Which branch of the army should I join?

some people need to do the military. because they have no guidance at home to show them the way. I did army reserve for 8 years. and no desire to get military retirement I soured two years in my 8 year commitment. so miserable for six years, but… not everyone had same experience. this is what I would suggest if doing the military.

1. don’t go in as the bottom rank. three levels of private for army and you can go in as private first class (e3) from highschool. so that is the way to go, don’t let your recruiter tell you otherwise.

2. id recommend air force or marines over army. army was not physically challenging for me. I was in better shape before going to basic training, than when I came back. it was ‘fat camp’ there and I gained weight because I wasn’t challenged, so I wish I had done marines for that reason. air force generally more educated people running things from people that I’ve talked to. in the army, there are a lot of not bright people giving you tasks, and as a whole the joke/serious motto of the army is hurry up and wait.

3. highly recommend picking an MOS with the highest possible clearance instead of taking an MOS with the highest bonus, usually the clearance MOSes have little or no signing bonuses, there is a reason for this kids, it’s because THEY ARE INVALUABLE in the civilian world and they have a hard time retaining those people, because they cash in the civilian world.

4. I’d recommend finding seeking out people in jobs/careers you want to do, military or not. not ones your recruiter points you to.

to summarize, resist picking an MOS based on signing bonus. if reserves resist picking a unit just based on location.

THINK LONG TERM.