Discussion: Joining the US Army

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: PrinceofWands

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Originally posted by: DonVito
I would frankly be wary of joining the Army under most circumstances, but particularly under the Bush administration.

College is an incredibly fun, broadening experience, and I would recommend it to most people over joining the military.

All that being said, I would strongly suggest you test for the Air Force before joining the Army. It offers a much better quality of life IMO, the same benefits, and a much lesser chance of having your nuts blown off by an IED.

Of course, as AF you get the (often deserved) reputation of being a REMF pansy who can't hack it in the *real* military

Compared to dying at 18 on foreign soil for no valid cause? Thanks, I think I could live with the shame. Emphasis on LIVE.

If your concern is dying at a young age on foreign soil for "no valid reason", you should not be in ANY BRANCH.

Currently agreed, though truth is that AF (and to similar extent Navy) are going to have lower rates of injury.

Yup, though it would really depend on what war we were fighting. The current war? Yeah, it is mostly Army and Marines. If it were say with Iran, you would be looking at a lot of AF casualties as well.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Of course, as AF you get the (often deserved) reputation of being a REMF pansy who can't hack it in the *real* military

I've always been entertained by how the other services, particularly the Army, manage to turn their crappy facilities, austere living conditions, and high levels of personal danger into a selling point. Thanks but no thanks.

As a former AF officer, I will cheerfully admit that the AF is the least military of the services. You'll have a hard time ever convincing me that's a bad thing.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf

Of course, as AF you get the (often deserved) reputation of being a REMF pansy who can't hack it in the *real* military

I've always been entertained by how the other services, particularly the Army, manage to turn their crappy facilities, austere living conditions, and high levels of personal danger into a selling point. Thanks but no thanks.

As a former AF officer, I will cheerfully admit that the AF is the least military of the services. You'll have a hard time ever convincing me that's a bad thing.

It's a different lifestyle. They turn it into a selling point because for many, it is one. Most people don't have a lot of trouble narrowing down what branch they want because each appeals to different people. I joined and went Army. I really was not too interested in anything else. My sis went AF. To each their own.

 

[LumbergTech]

the recruiters do lie..and they try to pyschologically manipulate you into joining by pretending like they care about you etc

 

[Martin]

why don't you just go to school?

 

[MorbidSteve]

Because I'm not guaranteed a job or anything..

 

[Svnla]

Do you know that if you join, you could be send to Iraq/Afg and places like that around the world? You could face combat, IED, and much more.

It is your life, you will have to see if it is worthwhile or not.

I got email from Army all the time. I could be 2nd Lt. because I already had a degree. I only join the AF or Navy, if ever.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: MorbidSteve
Because I'm not guaranteed a job or anything..

Recruiter guarantees aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Nowadays the Army needs infantrymen, and that's likely where you'll end up. You will very likely end up in Iraq fairly quickly, regardless of your MOS, and spend much of your enlistment there.

 

[DeadByDawn]

I did 4 years straight out of highschool in the Army. Overall I'd say it was a postive experience. Make sure you get a MOS (job) inline with what you think you might want to do when you get out. They are pretty hard up for recruits right now, use that to your advantage and get the best job/bonus you can.

Personally I wasn't ready for college right out of high school, and the Army was a good choice for me.

 

[MorbidSteve]

I'm thinking that I'm goin'. I just need to at least start getting in shape..

 

[Looney]

Do you have the Discovery Times channel? If so, they have this one long special (4 hr special i think) on following a reserve group from some small town of like 20,000 (who pretty much know each other) and their experience in Iraq. It's called Off to War http://times.discovery.com/convergence/offtowar/offtowar.html
Pretty good show... scary how bitter those kids turn.

If you join now, you're almost guaranteed to make a stint in Iraq. That place is getting worst, and will be a true hell hole if it goes into civil war. And hopefully Bush isn't itching to go at Iran, but he still has a couple of years left.

I wouldn't say the military is the worst thing to do... people who think that the only reason why you should join is because you want to be patriotic and serve your country are delusional. But get something out of it. Get into a job that you can leave with skills. If you really want to be infantry though, then go for it. But if you just want skills, navy or airforce would probably be better.

 

[gamepad]

the army is not a good branch to join right now. try to get in the air force.

 

[DeadByDawn]

Originally posted by: MorbidSteve
I'm thinking that I'm goin'. I just need to at least start getting in shape..

That's a good idea. It will make basic much easier for you. Practice running, situps, and pushups. That's what you'll be graded on to pass basic training. Also get a backpack, put some weight in it and take up hiking for miles.

Good luck.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: MorbidSteve
I'm thinking that I'm goin'. I just need to at least start getting in shape..

God bless ya, but it really doesn't sound like you know why you're doing it. Unless you feel strongly about the Army in particular, it seems really unwise to me to join it at this moment in history, when there's a real possibility you'll be killed in support of a particularly pointless war. I hope it works out for you, but I think it's a bad idea.

 

[fitzov]

I think it's a good decision for someone your age. Putting aside the personal stuff that goes along with being a soldier, I'd say the main thing you should be thinking about is what you want to do while you are in the Army, and how you might use this as experience/education when you get out. Look-up the various MOSs and decide what you like the best and don't settle for anything else. When you go to the recruiter, they will tell you, "Yes, yes, you can absolutely do that. Let me sign you up." When you get to MEPS they try to fit you in with whatever is "available". If what you want to do is not available, simply put your hand on the desk and say, "No problem, give me a buzz when it becomes available and I'll start boot camp." I think first term commitment is eight years still; meaning, that your obligation is eight years combined active/reserve duty.

 

[whistleclient]

what do your parents say?

 

[chambersc]

Originally posted by: DeadByDawn

Originally posted by: MorbidSteve
I'm thinking that I'm goin'. I just need to at least start getting in shape..

That's a good idea. It will make basic much easier for you. Practice running, situps, and pushups. That's what you'll be graded on to pass basic training. Also get a backpack, put some weight in it and take up hiking for miles.

Good luck.

Well, i think that's the definitive answer -- you're going to do it. I would suggest that you enlist then worry about getting in shape. You will be in delayed entry -- meaning that you have 'till roughly may 5th to get in shape. Your recruiter will definitly help you out with that. Unless you severly overweight (idk an accurate BMI to display), then which you might want to express your interest in enlisting but that you can't atm because you're overweight. Either way, they will take you and shape you up. Good luck with it. Keep us (or me) informed.

 

[FoBoT]

i recommend military service to all, it is a good way to start your life

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Here goes & PM with questions:

In 1992 I was 17, I joined the Army at 17 & 4-months of age. I enlisted and took the job 12B, Combat Engineer. I received close to $40K for college from the Army College Fund & GI Bill.

I departed at 17 1/2 to Missouri for Basic Training in the dead of winter. I got my training and ended up staying in Missouri for my entire 3yr term.

I met the stupidest people while I was in the Army and I was partly to blame on that as i chose one of the lowest MOS's. My GT score was extremely high but because I wanted only 3yrs active and the maximum college money my choices were extremely limited. Although I qualifed for all 220 jobs only 3 were available to me because I wanted college money.

The Army was fine, the people were not. I was a bright kid, and people really resented me being bright, and coming up with better ways or not understaning why we had to do things the Army way. Army way is the only way.

I learned to play the game, it was tough, but I became indoctrinated.

People, well, the Army accepts the lowest forms of life, and lemme tell you, it is complete culture shock as I was a west coast native and did not relaize people from the Deep South or those from West Virginia were as backwards as they were.

Overall - I learned a few things.

Always do what your told.
Rarely ask questions
Own your own car, ensure it is extremely reliable, making formations is the most important thing you do
Don't use drugs, they randomly piss you monthly.
Don't drink and drive
Don't speed while on base
Don't get caught drinking underage
Don't spend all your money on alcohol and strippers
Avoid strippers at all costs
Save up money each month
Pay your $100 in each month for the GI Bill even if you never plan to go to college
Find hobbies to keep you occupied in the evenings or you will end up drunk, passed out and will miss your formations. Go to the gym, find a decent girlfreind, anything!
Always use a rubber no matter what the chick tells you


I matured a great deal, learned a lot about people, learned even more about myself, and overall had a decent time.

I started college 6-months after I left the Army and enede up with a 4yr degree. College was a piece of cake after dealing with Army BS.

Before you enlist I suggest you have a plan, and recuriters are nothing but professional liars. Anything they tell you is most likely untrue.

 

[EatSpam]

Like the desert? Like Halliburton? I hope so, because you're going to Iraq!!!!

 

[dorky82]

I'm in process of joining army too.
I have 90+ credit hours and they told me I can get into IT field with benefits.

BTW when do you get to sign to join army?
After physical? or basic training?
my friend told me not to sign everything they give.

I want to go oversea to station at korea(thats my country)
my local recuiter told me I prolly can but I dont trust them.

 

[MaxFusion16]

why not hit up the national guard instead? seems like a safer bet

 

[musicman64]

In regards to the Air Force comments, not sure if any of you guys are active duty or know anyone who is - but I have a family member who's currently in the Air Force and recently had to do a tour in Iraq for almost a year - at a detention site no less, due to some "shortage"....

 

[dorky82]

Tried to join Air force or get into ROTC at my school but both needed
US citizenship
only choice I had was army.

 

[PrinceofWands]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Here goes & PM with questions:

In 1992 I was 17, I joined the Army at 17 & 4-months of age. I enlisted and took the job 12B, Combat Engineer. I received close to $40K for college from the Army College Fund & GI Bill.

I departed at 17 1/2 to Missouri for Basic Training in the dead of winter. I got my training and ended up staying in Missouri for my entire 3yr term.

I met the stupidest people while I was in the Army and I was partly to blame on that as i chose one of the lowest MOS's. My GT score was extremely high but because I wanted only 3yrs active and the maximum college money my choices were extremely limited. Although I qualifed for all 220 jobs only 3 were available to me because I wanted college money.

The Army was fine, the people were not. I was a bright kid, and people really resented me being bright, and coming up with better ways or not understaning why we had to do things the Army way. Army way is the only way.

I learned to play the game, it was tough, but I became indoctrinated.

People, well, the Army accepts the lowest forms of life, and lemme tell you, it is complete culture shock as I was a west coast native and did not relaize people from the Deep South or those from West Virginia were as backwards as they were.

Overall - I learned a few things.

Always do what your told.
Rarely ask questions
Own your own car, ensure it is extremely reliable, making formations is the most important thing you do
Don't use drugs, they randomly piss you monthly.
Don't drink and drive
Don't speed while on base
Don't get caught drinking underage
Don't spend all your money on alcohol and strippers
Avoid strippers at all costs
Save up money each month
Pay your $100 in each month for the GI Bill even if you never plan to go to college
Find hobbies to keep you occupied in the evenings or you will end up drunk, passed out and will miss your formations. Go to the gym, find a decent girlfreind, anything!
Always use a rubber no matter what the chick tells you


I matured a great deal, learned a lot about people, learned even more about myself, and overall had a decent time.

I started college 6-months after I left the Army and enede up with a 4yr degree. College was a piece of cake after dealing with Army BS.

Before you enlist I suggest you have a plan, and recuriters are nothing but professional liars. Anything they tell you is most likely untrue.

I'd have to say that's absolutely true and the best advice anyone could give...with two exceptions:

Always do what your told.
Rarely ask questions

Now, I'm not trying to make your life difficult or anything, so feel free to ignore me, but I have to speak out against that in principle.

If you're ok with being a servant, and a pawn, and have no morals whatsoever, and care about nothing, and just want an easy time of service, then go for it.

But if you have your own mind, your own beliefs, your own soul...then you should never EVER accept those two axioms. EVER. Not in the military, not in life, NEVER.

You are a sentient being and it is ALWAYS your right to question and decide for yourself. You have to be willing to face the consequences of your actions (which in the military when talking about those two things could be VERY severe), but you do not EVER give up the right to question, or the right to decide.

Ask the poor enlisted pawns serving time for torturing prisoners in Iraq how they feel about questioning and following now. Ask an old German. Ask a Jew.

You do NOT have to follow an unlawful order. Ever. You might get lynched, beat, court martialed, or shot...but you do NOT have to obey an unlawful order. Just be DAMN SURE it's actually unlawful. If you have personal morals that you will not compromise, then stand by them at all costs. You'll pay for them (dearly), but it's more important to have a code than it is to get another stripe or even an honorable discharge.