[nelly]

So basically, I'm planning to go to the Navy or the Air Force but most likely the Navy. I'm usually the type who's afraid to take a step forward. This is a big decision to make and I just want to make sure that this is the right thing to do.

I don't really want to talk to a recruiter cause they usually make it sound all nice and happy over there. I want some advice to those who are in the military. How was your experience? Did you feel like you changed since you went into the military?

[cavil.]

What are your reasons and what are your current circumstances?

[nelly]

^ You mean reasons for joining? Ever since high school, I've always wanted to join. This sounds overrated probably but I've always wanted to serve my country and also, I'll be honest, I also like the benefits. I've went to a recruiter a couple of times and knew that it's what I want to do.

It never pushed through because my mother never supported me. Right now, we're having financial problems. My parents' credit score is pretty bad so we can't get a loan. We can't afford college so I've talked to my parents and finally convinced them to let me go to the military to help pay for college. I'm a nursing student and I plan to go through their nursing program.

I just want to hear what the real experiences are in the military. Basically, recruiters are there to entice people to join so they tell you all these great things about it. I just want to make sure that I'm ready for this. When I enter, I want to prepare myself for whatever they throw at me.

[terrorist]

Marine instructors who would make you piss your pants, literally.

Thats all i know.

and recruiters aren't so bright in general.

[donporkuloin]

I was so close in joining the military last year. I took the test, and got on the delayed entry program. I went to MEPS where they assess you physically, you select a job, and departure date for boot camp. I passed everything. Went through the workouts, but I couldn't go, because my ulcer was acting up. From my experience you're going to have 2 physical assessment tests at boot camp. Which are like basic swimming, push ups, running 1.5 miles, and sit ups.

Just keeping it real. Some recruiters are douche bags no matter what branch, and some are cool. You're probably attractive so the recruiters are going to be cool with you. Boot camp for the Navy is in Great Lakes, IL. It really bothered me for a while that I couldn't go, because of my health. I've seen posts from people in the military here. I'm sure someone with more knowledge than me can help you. I hope what I said hoped though.

[HERMIT]

It's not much to brag about, but the extent of my military career is pretty much summed up by 2 months of delivery service while enlisted in the Salvation Army and a summer's worth of cashiering duty while serving the Old Navy.

[edward1849]

It's not much to brag about, but the extent of my military career is pretty much summed up by 2 months of delivery service while enlisted in the Salvation Army and a summer's worth of cashiering duty while serving the Old Navy.

Hey Hermit, you gotta come up with some new stuffs. I've heard about the Old Navy one from you before.

[HERMIT]

Hey Hermit, you gotta come up with some new stuffs. I've heard about the Old Navy one from you before.

Good.
Then you know that I'm not lying and really not just making stuff up as I go along.

[nelly]

Just keeping it real. Some recruiters are douche bags no matter what branch, and some are cool. You're probably attractive so the recruiters are going to be cool with you.

You mean the guys from the recruitement center? I've always thought they were nice people. I mean, they have to be nice to those who are thinking of joining the military right? They were nice to me when I last visited and I'm not that actractive.

I guess I'm just scared of the boot camp part but the recruiters made it sound like it's easy but I don't buy that crap. That's why I'm asking for everyone's opinion here. Someone who's not a recruiter.

[Phaze5ive]

Greetings from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Before you cement anything about the military in your mind, decide what it is that you want to do while you serve, otherwise the next 4-8 years of your life under military regulation is going to suck. By the way, this is unconfirmed, but I've heard the Navy has filled its recruiting quota up to 2012 already.

And yes, recruiters will lie, lie, lie to you so be on the lookout. Don't be afraid to ask questions and never sign anything you are unsure of, even if they tell you they'll work it out later. In other words, have a sense of what you're about to do. And as for boot camp, I wouldn't worry about it to much. After all, it is the Chair Force and Navy

I forgot to mention, there is such a thing as a Reservist... Find out more if you want. I'm not sure if the Air Force or Navy offers 92-days reservist programs or the such. And you can always look into officer programs if you plan on going to college through the military.

[nelly]

^thanks for the info!

When the recruiting qouta is filled does that mean they won't be accepting new recruits anymore until 2012?

[I Wonder]

I'm currently in the army, don't join...your selling your soul

[terrorist]

I'm currently in the army, don't join...your selling your soul

that's how i usually interpreted it.
it's like selling your soul to become a pawn of the government.

[nelly]

I'm currently in the army, don't join...your selling your soul

Erm... thanks for the advice but I've made up my mind already. I don't think it's all that bad. I've seen people who were changed after they joined the military and no, they didn't convince me to join. Never talk to me about it to either.

Why would you say that? Just curious.

[-_-]

Erm... thanks for the advice but I've made up my mind already. I don't think it's all that bad. I've seen people who were changed after they joined the military and no, they didn't convince me to join. Never talk to me about it to either.

Why would you say that? Just curious.

Once you join, you are US government property. No freedom to come and go as you please. If you are in a relationship it will put considerable amounts of strain on it. That's pretty much it, but if you can survive it, the military is nice for the discipline it teaches and for the generous revised GI bill for paying for college. It's also a nice period of hesitation if you haven't figured out what you want to do with your life and need some time to sort things out in terms of direction.

If you go reservist like someone brought up, that's some semblance to being a civilian in that you can also go to school and sleep at home and report back to your base or post for one weekend a month then do some training stuff halfway in the year. I'm not familiar with how Navy reserves work but that's how Marines reserves do it. All questions pretty much ask your recruiter. Just know that yes he will sugar coat a lot of stuff.

I'm not sure whether it's still going on but last I heard they were offering hefty bonuses, but in this recession and people looking for jobs, they (Marines, Army, and possibly Navy) have already reached their quotas of recruitment.

[crayon851]

I'm currently in the canadian army and am enjoying all the perks that it brings. It's a great experience, good money, good benefits. I'm working on my degree through the military as well.

Which army are you considering joining?

[CAprd]

Greetings from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

Before you cement anything about the military in your mind, decide what it is that you want to do while you serve, otherwise the next 4-8 years of your life under military regulation is going to suck. By the way, this is unconfirmed, but I've heard the Navy has filled its recruiting quota up to 2012 already.

And yes, recruiters will lie, lie, lie to you so be on the lookout. Don't be afraid to ask questions and never sign anything you are unsure of, even if they tell you they'll work it out later. In other words, have a sense of what you're about to do. And as for boot camp, I wouldn't worry about it to much. After all, it is the Chair Force and Navy

I forgot to mention, there is such a thing as a Reservist... Find out more if you want. I'm not sure if the Air Force or Navy offers 92-days reservist programs or the such. And you can always look into officer programs if you plan on going to college through the military.

Pog.

OP:
bro dont do it. i dont know about most jobs in the navy but i do know that if youre a corpsman youre going to be doing the same mini cooper as me (infantryman). i kinda regret joining the military. college life is much better and you have basically no freedom in the service. me and my buds would drive 3 hours to get away from base and other marines and have fun. it gets old.

the benefits are pretty good but nothing in life is free. you will sacrifice.

[MissLadyBunny]

You wanna join the navy or air force it should be by your choice

My mother is ex military Weapons specialist and she was station in Germany back in 1977-1980. Retire from Manatee County Sheriff department as a booking clerk and correction officer. She earn her AA in Business Administration after living the military. she had my eldest brother and decide to leave by her husband choice.

My brother's father was in the Army retired form Orange County Florida Sheriff Department as a road officer and corrections.

My brother served 3 years in the Army station in Seoul South Korea for a year was medically discharge. He worked in military intelligence and was able to join the academy but shot it down then was sent to South Korea to follow out his duties were he became ill which led to his discharge.


Make sure you have a goal while you join the military. Do not be surprise it you are quickly station overseas and that you'll get your ass handed to you in basic training.You can be medically discharge during basic unable to resign. The best way to start a military career is to be focus on a real world career goal that can be met during your stay in the military. Specially if you plan to stay for a long time unless you plan to be involve in combat, Not all do but you may have to or play baby sitter.(Border control/guarding) Each military can specialize in certain career depends on your choice and how you score (you will go through testing). You should take this a little more seriously.

The benefits of being in the military is

Hosing (family only mostly or its the barracks for you but after basic)
Medical
Job
Career training/College degree earning paid by military
VA benefits
GI Bill (worth up to 20,000-50,000 plus) This you can use towards education or house buying once you leave or still active.
Easy job placement (special if you are going into law enforcement or government jobs)
Retirement from service (if plan to do 20-30 years)

My best bet if you haven't fired a gun before you should start going to the firing ranges now so you have some experience.Prepare yourself for the physical training also that is intense. Early morning wake up calls and living with a bunch of dudes.

Please look at each branch yourself before joining its a serious commitment and it will change your life for better or the worse but it'll change it forever.

US Military
https://secure.military.com/Recruiting/page..._rec_armydvd.kw

Army
http://www.army.mil/

National Guard (Homeland security)
http://www.nationalguard.com/

Coast guard
http://www.uscg.mil/

Marine Corp
http://www.marines.com/?WT.srch=1&WT.m...XW101AXXABX0607

Air Force
http://www.airforce.com/

Navy
http://www.navy.com/?campaign=Reprise_Goog...neral_Navy_Text

ROTC
https://secure.military.com/Recruiting/requ...w&partner=7

Military Academy/Universities

United States Military West Point Academy
http://www.usma.edu/

America Military University
http://www.amu.apus.edu/army?GCID=S15412x0...ATCHTYPE=search

Marine Academy
http://www.mma-tx.org/?c1=ppc&source=G...CFQIMswodzln7BA

Navy College programs/Academy
http://militarydegrees.net/programs/dlp/in...CFQZfswodq2n4Bg
http://www.usna.edu///homepage.php

Air force
http://www.usafa.af.mil/index.cfm?catname=AFA%20Homepage

National Guard
http://www.ngycp.org/site/

Coast Guard
http://www.cga.edu/


I gave you a lot of info because I have family who serve this country with pride. Do this because you want to and its something your passionate about. Don't be foolish on making your finally decision. This is info that you make it upon yourself to find out about.

US Military in South Korea

South Korea
http://www.usfk.mil/usfk/Default.aspx?Aspx...CookieSupport=1

Don't Forget To Support Troops
https://www.uso.org/donate/custom.aspx?id=869&
http://www.operationhomefront.net/
http://www.freedomisnotfree.com/?gclid=CLO...CFQZfswodq2n4Bg

[nxiong]

If you're going to go into the Navy, please make sure that you have some kind of job in mind. Don't go in blindly. They will put you just about anywhere and you will do the worst jobs. If you have a very good ASVAB score, make sure that you ask about the Navy College Fund. The Navy also now is offering a good MGIB post 911. It consists of paying your tuition for you and get a monthly allowance of 1600 to live on after serving 4 years I believe. If you're going to go in as a Nuclear Eng. or something, you're never going to see the sun and make sure that you're ready for some long hours. Honestly, the Navy is probably the safest military that you can go into. You're usually on a boat in the middle of the ocean or you're on shore. But you don't really go infantry. Unless you're a corpsman (medic) or in a unit that is deploying there (such as EOD). Of course it's not easy being in the military. I learned first hand that if you just shut your trap, get to work on time and do your job, you're going to do well.

[terrorist]

i wonder if military is correlated to quarter mid-life crisis.