Before signing your life away, I highly recommend you look far into your future before you choose. Ask yourself "whats in it for me" in the long run. What kind of job or career do you want to pursue once you retire or in the event you desire to get out earlier? Talk to the recruiters, at a minimum ask what each of the services offer in the way of educational benefits,
advancement opportunities, rating assignments, where is the rating most likely stationed (ashore or afloat). Try to choose a military job that will give you a professional leg up when it comes time to finding something you want to do in the civilian sector. Uncle will expect 110 percent of your life (sometimes 120). Make sure you leave with more than a retirement pin and a attaboy letter. Take with you something you can use later in life.
Me, I was a USCG boatswains mate. Since retirement in 2004, I now cruise the U.S. and Caribbean in my own boat and at times delivering others for the not so rich and famous. Current civilian job description: professional boat bum and lovin' it.
A farkin' Coast Guard brown shoe wannabe eh? Hey you know what the difference is between a USCG Helicopter and the pilot? The helicopter stops whining after it lands!
. Joking aside USCG pilots and surfman are the two hot schitt job assignments that outfit has to offer.