Posted on 06/25/2008 9:37:06 PM PDT by Vesbasion
Hello, I'm a senior high school student from Maryland and am looking to join the military. I figured the vetscor would be a good place for advice. I have been leaning toward the army and looking to go to possibly the academy, VMI, or Citadel. But is army the best choice; I am currently a member of army JROTC and I know most about it. Any opinions on which direction I should go would help a lot.
Welcome to Free Republic and God bless.
Good luck for your future, and thank you for desiring to serve our nation.
Direction of Military Service is wonderful.
You asked if Army the best choice.
What area of the military are you interested in.
What exactly your field of interest
Army may be good for certain areas, Marines for others, and so on.
You may want to see what fits.
Branch of service really depends on a lot of your own personal characteristics, traits, preferences, and aims that obviously we don't know. If you're considering a service academy, gradepoint average comes in as well. If you're a senior beginning the next academic year, you'd best get to work now. If you've just graduated, then the strategy changes considerably but your goals are still attainable if you're patient.
For the service academies, a catalogue and an application packet will give you an idea of what steps you'll have to take. It's a little more complicated with schools such as VMI or The Citadel but it's essentially the same process.
Now as for branch of service, I'd recommend visiting a recruiter from each and telling them what you've told us. Find out what career options mesh with your interests. SIGN NOTHING!
Another thing to consider is an ROTC scholarship at any number of institutions. This leads to a commission - all of these proposals do - in the service of your choice.
You'll probably get a lot of well-meant advice on this board about which branch is preferable, nearly always from a veteran of that branch. There is a good deal of inter-service rivalry, so don't take it too much to heart. I could tell you, for example, that people in the Army have calluses on their knuckles from dragging them on the ground, that Air Force people often have to choose between an extra cocktail at the pool and making their tee time, that Coast Guard people have to be at least six feet tall so they can walk ashore without drowning, that Marines are all hairdressers without the fashion sense, and that the Navy is populated with god-like creatures with bodies chiseled out like Greek statues, but you'd probably guess from that which service suffered from my presence. (It's all true, though) - ;-)
Seriously, the best way to find out what it's all about is to talk to people who have been in or are in at the present. If you've a university nearby, a trip to the ROTC units and a talk with the staff/faculty there is a very good option. They aren't driven by the quotas that force recruiters to paint a rosy picture and will tell it like it is...mostly. Recall that they are, to a single individual, dedicated professionals who love their work.
Just some random thoughts there. I'll be checking the thread to see what better advice other FReepers will offer. This is a great source. Congratulations again and welcome to FR.
I’m guessing that all of you may have quite a bit of wisdom which could help this fine young gentleman in a big way :-)
As the mom of a soldier I appreciate your desire and willingness to sacrifice for and serve our wonderful country. But personally, I would wait until after the presidential election to find out who our Commander in Chief is going to be for the next four years. Just my 2 cents.
That is very good advice. I decided during my junior year of college that I wanted to go in the service and like you was not sure which one to choose. I spoke to all the recruiters several times, reviewed the lists of occupational fields open and evaluated the recruitiers like an inspecting officer..how did they look in their uniforms and comport themselves etc. Finally I selected the USMC. It is very tough and should you decide to go that route, make sure you are very physically fit.
I made a career out of it and if I had to make the choice again I would do the same thing.
If you have the Military Channel try watching some of the programs about the history of the various services too. It will enrich you.
Take care and God Bless. You are the kind of person who will help to keep this country great.
Semper Fi.
Your selection of USMC is a proud one.
I have many family members from past wars and current war 1st Marine Div.
I live around 3 miles from Marine Corp Recruit Depot San Diego.
I'll go there...I served 20 years in Army Intelligence, my brother served six years as a tanker. My Father served 20 years in the Army Air Corps and US Air Force as a radio technician. My Step-Father served 4 years in the Navy. My sons both went through all 4 years of high school in Army JROTC.
Looking back, I should have gone Air Force. However, the Army guaranteed an early promotion to E-4, and that meant the ability to move my family overseas when that assignment came.
Bill is right, don't sign anything right away. You can take a few days to think things over. The recruiters want to make their numbers, remember that.
If you're going service academy or VMI, the advice changes. Get your application packets and letters together right now. Our JROTC here places more kids in service academies than any other High School in the state of Arizona. You don't have to have a Senator's recommendation, your senior military advisor has slots to fill, too.
Finally - congratulations on a stellar life choice. You're planning to join a fraternity that will stand by you for the rest of your life.
Talk with all the services. See what they say. Ultimately, it is up to you and what you want to do.
My small, quiet and somewhat artistic son chose the Marine Corps, for reasons of his own. I couldn’t be more proud of him and what he did. The Corps is now part of my family, regardless of how it all turned out.
Bump and a ping.
Some of the finest officers I worked with were VMI alumni.
As for branch of service, as was stated it depends on what you are looking for. If you want adventure go with the Army or Marines. Ask a Marine and you’ll be told the Marines is the way to go. Ask a soldier and you’ll be told the Army is the way to go.
All branches have technical trades - less in the USMC as they depend heavily on the Navy and concentrate on combat arms.
Another factor to consider is discipline. In my opinion, the USMC tops the list, followed by the Army, Navy and Air Force. Airmen seem to be pretty laid back.
I believe the Marine Corps is the best way to start a military career. There is no finer force in America.
Good for you!
I served 22 years. See my profile for advice (click on my “name).
God Bless America!
Dear Vesbasion; I applaud your willingness and desire to enlist in our wonderful military and to serve our country.
As a veteran (USMC 69-71), please let me offer this advice. Wait until after the coming elections in November. If John McCain wins, I would say go ahead and God Bless you and our new president. If the other guy wins this election, the I would suggest that you find another venue to serve in.
I offer this advice simply due to the fact that I would not want to see anybody volunteer to serve under a C-I-C that has no respect for the military and by extension no clue as to the core purpose of that military.
In the end, the call is yours and I’m certain that you will make the decision that is right for you.
Good luck and God Bless.
Welcome aboard! One additional suggestion, since you’re in Md... visit the Naval Academy in Annapolis, talk to the midns and the instructors. All of the services are great, enlisted or officer. The opportunities are boundless. Thank you for considering serving your country. God bless you.
You will never see you recruiter again so take your time when it comes to signing the enlistment papers. #2 The President will be your Commander in Chief. Are your political opinions the same as his/hers. Wait until January and see whom your boss will be.
May God bless you by keeping you strong and safe.
From a former SeaBee
(If you want to live amongst the Marines in the dust and dirt while building things, join the SeaBees.)
Hey everyone, thanks a ton for the good advise. As always I’m praying that McCain gets elected, plus all military college applications are due at almost the same time as the election so its a gamble lol. I’m pretty much not for the Navy or the USMC, its nothing personal, it just dosn’t appeal to me and being from MD I have a lesser chance of being accepted to Annapolis b/c i live so close. My heart is pretty much set on ARMY. It just seems like the most appealing branch with such a profound history. I’m sure my time in JROTC helped influence this decision, b/c I’ve grown more close to army and it will give me a better shot at getting into an army college. I’m already a Lieutenant Colonel, 1st battalion commander, Co-Color Guard Ccommander, and Drill Team Commander :)
Thanks again for all the advise!
There a few of us who think it is more than time to be ready for war/armed conflict when everyone else is talking & thinking about peace. there was an old MARINE recuting poster that said “ No one likes to fight, but someone has to be ready! “ or to that effect...
Pray for peace, but prepare for war!
I do have quite a collection of “A Marine walks into a bar...” jokes if you need them :)
If you do get to VMI, let me know. Here’s a VMI guy I know:
http://www.marine-corps-news.com/2006/11/despite_battle_wounds_and_miss.htm#more
God bless, good luck and THANKS!
I'm not a American, but Norwegian (and its my first post here. I was drafted, but applied officers school and got in. Later I served in Lebanon, (went out of the army and pursued a civil career) applied again and did Bosnia. My application for Iraq and Afghanistan was turned down because of my age.
Contrary to what some people will want you to believe, I have never been nothing but welcomed with open arms from the civilian people at the place I served. War is a terrible thing, but we are needed! The civilians in Lebanon needed us, and so did the people of Bosnia, as the people of Iraq and Afghanistan need us today.
Vesbasion, you must have some degree of sanity, else you’d be choosin’ the Marines. As you can see from POP’s link, most are crAzy ; )
But whatever you choose, God be with you.
I live in central CA and my last duty station was Camp Pendleton. However I spent more time at Air Stations. I still miss the sound of jets and helos flying overhead. My hubby is a retired Marine too..flew lots of different planes but his favorite was the A4 Skyhawk.
Marimar Marine Air Base is around 15 miles north from me here in San Diego. Home of the Marine 3rd Air Wing.
A relative of mine is based there
God bless you in your future endeavers
Everyone is correct when saying: No not sign anything right away.
Our son waited almost 4 months for an opening in his MOS before signing up for the Marines. He has 12 years under his belt and still going strong.
And just about all colleges have some sort of ROTC so don’t limit your college search. I had a brother graduate from Notre Dame and get commissioned as a 2nd Lt, Marines of course.
If that is where you interest lie and you meet the requirements, then yes. However since my parents were married, I was rejected by the army and had to go in the Navy.
Just kidding. I was Navy ROTC and spent most of my adult life in the Navy, active and reserves. I never regretted my decision, was proud to serve my country, and can honestly say I got as much out of the military as they got out of me. Regardless of which branch you choose, serve with pride. You will be joining the very best young men and young women our country has to offer. Don't do anything to let them down, because they'll be doing the same for you. Good luck.
If you have an interest in Cavalry or the Armor Branch [that's tanks...and you should] you may also wish to consider Norwich, the Military Colege of Vermont, which is a frequent source of Armor branch-commissioned officers. Norwich Forever!
Why tanks? No. 1 of 3.
Why Tanks? Tank ride, a day in the office!
Why Tanks? Sniper versus tank versus sniper.
I’ll second BilltheDrills advice above...and add one suggestion: Begin to Work at 110% of your capabilities to get all 3 of your Congressmen (2 senators and one Rep) to nominate you to one of the service academies. (obviously that would be the one you like best, when you’ve made your decision). To do that, one thing you may find worthwhile is to place yourself (figuratively) in an Interview with that Academy. Think of what you would say to them in an interview. Review some of the military history you’ve learned in jROTC...Write the pros, cons, questions, your goals, etc. that you would discuss in an interview! Most importantly, prioritize your goals in life!
Full disclosure, my son was nominated by all 3 of his Congressmen to the Navy Acadamy. It was only in the interview process that a minor chink in his armor was discovered by them both (he and the academy).
Finally, here’s some:
Good things on your resume:
President of Senior Class
Captain of HS sports team
community service
etc
‘Bad’ things on your resume:
hmmm, to keep this politically correct this section has been deleted by author;)
The ‘bad thing’ that was discovered in my son’s interview (again full disclosure here and not meant as knocking in any way either the services or the concept...he was single at the time): They both discovered during the interview that my son’s #1 goal in life was to become a good husband, father, the best family man he could be in otherwords! That obviously is a worthwhile goal in life, but considering that like many of us here, you’ll be one of only those 2 on the planet who offer to ‘give your life’ for the benefit of others, that may not be the ‘best’ #1 goal! (oh, those 2 are the military and Jesus Christ)
Excellent advice.
I’m finishing 25 years in the USAF. Loved it.
My daughter insisted in joining the Marines. She didn’t love it, but they treated her all right and she’s glad she did it...although she said if she had to do it all over again, she’d enter the Navy.
My son couldn’t pass any entrance exams due to bad hearing - until he talked to an Army Guard recruiter in CA. They ‘discovered’ he had perfect hearing. He did a tour in Iraq, and volunteered to do another year building fence along the border. It now looks like he is going to do another year in Kosovo...so while he sometimes says bad things about the Army, he can’t hate it too much! And they taught him to work on helicopters (electrical) and how to work a bulldozer.
A lot depends on what someone wants to do, their goals and aptitude.
I wasn't gonna say anything here, I respect all your opinions too highly! To be honest, I've probably said similar things. But this troubles me! like the opposite side of the coin where we've got teachers giving advice to the kids in this country to 'stay away from the military', some here are saying 'stay away from the military'. THINK! No one with the sense that they want to serve our country should be given that 'advice'! NO ONE!
Now that's funny! Both my parents were Navy, so I had to go Army!
In my book, Obama is the type of person who will try to put our military forces under the control of the United Nations Charter. Would you want to be under legal contract with our government when such a thing occurred?
Even when I was a dumb kid I had a serious hate for anything to do with the United Nations. That hate has grown over the years, never subsiding for a moment.
Do you realize that all of our bombing and naval artillery targets in North Viet Nam were first approved by the UN Security Council 48 hours BEFORE we were allowed to drop a single bomb. The UN Security Council was led by a Russian military officer who sent immediate notification to the North Vietnamese who in turn placed their SAM missiles in the surrounding area in anticipation of the coming attack.
The ruling that no warfare would be conducted within 20 miles of port cities in NV was also a UN Security Council decision. The war would have ended in three months if we had destroyed their ports. Everything would have had to be shipped in from China but the railroads weren’t sufficient to do so. So, the 20 mile ruling was made.
I’m sorry you disagree but IMO, my advise to that person is good advice.
I share your disgust for the UN, your disgust for the left, your disgust of a CIC who may, as you say, attempt to suffer some of our troops in some UN capacity. In fact, we may think alike in oh so many ways! But IN PRINCIPAL, we’ll have to agree to disagree with the PRINCIPLE that a kid today with the heart and mind to serve his country be allowed that choice. The country can’t afford the luxury of disheartening him or changing his mind, when all his teachers are already there in force! ie, I think what I’m trying to say is that you MAY (and I say this with all due respect and thank you for your service) be joining the nutsquad when you add to the noise that is already thrust on the minds of those who suffer thru the Gummit Education offered in today’s public screwals. Don’t worry he’s being bombarded at school!
The specific request for advice here is ‘what branch of service’ not ‘should I avoid the military’!!! just say’n!
and again, thanks for your service, we needed more like you then and we need more like you today! And that’s the bottom line!
There is a big difference between country and government. Fighting to protect your country is totally different than fighting to protect your government. One involves firearms and military service the other hopefully doesn’t.
When our system of government is so corrupted that the best we can offer the American people as choices for a President/CinC is a communist like Obama or a wannabe socialist like McCain, we are in trouble. I feel that any military service under their command will be to further their goals of socialism and globalism, not democracy.
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it.”
- Mark Twain
If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the national anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer Fourth of July speakers – normally good Americans, but Americans who fail to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free, Americans who have been lulled away into a false security.
- Ezra Taft Benson, An Enemy Hath Done This
Objectively, the Army has more choices of Military Occupational Specialties. One of my uncle was in the Navy and landed with the Army on the beach at Normandy. Another fought on a battleship in the pacific. Besides 5 years in the Army, I spent some time in the Air Force reserve. The Marines like to think they’re the “bad boys” on the block, but I’ve known many tough men from all branches of the military
. When I was in Vietnam, my unit, the 1st Cavalry Division moved North from the Central Highlands to up near Danang, which was, at that time “Marine turf”. Well, I can tell you as a combat soldier in a rock-hard infantry brigade, what I saw of the Marines wasn’t pretty. They had been pretty badly beat up by sustained combat. The Corps doesn’t want people to believe it, but they’re men like the rest of us. As a grunt, I saw them as my “little brothers”. I felt sorry for them.
When I was in Bosnia, some of the men on my training team were former Marines. They all talked about how tough the Marine Corps was and told war stories about boot camp and AIT. Not one of them had been in actual live combat. When they would tell me a story about boot camp, like getting a bucket put over their head for smoking, I said, yeah, me too. When they talked about the road marches, I said yeah, me too.
They could not believe that the Marines weren’t really any tougher than the Army. But to quote General James Jones, former commandant of the Marine Corps, “The Marines win battles. The Army wins wars”.
I believe him.
I have avoided this thread because the Young Man’s mind is made up and all power to him but....
I certainly don’t want to disrespect your service but did it ever occur to you that those Marines you saw as beaten up and worn out by combat could have been the survivors of Khe Sanh?
Question? how does one know when Marines are preparing for a big fight?
When they bring artillery.
It was before Khe San. Marble Mountain/Tam Key. 5th, I believe. BTW my best friend in HS was an India 3/5 Marine KIA in operation Hastings. I’m not dissing the Marines, I just believe from personal observation they talk like they are the only fighting force in the world. I have to remind them of places like Normandy, Sicily, Leyte, New Guinea, Salerno...where the army made amphibious landings somehow without the Marine’s help. Then you have the land battles...
I won’t get dragged into this, keep exposing the Marines as a bunch of little brothers all by yourself.
That's pretty much what they all say when it comes to facts.
Nope I just don’t want this thread to be a forum for you trashing Marines.
Marines, oorah. That better?
I just retired from the Navy (Naval Academy) as an instructor. Having been there for four years and now working at the Naval Institute (http://www.getthegouge.com) please feel free to E-mail me if you have any questions:
Sincerely,
Dale
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