Have any of you had experience serving in the military

[kristinpete38]

I'm considering leaving training and leaving community college classes for now to head into the Air Force. I'd like a medical position (digital imaging or working in the cardiopulmonary lab; NOT nursing) though I hear med positions are overmanned...

I wanna hear others' experiences in the military. Any branch. I'm still apt to change my mind and go for the army (it may be more physically challenging while AF more intellectually?)

[fabostrong]

I'm in the army national guard. Today makes 6 years. I've already signed up for another 6. My sister and girlfriend are in the air force. they both love it.

[Dreadnuagga]

I'm considering leaving training and leaving community college classes for now to head into the Air Force. I'd like a medical position (digital imaging or working in the cardiopulmonary lab; NOT nursing) though I hear med positions are overmanned...

I wanna hear others' experiences in the military. Any branch. I'm still apt to change my mind and go for the army (it may be more physically challenging while AF more intellectually?)

Currently been in Army Reserve for 3 years, haven't deployed yet.

You mentioned leaving community college, which implies you are considering going active duty. I personally would never want to go active duty, which is why I'm not in ROTC in college atm. One of the primary reasons for me joining when I was 17 in high school was all the bonuses and money they provide towards college. A lot of bonuses are gone now and because our military's size is contracting this is not the ideal time to join. The army is not very physically challenging and even though I have never been in the Air Force I would guess they are about the same as far as the physical and mental aspects of the job goes. One of the good things about the military is that you get out of it what you put into it, and once you're in it has great job security and a steady pay check.

Overall I consider being in the reserves just like any other job, and it has taught me some valuable life lessons and made me more mature and less naive to the real world in comparison to a lot of my friends in college. I am not planning on reenlisting though.

[Ragnar13]

I have 17 years active service in the Army. I have worked in recruiting and with Reserves. I also have family that are in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. I was a combat medic for most of my time. One thing that I always find funny is the stereotype that the Air Force is more intellectual. So not true. All branches have technical jobs now and the technology today is pretty advanced. The Navy has so many maintenance jobs and skills that are really advanced. There are many very intelligent people serving in all branches. One thing that I used to laugh at is that I would work with applicants wanting to enlist and after taking the ASVAB, didn't have the scores to be infantry or scouts, but could be an administration specialist or even work pay. All depends on how they test.

I know it will not make me popular but I do not recommend military service if you are changing your mind every other day. Serving is a commitment. Nothing pisses me off more than those that sign up, raise their hand, take the oath, and then attempt to quit because they don't like being told what to do. No honor.

Kristinpete38, make sure your not just fishing for something to do. This is a very important decision. PM me if you have questions.

[Tonking]

I've been in the Marine Corps for almost 2 years. Wouldn't recommend it if you're trying to go medical though (Navy has corpsman that work directly with Marines). I'm a light armored vehicle crewman (basically like a smaller, more agile tank). Speaking honestly, the Marines will suck for the first year, year and a half. You get treated like ****, hazed, and roughed up some (more so in the infantry then any other job). But once you pick up some rank and figure out what you're doing, it's not too bad and people will give you a break. This is something you have to want specifically. We have the smallest budget and don't get much, but you still have to live up to some high expectations. Don't think that rumors of Marines being dumb are true. I work with some of the smartest, best men I've known.
There's a lot behind the commercials on tv for any of these branches and they're all good choices depending on what you're looking for. I suggest you talk to someone in the field you're looking for. Also consider reserves if you're just looking for an experience.

[kristinpete38]

I couldn't handle the Marines. It's Air Force for me, or possibly, the Army. Everyone says the Air Force airmen are lazy, and spoiled...lol. The basic training is easier. Etc etc. But I think it would be a better environment for me personally.

[kristinpete38]

I have 17 years active service in the Army. I have worked in recruiting and with Reserves. I also have family that are in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve. I was a combat medic for most of my time. One thing that I always find funny is the stereotype that the Air Force is more intellectual. So not true. All branches have technical jobs now and the technology today is pretty advanced. The Navy has so many maintenance jobs and skills that are really advanced. There are many very intelligent people serving in all branches. One thing that I used to laugh at is that I would work with applicants wanting to enlist and after taking the ASVAB, didn't have the scores to be infantry or scouts, but could be an administration specialist or even work pay. All depends on how they test.

I know it will not make me popular but I do not recommend military service if you are changing your mind every other day. Serving is a commitment. Nothing pisses me off more than those that sign up, raise their hand, take the oath, and then attempt to quit because they don't like being told what to do. No honor.

Kristinpete38, make sure your not just fishing for something to do. This is a very important decision. PM me if you have questions.

I can respect authority figures. I don't rebel against rules or make much effort to get extra attention. The yelling and being told what to do will not be a problem for me. I like the idea of the PTs, the obstacles, learning the techniques, weaponry, and meeting people. My main worries are the gas chamber, the lowered hygiene and having to be around the other girls constantly. Guys are better/easier to be around imo. These aren't huge problems though. I can get past them.

I can say, I would like a little more action than a desk job...I'm not sure which jobs would fulfill that. I have my top jobs as Aerospace physiology, Digital Imaging (medical - xrays), Airborne Operations and working in the Cardiopulmonary Lab. I can only see a brief description of each on the main Air Force page, so I'm still not entirely clear on the requirements, duties and lifestyle of each

[kristinpete38]

I'm in the army national guard. Today makes 6 years. I've already signed up for another 6. My sister and girlfriend are in the air force. they both love it.

Great! Aren't the benefits/pay of the national guard much less? And don't you always have to be prepared to pick up and head into deployment? I actually want to be deployed elsewhere. And I know it won't be some holiday vacation. Most activity duty airmen are based overseas at some point in their military career.

As someone else said, I would have much better job security. I could save up and not worry about housing bills, food bills, loans, etc. All the while I would get an education and experience. Fantastic imo.

If somehow something absurd happened and everyone, including females, was shipped out for war...I could do it.