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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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).

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.

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.