situation, your instincts to survive and protect those you love kick in. f**k innocence. We live in a world full of bastards.



This is very, very true. "Flyboys" out here get ragged on a lot. One of my good friends is an aircraft mechanic, but in a military setting he's less respect than a Marine aircraft mechanic. He's never gone on the hikes up and down mountains with a .50 cal tripod in his pack. He's never been on 45 day field operations that simulate combat. His combat tour consists of 3 months (tops) in a secured area, working on the "birds." Airmen aren't required to go on patrols. In the Marine Corps, it doesn't matter if you're an infantryman, intel analyst, administrative clerk, or combat engineer (yut!), everyone has the "opportunity" to get some. Their rep; the lazy, unappreciative, rich kids. They aren't all like that, not at all, but that's their rep.



I REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.

Marine Corps Crash/Fire Rescue. Some of the best group of guys I've ever met.



USMC Recon, or Force Recon.

Force Recon = SEAL > Recon > Special Forces

That seemed to be the overwhelming consensus at the Barracks in Washington our ROTC company stayed at. We toured an air craft carrier, as well, and got to see the three rope/wire/w.e thing that the hook has to catch on and stop you on, too. Fun stuff.

Yea, I was rather impressed by how they handled their business. Very professional, very respectful.

Maybe 10 years ago. The Air Force's BMT was rated second of the four branches, coming after Marines.

The reason people think the Air Force is "inferior" is because it's more of a technical field. But today there are a greater amount of ground force Air Men. The reason is because of a need for that type of specialty.

If you ever saw Transformers, the Air Force Sergeant could have been confused for a Marine besides the Air Force insignia and uniform.

In each branch, someone has to do the shooting.

But comparing an Air Force ground unit to a Marine grunt is laughable.

The Air Force can do D&C pretty well. Army leads the way Hooah!!!

In order of best academic standards, status of living, and family orientation: Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines.

What planet do you live on?



True story.

I call it Fort Gordon, Ga

And question on the National Guard. Do they ship you out?

My impression of the National Guard is that it was the military for people who didn't want to see combat, aside from worrying about illegals and drugs. We went to one of the bases in Washington on our trip and they took us for a ride in these boats meant to chase down drug smugglers. Was pretty f**king badass the way they could handle these boats and the speeds they hit on the water.

This is my impression of the military.

Marines:
PRIVATE! CARRY THAT 150 LBS BAG UP THAT MOUNTAIN!

Army:
PRIVATE! CARRY THAT 100 LBS BAG UP THAT HILL!

National Guard:
PRIVATE! Just drive that truck across the street....

Yeah when we were at the guard base they were telling us how they get bored and play practical jokes on eachother while playing ps2 every evening. One time they put saran wrap on a toilet to get another cadet but it got the CO lol, and he wasn't very happy at all.

Punishment from that....

Marines: 100 Laps!

Army: 50 Laps!

National Guard: No more Playstation!

I made my way from Camp Pendleton, CA to Camp Kinser, JP, life's interesting.

Don't worry, no Army jokes. My friend Tracy died in Samarra, Iraq in September. I promised him a truce that I wouldn't make fun of the rank structure, the word "Sarge," ugly dress uniforms, berets, and all the other good stuff if something were to ever happen to him. I'll stay true to my word. But, the Army leads the way? You actually believe that?



Wakrimasen.
I'm not sure, to be honest with you. What does the National Guard do again? I really have no clue what they do.



A low rank wouldn't get the respect of his own title. It would be along the lines of, "Hey Devil Dog, get the f**k up my mountain right now! Ok, stop, get the f**k back. Grab this pack right now. Fill it up right now. Good, get the f**k up my mountain right now!"

Hmm, I though the National Guard is equivalent to Japan's self defense forces. Guarding the Nation, however when I look up the Air National Guard, I noticed some of them are in Korea, so I'm like nani?

Hotwheels.

Matchbox

Tom"ay"to.

So are you like a firefighter in the marines?

Negative. I wouldn't mind being one.

I'm a Combat Engineer/Awards Chief.