Who has been in multiple branches of the military? What is the real difference in your experience?

2018-02-14T08:56:44-05:00

A friend is looking to serve and feels like the quality of life may be better in other branches but the level of service, respect or pride isn’t the same. Trying to get real opinions from people who have actually done it.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Feb 14 at 2018 9:40 AM

2018-02-14T09:40:05-05:00

Marines... you get out what you put in. Army, you’re just a body filling a slot (exception may be SpecOps)

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-02-14T09:49:48-05:00

No one holds a candle to the Marines in terms of pride and professionalism (or ability to pick up chicks). The Army is a HUGE machine-- Lot of different options on what direction you can go in terms of MOS, type of service-- active/ reserve/ NG-- and they can station you pretty much wherever you want to go (although a lot of that depends on ASVAB and knowing what to ask for and how to not get screwed. Real easy to get bowled over in that size of a steamroller unless you know what do ask for.) Navy is a unique animal all to itself. I love it, because I love the ocean, but I personally wouldn't encourage anyone I like to enlist in the Navy because we-- as a service-- treat our enlisted like dirt until they make E-7. (life starts to suck less as an E-4 in the ground services.) Life is pretty good as an officer in the Navy, though. And the AF-- Yeah. You'll have a better quality of life but not much else to brag about. And you will be perpetually made fun of by the rest of us. Also don't discount the Coast Guard. Sure half of them are lunch-packing puddle pirates (the ones who go out for day trips to tend buoys and such-- not unimportant, but not very sexy either), but the other half are straight-up bada**es-- going out hunting drug smugglers, non-compliant boardings, hurricane rescues, etc.

I started out enlisted in the Marines, switched over to officer in the Navy, have 2 sisters that served 1 tour each in the Army and a brother in the National Guard.

I'm just poking fun of the Air Force. I have no frame of reference other than a grandfather who I never met who was AF. It is just obligatory Air Force bashing. In all honesty-- if you want an elevated quality of life and a smaller chance of dying in the line of duty-- the AF is the way to go (which is why the rest of us make fun of them).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 11:51 AM

2018-02-14T11:51:07-05:00

Marine first, then National Guard. The big thing I noticed is that there's a different attitude. There's a level of maturity in the USMC that isn't present in the Army. The National Guard is a bit different, because there are many people that have MOS related jobs on the civilian side and bring their experience with them, which can be very valuable.

If I were to put numbers on it, I'd say that an 18 year old in the Marines acts like a 20 year old and an 18 year old in the Army acts like a 16 year old.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Marines seem to focus more on military stuff. The people that get promoted are the shitty people that can run fast. This happens in the Army/NG, and there are plenty of awful leaders in both services, but at least in the Army, it seems like being good at your job is much more respected.

As far as pride goes, the Marines can't be beat. You ask anyone who has ever served in the Marines what the USMC birthday is, they'll know even 40 years after they got out. You ask a new PFC in the the Army what the Army bday is, you might hear "I don't know, June something I think?"

When I write it out, it really appears that I favor the Marine Corps... But I just came back in and decided to go with the National Guard again. I'm very grateful for the skills I learned in the National Guard. For my career, NG completely changed my life. I'm making 6 figures now, and that was made possible completely by my NG experience.

This is becoming quite the rant... but the bottom line is that if he wants pure military, moto, tradition, pride, etc, Marines is the way to go. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if he wants to basically have no military stuff, but focus on civilian side skills, Air Force is probably the best bet. Army/Navy would be somewhere in between.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 14 at 2018 12:56 PM

2018-02-14T12:56:57-05:00

I have read the other comments and will not repeat anyone! If the individual is serious about selecting a service that supports their needs then that person needs to research and make contact with folks from that service in order to make a more informed decision. I too have an opinion, and of course would be biased toward the Army as I spent 30+ years. Each service has unique traits and characteristics, their is someplace for everyone. Keep this one thing in mind regardless of Branch, the military is serious business, you have to be ready to lay your life on the line for your battle buddy and the United Stars. God Bless and thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ William Roberts made Feb 14 at 2018 1:12 PM

2018-02-14T13:12:39-05:00

I was enlisted in the Marine Corps, Commissioned in The Army and served with Air Force (Det 2 AFPBS Okinawa Japan) and the Navy (MNFI Iraq and USS New Orleans LPH-11). Each has something special to offer so it truly does depend on what you are looking for. Yes the Marine Corps was the most disciplined and Army could get you promoted faster but in the end you have to choose what is right for you. I began my career in the Corps for pride, I finished in the Army to make a difference. I never lived better than my tour with the Air Force and being enlisted when I was on the New Orleans, I wouldn't wish that on anyone but I loved working for the Navy and the finest NCOs I have ever had assigned to me in Joint Duty tours were Navy Chief's (one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan).

Response by Cpl Eric White made Feb 14 at 2018 1:25 PM

2018-02-14T13:25:16-05:00

Obviously I wanted a challenge and felt the Marines was what I was looking for and I found it. People become Marines for the title and prestige. If you want a better quality of life Air Force is the way to go. Honestly as different branches service members give each other crap. But all trash talk aside I honor all who conscientiously makes a decision to put on a uniform and serve their country.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-02-15T09:57:50-05:00

Every branch has its "Pros" and "Cons". Having served in the Navy, closely with the U.S. Army, and had broad exposure to the Marine Corps and Air Force, here's my take:

Navy: Focuses on being cross-trained. All rates on a ship have duties that "cross" lines of core competency; translation-we don't care so much about, "being in your lane" when there's a job to do. Obsesses with qualification. Yes, everyone's expected to wear many hats, but each hat has a fairly intensive and documented training module. Holds on to some "anachronisms" other services are less comfortable with-we still kinda miss not having sails. Prides itself on technical excellence, but has plenty of respect for "grease under the fingernails" skills. Is less willing to "hand out" awards...criteria for some are so hard, I've seen Sailors not get awards recommended while serving in parent services. Clear divide between E-6 and E-7. Chief's run the Navy for certain-thankfully. Wide range of "combat" competencies (more so than others may care to admit), but less "tip of the spear" than we sometimes claim. Some great...and some awful duty stations. Not always so "big" on uniform standards...unless near the "Flag Pole", then insane. Sleep is a luxury...promotion is anything but "cookie cutter"...work hard, play hard.

Army: Seemed very focused on "lanes" to my mind. Rank seemed far less important than MOS. Strong NCO heritage and leadership, but again...MOS seemed to be a major factor. Administratively complex, rigid and deep. HUGE organization in comparison to many sister services. Seems to have an MOS for every possible competency.

Marine Corps: Won't restate the obvious...it's the Corps, we all "get it" and greatly respect it...even if there are reasons "good" we didn't try it.

Air Force: Technically driven; most Air Force flight crews I've worked with were "all business". Air Crew is "king". Quality of life? Sure...they're on top, but there's a price to pay in terms of what is "allowable" in that environment. I could be wrong, but my sense is that the Air Force has made a clean break with its Army background...at least in the sense that it's a "young" service with a unique heritage.

Coast Guard-Well, are they? I think they deserve being included because they have some pretty amazing capabilities for their selected mission and exhibit great professionalism. Frankly, wish I had worked harder to make the transition once I left the Navy.

Response by Sgt Melissa Fast made Feb 15 at 2018 2:47 PM

2018-02-15T14:47:44-05:00

I served in the Marine Corps and Army. There was a definite difference in discipline, military courtesy, and training standards. However, I feel that the Army did a better job with taking care of individuals, and I had more leadership opportunities. I really enjoyed both. They both had great aspects, and not so great. The typical bullshit we all deal with. I would recommend either.

Response by PO1 Don Gulizia made Feb 15 at 2018 3:38 PM

2018-02-15T15:38:42-05:00

Air Force is best if your friend is looking for quality of life. While I didn't serve AF, I was stationed on an AF base and worked with majority AF personnel for three years. Housing, chow, office furniture, MWR facilities, etc were all better than anything in the Navy. The only drawback...I guess you have to put up with "chair" force jokes and I heard enlisted advancements took longer (but can't confirm).

Response by Sgt Bruce C. made Feb 15 at 2018 5:15 PM

2018-02-15T17:15:35-05:00

I almost reenlisted in the Army after getting out of the Air Force, so I will be interested to hear what others will say

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 5:19 PM

2018-02-15T17:19:31-05:00

When with the Army Reserve 411th Combat Engineers, I was assigned with the 41st SeaBees unit. I found out, E-6s work just as hard as lower ranks, and the SeaBees work 6am to 6pm.

Response by Sgt Roy Hale made Feb 15 at 2018 11:36 PM

2018-02-15T23:36:31-05:00

I served in both the USMC,then did some Army reserve. The biggest problem I had was not being accustomed to the lingo.

Response by SPC James Szelest made Feb 17 at 2018 4:51 PM

2018-02-17T16:51:39-05:00

I served in the Army, Marine Corps and in the Marine Corps I served in a Navy command. The differences are the titles of the rank and the Navy uses rate which is a combination of MOS/RANK. Other than that my experience in the branches cannot reflect anyone else's experiences.

Response by Sgt Robert Barham made Feb 18 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-02-18T11:07:07-05:00

Try other branches to see what fits you best... They’re definitely not all the same...

Response by Sgt Steve Arnold made Feb 28 at 2018 11:40 AM

2018-02-28T11:40:57-05:00

I started in the Marine Corps, and was never more proud. I got out, and joined the Army National Guard. Granted, it's "The Guard", so it cannot be compared to Regular Army, so take that with a grain of salt. I met some of the best people in my life in the Guard, but as a military outfit i never really got bit by the bug. NO disrespect to the Army, or to the Guard, it just never felt like home like it did in the Marine Corps.

Response by Sgt Bob Hill made Mar 1 at 2018 10:44 PM

2018-03-01T22:44:05-05:00

The Marines were more disciplined and strict in standards. Much pride. After active duty I was in the Reserves, but transferred into the Air National Guard when I decided to go to college. It was just too good a deal. I could still get the GI Bill for my Marine service, but also get 4 years tuition paid if I joined the Guard. The Air Force Security Police was the closest thing I could relate to as a Marine, but it was still a much less disciplined environment, but the mission and tradition is different. Nonetheless, it's still service to country, and it helped greatly in paying for college!

Response by Sgt Df Finn made Mar 3 at 2018 12:42 PM

2018-03-03T12:42:44-05:00

I served in usmc 0311 then retired out of the coast guard enjoyed my time in both, both services execute their missions professionally
Most important decision is picking ones mos or rate

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 3 at 2018 5:28 PM

2018-03-03T17:28:54-05:00

I’m currently still in the Marine Corps but will be transitioning to the Army once this contract ends due to the fact that i want to commission and be a doctor. The best information you can get is by contacting a prior service recruiter and they will be able to give you a lot of valuable information

Response by SGT A Scott made Mar 5 at 2018 2:30 AM

2018-03-05T02:30:28-05:00

If you're looking for a branch where everything is very very very structured, everybody very passionate and overall just a tough regimented job, choose USMC. Oh and the Marines have the best looking women. You'll be in the best physical shape ever. Another reason why the females look so damn good.
If you want a branch with a lot of future career focus, smart intelligent people, nicest facilities, shortest deployment, nicest middle east living experience, second most attractive females, lots of really laid back people, technically focused rather than combat and probably the best branch for mos to civilian world transferability, choose air force.
If you want tough rugged and best for providing support and having the ability to choose between infantry or strictly support MOS, can be really tough, stressful and rugged conditions depending on where you end up but also can be really laid back and nice (basically a mix of half USMC living mixed with half air force living but def not as tough as USMC, then you'll want army but the hot females are few and far between. I don't know a lot about the coast guard but I do know it requires the highest test scores and the basic training is not nearly as easy as people think. It's been compared to being very similar to try navy as far as types of people, locations, jobs, and overall persona of the officers. Lastly, the navy is the absolute easiest boot camp but longest. Males and females mix more in close quarters in navy than any other branch, it's known for being full of immature teens and aircraft carriers enterprise, Lincoln and Regan have been compared to high school and community college combined on a ship of 5000 people. Notorious for having really really bitchy and angry female petty officers that NOBODY likes and known for having a ton of smothering rules and regulations on ships. Not sure why but general bad attitude, ego and meaness of the young sailors in positions of leadership. The jobs can be extremely monotonous and hard with little reward if you choose the wrong job which is extremely common due to that navy having elaborate names for jobs that compare to a janitor or dishwasher. Choose your MOS carefully without tnt help of a recruiter. Navy recruiters are the absolute worst for being tricksters and misleading people into "jet engineer " jobs that are nothing more than a jet window cleaner and floor vacuum tech

Response by Sgt Mike Rice made Mar 6 at 2018 7:27 PM

2018-03-06T19:27:57-05:00

I served in the US Air Force in the early 80's. Reagan cutbacks made me decide to exit the military. 10 years later, I took my son to the recruiter. We left with him undecided about the military and myself with a departure date to the US Army. So, I served in both the Air Force and Army. The Army did not recognize my Air force basic training, so I had to redo 8 weeks of basic. The time I came into the Army was a time of pocket protectors. The basic I did in the AF was more strict, mental and physical than it was for the Army of the time. The politics went from mental stress to kid gloves. Overall, the AF put forth more stress on you, mental and physical, that the Army did. I was shocked that the Army allowed "time out" for those that had a problem during basic. After basic, they were very similar, just another job. But, the main thing different about these two branches, is that the Air Force supported the family. The Army thought if you needed a family, they would issue you one.

Response by Sgt David Spiers made Mar 15 at 2018 9:40 PM

2018-03-15T21:40:21-04:00

I joined the USAF. After my MSO was done i joined the Army National Guard. Asked to be transferred to the Army for Desert Storm. After the dust settled and it was over i realized i should have just been a Marine the whole time.
The Air Force was boring, the National Guard was interesting and the Army was rude and abusive. Meanwhile, a childhood friend of mine just retired from the USMC after a very long career.

Response by Sgt Jeramy Adair made Mar 16 at 2018 10:45 AM

2018-03-16T10:45:35-04:00

The way I will answer this is If he wants to earn everything that he gets then there is no better way to go than my beloved Marine Corps. If he wants to serve but get things given to them or think they owed something just for joining. Then anyone of the services if the place for them. But I will repeat something that I read already no matter what service you join you better be ready to lay your life down for this country because it is a very serious thing to join.

Response by Sgt Scott McCleland made Apr 5 at 2018 10:20 AM

2018-04-05T10:20:07-04:00

Basic training for the Army was more physical than mental, USAF was more mental than physical...I could have been because I was listed as prior service....this makes me bilingual.

Response by Sgt Dion Sr made Apr 16 at 2018 10:01 AM

2018-04-16T10:01:45-04:00

Was in the Army first then went to the Air Force. Huge mistake... 2 different mentalities. Took me a couple of years to adjust. Realistically I would have done better have I stayed in the Army

Response by Sgt Danny Gomez made Apr 16 at 2018 11:26 AM

2018-04-16T11:26:56-04:00

Spent one your in AF 71-74, one tour in Army 76-78, one more tour in Army 87-89

Response by SSG David White made Apr 17 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-04-17T13:03:55-04:00

I did 6 years navy and 16.5 army. Differences are I never got sea sick in the army, but in the navy, I traveled to more countries.

Response by Sgt Chris Hanson made Oct 21 at 2019 3:57 AM

2019-10-21T03:57:59-04:00

I was in the air force for 5 years and my husband retired after 24. It really depends on what you want. I've worked with the army and my sister and her husband were army. I had a friend in the marines and another in the navy. If you want technical, go into the air force. Also, the air force treats their people the best. When we go TDY, we stay in hotels. When the army goes TDY, they stay in tents. There were these guys that were on the same TDY we were and they were in tents right next to the flight line. We were in hotels. They were eating MREs. We got per diem for meals. They traveled via the hoof it express. We got rental cars. We felt sorry for them because it hotter than hell so we doubled up in our hotel rooms and let them stay, too. We fed them with our per diem, too. The air force looks at the quality of the housing available and pays a "substandard housing" allowance if it's not up to air force standards. The army in the same housing just feels lucky to not be sleeping in tents.
On the flip side, in the air force, you're not going to make higher than e-4 in your first 4 years. Everything is based on time in rank and you're not allowed to test for e-5 until you've been in for something stupid like 3.5 years. I talked to my sister when she was in and she had on e-5 in less than 4. Promotions come much faster in the army than air force. The air force teaches you 1 system. For example, my husband started as an offensive avionics technician. Defensive avionics technician was a totally different career field. Then there was crew chief. If either technician needed to get into certain panels to troubleshoot, they had to wait for the crew chief to open them. I was in fuels and we weren't allowed to connect the hose to the air craft. The crew chief did it. In the army, you're taught the entire system. If you're a technician and you're sent out to troubleshoot a radar and navigation system, you do both. I knew some guys who were at gunnery in Hohenfels Germany. One of the Bradley's went down so they were all out there fixing it. In the air force, if a vehicle goes down, you call the special/general purpose vehicle shop. They come out, get it, fix it at their convenience, then call when it's ready.
The army has cooks, the air force has one in charge of the contractors. The army has soldiers rotate duty in the gym. The air force has contractors.
If I had it to do all over again, I would've went into the army or marines. I wanted MILITARY. The army still has exercise as punishment ("drop and give me 50"). The air force says you can't use exercise as punishment. For females, the army has a PT program for pregnant women. The air force doesn't. We're expected to do it on our own. Another observation, the army has PT at 5:00 or so every morning. The air force doesn't.
The air force is a job you wear a uniform for. I don't know a whole lot about the navy from my friend...she was a medic in the reserves, but eventually went active duty marines. Also, the army does everything as a platoon or squad. They're together most of the time and in a lot of cases, they even hang out together. There's a camaraderie there that you don't see in the air force. In the air force, a lot of times you go to work, and when you're off you're by yourself. The air force has had programs to try to force camaraderie like the army has (the Wingman program is one), but it never takes.

All in all, it really depends on what you want. The air force operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The army is pretty much 7:00am to 6:00pm. If you're on an army base at 8:00pm, there is absolutely nothing open. If you know what job you want, talk to each branch about it and see what they have to say.

Response by Sgt Randy Fleming made Jul 20 at 2020 10:14 PM

2020-07-20T22:14:13-04:00

I served in the Army Reserve for 4 years then transferred to Air Force. Definitely treated better and food was so much better. Air Force was more mentally challenging.