Pros/Cons of joining the Army?

CorCentral

Banned
Feb 11, 2001
6,415
1
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She's 22 and is thinking of joining. She currently resides in MT.

So, what are the Pros and Cons?
 

venkman

Diamond Member
Apr 19, 2007
4,950
11
81
Pros
-----
Education
You get to shoot brown people


Cons
-------
Bullets
Bombs
 

Alone

Diamond Member
Nov 19, 2006
7,490
0
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Pro's - Change of lifestyle, she'll probably feel better about herself, chance to see and do a lot of things most people never will, there are lots.

Con's - Hard to get involved with anyone, don't get to see much family, physically demanding (which is also a pro), difficult to "settle down", etc.

It really depends on the person and what they want in life.
 

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
Cons:
- high rates of sexual harassment and assault on female soldiers, with a good old boys network set up that discourages prosecution.
- risk of crippling wounds and/or death.
- risk of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental wounds.

Otherwise it sounds like a fun way to earn money for college.
 

AlienCraft

Lifer
Nov 23, 2002
10,539
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Before she gets all wet about the "GI Bill" and "funds foir college", she should find out what she has to do to get "vested", because not every GI gets the College free ride.

Pros: You can't get laid off even in the worst economy.
Cons: All of the ones listed above including PTSD.
 

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
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Generally speaking: The Army can provide purpose and direction in your life if you currently have none. You will find camaraderie and good people, and have a good chance of doing things that matter to more than just you. You will stay in great physical condition.

Cons: War, IEDs, possible sexual harassment, etc.
 

xanis

Lifer
Sep 11, 2005
17,571
8
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Pros: Food, lodging, tuition support, and a paycheck, all courtesy of Uncle Sam.

Cons: You're probably going to the Middle East.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
8,459
867
126
Pros:
Attitude change
Self esteem boost
Army college fund $45K+
self-respect
respect for others
learning teamwork & cooperation
self-motivation and how to motivate others
leadership skills



 
Oct 25, 2006
11,036
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Pros
No Lag
Awesome Graphics
Realistic
Great Sound Effects
Lots of Gameplay Variation

Cons
No Respawning
 
Sep 29, 2004
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CON: potential death
PRO: it's a job, but in the end you come out of the army as a blue color worker, something possible without the army.
 

lupi

Lifer
Apr 8, 2001
32,539
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yearly HIV/STD blood test so you know she's grazzing in clean stock.
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
46,017
62
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Originally posted by: AlienCraft
Before she gets all wet about the "GI Bill" and "funds foir college", she should find out what she has to do to get "vested", because not every GI gets the College free ride.

Pros: You can't get laid off even in the worst economy.
Cons: All of the ones listed above including PTSD.

Actually, they just passed a new GI bill in 2008. All vets get free tuition + bah for the area code of their college. I get an even better deal in Illinois though.

Originally posted by: IHateMyJob2004
CON: potential death
PRO: it's a job, but in the end you come out of the army as a blue color worker, something possible without the army.


Blue collar jobs? Wut? Females can only enter combat-support Mos's which are not blue collar.

Anyways, lots of misinformation in this thread from a lot of people who are kinda clueless. Sexual harassment is also WAY WAY WAY less then compared to what I've seen in the civilian world. People get careers ruined for sexual harassment or racism, and it's a very touchy subject because of problems in the 80's-90's. There are huge support chains for EO.
 

theblackbox

Golden Member
Oct 1, 2004
1,650
11
81
well:

pros: she - doesn't have to worry about combat arms.

cons: doesn't have to worry about combat arms.


if she goes, make sure she does well on the asvab, then tell her to go 37F.
if she can go 37F, she can get on a print team or a radio broadcast team, since females can't be in loudspeaker teams (at least not when i left) and 37F is probably one of the best jobs, plus you get real world useful experience when you get out.
key thing, she has to score high on asvab. plus, you can't beat the active duty assignment you get as a 37F.