Alternatives to the military

What alternatives are there for folks who can't join the military due to small medical reasons but that are otherwise "fighting fit"?

For instance.

I'm a perfectly healthy individual but am on meds for extreme hypertension due to genetics.

Nothing I can do about that except take pills, do that and i'm fine.

However if I wanted to "serve my country" and take advantage of the benifits awarded to our "volunteer" soldiers, I wouldn't be able to.

This is, of course, as far as I've been able to gather from the net and talking to service people and a couple recruiters. They haven't been able to suggest much.

Seems unfair that I, and others like me, are not allowed to do somthing useful.

I realize the logistical problems attached to trying to get soldiers in combat their daily meds and I understand that part.

But why wouldn't I be able to load missiles on planes or work on stuff in the states, thereby freeing up healthier folks for more serious work over seas?

Military Contracter? Just a couple of companies off the top of my head;

Honeywell
Raytheon
General Electric
DynaCorp
General Dynamics

You could work for a private contractor. I asked an army friend about this and he said that security contractors prefer people to have had previous combat experience, but they're hard-up for medics so civilians with EMT training could be hired even without combat experience.

Or you could work for a non-security contractor building stuff. Or the Peace Corps. There's things like USAid, too. But I'm not sure about any after-work benefits they might give out.

If you've got the IQ and education, CIA, NSA, and FBI are good choices. State and local LE are always looking for a few good men (and women).

Information Technology is a great way to serve your country, get a security clearance and do some reeeeeally cool things.

How are your computer skills?

Become a teacher and give the students the truth instead of the leftest propaganda they get now.
Get a job flying one of those Predators.

Americorp is basically a stateside version of the Peace Corp. It's a great opportunity if you want to help people in this country. http://americorps.org/
After service benefits are limited mostly to education grants which can be used to pay off student loans of pay future tuition.

What about a career in law enforcement?

Mall cop.

Mall cop.
Ed Ames, well... I guess it is a living. You do get to drive around with a cool yellow light spinning on the top of your 4x2 Ranger. :)

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary (http://join.cgaux.org/) is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard. The Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and law enforcement actions.

You won't be doing anything with guns, but you'll certainly be serving your country.

I feel ya on this one arsenal. I had two wrist surgeries from sports injuries in high school, and none of the big four as I call them (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines) would not spend any time to even see if they could find a way to get me in. I even tried a second time four years later.

The problem is my wrist does not fully flex so I cannot do a flat palmed push-up. It seemed like they avoided me like the plague. I even had an ASVAB score in the 90's.

You are not alone. I am finishing school in Criminology and trying to find my way through government jobs. We just have to take the long way around and find something that will take us, as sad as it sounds.

You can look at joining one of the official state militias. Also, you can look into becoming a police officer. Many communities offer plenty of volunteer services. To serve your country, you do not have to join the military. All you have to do is work to make this country a better place.

You can arrange to make up "Care Packages" for the guys and gals who are walkin' the walk in the Mid-East.

Socks...Chewing gum...Tobacco products like "Cope" and Skoal...Texas Pete hot sauce (Available in 2-ounce bottles from TW Garner Food Company in Winston-Salem, NC)...Inexpensive pens and stationery...Hard candy...Foot and body powders (Gold Bond is a good brand)...Pocket Bibles...Playing cards.

Little things that are trivial to most of us, but can offer a lot of comfort in places like that. Including a simple "Thank You" note in every personal package would mean more than you can imagine.

WA...You just earned yourself a lot of respect.

Might I suggest this. I also could not Sign up due to medical disqualifications. So I did the next best thing I joined the Federal Fire service. No you dont get a gun or get shot at but You Do Get To "Protect Those That Protect Us". If you are interested give me a pm and I can refer you to a personnel center.

I need to start with this:
But why wouldn't I be able to load missiles on planes or work on stuff in the states, thereby freeing up healthier folks for more serious work over seas?

Can you imagine the morale issues and basic unfairness of a situation where say 20% of the military was non-deployable? That means the rest have to spend even more time than they already are deployed to combat zones since you can only stay at home. Why would the military even want this two tier system? How does it benefit them to have a portion of their force be basically unusable for some of what they would need them for? Why should someone who can't do the main job the military is there for (fighting) get the same benefits as someone who spent 18 months in Iraq?

Sorry, you have health issues, I was discharged early due to my ankle and now even if it would handle it I can't really go since it would be impossible to correctly practice my religion (shabbos would be a problem), some people decide too late they want to go and they're too old, some people have any numbers of problems that keep them out- the world isn't always fair.

What alternatives are there for folks who can't join the military

There are plenty of ways to serve your country, state, and community outside the military. Volunteer fire department (one of the few volunteer jobs that will actually pay you a pension, usually after 20 years), state defense force/state guard (official, state sponsored, militia/civil defense organization), Coast Guard Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, police work, professional fire department, teach, Americorps, civilian government work for any number of agencies, etc.

However if I wanted to "serve my country" and take advantage of the benifits awarded to our "volunteer" soldiers, I wouldn't be able to.

There are plenty of rewards for the non-military service you could do for your country and community, but no, none give the same benefits as the military (no GI Bill for us). Some may give you breaks on student loan repayment, some may partially pay for school if you go to school while working (or get certain scholarships), but nothing like what the military has. Nor should they- none of these options require the level of sacrifice that the military does. As for the fairness- get over it! The military needs people who meet certain minimum standards. If you don't meet them, you have the potential to be more of a liability than an asset so they won't take you. So be it. That does mean military benefits are out of our reach. If it really matters to you, lobby Congress, write the President, or just take another job that pays for college or gives you good benefits.

I don't know what the Peace Corps medical requirements are like, but you might give them a call. As you might be able to tell from my login, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in North Yemen from 84-86.

Mike

However if I wanted to "serve my country" and take advantage of the benifits awarded to our "volunteer" soldiers, I wouldn't be able to.

Have you fully explored any medical waivers/ exceptions to the rules that can be made these days in the military? Lots of conditions that once 'banned' you from service are now given a pass under the right conditions. I feel for you--I have asthma. The 'work around' I used for this I would not recommend to anyone--I lied. But the impulse to serve is strong.
With the climate being what it is today, don't you have a shot at enlisting?

You don't have to wear a uniform, to serve your country. Just be a productive honest citizen, and be a good person. You can do that weather you are GI Joe, a Sherif, a Store owner, Car Salesman, Teacher, Carpender, Welder, Executive... ect, ect.

I've been fortuneate to still have all my body parts intact, most of my mind and have lead a life that most Marines dream to live. When I find the oportunity and the time; I have volunteered helping boyscouts shoot 22LR (there's also alot of MILF's there), I've helped clean up litter in Clevland National Forest, I don't have any kids as of yet, but I spend about $200 every december for Toys for Tots (I don't buy grown ups presents anymore X-mas is for kids) there are many things you can do.

One Volunteer thing I'd like to do, would be to help on NRA Hunter Safety/Education Classes.

If you've got the IQ and education, CIA, NSA, and FBI are good choices. State and local LE are always looking for a few good men (and women).

Just to clarify, you could be an analyst, civilian support, or IT, if you have the skills and pass the background investigation, but not as a special agent, or any other LEO.

If you're on meds for hypertension, there's no way you're going to pass the physical, let alone any of the LEO academies at either Glynco, Quantico, or just about any local academy that I know of.

I won't patronize you and say that I'm sorry about your condition, but you have to make do with what you've got.

I understand somewhat, and I am sorry for your predicament.
I honestly have wanted to serve since I coul have possibly formed the thought. I talked to recruiters, took the ASVAB, missed two questions,
checked out physically well, just a bit short, only 5'8. Granted, all the recruiters were my height, if not very close. (they do that for psychological purposes)
Unfortunately, I am in a moral contract with my father and family, who have provided for me, not to follow a military path until I graduate from college.
That's okay with me, because it's not long from now.
I still think I could be doing my part right now.
All I have to do is walk to the recruiters office and tell them to put me on the bus. Lord knows the Cpl. has me on speed dial, haha. He's a great guy though, despite the weekly messages and calls.

But I do salute those in service, thank you.

Do you want to "serve your country" (your quotes, not mine), or are there particular benefits you are just looking to take advantage of?

You can look into your local CERT team:
https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/

How are your computer skills?

Good enough to get by on this board. :)

Mall cop.

Yeah.....................no.


You can look at joining one of the official state militias.

Does Minnesota have one of those? I couldn't find anything on it.

You can arrange to make up "Care Packages" for the guys and gals who are walkin' the walk in the Mid-East.

Already do. Phantom warrior from here, and his unit get most of them. btw he just finished his tour over in Iraq.

pm him a congrats.

I won't patronize you and say that I'm sorry about your condition, but you have to make do with what you've got.

Boy, don't I know it. TY

Do you want to "serve your country" (your quotes, not mine), or are there particular benefits you are just looking to take advantage of?

At the risk of sounding shallow. Yes, there are some benefits I'd like. A paycheck would be nice, along with the education and health benefits. But I think those would mostly be icing on the cake.

I did SAR with the Civil Air Patrol for 12 years until just recently. I actually dried up a good chunk of my bank account volunteering with them which is why I had to take a step back from it for a while. I spent more money volunteering than i had coming in.

Now i do SAR professionally for our county, tax payer funded.




Thanks for all the posts guys. Nice to know there is still a little hope.

Could some of you guys post some links with your suggestions if you have them handy?

I appreciate this. TY

OK, it sounds like the benefits you are looking for aren't anything big- just normal professional benes.

Government jobs usually don't pay as much as in private enterprise, but you somewhat make up for that with better health and retirement benefits. Generally tuition reimbursement is slightly better, but different companies and organizations have so many different ways of doing it the government isn't going to be better than all of them.

If you are still around college age (or young enough to be willing and able to go back), I dated a woman once who had her degree in emergency management. I don't know how hard it is to get into, but working for FEMA or one of the state emergency management agencies has always struck me as interesting. NSA and CIA are options. If the health issues won't get in the way, police and fire are options. Beyond that, you'll have to define what you consider service. Teaching (especially the Teach for America program), nursing, counseling of some sort, social work, and even non-security or human services related government work are all serving your country and/or community. Do you want to stick with national security work or at least security related work or do other forms of service also interest you?

But why wouldn't I be able to load missiles on planes or work on stuff in the states, thereby freeing up healthier folks for more serious work over seas?


Because the military isn't interested in anybody that it can't deploy overseas? It's not unfair. You just don't have what it takes. Harsh, but there it is. Sorry, man. As others have said, there are many other ways to serve your country. Public office used to be regarded as one way. Emergency services, social work, the practice of law (believe it or not). All are ways to serve your country.

People like me aren't undeployable. We're just a logistical nightmare.

You'd have to ship us drugs every three months................which is why we're undeployable...........hmmm......point taken.

How well do the drugs keep your condition under control? Like, if you got shot, or at least shot at, would it act up? That's probably also be a factor. You really don't want extremely high blood pressure if you get shot.

Like for example, I need Zyrtec every day or I get hives all over. But if I lose a lot of sleep, they stop working and I get really itchy. I guess sleep has something to do with histamine levels. May be other things that'd set it off, even though drugs keep it under control under normal circumstances.

there are plenty of useful things you can do for your fellow citizens that does not involve joining the military. law abiding, taxpaying, and voting citizens are always needed.

find something you like and do it well. it almost always ends up benefiting the rest of us more than it benefits you, even if you don't think so.

I can't offer you any alternatives, but I do commend you for wanting to do something. It's the thought that counts, and I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will suit your abilities/disability.

I'm a big car show guy, and I've noticed something that the people organizing the events always say: It's not problem finding people to donate money, it's finding people that are willing to actually work the event that are hard to get. A lot of us justify giving back by donating money towards organizations, but few actually get off their butt and are willing to do anything. I'm one of the money donators, and you sir are a better person then me for being willing to get up and do something.

I am not sure if this is totally on topic, but i have the same issue as well, its called Parents.
I am not sure if i will be able to devote my life to the military so i plan to help out any way that i can. I have chosen to become a Mechanical Engineer. I am going to try to work at Lockheed Martin and build weapon systems for the military. I chose them because i think Lockheed is an awesome company and no doubt one of the best if not the best in any field they are in.

I think the same applies for you. If you pick any sort of job that somehow benefits Americans, you are helping America. Everyone might not see as a true flesh and blood Superman, but who says you can't see that in the mirror every morning?

Start a local chapter for the U.S. Civil Ranger Corps. Teach School. Join a really good martial arts program such as exists with Budo Taijutsu teachers including firearms and marksmanship training, and organize/prepare local community for disaster or emergency by getting to know older neighbors who would need help first without power etc., storing food, getting handy skills down and always learning.

US Civil Ranger link HERE (http://www.civilranger.com/)

If you've got the IQ and education, CIA, NSA, and FBI are good choices. State and local LE are always looking for a few good men (and women).

In my opinion Law Enforcement as well as emergency responders like firefighter/paramedics definitely count as civil servants. I have just as much respect for them as the military.

I see things alittle differently....

So long as you're not actively or passively working against our nation and against our military, and you are gainfully employed (or have retired from a long life of gainful employment) then you ARE serving your nation.

As a military vet myself (Army), I don't expect any thanks from civilians and I don't think I deserve any.
In fact, I owe many civilians a big "thank you".
If it were not for the civilian workforce, where would the military be?
If it were not for the civilians of this nation, as a Soldier, I would have had no uniform, no barracks, no bed, no food, no ammo, no weapons, no vehicles, no manuals, no boots, no "dog-tags", no cammo, no rope, no knives, no ordinance, no fuel, no tools, no sleeping bag, no tent, no communications, no medicine, etc, etc, etc.....

Without a nation of civilian workers to support and equip him, a warrior cannot wage war.

So to all of you civilians who get up everyday to create the things our military needs, this old Soldier says THANK YOU!

(except for whoever was responsible for the MRE "tuna with noodles"!:barf:).

:D

Seems unfair that I, and others like me, are not allowed to do somthing useful.Oh, there's plenty of ways you can make yourself useful to the community, even if you can't be a soldier.

I'm not sure if you are looking for employment, or just want to make the world a better place... but there are lots of opportunities to "make a difference" in your community, both paid and unpaid. Why not consider the following:

Become a volunteer or professional firefighter. Volunteer departments are usually desperate for manpower, and will gladly create a position that would accomodate any limitations you might have.

Volunteer for the local Red Cross disaster relief team. When a major fire happens, these are the people who make sure that the displaced families have a place to go, and help replace medications and clothing lost in the fire. You'll also have the opportunity to help in national emergencies, such as the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

Get certified as a CPR trainer. You'll be paid to teach a lifesaving skill.

Become an auxiliary police officer. You may have to go back to school for a while, but you'll be doing your part to keep people safe during festivals and such. You'll also be called on during times of emergency. Or, you can go full-time, and keep the community safe for a living.

Get involved in the planning committees for local events.

Like animals? Volunteer at your local animal shelter.

Does your area have a Big Brothers/Big Sisters group? Maybe you could help lead kids in the right direction.

Does your local hospital use volunteers to help direct walk-in patients?

Volunteer at the local homeless shelter/rescue mision.

Get involved in the local political party of your choosing.

Are you into CB or Ham radio? Amateur radio clubs will often organize disaster teams to do things like transport medical staff to and from hospitals during blizzards.

Look around at the groups that make a difference in your area, then call them up and ask how you can help. Maybe your city's webpage has a list of volunteer positions.

Does Minnesota have one of those? I couldn't find anything on it.

Unfortunately, a quick Google search does not turn up one. You might try contacting your state Governor's office and see if there is one.

I would try LEO. My objection to Peace Corps is that I don't really want a paycheck that I can smoke.

The National Guard seems to have somewhat laxed medical requirements compared to some of the active duty forces. They get the same benefits and spend time in the sand box like everybody else. Talk to them at least.

United States Public Health Service is a uniformed government service and has people all over the world not unlike the military.

http://www.usphs.gov/profession/

The Civil Air Patrol is the official US Air force Auxiliary and is an excellent way of helping.

www.cap.gov

It sure is!

Did it for 12 years!!!

Left as a 2 Lt in the MN066 as the emergency services officer last year. Couldn't afford it after my hospital stay.

Joined when i was 14 in the cadet program.

jaholder1971 you a member?

The National Guard seems to have somewhat laxed medical requirements compared to some of the active duty forces.
I don't think this is true.

Plexreticle- The medical requirements for the National Guard are the same as Active Army.

I would second the suggestions of other and suggest a state militia. Texas has the Texas Guard which is completely separate from the Federal military and the National Guard. If your state does not have one I suggest you start working towards founding one.

The peace corps is a volunteer organization, or at least it was.
You join it, then go to other countries then get jobs there helping that country.

I would suggest trying the Minn National Guard. They have different enlistment criteria then the regular army and can be more lenient at time. There is also the possibility of full time service with the national guard.
http://www.dma.state.mn.us/

Naw. Same medical requirements as the regular army.

I feel for you, arsenal. I looked into joining the Air Force (against my wife's wishes "There's a f--ing war going on!!!"), but double-hip and double-knee replacement disqualifies me BIG TIME. It also rules me out of firefighter, police officer, FBI, EMT, Postal Inspector, IRS Enforcement, etc etc.

While some of the suggestions given are good, there's something about military service that just outweighs all of them.

(Don't worry, I'm making a difference by ensuring that debits ALWAYS equal credits!) ;)

Being in the army, I don't demand that others do the same thing I do. I don't even demand that they agree with me in everything. What I DO tell them to do is to be a country worth defending.

You would be surprised, how difficult it is, to keep a military in ready condition, even AFTER the riduculous ammount of poking and probing they do on us.

The military likes to keep things simple. Yes or No. If you are a Yes, and you later become a Yes with an asterisk, they make life difficult for you. It's just because they can't start making exceptions for everyone. You make THEIR life simple so that they may make YOURS difficult.

local police maybe? their all a little crazy anyway! jk, lol. no, seriously, they're CRAZY!

what kind of meds are you on? Most local cops are on a mix of whiskey, lack of sleep, crazy wives, and asprin!

What a disparity...when I went in at the end of the draft, the courts were giving felons the choice of prison or the military. What about EEOC rules? How about federal laws against discrimination due to disabilities? Most of the guys I served with were either nuts when they went in, or certainly were when they came out!

The National Guard seems to have somewhat laxed medical requirements compared to some of the active duty forces.
nope not true the national guard soliders have to go through the MEPS station just like all the branches and active duty personel.

pmc private military contractor that would be a sweet gig, and you would get paid alot more than me that is for sure. but one thing about the army that i don't have to worry about is my family they will be takin care of, and my body won't be hung from some bridge, we don't leave anyone behind or we all die trying to bring him home dead or alive. a soliders body means as much to us as a living breathing one, that is something that you probally won't find in the contracting business, plus we don't have to help the contractors out if they get in the s%it, would i yes, but they lack alot of suport assests that they could use.ie casevac, ecas etc.

But why wouldn't I be able to load missiles on planes or work on stuff in the states, thereby freeing up healthier folks for more serious work over seas?There are far more jobs you could do safely than you couldn't...about a 9/1 ratio of support troops to combat. The problem is our military isn't that enlightened because we have such a large population to draw from. In Singapore everybody serves, in my 2 weeks there I saw a guy in a wheelchair and a "small person" that did computer work.

I would like to see our military simultaneously increase the physical standards for combat arms while lowering the standards for support. Currently there is just one standard, defaulting to the lower (I won't say "lowest") common denominator. A soldier who just meets the minimum isn't cut out for light infantry duty in Iraq or Afghanistan IMHO.

"It's not unfair. You just don't have what it takes."
Wow dude. You MAKE IT VERY HARD TO STAY HIGH ROAD.....

That one made me flinch too.

It sure is!

Did it for 12 years!!!

Left as a 2 Lt in the MN066 as the emergency services officer last year. Couldn't afford it after my hospital stay.

Joined when i was 14 in the cadet program.

jaholder1971 you a member?

walking arsenal,

2nd generation cadet, second time as senior member. I'm currently working at KSWG HQ as DC. Did you completely drop or just go inactive?

what kind of meds are you on? Most local cops are on a mix of whiskey, lack of sleep, crazy wives, and asprin!
Sounds the like the same mix that most Soldiers are on...+ cigarettes or snuff!

As quoted from Strambo in a few posts before this one...

"In Singapore everybody serves, in my 2 weeks there I saw a guy in a wheelchair and a "small person" that did computer work."

As a Singaporean, I can honestly say that the guy in the wheelchair (if genuinely permanently disabled) could easily have obtained a doctors letter and be exempted from COMPULSORY national service. It is true however that my country's draft includes MOST of the men aged 18 and above. I have seen uniformed air force clerks who were born deformed without a hand or even an entire forearm. In these latter cases, it can honestly be said that they CHOSE to serve in a support capacity rather than seek a medical exemption.

WA, I salute your desire to actively serve but at the same time you might want to consider that military service is by no means placid and easy. I know of Asthmatic infantrymen who really find field exercises tough going while my cousin, who is an artilleryman (and has Thalessemia Minor, a blood disorder) finds each day of his draftee service rather gruelling.

I also agree about lightening up the standards for support-role soldiers, while maintaining the higher standard for combat soldiers. The process of making 19 year-old female clerks keep up with the infantry causes a lot of injuries.

The peace corps is a volunteer organization, or at least it was.
You join it, then go to other countries then get jobs there helping that country.

Hazily correct.

Peace Corps is a branch of the US Government - almost certainly State Department.

There are three fundamental tasks:


Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.


You are a US government employee while in Peace Corps, and you receive a living stipend. It's enough live on, but it's not extravagant. The amount of the stipend depends on the expenses in the local country. When I was in (1984-1986), the volunteers in Yemen had the highest stipend in the world $300/month.

When you complete your tour of service, you will get a "readjustment allowance" on return to the US. When I was in, it was about $3000 (that's after two years).

I think that some of my students - I taught ESL - had a very different impression of America after meeting an American. At that time, most people in the 3rd world got their notion of what it meant to be an American from Sylvester Stallone movies. They didn't understand anything about a free press, or any media not controlled by the government. American elections and American football were equally foreign.

I also had the opportunity to live in a traditional Moslem country, which was an eye opener. Living under a tightly controlled military dictatorship was interesting - one of my students was the head of the secret police responsible for the University and the Radio Station.

The Marines at the embassy joke with me one time that we lived/shopped in neighborhoods that were deemed to dangerous for them by the Gunny. One time one of them wanted a jambiyah (ceremonial knife), and I offered to walk with him down to the suq and show him the various jambiyah shops. He just laughed, "Are you out of your mind? We can't go in there!"

I don't know what he meds story wil be for Peace Corps. There are definitely retired folks in Peace Corps who get their monthly meds through the embassy pouch.

You will have to get a security clearance, which means giving the government your fingerprints and permission to talk to friends and neighbors. They will also want your dental records - "Just in case you need any dental work while your in country!" - right. The guys in black helicopters will be able to track you for the rest of your life. :)

It's also a blast.

Mike

http://www.peacecorps.gov/

Mike

LEO
Firefighter
Social Worker
Medical/EMT
Teacher
Desk Jockey at some Gov't Agency (CIA, NSA, FBI, DHS, OIG, DOJ)
Run for office!
Outdoor Ed instructor- still serving the people on a smaller scale

kannonfyre, thanks for the input on Singapore. I don't know all the details of the draft there, I just liked how they made use of all their resources. It's very cool that they can be exempted and that many choose to serve anyway and that the military makes a place for them.

Strambo,

Am another Singaporean checking in with a slightly contrasting view.

There are also those who have minor medical conditions (i.e arm broken 5 YEARS AGO, severe "headaches", cooked up psych conditions...etc) who try to weasel out of combat arms jobs during their draft so that they can serve as cooks, clerks, technicians, drivers...etc.

This is a problem as we need every man we can get to shoulder and crew weapons due to our small population (4 mil people crammed into a area the size of washington DC) and potentially unstable geopolitical situation.

BTW, the military makes a place for extremely medically unfit draftees because the draft is mandatory (as earlier stated by Kannonfyre). They are usually turned away for regular service once they finish their draft. Besides it looks good for PR.......(i.e. if he has heart valve problems and is willing to tough it out why can't YOU!)

If service to God and country is on your mind there is a job that may be for you, its somewhat militant fights terror catches more drugs than the DEA and FBI together Border Patrol. They are hiring in mass right now.

The comments about the Guard having different standards may be more contextually correct if you are talking about prior service personnel getting back in. Certainly for initial entry everyone goes to the same basic training.

I hate typing long replies, but here it goes:

One post mentioned USAID. That is like Peace Corps but with real funding. There are also contractor positions with DoD and DoS doing all kinds of things that support the military directly.

Did someone mention working as a federal civil servant? Dept of Army civilian? There is that. Check cpol.army.mil for jobs.

Lots of folks overseas have hypertension. It turns out that being rocketed, bombed, and targeted for nasty beheadings can be stressful for some people. Troop medical clinics can take care of that. Having your medical condition under control is the key to being deployable.

Disqualifications for deployment include having battery operated bits inside you (such as auto-defribulators or pacemakers, but not necessarily hearing aids). Mild diabetes treated with non-refrigerated oral insulin is also not necessarily a show stopper. I believe the CPOL website has links to the general guidelines for this.

KBR (Kellogg Brown and Root) has (have?) tons of people working in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of US or coalition military operations. Remember all the crying about Halliburton on TV? That is them. Or part of them. They provide all sorts of services from food services to air conditioning repairs. They work on US bases alongside US troops all over the world. They largely build the bases that the US troops move into.

I mention the last option because it sounded like you wanted to get a little farther stuck in. KBR can use you in some wild and wooly places supporting GWOT.

Security contractors are big in the world right now. Lots of variety in quality of the company and contractor, with some very professional and competent companies out there that are really biting global terror in the butt. These jobs (at least with the companies you would want to work for) would be tough if you are not prior service military or police.

What kind of stuff do you do professionally?

I'm a certified EMT.

I also do search and rescue professionally.

Other than that I'm a little short on skills that companies will bite on.

Not that I'm not skilled in a lot of things, I just don't have a slip of paper from some mook that says so.

local police maybe? their all a little crazy anyway! jk, lol. no, seriously, they're CRAZY!

I made a New Years resolution, but you sure tempt me!:fire:

Walking Arsenal,
We find ourselves in the same predicament. Sort of.
I have a couple of old injuries from playing rugby in college that would likely knock me out of military service. Back, wrist...

I jumped back into school after working as a freelance writer for years. I'm pursuing a degree in criminal justice at the local college. I find the education stimulating. I'm learning a lot about the law as well as the subculture of Law Enforcement professionals.

Currently, I have my resume up on the USA jobs website where you can apply for gubment jobs. I'm healthy enough, but really at the limit for a lot of federal positions due to my age (35).

I've found that a lot of companies and agencies come looking in Crim. Justice programs for recruits. Last semester, we even had secret service reps standing in the hallway with a tri-fold presentation and brochures. Very cool.

Like you, I want to do something that will make a difference in the safety of the country. I'm not deluded enough to think it won't be frustrating at many levels to be a government employee after working as a bohemian writer, but I'm going to grit my teeth and do it anyway. I've had it very good for a long time living as I wanted while other people made it possible with their sacrifices. It's my turn.
Ideally, I'm looking at the federal level: Customs and Border Patrol, FBI, CIA, ATF, and others. But, if I strike out there, I'll look at the state or local level.
I have a lot of good skills, including being one heck of a precision rifleman, I'm articulate, intelligent (135 iq), have a good emotional iq, I'm educated, and want to be there. Not just looking for bennies. Much like yourself.

I've found a lot of my initial exploration to be very encouraging. Arrange some interviews with HR types at agencies and ask them what they would be looking for so you can know how to develop yourself. If they take a shine to you, the road may be shorter than you think. Interviews are about making the interviewer like you.

good luck to you. Maybe we'll run into each other in another year or so on the job.

Care packages and postcards (postcards are free on various websites) to Soldiers mean a lot.

Vote.

Work on letters to congress for PRO 2A issues and other important issues.

I've read this entire post and there are alot of very good ideas here. The post that I agree with the most is from KC&97TA:

You don't have to wear a uniform, to serve your country. Just be a productive honest citizen, and be a good person. You can do that weather you are GI Joe, a Sherif, a Store owner, Car Salesman, Teacher, Carpender, Welder, Executive... ect, ect.

This kinda brings to mind the closing scenes in the film "Saving private Ryan". Where the now, elderly Ryan is at the cemetary visiting the grave site of the Capt. who had many years earlier rescued him.

There is a fallacy that "serving your country" means military only. I believe that anything you do to make our country stronger is serving.

http://www.teachforamerica.org/

If you want a huge challenge, try teaching in the inner cities. You'll find courage and sacrifices aren't exclusive to the military and combat.

Maritime Marine, they run cargoships with 1/3 the crew of regular Navy. Most are old salt dogs but some want to keep on contributing just like you. Don't remember who said it but getting there is half the battle. That goes for the BBBs as well.
Also didn't the Gov. just say they needed people for the Foreign service, you could be a contractor for them.

Another way to serve the military directly is to work civil service for one of the DoD branches. I did a 20 year career with the Air Force, then 12 in the private sector, and now I'm a GS-13 with the Army (accountant). If you really wanted to serve up close and personal, there are a ton of civil service vacancies in Iraq and Afghanistan (at least in Financial Management). My son (active Army) is leaving for Iraq soon and I have also toyed with serving there for either a 6 or 12 month tour. Getting a bit old to be in a combat zone though...

Did you talk to the Coast Guard?

They a different set of requirements years ago, might be even more so now that they no longer fall under DoD control.

plexreticle says "The National Guard seems to have somewhat laxed medical requirements compared to some of the active duty forces. They get the same benefits and spend time in the sand box like everybody else. Talk to them at least." That is utter BS. :scrutiny:USMEPCOM standards are the same for all armed forces.