Career Advice on the military?!?!

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Pentecost2005:
I find it amazing that Catholics actually fall for that sad excuse.
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you’re entitiled to that, just as I am entitiled to find it laughable that there are still people who think this country would be just fine without a strong military force to protect it’s freedoms to call it’s soldiers “killers”
 
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EsclavoDeCristo:
I have no idea what God is calling me to do with my life. One option I was thinking of is the military, either the Air Force or Navy. I already have an undergrad degree so I would be an officer.

Is there anyone out there with military experience that could offer me advice. Is working in the military a good career? Is it hard to be a good Catholic and be in the military? Can I join and not be sent off to war?

Any advice is greatly apreciated!

🤓
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I highly, HIGHLY recommend the Air Force. I am an Air Force wife to a Tech SGT who is an air crew member. I have a few friends from other branches of service. While I respect all that they do, I know that their lives are harder than ours . The Air Force is the best branch if you want a wife and family. The pay is better, the benefits are better and when my husband goes off to the middle east, The Air Force usually puts him in a 4 star hotel for crew rest because it is the safest. He is gone frequently and has been in special forces from time to time over the years, so he has spent his share of time in tents in the desert, but *nothing *compared to the Army and Marines. The Navy is difficult for families because of the time spent at sea. My husband is on frequent missions but has rarely been gone for more than 4 months. With is current career field he is usually not out for more than 2-3 weeks at a time, but is on frequent missions. I am not knocking the other branches of service, on the contrary, my husband and I feel endebted to them because we *know *that typically their sacrifice is greater than ours.

No matter what anyone tells you NEVER join unless you are willing to do whatever the military asks of you during war time. Certainly you must follow a code of conduct, I’m not talking about doing something unethical, but you cannot join the military unless you have resigned yourself to supporting the war effort. You *will *be deployed at one time or another. You can choose a non combat job, so that you are not on the front lines, but you cannot join the military with the idea that you don’t want to go to war, this includes the guard or reserves. There is nothing more annoying to me than to see a military member complaining that they didn’t think they would ever have to deploy for a war. Don’t join the military unless you are willing to go to a war- torn country no matter what job you have, there is a chance you will go.

The military lifestyle has greatly benefitted our Catholic faith. You would be amazed at how many service members are Catholic, (or Protestant.) We are members at our base chapel and are active in our Catholic community. I teach CCD and our chaplains (military priests) have all been wonderful men. There is just something incredible about a priest who is willing to go into combat zones to celebrate the Mass on a battle field so that soldiers can receive the Eucharist. They are committed, very “real” men. The priests military priests we have had the privelege of knowing are true soldiers for Christ, committed to military families.

It can be compared to the number of Catholics who are firemen and policemen, it is the same with the military. Not every member is Catholic, or protestant, but a huge number of *career (those in for the long haul) *servicemen or servicewomen are. A strong faith is what gets my family through. My husband takes his Catholic faith wherever he goes in the world, even when he is the infidel he prays before meals, making the Sign of the Cross in Islamic countries.

If you are considering a career in the military, only take that step if you feel a strong calling to do so. It is a huge commitment, but there is no experience quite like it. I have been an Air Force wife for 11 years. It is often a rough road, but I wouldnt’ have it any other way. I am an adventurer. The amazing people I have met, the places I have traveled, the commitment I make so that my husband can serve and protect our country is priceless. We certainly are not in it for the money. What price can you put on freedom? To know that he is willing to be shot at in order to support the ground troops makes me love and respect him even more. He is a great Catholic, husband, Daddy and Airmen. I am happy to be a Sergeant’s wife, and support him and fellow military families in our community.
 
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leaner:
you’re entitiled to that, just as I am entitiled to find it laughable that there are still people who think this country would be just fine without a strong military force to protect it’s freedoms to call it’s soldiers “killers”
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Amen.
 
All I can say is Wow! Thank you to everyone for such heart felt and honest advice. It is greatly appreciated!

Please pray for me as I continue to seek out what God has asked of my life.

May God continue to bless and protect you and your families and all service men and women!
 
EDC -
Continued blessings in your search.

I personally feel there is almost no greater honor than to choose a career that goes beyond yourself and touches many lives, whether people realize it or not- it could be teaching, military, parenthood, or whatever.

Peace be with you!
 
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HappyCatholic01:
I spent 5 years as an E-3 pilot in the Air Force. It was awesome. We stayed in hotels with cable TV when I was deployed to Turkey.

There is a saying we had about how they do business:

When the Navy and Army build a base, they use the funds they have to build the barracks, the air strips, the office buildings, then when the funds are gone, they go back to Congress and ask them for more money so they can build a gym, a bowling alley, and a movie theater. Congress usually says “no.”

When the Air Force builds a base, they use the funds they have to build a gym, a bowling alley, and a movie theater. Then when the funds are gone, they go back to Congress and ask them for more money so they can build the barracks, the air strips, the office buildings.

Congress ALWAYS says yes, because they have to.

Aim High!
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First off, the E3 community is pretty small…when were you in? I might know you or some of your zippersuit buds…and two, didn’t you know they’re now called “dormitories” and “fitness centers” and “dining facilities” – LOL (my good friend just punched after 8yrs on SVS)
 
kp1 said:
😉 My Husband is in the Navy! Originally he was Subs Officer, but recently transfered to Enginereering Duty, he now builds subs.
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That’s funny! I was a USNA grad ('99), sub guy, too. I got out, though… Served on the USS Pasadena out of Pearl ('00-'04).
… a submarine officer (O-4) with housing allowances makes around $120,000, and the regular Navy Officer of same rank makes around $85,000.
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I’ll second this. I used to make a good deal of money. Now…I’m back in college (J.D.). Kinda’ miss the paycheck…

God Bless,
RyanL
 
Four years active duty as an Air Force engineering officer via ROTC.

I broke the unwritten rule: Never Volunteer.

I volunteered for EVERYTHING!!!

Never had so much fun in my whole life. Got the world’s BEST education. Learned geography HANDS-ON. Learned all the neat stuff about the National Security Agency. About tactical air in combat. About the huge computers that were fifty (50) YEARS ahead of the current state of the art used by the FAA.

Hitchhiked around the world in 52 hours (with one year off in SouthEast Asia!). I shocked people years later by my ability to travel ANYWHERE at a moment’s notice. I could get a ticket, hitchhike on planes, drive anywhere. For years I visited the cockpit of every plane I flew in and the control tower of every airport I passed through. On Air Force planes I often stood up in the cockpit for the whole flight. [C-130’s are so noisy and vibration-ey that it was quieter and more comfortable up front. The pilots always welcomed company to break the monotony… In fact, just last week, I was offered a cockpit tour of a Marine Corps KC-130J.]

My military experience resulted in my being qualified for many civilian projects because I got more hands-on experience faster than I could have gotten any other way.

Exited with a solid bank account, a paid-for sports car, a commercial pilot’s license, and took the PE [Professional Engineer] exam which I passed based solely on military experience - highly unusual - and experience that NO amount of equivalent civilian experience could ever provide. I got out primarily because I overdid it. Burned out. Never learned how to pace myself. BUT, I had enough VA benefits to pay for a whole flock of pilot ratings [Instrument, Multi-engine, Flight-Instructor] and an MBA.

Decades later I worked with Muslim guys from Pakistan… well, I had been in more Pakistani cities then them. My four years gave me more insights and more exposure than 99% of my school mates.

I was never much of a linguist, but in four years I was in 13 countries. So I could have learned 13 languages, or more [since many countries have several languages], if I was motivated to do so or if I had the talent. Three shooting wars. Was in enough Muslim countries that I got an early appreciation for what we are going through now.

Learned about bureaucracy first hand… enough to label them the true enemy. [Read “Jefferson’s War” and also read “Goin’ Downtown” and “Thud Ridge”]

Last month I attended a two day seminar sponsored by the NSA… kind of like “old-timers day” – it was unclassified, but it was such that I had been a part of it. In fact, although I didn’t know anyone there, several people came over and said they remembered some of the things I had experienced.

My advice: see if you can get a commission in the Air Force via the National Guard, if necessary. For example, at Newburgh New York, there is a large C-5 outfit. They always seem to be looking for new people. If Iived anywhere near there, I would drive up there and see if I could convince them to bring me aboard and give me a commission. [My best friend got a commission by appointment. He found some obscure rule.] Then volunteer for everything. Don’t get married or engaged until after at least four years active duty. [One guy volunteered for and got to winter over at the South Pole. What a set of stories to tell. I know he got the assignment, because I was going to volunteer for it, but he delayed retransmitting the request for volunteers until he locked in the assignment for himself.] Learn everything. There are in-service schools for EVERYTHING. Travel everywhere. Visit the Vatican. Visit the crossroads of History.

It doesn’t get any better than that.

Is there a downside? Yes. It’s best if you don’t get married in the early years… it is very difficult for a wife if her husband is zooming all around the planet. So celibacy is for the best. Money is good later on, but very tight in the beginning. And, as a very large sign stated in the Officer’s Club Dining Room at one place: “The MISSION of the United States Air Force is to fly and to fight… And don’t you ever forget it.”

In the course of four years, perhaps 100 of my cohorts were killed. Some due to enemy action, and some due to plane crashes… you often fly into strange places in strange planes. You will be in harm’s way.

But, if you stay in the state of grace, everything will work out ok.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to email me. My email address is in my profile.
 
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leaner:
First off, the E3 community is pretty small…when were you in? I might know you or some of your zippersuit buds…and two, didn’t you know they’re now called “dormitories” and “fitness centers” and “dining facilities” – LOL (my good friend just punched after 8yrs on SVS)
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Hey Leaner, I was active duty from 98-mid 02, but was at Tinker from 00-02. Spent my training at Whiting NAS initally, and did a stint at Tyndall AFB. I was actually medically retired for an eye disorder (readily treatable, but the meds disqualify you from being able to serve).

So, I took my 30% disability checks, and free healthcare for life, and left. 👍

And to think I was 6 months from punching anyway!
 
I joined the Air Force when I was 24, now I’m 40. I entered with a Bachelors degree in Nursing. Training for us, medical people, was much on the lighter side for the AF wanted nurses and doctors. I liked it, but was not to crazy for the military part, such as being awaken at 3 am and getting dressed in BDU and reporting to the hospital, sign in and go back home to only be back at work at 7 am. I injured my back in the AF and one of my biggest complaints is that when you get hurt they still put you to work, which aggravated your condition. I had to have back surgery and the doctor who performed the surgery recommended three month off from work, since I was a nurse. He was a civilian doctor and did not know how the military works. I had to go back after only one month off. Need less to say, I still suffer back pain and will for the rest of my life. I also have had two more surgeries. When I first injured my back, I needed more time off also, but they were going to kick me out if I did not agree to the surgery. As far as being a Catholic and how the military affected it, well they told me when and if I could go to Mass, only the the weekends I had to work. I worked 12 hour shifts and missed all the Masses on Saturday and Sunday. When it was slow, the other nurses did not mind me going to Mass on the base and returning to work. But my supervisor did and did not allow it. My head nurse was Catholic and I told him that I did not like to work every weekend for then I could not go to Mass at all. The good that came out of this is that I started to attend one of the daily Masses to sort of make up for not going on Sunday. This got me started on Daily Mass. As one in the medical field, it was hard to get to Sunday Mass. I would recommend the AF out of all the branches. It is true they are more uptight and very political to officers. I remember that we were told that we, officers, were better than the enlisted. I had a problem with that as a Catholic, for we are all equal. Also, I new many enlisted who had Master Degrees, and just did not want to be officers. They were great enlisted persons and I respected some of them more than the officers who treated them as inferiors. I did have a difficult time adjusting being away from my family, but don’t go by that. You will made stronger. I will say that is was in the military that I was challenged by a Baptist Deacon, my physical therapist, on my Catholic Faith. He caused me great sufferings and I almost left the Church, but his thoughts on my Faith, made me study and look up all he said and strengthen my Faith even more. 🙂
My husband served in the Navy. Some of what I did not like about the Navy, was a lot of lonely wives. The divorce rate was high. The sailors go out to see for many months go home for a week and back to sea for months. Many sailors complained of being in the Navy. All of my husbands friends hated the Navy and could not wait to get out. Many said that they wished they would have joined the AF. I asked one man, why. He said the AF treats the humans better and the equipments are not the top concern as in the Navy. I remember going with my husband one day after Mass to meet the priest who was in charge of the Navy’s priest. He asked how could things improve to make them better CAtholics. Many said they hated it when they had to work and miss Mass, especially when it was many Sundays in a role. He did tell us that we are not commiting a moral sin when we could not go due to duty. My husband also had to have surgery and they messed it up and did not give him enough time off. He is disabled now. I don’t recommend surgery in the military. I know that many are just out of school and practicing in the military, not to say that some are not good. I can only speak of my experience and my husbands. Go AF! 👍
 
Hi,
Having been raised in an Air Force household, I was naturally inclined to vote that you join the Air Force. However, having the same question in the forefront of my mind, and having an indepth knowledge of what the Air Force is like, I recommended the Navy. The Force is definately cool. But so few who join actually become pilots any longer, and with the trend going toward unmanned aircraft, even fewer will be able to. Mostly technician and computer related jobs are fueling the Force; thus, you might end up “flying a desk.” Now the Navy, which I haven’t done a thorough check on, does seem to have some benefits including manditory sea duty as well as the possibility of being chosen to serve as a Navy SEAL. Like I said, I am not too certain what the Navy offers or about SEAL recruitment, but if you are looking for a job with a little action and possibly a tech job as well, the Navy might be your choice. Pray lots.
gw

P.S. I haven’t answered this question for myself yet, so don’t look to me as any kind of authority. God bless. Aim High. Be all that you can be! And all that jazz. 👍
 
Army… I’m an Army officer. 😃

The biggest aspect will be what suits you and what you enjoy.

I found my experience enjoyable and wouldn’t trade it for anything! I am a Chemical officer so I deal with the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare. I love the sciences, have a degree (BS) in biology, it’s a well hated field which I knew I’d enjoy (I’m not a big follower of “what the crowd is doing”), and it’s more powerful than any conventional field. 😛

But over all… to answer your questions:
  1. yes, you can join the military and still be a good Catholic. You will be “respected” (as in they will try to get you to Mass and such) but don’t expect any special treatment.
  2. The military is a good career because it offers alot more than what the general public either knows or admits.
  3. You can join but don’t have your hopes set on not going to war. It is the military after all and our primary goal is war. There is the secondary and that’s peace keeping. We do alot of that. Just don’t go and choose something like infantry or some direct combat arms branches or something like that if you seriously are going to try to avoid going to war at all costs.
  4. I highly recommend doing some more discernment. That way you can’t say the recruiter lied to you as you made an informed choice.
Also, my father is an Army officer, my brother is in the Navy, I’m in the Army and my husband is in the Army… so I’d have to say the military has been good to us and it’s a good career choice. Look into it, pray about it and when you feel that strong calling, act on it.

Navy and Air Force are good choices as the quality of life (especially for families) is alot better. (I’ve heard through the grapevine AND considering Edwards AFB just had the largest BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) increase in the military and Ft. Irwin didn’t and we’re in a more remote location than Edwards AFB, tells you something-- and I’ve been to Edwards… it’s alot nicer than Ft. Irwin)

Good luck and may God bless you and guide you in your decision making process!!! 😃
 
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Cactus:
As the son of a Marine and as a father of a Marine, I am happy to quote for you the closing lines of “The Marines’ Hymn”.
*If the Army and the Navy *
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes,
They will find the streets are guarded by
United States Marines.

Semper Fi
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Having served four years of active duty in the USMC, I can say this pretty much sums up the Marine Corps attitude.

I didn’t make a career out of it, but enlisting was one of the best decisions I ever made.

And it has the best motto of any military service, semper fidelis (always faithful) something I still try to live up to.
 
Update:

I had my interview with USCG board last week for OCS. It went well and I am hopefull to receive acceptance in November. Now whether or not I’ll join, thats yet to be determined.
 
Another vote for Coast Guard from the wife’s perspective. My husband is in year #21 & loving it still, and I support his goal of making it to 30!

The CG have been very supportive of family life, the patrols haven’t been bad (and DH has had some amazing adventures, LOL). So far we’ve been fortunate with billets - 17 years in the San Francisco Bay Area prior to our current duty in Alaska.

My personal opinion is that the CG gives the best of military life without the really looooooooong deployments of the other services. DH will be able to take his electronics experience anywhere in the private sector, and he even has time to earn a full second pension if he chooses. Our CG income allows me to be a home-schooling/SAHM. And I have to say the benefits, from medical/dental to discounts on our cellphone to really cheap vacations, far outweigh the inconveniences.

Inconveniences…hm…well, definitely when he’s assigned to a boat, the patrols can be a tough adjustment (mostly for kids!); the bureaucracy can be staggering (the paper-pushers have goofed on our travel claim FIVE times in a row now); sometimes the military “family” can feel too MUCH like family, if you know what I mean! (As a less-social sort, I’m not so fond of the spouses’ clubs…though gregarious sorts truly love the extra support/distraction.) And those rare occasions when command’s schedule bumps with ours…well, that’s been rare & just something to work around.

Good luck!
Karen
 
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