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8 Reasons NOT To Join The Military, Tiem to argue
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fameONE
post Dec 31 2005, 07:13 PM
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Military recruiters tour the country selling a dangerous product with glamorous ads, just like tobacco companies or drug pushers. The ads promise opportunity and adventure -- but don't believe the hype.

1. Joining the military is hazardous to your education.

The military isn't a generous financial aid institution, and it isn't concerned with helping you pay for school. Two-thirds of all recruits never get any college funding from the military. Only 15% graduated with a four-year degree.

What about going to school while you're in? Many GIs report that military life leaves them too busy and exhausted -- and doesn't really make time for them to go to class.

2. Joining the military is hazardous to your future.

Joining the military is a dead end. After you've spent a few years in the military, you're 2 to 5 times more likely to be homeless than your friends who never joined. And, according to the VA, you'll probably earn less too. The skills you learn in the military will be geared to military jobs, not civilian careers; when you come out, many employers will tell you to go back to school and get some real training. As former Secretary of Defense Cheney declared, "The reason to have a military is to be prepared to fight and win wars...it's not a jobs program."

3. Joining the military is hazardous to people of color.

During the Gulf War, over 50 percent of front-line troops were people of color. Overall, over 30 percent of enlisted personnel but only 12 percent of officers are people of color, who are then disciplined and discharged under other than honorable conditions at a much higher rate than whites. When recent studies showed a slight dip in young African-Americans' (disproportionately high) interest in the military, the Pentagon reacted with a new ad campaign. They're targeting Latino youth with special Spanish-language ads. The recruiters' lethal result: tracking high achieving young people in communities of color into a dead-end, deadly occupation.

4. Joining the military is hazardous to women.

Sexual harassment and assault are a daily reality for the overwhelming majority of women in the armed forces. The VA's own figures show 90 percent of recent women veterans reporting harassment - a third of whom were raped. Despite the glossy brochures that advertise "opportunities for women," the military's inherent sexism is evident from sergeants shouting "girl!" at trainees who don't "measure up," to the intimidation of women who speak out about harassment and discrimination - not to mention military men's sexual abuse of civilian women in base communities.

5. Joining the military is hazardous to your civil rights.

If you aren't willing to give up your rights, the military isn't for you. Once you enlist, you become military property: you lose your right to come and go freely, you're ordered around 24 hours a day, and you can be punished by your command without trial or jury. Free speech rights are severely limited in the military. You can be punished for being honest about being lesbian, gay or bisexual. Worst of all even if you hate your job, you can't quit.

6. Joining the military is hazardous to your health.

The military can't guarantee you'll be alive at the end of your eight-year commitment: they can't even promise you won't be desperately ill from "mystery illnesses" like those of the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars. Whether it's atomic testing in the 1950s, Agent Orange during the war against Vietnam, or experimental vaccines and toxic weapons in the Persian Gulf, the military shamelessly destroys the health of its personnel -- and then does its best to downplay and ignore their suffering.

7. Joining the military is hazardous to the environment.

The US military is the single largest and worst polluter in the world, from toxins at bases to nuclear-tipped missiles to the destruction of ecosystems from South Vietnam to the Persian Gulf. And in today's military, the tanks and weapons are coated with depleted uranium from toxic nuclear waste!

8. Joining the military is hazardous to our lives.

The "adventure" in the commercials is code for war, the "discipline" code for violence. The military trains recruits to employ deadly force, yet recruiters rarely discuss the dehumanizing process of basic training, the psychological costs of killing, or the horrors of war.

The ads lie because the product is lethal -- not just to you, but to all of us.

For more information contact or write:

Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors:

630 20th Street #302,
Oakland, CA 94612
510-465-1617
Fax 510 465-2459

or

1515 Cherry Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-563-8787
Fax 215-567-2096


Argue.... I mean, debate.
 
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fameONE
post Nov 12 2008, 02:03 PM
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QUOTE(BamBamBoogie @ Nov 12 2008, 12:15 PM) *
I personally feel as though the military has some benefits, but it also is a bit unconstitutional. Now I know if you are reading this you're thinking, "How the heck is the MILITARY unconstitutional?" I know it helps to protect our country and it ensures a certain level of safety. However, the military discriminates against homosexuals. Some argue that there is a "Don't ask, don't tell policy." This is true and there are any who are comfortable with this. However, isn't it unfair for those who wish to protect our country, cannot even openly express themselves. If they do they will be kicked out of the military. So under the "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy, they must keep their expressions to themselves, which is in violation of the right which is guaranteed by the 1st amendment of the constitution. By not allowing freedom of speech and expression of their sexuality, then you are violating a right that everyone deserves to have.

Now believe me, I am not against the military. I actually feel as though the military is a great organization which protects citizens. However, I do believe that some of the ideologies should be reconsidered.


You don't know what you're talking about.
 
BamBamBoogie
post Nov 12 2008, 02:18 PM
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QUOTE(fameONE @ Nov 12 2008, 02:03 PM) *
You don't know what you're talking about.


Really? I thought for sure I did. Why don't you point out where my points were invalid.
 
fameONE
post Nov 12 2008, 11:40 PM
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Your personal rights and freedoms as a human being aren't stripped from you because you're part of a military branch of service. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," is about protecting that individual. It's widely accepted for a woman to be a lesbian in the military, specifically in the comabt oriented branches of service. But for a man to come out of the closet and put his business out there, he puts himself at risk. He then becomes a safety hazard in his own right. People are people no matter where you go. On one hand, you'll have guys who don't give two shits about someone else's sexual orientation, but then you have those who see it as a problem. In order to protect that individual from hate crimes (which have happened in the past), he has the freedom to do what he pleases behind closed doors, outside of a military setting.
 
BamBamBoogie
post Nov 13 2008, 01:59 PM
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QUOTE(fameONE @ Nov 12 2008, 11:40 PM) *
Your personal rights and freedoms as a human being aren't stripped from you because you're part of a military branch of service. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," is about protecting that individual. It's widely accepted for a woman to be a lesbian in the military, specifically in the comabt oriented branches of service. But for a man to come out of the closet and put his business out there, he puts himself at risk. He then becomes a safety hazard in his own right. People are people no matter where you go. On one hand, you'll have guys who don't give two shits about someone else's sexual orientation, but then you have those who see it as a problem. In order to protect that individual from hate crimes (which have happened in the past), he has the freedom to do what he pleases behind closed doors, outside of a military setting.


You make a great point. It is wise for the military to make efforts to protect Homosexuals and Bisexuals from hate attacks. The act prohibits any homosexual or bisexual person from disclosing his or her sexual orientation or from speaking about any homosexual relationships, including marriages or other familial attributes, while serving in the United States armed forces. This is a violation of the first amendment which clearly gives the freedom of speech. Although it protects them, it also hurts them. Shouldn't the "Don't ask Don't tell" policy be an option for each individual. Certain people may feel as though they cannot openly express themselves and/or feel as though they don't need any protection.
 
brooklyneast05
post Nov 13 2008, 02:07 PM
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this is a clash between ideals and reality though i think. ideally...everyone should be able to be whatever sexual orientation they want openly. that's a nice thought, but it's not a reality and until it is then it's a safety hazard. i duno, i just think you're not bridging the gap between what it should be and what it is. no matter how much it should be one way that doesn't change the fact it's not there yet. with that in mind i don't consider it really a "violation". i think it's a violation in theory, but in terms of reality..not so much.
 
BamBamBoogie
post Nov 13 2008, 02:21 PM
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QUOTE(brooklyneast05 @ Nov 13 2008, 02:07 PM) *
this is a clash between ideals and reality though i think. ideally...everyone should be able to be whatever sexual orientation they want openly. that's a nice thought, but it's not a reality and until it is then it's a safety hazard. i duno, i just think you're not bridging the gap between what it should be and what it is. no matter how much it should be one way that doesn't change the fact it's not there yet. with that in mind i don't consider it really a "violation". i think it's a violation in theory, but in terms of reality..not so much.


Im unclear as to how it isn't reality. The "Dadt" policy is currently in effect which is reality. It prohibits open expression of homsexual relations, therefore violating the first amendment, which is reality.
 
brooklyneast05
post Nov 13 2008, 02:51 PM
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i don't see what you don't get. everyone running around expressing their sexuality without any consequence or threat isn't reality.

bradon just said that

QUOTE
but for a man to come out of the closet and put his business out there, he puts himself at risk. He then becomes a safety hazard in his own right. People are people no matter where you go. On one hand, you'll have guys who don't give two shits about someone else's sexual orientation, but then you have those who see it as a problem. In order to protect that individual from hate crimes (which have happened in the past), he has the freedom to do what he pleases behind closed doors, outside of a military setting.
 
BamBamBoogie
post Nov 13 2008, 03:23 PM
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QUOTE(brooklyneast05 @ Nov 13 2008, 02:51 PM) *
i don't see what you don't get. everyone running around expressing their sexuality without any consequence or threat isn't reality.

bradon just said that


Of course it isn't. There's always consequence for something. However, we shouldn't take away a right to freely express one's self just because there is a threat. Barack Obama was threatened. Should he have kept it to himself that he wanted to be president? It was a choice that he made to remain to be open about a desire to be president despite threats. He's okay right? Same should go for the military
 
brooklyneast05
post Nov 13 2008, 03:27 PM
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loool.gif

i don't think it makes sense to compare the heavily security surrounded obama to a normal solider.

if i was gay and in the military i'd go by a don't ask don't tell policy anyway becuase my sexuality would be an irrelevant piece of information in the first place, just sayin.
 
BamBamBoogie
post Nov 13 2008, 04:55 PM
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QUOTE(brooklyneast05 @ Nov 13 2008, 03:27 PM) *
loool.gif

i don't think it makes sense to compare the heavily security surrounded obama to a normal solider.

if i was gay and in the military i'd go by a don't ask don't tell policy anyway becuase my sexuality would be an irrelevant piece of information in the first place, just sayin.


Im not comparing the security, Im comparing the choice of being open with added security. Obama didn't want extra security after the threats because he knows that the world is a threatful place. Just like a gun, it protects you, but its still an option. You can only help those who want to help themselves. Im not sure if this makes sense because Im really tired. I just like to debate.
 
fameONE
post Nov 16 2008, 04:34 AM
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Congress, not the military is solely responsible for the DADT policy. The Uniformed Code of Military Justice reflects that policy. When it comes down to it, you can't be mad at the one enforcing the rules when they didn't come up with it in the first place.

Take it up with Congress.

Personal Opinion:

Open homosexual relationships have no place in a military setting; male or female. Public displays of affection for heterosexual couples, while in a military setting, is frowned upon. Why? It's not professional. If my roommate, or one of my Marines were gay, I'd rather him not let that cat out of the bag. Keep your personal life, personal.
 
Detective
post Nov 17 2008, 08:09 PM
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Wow! That sure got me thinking twice before going into the the Army.
 
fameONE
post Nov 17 2008, 11:28 PM
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QUOTE(Detective @ Nov 17 2008, 07:09 PM) *
Wow! That sure got me thinking twice before going into the the Army.

What did?
 
karmakiller
post Nov 18 2008, 04:09 PM
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Lol, Pedro, I like how you posted that after all the "being openly gay" talk.
 
Detective
post Nov 18 2008, 07:25 PM
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Dee, I didn't notice there was any gay talk! Haha. I just simply responded to the topic.
 
karmakiller
post Nov 18 2008, 08:23 PM
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Hahaha, that's why I had to point it out.
 
Detective
post Nov 18 2008, 08:33 PM
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Well thank you for the heads up then Dee!
 
fameONE
post Nov 18 2008, 11:33 PM
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QUOTE(Detective @ Nov 18 2008, 07:33 PM) *
Well thank you for the heads up then Dee!

rofl1.gif

Disregard the main post, man. It was some shit I found on the internet. Obviously, it had no bearing on my decision because three years later, I'm in the military. Go figure. rolleyes.gif
 
applejaxkz
post Nov 19 2008, 12:52 AM
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QUOTE(BrandonSaunders @ Jan 16 2006, 02:28 PM) *
You shouldn't be allowed in the debate forum.

Hah laugh.gif
 
darkone4481
post Dec 3 2008, 09:53 PM
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I decided to join the Navy this week. I am following in my parents footsteps in taking on greater responibilities for myself and serving my country. I am gaurenteed a job in a field full of people with similar interests as myself, and I get all of my college payed for.

The OP says that people usually don't get a chance to go to school while in the military. Where are you meeting these people? Both of my parents went to the Navy and earned their Masters degree's while serving.

The military is a place where you can meet new people and see the world while getting payed at the same time... what is wrong with that?
 
sixfive
post Dec 3 2008, 10:34 PM
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QUOTE(darkone4481 @ Dec 3 2008, 08:53 PM) *
I decided to join the Navy this week. I am following in my parents footsteps in taking on greater responibilities for myself and serving my country. I am gaurenteed a job in a field full of people with similar interests as myself, and I get all of my college payed for.

The OP says that people usually don't get a chance to go to school while in the military. Where are you meeting these people? Both of my parents went to the Navy and earned their Masters degree's while serving.

The military is a place where you can meet new people and see the world while getting payed at the same time... what is wrong with that?

Another one who didn't read the thread. READ BEFORE POSTING DAWG
 
espressive
post Dec 4 2008, 06:45 PM
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i'm not too familiar with the military stuff... but i was wondering if being part of the medical staff would be any different? actually, i just want any additional information about the medical stuff. thanks!
 
fameONE
post Dec 5 2008, 02:11 AM
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QUOTE(espressive @ Dec 4 2008, 05:45 PM) *
i'm not too familiar with the military stuff... but i was wondering if being part of the medical staff would be any different? actually, i just want any additional information about the medical stuff. thanks!

If you join the Army, expect to be deployed for, at least, a year each time.

Join the Navy, be a Corpsman, work with a Marine unit. Get out after 4 years, and there's no need to go to Nursing School. thumbsup.gif
 
turkishdog
post Dec 13 2008, 04:38 PM
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QUOTE(snak3y3z1001 @ Jan 16 2006, 05:52 PM) *
1. Mongomery GI Bill. Invest $100 a month for a year, you will get $36k towards college. Invest for a extra 4 months and get $48k towards college. Once you step foot in bootcamp, your earnin colleg credits. Anytime they train you yur gettin college credits.

2. Geared towards military job? Do you mean government job? This is false. Right now my job is a eletronic technician. I'm pretty sure I can easily find a cilivian job once i leave the service. I know a guy who lefted the service after he did his 5 years. Got a job in less then a week and is gettin paid $150k/yr. Doubt anyone can earn that much straight out of college without no type of experience what soever. You can go Nuke, leave after your 6 years and EASILY make $200k a year.

3. Recruiters does not target a specific race. You either walk into their office and request some info or request them online.

4. There are more sexual assualt and harrassment on women outside the service.

5. They tell you what you are giving up before you sign on the dotted line and say yur oath. If your scared to lose your rights, dont join at all. Simple as that.

6. Last time i check its dangerous to work at construction sites, hospitals, work in law enforcement. Its a dangerous world we live in. Get use to it.

7. Too late to save our planet now. Getting rid of the military wont accomplish squat.

8. Heh. Dehumanizing? Its more like a mental game they play. A mental game where they weed out the weak and strong. If you cant keep your area clean or follow directions, who would trust you in handling missles or drivin the boat? Sure they chew you out. Its like your parents yellin at you only 10x worse. Yes soldiers are trained to kill but that doesnt mean they run around shooting everything that moves. They only shoot when they are endangered. Its either kill or get killed.

Right now im stationed in Groton, CT. Im still in school and still will be for the next year. Im getting paid just to learn.


You da man. ;D
 
Be-Faithful
post Dec 13 2008, 09:31 PM
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Ya'll should stop your humanism. It's more ridiculous than cool you know.
 

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