Thinking of joining the military need some help please?

[paintballfiend]

Joining the military says you care about serving and defending your fellow Americans not that you support war. You are reading too much into it. It could be saying "I need and education", "I need money", "I want to help my American brothers", or best of all, "I owe it to my country."

Personally, my one great regret is that I did not serve in the armed forces. My father was in the AF during Vietnam, I took ROTC all through HS and got cought up in a photography career (that went nowhere) so I never joined. I believe that one of the major problems in America right now is the the youth have no sense of what being a partiot means. I think that if you want to vote you should have to do at least one term of govt. service. If you dont care about the country and its people enought to put dedicate three years to making it better you have no business voting. I realize that may sound absurd to some of you but most of you probably dont vote anyways so whatever. I do and given the chance to go back I would DEFINITELY serve. Even with the knowledge of where we were headed.

I think it is a supremely honorable decision to serve your country. Not an easy one but life is full of hard choices and its not always about whats easiest

If I served one term in government service, who would decide what was best for my country?

[Warwitch]

If I served one term in government service, who would decide what was best for my country?

Whoever the people that had served before you voted into office. Serving shows that you care enough to make informed decisions, and also that you condsider your brothers and not just yourself when you do vote. I find that most people that have been in the military have a better grasp of selflessness. It irks me that there are people out there bilking of welfare that havent worked a day in their life and they have the same voiting rights as combat wounded vets. Half of our homless are veterans and that, to me, is un-friggin-accepatble.

[paintballfiend]

Whoever the people that had served before you voted into office. Serving shows that you care enough to make informed decisions, and also that you condsider your brothers and not just yourself when you do vote. I find that most people that have been in the military have a better grasp of selflessness. It irks me that there are people out there bilking of welfare that havent worked a day in their life and they have the same voiting rights as combat wounded vets. Half of our homless are veterans and that, to me, is un-friggin-accepatble.

Well, our leaders and I have have very different opinions on what is best for our country. Our vets are getting screwed, another great move from our leaders.

I know, damn liberals.

[Warwitch]

Well, our leaders and I have have very different opinions on what is best for our country. Our vets are getting screwed, another great move from our leaders.

Agreed, things have gotten completely out of hand over the last 10-15 years. I honestly believe we have seen the best of what the American system has to offer. I believe we peaked out sometime between the industrial revoloution and the Korean war. But thats not to say we cant make it better than it is today.

I know, damn liberals.

Uh oh, here comes the flood.. (cue SCpoloRicker)

[paintballfiend]

Agreed, things have gotten completely out of hand over the last 10-15 years. I honestly believe we have seen the best of what the American system has to offer. I believe we peaked out sometime between the industrial revoloution and the Korean war. But thats not to say we cant make it better than it is today.

Oh, of course we can, it is very much a possibility. Is it possible American got too big, too fast?

[Warwitch]

Oh, of course we can, it is very much a possibility. Is it possible American got too big, too fast?

Im not sure about too big too fast but we have definitely let our "holier than thou" attitude run rampant. We choose not to be part of things like Global Warming treaties but condem anybody that isnt a member of any/all groups we belong to. Its hypocritical. We pretty much just do whatever the hell we want at all times. Which sounds great but comes back around to caring only about ourselves (our politicians that is). It just isnt a sustainable situation. We arent Big Brother to the world anymore, we are the fat kid that stuffs you into a locker and takes your lunch money. But we all know that eventually the bully gets his in the end (and he never sees it coming!)

So to get back OT, thats exactly why I think we need to be a little more enlightened. And IMO service can provide a wealth of knowledge, both personal and global.

[mclaggan123]

started out in the army and now im in the navy. did subs and now im surface. all i can say is go to gollege. the military is pushing for college anyway. i liked the army and dont like the navy. i have 11 years in total and now that im over haflfway to retirement i might as well do the other 9 years. i didnt want to go to school anymore after high school so i joined the military. ive done just about as much school in the military as i would have in college. i kick myself all the time for not going to college instead. its getting togher to get a good job without college and its only going to get worse. go to school and if you still want to join then do it as an officer. college is going to be a must in the future so go while you can cause it just gets harder to go to school the older you get. good luck and best wishes.

[rifleman wi]

yea, im a small arms repairman and hopefully i can pick up a job with colt or FN when i get out and make some big $$$

Ok here are a few things. I didn't mind the Army, just didn't like the stupid way in which they did things. That being said, it was the easiest job I have ever had and it's not that bad. Military is a good thing, but pick a job that will help you when you get out. Sorry but any combat arms MOS will do nothing for you when you get out UNLESS you want to go into law inforcement. Anything medical is cool, I would say Army is prob your best be there. Airforce for mechanic, chances you wont get shot and you can make bucks when you get out. Marines, sorry but just say no unless you want to fly. Navy, major technical if you have that in you, good bet for high paying job in the future.

[Swampy]

Engineering is a another great field to work in. Equipment operation, Surveying, Construction, and Deconstruction.

[BeaverEater]

You could also look at reserves or national guard. You can always go active from there if you like it. Now do you want to join just because you have no where else to go or cause you really want to. If you dont want to you'll probably hate the military. Dont rush into anything either. they want you more than you want to join. Talk to recruiters and see what they have to offer you.

[rifleman wi]

yea, and play hard ball with em.. you CAN get a really big bonus right now, eventho they may not offer one, just tell them your not intrested, theyl call you back. i didnt get a bonus at all, it sux.. $20k sure would be really nice right now...

ohh and scott.. Old Ironsides is still way better than your 25th Electric Strawberrys...

You could also look at reserves or national guard. You can always go active from there if you like it. Now do you want to join just because you have no where else to go or cause you really want to. If you dont want to you'll probably hate the military. Dont rush into anything either. they want you more than you want to join. Talk to recruiters and see what they have to offer you.

[BeaverEater]

ohh and scott.. Old Ironsides is still way better than your 25th Electric Strawberrys...

Last time i checked we have the most medal of honor recipients in the whole army, and last time i checked i get to enjoy hawaii so there

[CaptaiN_JacK]

Random semi-related story: I worked with an ex-marine this summer who had a horrible gambling addiction--he would leave work while on the clock to go gambling for hours on end (we worked weekend nights w/o supervision). He was the most angry and intimidating person I've ever met, and manipulative to boot. Finally I got fed up with his work ethic and ratted him out to upper management. I've been sleeping with a loaded shotgun under my bed ever since.
/hijack

[itsacaddy]

First and foremost,

Make sure you do your research. Every branch of our Military has it's own strengths and weaknesses. It's important to figure out which one is best for you. Find out what you like and what type of job best fits what you're looking for. I remember when I felt the urge to join. I decided to join the Marine Corps because I wanted to be a Marine. I researched throughout college and figured out what I liked about each branch. The Marine Corps best suited my drive and personality. Don't let anyone tell you that one branch is better than the other. They all offer unique services.

You will have to decide if you want to be enlisted or commissioned officer. You will need to have a college degree to be a commissioned officer in any branch. If you enlist without a college degree, pay will be less, but you will have a very important job as the backbone of your branch (at least in the Marine Corps). You will learn and become an expert at your job, then teach the "new guy's." As an officer, it is your job to lead. Leading and taking care of those working for you will be your main priority! You will be a counselor, role model, teacher, etc... to those who you lead. Your second priority is your MOS (military occupational specialty), which is your actual "job."

Beware of recruiters! This is another important reason to do your research. It will help keep you from getting into something you weren't sure about. Do this before you talk to the recruiter!

Currently a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, finishing flight training in the F/A-18 Hornet. If you have any questions please message me! I can offer plenty of advice about the Marine Corps and a little about the Navy, since I fly with them. Regardless of what branch you join I can promise that you'll meet amazing people and life long friends.

Hope that Helped!

Semper Fi

[Swampy]

Last time i checked we have the most medal of honor recipients in the whole army, and last time i checked i get to enjoy hawaii so there

no i means you guys jump on more hand grenades, or thrown on.