I am 18 and a half and starting to think about enlisting. I am starting to look into the different branches and want to work in something that will help me with future jobs in the areas I like.
I want to be a gunsmith in the long run and I love tactical firearms and long range shooting. I have read and researched military life, history, tactics, and weapons since I was 8 years old and think
it would be a great life experience and I want to carry on my family's history of service.

So knowing there are dogs here that have served and there are some who are active duty what's your thoughts and experience.

Sounds like you should be an armeror. They fix and modify guns of all shapes and sizes. Or, you can be a grunt and work your way to a weapons expert. They are more experts on the operations/use of weapons but certainly know how to work on a firearm as well.

I have a unique job (not here at recruiting commands) and I have worked closely with just about every job field in all the services. Not all specialties but I have knowledge of all the general fields. So, feel free to call me and pick my brain or email if you are more comfortable with that or we can just talk here. Cell: 801 209 4338 Christopher.peace@marines.usmc.mil (just don't call me Chris, that name is reserved for family. I am Warren.

As for which service... You know my answer. But, I have lived on Arm, Air Force, Navy and Marine bases, so I can tell you about the differences in life styles to.

Thanks JJ! I was hoping you would check in here

Go into a Military Career Center when you have some time. They usually house all four branches with the Coast guard thrown in at some. Visit each branch and talk with a recruiter at each. Tell them about what you want out of life and they will tell you how they can help you reach that goal. I assure you that is how they will guide the conversation anyway, each service in it's own special way.

I highly recommend visiting at the beginning of a month. When the end of a month draws near, recruiters are desperate to make "mission." they use that term to avoid using the word quota. They have a quota! Near the end of the month some less than honest recruiters will say anything to get your John Hancock to avoid the butt chewing, or worse if they failed to make mission before, from their command.

Don't let that scare you. The majority of recruiters I talk with are honest men. However, if they do tell you something that sounds too good to be true, run it by me and I'll give you the real deal.

Thanks. My dad will probably be with me and he served. So that will work for me since he still looks like he is in.

Take a look at this http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/21.htm

You can also find info on other jobs in all services on that site. I highly recommend that site for you research.

Thanks for the info. It looks like a good site.

I enjoyed my time in the Army. It wasn't the best thing I ever did. But it put me on the path to get where I am today which is. I don't know that I would be where I am without the time, effort, training and disciplne that I developed during that time of my life.

JJ gave some good advice; this is a decision that should not be made hastily. I would suggest you talk with him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys. It's great to have a sounding board while I think about this.

I am biased as well, but think JJ has put you on the right track. As far as the services go I personally think the AF treats you better as far as housing/chow halls etc (JJ, please correct me If I am wrong,)I've been out going on 18 years now and things could have changed A LOT. As far as armorers are concerned, I THINK the Air Force only has SAMTU (Small Arms Training Unit) that are the true armorers, but that as I said may have changed.

By all means, do like JJ said and check out each branch, telling them what you want to do and see what they have available. And YES, each branch will "Hype" their own as the best. DECIDE FOR YOURSELF which one offers you the best opportunity to do what you want, and the old saying "IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS" also applies to the Military.

Good luck.

Thanks skunk.