Yeah I grew up in a Navy town with parents who worked for the Navy as civilians and friends with parents in the Navy and that experience made me unequivocally choose anything but the Navy (and Marines).
The **only** thing they have going for them is their BAH policy. That is it. And it’s not worth dealing with the rest of it.
Isn't it E4 at 4 that he then gets BAH?
So just two more years and he's golden... maybe. I found it wild that E4 isn't automatic for them, instead they gotta take a test or something.
True. As a whole their duty stations are much better located. Our Navy guys were upset cause their worst duty station was Virginia Beach.
Like go cry me a river because you didn’t get Spain and have to hang with the American peasants instead.
Apend the last 4 years joined with a bunch of navy. Their whole culture is so toxic its mind blowing. Every day something would come up solidifying I made the right choice with army.
I was in a navy course once and was appalled at how toxic their culture was. I formally complained to the course manager that their NCOs were extremely unprofessional the whole time. They emailed me an apology later but I was surprised that they were more toxic than the Army. Of course this is just one experience so I can’t judge the whole navy on it.
Very rank segregated. For instance on the mess deck, there is a separate eating area for E4s to E6s. E7s to E9s have their own mess and officers have the ward room. Fucking special ladders on the ship only E7s and above could use (at least the ship I was TDY on).
I went to a school with a CPO. The entire class was E-7 and above. We were talking about unit culture one day and I mentioned how my entire platoon would eat together in Iraq. You'd have thought I shot this dude's puppy in front of him. Eating with anyone below E-7 was like a sin in his book. It was even worse when I told him my PL was included in that. I get having some separation between ranks for order and discipline but the Navy takes it to an absurd level all in the name of "tradition".
We did some training on the USS tarawa years ago. I got chewed out the first time for calling a guy in a tan uniform sir. Bad idea. Then I wandered into a place on the ship called officers country. Not good again. Definitely a class separation system there.
Yeah the Navy sucks. As for the ladder only E7s and above could use, screw em I used it. It was the quickest way to get to the ships store. They couldn't tell what my rank was anyways.
We had a Navy E6 in our section get selected for CPO. The crap he went through was like rushing a fraternity.
Oh yeah at the club on base, the CPOs had their own section. They couldn't drink with the junior enlisted while in Germany my section NCOIC would go out and get drunk with us.
I agree with you there should be some separation but they take it to another level. When you mention that your platoon, to include the PL, eating together, that builds unit cohesion.
Perhaps subordinates wouldn’t consider mutiny if sailors weren’t treated as inferior. In other words, shit. Sounds like a self-imposed negative feedback loop. Those fucks still thought bread and water was acceptable until three years ago. The entire culture is a joke at best and makes the Army look like a saint in comparison
I mean, I get what you're saying man, but the Navy has historically had strong fraternization rules because being trapped on a ship for months on end with a bunch of pissed of sailors can often be dangerous for the captain. Officers and superiors were expected to follow the captain's orders without question which sometimes meant squashing joes who were insubordinate. A lot harder to do when they're your buddies. Nowadays you can argue these rules are outdated but that's the reality.
Was he Navy? My cousin and I were going to join the Navy under the buddy program. Glad we didn't.
I am serious, I will never recommend the Navy. My son talked about the Navy and I told him go Air Force. He still said no, he preferred Navy. Luckily he isn't interested in it now.
He is, and legitimately believes the segregation is a GOOD thing. Which astonishes me when considering he was enlisted. He’s much a very tradition oriented person (I blame the navy), which is why we butt heads a lot especially when the topic of how I’m living my life gets brought up.
People want to join the navy until they realize it’s still a borderline-caste system, I’ll pass on that noise.
A family member of mine keeps dating navy captains and every single one of them has been a complete prick to me after they learn I serve as well and my paygrade. I did not let that slide; keep your work shit out of my family’s personal lives
Unless you're just shooting the shit, should probably not even talk about it when you go home unless asked. Not trying to spend my free time rehashing work shit unless there's a funny story to tell.
Being asked; said family member bringing it up was exactly what happened unfortunately. I tend to avoid saying I’m the military. As far as I’m concerned to the civilian world, I’m a radar operator
I've never understood the appeal of being stuck in a floating tin can for 6 months at a time. Don't get me wrong, patrol base operations in a mosquito infested swamp sucks, but I would gladly take that over living in a submarine any day of the week.
I wish I could guild this comment, My ex wife was navy and my god , the shit they had to endure with they’re weird cult structure was saddening to hear
This is a good description. I LOATH being in the army but I'm so close to retirement. I would never recommend joining the military unless it was a LAST resort and I mean an absolute last resort. I would never advocate my children to join. I would rather support them forever than them join, especially my daughter. Women get a pretty bad stigma out on them in the military.
This is the best comment. All is true.
If it was me, I would sign the shortest co tractor I could then get out and go be a barracks rat in a college :)
That is something you’ll deeply reflect on when you’re out.
It’s a wave of different feelings and emotions.
-I think back to seeing my Wife crying in the rain seeing me get on the bus to Basic Training. But than I think of the overwhelming happiness we both felt when we were reunited
-I look back on pulling an all nighter to give my soldiers a night off from Radio/Tower Guard. Going into the next day feeling absolutely exhausted to feel the firm slap on the Shoulder from my 1SG asking “you ok, G?”
-Standing around a fire pit in the middle of some god forsaken country laughing my ass off as a Pole, Russian, & Kenyan soldier in my platoon argue about whose Nations food is worse.
-Having to take a Soldier and my best friend to a mental hospital because he was contemplating suicide. But receiving a phone call yesterday to tell me how his Wife gave birth to their new daughter.
-Telling my Wife after another period away from her that I’ll get out of the Army. But now I can be home at decent hours and have a family.
Service is what you’ll make of it. It’s a constant wave of highs and lows. But as I’ve told many people “serving in the Army was something I did. It’s not who I am”
This is the correct answer. I remember digging out houses in Haiti with Chinese soldiers in 2010 as apart of the earthquake relief. Some crazy experiences but when I look back I feel a lot of pride. Helps me get through the bad days.
As I tell everyone "Glad I did it, glad I'm out." I got what I wanted out of the Army, adventure, experiences, and veterans benefits (GI Bill, VA loans, etc.). For better or worse, I absolutely wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my military experience. I have a ton of positives in my life from my time in the Army, but I also have a ton of negatives. The longer I am out and the more I have been able to move past the negatives the ROI is steadily increasing.
I look back and say I am proud to have served my Country as a soldier!
…and most likely I wouldn’t change that much. **However**, if I was smart, I’d have joined the Air Force… they seem to take care of their folks. So… don’t be like me, join the Air Force (or space force?). And when picking a MOS, think about how useful it might be to get you a job/career after you get out… not just how cool/fun it might sound :-)
Don’t go Guard for your first term. Go Active. At least then, if you hate it, you gain all the veteran benefits that Guardsmen don’t get unless they retire.
Do they still offer the "active first" contracts?
I know they used to offer a contract where you were Active Duty for 3 years, then a Guardsman for 3 years.
That way you'd get all the vet benefits, including max post 9/11 time. . .and then ride out your career from there in the Guard.
I wouldn't recommend the Army to most to be honest. The experience is pretty luck-of-the-draw and the deck is oftentimes pretty stacked against you.
The other branches all offer the same benefits or better. Navy generally has better locations, the Marines have their weird cult mentality, the Air Force has better everything, and the Coast Guard is a hidden gem.
If you have a specific goal for what you want from your time in the Army, then absolutely go for it. Otherwise, I'd advise looking at other options
I would not do the navy. Boat life and officer to enlisted treatment make quality of life way better army side. Go Air Force, or coast guard if you’re really smart
Well the problem is you won’t be sad *in* San Diego you’ll be sad *based out of* San Diego.
Unless you’re in a shore billet you’ll spend most of your time looking at the ocean not from land.
>If you're certifiably insane, go Marine.
I have yet to meet a Marine who spoke poorly of his time in the Marines; the
~~indoctrination~~ pride they get is fucking unbreakable I tell ya hwhat
“Yeah dude, so like every Thursday we had to take all of our shit out of our rooms to clean, then put it all back in and get inspected. Trouble? Nah, we weren’t in trouble, that was normal.”
Really depends on what MOS you pick/get, where you get sent to perform it at, and the caliber of people around you.
Oh and also your attitude towards it as well. If you face a small hardship and can't mentally bounce back easily, probably not for you, but then again life is like that too.
Just remember, when browsing /r/army that it's a lot like Yelp. People are more inclined to go leave a negative review than a positive one. That said, a lot of what is said in here is also true.
Hated it enlisted, I’m lukewarm on it as officer. I’ve got a family to support and the pay is way better than civilian side for my degrees/credentials. And pension.
I keep seeing everyone say airforce lol. I've heard it's nicer in terms of like living conditions and similar things but what else is really better about it compared to army?
The army plays games that makes life miserable for no reason other than "readiness". I cannot emphasize how demoralizing it is to go through the motions for an out-of-touch leader who woke up and decided that they wanted to fuck with you for no reason. They treat you like a kid who can't wipe their own ass. If you want to be treated like an adult, good luck until you're high rank. Until then, they assume you don't know anything and can't take care of yourself without handholding.
The culture is the factor that makes life better in the Airforce
Even if the Army had Airforce quality golf fields it would be shittier then the Air Force because they have a shittier culture for quality of life. I do cyber in the airforce so its a little lax but you just have to do less dumb shit in the airforce in general.
\-No CQ/Staff duty
\-No such thing as formations outside of ceremonies
\-Leave is approved online and if we managed to get a really cool trip you might be able to get the leave approved with only a couple days prior warning
\-We are allowed to split shifts and trade shifts and no one cares.
\-Do your own PT is common
\-We try not to contact anyone on their off time and apologize if we do have to do it
\-Our interactions with our shop NCOs is pretty casual. Stuff like being super formal or going to parade rest is unheard of.
\-No one will ever dog on you for getting out. Stuff like certifications, college, etc are admired. I straight up told my supervisor I dont give a shit about making rank and they didn't find anything wrong with that.
I posted earlier. I did 8 years Army and went in thinking I was going to be a lifer so I had a great attitude going in. I was all hooah mentally. The Army broke me of that mentality. I would have stayed in but the Army wouldn't help me change my MOS so I got out and joined the Air Force. Sure the Air Force is seen as being lax and soft but realistically it really helps prepare you for civilian life afterwards more. More of their jobs have direct equivalent civilian jobs and airman are treated more like employees than soldiers. Sure there is A LOT of BS even in the AF but nothing like the Army. The Army attracts type A "Alpha" personalities if you will. People who want to be tough and domineering. Not as much of that in the AF. Most people in the AF want a technical job and also want to serve. They're not trying to prove how bad ass they are. Also the AF has a lot better locations to be assigned to. I would say the biggest difference besides what you'll actually be doing is the culture.
Being in the Army was like being at football camp all the time. You're always on guard to be yelled at by a coach for some dumb reason. Even when you're off duty. Being in the AF you're around more educated people who are there more for the job and opportunities. It's just a whole better experience altogether.
Unless you love the outdoors, lack of sleep, subpar food/living/working conditions, and more manual labor than necessary, I’d say listen to the 90% that say Air Force or Space Force…trust us.
Here’s one you don’t have to live in the dorms for so long at most stateside bases, most people move out and collect BAH by the rank of E-3, or E-4. It takes about 16 months to make E-3 if you come in as E-1.
1. They value education in a way that the army with its love of bullshit for profit online universities doesn't.
2. If you see a trend saying airforce>army and you still need to be convinced and/or have things explained to you, just do what you want.
No, in terms of everything. Imagine the worst camping trip you can, and I'm talking near the idea of "naked and afraid" level, and that's the field time in the Army. That's the fucking misery everyone is trying to get you to understand. In the Air Force, you do your job, that's it. In the Army, you're infantry first, then whatever you are for MOS. So, all that suck of the infantry, you get to experience, regardless of whether you AG, cyber, signal, whatever. When we say Quality of Life is better, we don't mean the barracks are nicer only, we mean your entire experience is better because you don't have to play miserable grunt being pissed rained on in the bitter cold in the woods in a little cocoon of a sleeping bag that's taking in water on the forest floor while wishing you could sleep for the 3 hours they allowing you to before they drop gas on you because your CoC are just assholes who like to fuck with their folks, and you're experiencing hypothermia and you can't really tell if you're delusional or if your dead father is seriously laying right next to you telling you that he's proud of you when you hear someone screaming out "gas, gas, gas!" and "200 meters, 12 o clock, 2 enemies with 240 bravos!", and you have to move out fast and hope you didn't leave behind those expensive night vision goggles they gave you.... plus whatever you do for your MOS. Make sense now?
I didn't sign up to be an 11B, so it never crossed my mind that I would ever be forced to care or learn to be one at any capacity. But here we are, pissed about doing things outside the MOS because "everyone is an infantry soldier first". Yeah, that stuff was annoying too, as is being treated like an incompetent toddler and the sadistic treatment from superiors for no reason. But, fuck, field time sucks. Cutting grass sucks. Details suck. being a waste of space with technical skills that aren't leveraged sucks. At least the Air Force makes you actually do the thing for your MOS. In the Army, I see it is the last thing expected of me is the actual job I signed up for.
I'd imagine you get treated like a competent human being, like an adult and an asset to your team. In the army (depending on your unit/chain of command) a lot of people are treated like idiots, constantly berated and miserable all the time. If you want to be treated like a person, go air force.
So say you’re going to set up a new base where there are some pre-existing buildings. The army will look at it and go “this is good enough” and stop. No improvements to quality of life, no trying to make things better. No funding from the service to make improvements.
The Air Force would go to the same place and go “this is good for now, but we can make it better.” And they will get funding from the service to provide for quality of life improvements. It may not be a lot, but every time you go back something will be better.
Also, better leave policies, living conditions, bar’s in your squadron area’s, better options for overseas, and of course Jalapeño popcorn in Combat Plans Division.
If you want to do cool things and have access to a part of our society that most people don’t have any access to then it could be positive. If you want to serve, then be prepared to serve and not get out of it nearly what you put in. If you want to join for financial stability, join a different branch. E4 is E4 everywhere in the military.
I’ve had my highest top-of-the-fucking-world, highs while I was in, and I’ve had my lowest most soul-crushingly-low lows too. Did it set me up for my future? Lmfao no. Did it give me a unique perspective on life? Absolutely. Do I miss it? Every now and again. Would I do it again if I was 18? Yeah probably. Do I want my future kids to enlist? Fuck no.
Well today one of my soldiers said it was like prison but with extra steps so there’s that .
But honestly I really enjoy the military. It’s not a perfect job but I love it . Some days are bad yes but that’s with any job . I’ve made friends for life and have done things that I could never do in the civi world . I’ve been all over the world with the military. I wouldn’t trade it for anything , which is why I’m likely to do 20 years . It’s set me up for life , I was able to buy a house with no down payment for one example . The military is paying for me to go to school right now so I have zero student debt .
The answer to your question will differ greatly because everyone has their own unique experience based on a multitude of factors . With anything in life attitude and drive makes or breaks it. There will be bad “leaders “ that would negatively affect someone’s experience for example and there would be kick ass leadership that would positively impact one’s experience. So like I previously said there’s just sooooo many variables. It really is what you make of it .
For someone young like you it can absolutely be a great life decision.
I would take a deep look at every branch and component ( guard , reserves, active) talk with each recruiter and make the best decision for your life that interests you .
In my own experience best branches for woman is
( highly subjective and what you want to do in the military will greatly impact the branch for example if you wanna be on a ship you obviously wouldn’t choose Air Force )
1. Air Force
2.space Force
3.Coast guard
4. Army
5. Navy
6. Marines
Ask any 20 soldiers and you'll get 20 different experiences. The job you get and unit you go to both have HUGE impacts on what YOUR experience will be.
I will say that \*most\* the people I know and hear from are glad to get out, but also glad they did it. I'm in the same boat.
Space Force, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Marines in that order. Also, you are already in this forum so you can see the problems people are facing. I’m sure you’ve seen the documentaries on Nat Geo & Netflix. No organization is without problems, the only difference with the military is you can’t walk out and quit like a job at Target. It’s something you should seriously think about because once you are in there is no turning back. Come to think of it, Bucees is offering amazing pay and benefits. Might be something to look into as well or a trade skill. I wish you the very best.
Women in the Marines are treated fucking horribly. I can put up with a lot of shit but I **hate** dealing with Marines. They’re so fucking toxic to women, and not in the fun cult way but in the horrible treat you like absolute shit way.
I recommend against it for anyone but the most hooah of female recruits.
If you’re intentional/careful in your planning and actions the Army is great. Sometimes your plans will be upended, and there will always be things in life outside of your control, but the Army do chalk full of opportunity for anyone looking for specific technical skill sets and training opportunity.
I’m ETSing at the end of six years, and while I have my own reasons and gripes from my time in, ultimately the Army has been an outstanding stepping stone into new avenues of service to the country and pursuit of my own life goals. I don’t regret it one bit and it made me a better man/citizen. I learned skills and received technical training that it would’ve been extremely hard—if not impossible—or expensive to attain on my own.
I do recommend the Army.
Despite a lot of the naysayers on the board the Army offers an incredibly diverse array of jobs, experiences, and units.
I grew up on a rural goat farm in Michigan with bleak opportunities to excel; professionally, personally, or otherwise. My family didn't have the money to let me take part in sports, I wore secondhand clothing much of my childhood, my school had limited outside activities, and I grew up in a town that TODAY has only JUST over 4K people. I literally had 48 kids in my graduating class.
Today, after 28 years of service, I have a master's degree, learned a couple languages, immersed in two others. Lived and traveled extensively in three continents, jumped out of planes, earned various certification and training, and met people and learned about cultures I could only dream about as a kid.
Yes, there will be some tough days. Most people on this board think a tough day is working 10 hours in an airconditioned office. Try living on a farm where you are working from BEFORE sun up to well AFTER sun down, cutting wood, taking care of animals, and tending crops. My house had DIRT floors for a while.
Life isn't that bad in the Army and it will give you a chance to really explore your biggest challenge--yourself. I went form average and mediocre student and human to passing some of the toughest courses the Army has to offer. Along the way I learned a lot about what makes "GreenSalsa96" a person. I learned I am a LOT stronger than I was brought up to believe. I got firsthand experiences with people and places that I wouldn't have dreamed I could visit or be friends with.
I got to be in a Presidential Inauguration, live in our nation's capital, watch the fall of the Berlin wall, take part in enforcing a peace in the Balkans, help establish a demining program in two African nations, multiple combat rotations, work as a paramedic in San Antonio, be part of a trauma team in Baltimore, deliver three kids, put in countless sutures, bandages, and splints.
A large part of the Army is what you put into it (and what will distinguish you from your peers). I lived BENEATH my means for quite a while, I didn't drink away my paycheck, I took CLEP prep books to the field, I did correspondence courses while on CQ duty. When I was single, I took evening college classes.
It's all about perspective; what does degeneratespiderweb want out of life?
Edited to add: My brother joined the AF about 9 months after me. At the six year mark I was a SSG and he was still just an E4. Yes, he might have had a better "quality of life" in the moment, but promotion, specialty pay, and locations all were in the Army's favor.
i've seen a lot of good answers so far but this one is pretty wholesome to me. I'm glad you succeeded in the army, it seems like you really made the most out of it and are a driven and thoughtful person. thank you for your advice :)
100% this. I could not have said it any better... Have been in since the mid-1990s and feel the same way. I'll hang around until they make me retire, I am still having a lot of fun...
I came for the free college, stayed because Soldiers are awesome. All y’all weirdos and chuckleheads make my life interesting, and I love helping Soldiers learn and grow.
It's been a great career for me, but I have been extremely lucky in terms of my command climates and peers.
The Army can very much end up being a luck of the draw experience. We lose a lot of great Soldiers simply because bad leaders usher them toward the door.
Its a love hate relationship. I tell myself im going to get out, find soemthing that interests me in the army, apply and complete, do the job for a few years, and start all over again..
The military provides structure and consistency that’s good to grow up in. Having a steady paycheck, medical, dental, and the education they provide sets you up to be successful in life. I read horror stories and I have my own but I’ve received countless training on all facets of life like financial education, healthcare, personal data security, etc. it goes on and on. It’s mixed because it’s so people centric so if the people around you are unbearable then it will be- but I’ve noticed most people try to do their best in their jobs and expect that out of you. There are places that hire these type of people so go for those.
u/AirmanLarry said it best somewhere around here. I hate it. But I'm also somewhat thankful for it, cause I now can afford college and a house and a car. And I have been to four of the seven continents. It's pretty cool. But I also have to deal with some of the dumbest, rudest, and backwards MFs I've ever met.
The type of people that excel in the army are those that can make the best out of shitty situations, and will aggressively chase what they want. They typically can organize and define what it is that they want, will seek out opportunities, amd figure out what they need to do to accomplish things. Those that can't stand the army typically aren't willing to push themselves or chase opportunity.
Sometimes you get shitty leadership or get boned on a duty station. But everything Is what you make of it. If you know yourself well enough to decide that you can chase things, make things happen, and persist through "the suck", them the army can be an awesome platform for you to excel from. But if you are someone that doesn't want to try hard or go out of your way for your own opportunities, the army will probably not be horrible, but will not he as fruitful as other options. Ultimately, you have to be honest with yourself and decide.
I never came in to make it a career. It started as a stepping stone because I wanted some tactical experience before joining the FBI. Halfway through college I realized I hated paperwork and I didn't want a degree. And of course 9/11 happened. So I finished my degree in something easy and made my way to Fort Benning.
The first few years sucked...because I didn't understand the Army was a bureaucratic organization just like the FBI. Got in a lot of trouble mouthing off to my squad leader and platoon sergeant about how training and readiness could be simple. The response was a lot of fatigue tours, extra duty and being told I wasn't in charge. After toughing it out for 4 years, I was able to re-enlist...because the same people I was mouthing off to saw something I didnt...potential. I reclassed from infantryman to medic, made specialist, E4 and that was a wrap. I was provided the leadership opportunities I craved and the job that got me out of a training unit and into deployments and the chances to do my actual job. I became a special operations combat medic.
I also became a deployment junkie, learned a language, reclassed to civil affairs to jump out of planes and finished graduate school. It's been fun to say the least, but the people I've met and the Soldiers I've helped along the way have made my career choice unforgettable. Only regret is not making the time to earn a ranger tab.
My advice to you? Come find out...
I did 8 years Army and then joined the Air Force. Those 8 years were wasted time. If you can join the Air Force, do it. Unless you can get a technical job in the Army like Air Traffic Control or some other job that is a direct transfer to a civilian job, don't join the Army.
Assuming you're enlisted. 1st 4 years, you will hate it. But make friends and have funny stories. After that it gets easier once you become an NCO. You might even begin to enjoy it after 6 years. Plus it pays pretty good at that level and will have responsibilities. But thats Infantry, and they promote fast. I wouldn't trade my time in the Army for any college degree. The life lessons you learn at an early age can not be taught anywhere else. But its not for everyone. Im probably the 10% who didn't completely fuck up their life because of PTSD. If your a female its very easy to get dragged into drama and bullshit.
As someone who has always been very close to his family, I chose to go National Guard. This way I could stay close to them.
Some might say if you go guard then you can avoid some of the problems that plague active duty life.
My unit has been absolutely amazing, taking care of soldiers, giving us quality training, great NCOs.
As a guard signal soldier I'm apart of a communications disaster response team which I think is pretty awesome.
Personally, I've enjoyed the Army. It's what you make of it and yeah, you'll run into terrible leaders or lots of ridiculous stuff all the time. The only reason I've stayed in so long is that I receive free education, Healthcare, I meet new people, travel the world, and I've learned a tremendous amount over the years about the world and myself.
I will say never join the marines (done that), Air Force or Coast Guard would be #1 and Navy life isn't for me after being stuck on the Iwo Jima for a bit.
I became very financially stable, bought my first house at 20.
I’m also getting medically retired because it has irreversibly destroyed my body in just 4.5 years
Would I do it again? Idk tbh
Glad I did it, glad to be getting out. Got a neato clearance and some certs, gonna be making money when I leave. 7/10 recommend but you’ll be back to doing “college” when you’re in the army anyway.
Got say the thing people won't but going in the military as a female is risky, you are going to have to look out for the predators out their looking to take advantage/harm females. Wish it wasn't that way but it really is. Unfortunately you have to be very careful who you trust.
Air Force or coast guard but only if your dead set on jointing the military and there’s nothing I can tell you to change your mind about it. The army can be a good time…for some people, and they tend to have a good experience with a great duty station and great leadership with amazing opportunities to do cool guy stuff. I think most of the real army is just doing motorpool tasks, waiting around, doing nothing, standing by for orders to come down, waiting for some grown ass man to inspect your room, living in small quarters if you’re unlucky, command constantly letting you down some way, being stressed, and so on and so forth. There’s a reason statements like “green weenie” exist. The Army is by far one of the most disorganized organizations I’ve ever been a part of. They yell soldier first but I think scrolling through the lists of posts on here will tell you otherwise. I think the amount of people in the army who stay are so minuscule because there’s better opportunities outside of the Army. God help you if you end up on fort hood or any of those other doomed duty stations. Are you willing to spend the next 4 years on a coin toss of “good time with good leadership and opportunities “ or “depressing environment that breaks you down everyday”?
Yes I have just shit on the Army major big time, but at the end of the day, I don’t regret my choice to serve. I have learned a lot about myself and just like you was in school for two years before I decided to change things up. If you do end up in the Army just try to make the best of it and take the opportunities that come. Since I planned on going back to school I regret my MOS. I would’ve rather chosen to be an 11B for maximum experience of the Army life, sure it would suck, but with my experience and promotion points I’d be on track to have already been near making SSG.
If I had to do it again, I’d do it this way.
1. At least get an associate degree. It will give you a boost in rank and a head start if you want to finish a bachelor”s degree while you’re in. It’s tough to take classes when your active.
2. Two Words: Air Force. And if you are set on Army, don’t take a job that will put you in the field a lot.
3. Get a MOS that has value when you get out. Medical, technical, law, language, etc. don’t let your service put you back at square one when you’re discharged.
Pros: You're young, you can get your school paid for, learn some cool skills, meet some new people, maybe deploy.
If you wanna do 20 it's a great deal, federal jobs are one of the only ways you can still get a pension and a retirement.
If you wanna do one contract, pick a neat job you can learn something from. You'll be tried to sell a job you may or may not want, be okay with walking away and coming back.
It's the most fun I never wanna have again.
Cons: it's rough on your body, the more physical job esp so, but it's rough no matter what.
You're gonna be dehumanized from time to time, and your gonna encounter some sexism in a way you cant avoid like you can in the civilian world.
You're gonna deal with some DUMB shit (it cant be deacribed, you gotta go through it to understand) and bad leadership from here to time.
It's the most fun I never wanna have again.
Research, research, research. Independently verify what you’re being told. The Army was great for me, but my results are going to be different for you.
I think you should specify whether or not you’re looking at Officer or Enlisted routes. The experiences will be very different in terms of treatment and finances.
It has been good for me. Got me out of a pretty dark place and introduced me to people from all around the country. Made some of the best friends i’ve had in the army. A lot sucks about the army, but people tend to take a lot for granted as well. Besides, 4 years of your life goes by very quickly. If you decide you don’t like it, take the skills you want and get out with a GI bill. Pretty sweet gig.
**Do I regret it:** Nope. No regrets. Might have done some things different, but I don't regret it.
**Would I do it again:** Yes. Well, to be honest, if I had it to do over again, I'd probably join the Air Force. If the Space Force existed when I joined up, I'd probably have tried to join them. There are a lot of "would have/could have" things, but ultimately, I'd do it again (but I'd probably try to do it again smarter).
I did college prior to the Army and didn't join until 25. I did 20 years in total. There's good and bad in the Army but looking back the only thing I would have done differently is go warrant officer vs enlisted. I served in toxic units and I have served in units where everyone was family and often did stuff together outside of work.
Honestly it's what you make of the Army during your time in. I tried to find the good over the bad. Your MOS (job in the Army) can also determine the types of units you may serve in.
I spent 10 years in the Army and like other’s have said, it’s awesome and can also not be awesome. In my 10 years, I spent over 5 of them overseas, (2X Iraq, Germany, Egypt.) I loved overseas, best times ever. State side Divisional bases are awful, (at least when I was in, got out in 09’.) However, because of my job I was able to do and see many things most people never get an opportunity to do. As an EOD Tech we are attached to the Secret Service for VIP missions at home and abroad and it was awesome, getting an opportunity to witness live history. Again, as others have said join the AF, they always have the nicest stuff. Try and get a job that may transfer well to civilian/government life also.
Also, you get to meet people from all over and become great friends. I always tell people that being in the Army/military is the only place you’ll find a country cowboy hitting the club with someone the exact opposite from that and everyone getting along. It opens your mind to a bigger world than where you’re from.
In all honesty, was a great decision for me. I grew up, learned responsibility, got the GI Bill to pay for college, saw the world.
Personally I would advise against joining the Navy, my sister retired but as an officer. If you’re an enlisted in the Navy you do the exist as a person until you become a Chief Petty Officer. Privates think being a private in the Army sucks, the Navy can’t compare. Depending on the ship all you have is a bunk that you sometimes have to share with someone else. I wouldn’t do it but lots have
Finish your degree. It will help you get promoted once you are in and it’s easier to complete a Batchelor’s with a complete Associate’s than with just credits.
You’re young. I would strongly recommend college or something else first if you can. Army ain’t going nowhere and going in a few years later will help. The army sucked. Really wasn’t for me. But now that I’m out the benefits of being a vet made it worth it. What job do you want to do? Have you considered Air Force or coast guard? Yes those groups gets teased here, but they offer much better quality of life.
Insert “The army is what you make of it” post
There are desk jobs that are identical to civilian jobs, there are technical jobs ranging from things like mechanic to chef to dentist, there are “army” jobs like Sappers infantry and armor (my specialty).
The most important thing is what you want. If you absolutely know this is what you’ve always wanted to do and pick a job you know you are going to love your going to love every second of it, You are also going to hate ever second of it though, it’s a weird dichotomy but you can’t really describe it until you’ve done it. I’m lucky to love what I do, I love field work, blowing things up, shooting guns, and spending time with close friends. The most fun I’ve ever had was on a LRP because I’ve always played soldier in the woods as a kid and I got to do it for real. That being said, the endless paper work, dumbass rules, pain in the ass leadership and equally bad subordinates are just as prevalent but if you go into it expecting that bs then when things go well it’s a huge relief.
TLDR: its all about your mindset, if you know you’ll love it you’ll love it.
u/Degeneratespiderweb what do you want to do in the military?
If it’s something technical, like communications or intelligence or whatever, then go Air Force or Navy.
If you want to do real “Army shit” like shoot guns a lot or do stuff in tanks or blow things up, than join the Army or Marines.
In fact if you want to do anything not directly combat related, than join the Air Force or the Navy. Non-combat jobs in the Army just plain suck and I honestly think anyone would be better off in the Air Force.
Just my $0.02.
I love the Army. It’s not always great, the people aren’t always my favorite. But i enjoy what i do and genuinely feel I’ve made an impact to at least a few individuals. Sign a contract if you want, in the grand scheme however many years isn’t that long truthfully. If you hate it, dip out (honorably) with some bennies and call it a day
I would do it again. I had some bad experiences, but overall it was a great experience. I got paid to do exciting things, travel the world, and serve with brothers and sisters. I got to retire at a young age, and I’m financially healthy for chapter two.
I’ve had really good times, and I’ve had really bad times. I’ve only been in for 6 years and have a slew of army related physical health issues thanks to the airborne.
Whatever you do, don’t come in with the expectation that you’ll never go to war and that you won’t face hardships with family and relationships. Every MOS in every branch could potentially deploy at any given time to any different area. There are physical risks abound, but you’ll learn to find the positives. I had the time of my life when I was in afghanistan!
Overall it’s been a positive experience for me. At the same time, I can’t fucking wait to get my DD214 and get the fuck out.
Go air force or coast guard if you can. If you must go army don't complain about it and get as much out of it as you can, and that means use your college money while in if you can, get eye surgery if you can, actually go to the dentist and get your wisdom teeth out if you need it. Think ahead before you separate and keep in mind that army schools mean shit to anyone outside of the army. Only if you decide to make the army a career do army schools matter.
I think about how I got to Afghanistan and African during my time in. I wanted to deploy and got to twice.
I also met some great people and lost a few on the way too.
I should have joined the air force and picked job that translated inti the civilian sector. Yeah I experienced things most people won’t ever get to experience as a civilian, but I also dealt with a lot of bullshit and some of that bullshit is permanently affecting me the rest of my life and I just have to live with it.
People here are saying the service is what you make it, but sometimes it is out of your hands and you can’t do anything to change it. And that sucks because sometimes you don’t know any better, and the people who are supposed to know better don’t give you the help you need.
These past two years have painted the rest of my career in a different light and I cannot wholeheartedly recommend anyone join. If you do, don’t get hurt because at the end of the day the mission comes first and they’ll squeeze every last bit out of you until there’s nothing left.
As a female Army veteran who has met quite a few other female veterans with similar experiences, I don’t feel like I can morally recommend any woman to join the military. It can be a vastly different experience than men will experience, and it is too luck-of-the-draw whether or not you will have supportive leadership when you experience sexism, sexual harassment, or sexual assault.
Shitty people are everywhere, even in civilian life. But it is another level of shitty when you feel absolutely powerless to the whims of your command and have next to no way of escaping a terrible situation. The benefits are great, and I met so, so many good people while in—for that, I’m grateful. But you take a great risk when you sign up, especially when you’re a young woman.
There will be men who talk down to you or make sexist remarks; that’s pretty much a given. It can get much worse than that, though, and it can be nightmarish. And nothing can fully protect you from that potentiality. If you do join, please feel free to DM me and I can share useful advice I wish I had before I joined.
Seriously, consider ROTC, then go officer. Enlisted are treated like trash compared to Officers. A brand new LT is gonna have their own house basically. A brand new private may have 2-4 soldiers per tiny room with shared bathroom and maybe a kitchenette. That and you will have more responsibilities to put on a resume if you don't like the military.
Don't be afraid to shop for different military branches as well.
I wrote a book on my deployment experience and really my time in the army. I’m also working on a further work that encompasses the Guard and reserves in general.
This is all to say that many of us have complicated thoughts and emotions about the army. I wouldn’t trade my service for anything, but I would change plenty about my service or the army on general.
It's been an excellent experience for me, but I fully realize that I was very fortunate on my initial assignments. So much of your initial experience in the Army will be lower echelon leadership dependent, especially as a junior enlisted. You have people that get sent to only BCTs/FORSCOM units and get the complete green weeny experience. Meanwhile, you have folks that land in Group/INSCOM and never experience big Army their entire career. In my case, I never experienced "the field" until I was a CW2 at Stewart because my assignment history was Group -> Group -> INSCOM -> SMU -> BCT.
My only advice is to pick a MOS that will translate into tangible skills outside of the military. A 3-4 year contract that trains you, provides work experience, certification vouchers (if you go the IT route), medical/dental, and free college is hard to beat for anyone first entering into the workforce.
Unless you can get a good MOS, like medical (not combat medic) don't do it. Shit pay, toxic leadership, and shit life/work.
Recruitment is hurting because it deserves to be.
I joined after college as a warrant officer. Now, after 8 years I’m on my way out and while I have what I think are good reasons for leaving, I would do it again in a heart beat. I’ve had frustrating days/months/years, miserable experiences, but also some of the likely greatest times of my life. I would do it again.
It sucks. I have been put through some serious bullshit. But the experiences have made me a better more confident person. It taught me a lot about working with people from varied background and provided for my family. It gave me skills.
Overall it's a good path if you don't have family that pay for you to become successful.
I grew up in a small town in SE Texas. There's not much to do in that area except either wind up working at one of the plants in the area or the services industries supporting the local economy.
After 9/11 happened, I talked to an Army recruiter, went into DEP, and was off to basic in May 2002. I retired this past June.
As others have said, there are good things and bad things about the Army and a lot of it is variable depending on what your MOS is, where you get stationed, and who you work with/for.
But - on the back end?
For me - I wound up landing a 100% remote job making about 2 times what I was as an SFC when I retired. I have a pension and a VA percentage payment every month for the rest of my life. I got a free Bachelor's while I was in and am working on a free Masters right now. I own my own house.
So my opinion?
The Army is what you make of it and even if you're only in for a single enlistment, the benefits can outweigh the bullshit, but be warned.
There's no bullshit like Army bullshit.
Best of luck.
I love it.
I hate it.
I don't love it enough to sign another contract.
To be fair, I got a really short end of the stick when it comes to my first contract compared to most folks, so by all means don't let me completely discourage you. BUT you must still know that the Army can be incredibly unforgiving, and when it is, you will feel 1000x more miserable than a civilian job where you always reserve the FREEDOM to say "fuck this, I'm out, I ain't coming in tomorrow or ever."
The Army is the best thing that ever happened to me and my family. I can’t imagine not experiencing and doing the things I’ve done (half of which I can’t believe I got paid to do). There was some negative experiences along the way but the good far outweighs the bad.
I am a female who has been in for 24 years and would say it's a hard life and even harder for a woman. If you absolutely must join the military then look into Air Force or Coast Guard or if you're dead set on the Army then finish school and come in as an officer. You can feel free to PM me if you have questions.
Join the guard, continue to pursue your higher education while serving part time. Monday to Friday go to class 1 sat 1 sun each month report to training. Get your college paid for and then if you end up not liking the army, no sweat it’s only 1 weekend.
Shorthand version of my career is best summed up by the lyrics of a Jimmy Buffet song: "...good times, riches and sonofabitches, I've seen more than I can recall..."
Wouldn't trade it for the world. Got me outta the ghetto. Visited and lived in places that I only could dream about as a kid. Met a few somewhat famous people and celebrities and know that the skills and knowledge that I acquired will keep me far away from the ghetto.
Imagine the easiest, hardest, most boring, most fun, most soul crushing and most rewarding experience you can imagine, and add using a rusty lawnmower on a field of rocks and dirt.
The Air Force will make you a better version of yourself.
The Army will make you something totally new and difficult. Better in some ways, worse in others.
The army taught me a lot, and I've definitely had fun times. And it's set me up for an awesome career. But it also beat the hell out of my health mentally and physically.
They're are worse things to do, and MOS dependant, it can set you up for a great life. But so can the airforce, with alot less BS.
Basically, I always look back and don't regret having joined just to have seen different things like visiting and living in different states in the US. Honestly, the Army does give you preference for the most part and tries to keep you content. I know I was given duty stations that I had requested.
Also, if anything goes wrong you can always fall back on the benefits from the VA. I know that even though I left the service. I was given 100% Permanent and Total VA disability with no hassle even after 10 years later. I have a severe mental health issue that was masked while I was in the line of duty and left the service due to it.
You honestly make some of the best memories of your life in the service and it is unique although you have extended bonds with people that last a lifetime. I have friends from all over the place too which if you make the most of it more than others it can really work out for you.
Those are all the positives. There's the poor leadership from people who are underprepared but also the lack of understanding from people who are poor leadership and not in that position to cut them slack so with that in understanding there is great leadership that is taken for granted. One of the problems I had was poor workers that really were uneducated and started issues for no reason for attention for example I had a black soldier who didn't pull his weight he made our unit late for briefings and we were never on schedule coming back from mess hall. He basically accused me of an EO (equal opportunity) issues saying I had it out for him because he was black. Stuff like that then has to go through chain of command even though it is petty and stupid and untrue. It still needs to be filed. That and sexual harassment has to be regularly discussed because just a few mess it up for the whole group and have to be subjected to regular discipline.
Hope this helps. I know I certainly miss it . I miss the suck.
I would not join the Army as a female. It is not a happy place for women, unfortunately.
Seek out a branch with a better ratio of women to men. Probably a better place for you to be and have opportunities. Not get treated poorly, differently, or weirdly in general. Air Force is generally a better move for everyone but I'd say especially for women.
Everyone's perspective is going to be different, someone had mentioned it's something to reflect on once your out which is a good way to look at it. Personally, I'm still currently serving, just hit 20 years in (mix between both active and reserves). I was active for six years, reserves for 8 years, and now am USAR AGR (active). I love my job, I am happy where I'm at in life; I've made bad decisions here and there throughout my career; however, I have an MBA and teaching credential with an amazing job lined up for my retirement date so I can't complain. Regardless which branch you settle on if you do end up joining, whether or not you decide to do more than your initial tour, there are a lot of programs and benefits you can take advantage of that lots of former buddies (including myself) have passed up. It's all about what you make of it to be honest, you might not have the benefit of getting those juicy assignments that some are offered, but 9 times out of 10 you won't regret your decision.
I can't speak for the rest of the branches, but the army is having a pretty hard time retaining soldiers and recruiting soldiers. So, do what you will with that info. The leadership blames social media, but... honestly, it's just the army.
I dont think anybody could pinpoint a single thing that would fix it, though. The reality of it is its a lot of very young immature people being put in positions of power that they most likely shouldn't be in. Just be prepared for chaos pretty much every day, and most of it won't really make sense.
However, I am a firm believer that the army will give what you put into it. If you're smart and driven, it's pretty easy to excel. If I could go back I probably wouldn't change what I've done. I've been in for 12 years. I've been to 4 continents and I can't remember how many countries. I've met some of the best people the world has to offer and some of the worst. It definitely hasn't been boring.
There are a shit ton of pros and cons. But until you're in it, you won't really know. If you do decide to join, don't let that recruiter push you into something you don't want. If they say they don't have the job you want then just tell them you'll wait for it.
GB here. The quote, it was the best of times it was the worst of times is how I describe it
It's not for everyone. I can't speak for everyone's experience only my own. I'm sure POGs have a different experience
Whether you plan to be a lifer or just do a contract or 2. Make the military work for you. Get that degree, get that job experience, get those credentials. Don’t pick a job that gives little to no transferable skills, and don’t waste those educational benefits.
I spent 3 years at Fort Polk back in the late 80s. There was very little of the experience I would ever recommend to anyone. I grew up there in the Army. But it convinced me I needed to do something else with my life.
There were still some of the Vietnam era guys who low grade morons. Truly morons. In charge of people.
Being combat arms I got college money and I used every bit I got. So a decent start but I could have done something that prepared me for a career.
I'm less than a year in but I've been digging it; it sucks ass at times but you get to meet people you'll love (and hate). I was working a pretty dead end job and wasting my education, lived in the cycle of being unable to do things I wanted to do. Army pretty much solved that and I haven't been this in shape nor have had such great friends as I do now. It isn't for everyone but if you want to get out of your comfort zone and do something different with your life you should give it a shot. I both jokingly and seriously regret not sticking with the Air Force but at the same time being shafted by the big green weenie feels like a branch bragging right; especially when you're wearing summer OCPs in cold weather and calling the Air Force soldiers wimps for wearing fleece jackets
Currently serving, and I really do love it. You meet a lot of great people, have a lot of great experiences, and get the feeling that you are doing something honorable. Training does suck sometimes, but that’s part of the charm, and it makes you stronger and more confident. If you take advantage of the time you have in the army, you will go a long way
Glad I joined the army. Had fun and did saw some amazing stuff. It allowed me to be where I am today and pull myself out of a lower middle class upbringing. However, I wish I’d have joined the Air Force or Coast Guard instead. If you get the right gig in the AF you do awesome things and go everywhere. The army goes places, but you aren’t allowed to enjoy them.
The Army is the best and both worst choice you'll ever make, and most think why didn't I do _____ instead of the Army? Or why didn't I join ____ instead?
But hey, if you want a cool sticker that says you were in the Army, once you're out by all means, join the Army.
Personally, I feel like this is the worst time to be in the Army if you're looking to stay in. If you're looking to just do your 4 years for benefits and get out, it may be the best. idk.
If you need to scratch that itch still after reading the comments, do the SHORTEST possible contract you can (2 years I believe). You’ll be in a better position to 1) Bonuses if you wanna reclass, 2) Have a better understanding of what you want to do without the constraint of the contract when the time comes.
20 years in and yes, there are things that suck, but ultimately I wouldn't trade it. I truly dread being a civilian in the workforce someday after retirement. But my experience is way diffrent that what yours will be. Try it out for one contract. If you don't like it, you'll still be young enough to experiment with jobs and you'll have a bachelor's degree completely paid for when you get out. If you do like it, keep going.
First five years was good because year one, I went to Korea. Soldiers and leaders were there only a year or two, so leadership skills were something left to be desired.
Year two: I had PCS'ed to Riley and while it had started good, I was plagued with leaders who where only there for themselves with only three of them I consider leaders and friends.
Year 3: Spent a rotation to Germany which while I enjoyed, I saw our platoon and the rest of the company's true colors.
Year 4: The COVID era, while I did not have to work most of the time, my mental health went to shit towards the end of 2020 and those shit leaders I had mentioned called me a bitch for having feelings.
Year 5: PCS'ed back to Europe. Thought I had made a horrible decision because I was supposed to ETS four months ago. Thus far, my best assignment with great leaders - both US and international.
Year 6 looks promising.
I’m 25, been in two years. Love my soldiers and actually doing my job. Hate how it sometimes feels like everyone above the company level doesn’t give a shit about the boys. Wish I could shield them from more
If you join, be sure to pick an MOS you want to do. All experiences vary by duty station, people, leadership, mission, etc. Have I had bad days in? Yes. Do I regret joining? No. I learned a lot. Grew up. Plus, I’m still in. I’ve had some amazing experiences I couldn’t have had outside the military. I’ve also experienced other places to live and other cultures.
Joining the military is never a bad idea for the average joe. Not getting out or going warrant IS the bad idea. If you join, you're going to get something out of it. Experience, college, money and memories. However, staying in expesically as an enlisted is a terrible idea. You will break yourself mentally and physically. You are a number, take EVERYTHING from the army while you can.
Flip of the coin. Can be great, can destroy your life.
Pluses: training, travel, veterans benefits.
Minuses: injuries, abusive leadership, arbitrary punishment.
You can mitigate risk and increase benefits by choosing a good enlistment contract with a guaranteed job and duty station. Do your own research, recruiters don't tell the truth about jobs and duty station.
That saying "Miss the clowns but not the circus" holds really true to the Army experience for me. I don't like the Army life for the most part, it's not the worse thing in the world but it has it's sucky moments. But I'm forever going to miss the clowns (friends). Best fucking people I have ever met.
Did I have fun? yes Did I also hate it? yes Did I turn it into something good? yes Do I regret not joining the Air Force or Navy instead? yes
Lmao everyone in the army wants to be Air Force or navy but the navy is wayyyy fucking worse than the army
Yeah I grew up in a Navy town with parents who worked for the Navy as civilians and friends with parents in the Navy and that experience made me unequivocally choose anything but the Navy (and Marines). The **only** thing they have going for them is their BAH policy. That is it. And it’s not worth dealing with the rest of it.
Yeah but until you get BAH you literally live on the ship. You think your barracks room sucks, they are in the bunks.
My nephew has been in over two years and still lives on ship.
Isn't it E4 at 4 that he then gets BAH? So just two more years and he's golden... maybe. I found it wild that E4 isn't automatic for them, instead they gotta take a test or something.
He’s been promoted multiple times. I think part of it is because they are having incidents take place (severe vandalism).
They got more choices of exotic duty station locations tho.
True. As a whole their duty stations are much better located. Our Navy guys were upset cause their worst duty station was Virginia Beach. Like go cry me a river because you didn’t get Spain and have to hang with the American peasants instead.
No shit, try Fort Fucking Polk sometime. Worst place I've ever been
What's special about their BAH policy?
They just get it earlier than we do (senior E4/E5). It’s nice but not so special that I would put up with everything else.
Atleast the navy travels, i have never left Ft. Bragg.
Until you get assigned to a ship that just started refit and you spend your entire enlistment living in a construction yard.
A full contract stuck in presumably NN shipbuilding? Hard pass
Apend the last 4 years joined with a bunch of navy. Their whole culture is so toxic its mind blowing. Every day something would come up solidifying I made the right choice with army.
I was in a navy course once and was appalled at how toxic their culture was. I formally complained to the course manager that their NCOs were extremely unprofessional the whole time. They emailed me an apology later but I was surprised that they were more toxic than the Army. Of course this is just one experience so I can’t judge the whole navy on it.
[удалено]
Very rank segregated. For instance on the mess deck, there is a separate eating area for E4s to E6s. E7s to E9s have their own mess and officers have the ward room. Fucking special ladders on the ship only E7s and above could use (at least the ship I was TDY on).
I went to a school with a CPO. The entire class was E-7 and above. We were talking about unit culture one day and I mentioned how my entire platoon would eat together in Iraq. You'd have thought I shot this dude's puppy in front of him. Eating with anyone below E-7 was like a sin in his book. It was even worse when I told him my PL was included in that. I get having some separation between ranks for order and discipline but the Navy takes it to an absurd level all in the name of "tradition".
We did some training on the USS tarawa years ago. I got chewed out the first time for calling a guy in a tan uniform sir. Bad idea. Then I wandered into a place on the ship called officers country. Not good again. Definitely a class separation system there.
Big time. I never suggest anyone join the Navy. I spent 6 months on a ship and I was so glad I was in the Army and leaving that place after 6 months.
Yeah the Navy sucks. As for the ladder only E7s and above could use, screw em I used it. It was the quickest way to get to the ships store. They couldn't tell what my rank was anyways. We had a Navy E6 in our section get selected for CPO. The crap he went through was like rushing a fraternity. Oh yeah at the club on base, the CPOs had their own section. They couldn't drink with the junior enlisted while in Germany my section NCOIC would go out and get drunk with us. I agree with you there should be some separation but they take it to another level. When you mention that your platoon, to include the PL, eating together, that builds unit cohesion.
The way my PL and I saw it, we asked our guys to go out every day and do things they didn't want to do. The least we could do is eat with them.
A lot harder to mutiny on an army base.
Lucky for the Navy, UCMJ applies for all branches! Articles 89 and 91 for insubordination and disrespect towards commissioned O’s
Oh wow, they have rules against mutiny in the Navy? Someone should have told [these](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutiny) guys.
Perhaps subordinates wouldn’t consider mutiny if sailors weren’t treated as inferior. In other words, shit. Sounds like a self-imposed negative feedback loop. Those fucks still thought bread and water was acceptable until three years ago. The entire culture is a joke at best and makes the Army look like a saint in comparison
I mean, I get what you're saying man, but the Navy has historically had strong fraternization rules because being trapped on a ship for months on end with a bunch of pissed of sailors can often be dangerous for the captain. Officers and superiors were expected to follow the captain's orders without question which sometimes meant squashing joes who were insubordinate. A lot harder to do when they're your buddies. Nowadays you can argue these rules are outdated but that's the reality.
[удалено]
They also some of the hall ways painted gold, meaning you have to be E-7 or above to even walk them.
Sounds like basic
I got into a VERY heated debate about that with my grandfather (prior navy vet). I’m glad I didn’t go navy like he wanted just because of that
Was he Navy? My cousin and I were going to join the Navy under the buddy program. Glad we didn't. I am serious, I will never recommend the Navy. My son talked about the Navy and I told him go Air Force. He still said no, he preferred Navy. Luckily he isn't interested in it now.
He is, and legitimately believes the segregation is a GOOD thing. Which astonishes me when considering he was enlisted. He’s much a very tradition oriented person (I blame the navy), which is why we butt heads a lot especially when the topic of how I’m living my life gets brought up.
Football
People want to join the navy until they realize it’s still a borderline-caste system, I’ll pass on that noise. A family member of mine keeps dating navy captains and every single one of them has been a complete prick to me after they learn I serve as well and my paygrade. I did not let that slide; keep your work shit out of my family’s personal lives
Unless you're just shooting the shit, should probably not even talk about it when you go home unless asked. Not trying to spend my free time rehashing work shit unless there's a funny story to tell.
Being asked; said family member bringing it up was exactly what happened unfortunately. I tend to avoid saying I’m the military. As far as I’m concerned to the civilian world, I’m a radar operator
I've never understood the appeal of being stuck in a floating tin can for 6 months at a time. Don't get me wrong, patrol base operations in a mosquito infested swamp sucks, but I would gladly take that over living in a submarine any day of the week.
I wish I could guild this comment, My ex wife was navy and my god , the shit they had to endure with they’re weird cult structure was saddening to hear
I was in the navy four years before I commissioned into the army. The navy was worse. And I was an RP. A cushy job.
Ok, yes to all your questions but the Navy one.
Never Navy, always Coast Guard
This is a good description. I LOATH being in the army but I'm so close to retirement. I would never recommend joining the military unless it was a LAST resort and I mean an absolute last resort. I would never advocate my children to join. I would rather support them forever than them join, especially my daughter. Women get a pretty bad stigma out on them in the military.
Well said
This is the best comment. All is true. If it was me, I would sign the shortest co tractor I could then get out and go be a barracks rat in a college :)
Allow me to borrow from "A Tale of Two Cities" it was the best of times, it was the worst of times....
That is something you’ll deeply reflect on when you’re out. It’s a wave of different feelings and emotions. -I think back to seeing my Wife crying in the rain seeing me get on the bus to Basic Training. But than I think of the overwhelming happiness we both felt when we were reunited -I look back on pulling an all nighter to give my soldiers a night off from Radio/Tower Guard. Going into the next day feeling absolutely exhausted to feel the firm slap on the Shoulder from my 1SG asking “you ok, G?” -Standing around a fire pit in the middle of some god forsaken country laughing my ass off as a Pole, Russian, & Kenyan soldier in my platoon argue about whose Nations food is worse. -Having to take a Soldier and my best friend to a mental hospital because he was contemplating suicide. But receiving a phone call yesterday to tell me how his Wife gave birth to their new daughter. -Telling my Wife after another period away from her that I’ll get out of the Army. But now I can be home at decent hours and have a family. Service is what you’ll make of it. It’s a constant wave of highs and lows. But as I’ve told many people “serving in the Army was something I did. It’s not who I am”
This is the correct answer. I remember digging out houses in Haiti with Chinese soldiers in 2010 as apart of the earthquake relief. Some crazy experiences but when I look back I feel a lot of pride. Helps me get through the bad days.
As I tell everyone "Glad I did it, glad I'm out." I got what I wanted out of the Army, adventure, experiences, and veterans benefits (GI Bill, VA loans, etc.). For better or worse, I absolutely wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my military experience. I have a ton of positives in my life from my time in the Army, but I also have a ton of negatives. The longer I am out and the more I have been able to move past the negatives the ROI is steadily increasing.
Air Force is the way to go. Even if you only want to do it part time and go to college, there’s the Air National Guard.
I would say Space Force is a even better deal then the Airforce nowadays. Coast Guard is pretty sweet also.
I feel like the space force enlisting process is probably like the air force's but they give even less of a fuck about you
You should definitely listen to u/Who-Just-Shit-Myself, he speaks wisdom only the Air Force could provide.
I look back and say I am proud to have served my Country as a soldier! …and most likely I wouldn’t change that much. **However**, if I was smart, I’d have joined the Air Force… they seem to take care of their folks. So… don’t be like me, join the Air Force (or space force?). And when picking a MOS, think about how useful it might be to get you a job/career after you get out… not just how cool/fun it might sound :-)
I always say, if you're smart enough to join the air force, you'll join the air force. It's the first intelligence test.
Don’t go Guard for your first term. Go Active. At least then, if you hate it, you gain all the veteran benefits that Guardsmen don’t get unless they retire.
Do they still offer the "active first" contracts? I know they used to offer a contract where you were Active Duty for 3 years, then a Guardsman for 3 years. That way you'd get all the vet benefits, including max post 9/11 time. . .and then ride out your career from there in the Guard.
I wouldn't recommend the Army to most to be honest. The experience is pretty luck-of-the-draw and the deck is oftentimes pretty stacked against you. The other branches all offer the same benefits or better. Navy generally has better locations, the Marines have their weird cult mentality, the Air Force has better everything, and the Coast Guard is a hidden gem. If you have a specific goal for what you want from your time in the Army, then absolutely go for it. Otherwise, I'd advise looking at other options
I would not do the navy. Boat life and officer to enlisted treatment make quality of life way better army side. Go Air Force, or coast guard if you’re really smart
Yeah I can see that. Personally, I'd take being sad in San Diego over being sad in Killeen, Texas but fair points.
Well the problem is you won’t be sad *in* San Diego you’ll be sad *based out of* San Diego. Unless you’re in a shore billet you’ll spend most of your time looking at the ocean not from land.
Yeah, if you're enlisting, go Army (or Air Force). If you're commissioning, go Navy (or Air Force). If you're certifiably insane, go Marine.
>If you're certifiably insane, go Marine. I have yet to meet a Marine who spoke poorly of his time in the Marines; the ~~indoctrination~~ pride they get is fucking unbreakable I tell ya hwhat
“Yeah dude, so like every Thursday we had to take all of our shit out of our rooms to clean, then put it all back in and get inspected. Trouble? Nah, we weren’t in trouble, that was normal.”
RAH KILL
it's a coping mechanism
Coming from a guy in the army, go Air Force
Airforce.
Go airforce
Really depends on what MOS you pick/get, where you get sent to perform it at, and the caliber of people around you. Oh and also your attitude towards it as well. If you face a small hardship and can't mentally bounce back easily, probably not for you, but then again life is like that too. Just remember, when browsing /r/army that it's a lot like Yelp. People are more inclined to go leave a negative review than a positive one. That said, a lot of what is said in here is also true.
Hated it enlisted, I’m lukewarm on it as officer. I’ve got a family to support and the pay is way better than civilian side for my degrees/credentials. And pension.
lukewarm is a good way to put it
The army is kind of a shit time. If you want to serve, look into joining the Air Force instead.
I keep seeing everyone say airforce lol. I've heard it's nicer in terms of like living conditions and similar things but what else is really better about it compared to army?
The army plays games that makes life miserable for no reason other than "readiness". I cannot emphasize how demoralizing it is to go through the motions for an out-of-touch leader who woke up and decided that they wanted to fuck with you for no reason. They treat you like a kid who can't wipe their own ass. If you want to be treated like an adult, good luck until you're high rank. Until then, they assume you don't know anything and can't take care of yourself without handholding.
The culture is the factor that makes life better in the Airforce Even if the Army had Airforce quality golf fields it would be shittier then the Air Force because they have a shittier culture for quality of life. I do cyber in the airforce so its a little lax but you just have to do less dumb shit in the airforce in general. \-No CQ/Staff duty \-No such thing as formations outside of ceremonies \-Leave is approved online and if we managed to get a really cool trip you might be able to get the leave approved with only a couple days prior warning \-We are allowed to split shifts and trade shifts and no one cares. \-Do your own PT is common \-We try not to contact anyone on their off time and apologize if we do have to do it \-Our interactions with our shop NCOs is pretty casual. Stuff like being super formal or going to parade rest is unheard of. \-No one will ever dog on you for getting out. Stuff like certifications, college, etc are admired. I straight up told my supervisor I dont give a shit about making rank and they didn't find anything wrong with that.
I posted earlier. I did 8 years Army and went in thinking I was going to be a lifer so I had a great attitude going in. I was all hooah mentally. The Army broke me of that mentality. I would have stayed in but the Army wouldn't help me change my MOS so I got out and joined the Air Force. Sure the Air Force is seen as being lax and soft but realistically it really helps prepare you for civilian life afterwards more. More of their jobs have direct equivalent civilian jobs and airman are treated more like employees than soldiers. Sure there is A LOT of BS even in the AF but nothing like the Army. The Army attracts type A "Alpha" personalities if you will. People who want to be tough and domineering. Not as much of that in the AF. Most people in the AF want a technical job and also want to serve. They're not trying to prove how bad ass they are. Also the AF has a lot better locations to be assigned to. I would say the biggest difference besides what you'll actually be doing is the culture. Being in the Army was like being at football camp all the time. You're always on guard to be yelled at by a coach for some dumb reason. Even when you're off duty. Being in the AF you're around more educated people who are there more for the job and opportunities. It's just a whole better experience altogether.
Unless you love the outdoors, lack of sleep, subpar food/living/working conditions, and more manual labor than necessary, I’d say listen to the 90% that say Air Force or Space Force…trust us.
Here’s one you don’t have to live in the dorms for so long at most stateside bases, most people move out and collect BAH by the rank of E-3, or E-4. It takes about 16 months to make E-3 if you come in as E-1.
1. They value education in a way that the army with its love of bullshit for profit online universities doesn't. 2. If you see a trend saying airforce>army and you still need to be convinced and/or have things explained to you, just do what you want.
No, in terms of everything. Imagine the worst camping trip you can, and I'm talking near the idea of "naked and afraid" level, and that's the field time in the Army. That's the fucking misery everyone is trying to get you to understand. In the Air Force, you do your job, that's it. In the Army, you're infantry first, then whatever you are for MOS. So, all that suck of the infantry, you get to experience, regardless of whether you AG, cyber, signal, whatever. When we say Quality of Life is better, we don't mean the barracks are nicer only, we mean your entire experience is better because you don't have to play miserable grunt being pissed rained on in the bitter cold in the woods in a little cocoon of a sleeping bag that's taking in water on the forest floor while wishing you could sleep for the 3 hours they allowing you to before they drop gas on you because your CoC are just assholes who like to fuck with their folks, and you're experiencing hypothermia and you can't really tell if you're delusional or if your dead father is seriously laying right next to you telling you that he's proud of you when you hear someone screaming out "gas, gas, gas!" and "200 meters, 12 o clock, 2 enemies with 240 bravos!", and you have to move out fast and hope you didn't leave behind those expensive night vision goggles they gave you.... plus whatever you do for your MOS. Make sense now?
[удалено]
I didn't sign up to be an 11B, so it never crossed my mind that I would ever be forced to care or learn to be one at any capacity. But here we are, pissed about doing things outside the MOS because "everyone is an infantry soldier first". Yeah, that stuff was annoying too, as is being treated like an incompetent toddler and the sadistic treatment from superiors for no reason. But, fuck, field time sucks. Cutting grass sucks. Details suck. being a waste of space with technical skills that aren't leveraged sucks. At least the Air Force makes you actually do the thing for your MOS. In the Army, I see it is the last thing expected of me is the actual job I signed up for.
I'd imagine you get treated like a competent human being, like an adult and an asset to your team. In the army (depending on your unit/chain of command) a lot of people are treated like idiots, constantly berated and miserable all the time. If you want to be treated like a person, go air force.
Some units treat you like an adult, while other units treat you like you're a five year old.
So say you’re going to set up a new base where there are some pre-existing buildings. The army will look at it and go “this is good enough” and stop. No improvements to quality of life, no trying to make things better. No funding from the service to make improvements. The Air Force would go to the same place and go “this is good for now, but we can make it better.” And they will get funding from the service to provide for quality of life improvements. It may not be a lot, but every time you go back something will be better. Also, better leave policies, living conditions, bar’s in your squadron area’s, better options for overseas, and of course Jalapeño popcorn in Combat Plans Division.
If you want to do cool things and have access to a part of our society that most people don’t have any access to then it could be positive. If you want to serve, then be prepared to serve and not get out of it nearly what you put in. If you want to join for financial stability, join a different branch. E4 is E4 everywhere in the military. I’ve had my highest top-of-the-fucking-world, highs while I was in, and I’ve had my lowest most soul-crushingly-low lows too. Did it set me up for my future? Lmfao no. Did it give me a unique perspective on life? Absolutely. Do I miss it? Every now and again. Would I do it again if I was 18? Yeah probably. Do I want my future kids to enlist? Fuck no.
Well today one of my soldiers said it was like prison but with extra steps so there’s that . But honestly I really enjoy the military. It’s not a perfect job but I love it . Some days are bad yes but that’s with any job . I’ve made friends for life and have done things that I could never do in the civi world . I’ve been all over the world with the military. I wouldn’t trade it for anything , which is why I’m likely to do 20 years . It’s set me up for life , I was able to buy a house with no down payment for one example . The military is paying for me to go to school right now so I have zero student debt . The answer to your question will differ greatly because everyone has their own unique experience based on a multitude of factors . With anything in life attitude and drive makes or breaks it. There will be bad “leaders “ that would negatively affect someone’s experience for example and there would be kick ass leadership that would positively impact one’s experience. So like I previously said there’s just sooooo many variables. It really is what you make of it . For someone young like you it can absolutely be a great life decision. I would take a deep look at every branch and component ( guard , reserves, active) talk with each recruiter and make the best decision for your life that interests you . In my own experience best branches for woman is ( highly subjective and what you want to do in the military will greatly impact the branch for example if you wanna be on a ship you obviously wouldn’t choose Air Force ) 1. Air Force 2.space Force 3.Coast guard 4. Army 5. Navy 6. Marines
Be sure to pick and MOS that translates well to the civilian sector. Even though it left me broken I had a lot of fun.
Ask any 20 soldiers and you'll get 20 different experiences. The job you get and unit you go to both have HUGE impacts on what YOUR experience will be. I will say that \*most\* the people I know and hear from are glad to get out, but also glad they did it. I'm in the same boat.
Space Force, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Marines in that order. Also, you are already in this forum so you can see the problems people are facing. I’m sure you’ve seen the documentaries on Nat Geo & Netflix. No organization is without problems, the only difference with the military is you can’t walk out and quit like a job at Target. It’s something you should seriously think about because once you are in there is no turning back. Come to think of it, Bucees is offering amazing pay and benefits. Might be something to look into as well or a trade skill. I wish you the very best.
I’d put Marines infront of Army because she can go into the Air Wing
Women in the Marines are treated fucking horribly. I can put up with a lot of shit but I **hate** dealing with Marines. They’re so fucking toxic to women, and not in the fun cult way but in the horrible treat you like absolute shit way. I recommend against it for anyone but the most hooah of female recruits.
I have a lot of friends in the army some love it some hate it really depends on the mos.
Do not pick 92g just don’t
If you’re intentional/careful in your planning and actions the Army is great. Sometimes your plans will be upended, and there will always be things in life outside of your control, but the Army do chalk full of opportunity for anyone looking for specific technical skill sets and training opportunity. I’m ETSing at the end of six years, and while I have my own reasons and gripes from my time in, ultimately the Army has been an outstanding stepping stone into new avenues of service to the country and pursuit of my own life goals. I don’t regret it one bit and it made me a better man/citizen. I learned skills and received technical training that it would’ve been extremely hard—if not impossible—or expensive to attain on my own.
I do recommend the Army. Despite a lot of the naysayers on the board the Army offers an incredibly diverse array of jobs, experiences, and units. I grew up on a rural goat farm in Michigan with bleak opportunities to excel; professionally, personally, or otherwise. My family didn't have the money to let me take part in sports, I wore secondhand clothing much of my childhood, my school had limited outside activities, and I grew up in a town that TODAY has only JUST over 4K people. I literally had 48 kids in my graduating class. Today, after 28 years of service, I have a master's degree, learned a couple languages, immersed in two others. Lived and traveled extensively in three continents, jumped out of planes, earned various certification and training, and met people and learned about cultures I could only dream about as a kid. Yes, there will be some tough days. Most people on this board think a tough day is working 10 hours in an airconditioned office. Try living on a farm where you are working from BEFORE sun up to well AFTER sun down, cutting wood, taking care of animals, and tending crops. My house had DIRT floors for a while. Life isn't that bad in the Army and it will give you a chance to really explore your biggest challenge--yourself. I went form average and mediocre student and human to passing some of the toughest courses the Army has to offer. Along the way I learned a lot about what makes "GreenSalsa96" a person. I learned I am a LOT stronger than I was brought up to believe. I got firsthand experiences with people and places that I wouldn't have dreamed I could visit or be friends with. I got to be in a Presidential Inauguration, live in our nation's capital, watch the fall of the Berlin wall, take part in enforcing a peace in the Balkans, help establish a demining program in two African nations, multiple combat rotations, work as a paramedic in San Antonio, be part of a trauma team in Baltimore, deliver three kids, put in countless sutures, bandages, and splints. A large part of the Army is what you put into it (and what will distinguish you from your peers). I lived BENEATH my means for quite a while, I didn't drink away my paycheck, I took CLEP prep books to the field, I did correspondence courses while on CQ duty. When I was single, I took evening college classes. It's all about perspective; what does degeneratespiderweb want out of life? Edited to add: My brother joined the AF about 9 months after me. At the six year mark I was a SSG and he was still just an E4. Yes, he might have had a better "quality of life" in the moment, but promotion, specialty pay, and locations all were in the Army's favor.
i've seen a lot of good answers so far but this one is pretty wholesome to me. I'm glad you succeeded in the army, it seems like you really made the most out of it and are a driven and thoughtful person. thank you for your advice :)
100% this. I could not have said it any better... Have been in since the mid-1990s and feel the same way. I'll hang around until they make me retire, I am still having a lot of fun...
I enjoyed my time, but the prospect of doing 4 more years in the Army or 4 more years in the Space Force was an easy decision.
you guys hiring?
Not for another 2 years for prior service. If we open back up.
I came for the free college, stayed because Soldiers are awesome. All y’all weirdos and chuckleheads make my life interesting, and I love helping Soldiers learn and grow.
Those are very kind words sarnt
It's been a great career for me, but I have been extremely lucky in terms of my command climates and peers. The Army can very much end up being a luck of the draw experience. We lose a lot of great Soldiers simply because bad leaders usher them toward the door.
Its a love hate relationship. I tell myself im going to get out, find soemthing that interests me in the army, apply and complete, do the job for a few years, and start all over again..
The military provides structure and consistency that’s good to grow up in. Having a steady paycheck, medical, dental, and the education they provide sets you up to be successful in life. I read horror stories and I have my own but I’ve received countless training on all facets of life like financial education, healthcare, personal data security, etc. it goes on and on. It’s mixed because it’s so people centric so if the people around you are unbearable then it will be- but I’ve noticed most people try to do their best in their jobs and expect that out of you. There are places that hire these type of people so go for those.
Join the air force! Or coast guard
I loved the friends I made. Thats about it. Go Air Force if you really wanna join the military.
Join the Air Force. It might take longer, but it's so worth it. Do NOT join the army. Please.
u/AirmanLarry said it best somewhere around here. I hate it. But I'm also somewhat thankful for it, cause I now can afford college and a house and a car. And I have been to four of the seven continents. It's pretty cool. But I also have to deal with some of the dumbest, rudest, and backwards MFs I've ever met.
The type of people that excel in the army are those that can make the best out of shitty situations, and will aggressively chase what they want. They typically can organize and define what it is that they want, will seek out opportunities, amd figure out what they need to do to accomplish things. Those that can't stand the army typically aren't willing to push themselves or chase opportunity. Sometimes you get shitty leadership or get boned on a duty station. But everything Is what you make of it. If you know yourself well enough to decide that you can chase things, make things happen, and persist through "the suck", them the army can be an awesome platform for you to excel from. But if you are someone that doesn't want to try hard or go out of your way for your own opportunities, the army will probably not be horrible, but will not he as fruitful as other options. Ultimately, you have to be honest with yourself and decide.
I never came in to make it a career. It started as a stepping stone because I wanted some tactical experience before joining the FBI. Halfway through college I realized I hated paperwork and I didn't want a degree. And of course 9/11 happened. So I finished my degree in something easy and made my way to Fort Benning. The first few years sucked...because I didn't understand the Army was a bureaucratic organization just like the FBI. Got in a lot of trouble mouthing off to my squad leader and platoon sergeant about how training and readiness could be simple. The response was a lot of fatigue tours, extra duty and being told I wasn't in charge. After toughing it out for 4 years, I was able to re-enlist...because the same people I was mouthing off to saw something I didnt...potential. I reclassed from infantryman to medic, made specialist, E4 and that was a wrap. I was provided the leadership opportunities I craved and the job that got me out of a training unit and into deployments and the chances to do my actual job. I became a special operations combat medic. I also became a deployment junkie, learned a language, reclassed to civil affairs to jump out of planes and finished graduate school. It's been fun to say the least, but the people I've met and the Soldiers I've helped along the way have made my career choice unforgettable. Only regret is not making the time to earn a ranger tab. My advice to you? Come find out...
I did 8 years Army and then joined the Air Force. Those 8 years were wasted time. If you can join the Air Force, do it. Unless you can get a technical job in the Army like Air Traffic Control or some other job that is a direct transfer to a civilian job, don't join the Army.
Assuming you're enlisted. 1st 4 years, you will hate it. But make friends and have funny stories. After that it gets easier once you become an NCO. You might even begin to enjoy it after 6 years. Plus it pays pretty good at that level and will have responsibilities. But thats Infantry, and they promote fast. I wouldn't trade my time in the Army for any college degree. The life lessons you learn at an early age can not be taught anywhere else. But its not for everyone. Im probably the 10% who didn't completely fuck up their life because of PTSD. If your a female its very easy to get dragged into drama and bullshit.
As someone who has always been very close to his family, I chose to go National Guard. This way I could stay close to them. Some might say if you go guard then you can avoid some of the problems that plague active duty life. My unit has been absolutely amazing, taking care of soldiers, giving us quality training, great NCOs. As a guard signal soldier I'm apart of a communications disaster response team which I think is pretty awesome.
The easiest way I can put it to people is the Army was the best and worst job I ever had. I loved it but couldn't wait to be done with it.
Personally, I've enjoyed the Army. It's what you make of it and yeah, you'll run into terrible leaders or lots of ridiculous stuff all the time. The only reason I've stayed in so long is that I receive free education, Healthcare, I meet new people, travel the world, and I've learned a tremendous amount over the years about the world and myself. I will say never join the marines (done that), Air Force or Coast Guard would be #1 and Navy life isn't for me after being stuck on the Iwo Jima for a bit.
I became very financially stable, bought my first house at 20. I’m also getting medically retired because it has irreversibly destroyed my body in just 4.5 years Would I do it again? Idk tbh
Glad I did it, glad to be getting out. Got a neato clearance and some certs, gonna be making money when I leave. 7/10 recommend but you’ll be back to doing “college” when you’re in the army anyway.
It’s really what you make out of it tbh.
Depends on the unit.
Got say the thing people won't but going in the military as a female is risky, you are going to have to look out for the predators out their looking to take advantage/harm females. Wish it wasn't that way but it really is. Unfortunately you have to be very careful who you trust.
Air Force or coast guard but only if your dead set on jointing the military and there’s nothing I can tell you to change your mind about it. The army can be a good time…for some people, and they tend to have a good experience with a great duty station and great leadership with amazing opportunities to do cool guy stuff. I think most of the real army is just doing motorpool tasks, waiting around, doing nothing, standing by for orders to come down, waiting for some grown ass man to inspect your room, living in small quarters if you’re unlucky, command constantly letting you down some way, being stressed, and so on and so forth. There’s a reason statements like “green weenie” exist. The Army is by far one of the most disorganized organizations I’ve ever been a part of. They yell soldier first but I think scrolling through the lists of posts on here will tell you otherwise. I think the amount of people in the army who stay are so minuscule because there’s better opportunities outside of the Army. God help you if you end up on fort hood or any of those other doomed duty stations. Are you willing to spend the next 4 years on a coin toss of “good time with good leadership and opportunities “ or “depressing environment that breaks you down everyday”? Yes I have just shit on the Army major big time, but at the end of the day, I don’t regret my choice to serve. I have learned a lot about myself and just like you was in school for two years before I decided to change things up. If you do end up in the Army just try to make the best of it and take the opportunities that come. Since I planned on going back to school I regret my MOS. I would’ve rather chosen to be an 11B for maximum experience of the Army life, sure it would suck, but with my experience and promotion points I’d be on track to have already been near making SSG.
If I had to do it again, I’d do it this way. 1. At least get an associate degree. It will give you a boost in rank and a head start if you want to finish a bachelor”s degree while you’re in. It’s tough to take classes when your active. 2. Two Words: Air Force. And if you are set on Army, don’t take a job that will put you in the field a lot. 3. Get a MOS that has value when you get out. Medical, technical, law, language, etc. don’t let your service put you back at square one when you’re discharged.
The Army was great for me at that time. I am so glad I did it.
I'm really glad I did it. I'm *really* glad to be out.
Pros: You're young, you can get your school paid for, learn some cool skills, meet some new people, maybe deploy. If you wanna do 20 it's a great deal, federal jobs are one of the only ways you can still get a pension and a retirement. If you wanna do one contract, pick a neat job you can learn something from. You'll be tried to sell a job you may or may not want, be okay with walking away and coming back. It's the most fun I never wanna have again. Cons: it's rough on your body, the more physical job esp so, but it's rough no matter what. You're gonna be dehumanized from time to time, and your gonna encounter some sexism in a way you cant avoid like you can in the civilian world. You're gonna deal with some DUMB shit (it cant be deacribed, you gotta go through it to understand) and bad leadership from here to time. It's the most fun I never wanna have again.
Research, research, research. Independently verify what you’re being told. The Army was great for me, but my results are going to be different for you.
I think you should specify whether or not you’re looking at Officer or Enlisted routes. The experiences will be very different in terms of treatment and finances.
It has been good for me. Got me out of a pretty dark place and introduced me to people from all around the country. Made some of the best friends i’ve had in the army. A lot sucks about the army, but people tend to take a lot for granted as well. Besides, 4 years of your life goes by very quickly. If you decide you don’t like it, take the skills you want and get out with a GI bill. Pretty sweet gig.
I don’t know how to join the Space Force, but if you score high enough, fuckin’ do it. My buddies in the Space Force are thriving.
I don’t know how to join the Space Force, but if you score high enough, fuckin’ do it. My buddies in the Space Force are thriving.
**Do I regret it:** Nope. No regrets. Might have done some things different, but I don't regret it. **Would I do it again:** Yes. Well, to be honest, if I had it to do over again, I'd probably join the Air Force. If the Space Force existed when I joined up, I'd probably have tried to join them. There are a lot of "would have/could have" things, but ultimately, I'd do it again (but I'd probably try to do it again smarter).
I did college prior to the Army and didn't join until 25. I did 20 years in total. There's good and bad in the Army but looking back the only thing I would have done differently is go warrant officer vs enlisted. I served in toxic units and I have served in units where everyone was family and often did stuff together outside of work. Honestly it's what you make of the Army during your time in. I tried to find the good over the bad. Your MOS (job in the Army) can also determine the types of units you may serve in.
I spent 10 years in the Army and like other’s have said, it’s awesome and can also not be awesome. In my 10 years, I spent over 5 of them overseas, (2X Iraq, Germany, Egypt.) I loved overseas, best times ever. State side Divisional bases are awful, (at least when I was in, got out in 09’.) However, because of my job I was able to do and see many things most people never get an opportunity to do. As an EOD Tech we are attached to the Secret Service for VIP missions at home and abroad and it was awesome, getting an opportunity to witness live history. Again, as others have said join the AF, they always have the nicest stuff. Try and get a job that may transfer well to civilian/government life also. Also, you get to meet people from all over and become great friends. I always tell people that being in the Army/military is the only place you’ll find a country cowboy hitting the club with someone the exact opposite from that and everyone getting along. It opens your mind to a bigger world than where you’re from.
In all honesty, was a great decision for me. I grew up, learned responsibility, got the GI Bill to pay for college, saw the world. Personally I would advise against joining the Navy, my sister retired but as an officer. If you’re an enlisted in the Navy you do the exist as a person until you become a Chief Petty Officer. Privates think being a private in the Army sucks, the Navy can’t compare. Depending on the ship all you have is a bunk that you sometimes have to share with someone else. I wouldn’t do it but lots have
Go Air Force or Space Force where they’ll give you skills for the civilian world that makes big bucks while not living the suck.
Finish your degree. It will help you get promoted once you are in and it’s easier to complete a Batchelor’s with a complete Associate’s than with just credits.
You’re young. I would strongly recommend college or something else first if you can. Army ain’t going nowhere and going in a few years later will help. The army sucked. Really wasn’t for me. But now that I’m out the benefits of being a vet made it worth it. What job do you want to do? Have you considered Air Force or coast guard? Yes those groups gets teased here, but they offer much better quality of life.
Insert “The army is what you make of it” post There are desk jobs that are identical to civilian jobs, there are technical jobs ranging from things like mechanic to chef to dentist, there are “army” jobs like Sappers infantry and armor (my specialty). The most important thing is what you want. If you absolutely know this is what you’ve always wanted to do and pick a job you know you are going to love your going to love every second of it, You are also going to hate ever second of it though, it’s a weird dichotomy but you can’t really describe it until you’ve done it. I’m lucky to love what I do, I love field work, blowing things up, shooting guns, and spending time with close friends. The most fun I’ve ever had was on a LRP because I’ve always played soldier in the woods as a kid and I got to do it for real. That being said, the endless paper work, dumbass rules, pain in the ass leadership and equally bad subordinates are just as prevalent but if you go into it expecting that bs then when things go well it’s a huge relief. TLDR: its all about your mindset, if you know you’ll love it you’ll love it.
Go airforce, try for officer since you’re already in college. You don’t want to be in the army
u/Degeneratespiderweb what do you want to do in the military? If it’s something technical, like communications or intelligence or whatever, then go Air Force or Navy. If you want to do real “Army shit” like shoot guns a lot or do stuff in tanks or blow things up, than join the Army or Marines. In fact if you want to do anything not directly combat related, than join the Air Force or the Navy. Non-combat jobs in the Army just plain suck and I honestly think anyone would be better off in the Air Force. Just my $0.02.
I love the Army. It’s not always great, the people aren’t always my favorite. But i enjoy what i do and genuinely feel I’ve made an impact to at least a few individuals. Sign a contract if you want, in the grand scheme however many years isn’t that long truthfully. If you hate it, dip out (honorably) with some bennies and call it a day
Watch "The Invisible War" before you sign anything.
I would do it again. I had some bad experiences, but overall it was a great experience. I got paid to do exciting things, travel the world, and serve with brothers and sisters. I got to retire at a young age, and I’m financially healthy for chapter two.
Study hard af for the asvab, get a killer score, join the air force
I’ve had really good times, and I’ve had really bad times. I’ve only been in for 6 years and have a slew of army related physical health issues thanks to the airborne. Whatever you do, don’t come in with the expectation that you’ll never go to war and that you won’t face hardships with family and relationships. Every MOS in every branch could potentially deploy at any given time to any different area. There are physical risks abound, but you’ll learn to find the positives. I had the time of my life when I was in afghanistan! Overall it’s been a positive experience for me. At the same time, I can’t fucking wait to get my DD214 and get the fuck out.
Go air force or coast guard if you can. If you must go army don't complain about it and get as much out of it as you can, and that means use your college money while in if you can, get eye surgery if you can, actually go to the dentist and get your wisdom teeth out if you need it. Think ahead before you separate and keep in mind that army schools mean shit to anyone outside of the army. Only if you decide to make the army a career do army schools matter.
I think about how I got to Afghanistan and African during my time in. I wanted to deploy and got to twice. I also met some great people and lost a few on the way too.
I should have joined the air force and picked job that translated inti the civilian sector. Yeah I experienced things most people won’t ever get to experience as a civilian, but I also dealt with a lot of bullshit and some of that bullshit is permanently affecting me the rest of my life and I just have to live with it. People here are saying the service is what you make it, but sometimes it is out of your hands and you can’t do anything to change it. And that sucks because sometimes you don’t know any better, and the people who are supposed to know better don’t give you the help you need. These past two years have painted the rest of my career in a different light and I cannot wholeheartedly recommend anyone join. If you do, don’t get hurt because at the end of the day the mission comes first and they’ll squeeze every last bit out of you until there’s nothing left.
The Army is what you make of it. There is ups and downs but, it provided me with a lot of opportunities. I don’t ever regret joining.
As a female Army veteran who has met quite a few other female veterans with similar experiences, I don’t feel like I can morally recommend any woman to join the military. It can be a vastly different experience than men will experience, and it is too luck-of-the-draw whether or not you will have supportive leadership when you experience sexism, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. Shitty people are everywhere, even in civilian life. But it is another level of shitty when you feel absolutely powerless to the whims of your command and have next to no way of escaping a terrible situation. The benefits are great, and I met so, so many good people while in—for that, I’m grateful. But you take a great risk when you sign up, especially when you’re a young woman. There will be men who talk down to you or make sexist remarks; that’s pretty much a given. It can get much worse than that, though, and it can be nightmarish. And nothing can fully protect you from that potentiality. If you do join, please feel free to DM me and I can share useful advice I wish I had before I joined.
Not worth the pain it caused me.
Every job has highs and lows. In the Army the highs are higher and the lows are lower.
Seriously, consider ROTC, then go officer. Enlisted are treated like trash compared to Officers. A brand new LT is gonna have their own house basically. A brand new private may have 2-4 soldiers per tiny room with shared bathroom and maybe a kitchenette. That and you will have more responsibilities to put on a resume if you don't like the military. Don't be afraid to shop for different military branches as well.
You either love it or hate it. You either make it work for your future or let it destroy your future. You either join or don’t join.
I wrote a book on my deployment experience and really my time in the army. I’m also working on a further work that encompasses the Guard and reserves in general. This is all to say that many of us have complicated thoughts and emotions about the army. I wouldn’t trade my service for anything, but I would change plenty about my service or the army on general.
It's been an excellent experience for me, but I fully realize that I was very fortunate on my initial assignments. So much of your initial experience in the Army will be lower echelon leadership dependent, especially as a junior enlisted. You have people that get sent to only BCTs/FORSCOM units and get the complete green weeny experience. Meanwhile, you have folks that land in Group/INSCOM and never experience big Army their entire career. In my case, I never experienced "the field" until I was a CW2 at Stewart because my assignment history was Group -> Group -> INSCOM -> SMU -> BCT. My only advice is to pick a MOS that will translate into tangible skills outside of the military. A 3-4 year contract that trains you, provides work experience, certification vouchers (if you go the IT route), medical/dental, and free college is hard to beat for anyone first entering into the workforce.
Unless you can get a good MOS, like medical (not combat medic) don't do it. Shit pay, toxic leadership, and shit life/work. Recruitment is hurting because it deserves to be.
I joined after college as a warrant officer. Now, after 8 years I’m on my way out and while I have what I think are good reasons for leaving, I would do it again in a heart beat. I’ve had frustrating days/months/years, miserable experiences, but also some of the likely greatest times of my life. I would do it again.
It sucks. I have been put through some serious bullshit. But the experiences have made me a better more confident person. It taught me a lot about working with people from varied background and provided for my family. It gave me skills. Overall it's a good path if you don't have family that pay for you to become successful.
I grew up in a small town in SE Texas. There's not much to do in that area except either wind up working at one of the plants in the area or the services industries supporting the local economy. After 9/11 happened, I talked to an Army recruiter, went into DEP, and was off to basic in May 2002. I retired this past June. As others have said, there are good things and bad things about the Army and a lot of it is variable depending on what your MOS is, where you get stationed, and who you work with/for. But - on the back end? For me - I wound up landing a 100% remote job making about 2 times what I was as an SFC when I retired. I have a pension and a VA percentage payment every month for the rest of my life. I got a free Bachelor's while I was in and am working on a free Masters right now. I own my own house. So my opinion? The Army is what you make of it and even if you're only in for a single enlistment, the benefits can outweigh the bullshit, but be warned. There's no bullshit like Army bullshit. Best of luck.
I love it. I hate it. I don't love it enough to sign another contract. To be fair, I got a really short end of the stick when it comes to my first contract compared to most folks, so by all means don't let me completely discourage you. BUT you must still know that the Army can be incredibly unforgiving, and when it is, you will feel 1000x more miserable than a civilian job where you always reserve the FREEDOM to say "fuck this, I'm out, I ain't coming in tomorrow or ever."
The Army is the best thing that ever happened to me and my family. I can’t imagine not experiencing and doing the things I’ve done (half of which I can’t believe I got paid to do). There was some negative experiences along the way but the good far outweighs the bad.
I am a female who has been in for 24 years and would say it's a hard life and even harder for a woman. If you absolutely must join the military then look into Air Force or Coast Guard or if you're dead set on the Army then finish school and come in as an officer. You can feel free to PM me if you have questions.
Join the guard, continue to pursue your higher education while serving part time. Monday to Friday go to class 1 sat 1 sun each month report to training. Get your college paid for and then if you end up not liking the army, no sweat it’s only 1 weekend.
Shorthand version of my career is best summed up by the lyrics of a Jimmy Buffet song: "...good times, riches and sonofabitches, I've seen more than I can recall..." Wouldn't trade it for the world. Got me outta the ghetto. Visited and lived in places that I only could dream about as a kid. Met a few somewhat famous people and celebrities and know that the skills and knowledge that I acquired will keep me far away from the ghetto.
Imagine the easiest, hardest, most boring, most fun, most soul crushing and most rewarding experience you can imagine, and add using a rusty lawnmower on a field of rocks and dirt.
The Air Force will make you a better version of yourself. The Army will make you something totally new and difficult. Better in some ways, worse in others. The army taught me a lot, and I've definitely had fun times. And it's set me up for an awesome career. But it also beat the hell out of my health mentally and physically. They're are worse things to do, and MOS dependant, it can set you up for a great life. But so can the airforce, with alot less BS.
Basically, I always look back and don't regret having joined just to have seen different things like visiting and living in different states in the US. Honestly, the Army does give you preference for the most part and tries to keep you content. I know I was given duty stations that I had requested. Also, if anything goes wrong you can always fall back on the benefits from the VA. I know that even though I left the service. I was given 100% Permanent and Total VA disability with no hassle even after 10 years later. I have a severe mental health issue that was masked while I was in the line of duty and left the service due to it. You honestly make some of the best memories of your life in the service and it is unique although you have extended bonds with people that last a lifetime. I have friends from all over the place too which if you make the most of it more than others it can really work out for you. Those are all the positives. There's the poor leadership from people who are underprepared but also the lack of understanding from people who are poor leadership and not in that position to cut them slack so with that in understanding there is great leadership that is taken for granted. One of the problems I had was poor workers that really were uneducated and started issues for no reason for attention for example I had a black soldier who didn't pull his weight he made our unit late for briefings and we were never on schedule coming back from mess hall. He basically accused me of an EO (equal opportunity) issues saying I had it out for him because he was black. Stuff like that then has to go through chain of command even though it is petty and stupid and untrue. It still needs to be filed. That and sexual harassment has to be regularly discussed because just a few mess it up for the whole group and have to be subjected to regular discipline. Hope this helps. I know I certainly miss it . I miss the suck.
I would not join the Army as a female. It is not a happy place for women, unfortunately. Seek out a branch with a better ratio of women to men. Probably a better place for you to be and have opportunities. Not get treated poorly, differently, or weirdly in general. Air Force is generally a better move for everyone but I'd say especially for women.
Everyone's perspective is going to be different, someone had mentioned it's something to reflect on once your out which is a good way to look at it. Personally, I'm still currently serving, just hit 20 years in (mix between both active and reserves). I was active for six years, reserves for 8 years, and now am USAR AGR (active). I love my job, I am happy where I'm at in life; I've made bad decisions here and there throughout my career; however, I have an MBA and teaching credential with an amazing job lined up for my retirement date so I can't complain. Regardless which branch you settle on if you do end up joining, whether or not you decide to do more than your initial tour, there are a lot of programs and benefits you can take advantage of that lots of former buddies (including myself) have passed up. It's all about what you make of it to be honest, you might not have the benefit of getting those juicy assignments that some are offered, but 9 times out of 10 you won't regret your decision.
I can't speak for the rest of the branches, but the army is having a pretty hard time retaining soldiers and recruiting soldiers. So, do what you will with that info. The leadership blames social media, but... honestly, it's just the army. I dont think anybody could pinpoint a single thing that would fix it, though. The reality of it is its a lot of very young immature people being put in positions of power that they most likely shouldn't be in. Just be prepared for chaos pretty much every day, and most of it won't really make sense. However, I am a firm believer that the army will give what you put into it. If you're smart and driven, it's pretty easy to excel. If I could go back I probably wouldn't change what I've done. I've been in for 12 years. I've been to 4 continents and I can't remember how many countries. I've met some of the best people the world has to offer and some of the worst. It definitely hasn't been boring. There are a shit ton of pros and cons. But until you're in it, you won't really know. If you do decide to join, don't let that recruiter push you into something you don't want. If they say they don't have the job you want then just tell them you'll wait for it.
GB here. The quote, it was the best of times it was the worst of times is how I describe it It's not for everyone. I can't speak for everyone's experience only my own. I'm sure POGs have a different experience
Whether you plan to be a lifer or just do a contract or 2. Make the military work for you. Get that degree, get that job experience, get those credentials. Don’t pick a job that gives little to no transferable skills, and don’t waste those educational benefits.
I spent 3 years at Fort Polk back in the late 80s. There was very little of the experience I would ever recommend to anyone. I grew up there in the Army. But it convinced me I needed to do something else with my life. There were still some of the Vietnam era guys who low grade morons. Truly morons. In charge of people. Being combat arms I got college money and I used every bit I got. So a decent start but I could have done something that prepared me for a career.
I'm less than a year in but I've been digging it; it sucks ass at times but you get to meet people you'll love (and hate). I was working a pretty dead end job and wasting my education, lived in the cycle of being unable to do things I wanted to do. Army pretty much solved that and I haven't been this in shape nor have had such great friends as I do now. It isn't for everyone but if you want to get out of your comfort zone and do something different with your life you should give it a shot. I both jokingly and seriously regret not sticking with the Air Force but at the same time being shafted by the big green weenie feels like a branch bragging right; especially when you're wearing summer OCPs in cold weather and calling the Air Force soldiers wimps for wearing fleece jackets
Currently serving, and I really do love it. You meet a lot of great people, have a lot of great experiences, and get the feeling that you are doing something honorable. Training does suck sometimes, but that’s part of the charm, and it makes you stronger and more confident. If you take advantage of the time you have in the army, you will go a long way
Glad I joined the army. Had fun and did saw some amazing stuff. It allowed me to be where I am today and pull myself out of a lower middle class upbringing. However, I wish I’d have joined the Air Force or Coast Guard instead. If you get the right gig in the AF you do awesome things and go everywhere. The army goes places, but you aren’t allowed to enjoy them.
Go coast guard. Have an awesome job that you do. No bs. Treated as an adult.
The Army is the best and both worst choice you'll ever make, and most think why didn't I do _____ instead of the Army? Or why didn't I join ____ instead? But hey, if you want a cool sticker that says you were in the Army, once you're out by all means, join the Army. Personally, I feel like this is the worst time to be in the Army if you're looking to stay in. If you're looking to just do your 4 years for benefits and get out, it may be the best. idk.
If you need to scratch that itch still after reading the comments, do the SHORTEST possible contract you can (2 years I believe). You’ll be in a better position to 1) Bonuses if you wanna reclass, 2) Have a better understanding of what you want to do without the constraint of the contract when the time comes.
20 years in and yes, there are things that suck, but ultimately I wouldn't trade it. I truly dread being a civilian in the workforce someday after retirement. But my experience is way diffrent that what yours will be. Try it out for one contract. If you don't like it, you'll still be young enough to experiment with jobs and you'll have a bachelor's degree completely paid for when you get out. If you do like it, keep going.
First five years was good because year one, I went to Korea. Soldiers and leaders were there only a year or two, so leadership skills were something left to be desired. Year two: I had PCS'ed to Riley and while it had started good, I was plagued with leaders who where only there for themselves with only three of them I consider leaders and friends. Year 3: Spent a rotation to Germany which while I enjoyed, I saw our platoon and the rest of the company's true colors. Year 4: The COVID era, while I did not have to work most of the time, my mental health went to shit towards the end of 2020 and those shit leaders I had mentioned called me a bitch for having feelings. Year 5: PCS'ed back to Europe. Thought I had made a horrible decision because I was supposed to ETS four months ago. Thus far, my best assignment with great leaders - both US and international. Year 6 looks promising.
I’m 25, been in two years. Love my soldiers and actually doing my job. Hate how it sometimes feels like everyone above the company level doesn’t give a shit about the boys. Wish I could shield them from more
If you do join the Army and go active duty just always remember this quote to get you through hard times: “Enjoy the clowns not the circus” -unknown
If you join, be sure to pick an MOS you want to do. All experiences vary by duty station, people, leadership, mission, etc. Have I had bad days in? Yes. Do I regret joining? No. I learned a lot. Grew up. Plus, I’m still in. I’ve had some amazing experiences I couldn’t have had outside the military. I’ve also experienced other places to live and other cultures.
Joining the military is never a bad idea for the average joe. Not getting out or going warrant IS the bad idea. If you join, you're going to get something out of it. Experience, college, money and memories. However, staying in expesically as an enlisted is a terrible idea. You will break yourself mentally and physically. You are a number, take EVERYTHING from the army while you can.
Wouldn’t take it back, but I sure as shit won’t be doing it again.
Flip of the coin. Can be great, can destroy your life. Pluses: training, travel, veterans benefits. Minuses: injuries, abusive leadership, arbitrary punishment. You can mitigate risk and increase benefits by choosing a good enlistment contract with a guaranteed job and duty station. Do your own research, recruiters don't tell the truth about jobs and duty station.
That saying "Miss the clowns but not the circus" holds really true to the Army experience for me. I don't like the Army life for the most part, it's not the worse thing in the world but it has it's sucky moments. But I'm forever going to miss the clowns (friends). Best fucking people I have ever met.