Do you think i should join the Navy Reserves?
822811
No \n\nLook who is still the president.  No telling what he will do to top of his last two years!!! N. Korea, Iran come on; besides you can never trust what "they" say.  By the way, who is "they"???
644508
you should seriously reconsider your decision, look around at whats happenning in this world, you are very young give yourself a chance, you seem to be very smart so think long and hard about any decision you make to join the armed forces, our soldiers are the bravest and best in the world but i womder how many would tell you to pick another career, whatever your decision may be God Bless You and all of our brave men and women who protect and fight for our country, also don't forget to include your parents in this decision.
871775
You're going to love it. I grew up all over the world because my dad was in the Navy. N i had lots of friends that were in their late teens early 20s that were in the Navy. LOTS of girls do join the military..there's a good number of them. Its a lot of fun for them..they see the world..and its like being in college. Because you will live in a barracks. BEQ...Bachelors Enlisted Quarters. Its like living in a dorm. Weekends theres parties..during the week you work. N check this\n\n- You dont pay rent..even if u have a family..or after u get past   E-2 or E-3 u can move out of the dorm n live in ur own place..they give u housing allowance\n\n-You dont have to pay for your electric n water bill\n\n- Free health insurance and dental...4 LIFE! If you go past 10yrs in the navy\n\n- after 20yrs u can retire..if you're in your teens when you join..u can easily retire at the age of 38-39 or 40. My dad retired at 42. With Pension!\n\n-They pay for your schooling (college..vocational..its encouraged)\n\nIf I were you...i'd join the Air Force though. If ur pay gade is E-2..n u go out to sea for 6months on ship, you wont get extra pay. u wil l make as much as somebody in the air force who is on land working at his office. That's just me. If u want to join the military but dont wanna get sent off to war..Join the Navy or Airforce. Navy is harder since you will be required to do sea duty. and when you're at sea..u work 18hrs a day..instead of the regular 8-4 job u'd do on land. \n\nEither way, whatever you choose, you will have so much fun. Im joining the airforce early next year. I'm just in it so i can retire at 40 n just open up a little business n just relax. Goodluck to you! But plz research the Airforce because it IS a good job to do if you dont wanna go to war...n their bases are a lot nicer!\n\n***ADDED***\nAbout ur 2nd question about going out to ship. Here's what happens, you have 3 choices to what base you want to go to. Some bases have ships..some dont. For example, NAS (Naval Air Station) Sigonella, Italy..is a shore base..it doesnt have ships. So you'd be on land. But, NAS Mayport, it has ships. But, you can choose, either shore duty, or sea duty as your next assignment, you aren't REQUIRED to do sea duty, u can dodge it. My dad in his 20yrs time..he was on ship for only 3yrs during our tour in Florida. after that, he dodged the sea duty. But, its ok to be on ship, its fun, you get to see the world, and it's an experience. You do get moved up i rank faster if you have had sea duty, and that's  good, because the higher u move up..the more money you make.and the bigger housing allowance you will get. TO become a Chief Petty Officer..u need to have served 2 sea duty tours. My dad only served one..so he wasnt able to become a Chief though he was over qualified. So, my suggestion is...get the Sea duty done with within the first 10yrs of ur 20yrs. So that u dont have to worry about it later..unless you like being on ship. Like..when you first get out of bootcamp..request sea duty..3yrs then after that..request shore duty...thats a total of 6yrs already. Then 3yrs sea duty again after your shore duty. then after that..keep doing shore duty...have fun, learn the ways, you're just gonna have lots of fun.
1120345
I was in the Air Force and loved it.  If you're looking to get out into the wild and rough it a lot, then the AF isn't for you -- it's a bit more cushy.  But I had my share of field exercises as well, so it's not all easy.  I honestly can't think of any reasons NOT to join the AF, it was the smartest thing I ever did for myself.  But some other reasons to join any branch of the military would be the educational benefits, job training, early retirement (if you stay in long enough) and lifelong benefits, a sense of partriotism, job stability and the chance to travel/experience the world.  If you're already seriously considering joining, I don't think you'll be sorry if you do.  Good luck!
1051279
If your intentions are to possibly leaned towards a career I would highly reccommend the choice you have already made. The Air Force is an excellent choice family wise also. If you like to spend months onboard a ship, then by all means join the Navy. If you like walking, marching or bouncing around in a vehicle, join the Army. If you think you are the macho type and enjoy running errands on a ship, plus like to march or strut around like a tin soldier and think your the badest ass in town, go with the Marines. It's as simple as that. There is no such thing as the best, we're all in this together and should act as such. To me there is no single hero, in my personal opinion anyone who puts on a uniform and serves his country (USA)honorably for a full tour of duty in any branch of the services deserves to be called a hero.
111760
Recruiters have a job to do and most are very good at it, the question you need to ask yourself (assuming you ask this question from talking to a few then you are considering joining the Service) Is which branch of the service is right for you. Because you will be in that branch if you enlist for 2 to 4 years and your recruiter will be long gone. And the best way to decide what branch is right for you is ask yourself what do you want to get out of the Military. Money for Education? A career? or what ever that may be and see which one can offer you what you are looking for because once you enlist you belong to them. So we hope you get what it is you are looking for in the long run. I do believe in the military and was in the Air Force for 6 years with no regrets. Good luck to you.
762818
There are search and rescue operations, leaders of navy seals and underwater demolitions, there are tons of officer positions in the navy for qualified rescue personnel.  Its all about how much training you are willing to ut into your career.  Have you thought about specialized sub rescue that is operating and commanding deep sea rescue vehicles which might have saved sailors on the kursk?  I am a licensed respiratory therapist and paramedic from the army back from desert storm, I don't practice anymore but I still use my skills and I'll never forget my war time experiences, don't worry about getting your hands dirty, right now we need men like you to save lives.  The Navy has good benefits and good training. I just moved from a house right next to sub-base Bangor.  Everyone was a submariner or on an aircraft carrier out of Bremerton.  Look into it and join up.  The service years were the best years of my life.
1144722
I'm ex-military and live in the largest military installation in the world.\nBeing ex-Navy you know exactly where I live.\n\nForgot about it dude, take your General, Other than Honorable and move on with your life.\nIf you get injured while on duty now...they will NOT allow you time to even rehab.\nIf you are not Duty-Ready IMMEDIATLEY FOR DEPLOYMENT....you ain't in and you ain't gonna be in.\n\nThey are having SEVERE problems presently, and will not even give you the time of day, certainly not take the time to even give you a hearing.\nThey won't give active duty personal hearings, let alone a boot.\n\nIt's pretty ridiculous, there are plenty of people WILLING to go Active Duty and STAY Active Duty but the cadre simply doesn't have the time or the ability to allow a process like an upgrade of a discharge.\n\nOne thing you MIGHT try......try a sympathetic ARMY recruiter.\nThey are DEPARATE for full time Active Duty bodies.\nIt wouldn't matter anyway.....they are now pulling SAILORS OFF SHIPS and training them WITH the Army for various "desert security forces".\nI kid you not.\nScary business.\n\nGood luck sailor.
153896
My son was in the navy on the U S S Eisenhower.  GO NAVY\nfor the best information, visit or call you local Navy recruiter.
562382
That depends on you.  Do you feel that the Army, or any other branch of the military, can help you in your endeavors?  The military has a lot to offer, and you can take it far.  The military, however, is also not for everyone.  There can be long hours, but we have a lot of time off for that.  You could be sent to war, or not.  \n\nYou need to get all the information you can get, and be honest with yourself about the reasons you are joining.  Read the material, don't just look it over.  Ask people who judgment you trust.  See if there are people in your area that are in the Army, and ask them.  REMEMBER, tho, there are always people that aren't happy with what they are doing.  Some people like the military way of life, others don't.\n\nLife is full of decisions.  Unfortunately, this is one decision that YOU have to make.
46051
If you want to join the military just to relax in some "safe-haven" area, then don't waste your time. All military personnel are subject to being in a war. You are probably one of those idiots that join the weekend warriors for the benefits and then, when it is time to do your job you are paid for, you wimp out. Do everyone, including yourself, a favor. Do NOT re-enlist...get the hell out...military don't want you anyway with this attitude...also, learn to spell...
904398
I can't say which branch to join, but I'll give you some real info regarding each branch.\n\nNAVY:  Great if you like to travel A LOT.  You'll be on a ship for most of the year, and you'll go virutally everywhere.  The downside is, you start off swabbing (cleaning) the deck and doing other manual labor for the first couple years.  You'll also be greatly outnumbered by horny, desperate guys.  Not all Navy jobs require you to be on a boat, though.\n\nAIR FORCE:  Also good for travel, but to a lesser extent.  You'll still be surrounded by horny desperate guys, but you'll be on land, so they'll have other options.  On occassion, you'll have to do some manual labor (about once a month, at the most), but you'll mainly be doing your AFSC job.\n\nI am in the AF, so I'm biased.  I'm glad with the choice I made.  Basic traning is a joke, and my job will get me paid well when I get out.  Also, we only deploy for 4-6 months at a time.  Then, we get 15 months before we're even considered for another deployment.  \n\nDon't EVER listen to recruiters, though.  They'll throw every lie and trick in the book at you to get you to join.  \n\nGood luck in your decision.\n\n.
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.
1176416
What branch?  The army, I'm assuming.  If you do join, you will go to war with the army.  My fiance is in the navy.  That is the only branch, other than the air force, that is over there on volunatry basis only.  He loves the navy, and ships out in October again.  If you do join, join active duty, not the reserves.  You do not qualify for the benefits and pay if you join the reserves.  With active duty, you get great medical and dental, as well as better pay, and you qualify for combat pay, hardship pay, etc.  Since you are a female, I reccommend the navy.  My sister was in the navy, my dad the army, and my grandfather the marines, my uncle the air force.  I am from a military family, and I think the military is a great thing.  I would reccommend getting a degree first, though, because if you do, you will go in as an officer, with more rights and better pay.  Some cons are being away from your family.  There aren't really that many cons in my opinion.  When joining, you are serving your country.  With the military, you are financially secure and, if you choose to stay in, there are great retirement benefits.  This is a life-changing decision, and a very difficult one to make.  I wish you all the best, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.  Good Luck!!
821172
It is best to speak to an Army Reserve Recruiter who can give you the details on what you want to know. However, the Reserves do help with schooling, you do not pay to join the Reserves, you get paid (you volunteer to be a Reservist, go through the same training as the Regular Army, attend drill once a month and Annual Training two weeks a year), and depending on the different units in your areas and what kind of jobs you want training in will depend on what unit you end up serving with.
942119
When I was 18, I was dared to walk into a Navy recruiter's office - 7 months later I was in boot camp.  I really enjoyed it.  Boot camp is difficult, but it is designed to "weed out" those who could not handle a military life.  I stayed in 3 1/2 years, met my husband (who was also in for 8 years), and do miss it sometimes.  If I would have stayed, I would have been in 25 years next May.\n\nIf it is what you want to do, go for it.  But remember that you are signing a contract, and you can't just "quit" if you don't like it.
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