Military Question.....

13

Replies

  • jppd47
    jppd47 Posts: 737 Member
    Corpsmen are as much navy as marines ;)
  • BigWin20
    BigWin20 Posts: 45 Member
    FMF is what I was aiming towards......

    This is the way to go. You go Navy and get FMF there is NO way you will regret that decision. You will be able to take pride in what you do everyday in an active role. Not all sailors, soldiers, marines, and definitely airmen can even say that.
  • jppd47
    jppd47 Posts: 737 Member
    FMF is what I was aiming towards......

    This is the way to go. You go Navy and get FMF there is NO way you will regret that decision. You will be able to take pride in what you do everyday in an active role. Not all sailors, soldiers, marines, and definitely airmen can even say that.

    Taking pride in what you do has nothing to do with the specific job you do. While I agree that there are some who do not take pride in their job. It has zero relevance on what thief job is, from a infantrymen to a cook having pride in what you do is no different
  • You Rock Dr. Keep it up!
  • mikeschratz
    mikeschratz Posts: 253 Member
    Go talk to the Coast Guard recruiter. Retired Coastie with 22 years service, loved it and they had a good medical system!
  • coraliethomas
    coraliethomas Posts: 336 Member
    My avatar speaks for itself... going down to Fort Sam Houston in Feb to go for Healthcare Specialist.
  • ezramedic
    ezramedic Posts: 119
    My husband is a Navy Corpsman, and he's been deployed IA with Army and he's much happy with the Navy (well, actually - he's a Green Side Corpsman, so he's happiest with the Marines)
  • sunshinesonata
    sunshinesonata Posts: 241 Member
    GOOOOO AIR FORCE!

    this =]
  • ktwest2107
    ktwest2107 Posts: 124 Member
    Active Duty Air Force here. I recommend either the Air Force or Navy. I have to work with Army in my career field, and it seems like they kind of break you. A lot of bull**** (there's some in the AF too), and redundant tasks, etc. If you don't want to deploy CONSTANTLY (and trust me, it only sounds awesome. It's not like the movies.) I would recommend Navy. You said you want medical, and we're currently in force reduction mode for the Air Force, so a medical job is going to be hard to come by, at least without chilling in the DEP for a while. If you want more info, just let me know.

    I will say that I have been in for 3 years so far, and I love it. Best decision I ever made for me and my daughter.

    -Katie
  • starboardzor
    starboardzor Posts: 312
    I enlisted in the Navy in 2006. I wanted to be a corpsman but it was full for women at the time and I ended up with IT. After meeting dozens of HMs over the years I was really, really grateful I didn't get what I wanted. IT is the best rate in the Navy ;)


    That being said my uncle is a retired HM reservist and he loved it. If I could do it all over again I would have gone officer. Being enlisted just wasn't for me. So now I'm a Reservist getting my Biology degree and dream of going Army officer.

    Good luck, though. The military is a GREAT deal. It was the smartest thing I've ever done in my life. Post 9/11 GI Bill is GREAT! Without the military, I'd be nothing today.
  • devilwhiterose
    devilwhiterose Posts: 1,157 Member
    Go Navy.

    Hubby was a combat Marine...he'll openly tell you that the Corpsman are some badass mfers. lol
  • ktwest2107
    ktwest2107 Posts: 124 Member
    Is it worth joining the military just to travel? Serious question.

    Thats up to you.

    Sure, but it seems to me that if you join the armed forces, it's fundamentally a job. Sure you can end up in a nice place (and I hear that the Air Force are in 150 countries) but you're limited to the amount of time and the location of where you can travel. You're also making an up to 8 year obligation to stay with the armed forces. It would seem a better idea if someone wanted to travel would be to work for a year or two then travel until they'd maxed out their budget.

    I get 30 days of leave a year, all federal holidays, and Air Force family days. And besides the countries that other Americans cannot travel too, I can't travel to Mexico without coordinating with the AT office first. I don't see how I'm limited in any way. Tons of off time, and I can go pretty much where I want.
  • I am in the Air Force and have been for 15 years (11 enlisted/4 officer) and I have loved [almost] every minute of it. It has been a good job and great situation for my me, my wife, and 2 kids. Sooo...Of course I would say go AIR FORCE.

    However, if that is not an option for some reason, then I would probably say go with the Navy if you want to see the world. Or go with the army if you want more of a family life (not as good as in the AF though, IMO).

    Disclaimer: I never served in the Navy or Army, my opinions are based on what I have heard from fellow AF, Army, Marine, Navy friends/acquaintances.

    Good luck!
  • starboardzor
    starboardzor Posts: 312
    The funny thing about the military, too, is you can sign up for any job and end up doing something entirely different and unexpected. So just be open to that. You're pretty much joining the military because you want to be in the military, not because you're hankering for a specific job. If you keep that mentality you'll (almost) never be disappointed.
  • LaLouve_RK
    LaLouve_RK Posts: 899 Member
    There's weight regulation in the US army!?!??!?!?!?!? :noway: :huh:

    My hubby was in the Canadian army, and I was supposed to be in the reserve... and has long as you are fit and succeed the health test as well as the physical/strength test, you're in.
  • Beleg
    Beleg Posts: 227 Member
    I am in the Army Getting ready to retire in the next year. Though I love the Army and everything it has done for me. I would urge you to join the Navy.
  • starboardzor
    starboardzor Posts: 312
    There's weight regulation in the US army!?!??!?!?!?!? :noway: :huh:

    My hubby was in the Canadian army, and I was supposed to be in the reserve... and has long as you are fit and succeed the health test as well as the physical/strength test, you're in.

    I've watched weight regulations screw people time and time again. 19 years in? Don't care, you're out. Big guys who can pass the fitness test with flying colors. They just can't make weight. It's sad... but then again it's not like the rules are a secret. Wish it were fairer, though.
  • LaLouve_RK
    LaLouve_RK Posts: 899 Member
    There's weight regulation in the US army!?!??!?!?!?!? :noway: :huh:

    My hubby was in the Canadian army, and I was supposed to be in the reserve... and has long as you are fit and succeed the health test as well as the physical/strength test, you're in.

    I've watched weight regulations screw people time and time again. 19 years in? Don't care, you're out. Big guys who can pass the fitness test with flying colors. They just can't make weight. It's sad... but then again it's not like the rules are a secret. Wish it were fairer, though.
    Wow!!
    It really sucks for you guys. :frown:
    I saw "overweight" soldiers 100 times healthier and more capable than my lil 165 pounds hubby!
  • benich3043
    benich3043 Posts: 252 Member
    I would suggest you go Navy. Like stated in prior posts, you will get to see more of the world. You will get that chance to serve with Marines, which means you will get to train with Marines. So you get the best of the blue side (Navy) and green side (Marine Corps). From what I have heard from those who have served in both, is that they enjoyed their time in the Navy much more. I know that as a Marine, we love our Corpsmen. All services rag on each other, but every Marine I know will stick up for their Corpsmen.

    Of course, if you abandon the idea of going into the medical field, you could always become a Marine!

    Either way you choose, best of luck to you.
  • benich3043
    benich3043 Posts: 252 Member
    Is it worth joining the military just to travel? Serious question.

    Thats up to you.

    Sure, but it seems to me that if you join the armed forces, it's fundamentally a job. Sure you can end up in a nice place (and I hear that the Air Force are in 150 countries) but you're limited to the amount of time and the location of where you can travel. You're also making an up to 8 year obligation to stay with the armed forces. It would seem a better idea if someone wanted to travel would be to work for a year or two then travel until they'd maxed out their budget.

    Why spend your own money, when they pay you to travel. Sure it may come with some restriciton, but doesn't your wallet do the same?
  • I just wanted to share what I wrote on my FB page this morning. Inspired by your situation....

    MY status update: After giving my opinion to a person who was trying to choose between the Army and Navy and reading other people’s opinions, I am very thankful that my dad, xxxxx xxxxx, talked me out of joining the Marines. That is not a knock against another service, but the AF has sure provided a great life to me and my family so far. Maybe I would be just as happy in another service, but we will never know.

    Comments:

    FRIEND 1: My story is so similar! I was considering the Marines too and a security guard for the store I worked in at the mall was a Navy reservist and talked me out of it. He said the AF was the way to go! I am so thankful for him and his advice...I just wish I could remember his name to thank him. He doesn't even know how he changed my life. :)

    FRIEND 2: If you are a family person-the Air Force is definately the way to go! They are much more family oriented & include them in everything. My hubby was in the Marines for 4 years (before we were married) and he always says he couldn't have stayed in & had a family. He's in the AF reserves now & so far, it hasn't been too bad!
  • findfan4ever
    findfan4ever Posts: 153 Member
    As prior Navy, I can be VERY biased toward the Navy; however, research your options, list the pro's and con's, etc. and decide which branch is best for you and your professional goals.

    Your mental attitude regarding the branch you choose will also have a great bearing on how your experiences are in that branch. All too often we hear enlisted personnel complaining about what they are doing, etc. I have also heard from those who love the branch they served in. You have heard both in this thread.

    You will also hear this one is better than that one, blah, blah, blah. Personally, it really pisses me off when this occurs, especially if the person doing the blah, blah, blahing hasn't even experienced the other branches or is all speculation.

    I was raised as an Air Force brat and can testify to the top notch medical care I received at the AF hospitals. I was also stationed on an aircraft carrier and have seen and experienced the facilities on board. It was a fully equipped mini hospital and all the corpsmen were exceptional. I also had friends that were Marines that spoke very highly of the Navy Medical Corps. I have no direct knowledge of the Army's facilities so I can't advise.

    Yes I did my fare share of keeping the ship clean and tidy. Everyone has to. Same with other branches I am sure.

    Bottom line, its up to you. I had great experiences with both the Navy and Air Force. I am sure I would have received good treatment in the Army or Marines if I went that way, too.

    My personal bias leads HEAVILY toward the Navy.

    If, after all your research, both the Navy and Army are in a tie, use the academy's football programs to decide for you. Navy has kicked Army's butts for the past 7 or so years. LOL. Yeah I know, AF got last years CIC Trophy, but Navy will get it back this year.

    Good Luck in your endeavors and serve with honor and pride in what ever branch you decide to enlist. Thank you in advance for your selfless act to serve our great nation.

    Anchors Away my friend

    PS - to all who served, THANK YOU for your dedicated service to our nation. Your courage and sacrifice is appreciated.
  • benich3043
    benich3043 Posts: 252 Member
    As far as one branch of the service treating you better than the other one, there is really no such thing. It is all your perspective and what you make of it. Is Air Force housing nicer than Marine Corps housing? I don't know, for I have never lived in Air Force housing. However, the Marine Corps has provided me with a 4 bedroom house ( I am married with two boys) in a neighborhood that I chose to live in in a house that I chose to live in. If anything goes wrong with this house while I am living here, guess who fixes it. Not me. A simple phone call solves everything in a timely matter.

    Was boot camp tough? Of course, but the immense pride and lessons I have learned by becoming a Marine were certainly worth it. Is the Marine Corps harder than the other services? Yes, but we are held to a higher standard than the other services as well. This does not mean that we are treated and worse than the other services.

    My wife is a former soldier, and according to her, it seems as though we were treated the same way. No better, no worse. I think that unless you have served in more than one service, you can't really take the word of a family member or a friend and compare their experiences to make a comparison of how we are treated.

    Some people just are not cut out for military service and they hate it and therefore talk crap about the service they were in the whole time they are in and after they get out. Personally, I have enjoyed serving in the Maine Corps and I know my wife enjoyed her time in the Army. So unless you have been in both boots, do not comment on whether one service gives you better treatment than the other.
  • uallonsy
    uallonsy Posts: 6
    You need to decide what exactly your goal is. Do you plan on making a career out of your service? Or are you looking for experience?

    ALL SERVICES HAVE THEIR GRIPES! All service members have their complaints about the service, however, the reality is that particular unit or supervisor. The best thing you can do is visit/call and talk to junior, mid-level, and senior members in both the enlisted and officer corp. You will get a broad range of opinions. Remember, recruiters are there to "recruit". They may have never been around the career field you want.

    There are five services, and I have not seen any posts referencing the Coast Guard - "The Forgotten Fifth".

    Here are some generalizations of the services:

    Coast Guard - Decent advancement rate, no PT or PT test, only approximately 50k people, overseas is Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, Hawaii, Bahamas (For the most part), education extremely supported, nexxus to civilian jobs, no bases so live on the economy in a place you choose

    Air Force - Traditionally allocated the most money, quality of living best for DOD, not as strict as other services, VERY slow advancement and even slower in some career fields, world wide locations

    Army - Hit or miss with career field selection, some jobs are great while others are not, split between combat and non-combat MOS's (everyone is a soldier however you will not find the dental tech on the front line with the grunts), training is narrow to your scope of work, world wide transfer, PT standards second to Marines.

    Navy - Hit or miss with career field, deployments, deployments, deployments! (usually months long and up to 12 months, ships usually have 50 man berthing which means you are sharing a large room with at least 49 other people, get to travel the world and the shortest time

    Marines - Everyone is a Marine first! Strictest of the militaries, training to excellence is a guaranteed, deployments with both Marines and Navy, strictest PT and PT Test (love the green shorts),

    Also, all services are going through a draw down right so it will be tougher to get into any of them. Explore both enlisted and officer availability. If short term (no career), I would look at enlisted because they do the hands on work (mostly), if career minded consider officer because they are the managers and get paid more which translates to higher retirement pay.

    Remember, some jobs are limited due their scope. So, their may be a job that has training in something you would want to pursue but the military won't pay for it or allow you because it is considered not relevant to your career field.

    I have been in 3 services with 4 different career fields and currently work with ALL services.

    well said!
    I am former enlisted Marine communications, Air Force electronics tech, Army medic and currently an Army Quartermaster officer.
    Do your homework and TALK to people in the field you decide, only someone in the position can say what the duty day is and give pros/cons.
  • uallonsy
    uallonsy Posts: 6
    And BTW ...Semper Fi.
  • msstuard
    msstuard Posts: 131 Member
    I'm retired Navy. My Father, and Brother retired Army, Two Uncles Retired Air Force, Air force. If not Go Navy. I believe you make what you want out of it. I believe all braches of the service can be just as rewarding or punishing depending on you.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    I was a Military Policeman in the Army and worked with plenty of fine medical personnel from both branches. Drive on! Good luck!
  • MFPBrandy
    MFPBrandy Posts: 564 Member
    What do you want to do? Navy has a slightly better quality of life than Army, but you'll generally be more tactical with the Army. And keep sea duty in mind--make sure you don't mind being on a ship for 6 months.
    I've worked with both, but I'm Air Force -- so of course I say wait to lose the extra 10 lbs and go blue. :)

    *ETA* for context, I've been stationed with, lived and worked alongside USAF, USA, USN & USMC.
  • laineyq
    laineyq Posts: 3 Member
    I am an Army Combat Medic. You will not like being an OR tech. The pamphlets and the recruiters make it look so good. You will end up cleaning for the majority of your work day. Check out the OCS and PA programs(IPAP). You should set your sights on being a Medical Officer. If someone would have directed me, that is where I would be now, but I will still get there.

    I'm an army Medical Service Corps officer. I agree. Move towards a science degree and if you really like healthcare focus on things like LAB, PHYSICAL THERAPY, PHARMACY, NURSING, RADIOLOGY TECH...So many options to OR Techs but to each his own.

    Realize if you go enlisted your life is busy and you work for EVERYONE. If you hold out, get a commission, you are far more privelaged!

    Great luck and GO ARMY!
  • MFPBrandy
    MFPBrandy Posts: 564 Member
    GOOOOO AIR FORCE!

    this! In the process of enlisting. At 26, better late than never right?
    And you'll be all the better Airman for a few extra years of experience.