[desertt5]

I joined the Marines right out of high school. Best decision of my life. I contracted for avionics. There are many fields in the Marines that you never sleep on a rock. I spent a total of 7 nights in the field in 20 years. All of those were in a training enviornment.

I spent 7 years of my time in Navy commands for schools and instructor duty. I now work with active duty Air Force. IMO, the Marines are the proudest, most disciplined and develop leadership skills the best. The ground side (infantry and such) is a toatlly different world than the air wing side of the Corps. I would not anyone I like join the infantry.

The Navy always seemed like it would not be bad, except the being out to sea. I did one 6 month float, that was plenty for a lifetime.

The little contact I had with the Army was always negative. I never met a Soldier that was happy.

The Air Force seems like civilians in uniform ( at least 75% in the command I work for) on a daily basis. The lack of pride, the this is only a job attitude, and I can't wait to get out and go back to school I hear daily matches what my 2 older brothers experienced in their enlistments in the AF.

The technical jobs are the same for all branches, except Navy is the only ones that offer nuke training.

My oldest son is in basic training in GA right now. The wife and I gladly signed for him to go at 17 knowing he would be alright. He went National Guard for the colelge $$$ to start, but says there is a chance he will go active once that is complete.

Any branch is a great way for kids to be on their own, to grow, and figure out what they want. The whole time they are figuring this out, they have a saftey net in place.

I saw a few kids lives truly changed for the better during my 3 years as a recruiter. Most parents were surprised at how their son changed in 13 weeks at boot camp. Every parent was beaming with pride after seeing their son graduate from boot camp.

(yes, I may be a little prejudice)