The Military

whittling · Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 4:17 pm Post subject: The Military

I'm going to be 18 next year .I intend to join the military reserves . I don't know what branch to join . I am fit , but not a super athlete.I have no definite career life .I am good with wood all kinds but am very high I.Q.ed .
I don't possess much mechanical SKILLS but can learn . What would be the best options for me ?The army or navy ?

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: The Military

That has to be a personal choice, I was in the Army and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Go to BOTH recruiters and talk about whats available they both offer a lot of different opportunitys. Start talking to them now so ya have plenty of time think about your options.

Joe

English Mike · Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 4:50 pm Post subject: Re: The Military

Go to college mate & see what's on offer there.

If you DO join the military, then look for a trade that will provide skills outside too.

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5944

Check this out ->

www.goarmy.com/rotc/

Or

www.nrotc.navy.mil/index.asp

Dimitri

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: The Military

Can ya swim?

gelandangan · Posted: Sun May 10, 2009 9:36 pm Post subject: Re: The Military

What is your ASVAB result like?
They are not perfect but is quite close.

Vince · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 12:45 am Post subject: Re: The Military

Whittling....I echo what Joe and English Mike say mate.

I spent 26 years in the Australian Regular Army and wouldn't change any of it for all the tea in China.

Having said that, it really is a personal choice mate as there are so many trades and skills you can learn, but not all are useful out in civvy street.

Not sure how the Officer stream works over there, but out here in aussie, you must have a degree to become an officer, but we do have our own military University.

Good luck mate...it will do you the world of good and show you things about yourself and others that you would not necessarily see.

Cheers, Vince

whittling · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 5:18 am Post subject: Re: The Military

Well, I can swim but not to good . I really have a wanting to be a infantry soldier ,but I'm not sure if I'm cut out for it .

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 7:22 am Post subject: Re: The Military

Believe it or not Hunterjoe, but I was always glad to find out that my crew members aboard ship counldn't swim. If they couldn't swim they would try a lot harder to keep that ship afloat...

Whittling...The Navy is a good choice too. Any of the four branches of service would be a good choice. Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines. I served 22 years in the U.S. Navy. And I too, wouldn't change a thing...

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5944

Bushmaster wrote:

Any of the four branches of service would be a good choice. Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines.

I thought the 4 branches were Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard because the Marines are part of the Navy? Confused

Dimitri

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 9:03 am Post subject: Re: The Military

And during a war the Coast Guard comes under the Department of the Navy. In most cases the shallow water sailors are just one step above a weekend warrior... Very Happy

wiersy111 · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 6:03 pm Post subject: Re: The Military

Their right it is a personal choice. I spent 4 years active duty as a Mechanized Infantryman and another 5 in the National guard then I was given a chance to reclass as a M1A1 tanker I am just about to my 20 years. Both were a blast, but the Infantry is a young mans MOS its hard on the body. Being a Tanker has been more fun though. There is a lot of maintanace but pulling triggers on the 120mm smooth bore is a rush equaled by no other. Not to many skills that transfer to civilian life excep dicipline. But you must also keep in mind that Active, Reserve, and National Guard end up depolying. I ended up pulling two tours in Iraq during my time. But I was married while stationed in Germany so the Army has really made my life what it is today. Lots to think about good luck only you can make this descision

Vince · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 8:19 pm Post subject: Re: The Military

Congratulations wiersy111, a good effort mate.

You are right when you say that Infantry is a young man's game...I spent 26 years in the aussie Infantry and I'm paying the price now. I started at age 25 and was invalided out at age 48. Worn out, burnt out, bent and broken.

During that time I was in Battalions and also did an M113A1 Drivers and Crew Commander's course. Loved every minute of it.

A bit of trivia...you guys would have maybe heard of the Wiggles...a Children's Show group....well....the Blue Wiggle (Anthony) used to be one of my soldiers, he was also my M113A1 driver for a while. Very nice guy.

Cheers, Vince

rdncktink · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 12:29 am Post subject: Re: The Military

It's good that you are looking into it and not just doing, I bored lets joing the military. The best advice has already been given and it was also told to me by my students, talk to all branches and see which works best for you. If you don't plan on being a lifer than look to see what trade you can use once out. My brother has a great degree in nuclear physics that he can't use due to clasification. Also talk to friends who have joined. Most recruters can help you find people a little older than you. Also go to the colleges for ROTC and talk to them. If you want a degree you can do ROTC so you kindof have both.

whittling · Posted: Thu May 14, 2009 1:17 am Post subject: Re: The Military

I'll probably go navy .I like the service options and the skills but most of those I know are Air Force or infantry .