So I've only got about 20 hours into the game (work and kids and all), and I've spent a good chunk of that time into setting up the Red Rocket gas station as my personal area of residence but last night I started wading into missions instead of just exploring. I started doing a mission for Preston in Sanctuary but I'm not sure if I want to actually join the Minutemen, or anyone for that matter, is there a legitimate warning that taking quest X will have you join said faction? Is it obvious? Or is it just all of a sudden and crap, you are now in that faction?

You can join all four factions.

You only become enemies with them if you don't join them all before journeying to the Institute.

One odd thing is the other factions encourage you to join and sabotage the other factions.

Oh. That's disappointing. I thought you would have to actually make a choice.

Thanks for the reply though.

Is it obvious you join them though, or am I already part of the Minutemen for volunteering to Clear out the raiders at the car Corvega car plant?

At some point in the game you will be asked to help retake a certin area for the Minutemen. It's a big deal so you cant miss it. After that point you will be asked to lead the Minutemen, you have the option to say no.

Just like in real life, they may consider you part of the minutemen already, but that doesnt mean you are.

If you join the minute men it doesn't affect the rest of your quest line at all.