I hope nobody minds this hopefully entertaining topic I decided to start. It's a little out of boredom and curiosity, but here goes:

If you were a member of your race's military (Base your answer on a specific one, like the Drengin, if you want) where would you want to be in it? Here are some options:

The Navy (fighter pilot, crew member, officer, etc.)

In this career choice, your chances for enemy encounters are fairly high. However, the fatality rate would probably be considerably lower than for that of a ground soldier.

As a fighter pilot: You might survive the early stages of the game. Eventually, bigger, more powerful ships with more crew will be created, and will replace the snub fighters. Meaning its highly likely you couldsurvive depending on how heavily the leader insists on using smaller craft. It also assumes you don't get transferred.

As a crew member: You station a console on the bridge of a medium game ship, like a patrol boat or a frigate. If you're lucky, you get stationed in a peaceful part of the universe. Or if you get into a lot of firefights, your ship is configured to handle them. You have a much higher chance at survival than a pilot in a small ship, but you will likely see much more action if things heat up.

As an officer: You command a medium to late game battleship. You'll most likely end up spearheading major assaults and playing critical parts in war. Its got the most appeal and prestige, but against equally powerful ships, the survivability is questionable.

Other: A staff member of military facilities, such as starbases and shipyards. Maybe you're a medic, engineer, technician, etc. Much higher survivability, but your job will most likely be much more boring. Unless your starbase/planet gets attacked.

The Army (Tank pilot, ground soldier, officer, etc.)

In this branch, your chance for death is extremely high, as many planetary battles can be genocidal. Billions of soldiers are lost per game, meaning your chances to make it through a match is questionable. However, there is safety in numbers. That is a powerful advantage compared to the Navy, where the actual fighting personnel would be far smaller by comparison. In fact, depending on where you're stationed, you may go through the whole game and never see the opening of a transport.

As a Tank Pilot: You're probably the safest individual on the battlefield, provided you don't meet enemy air support or anti-tank weaponry. Your vehicle has massive killing power and strength, however they can be cut through almost as easily as soldiers.

As a Ground Troop: This is probably the worst choice imo, you are the complete cannon fodder of the universe. You've seen more of your kind die than stormtroopers. Or alternatively, you've been stationed somewhere so peaceful that the leading cause of death among the ranks is boredom. However, if you survive a planetary battle, let alone several, the fame, fortune and glory are probably unmatched by the other professions.

As an Officer: You get the prestige and power of authority, but the risks are high if you lose. If the invasion force is defeated you might be captured and tortured. This may actually be one of the best choices because the chances are likely that you will be among the survivors when the dust settles. You're probably in one of those giant truck things that are behind the tanks. What are those anyway? Mobile H.Q.?

Other: (See the Navy section)

Special Forces

This is probably the most prestigious and romanticized of the professions. The margin for error is extremely small and the recognition is minimal. Few people outside the organization if any, will be allowed to know who you are, or your actions.

As an Agent: On the plus side, you get to be like Solid Snake or James Bond. Skulking around foreign planets, playing cards in their entertainment centers and dodging government henchmen are all in a day's work. It's never dull, constantly exciting and you're kept on edge at every moment. You've probably got state-of-the-art espionage gadgets and weaponry, elite covert op training and prefer your beverages shaken.

However, if you're found out, that's it. You'll either immediately be killed, or subjected to the most horrendous imprisonment/torture.

So, what would you do? I'd be a snub fighter, fufill my service until the early stage ships (say a Defender) gets outdated and I resign with an honorable discharge. Then I just sit back, enjoy the Veteran's liscense plate on the back of my hover car and watch the ensuing carnage from a safe distance (at least until I get stop lossed)