is it a good idea to join the military right now?
345928
it is if you want to be traumatized for life or killed
244319
After almost 20 years of service between 3 separate branches of the military I can tell you the pros and cons are as different as night and day. In many cases they can be the same thing. Travel for instance  Pro- You get to go to places where most people will never get to visit. Con - You might be visiting with the intentions of having to fight, kill or be killed. That is just one area to look into. There are others, but my suggestion is look inside yourself and see if you really have the desire to SERVE your fellow countrymen or are you just doing it for the "benefits". If its for the paycheck or the schooling or other benefits you Will be miserable most of the time. If you are here to try and "make a difference", All I can say is GO FOR IT! The worse that can happen is you quit or die. Everyone dies, but not everyone truly lives. Take a chance!
174984
Yes.  You don't have to be a citizen to join the armed forces, and your time in service will in fact speed up your citizenship process.  See a local recruiter and ask them this question.
1024836
the decision should be yours, not your friends.   good friends support your decisions, not guide them.\n\nwhat do you want to do in the Navy???  be sure to ask allot of good questions to the recruiter.    Just be sure that the trade you chose is something you want to do.\nNavy/Military life is not for everyone....but very few regret the time they spend in service.  It's unique - its just like any other job - its thrilling - its tough and makes you tough.   All depends on how YOU make it....\n\nIn service 17 yrs...  somedays I don't like my job but I have never regreted the day I swore on the flag for duty honor and loyalty.\nWhat it did for me, who I became... will never be lost.
647364
Go to www.military.com and join.It`s free.I am a member and ANY question you have about the military can be answered there
510642
if u want to take care of yur kids, fine.\n\n the army and navy are still there, but please, \n\n   don't make such a drastic choice as joining the armed \n\n forces during a time of war without REALLY taking  into \n\nmind ALL optionions you have at home.\n\nhope you can find your own answer that fits \n\ngood luck
634028
I did, and don't regret it.  The military offers paid education and 4 years training for the job you receive.  Downside:  you might not get the job you really want.  Needs of the military, if the don't need you where you want to be, too bad.  But odds are high that you'll get the MOS or one closely related to it.  You'll know before you sign the contract.  The military offers the GI bill, which is good money to further your education once you've hit 2 years, or are out at any college you choose.  The on base education center has LOTS of opportunities from apprenticeships in your field of work to free classes at local colleges, all you have to do is take advantage of them.  There are lots of bene's to being in the military.
858997
If you are not going to college.....yet, then join.  If you decide to start taking college classes later, the Navy will afford you that time and it is almost free.  Now to your question:\n\nPro:  Great opportunity learn a profession, see the world, meet interesting people and learn the value of hardwork and teamwork.  It is great experience for both young and old.  Descent pay, but great benefits.  Again..., great places you will visit.  \n\nCon:  Family separation.  Long periods of time at sea working.  Sometimes long hours.  \n\nOverall, it is a great place to start growing up if you are young. You will see yourself grow over the next couple of years while being provided the opportunity for advancement and to be put in leadership position.  Pick a job you like and you will really enjoy it.   \nI am not a recruiter, just a former proud squid.
382911
join the army. they will tell you what to do.
505167
Depends on what you want to do with your life.  If you decide the military, you can go to college at the same time.
1072442
It sounds like you don't have the so-called "warrior-mentality" that many of the Soldiers and Marines have, so you may feel out of place in the Army or USMC.  I agree with the others about the Air Force, Navy or CG.  As far as which of the three, look at your options for MOS through your recruiter for each.  Remember, too, that the Air Force generally allows for more time "at home" whereas the Navy is deployed at sea a lot, as well as the CG.  Thus you have a much greater chance of "seeing the world" sooner with the Navy or CG than with the AF, though you will end up spending more time away from home.  With the AF you have a better chance of actually being stationed overseas than with the other two.\n\nHowever, I am a bit concerned about your reasoning for joining.  Don't get me wrong, the benefits such as MGIB are AWESOME and definitely can be a huge draw.  But you must not forget that it's not a "free ride".  Especially nowadays you will PROBABLY be asked to serve in some sort of combat situation, or at least in support of such actions.  If you have real concerns about supporting combat actions or being in combat yourself I'd suggest taking out loans or applying for civilian scholarships to continue your education.  While it may have been commonplace a few years ago, the excuse of "I joined the military to get an education, I never knew I'd have to fight and I want out now" just doesn't fly anymore.  Seriously think about this before you, quite literally, sign away your freedom on the dotted line.
1142420
I'm thinking about joining soon too.  I found a few good online resources to help me out.  My favorite is military.com.  Check it out:
672668
You can't join the military unless:  you are 17, have parents permission, and are a junior in high school (or have already graduated).\n\nAll military training is design to be hard.  It is NOT harder than necessary, remember you are learning how to survive.  Is it hard?  Yes.  But if it was TOO hard, how come some many millions of people have already completed it?
248254
Try joining the military services, especially the National Guard
576163
Joining the Air Force was the best thing I ever did for myself -- I loved it.  The Air Force is one of the more "intellectual" branches of the military (no offense to the others).  It's just a lot more cushy, but that's not everyone's thing.  If you want to sleep out in the wild during your field exercises, go Army or Marines.  If you want to stay in a nice hotel-like room during your deployments (complete with maid service) then the AF is for you (my brother was in the Army while I was in the AF, and he just hated the unequal treatment, but the mission is just different for the various branches so the lifestyle is as well).  Bit it wasn't all peachy keen when I was in, we had our field exercises and mock-wartime scenarios to contend with, too, but for the most part it wasn't all that tough.  I'm not opposed to doing my part when wartime arises, but the reality is that the Air Force is probably a safer branch of the military when that arises.  I just can't say enough good things about it, the opportunities are so great and I think everyone would be better off having experienced any military service, not just the Air Force.
598480
I am currently in the Army and am writing this from Southwest Asia.  I love being in the Army.  Where else can you get paid to jump out of planes, go to the range, and travel.  Sometimes these experiences have their downsides but I wouldn't trade any of it.  You meet people with backgrounds very different from your own and that helps you grow.  The Army offers a lot of opportunities that you can't find anywhere else.  Even people who decide not to stay in often say how the Army gave them a direction and helped them to be more disciplined.  The other answers on being wary when you talk to a recruiter are good.  Really research what you want to do in the Army and make sure you get it in writing.  Good luck.
552505
well brother, joining the army is a big deal. i myself joined the military but decided to go the navy route because they focus mostly on school, a career, and family. i met several army and marine hopefuls at MEPS. these kids (that's right KIDS) thought they were invincible. they couldn't wait to serve their country and blow sh*t up! has the thought of going to iraq crossed my mind, totally. but i have faith i will see the other end and take what i have learned from my future experience. if you have researched enough about that branch and you're confident that is your path, go for it.