If you are looking to join our nation's armed services, then I would highly recommend going see every branch's recruiter. You may find your thoughts on the different branches are incorrect. Recruiters can handle you telling them to back off, they will always welcome you back to their office. Ask as many questions as you want to the recruiters. They will be happy to answer, and the rumor that they are all liars is false.
The enlistment contract couldn't be simpler. You DO NOT need a lawyer to look over the contract. Here is what it includes:
- personal info (name, addr, DOB, soc)
- Branch of service you are enlisting
- Period of enlistment (say.. 8 years total 4 years active)
- Annexes.. like G.I. Bill, Job garantee, bonuses, etc
Anything not in that document is not promised to you. Keep in mind these are standard forms that are filled, it's not a custom typed document. You personally initial each line that has important items. And when the time comes to sign the final line and ship out to basic training, you are asked to look over and make sure everything is as it should be.. corrections can be made before you ship out.
A little about the branches:
- Air Force. This service is all air. Transport planes, helos, fighter jets, that is what they are all about. If you are not a pilot or personnel administration, you are in some sort of job supporting all aspects of planes and airfields. They mainly are designed to fly in to an area and deliver high altitude fire power. They are 328,600 strong.
- Navy. This service is on the seas. They project firepower from the sea onto land. Destroyers, frigates, carriers, submarines, etc. Very diverse jobs. Works very close, as in side by side with, the Marine Corps. The Navy has their own air element with fighter jets and helos. They are 332,000 strong.
- Army. They are a large, dominating land-based fighting force. The Army is designed to self-sustain continued operations for long periods of time. Very diverse jobs. Highest chance of seeing the world, there are Army posts ALL over. They are 1,082,000 strong -- very big.
- Marine Corps. This service is designed for rapid deployment anywhere in the world within about a days notice, to go in and take or secure a location and eventually hand operations over to the Army. Cannot self-sustain for long periods of time. Works side by side with the Navy and sometime the Army. Has its own air element, fighter jets, helos mainly for close air support for ground troops. Very diverse jobs. They are 201,031 strong.
All the branches have high tech jobs. If you want the highest of tech, go on a nuclear submarine with the navy. NOTHING is higher tech than that.
As I said before, check them ALL out before committing yourself to one. I may be biased toward the USMC, but all I can say is, I had a great time and will never forget it.
What not to expect from any branch:
- That you will never see combat
- That you will always have easy work
- That you will be sleeping in
- That it's a bunch of hot guys half naked in the barracks*
- That you won't ever be seriously stressed
- That you won't ever have responsibility
- That you won't move around every year or two years withou or with family
- That if you have a family, that you will not be sent away from them for half a year or more
You are giving up a lot of yourself to become a member of the armed forces. It is an entirely different atmosphere than civilian life. You have to have thick skin, a strong mind, and physical fitness. Some enjoy it, some don't. Keep in mind that once you ship out to basic training it's too late to quit. You can quit up until you put your hand in the air and are sworn in.
You are paid for your commitment. Medical/dental, life insurance, housing, food, tuition reembursement, G.I. Bill, bonuses. You don't have to have a bill if you don't want to. If you are 18 and single, I would say save every penny they pay you and you will come out with a good chunk of change after 4 years if you get out. Don't waste your money on stupid crap.
The Don't Ask Don't Tell policy has been in effect for years. They don't check or ask your orientation and most guys these days don't care anyway.
*Sometimes when it might be summer and hot and friday night with hard alcohol flowing (not allowed in the barracks**)
**keep it in the toilet tank/in the ceiling/in your trunk/in the freezer***
***If you are caught you will be in deep shit, especially if you are underage.