First off, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY!!! I'd shake you hand if you were in my presence!!!!

Now on to the other, less important stuff

Congratulation on getting into archery! It's SOOOOOO addictive!

Your getting some great advice! I'm almost 100% sure that the carbon penetrated deeper in you target because of the diameter of the arrow. The aluminum defiantly carries more KE but has alot of surface area for the target material to "grab" onto. I wouldn't worry about penetration on a deer with aluminum. When they enter the blood and fat will act almost as a lubricant. IMHO the only thing that stops penetration is hair, skin, and bone. But that's to be debated some other time

As far at broadheads. You will get soooo many different opinions. Your bow with aluminum should have enough umph to use mechanicals. I personally will not use Rage heads. Heard to many complaints among other reasons. I prefer a fixed head like a G5 Striker or Montec. But to each there own. Just make sure they are hitting where you aim. Even mecanicals will have issues with this from time to time.

Good luck with your new addiction