What are the benefits of each military branch?

With no way to justify what I'm about to say, I'm glad the Army allowed me to do something I actually wanted to do rather than drive a desk or something else of that ilk. From what I heard, and this is going back more than a few years, some jobs in the Air Force were only available after you excelled at something else and then cross-trained. What I did in the Army was not, I believe, available to members of the Coast Guard. I had little interaction with the Marines and Navy so I cannot comment on them. So, it's tough to say what the bennies of each branch are because it appears you make those benefits attainable by your actions.

I served at joint and unified commands for 6 years and then worked as a contractor at a unified command for over 10 years. Here's my observation on the 5 branches of the Armed Forces:
Army teaches NCOs and officers how to be leaders first and managers second. Discipline and reverence for Army history are important. The officers I worked with were hard working, honest, and smart. Good bosses and great customers.
Navy officers I worked with were very straightforward and unafraid to express their opinions. They missed working in their specialty and often regarded higher headquarters duty as an inconvenient necessity. They understood the dignity and necessity of standing the watch. Submariners are a bit geeky.
Marine officers I worked with were clearly dedicated and loyal to the Corps. More disciplined and tradition bound than the Army. Solid leaders, but sometimes a little weak on management skills. They always got the mission accomplished. Expert at overcoming obstacles. (In civilian life, I hired a Marine every time I got a chance because I knew they would get the job done.)
Air Force NCOs and officers were trained to be managers and leaders (in that order). They were comfortable with technology. Excellent briefers. Worked hard and smart. Normally honest and dedicated. Generally personable and friendly.
Coast Guard officers I worked with were a blend of Navy and Air Force characteristics. They had a bit of a civilian edge to their behaviors because at the time they were part of the Department of Transportation (later moved to Homeland Security). They took their work seriously, listened well; comfortable with technology.

At the lower enlisted grades, my limited observation says the Air Force and Coast Guard members have the least harsh life styles. Junior enlisted in all services work hard and experience a certain amount of "suck." The Air Force is technology intensive, so many of their enlisted are trained as technicians and work in a relatively clean environment compared to an Army or Marine grunt (said with great respect for the grunts). Of course, most Air Force combat forces are officers, which is very different form the other Services. (Same for the Army's air force and the Navy's air force.) The Coast Guard missions include search and rescue and law enforcement. Lots of danger there, but the work atmosphere is greatly influenced by the Coast Guard being part of a non-military Department. In some respects the Coasties are pretty civilianized.

find the one with the job you really want to do. otherwise, the pay is the same except for specialty pay...