Solid advice. I would just like to add, for anyone thinking about going that way, do not believe anything the recruiter tells you about what job you will get, unless you get it in writing. Tried to explain explain this little fact of life to my brother when was joining the Navy. He reeaaalllly wanted a shipboard assignment, and of course the guy "promised" it to him. Nothing written, refused to listen to me. Ended up fixing planes in the dessert for 8 years. Don't let that be you, if there's something specific you want to be doing. The recruiter's only job is to recruit you, he does not give a frostbitten fuck what happens after you sign up. Get it in writing.