Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Which is a better service?

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Expert: - 11/3/2006


Question
I don't want to use the term "better" but i want to know which would be the best branch of service for me to join. I am in school for computer science both my father and grandfather served in the army, my grandfather stormed iwajima (i believe that's how you spell it), I was wondering about the differences between army, navy, air force, and the Marines. I'm looking for a path with both career opportunities and/or skill sets that i can use in the corporate/private sector. Your help would be appreciated.

Answer
Carlo:

  If you want to continue in the field of computer science, realistically, the Air Force will probably offer you better technical training;  however, it really boils down to what you want to do, and where you want to go, and how you want to get there.  If you want to just get some training and then leave the military, then, again, the Air Force is probably your best option.  If you want to be able to say, decades from now, "I was a....." (Fill in the blank with whatever, 'Marine like my grandfather', etc, then the Marines are the way to go.  They do have folks that work with computers, and it's a very competitive MOS in the Marine Corps;  plus, you'll get to do things you'd never do in the Air Force.

 I'd talk to recruiters from both services, and tell them what you are interested in, then go for it!

Best Regards,
Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

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Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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