As a new smuggler and first time healer, thanks man!

Hi guys. First off, I am new to MMO in general as this is my first. I was attracted to it 100% for the fact it is Star Wars and 0 for the genre of gameplay. I have enjoyed it very much since I started in April and have been subbed since early May. All my characters to this point are Empire players and my main is a 55 hybrid Merc. I loved the story and the involvement in the SW universe that I felt. That brings me to my question. I just can't take running the same planets and same side missions in the same order again and I am jumping ship to the Republic, as it were. I like the idea of the Trooper and hear the story is rewarding, my concern is that I will bore quickly with the play style as it will mirror the merc for the most part if I understand correctly. I suppose I could try healing, but that makes a bazooka toting commando feel kinda, I dunno the word for it, but neutered comes close. For those of you familiar with both classes, will there be enough difference in playstyle to keep the monotony from overwhelming, and to any of those loyal troopers, is the story rewarding enough to deal with it regardless? Thanks in advance for all replies.

Well, I was wondering which way to go on my journey to the Pub side, and this was actually a wealth of information. Thanks.