What would be the best branch of service for my son?

2019-09-19T08:37:07-04:00

I've asked a few questions concerning ASVAB. My son is a senior this year and a good kid that I believe needs a lot of motivation and direction. I have 3 other sons so this isn't my first rodeo with observing and evaluating potential of my kids. My other 3 sons are highly motivated and successful in life. My son talked to an Air Force recruiter this week. My son is not very social and would be considered to be slightly autistic, although I would never anchor my son with a label like that. Now I am rethinking that he might need a much firmer development such as the Marines. I have the day off this morning and he drives his two younger sisters to school each morning. He was still asleep when I knocked on his door to alert him that it was time to get his sisters (and himself) to school. Evidently this is the 2nd time this week according to his sister. He has gotten better since the 8th grade about focusing on getting assignments in school completed but still has times where he gets a bad grade because he forgets a homework or that a quiz is being given. My impression of the Air Force (from two brothers and a nephew that have served) is that it is more laid back and less oversight given to soldiers. I'm wondering if the Marines or even Army would a better fit for my son? I can't force him obviously but I can strongly motivate him in a direction. I'm interested to hear feedback from you that presently serving or have served in each branch on the best fit for my son.
He is smart when applying himself and is currently 3rd academically in his small senior class of 30 kids. The funny thing about what I just wrote is that it almost mirrors myself exactly when I was his age.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2019 9:08 AM

2019-09-19T09:08:43-04:00

Evaluate each branch separately. You'll soon learn that there are tons of career paths that suit each individual. Have him select three (3) jobs from each branch as well as qualifying ASVAB scores. Your son's ASVAB scores will ultimately determine job eligibility. Lastly, look at whether he'll learn skills that can be transitioned to a civilian career. For example, Navy machinist, aircraft electrician, I&C technician, generator mechanic, intelligence specialist and paralegal are jobs with transferrable skills when he gets out of the military.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2019 9:29 AM

2019-09-19T09:29:41-04:00

It would depend on what he's looking to do, what he's interested in, what his particular strengths/weaknesses are, what he's looking to get out of it/invest in it, etc. This is the information age. I'm sure you can get access to almost all of the info that you need....short of a literal walk through. You can speak to soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, etc. You can watch videos, read blogs, speak to recruiters, etc.

You know your son better than most. If his strengths are more on the technical/intelligence-based side....I'd say the USAF is more of a good look. If his strength is more so on the physical labor/mechanic/"get your hands dirty" side of things....perhaps the USMC/Army is more of a good look for him.

Take your time, get all of the insight that you can & talk it over with him and others involved....and I'm sure you can arrive at a sensible resolve.

Response by SCPO Jeff Conz made Sep 19 at 2019 10:09 AM

2019-09-19T10:09:15-04:00

I would vote for the Marines.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2019 10:43 AM

2019-09-19T10:43:12-04:00

He'll get all the motivation and direction he can handle as a US Marine.

Edit: I missed the autistic part, and that should be considered. Being mindful that acting a certain way is not a medical diagnosis, he will regardless need his full faculties to serve in any branch of the military. If he simply is distant or lacks self-confidence, he will benefit from service in varying degrees depending on the branch and the effort he puts forth.

Response by Stephen Bracken made Sep 19 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-09-19T11:16:47-04:00

My son has an appt with the Army recruiter tomorrow morning. I'll then set up an appt for the Marine recruiter next week.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Sep 19 at 2019 11:39 AM

2019-09-19T11:39:57-04:00

How does your son feel about enlisting?

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 19 at 2019 11:44 AM

2019-09-19T11:44:07-04:00

I have not been a Marine, so I can't say definitively, but.... Everything I hear and saw says that when it come to discipline and motivation, the Marines are basically the same as Soldiers - with a volume knob that starts at 5 and goes up to 14. From what you have posted, I believe that either an Army or a USMC career will be a make or break thing for your son. Either he will emerge as a strong, disciplined, focused young man, ready to take on the world, OR he will shuffle out as a shriveled up husk paralyzed with anxiety and even less socially adept. I know the Army is very good at molding young men (and women) and helping them to achieve greatness. From what I have seen, the Marines are very good at this as well. But the bottom line for both services is that the mission comes first. If your son is unable or unwilling to learn and meet the standards - and to do so in a rapid fashion - then the services need to move on and find someone who will.

I am not trying to scare you or anything like that, just trying to be honest. Not knowing your child, I can't say whether either of these services (or any service) would be right for him. With an "average" kid, I'd estimate the ratio to be 95/5 make/break. Maybe even 97/3. You have indicated that your son is facing challenges - this may drop him down to a 75/25. Still not bad. But be wary of what that 25 looks like, especially if your son DOES fall on the autism spectrum.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Sep 19 at 2019 2:23 PM

2019-09-19T14:23:22-04:00

As a retired Marine and recruiter, I would suggest he goes and talks with all 4 branches. Keep in mind here that we are a country at war for close to 20 years with other wars in the future. The idea of the battlefield has changed. There is no front line troops anymore. Your son(s) decide to enlist, they need to understand there is a good chance if they are in the Army or Marines they will be deployed.
The Marines or Army would get him motivated for sure, but he and you need to understand the reality of what we do for a living.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2019 2:43 PM

2019-09-19T14:43:11-04:00

Sir, this question is going to wield many response from service members and veterans across the DoD. What will be a constant however, is the replied question of what is that motivates your son? That in his interests are going to be two strong factors in deciding which branch will be a better fit for him.

While some job specialties exist in some sort of similarity across each branch, some do not. Also, while our services work well with each other, each have their own distinct mission and purpose. Finding out what his ASVAB scores and his interests are will be your starting point. The branches will differ, as well as his individual specialty, on how much direct supervision he will receive, however each branch will take the time to form him into a solid member of this nation's military.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2019 6:44 PM

2019-09-19T18:44:14-04:00

Simple answer; the one your son wants to join. My son joined the Marine Corps because I chose the Marine Corps.

Long answer; talk to all 5, including the Coast Guard, ensure he chooses where he believes he'll fit best. Outside of the Marine Corps the others will offer things like signing bonuses, but the Marine Corps signing bonus is the title "Marine" and carries a lot of weight when you graduate.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2019 7:01 PM

2019-09-19T19:01:38-04:00

It really just depends on what kind of career he wants. Each branch has it's own individual perk. If he just wants to be a grunt and that's it, then Marines or Infantry is his game, however, it just depends on what he wants to do with his life...instead of thinking fives years in the future, think about twenty years in the future; what post military career does he want? what is his passion? Think of it that way and the answer of what branch and MOS will come to him. Example: I've always loved law enforcement and I plan on moving in to FBI or DEA, so, being an MP was my choice of career in the Army.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 19 at 2019 8:04 PM

2019-09-19T20:04:12-04:00

I had a "highly functional" EMS partner with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) named Asperger's Syndrome. He WAS highly functional but not what I would call a 'go-getter'. Anything he had been trained on he could do exactly correct. He could follow best practices, procedures and sequences BUT He could not originate those best practices, procedures and sequences. He could however pass every test, finish every exercise and quote any textbook and for that he was our walking reference.
The problem was if the symptoms did not occur in the 'correct (textbook) order', his care for the worsting patient lagged behind as he worked through the sequences he had learned. He could follow instructions given by others couldn't change it up if things went south when the supervisor had to deal with more critical issues.
He may be fine and find the discipline he needs in the service OR it may not be for him.
The different services will not make it easy for him either way. Others will depend on him at some point in his career and he will be expected to perform.
Assess him and make your determination.
TSgt Joshua Duplin - SSG Private RallyPoint Member - PO1 Private RallyPoint Member - CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member - Stephen Bracken - Sgt Private RallyPoint Member -

Response by SPC Ted Ronayne made Sep 19 at 2019 8:33 PM

2019-09-19T20:33:35-04:00

This is his choice to make. Help him with his decision, but do not try to sway him to a particular branch or MOS. He needs to make his own choices in this matter. As for his job choice, I would say have him pick one that serves his long term goals.

Also consider what he's looking for if he were to deploy. Does he want to be on a ship? On an airfield? Boots on the ground? That is how he should pick his branch of service.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 20 at 2019 2:04 PM

2019-09-20T14:04:24-04:00

I encourage your son to talk with recruiters from all 5 armed services, Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The level of discipline and supervision differs from Service to Service and among specialties within each Service. Here's my opinion of the Services based only on my experience. Caution: very broad generalities abound.
-Air Force. The Air Force has a warfighting approach that differs from the other Services. The officers (pilots) are the front-line troops taking fire and steel to the enemy. Most of the enlisted personnel work supporting aircraft and aircrews and logistics infrastructure necessary to keep them flying. The Air Force has some personnel that work with space systems and provide Security Forces (somewhere between beat cops and light infantry). Because of the highly technical nature of much of the work done by enlisted personnel, there generally is a more business-like environment in the Air Force. Junior enlisted are often required to do technical tasks, such a repairing a jet engine, with moderate to light supervision. Others, such as enlisted aircrew, may work with little daily supervision and in close coordination with officers. I served 22 years and it was a good life.
-Army. The Army has a wider range of occupations than the Air Force or Marine Corps. The Combat Arms provide our Nation's capability to operate effectively on the ground to fight and win. Junior enlisted Soldiers take the fight to the enemy under the direct leadership of Sergeants. Overall discipline is probably a little tighter than the Air Force or Coast Guard. Combat Arms includes Army Aviation, which has a warfighting paradigm similar to the Air Force--officers fly and fight, enlisted support helicopters. The Army includes specialties in almost any occupation you could think of and a lot you may not. A Soldier can work in logistics, intelligence, communications, IT, medical, legal, contracting, and many other MOS. The level of supervision varies, but mostly follow the Combat Arms model of junior enlisted groups or teams working under the supervision of a sergeant. I worked for 6 years as an Army Civilian in the transportation business. The officers and NCOs I worked with were excellent Soldiers.

-Navy. It's all about the sea. The Navy has a range of specialties wider then any other Service I think. Obviously they operate large ships, like aircraft carriers, all around the world. They also operate submarines and have their own air force (Naval Aviation). This all requires a large logistical infrastructure on land and at sea. Junior enlisted sailors work under supervision of petty officers. Discipline is tight aboard ship or submarine. Ashore units may be more relaxed, but the structure of junior enlisted working for petty officers generally is the same. The Navy has all of the same logistics MOS available as the Army or Air Force. They provide logistics support functions for the Marine Corps.

-Marine Corps. The Marines are the Department of the Navy's ground forces. They do many important missions for the Navy and the DoD. They have Combat units similar to the Army, Infantry, Artillery, Aviation, etc., but differ greatly in numbers of units of any type. Discipline in the Corps is traditionally tight and Sergeants lead junior enlisted personnel to bring the fight from the sea to the enemy. Marines also work in logistics, communications, IT, and other support functions. Marines serving in "personnel other than grunts" jobs often work closely with Navy personnel to gain support for the Marines. Marines are very mission oriented. In my private sector management jobs, I would hire a former Marine over any other equally qualified applicant because Marines know how to get work done.

-Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security, but are still an armed service. They have most in common with the Navy, but have a law enforcement mission that the other four services aren't allowed to do. They are a small service compared to the others so they have limited opportunities, but have great missions. They sail a variety of ships and boats guarding the waters around and in the US. They also have an aviation department operating helicopters and a few fixed-wing aircraft. Their best known mission possibly is search and rescue. Their occupational opportunities are similar in variety to the Navy, but much smaller in number. I can't speak to their discipline or leadership philosophies, but expect they are much like the Navy.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Sep 20 at 2019 6:36 PM

2019-09-20T18:36:59-04:00

I have served in all 3 branches Active and Reserve. I would advise him to join the Air Force Reserve. If he likes it
..go active...if not...just one weekend a month..... Air Cargo Aerialport is a good AFSC...mos...easy. Can travel the World.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Sep 21 at 2019 5:25 PM

2019-09-21T17:25:37-04:00

My only warning would be that the military isn't for everyone. I enslited because I had no direction in life. I tried one semster in college and decided it wasn't for me. I wanted a job other than fry cook (been there... done that...) and was sick of school. Having had family members that served, I decided the give the military a try. I asked them what their service was like and what it meant to them.

Yes, the military can focus a person and provide him/her direction in life as it did for me, but it can only do so much. The individual has to be at least a little willing to be directed.

I served with those who enlisted for all the wrong reasons and suffered for it. I'm guessing they thought it would be cool like in the movies or like they saw while playing role playing video games. They didn't know and weren't ready to deal with the reality of military life.

I'd recommend your son sit down with a recruiter from each branch to discuss what he might want to do if he were to enlist. I'd also recommend you not push your son too hard into enlisting. Like I said, the military isn't for everyone.

Response by Stephen Bracken made Aug 11 at 2020 8:47 AM

2020-08-11T08:47:13-04:00

Almost a year later and my son is heading out for Navy bootcamp and then to AIT as Machinist mate. The Covid virus has reduced bootcamp to 2 weeks quarantine and 5 weeks bootcamp.