My two cents…
First, I grew up moving from Army base to Army base every three to four years. Most of my relatives have severed in the Army. I was enrolled in DEP prior to graduating from HS. This was post Desert Storm (’92) and I chose the Navy. (Plankowner - USS Kearsarge LHD-3)
I agree with all the post I have read in this thread except some of the comments about being out to sea for who knows how long. That is a little of an exaggeration. In four years you will probable do one cruise (six months) maybe two.
There is very good information in this thread.
Things I would like to add. Do not rush the process. Most recruiter offices are next door to each other. Make appointments at each and cross-reference each to make sure you’re getting good (correct) information. Take a family member or friend with you; preferable someone who has served. You are going to get loads of information to process and an extra set of ears are always good.
Things to look for are job placement procedures and sign up bonuses. When I went in my main focus was gaining college credits and college funds, and I wanted to travel. I did not want to be stuck for four years in one place. So I chose the Navy and would do it again. If you are going in to gain police experience then I would find a forum on the internet where these guys chat. You may find out that one branch may be cross training to break down doors in Afghanistan with another branch of service in that field. This happens and more so now with our military being stretched out.
Unless it has changed from when I went in the USAF did not guarantee jobs at the recruitment level. So you could walk out of basic training and be assigned to whatever job they need you to fill. USAF guys correct me if I’m wrong on this. To my knowledge the only branch that can guarantee you the job you want at the recruitment level is the Marines. But as any Marine will tell you they have two jobs and no matter their MOS, their first job is a combat soldier.
To add to the “which branch promotes faster” comments: Promotions in the military are based on filling jobs. Your job may promote the top 5% or the top 70% of test takers depending on openings in that field and in that field there may be 50 or 5000 test takers. Find out from people currently in that field what the advancement opportunities are. Different branches also have different time served advancements for lower rank. If you keep yourself squared away in the Navy you are automatically advanced to E-3 with time served in each rank without taking any test and in the Army you are advanced all the way to E-4 with time served before you have to start taking test for promotions. I’m not sure about the Marines and Air Force on this. I wish we had the internet, as it is now, when I went in.
Score as high as possible on every test you take from the day you walk in. Because this will give you the most choices and being at the bottom of the totem pole you want all the choices you can get!
As is anything in life the military will be what you make of it. You can go in counting the days till you get out or become the best in your field. The possibilities are endless.
I guarantee you that you will make memories that you will cherish for life! Good luck on your decision.
