O/T Armed Forces?

The only regret I have in my life is not doing a stint in the service.

 

Wow Let me start by saying Dr.J you can go screw yourself cause I've had friends come home tore up bad from car bombs and the like and who the fuck are you to sit and say some shit like that.You wouldn't know what it is like to salute a flag draped coffin of someones loved one and most of all your brother who was beside you for anything, he had your back and you had his.I'm not trying to start a fight, lord knows your against it but don't be jealous because somebody wants to have more fucking balls than you and fight for your freedom to say things like that!Well with that outta the way been in the Marine Corps. for 3 years and counting yes reserve.Wishing I would've went active duty.Check out all the branches and decide which one is right I am of course Biased and say the MARINES but its your choice.I have been to Iraq spent almost a year there it wasn't fun but I met alot of good people and have had alot of experiences my friends that went to colllege didn't.I have one of the most dangerous jobs in the corps. I am a combat engineer and overseas that means minesweeper I loved every mission I was on and have shirts that say our "sweat saves their blood". Well good luck in your decision.And once again DR.J your WELCOME for your freedom, lord knows you didn't do anything for it.

 

Lots of emotion here about this, and rightly so. Military service is probably the most exciting period in one's life, esp. if you're in during a war. The relationships that are created will never be forgotten or diminished. I spent 4 years in the Navy with 2 trips overseas, but without problem. Some things you will hate, just like any other job. It will teach you to work with others, even trust them, regardless of whether you like them or not. You will find your outlook on life and your values will change for the better. I can't think of any other job or career that will give you, or demand from you, more than military service. Even if it's not the skill you want, the life skills it gives are really important. If you are thinking about it, also check out the Coast Guard. They are a small service that really offers direct benefit to those they serve. Good luck.

 

The 60's? You mean the one with the war that ended in American withdrawal, two million boat people, and a mountain of 6 million corpses in Cambodia?

But hey, small potatoes when weighed against the moral superiority fantasies of a bunch of aging retards who think they saved the world by throwing a 1969 mudpit clusterfuck at a New York farm.

Country Joe McDonald, if he's still alive, can suck my dick. The only enduring wisdom out of that piece of dreck: "Don't take the brown acid, man."

Happy holidays to you too, John. Make sure to save up for your taqqiya.

 

Hey Guys,

You've misinterpeted my message - I'm not having a "go" at people who have served, all I was saying is if our current leaders - Australia's included, had actually had some time in the trenches, would they be so quick to send other people off? I'm not talking about soft positions, safely tucked out of harms way, I'm talking about seeing your mates get blown up infront of you.

It was a dig at those leaders, past, present and future who will only too happily send someone elses son to thier death but not thier own.

Danny

 

My little brother, who retires next month as a Major, said the one question he pondered as a recruiting Sgt. to new recruits was, "Are you prepared to die in 6 weeks?"

 

i was in the marine reserves for 6 years durring college. it was peace time... and the reserves, so i don't know how helpful i can be. i was 3rd generation marine so that played a part in my going to the USMC. if i had to choose without the family connection i'd go air force. they seem to have the most bases. that was the only major fault i found with the marine corps. at peace time you were going to go to san diego, north carolina, or japan... a few other places if you were lucky.

 

the af saved me. I was married with a child on the way in 59, had too many speeding ,drag racing tickets, but they took me. i had worked on crop dusters so i became a acft mech. then I learned about b 52 gunners. wanted to be one and finished my career as chief of standarization,quality for non flyers. loved it saw many folks and scenes that .0001 of 1% will never get to see or even hear about. It worked for me ,but is not for everyone.

 

Slightly differant perspective from me. I was in the British Army for 14 years, had the pleasure to work alongside the US Forces on a number of occasions (and in some proper sh1t holes) and always found your lads to be the same as soldiers everywhere:- down to earth, honest, slightly crazy men who want to test themselves and enjoy life. I know I did.
I was mostly a tank fitter, also did a lot of hydraulics work, and a few other things. We always used to look at the gear your lads had and feel a little envious, but hey! You were only making up for not being British soldiers LOL! I still have the camp bed I swapped with a guy from the USMC in Kuwait in '91.
One thing you will have when you leave is a far greater understanding of perspective. And you'll have some truly stand-up friends for life.

DrJ, are you one of those types who had all their tattoo's done in the same week? How dare you questions and critisice those who have chosen to serve in uniform?

 

drj has always and will always reply to posts like this like he has here... infact i haven't even read his reply to this thread (nor will i), because i read it the last time the topic came up. he's a long bearded, long winded, old hippie fart and he'll never change. that may be why he's an asset to the hamb... even though i disagree with 80% of his views, this place wouldn't be the same w/o them.

ps: it takes a BA if not an MA to join the peace corps these days... the army will take you before you graduate highschool. =)

 

I had 3 years in the Army. Enlisted for mechanic school 6 days before my draft date,m Yes I had the draft notice in my hand. Grew up with my dad in the air force. Would Not change a thing, Had some shitty times, had more good times! Overall an experience I wouldn't trade for anything!

And I am the same age as DrJ. While i may not agree with what he has to say I will defend that right with my life!



Jerry

 

This is probably one of the most honest topics I've ever seen.

I could not imagine my life without having been in the military.

 

did 4 years in the navy , hated it at the time , but i look back now and realize how much it defined who i am today. the best advice i can give is - if you are going in to do one certain type job DONT let the recruiter talk you out of it.

 

A good friend of mine went Air Force. This is his 20th year. We're 39 and he's got a great pension, a VA loan thats a great rate and great skills for his second carrer.... Go for it

 

My opinion?

I've never been in the military. I wouldn't ever elist in the military.

I find it ridiculous that because someone disagrees with the bullshit that our government repetitively pulls around the world the are suddenly "taking their freedom for granted."

What a load of shit. For real.

Tell me, how are the people who are assiting in the US of A fucking with everyone that they want to (without consent from the same allies we agreed to get consent from) protecting MY freedoms?

They're not.

They're protecting the interests of neo-conservative rich white american guys who send people off to get killed.

Fuck that.

And don't pull the "you're not a patriotic american" shit with me. I also don't want to hear "You're not an American".

Just because someone disagrees with the political agenda of the nation that they are a citizen of doesn't mean that they aren't patriotic.

In case you military guys who are complaining about disagreeable opinions didn't notice the last few years tactics by the US and British governments haven't exactly been considered POPULAR by the standards of MOST Americans.

Bush made a mistake when he said "If you're not with us, you're against us."

One of our freedoms is the freedom to disagree. And frankly, I'm going to excersize that one.


***** I would just like to add that I have NOTHIGN against servicemen. Many of my family members were/are in the military for thier own reasons. I find it sad that so many servicemen are persecuted for doing their jobs.... like I said... I have no problem with the individuals int he military... I just completely disagree with the USA's tactics when it comes to war and foreign relations.

 

The above response is exactly the kind of fucking bullshit I was addressing.

 

we need a post your political views forum

 

Some great advice above, a couple of other concepts..

Spent 5 yeaRS in AF, 76-81.. Have a college degree courtesy of the GI Bill. Met wife in and she stayed the 20. She also received her degree with VA and is now teaching school. Youngest daughter is now Soph at Univ Arkansas, ROTC. Reoccuring theme here... AF will afford you time to receive an education. While you are active in fact, they pay 3/4 of, if not all tuition cost for college degrees. Typically classes on bases, limited selection of classes though of course..

Second, as a first termer, you get a paycheck on top of the room and board included in the contract. $$ for cars, barley pop, tunes, whatever...

3. take advice above.. DO NOT let them talk you into going into Security. You may find yourself walking a fence line in Montana..

D. Any thoughts of medical, medical equipment repair is the field I regret not knowing about when I went in. I worked Dental.. 8-5 job, inside, weekend every other month on call.. Look through the available slots, WAIT for one that you think is working for you.. Dont let the recruiter talk you into going now and getting job after boot. Oh, and think about basic.. Texas is pretty warm in the summer.....

last, wife's monthly pension for the 20 spent in is the house payment and medical insurance... not too bad...

 

I sometimes feel the same way, and in a perfect world, it would be great, I think it would be a much better country if everyone put something into it, instead of always trying to get something from it but we had a draft when I went in, and while the military did straighten out some of the punks you speak of, many of them were nothing but problems. A strong military depends on good people, not bad apples. Maybe give the YOUNG punks a choice between the military or prison, and if they choose military, send them straight to prison the FIRST time they fuck up.

One other thing, and this is just an observation from an old fart, and not meant to offend anyone, but when I think back on all the people I've known in my life, I think that those who served (as a whole) were just a cut above those (as a whole) who didn't.
Look around you at those you know and admire, I think you'll see what I mean.

I'm sorry, but I have to edit this again, (I can't believe the emotions this has stirred up in me and everyone else) Anyway, read all these posts, especially the negative ones, and ask yourself if you're thick skinned enough and level headed enough to put up with some of the shit you may have to take from ignorant people. I was a medic, I lived off base, every morning I sat at the gate waiting for the light to change while protesters hurled insults and pamphlets at me, and called me a baby killer, then I went through the gate and spent the day among brave young men who "gave their all" and paid in blood and pain. Then when I left the base at night I had to take off my shirt and hat so no one could tell I was military. I was still a kid myself, and never knew where I stood, were the hippies right? Did these brave kids suffer for nothing? Or were the hippies just a bunch of cowards using the war as an excuse to party? I envy all those who KNEW the answers, no matter what side they were on, it was the confusion that got to me, and it took me a long time to put it all behind me, though I'm still confused. I hope the people of this country never turn on "Americas finest" like that again, but after reading some of these posts, and listening to some of those asshole celebrities, I'm starting to think it could happen again.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

To the naysayers & haters, remember that the military is merely another form of diplomacy. The military might of any country is only a tool and an extension of sovereign power & influence. To lash out at those who serve by calling them names is ludicrous & only serves to demonstrate your ignorance.

Whether or not a particular military effort is popular or not makes little difference to those who serve. Do not, for one second, confuse patriotism, loyalty, or honor with politics.

The oath of office for both officer and enlisted does not include anything about only doing your duty during popular operations or not doing it if you happen to disagree with the current administration or political agenda. There are plenty who serve loyally and disagree with the politics behind what they are told to do.

The military does not have the luxury of a life of convenience - choosing to serve when they agree and stand back to let others do the job when they don't agree. Rather, they obey the orders of the civilians who run the military.

Fairly unique to the USA, and certainly one of the earliest practicioners of it, is the concept of civilian control of the military. This means we have to do what the politicians tell us - not just conservatives, not just liberals, but whatever administration is in power. We follow lawful orders whether we like them or not.

Before you start making comparisons to Nazi war ciminals who also "followed orders" & ended up hanging in the gallows at The Hague, realize that we are only required to follow lawful orders. If, for example, a soldier is ordered to kill non-combatants, depending on the situation, that's probably an unlawful order and the soldier has a duty to not obey it. That's a huge amount of responsibility to lay at the feet of an 18 year old. Yet they do an incredibly good job in inordinantly difficult situations and manage to get it right an amazing amount of the time given the fog and friction of war.

The original poster asked your opinion on whether or not you would recommend joining the service. I would put it to you that you could encourage him not to without spouting political vitriol and demeaning those who do serve/ have served.

I understand people who have difficulty with authority. I'm one! I also understand having difficulty doing things that could be perceived as compromising your principles, morals, or values. There are so many better and more convincing ways to make your point, but by just spewing your hatred, you come off as small-minded and hateful which isn't fair to you or your point of view. By resorting to name calling, you've also lost credibility and undermined your own arguments. Ashame, really, because I'm sure you have valid points and different perspectives will help give this young man more information to make a very important life-changing decision. And you can never have enough information when making major decisions.

The military teaches many things to many people. To think the military likes war is more than idiotic - we're the ones dying. If you truly believe we're war mongers or baby killers (or whatever the current popular lexicon is), I'd ask you to take the time to get to know someone in the service. You might be surprised at their outlook on life. You'll be hard pressed to find as many well-grounded young folks in any other group(s) as you will in the military. The discipline, respect, sense of duty, and courage that are instilled in these fine Americans is simply amazing compared to their peers.

Our military, threat of military reprisal, and perceived will of action is what has made us and kept us free. Deterrence is not effective without the will and the means to execute decisive action. Without deterrence, you cannot be free. War is a last resort.

I'll end this lecture with two quotes:

"You sleep safe in your beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do you harm."
--George Orwell

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
--John Stuart Mill

 

Thank you.....

CC

 

Well reasoned and salinet points.

I have no respect for free loaders.

Something we can agree on

"Don't bogart that joint my friend
Pass it over to me
Don't bogart that joint my friend
Pass it over to me

Roll another one
Just like the other one
You've been holding on to it
And I sure will like a hit

Roll another one
Just like the other one
That one's burned to the end
Come on and be a real friend"

 

ha! i still turned out to be a fuck up!

 

The "bullshit" our government pulls around the world keeps the fight there, not here. If we didn't pull "bullshit" we'd have to protect you in your own home, or airport, or school, or job or anywhere. Oh and your friends and families too. So YES you ARE taking your freedom for granted.

Read my reply from above and why should we have ANYONE'S permission to do anything militarily. Did the hijackers on 911 ask permission? No. By the way you aren't the only person in the world ....it's not only YOUR freedoms.

I'm not rich by any means and I believe in what we're doing. By the way, do you think any of us military members on the HAMB are making the orders????? Nope.......but are any of us complaining about our jobs???? Nope. Seriously.....put some logical thought into what's going on around you.

There's alot you don't want to hear......we provide you the right to be ignorant too.

I agree totally.

Most Americans get their news from liberal news outlets. they want anything the republicans do to be unpopular. It doesn't matter which party has control or is in office, we still do our jobs. All you see on the news is bad news. The news (mostly) tries to make us (the military) look as bad as they can. Who do you think REALLY knows what's going on, a guy in a suit in a studio with blow dried hair or the members of the military, some of which are on this board? That's what I'm saying. Don't let the way a news report "spins" a story to fit their own personal view affect yours. Take the real facts and make your own decision. For example, use your imagination and take some stories from today and put it into a WW2 style news reel. Would it be "how many Americans died today fighting for a president's agenda that shouldn't have ever been elected in the first place"? No. It would be the people with newly gained freedom thanking the people who freed them, and schools being built, 21st century medicine, and even running water for the first time in places! Would it be unpopular tactics then? You didn't ever hear about any of that on CNN did you?

Your misunderstanding of that quote proves my point exactly.

We provide you that too, but I encourage you to exercise it with facts instead of a reporter's opinion on the news.

I honestly hope what I said here helps you out a little, and anyone else who takes what they hear on the news as the whole truth. You all can vote and that affects all military members' futures. Don't put any one of us in harms way because of anything you heard on the news. When you send us, and we risk our lives, at least have the courtesy to educate yourself on what the honest to goodness facts are.
Thank you again to all the vets past present and future.
Johnny

 

I did 3 yrs in the Army (1 in Viet Nam) 30 years ago. It was a love hate relationship. When I had a heart attack a few years ago and couldn't work or buy medicine, the VA gave me a disability pension, free 1st class health care and all my meds. If I hadn't done those 3 yrs way back when, I would be dead or sick and homeless today.
My Dad did 28 yrs in the Air Force (joined when it was still the Army Air Corps) and loved it. My older brother joined the Army while still in college and became a doctor. Did 25 years he loved, came out a full colonel with a kick ass pension and went into private practice where he now makes just a little bit less than God.
Little brother did 4 in the Navy, got out and joined the Corps Of Engineers. He retires in a couple years with a tidy pension.
My daughter joined the Air Force a few months ago on the delayed entry program. She goes in next Feb and will probably go career.
Oh, and both of my great grandfathers were in the Confederate Army

(Do you know why the Navy started putting Marines on ships during the Civil War ? So the sailors would quit screwing the sheep;-)

 

Surprise, surprise, this thread's heated up.

I doubt anybody knows "the facts", and I'm pretty sure everybody has to trust someone's information to be true. I think you should lighten up on the tone that you're more informed.

Thanks,
Kurt