All branches of the Armed Forces have advantages and disadvantages. What it usually comes down to is family tradition and the goals of the person considering service.
I'd say get him to get specific goals in mind, and then talk to members of the branches he is considering. Talking to current active duty people is best.
But remember, enlisted have a total duty obligation of 6 years total, you can do more but you don't have to, (usually,not counting "stop loss"). BUT on the other hand, Officers serve for LIFE at the pleasure of the President.
In other words once you are discharged as enlisted, you are done, (with the noted exception).
You are never completely discharged as an officer (unless you have been hurt and henceforth unable to preform duties, or kicked out, as with a dishonorable).
Just things to think about.
If he likes looking at the world from the inside of a ship he should go Nav. (They say, "see the world", they don't say they'er going to let you off the ship to actually touch the thing.)
If he's "at least 6ft tall?", (a Navy joke, I can't help myself), "so he can walk ashore if his boat sinks", and likes being a shallow water sailor, (smaller ships/cutters and boats), he should go Coastie.
The difference WAS; Big outfit, Blue/deep waters, Warships and associated missions.
Vice Small outfit, Brownwater/shallow/coastal waters, Coastal patrol vessels and associated missions.
It depends on what he wants really.
Good luck, and God Bless you all.
He definitely needs to learn more. I have no clue whether or not he wants to be on a ship (he does like boating though, but has never sailed). Very good question though for him.
He loves shooting (very good at it), is shorter than 6" (however, I do believe he still may grow a few more inches). Most people think it is closer to 25 years old than 17.
He's a football player, and he power weight-lifts, very very strong -- he amazes us with his strengh. Hubby does joke though that he probably shouldn't be on a sub, with the width of his shoulders and chest, he wouldn't be able to walk through without going sideways.
Family tradition ?? Wide variety of service, so no fast and firm tradition.
I'll try to get him to pin-point more of what he wants so he can better decide which branch would be best. Thanks.