How do you know if military life is right for you?
368360
It is a very long four years and then you have a five year commitment.  It will be a very good education for you.  Unterstand what you want.  Most people are not used to working in the same employer for five years.  With your service commitment, you will be working/serving the Navy for five years.  College is tough, but imagine all the added physical training on top.  It will take someone with a lot of commitment to get through it.  If this is you, go for it.
1064856
I'm an army wife, and I think that AF would probably be better for a family man.  The army (depending on MOS of course) has very long deployments, long hours, and a lot of time away from the family-- I've heard that it's not so much like this in the AF.  \nAs far as I know, all branches deploy, and there are varying levels of danger in each job, in each branch. For people to automatically assume that one branch is more dangerous, more worthy, better... it's completely ridiculous and totally untrue.  All of the military branches have a purpose, and I think that the various branches would fail if the other ones weren't there.  Make sense? \nThe trash talking you hear is all pretty much good natured, from what I can tell-- almost like rival sports teams in a fun league.  We have friends in all branches, and the trash talking that goes on between them is unbelievable sometimes, but it's all in fun.  They know that they are working basically for the same employer and purpose, and would protect each other with their lives if need be.\nAlso, please make sure that you know exactly what you're getting into with the military.  A lot of families thrive in this lifestyle, but the divorce rate is really high because of all of the stressors that civilian familes don't have.  For example.. imagine deployment.  You go to work one day, and come back a year or more later.  You end up missing everything in that time, from births to deaths to anniversaries to holidays.  It is very difficult, and requires a lot of adjustment on not only your part, but also from everyone in the family.  If you can, talk to not only a recruiter, but also people who have served or are serving in the branches that you are considering.  They can probably give you a good idea of what to realistically expect.\nMake sure that you talk to your wife too.  Even though she won't be the one signing the papers or receiving the paycheck, this decision will affect her greatly.  There's a lot to think about with this... please take the time to make the decision for you and yours.  Good luck!
761701
You pick a wonderful day to make a decision and if you are asking this community what service to possible give up your life you should be asking your priest/ preacher and family.\n\nPlease allow me to answer your question with this preface:\n\nI was wounded, the last time long before you were born, May 10 1971.  I still dream about the people we eliminated under "Operation Phoenix".  I see each of their faces, hear them begging.  I see the Vietcong stick grenade spitting smoke and turning end over end; bouncing on top of the APC before bouncing into Doc's lap and detonating; blowing off the top of his head; seriously wounding Tex; penetrating my lower back and kidneys, going from the rear through the front exiting through the knee cap and through my right elbow, ring finger, little finger and wrist.  I was unable to return fire in the conventional manner.  \n\nI pulled this out for the second time in 35 years it reads:\n"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam.  On 10 May 1971, while on a long range reconnaissance patrol in Ankee providence his men came under an intense enemy attack.  The initial attack wounded Sergeant Adams and several other personnel.  Refusing medical aid, he commenced giving first aid to the other wounded.  At the same time, he directed his remaining forces into a defensive position.  When the medical helicopter came, he chose to remain behind to make room for these more seriously wounded.  During the ensuing fighting which would include face to face combat and in spite of his wounds and disregard to his own safety, Sergeant Adams continued to defend his position.  Sergeant ADAMS 's decisive actions in rendering first aid, directing his personnel, while in defense of their position, while exposed to enemy fire, was directly responsible for the saving of his personnel.  His devotion to duty, courage under fire, exemplary professionalism and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army".  \n \nI am not bragging but getting ready to make a point.  When I got home no one cared and guess what they don’t care today.  When I tried to get a job, I had no skills if you want to join a branch of the military at least select a decent job and something that if you decide not to make the military a career you can make a living.  If you are really taking advice, I would suggest The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.  If one took FARSI or Chinese they could step right into the CIA or NSA as a GS12 or GS13, one could not ask for more.  (Upon competition of the School, you are given the equivalent of an Associate Degree).\n\nBranch of the Military.  You don’t want to ask us what you want look at what it is you want and what kind of training “you” want for yourself.\n\nI never lie so you and others might not like what I am going to say here, but what they heck?  Wait I always wanted to say this:  “You can’t handle the truth”!  Cool huh?\n\nI live near the Norfolk Naval Base (Worlds Largest Naval Base) and laugh each time a ship goes to sea.  All the Navy wives get on TV crying expressing horror at being left alone for six months, fearing their love one might be injured, mad because they do not know how they are going to make it for six months.  I know our Navy went to sea in World War I and II and Korea for years!  At that time, they might actually be killed in combat.  My cousin served on a carrier off the coast of Viet Nam and complains to this day, what he went through.  You know how rough it is have three hot meals a day, a clean warm bunk, ice cream games and hot showers.  Since the conception of the all volunteer military cruise are a maximum of a year but usually six months.  What can you or any one say?\n\nI took my rest and recuperation (r &
934524
I was an AF MP for eight years.  It all depends on where you are stationed and what the mission is there.  If you go to a Northern Tier base you are going to be pulling nuke security.  If you go a large mobility base you will be going to the desert.  If you go to a base with a large amount of aircraft, guess what you are guarding.  If you luck out you will get assigned to a Law Enforcement Flight and get to perform Base Police Duties.\n\nMP's are the red headed step children of the Air Force, but MP's have the luxury of being able to be stationed anywhere in the world, unlike some career fields.  \n\nMy advice is don't complain and enjoy it.  It may seem boring at the time, but you will gain life long friends.  Take advantage of down time and take some college classes when time permits.  If you don't plan on making a career out of the military, use it as a stepping stone to set up the rest of your life.  Congrats and good luck.  Best advice I ever received in the military was, "If you don't like the way things are done, make rank and fix it."
828474
I am a military wife, and I can honestly say take all the time together as you possibly can with your husband. The life style isn't that bad, sometimes they are gone to the field, range, and schools, but then you have the deployment, which everyone goes through I swear. The moving isn't too bad, the military moves you for free, and you can get on post housing and just loose the BAH ( your housing allowance) and just have to worry about phone, cable, internet, and bills like that. \nTo me the cons are: them being gone for the field, range, possible deployment, and whatever else the army wants the soldier to do. \nTo me the pros are: steady job, you get to go to new places, see the world, steady paycheck, free insurance, and to be able to walk with the pride of being an army wife. I have been to 2 duty stations in 5 years, Ft. Stewart and now I get to live in Hawaii for 4 years. \nIf you need to talk to anyone you can IM me, my yahoo is always one
563655
Why would it matter? You join the military to serve where they place you. That is the whole point; to serve your country wherever they need you.
228530
Ok I'll do my best given my experience in the Marines and raised as a military brat to explain military life. As you know Marines get the opportunity to work with the Navy, being in the Navy even as a female you may be task to go to sea for 6 months plus. That means the only communication between you and your husband and kids will be via mail and the sporadic phone call. It's hard demanding and you'll work a load of hours. If you break the amount of hours down per month at work then calculate the amount you received in pay you'll see it's not much (below poverty). So if you’re in it for the money don't do it. Health care is great however, not the best. You'll stand around in uniform waiting for a prescription then along comes an officer and he gets his drugs filled right away. You'll wait. Job security definitely, study learn your trade, wear a sharp uniform and stay fit you’ll definitely be able to stay in. Become a "S^&*t bird" as they say and you won't last. Positive experience, well you'll learn what real discipline is and leadership. These are traits required in the civilian world.\n\nPlease do not believe every promise from the recruiter. They will promise you beautiful bases and great life overseas. Most people go in to the military, go overseas for an unaccompanied tour  (Meaning no family can come with you) for a year then you come back. That can be about as stressful as it gets. Make sure if you do go in that you have a guaranteed slot in a school to learn an MOS (Military Occupational Skill). This is a ticket into a school. This does not give you the ticket to graduate; you actually have to work hard and study to pass. I went to the Naval Aviation Electronic course and did 2 years of college in 8 months. A lot of my friends did not make it. They ended up going to the Infantry. \n\nAlso keep in mind that the Marine Corps has the highest divorce rate in the Military followed by the Navy. When I was in, about 75% of marriages failed. Life for the family members can be more difficult then it is for the enlisted person. They have to move, meet people, learn new cities, etc… Some people just are not cut out to be uprooted and replanted some where else. \n\nWith this said prior planning and an active role from your husband and kids can make the transition to Navy life a great positive change. You have to be committed first to yourself and family then to the Navy not the other way around. This will have a great impact on your success or failure in the navy and as a wife/mother.\n\nAs you said there are good and bad things about the Navy. Keep in mind that it is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It is a hard life. You can do it, and you can do it happily with the support of your loved ones. If any of them find it difficult you’ll end up having a very hard 3,4,5 year tour. Think really hard before you make this step your family will go through a great sacrifice. \n\nI would advise you if the Military is what you want go in the Air Force. They treat the poeple better and the families are generally happier. They actually get stationed in cool places.\n\nI hope my rambling has helped in some way.
597891
Go with what your heart feels. If you think that joining the National Guard is what you want to do and it makes you happy, then join. I love it.
113550
Chris,\n\nThis is actually a very good question, and I'm glad you had the wherewithal to post it.  The only problem is that you're going to get a LOT (seems to me you already have) of answers from folks who have absolutely NO IDEA what military training, or life in uniform is about.  My opinion is that if you haven't been through it yourself, your answer is formed without basis, and is basically without any merit whatsoever...you people reading this that posted above...you know who I'm speaking to.\n\nAnyhow, good question, Chris!  There are a lot of advantages to military service, but it is not for everyone.  I enjoyed every second of my active service, even basic training...I thought it was FUN.  My experiences were positive, but I noted some things.  These are:\n\n1.  Basic training AKA "boot camp" - I had fun there...it's a mind game more than anything else.  So far as the physical part, that's easier to negotiate.  I saw a bunch of people break down however...but understand that this is what "they" want to happen.  If the lifestyle, mind-set, discipline and taking orders is not for you, you will find that out quickly...the military does not want folks that are not cut out for the life any more than those folks want to stay.\n\n2.  The enlistment period - this isn't as bad as it could be.  One can opt to sign up for two years at a time now instead of four...two years ain't so bad, but it could be if you're miserable.  Four years, if you're not having a good time, must be like purgatory.  Once you sign the contract, it is binding...so, if basic training doesn't weed you out, it could be a loooonng wait.\n\n3.  War - let's face it...that's what you're there for.  You could minimize your risk by picking a specialty that doesn't involve actual combat...nothing wrong with that, everyone has a job to do.  Combat situations are stressful in of itself though...\n\nThat's all I can think of right now.  I'm sure I'm missing something, and I'll update the answer if I think of any more.  Like I said before, it's not for everyone, but heck, either is say, being a CPA.  The only way you're going to know for sure is to try it...you never know, you might be the 1% of the U.S. population that could not think of doing anything else.\n\nADDED 2/25/06 1531 EST:\n\nmedolfan,\n\nPlease read my post, sir...did I single YOU out?  I opined, like you, that SOME folks are offering opinions without basis in fact...since you answered, Chief, are you feeling guilty about something?\n\nIf the statement doesn't apply to YOU, then it should be ignored.  Live and let live, guy.\n\nADDED 3/1/06 @1317 EST:\n\nmedolfan,\n\nYou did imply that you did retire, did you not?  If you cannot accept being called "sir" now that you are in the civilian sector, you're in a world of hurt.  To tell anyone unsuspecting that you "work for a living" when anyone dared show you a bit of respect would mark you as one who can't let go of being out of uniform...your loss, sir.\n\nIF what I wrote was truly meritless, then why post a reply?  Live and let live, guy...your FIRST lesson on being out in the civilian workforce.  I hope you learn it well Chief.
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.
887921
While I respect everyone's opinion here, I think you should follow your heart. Bless you for at least being willing to serve your country. Serve proudly and know that you've done something that so few people are willing to. The chances of you giving your life are still small and the pride you'll have in yourself more than makes up for it. It's brave men and women like you who give the people telling you not to go the freedom to have that opinion.\n\nNobody will tell you that you can't have a family and still serve. Do both and when you are finished with your duty look back and it will all be worth it.\n\nI'm a veteran of the Marine Corps and I will forever know that I've made a difference, no matter how small, for my country.
298395
This is hard, and it amounts to what do you really want to do.  There are many benefits to marrying in the military.  However it is going to be a reality that you will have to move away from your family.  Listen to what your heart tells you.
568247
(i am assuming you are from the United States)  depends on what you are skilled in and what you are interested in.  the military will look at your strengths and weaknesses and train you for what you're good for.  If you are extremely intelligent don't be surprised if you get a desk job.  in the army or marines you'll probably become a foot soldier or a tank operator or something, but you may also be trained in helicopter flight.  the Airforce will likely have you as a aircraft mechanic but there is a small chance of becoming a pilot (less than 7% in the Airforce fly, i think).  If you want to join the military but want to be safe as possible, join the Navy.  those ships we got are pretty safe considering all the wars the US is in is with terrorists in mountains, not against countries with a well developed Navy.  these are just suggestions of things to look into.  basically just go into whatever branch that can help you build your strengths.  sorry for the lengthy post.
70172
I'm married to a Marine and met alot of military men.  I think you have to meet him.  Alot of the guys are genuine, but there will always be game players.  I'd really like to think that a young man in a combat zone wouldn't be out there just for his own amusement, so meet him, get to know him for real(BE CAREFUL, TAKE SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST) and then let yourself make a decision.  Good luck.  I hope you find your man!
359516
Military Man - It would not be a bad idea to put a little imagination into your life.  Fling the door open on impulse.  You may find some nice surprises behind it.\n\nDeath - Always the harbinger of important change and a new existence.  Your worries will diminish; progress is assured.\n\nBattle - You are in conflict with yourself.  Accept yourself as you are.  Nobody is perfect.\n\nA military battle is a sign of revolution against the established authority.  Remember that the limits of living in society protect you more than they imprison you.
60566
First thing to come to mind is by raising my kids to be the best people they can be. The children are our future. The second thing is not for everybody but I am trying to join the armed forces of The United States of America and do my part to support this great nation and all it stands for.
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!