I don't know what branch to join..Any suggestions.

EMMAB

EMMAB

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Jan 5, 2016
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I am a Sophomore and Ive really started getting serious about enlisting in some way shape or form.But I have no idea as to what branch I should join...Ive looked into all of them and I don't know where I fit.I just want to join the "War in terrorism" as they say.I just want to serve my country.Can anyone just give me an overview if the branches,or the opportunities they provide?
 
Short answer, especially if you plan to enlist -- are you ok being on a boat for months on end? Join the Navy. Do you enjoy being outdoors/camping/sleeping in the dirt? Join the Army or Marines. Do you have aspirations of flying? Join the AF, Army or Navy. Do some research on the different branches. Google each branch and read, read, read. Lots of opportunities in each of them. You have plenty of time to decide.
 
Most of the material on this forum revolves around commissioning as an officer and not so much about enlisting. Because in past posts it appears you have limited experience and exposure to the military, I suggest that you focus on this difference for starters as the paths are quite different. Talk to veterans you know, both officers and enlisted. Get their take on the pros and cons of their branch.

Also Youtube is a great way to see videos of the different branches in action (not Hollywood style) so you can get a taste of what they actually do.

Lastly, follow through on trying for Civil Air Patrol or Sea Cadets and JROTC if available. They will give you good exposure to the different opportunities.
 
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When you say "enlist" do you mean join?
I have no military experience other than trying to navigate my DS (dear son) through the academy application process. To me and probably to you there is no difference between enlisting and joining. To those with a military background there is a huge difference. Do you want to become an enlisted member of the armed service or an officer in the armed services. Enlisted, enlist. Officers, commission (I think). To become an officer you need a college/university degree, either through a SA (service academy) or a civilian college/university. Navy, army and air force have ROTC programs where they fund all or some of your civilian college costs in exchange for service. The SAs fund don't cost you anything other than time.

Give us some more specifics and we can help guide you to get additional information.
If you want to know more about service academies or college ROTC programs, this is the place.
 
Sorry I just mean like what branch to go into.Not enlist.What academy branch as it pertains to the academies.
 
Look at what @ca2midwestmom said above. Many do apply to all the service academies. They have the noble intention to serve our country, through the military, any way they can. Then there are others that are more selective in what branch they want to pursue and focus their attention there.

My DS is Navy all the way and I will share with you his rational. My DS would love to be a military aviator, but his uncorrected eyesight is not good enough. He realizes that once he is in a Navy program (USNA or NROTC program) it MAY be possible to have corrective eye surgery that would enable him to fly. So service first, pilot second. If you want to fly, and you want to fly fixed wing aircraft, Air Force would be the way to go, but with DS questionable pilot medical qualifications he was not happy with the other options the Air Force has to offer. On the other hand DS loves the water, he sails, rides jet skis, scuba dives, and spends lots of time during the summer in the ocean and on the water. Being on a surface ship and being paid to be there would be a dream. So for my DS a Navy program gives him options that are more attractive, and he will have time to decide. I am not sure why he hasn't pursued an Army option. He is a boy scout, he loves the outdoors through camping, hiking and backpacking. But he probably just can't see himself lugging a 60 pound pack and sleeping in the mud. I would have thought Coast Guard would have been a good option because of his love of the water, but for some reason Navy just "feels" right. I don't know if any of this helps, but you have plenty of time to figure it out.

Most importantly, go to college. If you agree with that plan it doesn't really matter if it is a SA or a civilian college.
Get good grades in the most challenging courses available.
Do well on the SAT/ACT
Be involved in EAs and become an officer or better, president of a few of those clubs
Do community service
For the SAs they would like to see a commitment to physical fitness and leadership through sports. So participate in HS athletics, get a varsity letter and be captain of the team (all of which will help a civilian college application)

Best of luck
 
One suggestion: visit the academies if you can. They will give you a feel of the place and the branch.

If you live too far, look for service nights sponsored by congressmen and senators or branch specific nights. You will learn plenty about each SA as well as the admission process.
 
We always talk about the Big 3, but our Coast Guard is also out there fighting the Global War on Terror every day if that is your goal don't rule it out.
 
Can you describe your interests or career fields you might be interested in?

An Army Chaplain lives a different life than a Marine artilleryman or an Air Force missileer!
 
I want to work with artillery but that all depends on what Im assigned during an academy branch night ...if I attend an academy that is.
 
If you really want artillery, you've narrowed your choices down to Army or Marines (or Navy if you're interested in Naval gunfire, but that's a different beast and you can do that as a Marine).

I'm an artillery officer if you have specific questions about the field that might help with your decision.
 
Hey Bull I sent you some questions in your messages so we don't drag this all out on this topic .Thanks
 
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