Why join the military?

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The military IS a sacrifice. IT will DEMAND EVERYTHING from you to include you being a father to your son.
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Bullseye.

I know one of the biggest morale busters one individual complained to me
about was hearing his 1SG say to him in Iraq "F*** your family" when he
expressed some concerns about something extremely serious going on back
home. Now I have no where near the time in service as some of the
people posting here, so due to my own inexperience I must completely
fail to see how such a retort was suppose to build up this soldier.

No one should join unless they are willing to sacrifice everything: family,
life, etc.

IMHO, I'd rather see us realign ourselves toward a swiss-style system of
secure borders and a certain level of training for everyone for domestic
defense rather than maintenance of a far-flung global empire.
 
I joined for one reason: Education. Couldn't afford college and the Navy was more than happy to pay me to go to school for two years to learn how to operate a nuclear reactor.
 
First off, I LIKE Maser's posts

Well, Most of em' anyway...;) = Thought provoking, gets people stirred up and sometimes even Thinking:p
As for the young gent himself, he's volunteerd for another form of hazerdous duty - FATHERHOOD! Good luck to you & yours & if the firstborn turns out, you may want to consider raising a litter:cool:
Personally, I was greatful for having served time in the service (Navy) before raising a family = needed a practical course in "Life on Life's Terms" before I could pass it on to the kids, :D
 
Why join the military - I can say why I joined.

When I joined the Army I had just completed my first year of college. GOD! How boring. There was no way (I was convinced - being young and stupid) that I was gonna sit behind a desk all my life. So I joined up with Tanks as a guarantee. Not boring. Got out - went back to college. GOD! How boring.

So I joined the NAVY. But this time I was at least gonna learn a trade. Joined with a guarantee as a Nuclear Reactor Operator ET. Not boring.

Now I'm a civilian, college graduate and - guess what - sitting behind a DAMNED desk all day. GOD! How boring. But it's a living and the military is still a young man's game and I am no longer young.

My point - for some, civilian life is just too damned boring, the day to day grind, the rat race, office politics, living in one place for years on end - what ever you want to call it. JUST TOO DAMNED BORING!
 
... He's a real military type of person who served in desert storm with my dad and he knows that I don't want to join the military and yet doesn't say anything about it. All he says is that it's my discission and that if and/or when I decide to join then I would be made into one of the greatest soldiers ever. He does real wonders into boosting my ego and I love that.
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Listen to your uncle. He has it right!

You must do what you think is right for you and your situation at this time. Don't be concerned about what others think. They must do what is right for them in their lives at this time, but that is not necessarily what is right for you in your life at this time.

You have certain priorities and responsibilities in your life at this time. Make your decisions based on that.

As your priorities and responsibilities change so to will your decisions. What is right for you today may change in the future.

Each person must do the same. Each life is unique and so are the priorities, responsibilities, and decisions of every individual.

If you do what you believe is the right thing for you at this time you will have peace in your heart. That is the most important thing.
 
You da man OLD DOG. we may have crossed paths. Baharain, Rocks. Ever go to the International hotel>?

I of course have only heard of the place.;)
 
Disclaimer: I've never served in the military either.

All I see from Maser's initial post is 2 points: 1, he talks to people with a slanted view regarding the military, and 2 he doesn't like pushy salesmen.

I can see the point about not wanting to join if you have a child, I feel the same way. Hell, I don't even like going on overnight trips away from my family, but than again I'm also 40 years old. If I had a kid at 16 it would definitely sway me to not join.

Regarding the first point, I've seen the exact opposite: almost everyone I talk to says it's a good choice for some people, but it's definitely not for everybody, same as people are saying here.

REcruiters in schools, well all I have to say is that no one is putting a gun to your head to join at this point, so feel free to listen to them with an open mind, and say yes or no as you desire.
 
I would make a great soldier if I chose to be one because my parents have showed me great discipline over my lifetime so far. My uncle has taught me a few military hand to hand combat techniques.
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The military is definately not for everyone,but it sure does turn unruly kids into respectable and responsible men and women-by channelling their aggression,into combat training,drills and parade-marching,etc.Conscription,was abolished in the UK in the early 60s and was considered by many,to be 'a good way to discipline the boys in Britain.There are those who can't fit in,because of the highly-disciplined regimes-that one must endure-on a daily basis.

Besides,if you are any good as a service-person-there are opportunities to study,for College qualifications-making promotion,that much easier into the senior Non-commissioned and Commissioned ranks.Of course other aspects such as leadership qualities are considered,before the board-before any decisions are made,about your promotion.

You also get to see the world,meet new people,get to participate in action-sports,sports sponserships,etc,etc.

You could get alot of job opportunities open to you-if and when you decide to leave,but it might or might not happen-depending on where you are.

My mother is pro-military and complained,that National Service was abolished in the UK.I knew,before sighning up,how to tidy-up my living space,how to press clothes-with a iron,how to polish my shoes properly,etc-so I was fairly used to it.

However the only people who will tell you,if you are any good-are the nco's and the officers-themselves.During basic training at boot camp,there are drill-instructors,who will put you down,by saying that you are rubbish,blah,blah,blah,so it is a matter of general opinion,if you are or not.The best way to see if you are any good is,if you pass the standard-requirement tests,that they set you-so then you can see foryourself,quite clearlyf-if the job is for you.

Its a case of,"The job picks you and you don't pick the job".

But I think that you will do it,because you seem determined to do so-so good luck to you,in the future-and hope that your basic-training works out positively,for you.

The best part is the passing out parade-when you are dressed up,looking your best and having your parents,friends and family-watching you march and drill.It is so powerful,that it can bring tears to your eyes.

Watch Bad Lads Army, on BBC America,and see if you could handle bootcamp.Bad Lads Army,was a reality tv show-like Big Brother-but it is set in the South West of the UK-known as "the West Country.This show takes young petty theives,slackers,junkies,winos and other loser drifters and attempts to change their attitudes-towards life,society and finally towards themselves.

All the staff are serving or ex-military men,who are had as nails,ruthless and won't be afraid to lash out at you,for the slightest thing.

Now you are neither of those types of characters in the above nor are you serving or about to serve in the British Armed-Forces-but the US Armys bootcamp is probably no different-in terms of how they would train an individual recruit.
 
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I would never serve in the military for one reason.

reason 1 part one

I was in the Boy Scout explorers-military, and the our leader a Col. in the real army, his son was set up to go to Westpoint. And have a great life in the military. So he went to the military went to Westpoint, got the highest award awarded to hin in a non-combat time, for saveing 2 other soldiers lifes. Got out of Westpoint and started his "job". As soon as it came to re-sign up. He got out as fast as he could. He hated it, he felt like if he ever wanted to get higher rank he would need to have the good looking girlfriend and throw those partys to woo all the generals.

Reason 1 part two

One of my friends in the Explorer wanted his whole life to go into the military, once he got in, it was way to political for him, even though he was a Ranger. And a bunch of other things that dont need to be mentioned here.


Based off those two its hard for me to look at the military as something i would like.
 
What do you mean, "unless you own your own business"?

Politics is everywhere. Even if you're a sole proprietor, you still have to deal with vendors, landlords, government flacks, etc.
 
To each their own.

I was in the Army 9 years, volunteered when there was a draft. It was good for me at the time. I don't look down on people who don't volunteer.

IMO every physically fit citizen owes their country, and society two years of some kind of service.

Just my take. (I have my flameproof suit and breather on.)
 
I am against mandatory military service, except in cases of the direst need, when our natjon teeters on the brink of annihilation. People have suggested our military is stretched too thin, we need a draft now. I disagree. If we would pay our troops even a fraction of what they are really worth, and offer more college programs, etc etc, we would have more troops. Many people who have interest in the military or in public service don't want to live paycheck to paycheck and hence enter the public domain. I am against programs were everyone 18-21 or some other young age group would serve the country somehow, be it military service, public works programs, working at schools, etc. To me, that is Communism, where the government forcibly tells you what you will do and how much you will get paid for doing it.


I have also never served in the military.

That being said, I have the absolute utmost respect for those of you who have, and I do have the inkling of what sacrifices have been made in times past to allow or freedom to flourish. Truth is, if push came to shove, I'd go.

To the original poster. You say nothing matters more than spending time with your son. Would that include spending all your time with your son in a consentration camp, or maybe as someone's property, or under the heel of a religous zealot who commands both you and your son to follow his faith?

When you grow older, your views will change. You will not see your time with your son as 'fun time for both of us', instead you will do whatever it takes to make the best life for your loved child. This may mean spending LESS time with him, because you desire to keep him safe, healthy, and keep all his options open. This means money, unfortunately. I've known many a parent who could have spent nights at home with the kids, but who went to college during the evenings, or did double shifts, so the kids could afford braces or tutors.

As far as your ego, and not liking to be called a coward. Well, maybe the man was hitting close to the mark. If bar none your only concern in life is living, he may be correct. To me, courage, the opposite of cowardace, is doing what we need to, even if we don't like it. For some, they feel they need to serve their country, and put their life on the line, even if they would rather be home with loved ones.

On a final note, your statment of your ego being important, and your image to be defended at all costs. Are you really saying you would kill someone simply because they insulted you? It is my belief that anyone whose ego is so big they put their smallest discomfort towering above the value of other human beings is either evil, or mentally ill. Maybe you should seek counciling.
 
My son left today for Army BCT. He decided this is what HE wants to do. College would have been a free ride since I work at one. That wasn't for him. Whatever he decided I was going to stand by him 100% and am very proud. If I had to do it over again, I would have done the same thing then went to college afterwards.

Ron
 
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As part of the process, I've gotten to see several recruiters and watched what they do, and I've never seen one of them try to pressure anyone. Military people tend to be very direct and to-the-point, and civilians often find themselves intimidated by that, and subconsciously intimidated by the bearing and confidence that a military person possesses. Some people construe that as pressure, but it's almost entirely self-imposed, as far as I can tell.
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That's funny, I'm glad somebody else had a chance to see it!

I had a kid CALL IN to ME to set up an appointment. Qual'ed him, set and conducted the appointment. He is ALL FIRED UP and wants to join. I send him back to his college dorm with a list of things and the promise to be back at my office on a Sunday afternoon, so I could get him finalized to process and join the Air Force the next day.
Well Mommy and Daddy didn't like the fact that he was leaving college (after his first year) to join the Air Force. Daddy called and told me that his 18-19 year old kid WAS NOT GOING TO MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station). I called the kid directly, he tells me not to worry, Mom and Dad just don't understand and he will be there.
Daddy calls back and tells me to leave his son alone. I basically tell dad that as an ADULT he CAME TO ME and wants to join. Dad tells me that I am twisting his arm.
All I state is that I just need to know wether the kid is going to be at my office at X time on Sunday to finish his paperwork. Dad tells me NO, but the kid tells me YES. Dad continued to tell me that I was twisting his kids arm because I was DEMANDING that he be in my office.

Heck all I wanted to know is wether I was going to miss another Sunday afternoon with my family or not... Dad wouldn't listen to me to pass that along.

Needless to say with such an overbearing father and his mommy having that long of apron strings the kid never came back to my office!
 
Why not join the military? I've been in now for 15 years and I have nothing bad to say about it. Yes you do have to put up with a lot of BS but that is easy, most people deal with it every day. The military is a good stepping stone for people who want to learn a skill or go to college some day. I joined the Army in 1992 and chose Airborne Infantry, it wasn't my first choice but I wanted the college money $40,000.00. I no longer serve on active duty but I'm still in the reserves and I plan on collecting my retirement. Both active duty and reserves will pay up to 75% of your college tuition if you choose not to use the GI Bill/Army College Fund while you are in the military. Most Commanders will give you the time to go to college on a part-time basis if you approach them about it.

The only thing I will tell you about choosing the College money is that it limits the choices you get for jobs when you enlist. When I joined you either got to learn a technical skill or you got the college money. I think know you can get both because enlistment is down but only in occupations with critical shortages. The Army will give cash bonuses if you want to stay in and re-enlist, my MOS gives up to a $40K bonus and Special Forces will give over $150K bonus. Active duty pay is pretty good these days as well, If you are entitled to BAH and BAS as an E5/Sargent you can earn over $30K a year. It takes the average soldier 4 years to get E5 in the Army and some as little as 18 months not bad pay by age 22 if you joined at 18.

The Military is defiantly not for everyone and like most things it is what you make of it for yourself. I would probably have never seen places like Italy, Germany, Austria, England, France, and Africa if I hadn't joined. I've never regretted joining the Army and it has been good to me.
 
I have been proven right once again by all the military type of people. Lets get some more of the non-military people like myself to voice their oppinons. So far my argument is winning. :D
 
What do you mean, "unless you own your own business"?
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You are self-employed. You produce, you eat. You don't, you starve. You pay all of your social security 'contributions'. You fund your own medical and dental insurance.

If you own a big enough business to have employees, you do all the payroll things a business owner has to perform along with complying with the state and federal laws and regulations an employer has to put up with.

Of course, if you get big enough, you will have employees 'politicking' your behind off to get promotions, advantages, and extra privileges.

Pilgrim
 
I wanted to go kill communists. I still think that is a worthwhile activity.
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You keep writing such purty words, I'll start to tear up & muss up my clean hankie.

Maser:
I hope you find the strength to bear up under any criticism from those who question your decision not to enlist...and keep to that commitment.

I was always of the mind that there should have been an open door policy in basic/ait/etc. If you wanna leave, don't let the door hit you in the azz. I'd rather have 10 motivated men beside me than 30 limp noodles masquerading as men.
 
MASER:I have been proven right once again by all the military type of people. Lets get some more of the non-military people like myself to voice their oppinons. So far my argument is winning.
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Have you read anything in this thread? I didn't count ONE post that called you a coward for not wanting to join the military.

Your post, on the other hand, certainly acknowledges the fact you only started this thread to get a specific response. You're not interested in anything but "proving" something. Troll.

ETA: and people wonder why kids aren't taken seriously. I wish more forums had age requirements.
[oh, btw, shouldn't this thread be in legal/political? maser has something personal, or indirectly political to say...there's no gun discussion here...in fact, to maser, there's no "discussion" at all--in one ear, out the other :)]
 
MASER:
I have been proven right once again by all the military type of people. Lets get some more of the non-military people like myself to voice their oppinons. So far my argument is winning.
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And posts such as this make me regret that I bothered responding to his original post. I thought he wanted to know why people joined the armed forces. It appears though, that he simply wanted to generate responses to validate an immature point of view he's come to based on his limited life experience and some twisted opinion he's got of those who've actually served ...

I'm with spacecadetzoom: Troll.
and people wonder why kids aren't taken seriously. I wish more forums had age requirements.
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I'm gettin' there, too ...
 
There are a couple of things I fell need to be said here. First of all, in my experience only idiots are completely fearless. It's not the absense of fear that is important, it's the ability to handle the fear and use it. I am not calling anyone an idiot here, I just think some folks' fearlessness may be a bit overestimated due to lack of experience.

As far as pressure to join, I've never seen any arm-twisting, especially from vets. Granted, there was a recruiter that called me for two years, but that sounded more like a sales pitch with some pleading thrown in. Unfortunately (fortunately?) I had a job at the time that paid more than the government did and I did not care about college. I also thought that telling me that Navy needs people like me was reflecting badly on the state of the Navy.

I would also like to say that military training/experience is by no means a guaranteed people improver. Case in point, my ex-boss's kid. He went to the Army, found that he can't have things his way and that he is not a privileged rich kid but rather a regular joe that gets yelled at by the DI. In short, he found out that if you go to the Army, you wind up in the Army. Now he just whines more than he ever did before. Granted, he's just through Basic, but I don't think he'll get that much better. Sow's ear and purse.

I believe that if someone doesn't want to be in a profession, he shouldn't go into it. Leave soldiering to people that want to do it, everyone will be better off. Disliking what you do leads to doing a half-assed job, and the armed services could do without that. It's unfair both to your equals who will have to pick up the slack and to your superiors who will have to put extra effort into getting your behind in gear.

I don't feel I am any less of a man for not having served. And if anyone does feel that way about me, they can take that opinion, fold it till it has all sharp corners and I'm sure you know the rest.
 
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