[el ess A]

Every branch has its good points and bad points. I can't speak for today, but when I was in the Navy in the 80s, I made E-6 in 3 years 7 mos. I never met anyone in the AF make rank that quick that started fresh. No one. It's all about the $$. If you're going to do it, get PAID! AF and Navy have the best training programs. I worked as a Navy Nuke mechanic and when I got out, I was able to walk right into a commercial nuclear power plant in the early 90s making some obscene $$. Get as much education as possible.

Now, officer ranks...that's the way to go. Don't let anyone tell you any different. You'll get a degree if you don't have one already, and you'll get leadership skills that many companies (by the time you decide you might want out, the economy might be better, if not, stay in!) like to see as you're far more seasoned than the average punk getting out of college.

At any rate, the military will make you self-sufficient but you also learn a lot about teamwork. Great experience, although I wouldn't want to do it again.