Hey everyone. I haven't posted yet, but been watching the boards for a while, reading, listening, understanding etc.

My brother [Thunderbird in the AF] has told me that the Air force is a great career. He loves it completely.

My cousin, who is just 18 became an Army Ranger, told me the army is great for me.

My closest 2 friends are in the Marines. One have been shot, yet will not leave the Marines because he loves his job and loves doing what he does, told me that I should join that.

Ugh. I am 21 years old, and I really want to join the armed forces. I have no idea what is for me.

I am 5'7, 165 pounds. People tell me [where does the weight go?] as I look a lot lighter than what I am, i am more thin then muscular looking... I run everyday [atleast 5 miles] and i do my usual workout of sit ups, push ups, and pull ups etc. I deliver freaking pizza for a job. It sucks completely. I thought Id share just what i do, how im like.

I did 1 year of college, and know its not for me at the moment. I want to graduate eventually, but I dont have the funds or any of that. Regardless, I deliver stupid pizza, have no future, and im not gonna be a loser the rest of my life.

I figure that the armed forces is for me, period. I always loved the thought of joining, yet never joined yet but it bugs me.

Im honestly stuck between Marines, Air force, and Army. I understand the differences between a lot of them, but not all of it. Nothings wrong with the navy, but I just dont think that is for me...

I need a direction in life. I DO NOT mind going to war. That would be 150% fine with me.

I push myself HARDER everyday knowing that one day within this year im going to join one of the armed forces, just not sure which branch.

This is an extremely hard choice, and I know I shouldn't let others pick for me... but I just have no idea whats for me. No matter what, its going to come down to what I choose.

I need positive feedback please. Im hoping to join within 3-4 months max. Thank you for the help guys.

Gunny - I see a lot of your posts and you usually give a lot of good feedback, looking forward to seeing your response.

Take care guys.

Think about what you want to do while serving and then research or ask which service has the program that is best for you.

Good luck.

A couple questions for you to help offer some advice:

What is it about the Navy that you don't like?

The Marines share a lot of the Navy misery....if it's something about ships and shipboard life, well...Marines do the same duty, just not as long.

(Like Harry asked) What do you want to do in the military?

Some jobs are easier to get in some services, some are better in other services (in my opinion) and some jobs just don't exist from service to service.

And finally...ya like gladiator movies?

Thanks so much for the responses so far. =]

Your questions... I dont mind water, I love the water. 3 close friends of mine are in the Navy, and all 3 do not like it.. maybe its not for them. Id love for more info on it though. Its just sometihng about being out on sea for 9 months at a time that doesnt sound pleasing. I wouldnt mind 9 months somewhere, but on the sea, eh.

In the military I want to just do something different. I want to serve and protect. I want to have a different lifestyle than others do.

Gladiator movies are the shit, hehe.

I research everyday looking at new jobs, what im interested in... Everything sounds pleasing to me. Id love to be a sniper, id love to do missions, even go to war is fine with me.

I feel that its just my place to join the military. Its so tough though to choose where I want to go.. grrr.

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate any feedback given.

Well, based on the limited information......

Marines can spend up to nine months on ship, though this is rare. Marines typically spend 6 months aboard ship.

So, I think your choices would be either Air Force or Army. Air Force typically has a better quality of life, less chance of combat action, and has many "support jobs" available. The Air Force is a little bit different in that a majority of their "combat troops" are officers (the pilots) and everyone is basically in support of them. The Army is opposite. A majority of their combat troops are enlisted and there are many more opportunities to serve in a combat role.

i would reccomend my rate to you. its HM NAT. esentially in a navy corpsman, so i get to do all the fun things the marine guys do and i get to hang out with them. im a combat medic. if you have any questions for me about my rate, pm me or post up.

Apparatus

You gotta decide the path you take in this yourself.

Go and talk to each services recruiter.
See what they each have to offer you.
Take the best offer.
Its as simple as that.

Go into the service with your eyes and ears open and listen and learn, you will do just fine.

The military is not a merciless, mindless machine that some would have you believe. I have done and seen things that you would have great difficulty comprehending. Had tons of fun and excitment, as well as moments of sheer friggin terror. Some of even enjoyed our lives in the service, so much so we stayed 20 or more years. Had I not joined, where would I be? Who knows, but working in a gas station sounds about right....

I will say this about the Marines:
Getting shot at, takes no special skill or qualifications that I'm aware of, shooting back does, and we excel in teaching that in the Marines.

Well, if you're still thinking Marine, there's these:

A Few Reasons Why I Am A Marine

http://www.iwo.com/reasons.htm

and if ya get this far down the list--

100) Best motto
Semper Fidelis, always faithful. That's Latin, by the way.
101) Best twist on the best motto
Semper Gumby, always flexible. Yeah, he was green, too.

MY favorite twist on this motto--
Semper Scrotus
Always On The Ball

Start gathering up lists of what jobs look interesting in each branch. Start looking into the benefits of that branch, and what it can do if and when you decide to get out. Make sure the job you do is both enjoyable and profitable when you get out. Look into bonuses and other monetary enhancements as well. Go in with a plan. It's your life, and you have to take charge of it. Know what you want out of your armed services and strive to get it.

Look and see which one has the greatest potential for advanced schooling, college, promotion, travel, etc. etc. etc. The best way to find out is investigate. Probe the recruiters' minds and make them provide information. It's their job.

If you're going to sign the dotted line, it should be on your terms, not a recruiter quota.

Every branch can use some shitcan cleaners. If you have no goal or direction, they'll always hire you for that.