Navy or Army advice on choosing?

[MPAHAnownurse?]

Hello all, I recently graduated (June 2008), with my Master's in Public Administration/Healthcare Administration hence the screen name . I started my undergrad studies in Nursing and went a different route. I recently went back to my first love,nursing and now I'm working on my 2nd BS degree in an accelerated BSN program.

Ladies and Gents the dilemma...My huband's Navy (14 yrs) and wants me to go Navy so that we can have a better chance of being together(same state)... I want Army because of the my family history (ties ). I know that I want to join the military no doubt! I'm looking to go Active duty. Is there some things I should know or consider about one over another? Does any one know which branch of service that would take my MPA/HA in consideration when joining, ie promotion, extra incentives etc.. I would like to hear from those who have any advice and if you chose your branch over another,what was the reasons, or what did you consider when making your choice? I just want to hear it from those who actually "walk the walk". Thanks so much in advance!

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

MPAHA,

If you are planning on being active duty in the military, along with your husband, I recommend you look at being in the same branch. There is assignment consideration for inter-service married couples but if you look at the map and the co-located army and navy posts/bases you will come up almost empty handed. At that point you would be looking for generally geographically co-located places.

By both serving in the Navy the Navy will try and co-locate you and your husband and bases where both occupations are available...

I know in the Army that there really isn't a huge incentive for having higher level degrees unless it is a job requirement...ie BS in Nursing for being a Nurse. However there are some jobs that might make you more competitive for in the future.... but incentives as far as $ or sign on bonus - I'm not aware of anything related.

I would make a list and prioritize things like military affiliation...or being located with your spouse...etc. I served active duty along with my wife and it is hard enough - by choosing to be inter-service (army and navy) I feel this is a chosen hardship on your marriage and would take a close look at the real benefits of this choice.

Good Luck~