How do you decide which military branch to join? Investigate carefully before joining the Armed Forces to assure the best match for your talents and interests.
If you want to serve your country in the Armed Forces,
how do you decide which military branch to join? All five branches offer unique opportunities to protect the interest of our country, but based on your talents and interests, you might be drawn toward one branch over the other. Maybe your dad was a Marine or your uncle was career Army and you want to follow in their footsteps when joining the Armed Forces.
All branches offer wonderful career opportunities and a similar pay structure, but there are major differences between branches in terms of enlistment incentives, assignment opportunities, specific job opportunities, quality of housing, deployment rates, and even promotion rates. Before you sign up for any branch of the service you need to do some research and then talk to a recruiter so you make the best choice. Which military branch to join depends on you!
Joining The Armed Forces: The Army
The Army is the main ground force of the United States. There are many career opportunities in the Army, but generally soldiers are among the ground troops deployed when a heavily armored equipped combat force is needed. Aside from being an infantryman, you might choose to be a medic, transportation specialist, mechanic, or clerk stationed at one of 60 bases in the continental United States or abroad. The Army offers the most career choices with10 job categories and almost 200 job specialties. Where you are assigned depends on your job.
Joining the Armed Forces: The Navy
The Navy protects the country by sea and air and has an extended mission to protect the oceans around the globe. If you like to travel, the Navy might be for you. The Navy is often the first responder in places around the globe when America's interests are at risk. Much of your time will be spent on a large ship, so if you are claustrophobic or don't like the water, this is not the branch for you. The Navy has 29 enlisted job categories on its surface ships, submarines, and aviation groups and many diverse specialties within those groups.
Joining the Armed Forces: The Air Force
Some members of the Air Force serve as pilots, but many airmen serve on flight crews or as translators, firefighters, navigators, and more. With 10 job categories which include about 200 specialties, many airmen have the opportunity to work in high technology, electronic warfare, and space-oriented jobs. Given the nature of the careers offered, this branch of the military has the most stringent educational requirements. The Air Force reputedly has the best quality of life for airmen and their families.
Joining the Armed Forces: The Marine Corps
The Marine Corps is really part of the Navy but they consider themselves a special branch that specializes in ground combat. This branch uses Navy forces for logistical and administrative support, but has their own airpower including fighter planes, bombers, and helicopters to make them self-sufficient. There are over 180 jobs for Marines, but enlisted personnel can be assigned anywhere they are needed, regardless of training. Marines are considered rifleman first and job specialists second.
Joining the Armed Forces: The Coast Guard
Part of the department of homeland security, the Coast Guard protects our ports, coasts, and waterways. There are four job categories with 18 specific jobs to choose from. Aside from national defense, Coast Guard members play an important role in maritime safety and rescues, protection of the environment and natural resources, and maritime law enforcement.
Which branch of military service you choose will structure your life over your enlistment or career, so carefully investigate which military branch to join and choose wisely. Whichever choice you make, you can serve with the knowledge that you are doing a great service for your country and advancing the interests of yourself and your family as well.
