Career Paths, Military?

Recently I've been trying to get into a biology master's program to pursue a career in some form of ecology/marine biology, but have never been 100% tied down to any specific career goal. Recently, some shit occurred in my personal life and I've started redebating what path I want to follow in life. For a long time, I've concerned the military services. So I guess my question is this, as a college educated individual, on my way towards getting a graduate degree, does anyone have any opinions about military service that they want to throw at me? I've contacted an Army Recruiter, but am also considering contacting the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. To be honest, in some ways the coast guard might appeal the most to me, as they are non-combat oriented and have a lot of rescue programs (I've always been a big outdoorsman and have a number of outdoor certifications ranging from SCUBA to some rescue certifications). Anyways, please no flaming or trolling this thread. I'm really curious as to whether anyone has any opinions or experiences they'd like to share. (I'm not really looking at the marines, don't know why, but of the branches they've never appealed to me as much, but might be worth looking in to).

what no marines!!! semper fi dude

For what you want to do, I think the Navy would be the best bet. It would look good on your resume and open quite a few doors for you.

I am in the Royal Air Force, but as for the yanks, the coastguard is probably best, you wont be firing on friendlies then.

go the navy...


Where can you find pleasure
Search the world for treasure
Learn science technology
Where can you begin to make your dreams all come true
On the land or on the sea
Where can you learn to fly
Play in sports and skin dive
Study oceanography
Sign of for the big band
Or sit in the grandstand
When your team and others meet
In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
If you like adventure
Don't you wait to enter
The recruiting office fast
Don't you hesitate
There is no need to wait
They're signing up new seamen fast
Maybe you are too young
To join up today
Bout don't you worry 'bout a thing
For I'm sure there will be
Always a good navy
Protecting the land and sea
In the navy
Yes, you can sail the seven seas
In the navy
Yes, you can put your mind at ease
In the navy
Come on now, people, make a stand
In the navy, in the navy
Can't you see we need a hand
In the navy
Come on, protect the motherland
In the navy
Come on and join your fellow man
In the navy
Come on people, and make a stand
In the navy, in the navy, in the navy (in the navy)
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
Who me?
They want you, they want you
They want you as a new recruit
But, but but I'm afraid of water.
Hey, hey look
Man, I get seasick even watchin' it on TV!
They want you, they want you in the navy
Oh my goodness.
What am I gonna do in a submarine?
They want you, they want you in the navy


nuff said

I've been in the Army for 11 years now, but I would have to say for what you are looking for and interested in, Navy would be for you...

The army has "boaties" too, but nothing as extensive as what you are looking for.

Quote:

Originally posted by Fannyman

I am in the Royal Air Force, but as for the yanks, the coastguard is probably best, you wont be firing on friendlies then.

Royal Canadian Air Force here mate. I am currently an active combat pilot, of course Canada has no Air Wars going on right now, so it's exercises only for me =P

For you education i would definitely look into the navy, but as a retired army man, i had to vote army, take your time and explore options put alot of effoert into your options, you will not regret your efforts, be educated on what you what out of the services, i also agree the coast guard may be a very good choice, just look into all the possiabilities open to you, and consider going the commisioned route opposed to the non commisoned route, Best of luck to you, feel free to contact me if you have any questions that i might be to help you with concerning the army

Canada has an air force?..

carrying pigeons

Thank God you are canadian Honda otherwise i would have kicked you in the groin. :P

As an active duty Soldier for the Army, STAY AWAY! I've been to Iraq, and it's not worth it. Also, if a recruiter's mouth is moving, he's lying.

I too have been looking into military service. I couldnt afford to go to college when I last looked into it and I wasnt very comfortable jumping into debt. I have always been an adreniline junkie personaly but got pretty computer savy over the years. For me, im trying to figure out if either the USMC or Airforce is right for me. In all honesty though, im running the risk of being homeless pretty soon and if I hit that point, its going to be whoever will take me. In your situation it definatly sounds like your leaning towards the Navy, tech and resume wise. If you want more of the satisfaction of helping people (ie rescues)I would lean towards coast guard.

Sorry for thread jacking, just felt I had to breifly express my similar situation aswell.

we're always looking for a few good men/women!!!! US ARMY!

I dont know about anyone else but from my civilian standpoint.. the Army is looking like cannon fodder these days. At the same time, we all know that cruising those streets in Humvees is a dangerous job and someone has to do it.

Quote:

Originally posted by Jujubeez

what no marines!!! semper fi dude

I agree, my personal choice anyways semper fi!!!!

awesome,trust luv it ^^^^

i dont even understand why anyone would consider the defence forces at this period in time. I had the option of joining ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) and do Engineering, but im glad i took the "be in debt" option and went to Uni instead. Im 30 and debts paid off..

but thats just my opinion, and thats what suited ME. Good luck with your choices.

don't go into any type of military service! There are all kinds of life options that are amazing and lucrative and don't involve getting sent into battle to kill and be killed for someone else. I spent two years in a war, watched my friends get blown to pieces and I"m telling you nothing in the world is worth that!-Unless you are actually protecting your own land (the US was invaded or something like that)it doesn't make sense. I have a friend who loves the outdoors got a job a few years ago with the Y.M.C.A taking out canoe and kyaking trips and has since travelled all over the world taking people out on white water rafting, canoe, boating etc trips. Under no circumstances should you enter the military. Anyone who tells you that should is not your friend (again it's different if you are fighting for your own home).