My Personal Experience with the U.S. Military
Choosing the right military branch can be a daunting task, especially when you consider the widespread opinions and biases about which service is the best. However, my journey through the various branches of the U.S. military has led me to a unique and heartfelt perspective. Here, I will share my experiences and insights, particularly focusing on my time in the Navy and the lessons I learned that made it the best branch for me.
Why the Navy?
The U.S. Navy is often seen as one of the most versatile and capable branches of the military. From its ability to fight in a two-ocean war to its role as the leg of the nuclear triad, the Navy has a unique position in modern warfare. Additionally, the Navy boasts the largest fleet of aircraft carriers in the world, along with the amphibious Fleet Marine Force, America's rapid deployment force. But beyond these capabilities, what makes the Navy the best branch for me is rooted in personal experience and individual needs.
The Road to the Navy
When I initially enlisted, like many, I had my own biases and preconceptions about which branch was best for me. As I took the entrance exam and was accepted for Officer Candidate School (OCS), I was given three brochures for the three combat service support branches: Quartermaster Corps, Transportation Corps, and Ordnance Corps. Each offered different training and career paths, and my decision hinged on what resonated with me the most.
Initial Choices and Reflections
The Quartermaster Corps brochure featured a striking image of a butchery setting—a bloodstained white coat, a hard hat, and hanging sides of beef. This imagery was far from appealing to me, making it the first option to be ruled out. The Transportation Corps brochure offered a more enticing vision of a convoy of vehicles in a jungle setting, but the reality of the ambush risk was not something I was eager to face.
The Decision Maker
The Ordnance Corps brochure, however, stood out throughout the brochures. The cover featured a Redstone Missile, which instantly captured my interest. Moreover, the training details in the brochure highlighted motor maintenance, an experience I had from a young age through my work in a family car dealership. This familiarity and passion made the Ordnance Corps the clear choice, and I never looked back at the other two options.
Final Assignments and Learning
Upon graduating and being assigned to Germany, I was initially tasked with the role of Communications Officer and Crypto Custodian in an ammunition supply battalion. Subsequently, I became the Battalion Operations Officer. When deployed to Vietnam, my assignment was at a Quartermaster Depot. Although motor maintenance would have been aligned with my previous interests, I found myself in vastly different roles that ultimately contributed to my personal and professional growth.
Lessons from Experience
Despite the varied assignments, the core lesson I learned is that the best branch for one person may not be the best for another. Each service branch offers unique opportunities and experiences, and what works best is what aligns with your personal needs, skills, and aspirations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the U.S. Navy was the best branch for me, but the journey to determine that was nuanced and individual. While I may have been drawn to the Ordnance Corps at first glance, my experiences in different roles throughout my service made me appreciate the diverse opportunities and challenges that define the Navy. This personal narrative serves as a reminder that the best branch of the military is the one that fits you best, tailoring your experience and growth to your unique path.