My son just got out of the Marines, so I am a bit prejudiced, but I am so proud to tell everyone that my son was in the Marines. Also, they have the best dress uniforms IMO.
I’m a product of Army ROTC. I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel (Special Operations Planner).
Your son should look at all 4 services. Each is different.
Once he decides which service, he should very seriously consider staying in college and getting commissioned via ROTC.
Even if he decides to enlist, he can get his commission in various ways. Educational opportunities in all services are tremendous.
Remind him that any job has a downside. That’s just life.
If he gets his degree first, he could enter as an officer rather than an enlisted. If he decides he wants to enlist first rather than completing a college degree, he should seek out a program that would put him in officer training if possible. If he intends to pursue a career in the military, it would be a smart move to try to get a leg up early.
If he is capable of being an officer, I would recommend ROTC.
Speaking for an Army track, being an officer is a better entry in to the Rangers, and even Special Forces and SOCOM. Being enlisted you pretty much are sent to the “needs of the Army”, but officers get to punch their own ticket. They also have better career rotations.
Despite athleticism, some people are just happier at the troop level and others are natural born staff types. Being an officer lets you choose. And yes, the perks are a LOT better than for enlisted personnel.
Once he picks a service, his next huge choice will be branch selection. This is harder than choosing a college major, and needs to be deeply researched.
Coast Guard.
Semper Fi.
Not until the marxist is out of office.
Make sure he does not have a tattoo of the Stars and Bars or the Marines won’t have him.
Air Force because they let Hooters waitresses join, honestly.
Seriously though, it seems to me that when the men I’ve known have gotten out of the Marines, they seemed to be much more respectful and just all around better people than when they went in.
Marine Corps — no question about it. I’m a retired Navy man, and now run an office for a defense contractor. If I interviewed two equally qualified job candidates and one was a Marine, the other Army, I’d hire the Marine in a heartbeat. There is something in the fiber of a Marine speaks of excellence, integrity, and character.
My 26 y.o. grandson was drifting around, not making any progress on the outside world.
He joined the Navy about a yr. ago and loves it.
Being trained to work electronics on sub hunters. P3 Orions at the moment. He’s really gung-ho.
I’m very proud of him.
My BiL was a Navy medic during Viet Nam. Got out, went to Penn State and became a PA. Makes good money in a heart surgery practice.
for later
btw, the answer is Marines
***** NAVY *****
Navy or Air Force. Get training at one of their good technician schools. The Navy and Air Force are famous for their technical schools.
But better yet, stay in college and then become an officer in the Navy or Air Force.
Marines without question.
The Marine ads during football season tell the honest truth in that he will be transformed (to the good) forever.
Read Gen Victor “Brute” Krulac’s (USMC Ret.) book “First to Fight” especially the first chapter where he describes the answer he gave to the Marine Commandant to the question of “Does the United States need a Marine Corps?” His response is as true today as it was back in the fifties...
Read Tom Clancy’s Book “Marines” where he answers detractors that Marines are “Dumb.” Of the five major military advances during the 20th century the US Marines pioneered 3 of them....Marines dumb? Yeah,.... like foxes....
After months (years?) of foot dragging, the Corps was forced to assign Marines to a “Joint Special Operations Command” in Iraq. The response from the Group Commander (a Navy Captain)? “I’m thrilled... every Marine is a shooter even the cooks! Every Marine can lead patrols. They’re the best!”
To others that have posted..... The Military is our Nations first line of Defense.....its not a trade school, nor is it a social engineering experiment.....only patriots dedicated to that purpose (selfless national defense) need apply.....
GO Navy. They have a better football team.
(What, you expected a more intelligent response from me?)
From my experience, the military is not at the top of the employment compensation scale. So, since finances for military personnel are at a minimum, your son needs to look at what branch is more conducive to promotions and which offfer the type of training he is most suited for.........
When I was in the Army, I made E-5 after only about 2 1/2 years which is really no big deal other than the fact that it paid me a whopping $380 per month...which was really all I cared about.
Neither. Go Navy.
The first twenty years is the toughest no matter which service you pick.
When my son told me he was considering joining the Marines, I tried to direct him to a different branch (for my own reasons, not really good ones, in hindsight.)
He told me, “Dad, I want to be the best.”
End of the discussion.
And he IS!
Air Force, Army, or Navy...get an education. The world doesn’t need any more labor.