Thinking of Joining the Military? V2 - General

[QUOTE=Physduke;35788740]So let me get this straight, Marines-Hardcore/Alpha Class Airforce- Need Schooling/Get to Fly Army- Beta sorry excuses for soldiers?[/QUOTE] Um, not at all.

[QUOTE=Physduke;35788740]So let me get this straight, Marines-Hardcore/Alpha Class Airforce- Need Schooling/Get to Fly Army- Beta sorry excuses for soldiers?[/QUOTE] I've worked with great people, and not so great people, from every branch. That being said, I'd rather have my cornea shaved off slowly using nothing more then a bag of stale pretzels that were stored in Rosie O'donnell's vagina, immediately followed followed by a testicular vivisection performed by coked out parkinsons sufferer, in lieu of ever having to deploy with a National Guard unit ever again.

[QUOTE=Physduke;35788740]So let me get this straight, Marines-Hardcore/Alpha Class Airforce- Need Schooling/Get to Fly Army- Beta sorry excuses for soldiers?[/QUOTE] What the fuck?! Man, I am in Army Aviation. I do get to fly. Sorry excuse for soldiers? We are more soldier than you ever will be. Quit acting like a punk and go hang out in another thread that caters more towards your... mental capacity.

What is with the "hurr marines" flag waving. I know hazing between branches is good but it always seems a little bit over the top when people are talking about marines over every other branch.

[QUOTE=Physduke;35788740]So let me get this straight, Marines-Hardcore/Alpha Class Airforce- Need Schooling/Get to Fly Army- Beta sorry excuses for soldiers?[/QUOTE] nop [editline]2nd May 2012[/editline] [QUOTE=Zambies!;35794000]What is with the "hurr marines" flag waving. I know hazing between branches is good but it always seems a little bit over the top when people are talking about marines over every other branch.[/QUOTE] pretty much because of call of duty 4

My grandpa told me, "Remember, if you become a soldier or airman, always remember that the USMC is part of the navy." :v:

[b]A[/b]in't [b]R[/b]eady to be a [b]M[/b]arine [b]Y[/b]et :v:

The USMC is a department of the Navy, the Men's department. That being said all branches do their part and all deserve equal respect.

Finished MEPs today. 5am to 1pm to process everything. The Lt. Col. was right when she said, welcome to the uniform; prepare to wait alot.

So I was thinking about joining Army Infantry after high school which is coming up soon, I will be a senior this upcoming new semester. I was just wondering about physical requirements? I've always been somewhat athletic since my balls dropped, but I'm still somewhat concerned. How prepped should I be? Are the strength test requirements the same or somewhat like the Marines strength test? Also, does infantry training involve paratrooper training?

[QUOTE=Desert Rat;35805706]So I was thinking about joining Army Infantry after high school which is coming up soon, I will be a senior this upcoming new semester. I was just wondering about physical requirements? I've always been somewhat athletic since my balls dropped, but I'm still somewhat concerned. How prepped should I be? Are the strength test requirements the same or somewhat like the Marines strength test? Also, does infantry training involve paratrooper training?[/QUOTE] Here is what will happen. You enlist as an 11x. Depending upon your contract, you might get Ranger school or Airborne, if any at all. You go to OSUT at Ft. Benning. Eventually you will become either one of two things, 11B (infantry) or 11C (indirect fire support(mortarman)). Then you go to your unit and have a sucky life as an infantryman. I would avoid infantry if I was you. Not nearly as fun or glamorous as people think it is.

[QUOTE=SKEEA;35810662]Here is what will happen. You enlist as an 11x. Depending upon your contract, you might get Ranger school or Airborne, if any at all. You go to OSUT at Ft. Benning. Eventually you will become either one of two things, 11B (infantry) or 11C (indirect fire support(mortarman)). Then you go to your unit and have a sucky life as an infantryman. I would avoid infantry if I was you. Not nearly as fun or glamorous as people think it is.[/QUOTE] What would you recommend? I want to do something respectable, but I don't know if I'm good enough to be a marine.

[QUOTE=Desert Rat;35812585]I don't know if I'm good enough to be a marine[/QUOTE]Everybody is good enough to be a Marine, it's just a matter of how much effort you put into becoming one

[QUOTE=Glitch360;35813036]Everybody is good enough to be a Marine, it's just a matter of how much effort you put into becoming one[/QUOTE] I'm going to be perfectly honest right now I have a phobia of the ocean and other very deep pools of water. And since the marines are part of the navy, I would assume I would have to do a lot of water and ocean-based training, if not combat. I know its really stupid, and joining the military involves concurring your fears, but its just one of the factors I have to look at. Other than that, I think the only thing holding me back is physical training, but thats something that can be achieved with hard work, dedication and time.

[QUOTE=Desert Rat;35814038]I'm going to be perfectly honest right now I have a phobia of the ocean and other very deep pools of water. And since the marines are part of the navy, I would assume I would have to do a lot of water and ocean-based training, if not combat. I know its really stupid, and joining the military involves concurring your fears, but its just one of the factors I have to look at. Other than that, I think the only thing holding me back is physical training, but thats something that can be achieved with hard work, dedication and time.[/QUOTE]I have a fear of deep water too :v: In lakes and oceans I always feel like something is going to grab me and pull me down But like all phobias it can be conquered. I used to be scared of large heights, but after a few flights in a small 2-person cessna plane and spending time on rooftops of various heights, it went away almost completely. As far as I know, you don't have to do much water-based training in basic training. If you're going infantry the amount of swimming you do is likely minimal, whereas if you want to be a recon man then water will be your new home. I plan on joining Recon, should be a good way to conquer my fear of deep water

[QUOTE=Glitch360;35814631]I have a fear of deep water too :v: In lakes and oceans I always feel like something is going to grab me and pull me down But like all phobias it can be conquered. I used to be scared of large heights, but after a few flights in a small 2-person cessna plane and spending time on rooftops of various heights, it went away almost completely. As far as I know, you don't have to do much water-based training in basic training. If you're going infantry the amount of swimming you do is likely minimal, whereas if you want to be a recon man then water will be your new home. I plan on joining Recon, should be a good way to conquer my fear of deep water[/QUOTE] Heh, I guess thats very true. I've always been kind of curious, what dictates what kind of infantryman you are (rifleman, support, marksman, etc etc)? Is it based on how well you do with certain weapons/skills in training?

Kind of. There is a section of MOSs devoted to infantry roles. In the Marines each MOS, or job, has 4 numbers that represent that MOS. All of the infantry MOSs start with 03 Here's a full list of the current infantry MOSs: [url]http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/03.htm[/url]

[QUOTE=Glitch360;35816233]Kind of. There is a section of MOSs devoted to infantry roles. In the Marines each MOS, or job, has 4 numbers that represent that MOS. All of the combat/infantry MOSs start with 03 Here's a full list of the current combat MOSs: [url]http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/03.htm[/url][/QUOTE] I wouldn't say all combat MOS's start with 03, just infantry.

[QUOTE=Desert Rat;35812585]What would you recommend? I want to do something respectable, but I don't know if I'm good enough to be a marine.[/QUOTE] Don't take a shitty job just because it sounds respectable. Do what is going to better you the most in the outside world. Being infantry is cool to say but what's it going to do for you when you get out? Gotta think for the future, you might decide you don't want to be in the military forever. Gotta plan for when you get out. Squeeze the most out of the military you possibly can.

[QUOTE=Desert Rat;35816158]Heh, I guess thats very true. I've always been kind of curious, what dictates what kind of infantryman you are (rifleman, support, marksman, etc etc)? Is it based on how well you do with certain weapons/skills in training?[/QUOTE] In the Army, you just kind of get picked. You will do all of the roles eventually. If you are a very good marksman, you might be the designated marksman. Alternatives to infantry are plentiful, as most of the military is combat support. I am in Army Aviation as a Kiowa Warrior crew chief, and there are a thousand opportunities for me outside of the service. I see a lot of people in aviation making bank.

Marine infantry is looking pretty damn good :v: [editline]4th May 2012[/editline] The reason I ask about rolls is because I, in an odd way, don't wish to be a sniper marksman. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but growing up shooting firearms with my father, I've always been an incredibly good shot, sometimes even better than my father whos been shooting far longer than I have. As much as I enjoy precision shooting, I don't think I can possibly take the waiting for hours on end motionless in a building, or the extremely precise math gone into long range shooting. All I want to do is be an average grunt rifleman in infantry following orders.

[QUOTE=Desert Rat;35820299]Marine infantry is looking pretty damn good :v: [editline]4th May 2012[/editline] The reason I ask about rolls is because I, in an odd way, don't wish to be a sniper marksman. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but growing up shooting firearms with my father, I've always been an incredibly good shot, sometimes even better than my father whos been shooting far longer than I have. As much as I enjoy precision shooting, I don't think I can possibly take the waiting for hours on end motionless in a building, or the extremely precise math gone into long range shooting. All I want to do is be an average grunt rifleman in infantry following orders.[/QUOTE] The only way you would be doing that long range hours on end math sniper shooting is if you actually applied for and got a slot at Army sniper school and actually passed. SDM is more like you get an optic on your weapon that zooms a bit more. However, like I said, you sort of get picked based upon the mission or whatever the squad/platoon leader feels would be adequate. I don't understand your big want to be infantry. What drives you do want infantry?

[QUOTE=SKEEA;35820454]The only way you would be doing that long range hours on end math sniper shooting is if you actually applied for and got a slot at Army sniper school and actually passed. SDM is more like you get an optic on your weapon that zooms a bit more. However, like I said, you sort of get picked based upon the mission or whatever the squad/platoon leader feels would be adequate. I don't understand your big want to be infantry. What drives you do want infantry?[/QUOTE] Ah ok, that makes more sense. I only know about marksman and snipers from instructional videos I've found on youtube, which isn't much. Infantry is just something I enjoy. I don't want to operate or fix a vehicle or man weapon systems. I want to be there, side by side with other soldiers, fighting. Even if that means sitting in fields of grass prone for 5 hours shooting at other fields of grass that shot at us. I guess I don't fully know. It just ultimately comes down to something I enjoy.

[QUOTE=Desert Rat;35820516]Ah ok, that makes more sense. I only know about marksman and snipers from instructional videos I've found on youtube, which isn't much. Infantry is just something I enjoy. I don't want to operate or fix a vehicle or man weapon systems. I want to be there, side by side with other soldiers, fighting. Even if that means sitting in fields of grass prone for 5 hours shooting at other fields of grass that shot at us. I guess I don't fully know. It just ultimately comes down to something I enjoy.[/QUOTE] That's the kind of answer I expected. Operate a vehicle? Infantry do that all the time, who do you think drives the MRAPs and Humvees? Man weapons systems? Have fun in that turret. If you get lucky enough to get assigned an M240B have fun carrying a 27.6 pound (dry) 42 in. weapon everywhere. You also get the shortest end of the stick possible on deployment and have to deal with petty BS in garrison. Not to mention you have no employment waiting for you after service. Also, getting shot at is not an enjoyable experience in the slightest. You WILL see some of your buddies die. After knowing all this, do you still want to be Infantry? If yes, then go for it. Infantry is something you truly, truly need to know for 100% certain you want to do.

[QUOTE=SKEEA;35820594]That's the kind of answer I expected. Operate a vehicle? Infantry do that all the time, who do you think drives the MRAPs and Humvees? Man weapons systems? Have fun in that turret. If you get lucky enough to get assigned an M240B have fun carrying a 27.6 pound (dry) 42 in. weapon everywhere. You also get the shortest end of the stick possible on deployment and have to deal with petty BS in garrison. Not to mention you have no employment waiting for you after service. Also, getting shot at is not an enjoyable experience in the slightest. You WILL see some of your buddies die. After knowing all this, do you still want to be Infantry? If yes, then go for it. Infantry is something you truly, truly need to know for 100% certain you want to do.[/QUOTE] I mean operate a vehicle as in operating a tank or something of the like, and weapon systems as in the missile launch systems (However I read up on that in the army, not marines, so I may be wrong there). I have no problem with Humvees or mounted turrets. However, you definitely bring up some good points, and I will think long and hard about them. What other roll would you suggest?

[QUOTE=Desert Rat;35820605]I mean operate a vehicle as in operating a tank or something of the like, and weapon systems as in the missile launch systems (However I read up on that in the army, not marines, so I may be wrong there). I have no problem with Humvees or mounted turrets. However, you definitely bring up some good points, and I will think long and hard about them. What other roll would you suggest?[/QUOTE] I would keep your options open. If you really want to be Infantry, go for it. As an alternative, however, you could always be field artillery. Still combat arms, but you get to play with the big guns. You could also try to become a 15T which is UH-60 helicopter repairer, also known as a crew chief. They actually fly with the helicopter, manning the door mounted stuff, as well as perform maintenance. I am a 15S myself. Also remember this: In the Army, you get to pick your job. The Marine Corps TELLS you what job you are getting. I had 2 buddies join the marines wanting to be infantry, but the USMC gave them the MOS where you are essentially furniture movers. [editline]4th May 2012[/editline] Signing off for the night, think long and hard desert rat. We always need infantry, but that is not the only combat arms job in the Army.

[QUOTE=SKEEA;35820661]I would keep your options open. If you really want to be Infantry, go for it. As an alternative, however, you could always be field artillery. Still combat arms, but you get to play with the big guns. You could also try to become a 15T which is UH-60 helicopter repairer, also known as a crew chief. They actually fly with the helicopter, manning the door mounted stuff, as well as perform maintenance. I am a 15S myself. Also remember this: In the Army, you get to pick your job. The Marine Corps TELLS you what job you are getting. I had 2 buddies join the marines wanting to be infantry, but the USMC gave them the MOS where you are essentially furniture movers. [editline]4th May 2012[/editline] Signing off for the night, think long and hard desert rat. We always need infantry, but that is not the only combat arms job in the Army.[/QUOTE] Thank you very much, you've been very helpful. If the marines tells me my job and the army lets me choose, I just might do army then. I'd hate to be stuck with something I don't enjoy. I'll look into field artillery. As for 15T, I've never been much of a repairman, and I think I would be terrible at that haha.

[QUOTE=SKEEA;35820594]That's the kind of answer I expected. Operate a vehicle? Infantry do that all the time, who do you think drives the MRAPs and Humvees? Man weapons systems? Have fun in that turret. If you get lucky enough to get assigned an M240B have fun carrying a 27.6 pound (dry) 42 in. weapon everywhere. You also get the shortest end of the stick possible on deployment and have to deal with petty BS in garrison. Not to mention you have no employment waiting for you after service. Also, getting shot at is not an enjoyable experience in the slightest. You WILL see some of your buddies die. After knowing all this, do you still want to be Infantry? If yes, then go for it. Infantry is something you truly, truly need to know for 100% certain you want to do.[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Desert Rat;35820699]Thank you very much, you've been very helpful. If the marines tells me my job and the army lets me choose, I just might do army then. I'd hate to be stuck with something I don't enjoy. I'll look into field artillery. As for 15T, I've never been much of a repairman, and I think I would be terrible at that haha.[/QUOTE] I was a 25B and spent half of my first tour as a .50cal gunner. Ultimately it doesn't matter what MOS you have, you are a soldier first, and soldiers shoot things. [editline]4th May 2012[/editline] I don't know where this "army lets you choose your job and that's all I will ever do" keeps coming from, but I assure you that its patently false. Sure stateside that is mostly true, but when you get called up all bets are off. You go where you are needed, and do what needs to be done.

[QUOTE=Morphology53;35824817]I was a 25B and spent half of my first tour as a .50cal gunner. Ultimately it doesn't matter what MOS you have, you are a soldier first, and soldiers shoot things. [editline]4th May 2012[/editline] I don't know where this "army lets you choose your job and that's all I will ever do" keeps coming from, but I assure you that its patently false. Sure stateside that is mostly true, but when you get called up all bets are off. You go where you are needed, and do what needs to be done.[/QUOTE] I never said that the job you choose is the only thing you do. They made it VERY clear to us when we joined and went through IET that we were soldiers first. If they need people, they will take whoever for guard duty or patrol. With my MOS it is different. We would go outside the wire really only if there was a downed aircraft recovery mission. They need us crew chiefs maintaining the helicopters, not always going out on patrol. 25B? What exactly do you do on deployment, or in garrison for that matter. Aren't you guys the computer tech support for the Army? [editline]4th May 2012[/editline] Just wondering, cuz a few friends considered 25B.

I am really liking the idea of being an field artillery crewman (possibly 13M, 13D or 13B, but I'm still looking). Just one last question that I'm sure is asked many times but I can't seem to find a definitive answer. Service lengths. I read that for, at least for the marines, you are deployed for a few months at a time then go home for about a year and repeat until your contract is up. Does the same work for the Army? I have a friend whos brother did a tour in the army and isnt going back unless called upon during his 8 year contract. SKEEA I cannot thank you enough for your suggestion. Ever since you mentioned it I've been thinking a lot about it and I really really like the idea and have a very good feeling about it. You've been a big help to me.