Joining the military? Which branch should I choose?

Question

I am interested in the military. I have a strong military background. My father has served in the marine corps 22 years now, my grandfather served in the army and the marine corp for over 20 years, and every other male on both my mother's side and father's side have served at least one term. I would like to serve my country, and join the military, but have had some trouble deciding which branch to join. I would like to serve just one term, because I want to attend a technical school, wyotech, in sacramento. I was accepted, but I do not have the means to pay for it. The tuition for my first year alone is $23,700. My interest is in doing something as an automotive mechanic in the military. I've spoken to everybody in my family, as well as friends who all have experience in the military, but have received so many different answers and opinions that I feel a little lost. What branch would you recommend, and specific job in that branch that relates to my interest as a mechanic? A job that will also allow me to achieve my goal of attending Wyotech, as well as offer experience in an automotive field? I live in California, and am 18 years old. I just graduated in june from high school. I am physically fit, and had very good grades in high school. I am a good student, and a hard worker. I truly, truly appreciate your time and any answers you may have. Thank you.

Answer 1

I have only served in the Navy, so I cannot speak for the other services. I am a bit prejudiced in my belief that the Navy provides the best technical training of the four services (no offense intended all you other services! ;)  

Ships and subs at sea cannot get help from civilian tech reps, they are self-reliant, therefore sailors must be fully proficient at their jobs.

The Navy has ratings (jobs) such as Engineman (EN), Machinist's Mate (MM), Gas Turbine Systems Tech Mechanical (GSM), and the Seabees need Construction Mechanics (CM). If you score high enough on your ASVAB, you can qualify for the Navy's Nuclear Field, and be a Nuke Machinist's Mate.

Check out the attached link - there's lots more available.

I was an electronics tech (ET) for six years, and I have worked in the semiconductor/electronics industry for 20+ years since I got out. The Navy was a great starting point for me.

Answer 2

When people ask this question, I normally say "go talk to both recruiters".  I do this because I know when you talk to an Army recruiter and then talk to a Marine recruiter, you will find a huge difference.  I believe each person will know pretty much right away which is for them.

What makes this a bit different is that you've got family in both, so I would have thought you would already gotten a feel for the two services.

Still, maybe you didn't talk much about it with your family.  Go talk to the recruiters.  You don't have to sign anything, just talk.

Answer 3

well, I can only speak for the Marine Corps. check all the branches out, think of what you want to do forever,if its machanical, then the marine corps isn't the best, reasearch ALL the branches the training, you'll figure it out. I'd say the Army, they have a great MOS variety.

Answer 4

The Air Force has a large range of trainings in plane maintenance and mechanics so that is where i would go.  If you do ROTC, they will pay for almost all of you college.

Answer 5

well every branch has mechanical jobs. I believe right now the Army is giving the most toward college expenses, but it also depends  on what mechanics you want to do. for Automotive mechanics, go army. for Aircraft mechanics, go Air Force/Navy/Marines. All-in-all every branch has mechanical jobs for every person.

Answer 6

whether people think so or not, the Coast Guard is also part of the military. Its a pretty great service but I do know that the need for mechs isnt probably as much as other services. My husband works on the hh-60 and loves it although it is very hard work but he is also a tweet.  

Answer 7

I know that you specified automotive, but have you ever considered working on airplanes. My husband was in the air force for 7 years and learned how to work on planes then. After getting out of the air force he went for his a & p license (1.5 years) and now he works for gulfstream. He loves it and it pays really well. Better yet, there is a massive amount of people who are getting ready for retirement in this field so they are pushing this profession. Also, I have never been in the military, but I have date and married men that have. Air force gets more time off and is alot easier than any other branch however it is also harder to get into. d**n I love a man in uniform. Good Luck

Answer 8

It just so happens that I am married to an F-16 mechanic.  The AF now has a program to the to help the airmen get their A&P license.  A&P stands for Airframe and Power plantt.  You have to have that license in order to work in the civilian world.  

We currently have 5yrs left in the AF.  My husband no longer turns wrenches on the jets but he will tell you that he misses it and loved working on his planes.  He was also fortunate enough to get to work on the F-117 Nighthawk.

So if you are interested in working on aircraft I highly suggest looking into the Air Force.

Best of Luck!

Answer 9

USAF............The Air Force has lots of aircraft and they need lots of people to maintain and repair them; Also you could join the Air Force Reserves and learn your trade and complete your school and the Air Force pay for it.