I am currently in the AF, have been for 3.5 years. I love it. As for being a mechanic... I would not know from hands on but from wht I have heard it is annoying. It isnt go and rip it apart. It is get out a fucking book and "Turn bolt one, 3/4 turn then move to bolt two, turn 3/4 turn then... ect" It isnt you have to follow exact directions.
Break down of the branches
Army- Life Sucks, go-go-go all the time... lots of fucking retards
Marines- "hell ya I am a fucking Marine... get some..." life still can suck
Navy- ehhh it sucks but I am safe
Air Force- Safe, good "Team" spirit, deployments are basicly vacations...
But money should not be an option in choosing... there is no difference... a e-3 in the Army makes the exact same as a Navy e-3...
I can talk to you more abut this if you want... PM any questions or call me