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[SS]Chief · 11-03-2009

Both of these guys have hit all the right points! Bass is 100% right about 'get it in writing'. I can not tell you how many times I have heard a young kid tell me 'the recruiter said I could.....'. It happens ALL the time. What they will do is tell you what you 'could' do once you're in. Not what you 'will' do. So if they are selling a job skill, get it in writing!!!

As far as what service is the best? Well that is all subjective again. Just like Show who loves the Army...I'm a Navy guy and love the Navy. But then that is the only life I've known as Show has only known his Army life. Him and I as well as Bass and yes...don't forget Grunt could go back and forth. I think the real choice is yours. Here are somethings to think about:

Why are you joining? Is it to see the world? You need a job? etc.

Once you join, are you trying to stay close to home? If so keep in mind that it is harder than you think. Unless you live near a large concentration of one military type. For example: Navy if your from Norfolk or San Diego...easy day. Those are our two most conscentrated areas. You could easily live there for 20 years and retire and never leave your hometown (sort of lame in my mind). But if you live in backwater US....there would be a problem.

Do you want to advance fast? Some services have quicker advancement than others as well as MOS's or Rates as we call them in the Navy. Look into it.

What do you want to do i.e. Blow shit up? Or build stuff? Dig a hole or feed people? Perhaps you might want to look at military job skills that translate to the civilian world once you finish. Take mine for example. I'm an Operations Specialist...Oooo what you say? Exactly. There isn't a civilian job equivalent out there. So when my time is up...I'm going to have a bit of hard time finding something that is close to what I've been doing over the last 25 years. Not sure if McDonald's has a Tomahawk missile shooter in the take-out line?

So all-in-all, you're doing the right thing. Ask questions and get different points of view. But keep in mind..the one thing that is the common denominator is the ASVAB exam. That exam will open or close doors for you. So the better you do on that test...the more doors that will be open to you! Good luck, and keep us up to date.

Also...sorry. They will sell you these 'special forces' programs. Of course what kid doesn't want to be a Navy Seal or Green Beret or Delta Force? Here is the catch. Only about 5% of the folks make it that far. So they sell you a chance...and when you don't make it, you're at the mercy of that service. Again, I can't tell you how many BUDS wash-outs I see come work for me. So, be honest with yourself. If you truly think you can do a 'Special Program' and make it through...more power to you. But if your kidding yourself, you will find yourself chipping paint or digging ditches for whatever service you choose. It happens ALL the time....

11-03-2009	#4
[SS]Chief Brew Master Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The Desert Posts: 7,070	Both of these guys have hit all the right points! Bass is 100% right about 'get it in writing'. I can not tell you how many times I have heard a young kid tell me 'the recruiter said I could.....'. It happens ALL the time. What they will do is tell you what you 'could' do once you're in. Not what you 'will' do. So if they are selling a job skill, get it in writing!!! As far as what service is the best? Well that is all subjective again. Just like Show who loves the Army...I'm a Navy guy and love the Navy. But then that is the only life I've known as Show has only known his Army life. Him and I as well as Bass and yes...don't forget Grunt could go back and forth. I think the real choice is yours. Here are somethings to think about: Why are you joining? Is it to see the world? You need a job? etc. Once you join, are you trying to stay close to home? If so keep in mind that it is harder than you think. Unless you live near a large concentration of one military type. For example: Navy if your from Norfolk or San Diego...easy day. Those are our two most conscentrated areas. You could easily live there for 20 years and retire and never leave your hometown (sort of lame in my mind). But if you live in backwater US....there would be a problem. Do you want to advance fast? Some services have quicker advancement than others as well as MOS's or Rates as we call them in the Navy. Look into it. What do you want to do i.e. Blow shit up? Or build stuff? Dig a hole or feed people? Perhaps you might want to look at military job skills that translate to the civilian world once you finish. Take mine for example. I'm an Operations Specialist...Oooo what you say? Exactly. There isn't a civilian job equivalent out there. So when my time is up...I'm going to have a bit of hard time finding something that is close to what I've been doing over the last 25 years. Not sure if McDonald's has a Tomahawk missile shooter in the take-out line? So all-in-all, you're doing the right thing. Ask questions and get different points of view. But keep in mind..the one thing that is the common denominator is the ASVAB exam. That exam will open or close doors for you. So the better you do on that test...the more doors that will be open to you! Good luck, and keep us up to date. Also...sorry. They will sell you these 'special forces' programs. Of course what kid doesn't want to be a Navy Seal or Green Beret or Delta Force? Here is the catch. Only about 5% of the folks make it that far. So they sell you a chance...and when you don't make it, you're at the mercy of that service. Again, I can't tell you how many BUDS wash-outs I see come work for me. So, be honest with yourself. If you truly think you can do a 'Special Program' and make it through...more power to you. But if your kidding yourself, you will find yourself chipping paint or digging ditches for whatever service you choose. It happens ALL the time.... "Give a man a beer, he'll waste an afternoon. But teach a man to brew, and he'll waste a lifetime!"