And I'm kind of certain what I want to do, but could always use recommendations. I'm 25 going on 26 come February and I'm looking at joining the USAF or the Army. I am really only considering the Army at this point because I'm not sure I would be able to get into the Airborne with my previous injury (TBI in 1999 exempts me from a lot of military jobs, including the one I wanted to do in 1999 which is piloting).

So I suppose I'm looking for recommendations from people who have served either with the Army or Air Force, any ideas on which one would be more worthwhile for me to pursue? Assuming that afterwards I should have a college degree in criminalistics and would like to go onto a forensic science of some sort linked into law enforcement (think CSI).

i was in the navy, so if you want my opinion, i would say air force. they have the easiest basic training, better quality of jobs with better pay, but both of the will pay for your schooling for forensic training. but the AF would be my first choice if i reenlisted.

I served 6 years in the Army. I would say go into the Air Force.If it's education your looking for and in that particular field you will a better chance of persuing that in the AF.

If you go Army and airborne you will be deployed A LOT trust me.

The problem with the Air Force is that I would almost have to get a degree before I joined. I only have a GED and out of GED applicants only 1% of them actually make it through to the Air Force, the Army on the other hand I would be within a 10% acceptance.

Direction wise, and depending on scores and recommendations I would be looking at Special Forces. Air Force limits me to pretty much AFSOC, while the Army I could go Rangers or Airborne, both of which I'm eligible for and capable of doing.

Honestly, if I had a better chance than 1% I probably would have joined the Air Force a few years ago as they were my first pick.

I looked at the Navy as well, how was the Navy when you were in?

That's actually what I want. If not for the experience but the training, honestly, I think I need that more than anything right now. I need something that keeps me on my toes, something that keeps me within line and orders...I need that direction, that experience.

I was in army. I would recomend air force if its eduction your looking for. At your age you will be with a bunch of kids in bootcamp who are 18 or 19. Your DI's will expect you to keep up with them at every level of physical training. Unless your in tip top shape I would avoid that whole ordeal. The Basic is what realy is hard in the ARmy at least the company I was with at Ft Knox all my DI's were airborn or ranger and expected all of us to go that rout and treated us as such. That being said I saw a mixed platoon once and the guys and girls had it far easier than we did.

I'm not just looking at the education, but also possibly a career. I plan on signing up for four years and seeing if it is actually something I do want to pursue. So, really, I'm looking at something that can possibly be a career for 20 years for me. I figure after four years I will have a better idea of whether or not I want to stick with it or get out and find a civilian job.

i was in during the 80's and i really did not like it. but that was my own fault for not watching my recruiter better. when you join any branch, just make sure any promises and schools ARE IN WRITING.
otherwise, they will screw you over faster than anything. i joined to be an ICman (Internal communications) on a submarine, and wound up being a boatswains-mate on a destroyer, all because i didn't have it signed on paper. and they will pay for your college, and you can go to school before you get into bootcamp... check with a recruiter, they can tell you everything you need to know.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll definitely be talking to multiple recruiters and weighing my options, and now I'll make sure everything is on paper.

The Branch doesn't really matter as much as the MOS (military occupational specialty)

Like MM said, make sure you pick the correct MOS.

I was an SP/SS in the Air Force. I can remember when I was in the SP academy at Lackland there were only about 10 people in the criminal investigations program. OSI is a small group and the chances of getting in are slim and none.

SP/LE is a cushy job. You man gates or get to drive around the base harassing everyone.

As far as I know ParaRescue and Combat Controller were the only "special" forces jobs that I can recall when I was in. Combat Controller was the elite job. ParaRescue was open to any enlisted person who wants to try to make it. I can't remember if you tryout during the end of basic or at the beginning of AIT. Either way they might take 1 out of every 100 that makes an attempt.

The thing that stands out and something I didn't expect going in was the testing. The USAF tests the crap out of you. You have required job knowledge tests and depending on your AFSC you may have specialized tests as well.. You need to pass those tests or you can expect a wrath of crap..

If I had to choose again, I would certainly go back into the AF.

Whichever one you go for, make sure an attorney explains the contract you sign. Guaranteeing you get the MOS you sign for.

yeah.. I had 10 jobs listed and SP wasn't one of them..

I had 10 bases listed and not one of them was CONUS and I ended up in the middle of the desert.. Kirtland AFB Albuquerque New Mexico..

Wasn't a good start to my enlistment.

Fear, you are a friend and I honestly mean this from my heart. Have you lost your god damned mind. You may think you need that dicipline. Once you are in you have no choice. They own you brother. The military will chew you up and spit you out. There are other options. Of course just my opinion............

That's the plan.

I'm just getting different perspectives on the choices I have available. I do plan on looking into the Air Force first, then trickle down. Unfortunately, I have to be careful not to sign anything until I'm 100% sure, not 99% or any other percent other than 100%.

I understand your concern, newark. However, this is something I've thought a lot about for the last five or so years and something I'm still going to be doing a lot of thinking about. I don't plan on joining with a half-assed attitude or any type of doubt, the only way I will join is if I will go in with 100% confidence.

I didn't think you would. Like I said just my opinion. I am sure you will do your due dilligence. Just keep in touch........

Well, I guess the Marines are not anywhere in your decision to join?

Not currently, but I am open to suggestions.

It's a challenge. But, the end result is awesome. Was in for 6. Loved every minute of it. During Boot Camp. Never call the Drill Instructor a Drill Sargent.

I think my ribs are hurting just thinking about what happened to that guy after he said that...lol

During are cattle car drive at Camp Pendleton. We had a few guys start talking about how they wish they would have stayed in the Army, Navy, Air Force. All of them started talking how F'n hard it was.

If you are strong mentally. You can do it. Marine is a title you earn and carry it with you for the rest of your life.

Watch The D.I. with Jack Webb. Full Metal Jacket, Born on the Fourth of July.

If you want. I suggest read up on the history of the Corps. As with any other service you may decide on. Hit amazon.com and go to a Barnes and noble.

Semper Fi

Dude I'm with Newark on this. I don't think you are the military type of guy. But if you are really serious about it. And an elite service is what you are looking for, and you think you are up to the rigorous physical and mental part of it, consider Air Force Pararescue. There is no more elite unit in the service. (I know I will get a lot of argument on that). The training is rigorous, demanding, and tougher than hell. You will get medical training and be one tough S.O.B. if you pass the course, few do.