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Any thoughts opionions? what branch? im thinking Navy. Marines but im married with two little boys and I hear its not the branch for married man. dont know. Chime in if you have been in or whatever.

Kind of a broad question there. I think that joining the military is a very beneficial career/job for many people, however it is not for everyone. I have spent my entire life 21 years) being a military brat moving with my family. (Father is still active duty Army). I also plan on joining the military after I finish college. I have not decided on which branch right now. I'm an Aerospace Engineering student and want to go on to fly combat aircraft (fixed wing or rotary) so whichever branch will let me will be my choice.

The services aren't for everyone though. My dad is continually flying out of town/state/country on a weekly basis and it is very difficult on a family. At the same time I feel it is also one of the most admirable things someone can do and I gladly have moved with my family in support of his career and our country. At this point in your life it seems it's a family decision, but it must be a desire in your heart to serve that will determine how successful and enjoyable your service will be.

What kind of career are you looking for?
Will you be enlisting or going to officer school?
Active duty or reserves/guard?


P.S. The airforce has the best benefits and are the least likely to see the front lines, they are also probably the branch that would be the most like an "ordinary job".

No offense to the other branches but i would have to agree with the Navy or the Air Force. I know a couple guys who joined the Navy out of high school, although that had alot to do with the education aspect of it, but they're really happy with it. A family friend is in the Marines and yea from what i've heard i would say its not for a married man with kids. But i think all the branches are amazing and am thinkful for what all the servicemen and women do for this country. I would say go with whatever you feel is right.

Military is really hard on anyone with a fam. I have 3 people I know in the service right now that are active. Its just really hard on people. There is always a constant worry. The ones I know are in Afganistan right now. But you gotta think whats best for you and your family...

i've been thinking of the same thing. if you're really serious about joining the navy shoot me a pm i know a guy that can really help you out with your recruiting process(he was a career navy man of more than 20 years). shoot me a pm if you have any questions.

I just want to be able to provide for my families future. I too am an engineer major. I am out right now but want to finish. I want to be pilot. I hear that the navy has the best of the best. I have always had a hunger for adventure and a greater calling in life. Im 25 and im at the point were i need to make a choice. My wife and i have talked and she is supportive of whatever i decide.

The military will be a great career for you and your family, and will provide you all with great opportunities and memories. I am retired Army so have some bias, but all of the services will serve you well. The Navy has excellent technical schools, I work with a few ex-navy engineers. The only downside are the long trips to sea.

I got out of the Army in 06. Joining was the best decision I ever made. I was EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) it was a very exciting careeer and it also offers a ton of really great paying jobs when you get out. You should check it out, but the wife might not want you doing it. No matter what branch you go in right now, you will most likely be going overseas. I went twice to Iraq in 4 years. I would definately say that the quality of life would be better in the Air Force or Navy, especialy if you have a family.
As far as being a pilot, I think the Marines or the Navy would be the way to go.

Good luck with your decision.

All depends upon what your willing or wanting to do. Adventure, that would be the Rangers, Para rescue OR the SEALS. If you want job transfer and want to fly, Warrant officers in the Army fly the APache Helo's. Lots of differnt Jobs. When you walk in the door of the recruiting office know exactly want you want to do and DON'T take no for an answer. The Soldiers, MARINES, Airmen and SAILORS have one job to get you to sign the Bottom Line. Nothing else matters to them. They care not what you want, they bend to the will of their Superiors. Numbers matter to them and your a number plain and simple. Research, Talk and then research some more! CORPSMAN's rule, (NAVY) Never Again Volunteer Yourself. LOL. Have fun and make the best of it. May GOD bless you in your endevors. Remember only two people have willingly given their life for you, JESUS and the American Soldier.

Shannon

ARMY ! look into becoming an Airborne Sapper!!
Sapper's lead the way

It all really depends on you, and what you want to accomplish. I was Navy myself, but after I got married, realized that the Navy and Marine Corps aren't really great for married life. Even in peacetime, you do 6 month deployments on a regular basis. In the year and a half leading up to my wedding, I spent a grand total of 28 days with my then girlfriend, and realized pretty quickly that if I intended to stay married, I better find a new career.
If you really want to fly, come see me down here in Mobile. I run an Air Charter company, and my partner has a flight school with a Navy contract. They do what's called the Initial Flight Screening or IFS program. If you get selected for a flight spot, you come here to be given some basics and see if you have the goods before the govt. spends much money on you. I would strongly recommend looking at the Air Force for flying though, especially if you plan on getting a flying job later in life.
If you do enter the military, you can be proud of what you're doing no matter which branch you choose.

Ditto Ditto Ditto.
Very Hard on a man and the family of ......
I did not join the ARMY until I was 26. It was the best decision of my life (for me) but, I lost all contact with most of my family members and friends I had since grade school. But made a few new lifelong friends.
The Branch is your personal decision.
The fact that the country is conducting 2 wars right now should be taken into consideration.
Good luck

i have also thought about it. although i am not a dad with 2 kids.......

im very seriously considering the navy. im 20 and have been out of school for a year and a half now and dont have much desire to go back. i would like to however u have to pretty much be a gold digger to afford it. i will probably end up joining but like someone said the US is conducting 2 wars right now that really is something to think about if u have a family, for someone like me with no wife or kids its not much of a worry

I commend any Man or Woman who chooses to serve our Country and World. "Thanks for Serving" I have family in the Marines, Army, and Air Force. All think their branch of service is the best - and they are each right.

If you choose to serve, and the branch you choose to serve in is a personal choice. I'd definately talk to as many "Active Duty" folks as possible. It's no secret that the "Recruiters" will promise you the moon to get you to sign.

Best of Luck to you.

if your going to stay married and want to see your kids go ahead and scratch the Marine Corp. If your still considering it, just get your wife to call mine and she will change it for you. Air Force would be the best for your interest IMO. The Air force has the best choice of domestic duty stations too. Get in touch with tdaggett. I really dont know anyone else who could help get you steered in the right direction with your ambitions.

Thanks for all the advise fellas. Ive pretty much narrowed it down to the navy or airforce. prob gonna go airforce. Anymore pointers;please feel free to tell me.

As part of my job, I deal with recruiters from time to time and have gotten to know some of them pretty well. One of them was recently talking about how the poor economy has really increased the enlistments and that the military can be far more picky than it was just a few years ago. I thought that was interesting since we are at war. Also, he said that the Navy in particular is not being very aggressive with recruitments right now. Based on your family situation, I think I would definitely consider the Air Force over the other branches. Soldiers in the Air Force are also typically well taken care of whereas you are far more likely to be shot at in the Army or Marines given the current state of things in the world (which is not a great thing for a daddy). Any way you go it is a huge committment not only on your part, but also that of your family. Our soldiers deserve so much more respect than what they are given for the enormous sacrifices they make. I wish you the best with whatever you decide to do.

That sure is an honorable thing to do no matter which branch you go into.

thanks man. Im just trying to do my part to help keep us free, and to take care of my family.