by T. Scott Randolph

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: August 27, 2009

My experience is with the Marines. This can correlate with the Army in the fact that more or less they are both "ground units" or grunts. Both the Air Force and the Army serve very distinct purposes within the military. All branches will argue between themselves, but they do rely on each other as much as the name implies: U.S. Armed Forces.

If we look at the two from a very basic stripped-down tactical viewpoint, we see differences right off the bat. This is important to consider. The Air Force will attack a target with bombers and fighter planes. This will soften up the target. It is a very important job without any doubt. After that it is the Army's turn. You can bomb and bomb and bomb, but you need soldiers on the ground if you are going to hold the territory. You need eyes on to decide what is a target and what isn't.

Any branch of the military has the same basic fact applied to it. The job that the recruiter sells to you is great. Chances are it isn't the one that you will do. Take the Air Force, I don't know the exact number, but for every fighter (or any other kind for that matter) pilot, you have literally dozens of Airmen that make sure that the planes stay in the air. You have mechanics, truck drivers, cooks, medics and so on. The same goes for the ground forces (in this case the Army). For every infantry unit (the backbone of ground forces), you will have 8-10 support personnel that make sure that the "fighter" can do their job.

I wanted to clarify that because when you join the Army, there is no guarantee that you will be a Ranger. You may be good enough to earn that, but you may work on 5-ton trucks for your entire enlistment.

Now from my experience, the Air Force requires higher test scores. They deal with a lot of technology. They have nicer bases and food. You chances of being directly in harm's way are a little less in this branch. The Army has a job for everyone. Ground soldiers have food that is not exactly gourmet and living conditions that are questionable. Even if you are the aforementioned mechanic, trucks break down in combat zones.

If you want to sum it up really quickly, Air Force equals better living conditions, cooler toys and a safer environment. The Army will give you a rougher life, bad food, worse accommodations. You do get something from the Army (and Marines). There is a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie that I haven't seen with Airmen. Rangers always respect other Rangers, even if they served 20 years apart. You don't seem to get that with the Air Force.

Either way, you are serving your country. The Army will be more dangerous but you will probably learn more about yourself if you go with the "tougher" route.

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