Humm.... I'll bite on this tread for you AnimeKnight
Here is my .02
After being active duty for 9 years and now in the National Guard for over 3 years, I can honestly say their isn't a military branch you should feel bad about. Take your time and talk to the recruiters and if possible talk to those on active duty who are already doing the job. Next question I have for you is do you want to be in the enlisted rank or become commissioned? Getting your commission will require more education and time on your part, but it's an option to think about; There are several different programs to help you get there.
I will dispell some of the myths about a few statements I've read on this thread for you:
"Go Army because you can get promoted faster" - The Army does promote faster then the Air Force, but you can loose it just as fast too.
"Does the Air Force have better facilities than the Army?" - For the bases I have been to both Army and Air Force, yes, it is true and I have personal Army friend that will even admit it too.
I had to make the same choice as you did, so let me say why I picked the Air Force:
NAVY -
I didn't want to be out to sea all the time with the Navy. If your only wanting to stay in for an enlistment then get out, then it might not be a issue, but you'll start getting comfortable with that "Guranteed Paycheck" and reenlist like the rest of them (us). Don't forget to pack your sea legs. Water isn't my cup of tea.
ARMY -
I didn't want to join the Army because it just wasn't me. Army holds the largest personnel numbers in all military branches and that didn't score well with me. I would rather be on a ship or at a Air Base with a few thousand people than live near a Army base with over 50,000 troops.
All you Army guys/gals out there know this and don't say you don't, but in all cities where there is a major Army base the civilian retailers always asked me, "Are you Army?" Like that had anything to do with my purchase?! Why would they ask such a thing? I'll let you fill in the blank.
However, I have to commend those I know who are in the Army; They are smart and know their jobs very well! We all have a job to do no matter what branch we're in and we (all branches) have very dedicated people. You will definitely go a long way in the Army if you are a leader and a hard worker; make the fast promotions work to your advantage if you select Army.
Marines -
Thought about it for quite a while, but they didn't have a career field that fit my goals. I know several high school classmates that went into the Marines, but suprisingly they got out after one or two 4 year enlistments. They're a tough crowd that's for sure, but when they said the "Few" (the proud), they mean few. You better be ready to face a challange in Marine basic training because it isn't a picnic. If you choose Marine, I guarantee you will remember this post after you graduate and think to yourself, "LANMAN was right, this was tough!"
Air Force -
I sensed the Air Force as a technological branch of the military, which put them into the top two of my selection with the Navy. I wanted to find a career that I could do well for our country and in the civilian market. I spent two years searching the pros and cons of the Navy and Air Force. Visiting the Air Force Academy and other stateside bases was an experience.
Find out what is right for you though. There is and always will be good and bad comments about every branch and I'm not here to say the Air Force is the perfect choice for you, because it may not be. But are a few more options in all branches you need to be aware of: (I wish someone would of told me this a long time ago)
1) Do you want to be in the enlisted ranks or become an officer? Seek out the advantages (or disadvantages depending 😉 ) of getting your commission.
2) Do you plan on getting married any time soon? Being on a ship or getting deployed overseas sometimes creates a hardship on new marriages. Can you or your spouse handle you being away for 6 months or more? If you don't have plans on getting married, or you are single, the sky is the limit! Take advantage of seeing the world!
3) When it comes time to make a choice on a career, can you use the skills in the civilian sector?
4) If you enlist for an extended period (5 or 6 years instead of the normal 4) can you get promoted faster? Some branches will promote you to E-3 right out of tech school for a 6-year enlistment
5) Know your options are always open with your recruiter especially before you leave for basic training. If there is something you don?t' like, lean on them! Make them work for YOU! That's what they are here for. YOU and YOU only! Did I mention you? 😉
6) Make sure your ASVAB scores are current. You can take the ASVAB when you want but ensure you don't take it too early if you plan on going into the delayed enlistment program. You probably have more school to finish and you can polish up on your testing skills without the pressure of high school demands. And for God's sake don't take it when you?re a sophomore! Wait till your either a senior or out of high school! I've seen way to many high school students taking the test and then get slammed into a career field that only fit their scores. (Pounding on the desk) Remember, your recruiter is there for you. Don't let them make you do something you don't want. Your training will determine what career field is right for you, NOT the recruiter.
Check out the National Guard and Reserves also. We just had a ton of prior Army enslist into the Air Force National Guard.
I haven't even touched the benifits of money towards education, so you'll have to take that up with your recuriter. The rewards package for eduacation is far more vast then the time I have to cover them in this post! :Q Let's just say if you work it right, you will make money while your in class. What can get better then that? 😀
Let me know what you decide,
--LANMAN