If you have a Family Member going into Service, does it matter which Branch they join?

I have family members who have served or are still serving in every branch there is and I am proud of them all.

I do think that most of the jobs in the AF cross over nicely into the civilian job market once they finish their initial enlistment.

Whatever branch they want to be in is ok by me. They are serving our country and that is what counts. God Bless my son Shane and his two cousins Tom and Andrew who decided on the AF.

My mother she's a Jarhead, and my father, he's a Marine;
My brother joined the Navy just to sail a submarine,
My sister's in the Air Force, but my family they're all queers,
'Cause they didn't join the best, the combat engineers!

Just kidding, of course! Just a line of a cadence from my engineer days!

I'd prefer the Army, but certainly wouldn't be upset over any other choice. Especially now that I've moved branches!

No, but then again I was the family rebel. My family had always been Navy, going way back to the Danish Navy and Merchant Marine, and some historical indication of Vikings. I actually looked at becoming a Naval aviator but what the Air Force offered made more sense for my particular situation. So I became first member of my extended family to be in the Air Force. My son also went into the Air Force, I actually swore him in, but again like me what the Air Force offered was a better fit for what he wanted. So guess my answer is doesn't matter what branch as long as they are going where they, and their goals, fit.

What matters is whether the person makes the most of their resources to make the best decision for them. Someone once told me he was planning to join the Army and he knew I'd served. I told him he could ask whatever questions and suggested he check out Rallypoint. He did neither. One should WANT to be informed before signing a blank check.

I have not pushed my kids toward the service. My only position with them was if you decide to go in, there is only one branch I will endorse you joining. That is the Marine Corps. I know they will be trained properly, properly motivated, equipped and lead.

I have family members that have served in all branches but mostly Marines and Air Force.

My oldest son did decide to enlist in the Marines. He has been serving for almost 7 years now.

I think it matters a lot. They should serve where they feel they can best operate. The branches, ratings/MOSs, and enlisted/warrant/commission differences should all be considered.

I think not. I spent 3 years as a Navy recruiter and I always suggested/recommended an applicant check into all branches to see what they can offer. Joining the military is a major change in ones life. The applicant MUST decide what is best for themselves. As a recruiter, I never fabricated any stories to convince one to go Navy. Yes, I lost a few contracts but, I always slept well at night.

Not really. The Branch selection needs to be right for the person joining the military. People join the military for many reasons. Some join out of selfless patriotism, but my guess is more join for the job, training, and veterans benefits. Many young folks (17-22) don't have too much foresight and lack the capability to completely grasp the long-term benefits of military service or a military career. I didn't.

If there's a strong family background of service in a particular Branch then the person might want to keep the family tradition going. It's more important that the family support the Service Member regardless of their choice of branch. My family has served in Army, Navy, Air Force, active duty, reserve, and National Guard. We all respect each other's service and choices; although, there is some good natured banter now and then.