--- title: "9 reasons you should have joined the Air Force instead" date: "2020-02-05" modified: "2020-10-21" authors: - name: "Team Mighty" job_title: "Author" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/teammighty/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/9-reasons-you-should-have-joined-the-air-force-instead/" categories: - "Air Force" - "History" - "Join the Military" - "Military Culture" --- # 9 reasons you should have joined the Air Force instead ![join the air force]() *(U.S. Air Force)* You had choices when you showed up to the recruiting offices at your local strip mall. If you didn't pick the Air Force, you missed out, and here are 9 reasons why: --- ### 1. We call each other by our first names and don't get hung up on rank. It helps us prepare for not working as a grocery store bagger when we separate. ![join the air force]() *(U.S. Air Force Academy)* ### 2. Because Chuck Norris. When the Air Force kicks in, it kicks in your door and then kicks in your face. ![join the air force]() ### 3. The Air Force coined the term "counterspace operations" because it couldn't be contained to just this planet. It was so much to handle that we created an entirely new branch of service to handle it. Do you think the Army could have done this? The ground-pounding Army? ![join the air force]() ### 4. The Air Force has the best and the most expensive toys. This is why the Air Force budget is the largest. You've only seen the B-2 because we *wanted* you to see the B-2. The other ones are the *//redacted//*, the *//redacted//*, and best of all the *//redacted//*. ![join the air force]() ### 5. The Air Force ages gracefully. The SR-71 Blackbird *remains* the pinnacle of the U.S. military's technological achievements. And the coolest. ![join the air force]() *This Blackbird crew is about to drop the most fire album of all time. (U.S. Air Force)* ### 6. Iron Man and the War Machine are stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. Marvel Comics knew where to go to create a realistic group of credible high-tech heroes. ![join the air force]() *(The Walt Disney Co./Marvel Pictures)* ### 7. The enlisted have the same or better operational survival rate than the officers. We salute our officers before they fly off into combat. ![join the air force]() *(U.S. Air Force)* ### 8. No service delivers more freedom in one serving. This is just one B-1 Lancer, and it delivers this ordnance at supersonic speeds. ![join the air force]() ### 9. We have [more female general officers]() than any other branch. ![join the air force]() *That's four more stars than you'll ever have. (U.S. Air Force)* ### Can't get enough Air Force? These are just some fun facts. We Are The Mighty is written by veterans for the military community and its civilian supporters. Learn more about the Air Force and its culture by reading on: - [17 things you didn't know about the US Air Force]() - [32 Terms only Airmen understand]() - [The complete hater's guide to the US Air Force]() ## Author Team Mighty's experience encompasses intel, special ops, military history, tactical expertise, aviation, gear, and weapons. Authors on Team Mighty include veterans, spouses, and active and reserve service members from every branch of the military, as well as former CIA employees.