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Which one is a better job? Being in the Air Force or Army?
My grandpa served in the vietnam war and for the sake of all the people who are serving are country I wanted to ask this question. Any advice?
6 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Jazzy choosing to serve your country–no matter in which capacity, branch or occupation–is a admirable undertaking, and not everyone has the perseverance, dedication and fortitude required. When deciding which branch of the military to join, honestly and thoroughly consider your service commitment, enlistment options, salary, travel and future career requirements to make an informed decision about your choice of military service branch.
THE ARMY
More flexible than the other branches while still offering a strong sense military life. The United States Army is the largest branch of our military with 471,000 active duty service members. It is also the oldest branch of the U.S. military and remains the main ground-force for our nation’s foreign affairs.
THE NAVY
Significant travel and time spent at sea with a less rigid organizational format than that of the Marine Corps or Air Force. Although travel is a reality in almost any branch of the U.S. military, it is perhaps the truest for members of the U.S. Navy. This makes it a great choice for prospective service members who are looking to see the world, as there are very few positions within the Navy that do not require substantial time away at sea.
THE AIR FORCE
Offers positions that more closely resemble “regular” jobs and competitive salaries. As far as military history goes, the U.S. Air Force is the latest addition to the U.S. Military. The branch was established in post-WWII in 1947. Before this, U.S. airplanes were commanded as a faction of the U.S. Army known as the Army Air Corps, whose primary function was to support Army troops on the ground during conflict.
THE MARINES
Total immersion in the military lifestyle with the most in-depth and substantial training and travel opportunities. For anyone looking to join up and completely immerse themselves in military life, the Marine Corps is an obvious choice. Of all the branches in the U.S. Military, the U.S. Marine Corps entails the most prevalent pride of service and commitment to “the Corps.” This deeply ingrained sense of loyalty means that a Marine Corps member isn’t simply in the Marines–rather, they are a Marine.
THE COAST GUARD
Commands active law enforcement, safety and rescue operations along U.S. shores during peacetime that directly relate to the U.S. job market. Today, the Coast Guard–the smallest branch of the U.S. Military–is administered by the Department of Homeland Security. It commands seafaring vessels as well as aircraft and shore stations for various missions along the U.S. border. This includes law enforcement, immigration control, sea rescue and boating safety, though many Coast Guard missions today are concerned with terrorism and international crime.
THE SPACE FORCE
The newest branch of the military, the U.S. Space Force, was signed into law in December 2019. The Space Force currently does not have a reserve component. The sixth branch of the military, the Space Force is also still in development and will be for some time as many final decisions are made,
Each branch has its unique culture, opportunities, and challenges. Also, remember you can always look to serve in a reserve or National Guard role, which gives you a chance to do military service part-time while still pursuing other endeavors. I would suggest considering what interests you most and possibly talking to recruiters from each branch, or people who are currently serving or have served, to get a feel for what a career in each would be like and which might be the best fit for your goals and interests.
THE ARMY
More flexible than the other branches while still offering a strong sense military life. The United States Army is the largest branch of our military with 471,000 active duty service members. It is also the oldest branch of the U.S. military and remains the main ground-force for our nation’s foreign affairs.
THE NAVY
Significant travel and time spent at sea with a less rigid organizational format than that of the Marine Corps or Air Force. Although travel is a reality in almost any branch of the U.S. military, it is perhaps the truest for members of the U.S. Navy. This makes it a great choice for prospective service members who are looking to see the world, as there are very few positions within the Navy that do not require substantial time away at sea.
THE AIR FORCE
Offers positions that more closely resemble “regular” jobs and competitive salaries. As far as military history goes, the U.S. Air Force is the latest addition to the U.S. Military. The branch was established in post-WWII in 1947. Before this, U.S. airplanes were commanded as a faction of the U.S. Army known as the Army Air Corps, whose primary function was to support Army troops on the ground during conflict.
THE MARINES
Total immersion in the military lifestyle with the most in-depth and substantial training and travel opportunities. For anyone looking to join up and completely immerse themselves in military life, the Marine Corps is an obvious choice. Of all the branches in the U.S. Military, the U.S. Marine Corps entails the most prevalent pride of service and commitment to “the Corps.” This deeply ingrained sense of loyalty means that a Marine Corps member isn’t simply in the Marines–rather, they are a Marine.
THE COAST GUARD
Commands active law enforcement, safety and rescue operations along U.S. shores during peacetime that directly relate to the U.S. job market. Today, the Coast Guard–the smallest branch of the U.S. Military–is administered by the Department of Homeland Security. It commands seafaring vessels as well as aircraft and shore stations for various missions along the U.S. border. This includes law enforcement, immigration control, sea rescue and boating safety, though many Coast Guard missions today are concerned with terrorism and international crime.
THE SPACE FORCE
The newest branch of the military, the U.S. Space Force, was signed into law in December 2019. The Space Force currently does not have a reserve component. The sixth branch of the military, the Space Force is also still in development and will be for some time as many final decisions are made,
Each branch has its unique culture, opportunities, and challenges. Also, remember you can always look to serve in a reserve or National Guard role, which gives you a chance to do military service part-time while still pursuing other endeavors. I would suggest considering what interests you most and possibly talking to recruiters from each branch, or people who are currently serving or have served, to get a feel for what a career in each would be like and which might be the best fit for your goals and interests.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Jazzy
Updated
Stacy’s Answer
Which branch is better is purely based on the individual. Everyone will have their great experiences and horror stories. I like to tell people to think about the military like a company. Every organization has it's own culture. Do some research on their core values, look at the duty stations and get an idea where you would prefer to be for those given terms. Best of luck and make your decision that works best for you!
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Jazzy,
Thank you for your interest in serving your country. Your grandfather's service during the Vietnam War is a testament to the sacrifices made by those who protect our freedom. Deciding between joining the Air Force or the Army depends on your personal interests, skills, and long-term career goals. Here are some factors to consider when comparing the two:
1. Nature of Work:
- Air Force: Primarily focuses on aerial and space operations. Roles often include aviation, aircraft maintenance, cybersecurity, engineering, intelligence, and support services. The Air Force is known for its technological focus and advanced training in fields related to aviation and space.
- Army: Engages in a broader range of ground-based military operations. Roles include infantry, armor, artillery, medical, engineering, logistics, intelligence, and support services. The Army is more focused on ground combat and operations and offers diverse opportunities, including airborne, special forces, and mechanized infantry.
2. Lifestyle and Environment:
- Air Force: Tends to have a reputation for a better quality of life, with more comfortable living conditions on bases, and a greater emphasis on work-life balance. Bases are often located in more urban or suburban areas, and the work can involve less time in the field compared to the Army.
- Army: Involves a more rugged lifestyle with a higher likelihood of deployment in challenging environments. Soldiers often spend more time in field training exercises and may experience longer and more frequent deployments in combat or conflict zones.
3. Career Advancement and Education:
- Air Force: Often provides more opportunities for technical training and education, especially in fields like aviation, engineering, and technology. A good number of Air Force personnel pursue higher education through programs like the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) or use tuition assistance for degrees in various fields.
- Army: Offers diverse career paths and leadership opportunities. The Army has robust programs for career development, including opportunities to attend military schools for specialized training and leadership courses.
4. Deployment and Travel:
- Air Force: Deployments tend to be shorter and less frequent, although this can vary depending on your job and the needs of the service. Air Force bases are located worldwide, which can offer unique travel opportunities.
- Army: Deployments can be longer and more frequent, particularly for units involved in ground combat operations. Army personnel may experience a wider range of deployments and field exercises.
5. Physical Requirements:
- Air Force: While physical fitness is important, the requirements may be less demanding than the Army, depending on the role.
- Army: Physical fitness is crucial, especially for combat-related roles. The Army places a significant emphasis on physical readiness and endurance.
6. Service Culture and Values:
- Air Force: Values innovation, air superiority, and technological advancement. The culture is often described as more relaxed and tech-oriented.
- Army: Values resilience, duty, and leadership. The culture is often more traditional and hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and discipline.
Advice:
Consider what aspects of military life and career appeal most to you. Reflect on your interests, skills, and the kind of environment you thrive in. Talking to current or former service members from both branches, including veterans like your grandpa who served in Vietnam, can provide valuable insights. They can share their personal experiences and help you understand what life is like in each branch.
Also, consider visiting a recruiter from both the Air Force and the Army to get detailed information on job roles, benefits, and commitments. This will help you make a more informed decision that aligns with your career goals and personal values.
If honoring your grandpa’s service and contributing to the military community is important to you, both branches offer meaningful opportunities to serve and make a difference.
Best wishes!
Thank you for your interest in serving your country. Your grandfather's service during the Vietnam War is a testament to the sacrifices made by those who protect our freedom. Deciding between joining the Air Force or the Army depends on your personal interests, skills, and long-term career goals. Here are some factors to consider when comparing the two:
1. Nature of Work:
- Air Force: Primarily focuses on aerial and space operations. Roles often include aviation, aircraft maintenance, cybersecurity, engineering, intelligence, and support services. The Air Force is known for its technological focus and advanced training in fields related to aviation and space.
- Army: Engages in a broader range of ground-based military operations. Roles include infantry, armor, artillery, medical, engineering, logistics, intelligence, and support services. The Army is more focused on ground combat and operations and offers diverse opportunities, including airborne, special forces, and mechanized infantry.
2. Lifestyle and Environment:
- Air Force: Tends to have a reputation for a better quality of life, with more comfortable living conditions on bases, and a greater emphasis on work-life balance. Bases are often located in more urban or suburban areas, and the work can involve less time in the field compared to the Army.
- Army: Involves a more rugged lifestyle with a higher likelihood of deployment in challenging environments. Soldiers often spend more time in field training exercises and may experience longer and more frequent deployments in combat or conflict zones.
3. Career Advancement and Education:
- Air Force: Often provides more opportunities for technical training and education, especially in fields like aviation, engineering, and technology. A good number of Air Force personnel pursue higher education through programs like the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) or use tuition assistance for degrees in various fields.
- Army: Offers diverse career paths and leadership opportunities. The Army has robust programs for career development, including opportunities to attend military schools for specialized training and leadership courses.
4. Deployment and Travel:
- Air Force: Deployments tend to be shorter and less frequent, although this can vary depending on your job and the needs of the service. Air Force bases are located worldwide, which can offer unique travel opportunities.
- Army: Deployments can be longer and more frequent, particularly for units involved in ground combat operations. Army personnel may experience a wider range of deployments and field exercises.
5. Physical Requirements:
- Air Force: While physical fitness is important, the requirements may be less demanding than the Army, depending on the role.
- Army: Physical fitness is crucial, especially for combat-related roles. The Army places a significant emphasis on physical readiness and endurance.
6. Service Culture and Values:
- Air Force: Values innovation, air superiority, and technological advancement. The culture is often described as more relaxed and tech-oriented.
- Army: Values resilience, duty, and leadership. The culture is often more traditional and hierarchical, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and discipline.
Advice:
Consider what aspects of military life and career appeal most to you. Reflect on your interests, skills, and the kind of environment you thrive in. Talking to current or former service members from both branches, including veterans like your grandpa who served in Vietnam, can provide valuable insights. They can share their personal experiences and help you understand what life is like in each branch.
Also, consider visiting a recruiter from both the Air Force and the Army to get detailed information on job roles, benefits, and commitments. This will help you make a more informed decision that aligns with your career goals and personal values.
If honoring your grandpa’s service and contributing to the military community is important to you, both branches offer meaningful opportunities to serve and make a difference.
Best wishes!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Jazzy
You are welcome!
Chinyere Okafor
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Hey there Jazzy, let me start by saying I am a little biased on this question because I have been in the Army for 18 years. First and foremost, wearing any uniform of the military is a huge and commendable thing to do. Less than 1% of Americans will serve so being part of any branch already makes you an incredible human being.
Why did I join the Army? Well, my dad was in the Army and I never even considered another branch. I joined when I was in high school. Not a single one of my friends in high school joined any branch, I was by myself. I have zero regrets. I have travelled the world. I have seen things most will never be able to see, that is good and bad. Being an Army Officer is a huge part of my identity.
For the most part, the pay is the same in the Army and the Air Force. The rules are very similar. Some of the training might be more "comfortable" in the Air Force but that does not mean it is easy. The Air Force is a newer branch of the military, so they may have some newer equipment. The real question is, what would you want to do? Once you figure that out, you will answer the question yourself.
Speaking with a recruiter might be a good idea, but DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING when you go unless you are 200% sure. Try to take a friend or a family member if you can so they can help you walk away. When you are getting more serious about joining, you will take a test called the ASVAB. This test gives you score and that score will tell the Army (or Air Force) which you qualify for.
I remember reading a book by General Norman Schwartzkopf called 'It Doesnt Take a Hero'. This man was one of the best Generals after the Vietman War. He had this same question. When he joined, the Air Force was very new so it was a tough decision. He ended up going Army because he wanted to be one the ground instead of the air. However, you could be in the air being in the Army and be on the ground while in the Air Force.
You need to know what you would like to be or do, and then find that in the Army or Air Force.
Did you know there are more pilots in the Navy than there are in the Air Force?
Why did I join the Army? Well, my dad was in the Army and I never even considered another branch. I joined when I was in high school. Not a single one of my friends in high school joined any branch, I was by myself. I have zero regrets. I have travelled the world. I have seen things most will never be able to see, that is good and bad. Being an Army Officer is a huge part of my identity.
For the most part, the pay is the same in the Army and the Air Force. The rules are very similar. Some of the training might be more "comfortable" in the Air Force but that does not mean it is easy. The Air Force is a newer branch of the military, so they may have some newer equipment. The real question is, what would you want to do? Once you figure that out, you will answer the question yourself.
Speaking with a recruiter might be a good idea, but DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING when you go unless you are 200% sure. Try to take a friend or a family member if you can so they can help you walk away. When you are getting more serious about joining, you will take a test called the ASVAB. This test gives you score and that score will tell the Army (or Air Force) which you qualify for.
I remember reading a book by General Norman Schwartzkopf called 'It Doesnt Take a Hero'. This man was one of the best Generals after the Vietman War. He had this same question. When he joined, the Air Force was very new so it was a tough decision. He ended up going Army because he wanted to be one the ground instead of the air. However, you could be in the air being in the Army and be on the ground while in the Air Force.
You need to know what you would like to be or do, and then find that in the Army or Air Force.
Did you know there are more pilots in the Navy than there are in the Air Force?
Really?? I had no idea! That's really cool. Thanks for sharing! {My friend wants to be a pilot so I def tell him :] }
Jazzy
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
Choosing between a career in the Air Force or the Army depends on several factors, including your personal interests, career goals, and the type of lifestyle you envision. Here are some key points to consider about each branch:
### **Air Force**
1. **Role and Focus**: The Air Force primarily focuses on air and space operations, including flying aircraft, satellite communications, and intelligence operations. If you’re interested in aviation, technology, or aerospace, the Air Force might be a better fit.
2. **Job Specialization**: The Air Force offers various technical and support roles, such as pilots, aerospace engineers, and IT specialists. The Air Force also places a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technology.
3. **Lifestyle and Environment**: Air Force bases are often located in more remote or less traditionally military-focused areas compared to Army bases. The Air Force tends to have a more structured work environment with a focus on high-tech and specialized fields.
4. **Training and Education**: The Air Force places a strong emphasis on education and offers numerous opportunities for further training and advancement, including the possibility of attending the Air Force Academy or other specialized schools.
### **Army**
1. **Role and Focus**: The Army’s primary focus is on ground operations and combat readiness. If you’re interested in infantry, armor, artillery, or other land-based roles, the Army might be more aligned with your interests.
2. **Job Specialization**: The Army offers a wide range of roles, from combat positions to logistical support and intelligence. It’s known for its broad spectrum of job specialties and operational diversity.
3. **Lifestyle and Environment**: Army life can be more physically demanding and may involve more frequent relocations or deployments. The Army is often seen as more involved in direct ground operations and combat scenarios.
4. **Training and Education**: The Army provides extensive training in various specialties and has a strong focus on leadership development. The Army also offers educational benefits through programs like the GI Bill.
### **Considerations**
- **Career Goals**: Think about what kind of work you want to do and where your interests lie. If you’re passionate about aviation and technology, the Air Force might be a better fit. If you’re more interested in ground operations and a variety of tactical roles, consider the Army.
- **Lifestyle Preferences**: Consider the kind of lifestyle and environment you’re looking for. The Air Force may offer a more technical and less physically demanding environment compared to the Army.
- **Long-Term Goals**: Both branches offer opportunities for advancement and career development. Consider how each branch aligns with your long-term career and personal goals.
Ultimately, both the Air Force and the Army offer valuable and honorable paths to serve your country. It might be helpful to speak with current or former service members from both branches to get a sense of their experiences and how they align with your aspirations.
### **Air Force**
1. **Role and Focus**: The Air Force primarily focuses on air and space operations, including flying aircraft, satellite communications, and intelligence operations. If you’re interested in aviation, technology, or aerospace, the Air Force might be a better fit.
2. **Job Specialization**: The Air Force offers various technical and support roles, such as pilots, aerospace engineers, and IT specialists. The Air Force also places a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technology.
3. **Lifestyle and Environment**: Air Force bases are often located in more remote or less traditionally military-focused areas compared to Army bases. The Air Force tends to have a more structured work environment with a focus on high-tech and specialized fields.
4. **Training and Education**: The Air Force places a strong emphasis on education and offers numerous opportunities for further training and advancement, including the possibility of attending the Air Force Academy or other specialized schools.
### **Army**
1. **Role and Focus**: The Army’s primary focus is on ground operations and combat readiness. If you’re interested in infantry, armor, artillery, or other land-based roles, the Army might be more aligned with your interests.
2. **Job Specialization**: The Army offers a wide range of roles, from combat positions to logistical support and intelligence. It’s known for its broad spectrum of job specialties and operational diversity.
3. **Lifestyle and Environment**: Army life can be more physically demanding and may involve more frequent relocations or deployments. The Army is often seen as more involved in direct ground operations and combat scenarios.
4. **Training and Education**: The Army provides extensive training in various specialties and has a strong focus on leadership development. The Army also offers educational benefits through programs like the GI Bill.
### **Considerations**
- **Career Goals**: Think about what kind of work you want to do and where your interests lie. If you’re passionate about aviation and technology, the Air Force might be a better fit. If you’re more interested in ground operations and a variety of tactical roles, consider the Army.
- **Lifestyle Preferences**: Consider the kind of lifestyle and environment you’re looking for. The Air Force may offer a more technical and less physically demanding environment compared to the Army.
- **Long-Term Goals**: Both branches offer opportunities for advancement and career development. Consider how each branch aligns with your long-term career and personal goals.
Ultimately, both the Air Force and the Army offer valuable and honorable paths to serve your country. It might be helpful to speak with current or former service members from both branches to get a sense of their experiences and how they align with your aspirations.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Jazzy
Updated
Jose’s Answer
I served in both. I started my career in the Air Force in 2006 and switched over to the army in 2009. Quality of life was way better in the air force. But it depends on what you want to do. Of you want to do a combat job, the army is full of them. The air forces combat jobs are pretty limited to special operations only. But do your research. Weigh the pros and cons. Talk to people.
Thanks for the advice.
Jazzy
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