[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I know that we have had threads running concerning
the different branches of U.S. Military service by our
member's; but I'd like to conduct a poll just to see
what the percentage actually would come too? So
please, one and all vote in this poll.

*FootNote: I did not want to offend any of our friends
from the far away lands; so I edited my topic. Sorry
guy's (and or gal's) that I did not make myself clear.

Respectfully,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Soap]

DQ'ed by DODMERB :(

[Moparmike]

There should be one that says:

Too young.
No. (reason below)

I am sure that a couple of others that I cant think of apply.

I did not sign up because not only am I not cut out for it physically, I am not cut out psycologically for it. I have the brains to do it, but I just dont take kindly to beauracuracy, people who treat me like a peon because of a chunk of metal on their sholder or collar even if I have qualifications out the wazoo, general BS ("it is because I say it is" even if they are wrong, "tradition" even if there is a more efficient way, etc).

I guess I have a much lower tolerance of BS in general. I just dont want to be hassled from above, and loathed from below because my subordinates think I have a superiority complex because of my chunk of metal or my peice of paper on my wall.

That said™, I have been encouraged to and have thought about going into intel. "Military Intelligence, an oxymoron since 1800-something..."

[AZTOY]

I can't vote, i don't fit in any category!!:neener:


I'm leaving for Army BT in 8 days.:D

[Steve in PA]

Joined the United States Marine Corps in September after I graduated highschool.

USMC 1979-1983
E Co, Wpns Plt 2/6
Camp LeJeune, NC
MOS 0351 Anti-tank Assaultman

Three tours overseas, Med Floats (Spain, Italy, France, Africa, etc.....) Did 6 months in Beirut, Lebanon. Was "in counrty" for the US Emabssy bombing, but was home and discharged when they bombed the Marine Barracks (Anniversary coming up in Oct).

Cross trained as an 0331 M60 machinegunner and served as a 0341 60mm mortargunner while in Beirut.

Did a couple of years in the PA Army National Guard recently as a M1 Abrahm tank crewman but had to leave because it was interefering with my civilian job (LEO).

[Mike Irwin]

I didn't serve, but why should the reason be confidential?

I broke my back at the end of my sophomore year in college.

When the Navy recruiter I was talking to heard about that, he told me my chances of getting into the 90-day wonder squad in 1987 were extremely slim when AROTC and NROTC students weren't getting positions, and I'd probably even have a hard time in passing the Navy's enlisted physical.

So much for that.

[C.R.Sam]

USN Ret, Mustang

Sam

[MJRW]

I'm not voting. The reasons given do not provide one for my particular reasons. I didn't want to.

[jsalcedo]

Wanted to go into airborne infantry like my father

Was forbidden by my family unfortunatley I listened to them and went to college instead.


By the time I finished college I had health problems that prevented enlistment :mad:

[Citadel99]

What about "Currently serving Active Duty" or "Currently Serving Reserves/National Guard"? Currently in the Army but voted for the first one based on implied intent.

Mark

[igor]

So, if it's not U.S. military it isn't military service? :p

[Ohen Cepel]

Still in, leave the end of the month.

[Greg L]

Well unlike the rest of you whiners :D I found a catagory that fit me (of course at this time there are only two other people who can make the same claim as me ;) ).

Greg

[M67]

igor, if it doesn't include sleeping under the stars when it's below -20, is it still military service?:p

[Leatherneck]

Marine attack pilot, 410 mission-Vietnam vet.

TC
TFL Survivor

[Iain]

Far too many health issues (and we are not talking hayfever here), doubt even the police would allow me to join.

Someone care to explain the high regard that a lot of Americans seem to have for the armed forces? Not knocking anyone by asking, we Brits don't seem to venerate (again - not being sarky) the services as much as Americans seem to.

[jsalcedo]

Someone care to explain the high regard that a lot of Americans seem to have for the armed forces? Not knocking anyone by asking, we Brits don't seem to venerate (again - not being sarky) the services as much as Americans seem to.

St Johns:

That is a valid question.

My dad says, "how else could a poor kid growing up in the slums get to go
to Japan, Australia, Korea, Thailand, Jump out of planes, and become a leader of men?"

The four years he served in the military were probably the most important
ones in his life (according to him)

Some Americans see the Armed forces as a ticket to college or extra monthly cash but patriotism, family tradition, sense of duty, desire for structure or adventure all play a part.

Maybe its all brainwashed hoopla, but I myself regret not being able to join.

Hope this helps, I'm sure others will have their own ideas about your query.

[Ala Dan]

It's a thing called DUTY, HONOR, & COUNTRY!

If ever in doubt, read the book Stolen Valor !
It tells how the Viet-Nam generation was robbed
of its hero's and its glory.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[DorGunR]

US Army (Retired) 22 years
Army Aviation (check my handle)
Vietnam, 3 years.
Korea, 2 years military, 7 years civilian
Germany, 4 years

[boogalou]

I graduated in 73, so the military just was'nt something that most young kids wanted to do back then. I got married, found a job, raising a family, etc, but felt somewhat guilty about not serving. About 8 years later I started checking out the different reserve & NG detachments around my area, and decided to join the Air National Guard. Seen the recruiter, took some tests, decided on a MO. Talked to my boss about paying my salary while at basic and found out they wouldn't do it.

That was the end of that...

[Mark Tyson]

Army active & reserve

Good to see there's lots of veterans here.

[Brian Williams]

ST Johns

Probably one of the reasons we Americans venerate our Military much more than the Brits is the lesser extent of the power of the "Good ole Boy" Network

A lot of the British armed forces were a Blue blood run Armed thugs type of Regiments. Officers were selected from Paying Landed Gentry where the enlisted ranks are from the riffraff.

The Us Military has been a place where an enlisted man could by sweat and hard work make it up thru the officer ranks. While the US has had its bought in Officers it was to a lesser extent than the Brits.

I may not have explained it well enough due to a quick response while at work but this is some of my humble opinion.

[TheeBadOne]

How about a box for : Reserves, activated (ie: active duty)

[Augustwest]

Chose "didn't serve," but my reasons aren't confidential.

When Connecticut starts holding militia drills (not likely), I'll show up. IMO, standing armies are potentially very dangerous, and I've had no desire to perpetuate them.

That said, I'm very grateful to most of those who have served. It's the system that's the problem, not the soldiers. Some of the best folks I know are vets.

[Duncan Idaho]

Someone care to explain the high regard that a lot of Americans seem to have for the armed forces? That's an easy one. The liberty owned by the most free nation on Earth was bought again and again by the citizen soldier at arms.

One would have had to both experience real freedom, and appreciated it, to truly understand. As Ala Dan said, "DUTY, HONOR, & COUNTRY!", says it all for those that "get it".

I can understand subjects* and other non-citizens that don't "get it" (they have never known freedom), but what really pisses me off are the Hollyweird types (and other assorted :cuss:s) that have built their fame and fortune upon freedom, yet choose only to vilify and defame those that bought it FOR THEM!!!!

Sit down and ask yourself why it is that in the past 30+ years, only about 5 movies about the military haven't featured a main character that was:

A) Mentally deficient e.g. Private Pyle "Full Metal Jacket", Forrest Gump "Forrest Gump" etc...

B) Psychotic e.g. Private Pyle "Full Metal Jacket", any of the characters in any Oliver Stone movie, Or in "The Deer Hunter", "Apocalypse Now", etc. ad nauseam, ad infinitum...

C) Chemically dependent See Above


In any case, those who know the worth of a thing best, are those who PAID for it. And those who would seek to take it from them - whether through force, or through propagandist bull???? - would do best to think again. :fire: :fire: :fire:

Hence, all that seek to do so shall always fail.


* There was a time before socialism when even subjects did get it:


This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

partial excerpt, Shakespeare's "Henry V" Act 4, Scene 3

[Duncan Idaho]

Someone care to explain the high regard that a lot of Americans seem to have for the armed forces? That's an easy one. The liberty owned by the most free nation on Earth was bought again and again by the citizen soldier at arms.

One would have had to both experience real freedom, and appreciated it, to truly understand. As Ala Dan said, "DUTY, HONOR, & COUNTRY!", says it all for those that "get it".

I can understand subjects* and other non-citizens that don't "get it" (they have never known freedom), but what really pisses me off are the Hollyweird types (and other assorted :cuss:s) that have built their fame and fortune upon freedom, yet choose only to vilify and defame those that bought it FOR THEM!!!!

Sit down and ask yourself why it is that in the past 30+ years, only about 5 movies about the military haven't featured a main character that was:

A) Mentally deficient e.g. Private Pyle "Full Metal Jacket", Forrest Gump "Forrest Gump" etc...

B) Psychotic e.g. Private Pyle "Full Metal Jacket", any of the characters in any Oliver Stone movie, Or in "The Deer Hunter", "Apocalypse Now", etc. ad nauseam, ad infinitum...

C) Chemically dependent See Above


In any case, those who know the worth of a thing best, are those who PAID for it. And those who would seek to take it from them - whether through force, or through propagandist bull???? - would do best to think again. :fire: :fire: :fire:

Hence, all that seek to do so shall always fail.


* There was a time before socialism when even subjects did get it:


This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

partial excerpt, Shakespeare's "Henry V" Act 4, Scene 3

[Gunfyter]

1966 - 1968 active duty and then two years Reserves.

[Delmar]

St. Johns-the British military veterans also honor their sacrifices and their lost friends. Maybe we see them more on American TV than you might there, and if that is true, shame on those who do not honor their sacrifice.

Many of us here were brought up to believe the highest honor is not to make money off your neighbors, but to serve in the defense of their freedoms while suspending many of your own due to the nature of the job.

US Army. in with Nixon first term, out with Carter (and I thought it couldn't get any worse than having Peanut head for a C in C:uhoh: )

[41 Redhawk]

Tried twice, the eyes are a little too bad.

[Unisaw]

Didn't serve and I'm happy to share the reasons why.

FYI, military service runs in my family. My father was a career Army officer and his father was badly wounded in WWI. My godfather was a fighter pilot.

I was too young to go to Vietnam. When I graduated from high school, the Army was in its post -Vietnam reduction phase. Both my father and my godfather told me that it wasn't a good time to start a military career and I listened to them. As much as I appreciate those who do serve, I have never regretted that decision.

[Ala Dan]

UPDATE-

I put the stipulation of "confidential resons" in the poll
for any person that feels like they have something to
hide. Some examples would be:

a) NO, I didn't serve because I'm a CONVICTED FELON

or

b) NO, I didn't serve due to a medical disability

or

c) YES, I served for awhile but I got kicked out of
the service with a 1) General Discharge, or 2) Undesirable
Discharge, or 3) Dishonorable Discharge.

or

NO, I didn't serve cuz during the Viet-Nam war I
ran across the border into Canada; or England, like
former President Billary Klinton!

or

NO, I didn't serve because I was too old (or young).

or

NO, I didn't serve cuz I was just SORRY as Hell
and NEVER even registered for the draft.


There you have it my friends, that is why I put in the
CONFIDENTIALLY clause in the poll.


And to those persons who did honorably serve, or are
currently serving around the world; MY heartfelt thanks
and sincere appreciation for YOUR contribution. To those
brother's and sister's that made the ultimate sacrifice;
hallowed be thy name in the "Land Of The Free, And
The Home Of The Brave", and in the kingdom of Heaven.

*FootNote- If any of you want to visit a few of America's
hero's; I suggest you visit Arlington National Cemetery's
website sometime. Of course, not all of her hero's are
entombed there; but its a good starting ground!


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[MrAcheson]

Does civil service within the military count for anything? I won't get shot at unless the S really HTF, but I am serving.

[Deepdiver]

USN Submarine Service - 1970-76 "saw the world - thru a periscope":what:

[Hkmp5sd]

EM1(SS)
USS Bremerton (SSN-698)
1978-1984

[Sean Smith]

A bit.

http://www.imagemagician.org/images/igc_76543/dd214.jpg

It's pretty big, so be sure to maximize your window. :D

[Jeff White]

US Army 1974-2003 retired now.....

[Lennyjoe]

Air Force 1985-Present

Still going strong. 2 more till I can retire but 4 more before I will.

Last child will be 18 when I hit 22 years. Might as well retire when she graduates.

Just think, I'll be 41, retired from the service and all my kiddies will be grown up.

Just gonna be me, momma and the guns.

Woo Hoo!!!

[Malone LaVeigh]

I voted "Draft Dodger", but I can't really claim that honor. Nixon stopped the draft after I took my physical. I'm sure he would have liked me to join up to kill peasants on the other side of the world for wanting to choose their own government, but I and millions of others weren't in an obliging mood.

[SIGarmed]

I voted "Draft Dodger", but I can't really claim that honor.

Oh how nice of you thinking about all the poor commies out their.
:rolleyes:

[igor]

M67: :scrutiny: ;) :p :) morsom...

[dinosaur]

Yep, hated every minute of it. Then I joined a paramilitary org. With age comes wisdom.:banghead: Much better pension though.:D

[stevelyn]

That scene from Henry V has always been one of my favorites.

U.S. Army MP Corps 1983-1991.

[chaim]

Joined Army Reserves at 18 while in high school (went to training at 19 but since I joined the Reserves and I was in high school at the time I was able to go to about 7 or 8 months of drills before training). After BCT I was discharged due to a bad ankle.:fire: Still burns me up.

I am now 33 and about 50 lbs overweight, but if I can lose the weight, if I'm under current age standards at the time (last I heard it was 36 max and it will probably take about a year to lose enough weight and build my strength and endurance enough for me to be willing to try basic training again, which is designed for 18 year olds after all and when I was 19 my ankle was to bad to make it through), and if I can convince myself that my ankle can take it I may either enlist in the Reserves as a mental health specialist (I believe the MOS is 91X, Mental Health Specialist) since that is what my degree is in or I might wait until I get my doctorate and go in as a psychologist (only problem with that is I think the age limit for that is 36 and it will take at least 5 years, and more typically takes 6, to get my Ph.D. in Clinical or Counseling Psychology).

USN Ret, Mustang
Sam, do you mean that you flew Mustangs (I didn't think you were that old) or that you were a Mustang?