O/T Armed Forces?

"Any man who may be asked what he did to make his life worth while, I think can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction
"I served in the United States Navy"
John F Kennedy Aug 1, 1963

 

If you are reading this, thank a teacher. If it's in English, Thank a soldier!!!

 

And on a lighter note, for all us old farts who still feel the urge to answer the call of duty, I offer this opportunity ---http://mysthillarium.com/anthology/senior_call.htm

 

All right people let's get away from the debate and get back to his question. There has been a lot of great advice on here. I joined right out of high school and have been in for 16 years. What is important is that you do what you think is right. Email me if you have any questions? ekrohn@midgett.uscg.mil

EMC Eric Krohn

 

Kurt, you're absolutely right. Nobody knows EVERYTHING that's going on, but don't you think military members have a little more insight than reporters?
Johnny
P.S. We got way off topic......this is my last post in this thread unless it's something I can help with on the original subject.

 

It's called leadership. To make a decision to send men off to die so others can survive, and it's a subject that haunts most leaders. No one intentionally sends their forces into Harms way just to watch them get slautered. But what kind of leader are you to just sit and watch something like 911 and do nothing about it?

Dr.J
I know your type and the area you live in. Yeah I was called all kind of things and even spit upon back in 68 in San Deigo. It's really too bad when these people come looking for infedials to kill that they don't find asshole like you or your family. I've lost many brothers and as I view their flag drapped coffin I pray that they didn't die in vain for assholes like you.

Remember; Jesus died for your sins and somewhere along the line a Veteran died for the freedom you use to spit upon them with.

 

I am not EVER gonna join!
If a draft comes and i get chosen, then i guess i will have to go, but other wise uh uh.

 

whoa holmes. not cool. disagreement is one thing; fun poking, and low blows, another. but you pole vaulted over the line here.

 

There will come a point in your life when you ask yourself what you personally did or accomplished re: service to your country. There is no shame in military service. I was 1-A and somehow allowed to serve in the Peace Corps for 3 years.(1967-70). Still have my draft card and give my thanks daily to any one I see who is a veteran.

 

I joined the Air Force right out of high school in 1996 and served until 2000. I spent two years in Germany and a year and a half in Virginia as a paralegal. Before going in I really took the time to research what service I wanted to join and it came down between the AF and USN. I went for the AF because, as Srosa707 said, it appeared they did take good care of their people. He is absolutely right....they really do. The quality of life in the AF, in my opinion, is second to none.

I enjoyed my 4 year stint in the service and wouldn't trade that time in my life for anything. One good piece of advise I would pass on though, is the military can be really tough on a relationship, especially if your spouse isn't also serving. If you’re a single guy, go for it!! It will be the best decision you could make. If your married (or on your way to marriage) really take the time to think about it. Best of luck and GO Air Force!! Nic.

 

Amen, brother. Well said...

And to the many, many of you on this board who have served in our military, let me just say "thank you". Those two words sound so trite and lame every time I say them, and really they are utterly insufficient in comparison to what you guys (and girls) have given so that people like myself can live our lives without having to worry that some wahabbist fanatic is going to blow himself up in a car on my street in the morning.

"Thank you" sounds so lame, but sometimes, a seemingly small gesture or thanks really makes someone's day. One example: I live near Camp Pendleton in CA, and a bar that I recently started going to with my wife (big Ohio State bar) is chock-full of Marines on any given day. We were there a couple weeks ago, and I told our waitress that I wanted to buy a round for the table of Marines next to us - whatever they wanted, and she said, "all of them? That's going to be really expensive, like over $100". I told her that "with all due respect, $100 doesn't even cover what they are doing and have done for our country - this is the least I can do". The guys got their drinks and were unbelievably appreciative, and we ended up moving over to their table and talking with them for the next few hours. Really great group of guys - and God... so young. It's incredible...

Bottom line is this - you might think they don't appreciate it or think about it at all when people say thanks, but I think that in general, our citizens don't thank them enough for what they do, like Flat Erie said, irrespective of what you think about the current conflicts we're involved in, etc. They're bravely doing what is asked of them to protect us, and that's something that I feel like I can't possibly repay them for, no matter how hard I try...

 

Jettwain, that is the sort of gesture those Marines will remember, and almost certainly repeat somewhere else down the line.

Warpigg, nvra'c comment's are spot on. Sometimes the liberal (all bleeding hearts and needle marks IMHO) need a good, hard shot of reality. Whilst you may not agree with what the servicemen are currently doing in the name of your president, there is ABSOLUTELY no grounds for critisicm of any serving or retired serviceman. Without the guy's who were man enough to say "yes", people like you DrJ would not have the freedom to critisice.
Couple of tips for you, read a book called "Fatherland" by Robert Harris, then visit the War Museum in Ottawa. And look up the word "respect"

 

you've posted here 4 times. maybe you're unfamiliar with posting policy. political posts are frowned upon and those wishing for the death of members and/or their families are never "spot on". even if you agree with them.

 

This one won't be open much longer...

 

doubt it

 

OK, the haters on each side of this issue thats snaked it's way into this topic, NONE of ya have any reason to be in here makin a rukus and if it were up to me I'd have locked this post 3 pages back.

Some of y'all are gettin WAY out of hand, there's no reason to be disrespecting anyone regardless of what side of the debate you are on.
That shot about the tangos findin peoples families,... Man, you make me fkk'n ashamed! Someone in my country, in this day and age, actualy said that? Jesus fkk'n wept,...

Crap like this is why I cant wait to retire. I have given up all of my adult life, by my own choice, to defend the right of every American to disagree with our leaders and eachother. I sure as hell dont agree, but I'll stand by what comes down the pipes.
What irks me is more & more it seems that I have given up my rights & comforts for the last 18 years for a country of people that haven't got enough common respect for thier fellow countrymen to not be a raging dick, have no idea what it's like to have that kind of selfless devotion it takes to serve, & usualy have NO idea that 99% of the people in the military hate war and joined to help prevent it not fight it. But by God we will fight if we are told to, we wont like it, but if we have to we will bleed, even die.

But you know why I stay in, why I haven't given up on the ungrateful majority I serve?
It's those one or two folks, that see me in my uniform and come up and thank me. The people that have bought me a drink, shared a table & some time, talked about what I've done & where I've been. Those people that are genuinely glad that I am where I am, doing what I do, and knowing I'm doing it for thier bennefit wether they agree with it or not.
THOSE all too rare people make up for every idiot that makes me sick & regret my decision to join.

This thread isn't about WHY this young gentleman should or should not serve, seems that descision has been made already. It's about where he'll have the best chance to have the best life & get the best expereince.
So why dont y'all that dont have something constructive to lay down on THIS topic STFU, or start your own o/t thread & have at it.
In plain language, take your cart of shit & fling it somewhere else.

ANYWAY,...
Back to the topic at hand:
Rozzi brings up a very valid point. Serving in the military is hard on any relationship. Depending on your service it can be VERY hard, not too many people I have known have made it work for long. It's not uncommon to meet people who are 25 and working on thier 2nd or even 3rd marriage (you'd think they'd learn after the 1st one huh?).
Selecting the right service and finding a job you'll be happy with can make a world of difference, makes it easier to keep someone else happy when you are happy yourself.
Sure, it's always gonna be rough, it will suck wind from time to time, but I can tell you, politics and arseholes aside, I love my job, I love my Navy, & despite some inflicted moments of doubt I am damned happy I did what I did. What you find in the service, well, lets just see.

 

Pigg, point taken and duly retracted. I do tend to get out of my pram when disrespect towards the military is shown, something that really bothers me. I do however stand by the respect comment. Not enough of it shown.

Maybe one day I'll have gained the experience that 436 post "brings to the table."

 

thanks for serving, taff. by the way

 

Has anyone here even actualy BEEN in the the "Sand Box" or lost a firend their?

Just curious...

RIP 2nd Lt. Joshua Plamer - USMC 1st Bat. / 5th MARINES

 

Retired Air Guard, did it full time and loved most of it, some mickey mouse bullshit as in all the services. Try a tour in National Guard or Reserves, it will expose you somewhat to what it's like without the full time commitment, you can always go active duty if you like it. Actually more and more Guard/Reserve units are called up for 6 month tours, after I retired my former commander took a tour that would probably have been mine. Like the guys said, retirement benefits are great, I can hop on a plane space available and fly all over, stay at bases space available, shop here on post tax free, (buy booze on Sunday too LOL) Wife and I visit Panama City Beach Navy base and stay in a nice suite for $25! did that for the Emerald Coast Cruise In.

 

i never joined any branch of our millitairy. if it were any other time, with any other pesident, and we were fighting for a LEGITAMATE reason, i would sign up in a HEARTBEAT. but right now i would have a hard time fighting for causes i dont belive in.

 

What would you consider to be a legitimate reason?
What would be a cause you would believe in?

 

Sure have was in the Anbar Province Aug.2004-Mar.2005 served with CSSB-7 and BLT 1/3 R.I.P LCpl Mabry Cain,LCpl Jeb Mconnell, so yes, LCpl Stroker Co."C" 6th Eng. SEMPER FI

 

Well if you would read the damn lyrics he had posted you would see where I am coming from.I read you're post and that is your opinion I would shake your hand for saying that.The only reason I had said that to him is because of the lyrics I've lost 2 friends over there and because someone has no idea what thats like post lyrics like those.I wasn't gonna let it slide.UNless this thread goes back to the original intent. I'm Done if I wannna talk politics I'll go to the Republican National Convention. I came to talk hot rods and customs thats why were here right?Its just some things that were said got my blood boiling thats all.

 

military service should never be manditory in the USA, it is a station of honour, it cannot be bastardised and used as a tool to parent someone else's brat, let parents police their offspring... nothing worse than an army of conscripts, convicts and draftees, they have nothing to fight for... no faith (faith doesnt have to involve religion).

i believe you should really think about why joining would be the right thing for you... we are at war, and your decision will carry consequences, good and bad.

also keep in mind, not volunteering doesnt make a person a coward, it is your right as an American to choose... the very rights that our families have been fighting for since day one.

carrying a gun for uncle sam also doesnt entitle you to special privileages.... living an honest existance as well as taking full responsability for your actions and passing those ideals onto our youth is the best service a person can do for their country, in my opinion.

 

Actually, the bullshit our government pulls BROUGHT the fight here.

Thanks a lot USA for funding AND training the Taliban in the 80's!

Did we get permission from our allies to play cowboy? Nope. Did we get approval from the people of america? I think that's a hefty no. How do I know? Because I've opened my fucking eyes and looked around and listened to what people say....

Hey, in case you didn't read (and I realize that you clearly don't have a job that requires literacy) I clearly stated that I have NO problem with servicemen following their orders.

My problem is with military leaders, and governmental tactics regarding foreign policy (among other things).

Thanks for completely missing the point though.

Amazing how you call me ignorant, yet you clearly aren't literate. Hmm... ponder me that one.

Believe you me bud, I'm the last person you should be pointing the finger at when it comes to getting "good sources" and making my own decisions. I'm not going to go into the regiment, but I will tell you that I am by no means a new dog to the idea of educated thinking. As for where I get my news? Well, here's a small part... US news stations, my relatives who are in the military, the opinions of my friends and family members in the UK, Ireland, and around the world, foreign newspapers (mostly German, Irish and French), and foreign television networks.

Don't assume that I'm just another bleeding liberal... cause I'm not. I'm not a liberal, nor am I conservative.

I'd say that a quote like that is pretty black and white. But hey, please enlighten me since you're such a scholar.

That doesn't even need a response....

1) We (the American people) didn't send you.
2) Maybe you should take some of your own advice about educating ones self...


And I agree... thank you to all the Vets.

 

I think this post should be required reading for all of you (ex) servicemen who have commented on how everyone should be kissing your asses for giving us our freedoms.

Thank you for posting that plan9. Your wording couldn't have been more perfect.

I also THOROUGHLY agree with you on the military not needing to be mandatory. The effect would be the same as if colleges were suddenly free. You'd have the students who worked hard and want an education being dragged down by the people who don't really care to be there, but went "just because they could".

 

Man ... what a mess.

I've been active duty Navy for 10 years come January. Been on a few boats and have done a few deployments. I'm sure I can give you some good info. Just not on this thread. Email me offline ... sissini@peleliu.navy.mil or sissini@gmail.com. You can also PM me ...

IT1

 

The only advice I can offer is that a few years in the Air force gave me a career in computers for life when I got out. On the other hand, a lot of my relatives scored with Military-paid college educations (and Masters & PhD's) from the Navy. All the while, you're defending the rest of us -- hey -- nothin' better happenin' at the DQ, why not try it out?