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I'm the Son of a Sailor and chose the USAF because, among other reasons, I hated my dad's long cruises. I was in aircraft maintenance in the USAF and loved it. But I've gotta be honest; being a part of carrier ops on Phantoms, Tomcats, or even A-7s Corsairs would've been AWESOME! (Army Blackhawks would be a close second...)
I guess I kinda missed the OP's original intent; For me, the USAF's aircraft were the main attraction. (Which is strange, because I enlisted thinking I'd like some cushy office job. looking back, I'm glad I ended up on the flight line.)
I joined the Coast Guard Reserve in 1964 and served until 1970. I like the Coast Guard because it is the smallest of the services and that is a big plus to me. I got to go on a trip to Honolulu and Van Couver, BC. Two weeks in Corpus Christi, Galveston and Yorktown, VA were my summer camps. Great times.
Army. Besides the fact that it was the branch I served in, it is the one indispensable branch of the military. But I admire all the branches, each for different reasons.
USAF - No one does airpower as good as the US does. If you were putting together an all time all star team of the best branches from any country or time period I can think of other navy's or army's I might pick before ours, but the USAF is the hands down winner of their group. And the second place finisher is waaaayy back.
USMC - Got to respect the Esprit de Corps and Elan. Best uniforms too.
USN - Tradition of taking "a fast ship in harm's way" is very cool. Also respect them for something I probably could'nt handle personally - all the time at sea & seperation from family. I respect folks who sign up for that duty, it takes a real desire to serve.
USCG - They go out to sea when its so rough even the Navy won't and usually it's to rescue others. Big hearts & big balls all in one.
Coast Guard...even though they aren't a military branch of service, I respect their mission as such. Coast Guard was my first choice of service before I enlisted in the air force but the waiting list was too long at the time and I wanted to depart sooner. I had already spent a week on an aircraft carrier thanks to my cousin who was in the navy and got me on a tiger cruise. I realized that long six month tours out to sea would not be for me. But the CG really appealed to me, part of me still wishes I would have served in the CG.
United States Navy. Reason being that my service for the last 23 years has provided a decent life for my family even though it's required time apart and sacrifice.
Coast Guard...even though they aren't a military branch of service, I respect their mission as such. Coast Guard was my first choice of service before I enlisted in the air force but the waiting list was too long at the time and I wanted to depart sooner. I had already spent a week on an aircraft carrier thanks to my cousin who was in the navy and got me on a tiger cruise. I realized that long six month tours out to sea would not be for me. But the CG really appealed to me, part of me still wishes I would have served in the CG.
Sorry, beg to differ. When a real war is declared, the CG becomes part of the Navy. In WW2, it was the CG that took the landing crafts onto the beach of Normandy. The CG took high causalties for that service. In Viet Nam the CG was running small boats on the rivers.
The Coast Guard is one of the 5 Branches of the Military. I am Active Duty in the US Coast Guard and love it. BTW the Coast Guard is the oldest continuously serving branch of the military.
Here's a link showing the 5 branches of the military:Today's Military - Military Service Branches
I have only been in the Air Force, yet I've worked with the other branches; except for the USCG...
In my opinions...
Air Force: Best quality of life, never do I feel "enlistment remorse"...
Navy: Tends to pay more than the other services, very high odds that you get to see the world, high odds of getting stuck on a ship...
Marines: For me, I'd be proud to be Marine, however I really don't want to live their life. Too military for me.
Army: I think if I enlisted I'd have the most enlistment remorse...You do a lot of hardcore military things like the marines, but are not a marine.
USCG: Again, I really don't know about them, this was my 2nd enlistment choice, but the basic was about twice as long as the air force...
Definitely the Navy. The Navy is more versatile than than the other services, which make the Navy unique. Plus they the have some of the best technical training among the services.
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(Army Blackhawks would be a close second...)
beg to differ. When a real war is declared, the CG becomes part of the Navy. In WW2, it was the CG that took the landing crafts onto the beach of Normandy. The CG took high causalties for that service.
In Viet Nam the CG was running small boats on the rivers.
