Hi all, I'm currently a junior and seriously considering enlisting after graduation. One aspect that really attracts me to the military is the opportunity to travel. Does anyone know if one branch in particular travels more than others? Do they have different travel protocols?
Hi there! The amount of travel you'll do in the military can depend a lot on your specific job rather than the branch you're in. Nonetheless, each branch does have tendencies when it comes to travel and deployment. The Navy is known for its extensive travel opportunities. Sailors are often deployed at sea on ships for extended periods of time and can visit many countries during their deployment.
The Air Force also has a reputation for providing good travel opportunities, and some say the living conditions tend to be more comfortable in this branch. A word of caution, though: travel is not guaranteed in every job within these branches. The Army and Marine Corps, on the other hand, tend to have more bases within the U.S and less-frequent moves, so you might spend less time overseas in these branches.The Coast Guard predominantly stays within the U.S but there can be opportunities to travel, particularly in disaster relief operations.
Remember, though, that in the military, your primary job isn't to travel. The travel is a perk that comes alongside serving and carrying out the mission of your particular job and branch.
It's important to remember that you don't always get to choose where you go, and travel in the military is not like being on vacation. For some people, however, being exposed to different cultures and environments is one of the most rewarding aspects of service. Lastly, the Department of Defense (DoD) has the same basic travel protocols across all branches. Service members usually travel on orders, which basically mean that the DoD provides a written authorization for you to travel somewhere for official military duty.
Before you make a decision, take some time to research each branch and meet with recruiters to get a sense of what life would be like. It's a big decision, so it's important to choose the right fit for you. Good luck!
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