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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Which Military Branch...?
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Question
I am only 15, but am looking into the Military. I was certain about going into the Marines as soon as I came of age to sign up. I'd had it all thought through. And I was excited. I joined my school's Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program, and that made me want it even more. But my uncle, who is a retired Marine, told me that I should look into the Air Force, as that's where the brains are, and I am too smart for the Marines. Now I'm rethinking about it. And I'm just curious as to which one would be best for me. I do my best at everything and I'm always ready to learn something new. I'm the only cheerleader in Junior ROTC, but I love it. I'm just not so sure I want to be a Marine now. Can you help me?
Mandy -
Having never been a Marine, I can't speak for their general intelligence over another branch of service. Personally, I would never like to find myself on a battlefield with them on the other side.
The more practical question would be -- what do you want to do with your military career? Where do you want it to take you? I know at 15 you have other things on your mind than what to do with the rest of your life, but think of what trade you would like to learn, and work in that direction. If you want something computer related, civil engineer, aircraft operations or maintenance, there are many things you can work towards. If you haven't taken your ASVAB, see when you can get it scheduled. The scores will tell you what areas you have a knack for.
I will say that on the technical side -- computers and technology -- the Air Force has a very good training program and anything you do in those fields will take you far once you move back to civilian life. I have noticed that the Air Force is more corporate minded, so it's easier to "deprogram" yourself from the military as opposed to the Marines or Army.
That's about all I can provide in that direction. If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to answer them.
Sincerely,
James Bell
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Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Expertise
I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience
Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.
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