Why the Army and not another branch?
Was wondering the same. OP sure sounds as if he has just started his thinking process. Maybe OP has sentimental reasons for wanting the Army, such as following a family tradition ? ? ? If thats the case, thats great !
Personally, I would talk to a representative of each branch. Op also has to decide what specialty interests him. Once that is decided, he can compare and see which branch offers the best training in that area and also who might offer the best opportunities. Also, one branch might offer different duty stations that might appeal to the OP over another.
All the branches are fine choices. Just pick the one that suits you best ! Good luck with your decision!
I fully understand what it takes to be a Ranger. I know it's difficult, I know it's painful I know it'll suck. HOwever for reasons beyond my understanding, i still aspire to be one. Currently that's where my sights are set and hopefully I'll be able to pull it off. Detonics it's funny you say that, 19D was my #1 match according to the army website.
I had entertained the thought of other branches (I actually have a girlfriend at the Air Force Academy) but army is what suits my likings. Rangers to be more specific. I've wanted to be a major league doorkicker ever since I was a little kid but the parents persuaded me to go to college after high school. Here I'm 23, finishing college in December, not very happy with what I'm doing and I've decided I have no desire to do this 9-5 work for the time being. There's just that burning underlying desire to join that's never really gone away. So I'm finally going to do something about it
US Army - doing it right for 235 years
What kind of benefits to they pay after your bicentennial?
Ranger School is not something you can sign up for when you enlist. It is a school with very limited slots awarded on a competitive basis. I would guess less than 10% of those who apply are accepted. Would help if you were #1 in both basic and AIT, maxed out pt scores, marksmanship, got jump qualified, and served a couple years with a great record. I would start with joining a unit like the 82nd and becoming Airborne then applying.
Having said that I will agree serving your country is a worthwhile endeavor and as corny as it sounds you will get out of it what you are willing to put in. I was a 19D by the way...