If you had to join a different branch of the military which one would you choose?

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 20:57:05 -0500

We all choose the branch we served in for a special reason, but if you where not allowed into that branch which one would you choose to join? I was in the process of going into the Marines when I was involved in a car accident and ended that dream.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 6 at 2016 9:07 PM

SPC David S. — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:07:38 -0500

All ready did Air Force and Army - my father was Navy then Air Force. I'd have to go Navy to close the circle.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2016 9:12 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:12:46 -0500

I served in both Air Force and Army. Almost in the Navy also.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 6 at 2016 9:14 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:14:15 -0500

If I thought I had the cajones, no doubt I would choose to be Jarhead. If I wanted to retire on the job, the AF.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 6 at 2016 9:35 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:35:34 -0500

I would have chosen the Coast Guard. Man, there have been too many times where I have been on vacation in some heavenly spot...and then wouldn't you know it, there's a little Coast Guard base right along the water in a beautiful spot. Examples would be Alki Beach in Seattle, WA and multiple spots I saw like this in California. Amazing.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2016 9:39 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:39:41 -0500

Navy, good opportunity to enter the field of engineering or intelligence.

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made Feb 6 at 2016 9:50 PM

PO1 Brian Austin — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:50:25 -0500

Marines. Navy recruiter called me first. Marines called me after MEPS.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Feb 6 at 2016 10:12 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 22:12:39 -0500

Being that Soldiers are the Hero's that so many aspire to be, I couldn't imagine being anything less. But if I had to choose, I'd be in the Corps.

Response by SMSgt David Zobel made Feb 6 at 2016 10:45 PM

SMSgt David Zobel — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 22:45:36 -0500

Navy. I was co-located a few times and always found my sailor colleagues to be dedicated & professional.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Feb 6 at 2016 11:01 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:01:09 -0500

Army.

Response by SrA Karla Kiser made Feb 6 at 2016 11:08 PM

SrA Karla Kiser — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:08:04 -0500

It was a toss up when I enlisted between the AF and Marines. I chose AF because I was looking for education first but my AFSC would have transferred to the Marines as I worked on C130s ;)

Response by PVT Ryan P. Quirk made Feb 6 at 2016 11:21 PM

PVT Ryan P. Quirk — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:21:53 -0500

Well after being in SF.. I think after my current service (Which I loved) and I had the option to re-up in a different service. I would have to join the French Foreign Legion. (alot of my buddies in SF who got out went there). But then again that is a personal choice. All the services have their pros and cons. Just a thought.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2016 11:28 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:28:30 -0500

My father was a Captain in the Air Force. He served in WWII and Korea. He was killed in 1956 when his Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star plane crashed during a training mission. If I had to choose another branch, it would be the Air Force, in honor of my father.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2016 11:31 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:31:10 -0500

I would pick the Navy for its travel opportunities. Army bases are usually in the armpits of whatever country it is in. All Soldiers are envious of the awesome locales of naval bases like Spain and Japan.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2016 11:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:34:00 -0500

I chose the army way back 31-years-ago because they alone would let me choose which language I studied at DLI.

If I could jump to another service today, it would have to be the Air Force, if for no other reason than that they have basses in Japan, and I love being in Japan.

Response by MSgt Billy McDonough made Feb 6 at 2016 11:46 PM

MSgt Billy McDonough — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:46:13 -0500

The Coast Guard :) I did time in the Army and had the chance to spend some time on ships with the Navy...Definitely the CG

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 6 at 2016 11:57 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:57:57 -0500

Navy. After working alongside sailors, I discovered a complete respect for their life-style. Now, I my time with them was limited to the gators. But, had some time aboard a couple carriers. Those guys work their tails off --and hit every libo-port with the Marines. Plus, I married a sailor. So, our chances of getting co-located would have skyrocketed.

Response by CPO Allen Campbell made Feb 6 at 2016 11:58 PM

CPO Allen Campbell — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:58:43 -0500

Definitely the Coast Guard. Oh, wait, I forgot I did....

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 7 at 2016 12:29 AM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:29:14 -0500

A1C Private RallyPoint Member I see a developing pattern, here. Marines choose Navy, Navy chooses Marines, Army chooses Marines, and Air Force chooses Civilian!

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 7 at 2016 12:33 AM

SN Greg Wright — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:33:47 -0500

A1C Private RallyPoint Member My perspective is relatively unique for my time: I was in the Navy, stationed on an Air Force base (Yokota, Japan), long before the integrated levels of joint forces we see today. Also, it was my FIRST duty station after initial training. So, I got to compare AF life with Navy life (which I eventually experienced at sea on board). Given all that...man. I gotta go with AF. Those bastards live large and in CHARGE....comparatively.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 7 at 2016 12:53 AM

COL Charles Williams — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:53:01 -0500

None. Kidding... Actually I tested (ASVAB, MEPS) for the Navy in 1980... But, ended up in the Army. If not the Army, it would have been the Navy. Never considered the AF or the Marines.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Feb 7 at 2016 1:30 AM

MSgt John Taylor — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 01:30:42 -0500

Coast Guard; I did my honeymoon in the Bahamas, where i saw USCG station Bahamas.

Response by LtCol Mac McCarty made Feb 7 at 2016 1:47 AM

LtCol Mac McCarty — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 01:47:13 -0500

USN. I loved being at sea. I was actually appointed to USNA (would have been class of 68) but my eyesight kept me out. I went PLC in college, and even after I was offered a regular commission out of OCS (I accepted), it looked like I might be NPQ. Then my sainted Mother wrote a letter to the President... At the height of the Tet Offensive ...("I feel like the most unnatural of Mothers, but when so many are fleeing to Canada and you have one who has wanted to serve since he was in second grade.....).

Response by CPO Frank Coluccio made Feb 7 at 2016 2:02 AM

CPO Frank Coluccio — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 02:02:50 -0500

Was all set to join the Marines, was just waiting for the recruiter to call with the date for the ASVAB. Never got the call, so I went to the Navy recruiter and enlisted.
Finally heard from the Marine recruiter. He had a death in the family and went on emergency leave for 30 days.
So, if I had to pick, it would be USMC!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 7 at 2016 2:30 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 02:30:41 -0500

Loved the Air Force and would do it again in a heartbeat. If not possible though I would go for Army EOD or Artillery; always loved things that go bump in the night. I get seasick, so the Navy would be out of the question.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 6:27 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 06:27:39 -0500

Definitely gotta go (ch)air force if I can't choose army again. Marines have nothing medical and Well the navy... I love the water.... Would lose my mind though on a sea deployment.

Response by SrA Jonathan Carbonaro made Feb 7 at 2016 8:09 AM

SrA Jonathan Carbonaro — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 08:09:31 -0500

My Career field shares more with the Army than the Air Force. I like the Army's promotion system, and getting promotion points for shooting, and knowing fundamentals. As well as the Fat bonus's. So I'd say Army, the only reason I'm not saying Marines is I don't think I'd survive ya'lls basic training.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 8:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 08:15:48 -0500

I would have checked the pregnancy test and confirmed she was a liar. That way, I'd be a Naval Academy graduate and a Naval Aviator instead of an enlisted Soldier. Never wanted the Army, tried to do the right thing for a "family" that wasn't real, been bitter ever since!

Response by MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau made Feb 7 at 2016 9:16 AM

MSgt Lionel (Leo) Rondeau — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 09:16:26 -0500

When I first enlisted in the Air Force, I was strongly recruited by the Navy. I was considering it but went with my heritage (dad was AF). Now that I have more experience and have worked with all services (including Merchant Marine) I think it would be a toss up between the Navy and Coast Guard. The CG is one I never would have thought of at 21, but now that I look at them and are familiar with their missions, I would have enjoyed that service.

Response by MSgt Michael Lane made Feb 7 at 2016 10:09 AM

MSgt Michael Lane — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 10:09:43 -0500

22 years AF, and about another 4 as a contractor when a job working for the Army fell into my lap at Fort Rucker, and I have so say I enjoy it very much it’s nice to look forward to going to work every day. Every time I see a Blackhawk takeoff I am amazed by the science of it just does not look possible. So In short ARMY Definitely!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Feb 7 at 2016 11:29 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 11:29:24 -0500

If there were any way I could go back in, I would return to the Navy as a chaplain, but push for a Coast Guard assignment. The stuff the CG does is way cool...

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Feb 7 at 2016 11:36 AM

SSgt Dan Montague — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 11:36:23 -0500

It is irrelevant now, but I wanted to be a gunners mate on a battle ship. I am the rare one that like artillery.

Response by Maj Dwayne Helton made Feb 7 at 2016 11:38 AM

Maj Dwayne Helton — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 11:38:42 -0500

I would ave been a Marine.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 12:17 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:17:15 -0500

I'd probably go Navy. I like their aviation program. Most of their flyers seem to enjoy work and uniform wise they pretty much do what they want! Sign me up for that!

Response by SPC James Dollins made Feb 7 at 2016 12:18 PM

SPC James Dollins — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:18:09 -0500

Definitely Air Force!

Response by MSgt Darren VanDerwilt made Feb 7 at 2016 12:26 PM

MSgt Darren VanDerwilt — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:26:02 -0500

Looking back, I would have gone Marine Corpse. They actually have a military mindset.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Feb 7 at 2016 12:43 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:43:30 -0500

In 1953 I dropped out of college. So I went to Boston & was unsure about enlisting in the Army or Marines. While sitting in the waiting room I was approached by a Marine Sergeant who asked me if I was going to become a Marine. I told him that I was unsure. So he invited me and a few other guys to lunch. He did a good job selling us on the Marines because later that day we all took the enlistment oath as US Marines after passing the written exam and physical exams. The Marine Recruiters reminded me that my birthday was on 10 November and they all told me to apply for Sea School or Embassy Duty after completing boot camp at Parris Island because I was 6' 2'' and a pretty good high school athlete. However I became a Field Radio Operator in the FMF Force Troops at Camp Geiger NC.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 12:49 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:49:43 -0500

I have been Army and now AF. If I had to go back and do it over, back then, I would have done Marines. If I had to re-do it now, at this age, Salvation Army--learning how to ring that Christmas bell. Lol.

Response by PO2 Gary Lyall made Feb 7 at 2016 12:58 PM

PO2 Gary Lyall — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 12:58:47 -0500

I was in the Army then went Navy and retired. My next Choice was the Air Force

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 2:38 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:38:43 -0500

Actually would have preferred to stay a Marine, but an injury changed that. So thank God for the Air Force!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 3:15 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:15:20 -0500

I feel as if I did all five. I joined the Navy out of high school. During those years, I worked closely with and around the Marines (MEUs) we had assigned to my ships. Also, during those years, and in the twenty-five years that followed, I flew all over the US and throughout the world in Air Force planes. Those were some really good times. Like I said, after my Navy days ended, I joined the Army Reserves. When I spent five years of failing miserably to convince my MP battalion that a wall was a bulkhead and a floor was a deck, I transferred to what would prove to be the best service of all, the USCG. Everything that has been said on this post about this military branch is 100% true. Those last twenty years of my career were full of amazing adventures, fun times "on the beach," and a military service that truly was like one 35,000-member family. I never went anywhere that I did not know someone or that someone there was not good friends with a mutual member of the CG somewhere else. Meals with flag officers, INCLUDING the Commandant, were actually commonplace. And those that have mentioned the many gorgeous locations that we had CG Stations, you missed Destin, FL. Talk about died and went to Heaven beautiful. But when we worked, we worked very hard. Some duties were just plain deadly dangerous. Every service has those jobs. But in the Coast Guard, there's a very good chance you knew one or more of the Coasties involved. All in all, my entire military career was a very smooth and eventful ride, with the absolute best years coming during the second half!!!

Response by CWO2 John Markiewicz made Feb 7 at 2016 5:15 PM

CWO2 John Markiewicz — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:15:52 -0500

Well if I had it to do all over again (I retired in 1984 nearly 32 years ago) and could not go Navy, I would probably have gone Coast Guard.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Feb 7 at 2016 5:45 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 17:45:23 -0500

I would probably do Navy but as an officer.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 7 at 2016 7:07 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 19:07:35 -0500

Air Force, hands down...

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2016 7:58 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 19:58:13 -0500

I did 6 years Army and so far have enjoyed the Navy a bit more. Nicer places to live and advancement seems to be more performance based.

Response by PO3 Austin Michael made Feb 7 at 2016 8:28 PM

PO3 Austin Michael — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 20:28:47 -0500

I'm in the Navy right now and because I'm not satisfied I'm going over to the Marine Corps after my contract is up, so that's my answer.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Feb 7 at 2016 9:17 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 21:17:56 -0500

If I had a choice I would choose the Coast Guard. However at the time that I went in I didn't really have a choice other than the Army or the Marines. Because of Vietnam everyone else had huge waiting lists. My biological father had been an Army pilot during WWII and several other family members had been Army so it seemed to be a more natural fit for me. Besides that the Army guy was a better at promising people stuff that would never happen and things that they would never get. However if I had to choose now it would the the Coast Guard. I feel that they do more to help people.

Response by Sgt Joe LaBranche made Feb 7 at 2016 9:18 PM

Sgt Joe LaBranche — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 21:18:40 -0500

As a Marine, I would have to go with Air Force Para-Rescue or Navy Seal. I would rather take my chances being shot at than do what the Coast Guard does on water (them guys got balls the size of watermelons). I have a lot of respect for the Army Rangers! All things said, I am proud to have served my country with my Marine Corps brothers! No matter which branch of service you are in or would choose, you are all brave men and women who made a sacrifice and served your country. You are all members of the 7% club. Thank you all for your dedication and service; God bless you all!

Response by PO2 Michael Berry made Feb 7 at 2016 10:21 PM

PO2 Michael Berry — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:21:59 -0500

The Navy, nuke program

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Feb 8 at 2016 1:08 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 01:08:40 -0500

If given no choice but to switch to a different branch I would probably pick the Army. I actually considered blue to green once thinking maybe I could get in as a helo pilot before realizing I just want to be done at the end of this enlistment. If I had to stay in though that's the route I would try to take.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 8 at 2016 1:12 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 01:12:05 -0500

AIRBORNE!

Response by PO3 David Fries made Feb 8 at 2016 6:25 AM

PO3 David Fries — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 06:25:18 -0500

Just based on what I did, it would have to be any of the branches except for the Marines. If the Marines were to ever have their own Corpsman, that would be a different story.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 8:15 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 08:15:08 -0500

Honestly-and without sounding "corny"...I'm pretty d@#^ proud of being a Sailor :) That said, if I had to do it all over again, I think I'd have gone Surface Warfare from the start...pushed hard for PCs. If I had to choose a different branch, I'd have probably followed Dad into the Airborne...but again, it's easy to call the ball twenty years in retrospect-LOL!

Response by TSgt Alan Richard "Rick" Thomas made Feb 8 at 2016 11:44 AM

TSgt Alan Richard "Rick" Thomas — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:44:22 -0500

Another branch was never an option for me. I was planning on the Air Force since 7th grade and even went through 3 years of JROTC.

Response by PO1 Chad Alcock made Feb 8 at 2016 11:52 AM

PO1 Chad Alcock — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:52:17 -0500

If I had to do it again, I would have joined the Navy to begin with instead of starting with the Guard and Army.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Feb 8 at 2016 1:03 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:03:28 -0500

I did a joint assignment with the Coast Guard. I learned a tremendous amount of info and have a huge respect for their daily mission...boarding parties, drug interdiction, immigration, environmental, buoy navigation aids marine engineering, not to mention putting their lives on the line getting stupid civilians off boats and ships when they have lost their way or were sinking. While I worked with them, I often thought about what it would have been like serving in the CG. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably go Coast Guard...they don't just practice their mission...they live it every day.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 1:45 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:45:29 -0500

Navy or Army. But the grass always looks greener on the other side. Until you realize the grass is fertilized with shit.

Response by PO1 Nathan Watts made Feb 8 at 2016 4:42 PM

PO1 Nathan Watts — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:42:41 -0500

I don't think I would. I was drawing Battleships as a kid in third grade - I guess it was ingrained into me. Which is odd because I had no military relatives that I wanted to emulate, looked up to, or influenced me in any way.

Response by LT Wesley Comer made Feb 8 at 2016 4:55 PM

LT Wesley Comer — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:55:20 -0500

I would go into thUSMC

Response by PO1 Bill Daugherty made Feb 8 at 2016 7:03 PM

PO1 Bill Daugherty — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 19:03:55 -0500

Marine Corps

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 8 at 2016 11:33 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 23:33:04 -0500

If I had to choose between the Navy and the AF, I'd choose the Navy. I was originally going to join the Navy but they wouldn't grant an eyesight waiver....

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Feb 9 at 2016 9:21 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:21:37 -0500

I would have joined the USMC if I had the physical conditioning for it. I didn't so I joined the USMC's big brother.

Response by LCDR Will Sa-Onoy made Feb 9 at 2016 12:09 PM

LCDR Will Sa-Onoy — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:09:16 -0500

Well I enlisted in the Corps and was commissioned in the Coast Guard. Sooo if it was in the early 19th Century - the Navy otherwise it would be the Army.

Response by PO2 George Smith made Feb 9 at 2016 1:30 PM

PO2 George Smith — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:30:18 -0500

I was on the waiting list for the State Police, started number three before the "veterans preference points" kicked in... I joined the Coast Guard because I loved boating and wanted to get into law enforcement. Coast Guard provided both... if I hadn't joined the Coast Guard I would have been a New Jersey State Trooper.. as they called my house to report to the police academy while I was in boot camp... Never thought about any other service... I guess if I had other options it would be in the AF as they live at the country club... I too was stationed at Yokota AFB. Japan.. and experienced the "easy life"... LMAO

Response by PO1 Ron Eason made Feb 9 at 2016 1:48 PM

PO1 Ron Eason — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:48:56 -0500

AF. Red Horse.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Feb 9 at 2016 4:33 PM

PO3 Michael James — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 16:33:06 -0500

Air Force... I like hot dinners, and dry beds...

Response by PO2 Arthur Delsing made Feb 9 at 2016 10:06 PM

PO2 Arthur Delsing — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 22:06:03 -0500

I would choose (Ch)Air Force

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Feb 9 at 2016 10:38 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 22:38:12 -0500

Coast Guard. I guess I just like water. :-)

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2016 11:09 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 23:09:55 -0500

Navy or Coast Guard

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2016 12:12 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 00:12:41 -0500

If I 100% had to join another branch, I would choose the Air Force.

Response by Sgt Bruce C. made Feb 10 at 2016 9:32 AM

Sgt Bruce C. — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 09:32:27 -0500

Army

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2016 1:33 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:33:43 -0500

I would have joined the Air Force. There is a base not far from where I grew up. Being near family would be very beneficial now that I have kids (weekend at grandma's, anyone?) Plus Boeing has a facility there so it has the potential for a smooth transition.

Response by MSgt Walter Thomason made Feb 11 at 2016 5:59 AM

MSgt Walter Thomason — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 05:59:26 -0500

I had already joined the Air Force when I ran into a Marine Recruiter. He started pumping me up about how he could make me mean, tough, make me a man, make me a Marine!!! I walked out of that office PUMPED!!! Had tears welling up in my eyes thinking about how I was going to be mean, how I was going to be tough, be a man, BE A MARINE!!!! Then I stopped... I thought, "Wait a minute. Nobody tells me I'm a NOBODY!!! So I went ahead and joined the Air Force. Alternative choice may be Navy. Not sure after spending the first 5 months out of basic at Great Lakes.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 11 at 2016 12:29 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:29:11 -0500

Air Force or Army Aviation

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Feb 11 at 2016 1:33 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 13:33:17 -0500

I almost joined the Coasties to become a Rescue Swimmer. However, they wanted me to wait 6 months. Instead, I joined the Navy to become a Corpsman and go green. Little did I know at the time, that I didn't qualify for HM (hand tremors) and became an IT guy.

Response by A1C Austin Casey made Feb 11 at 2016 7:53 PM

A1C Austin Casey — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 19:53:44 -0500

Navy

Response by Sgt Mike Sarris made Feb 11 at 2016 11:30 PM

Sgt Mike Sarris — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 23:30:12 -0500

I would have been a Marine. I've been told many times I didn't have a USAF attitude, I was more like a Marine, and I hung out with Marines all the time. Heck, my ex Brother-In-Law was a Marine Recruiter, and he's still like a brother to me!

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Feb 13 at 2016 3:22 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 15:22:10 -0500

Navy.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Feb 13 at 2016 5:21 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 17:21:59 -0500

I wanted to be a Marine, but my health wouldn't allow it; I had asthma. I had a good friend who wanted to be a Marine, so I went with him. The recruiter asked if I wanted to be a Marine. I said yes and he told me that I had the look of Marine Recon, until I told him I has asthma. He sighed and said that was a deal killer.

Response by SFC Karen Lassiter made Feb 13 at 2016 8:51 PM

SFC Karen Lassiter — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 20:51:22 -0500

Coast Guard

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 2:27 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 02:27:27 -0500

Air Force would be so much more luxurious. I've seen them at multiple bases and they have the best.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 15 at 2016 6:57 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 18:57:17 -0500

Well I wanted to go into the Army as a Medic but they weren't taking soldiers for medics at that time and they needed Fire Direction Specialists instead. So that's where I ended up in a Field Artillery unit. Not a bad place to be. Met some great men and women in uniform and made a career out of it. I do remember though looking up out of my two man fighting position and seeing a jet contrail stretch across the sky and saying to myself, that dude is getting a shower tonight, a hot meal and a bed. Maybe I should have joined the Air Force!

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 15 at 2016 7:02 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 19:02:10 -0500

When I enlisted it was my intention to be a medic. The Army wasn't interested in what I wanted at the time and said they needed Fire Direction Control Specialists so I ended up in the Field Artillery. Not a bad place. I met a lot of great men and women in uniform and I ended up doing 20+ years. I do recall one time though when I was sitting in my two man fighting position and I saw a jet contrail stretch across the sky and I said to myself; Dude that guy is going back to his base and he's going to enjoy a shower, a hot meal and a bed.......I should have joined the Air Force!

Response by AN Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 8:17 PM

AN Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 20:17:04 -0500

Most likely, I'd go usmc. That way, same rate/mos as I know it would be possible, even down to aircraft platform in some instances, and I'd already be partly familiar with some of the general mechanics specific to the branch that I've learned about while serving alongside(aviation, mind you) marines.

Response by Lt Col Will Marshall made Feb 19 at 2016 12:53 AM

Lt Col Will Marshall — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 00:53:17 -0500

Well, that's a difficult question to answer.
I spent 21 years in the Navy and Naval Reserve, 15 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, and now I work for the Army.
Deployments to Desert Storm (Navy), Haiti (Air Force) and Afghanistan (Air Force).
When I was in the Navy, I spent time with Marines (as a Hospital Corpsman and as a Navy Nurse).
So, I've seen everything except the Coast Guard.
I achieved some great things with each of them. Granted, all of my time has been in military medicine, so perhaps jaded a bit, but in my experience, I can tell you that any issues that you might find... they are the same from service to service, but they are called different things and they wear different uniforms!
I don't really have a favorite... they were all pretty darned good!

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 10:49 AM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 10:49:53 -0400

I started in the Navy and after a short stint in college I joined the USCG and what a breath of fresh air. Enjoyed Big Navy but the small CG is nice especially when ever I rotated duty stations I ran into people who news friends I new. Not to mention the quality of people I have worked with and lifetime friendships.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 11:22 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 11:22:10 -0400

Originally, I wanted to fly Air Force like Granddad...but didn't make the "cut" for Colorado Springs, and picked up Annapolis instead. From there, it was a long, strange trip. My experiences working with Marines over the years informs me I'm not "Yut" enough...but working alongside the Army on the ground in Afghanistan, I seemed to tap into some unknown "Hooah". If I could do it all over again (and thank God I can't!), I'd probably have accepted that Army ROTC scholarship instead and tried to follow Dad's tracks in the Airborne. One thing that has always, and I suppose always will "bug" me is how I flew for a while...but wasn't an "Aviator"; spent several years driving ships...but wasn't a "Shoe"; and humped a lot of miles in the east 'Stan, but was never Infantry. Mostly, when asked what "MOS" I was by the un-initiated, I simply respond, "P-IR8".

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2016 9:13 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 09:13:38 -0400

Well, I was in the Air Force and Army Reserve, so, I guess Navy.

Response by LT Wesley Comer made Jun 16 at 2016 6:47 PM

LT Wesley Comer — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 18:47:27 -0400

I wanted to be a sailor from about 10 years old. I started college so that i could come in as an officer. Circumstances did not allow that. With the draft and the army breathing down my neck I went the navy recruiter and he managed to get me in to the navy. Ended up staying for over 28 years. I also earned a commission as A Chief Warrant Officer. The air force weenies could never figure out that a navy Chief Warrant Officer was a commissioned officer and every time I was on an air force base I ALWAYS experienced a degree of harrasment. Then was advanced to A Medical Service Corps commission. I was a Master Chief Petty Officer before initial commission as a Chief Warrant Officer. Being a master chief as well as being a warrant officer were very good gigs and being in the medical service corps was pretty good too.
if I could not have gotten into th navy I would have gone into the marine corps.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Feb 22 at 2020 5:47 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 17:47:21 -0500

Coast Guard! Saving people and property sounds good to me!