If anyone has any particular questions you need answered or are not sure about, ask away. If I or another member here doesn't know the answer, we will find out for you.

Im having a hard time deciding what branch of the military to join.

1. I want to goto Iraq
2. Currently im a computer technician with an A+ certification

I would like to have an impact in the situation in Iraq preferrably by tracking down and engaging the enemy. Im not seeking a carrer in the military and prefer to be in the guard with 2 weekend drills/month but also would like to goto Iraq in the near future. There's so many catagories im having a hard time deciding which to choose. Im good with computers but would also like to go on foot patrols, missions to capture insurgents, etc...

Thanks for any advice.

Vampiel, first things first, WELCOME ABOARD!!

As far as what you should do, that is going to be a tough one for us to answer because we don't know you. The only recommendation I have for your case is to research, research, research. Make a list of what you want to do in the military, and what you want to get out of it. I wish I could give you more advice as to which way to go, but only you can decide that. Just remember, ANY MOS or job you have in the military will make a difference.

Vampiel: What are your interests? Military Police, Combat, Nuclear Engineering, Foreign Languages, etc.?

Well im going to the recruiter's office in a few days. I really want to be able to defend the law abiding citizens in Iraq and our soldiers from the people that are blowing them up everyday. That's ultimately what I want out of the military. To engage the enemy. As a side note im good with computers, maybe I can apply my talent to help in that regard.

Either way im going to the recruiter in a few days and maybe they can help me decide.

Thanks for the welcome.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Vampiel,

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Originally posted by TOW Gunner:
Vampiel: What are your interests? Military Police, Combat, Nuclear Engineering, Foreign Languages, etc.?

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Computer knowledge and drawing is my current profession. To put it bluntly I want to kill or capture the thugs and criminals running around in Iraq. I fully understand the risks my brother in law was a marine currently navy corpsman veteran of two wars.

24 yrs old computer tech.

Computers are my interest but I would like a combat role as well.

Vampiel, what branch are you interested in??

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Originally posted by SGreen84:
Vampiel, what branch are you interested in??

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Army/Marines anything on the ground in a combat role. The Marines sometimes work with the Navy, right? I prefer the Navy but I want to be on the ground, so im leaning toward the army. Are the Marines more difficult to get into?

But like I said, im not looking for a career thats why I brought up the guard.

Well, it's all up to you. I don't think you can really go wrong with ANY of the branches, just try and pick one you think will suit you best. The Army does have some great incentives right now though. Just go talk to all of the recruiters and go from there. Good luck!

Vampiel.

I agree with what Green said. The main thing that you want to do in this situation is research. Only you truly can tell yourself what you want the most, but we can help you with that. The way it sounds though your best bet would be to do Army reserves, or Gaurd, or even Marines. If you don't want the long term commitment that route is definately the way to go.

Keep in mind though that there is nothing wrong with making the military a career. It sounds like you have been in college for a while. There are other options such as ROTC, or OTS to consider if you want to stay in college, or enlist. Usually when you have as much education as it sounds like you do they will try to utilize you a little more with options like officer training. I am glad that you want to get over there and grease some tangos, but trust me the War on Terror will be waging for more years to come; enough years for you to get over there and get some no matter what route you go.

In conclusion, keep researching, and don't jump to any conclusions. This is a big decision, and one that should devote much thought. No matter what you end up doing we'll support your decision.

Vampiel What ever branch or MOS (job) you pick ensure that you do the proper research you need to do to make the right choice, I think that you might want to look in to military intel areas, will let you work on the ground you stated you prefered also it is a very much needed field as you can see everyday. But whatever you chose to do I wish you gods speed and my best wishes and good luck.

Some more of the same...research.

Would you want to be an officer, or do you want to work for a living? Do you want computers to be your primary thing, or a side line?

I would say, if you want computers to come first, you could look into the Army or Navy intel jobs. But the computer knowledge to work hitting them in other places where it hurts...their wallets. They get their funding from somewhere. And there are many web sites used by al Qieda for recruiting.

If you are wanting to pound ground, Army or Marines. Both put you where the fighting is. Both offer outstanding infantry training, and the Army (don't know about the Corps, I wasn't in the Corps) will also give you chances to specialize...Airborne, Ranger, etc. I know the Marines have Recon, but don't know anything about them, or what else they have.

Now, here comes the best of both worlds. If you want to do both, you can join the Army as 11B (infantry), go Airborne, go to Iraq, and get your hands dirty. Then, if you want a change of pace, when your first hitch is up...4 years...re enlist for intel and put your computer skills to work.

And as has been said before, don't rule the military out as a career. Granted you can make more money in the private sector, especially if you stay enlisted, but name me one private sector company that currently offers a 20 year retirement plan that is not subject to the stock market (401K), or an Enron type collapse.

I kick myself weekly for not staying active duty 20 years ago. Stop loss not withstanding, I could have retired by now. And with the shift in MP strength over the last 20 years, I easily could have retired as an E-9. And just so you'll know, currently an E-9 over 20 is making $4421.10 per month, active duty. That's almost double what I make as a cop with 19 years at my department. And the benefits are better than what I have. And that's just the base pay, it doesn't include dependant allowance, BAH, BAS(which I don't get as a civilian cop) or family seperation while you're mobilized. And, of course, if you're an officer you make more.

Granted that's not a huge 6 figure salary like you could earn at Sun or Microsoft, but it ain't a kick in the teeth either. And while those two companies may turn out the next "you gotta have this" program, I can think of no more honorable profession that service to one's country. Cops and firefighters would come right after that.

As for the guard, since you're looking to get into the battle, a combat MOS will most likely deploy you for the majority of your enlistment anyway, so why not just go active? You could always go Guard later as well.

Good luck, let us know what the recruiter said (so we can tell you what part of it is pure crap) and keep us informed of what you decide.

All very good points crimefighter, I do think you hit the nail on the head about the benefits and the training for the army like you I don't know anything about what the corps has, but if he wants to check out something else there are the US Navy seals to put in that mix also.

Damn coach. Now you went and embarrassed me. I forgot about the SEALs. And since the active duty CO of my reserve center is a SEAL I really feel stupid. Can we all say, DUH?

Hey partner that was not my intent, just trying to cover all bases. lol

Hey what about the Air Force. We have cool computer jobs too, and you get to sit at a desk, and relax. How great is that.

On a note about the Air Force. The standard of life is outstanding. Also in the technical world of the Air Force, as well as many other career fields, there are many jobs that correlate nicely with the civilian sector.

Now we hear from the wing wiper's ROFLMAO

Just out of curiosity, what is the process for getting a direct commission off the street as an engineer, doctor, lawyer, etc.

Actually, for the Army, I do.

rppearso: If you are interested in Direct Commission Programs, I have provided contact information.
Doctors are recruited solely through AMEDD. Army Medical Detachment, through numerous programs, specifically in the realms of medical specialty. They can be reached through the phonebook for recruiting under the local recruiting office. Just call and ask for the AMEDD recruiter's number.
Judge Advocate General Recruiting can be addressed by direct contact. IAW (In Accordance With) Regulation, you must be Bar certified to apply.
Dept. of the Army
Judge Advocate Recruiting Office
Litigation Center
901 North Stuart Street, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22203-1837
1-800-336-3315 or
http://www.jagcnet.army.mil

The Army Corps of Engineers is primarily a civilian operated organization. Their contact information is also in the phonebook for most major cities in the Government Listings. Whereas, all internal engineers in the Army are military personnel.

Any more questions about Army Recruiting, and I will be more than happy to tell you. I am not a career recruiter, merely detailed, so don't expect sunshine to be blown up your skirt. I'll be more than willing to tell it like it is.

Is it possible to be direct commissioned as an engineer and switch fields to flight school after a period of time. It does not sound like engineers have a defined direct commission?