[i]My Background: This coming August will be my 19 year mark in the Army. The job that I picked coming in was aviation electronics (Avionics), which I did until about 6 years ago, when the Army switched me over to the ground communication side.
I'm also a Master-rated parachutist, with 86 static line jumps.[/i]
It's hard to go wrong with the military in general, especially if you're young (17 to say, 24 years old).
Excellent opportunities available based on your abilities, and NOT your age.
I picked my job and received the training as guaranteed (and then some). After working my job for a few years, I decided that I wanted a bit more excitement, so I went through Airborne training and spent a few years in the 82d Airborne Division.
Understand though that Airborne is only one of more than a few types of specialized training available in the Army, if you want to challenge yourself.
I've never served in the Air Force, although I've worked with them a few times. What I will say is that their focus in completely on their job skills, without the additional "stuff" that us in the Army have to deal with.
Other than that, I don't like to comment on anything I don't have direct knowledge of, and I'd never pass judgement on another service.
Chris