Several things:
Recruiters lie. If it isn't on paper, it doesn't exist.
The Air Force... They believe in creature comforts, they mostly just send the officers out to fight, and they practice the "petty harassment/ brainwashing" to a much lesser degree.
Reverse all of that for the Marine Corps. There are reasons for that. Those reasons make sense.
The other services fall somewhere in between, and a lot depends on both your MOS and your duty station.
None of the services are a bad choice, as long as you know what you're getting into, and are prepared to deal with each's idiosyncrasies.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by cjgallen
I want to join the Air Force for several reasons:
1. hate my current job, no satisfaction, pay sucks
2. job security, the civilian world is a scary place
3. serving my country, honor, blah blah
4. retirement after 20 years
5. other benefits
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1. Other options include finding a different, more satisfying, and better paying job not involving the military. You're only nineteen, you have the time to go out and look.
2. Civilian world a scary place? Try Fallujah, or Najaaf, right about now. Been following the news lately? The civilian world is daunting, yes, but scary? No. Give it some time, you'll get used to it. Job security can be accomplished without the aid of the military, and usually, at lesser expense.
3. Anyone who follows the phrase, "serving my country, honor" with "blah, blah" had better think twice before volunteering his ass to the military. Yes, or no--fine. "Blah, blah"....not fine. Better make sure, it's a lot easier to get in than it is to get out.
Also, think about the phrase, "serving my country". Consider what the military is doing right now, and whether or not YOU think that it is actually serving our country. If you think it does, fine-- go ahead. If it doesn't....
4. Retirement? There are other ways to do this as well.
5. Other benefits? Yep, also available elsewhere.
I am not trying to talk you into it. I am not trying to talk you out of it. I am just trying to make sure you know both what you'd be getting into, and that there are other options. I wish that someone had told me these things when I enlisted (the first time). Oh wait! Someone did. I was just too stupid to listen to my father, who had just retired from the Air Force. I must have been....oh, maybe...nineteen.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.