quote:

Originally posted by MovingtargeT:
I'm active duty Air Force, in the intel field with four years in and every assignment I've had has been joint service with the Army. One thing I have seen about the Army that I don't like is that their style of training is such that it betlittles the individual to a great extent, and puts more emphasis on the group.

The Air Force looks at each Airman on a more personal level and tries to build that person into an asset for the military. The Army definitely doesn't have that mindset. If you're lower enlisted, the Army demands subordination at all costs. In the Air Force it's not uncommon to see an A1C say "um, excuse me, Master Sergeant, I don't think that's a good idea because..." In the Army that is unacceptable. You, as a Pfc. (or whatever the rank may be) have no business telling a higher ranking person ANYTHING. They insist that this is to instill the mentality in soldiers to follow orders at all costs, which will save lives in the field. I've never been "in the field" and I have no place to criticize those methods, but in day-to-day operations this mindset has created an inferiority complex in many lower enlisted troops. Those that buy into the system have no sense of self-reliance and are completely lost unless an NCO is right there barking orders at them.

Another difference is that of facilities. The AF definitely has nicer bases and amenities all around. I'm not sure exactly how the military budget is broken down, and which service gets what but you can definitely tell the Air Force goes the extra mile for an increased standard of living on their bases. If you're stationed somewhere for a long period of time, this definitely makes a difference in morale and outlook. I've been at an Army post for two years (probably will be here for another two) and many Airmen are miserable because as Airman we expected better. You might not hear the Army complain, but they also might not realize that the grass IS greener over on our side. That reason may sound a bit trivial, but it goes beyond just "nicer bases." When you see a neatly organized base with state-of-the-art facilities it gives the impression that that base or branch of service has a higher self-esteem...which has a direct effect on morale of the people stationed there.

Well, those are just a couple factors that I have observer during my time in. I'm not saying that the Air Force is better than the Army, but there are differences, some are cosmetic, others are deeply rooted. If you can work a deal so that you come in as an E4 or maybe get more perks cause you're prior service, it might not be so bad. I also looked into the Army Warrant Officer program and it seemed pretty lucrative to me...so whatever you do, good luck.

quote:

I've never been "in the field" and I have no place to criticize those methods, but in day-to-day operations this mindset has created an inferiority complex in many lower enlisted troops. Those that buy into the system have no sense of self-reliance and are completely lost unless an NCO is right there barking orders at them.

quote:

Originally posted by rppearso:
That is the marines showing the pinical of there intellegance. The military would still be fighting with swords if it wernt for "contractors" so to speak, civilians, inventors, engineers, scientists, etc.