Reasons To Join the Military, Script Flippin' Options

[fameONE]

The other post contradicting this one, is from two years ago. I found the excerpt from a website while randomly surfing the net and I found it interesting. I didn't know if any of it was actually true, but because I thought it was interesting, I posted it for others to debate on the subject. Mostly in hopes that someone with military experience would reasonably debate the ludicrously outlandish statements instead of take the bonehead 'red-blooded American' approach. To my disappointment, most were just as curious as to the truth as I was and the only disputers seemed to throw the darts at me. Disappointing.

Two years later, I can actually dispute that post based on facts and the little experience I have in my Marine Corps career. Throw the darts if you will since this is actually coming from someone serving. I feel as though its necessary to post this to disprove the misconceptions about the military, the service members and the lifestyle that we must live as the nation's enlisted. Perhaps some clarification will encourage others to join, or maybe it'll just be a good read. Whatever the case, I hope you take something from it.

1. Education.
Although a bit difficult with obvious time constraints, it is possible to obtain a BA in 4 years. There are a handful of collegiate institutions available on each base that offer both classroom and online courses. Guess what? Its completely free, in a sense. The Montgomery GI Bill is for use post-military career. The smart route, if you're pursuing graduate study, is to complete your BA through the use of tuition assistance, and obtain a Master's (and then some) once you get out. The ability to demonstrate positive leadership ability, combined with tangible education from a respected school (University of Maryland, for example) is a stepping stone to better employment once the military chapter of one's life is over.

2. Pay and Living.
We're not rich people. Its possible to invest and maintain an upstart business, or even work a part time job, but let's face it; two steady paychecks every single month, with benefits, and no utilities to worry about is a pretty sweet deal. The barracks I live in resemble the same dorms that are at the University of Texas- San Antonio. They aren't glamorous, but they'll be clean? Why? You clean them every Thursday; top to bottom. It seems a little asinine for an adult to be told when to clean, but the quality of life is a definite improvement from those who have lived in financial underprivileged households. And for a young man or woman, just starting out in life, this structure of pay housing is a stepping stone to living life when the military is over.

3. Community.
I don't like every Marine that I meet, nor do I respect every one of them personally, but I'll be damned if I don't recognize a Marine in some strange location, salty or green, and don't give them a casual, "Oorah." This gun club isn't the largest, but we're known for sticking together. I've met a lot of people that have lived their lives as loners and couldn't find acceptance. Sure, you'll have cliques here and there and people that still feel as though secluding themselves is the best remedy for their own sanity, but someone is always going to have their back. Esprit de Corps.

These are just a few reasons. I can tell you that, for me, the list goes on. This can be a more appropriate thread for a reasonable discussion about joining the military.

[EddieV]

If we could get rid of those M4's I'd consider it, I'd hate my gun to start jamming during action.

[S-Majere]

You should send this to the poor bastards out in the Middle East.

[DoubleJ]

I am actually considering joining the military. I went to military school and it was always a falback option for me.

[fameONE]

I am actually considering joining the military. I went to military school and it was always a falback option for me.

If you have your sights set on a specific branch for whatever reason, learn as much as you possibly can about that particular branch and the opportunities. Enlistment bonuses, going in with a higher rank based on your contract, having the MOS you want; all of that makes a huge difference when starting your military career.

If we could get rid of those M4's I'd consider it, I'd hate my gun to start jamming during action.

You can't attack every corner with the pedal to the ground. Learning how to manipulate the throttle of a car when cornering allows you to maintain high speeds. Don't hate on my M4 (just give the magazine a slap on the ass and eject a round, then try again). Its takes a certain touch.

[EddieV]

I've fired AR-15 variants before (I personally use an electric model in military simulation games) and I definetely love the feel of them (from both the real steel and replica), however the internals sorta piss me off. The new HK 416's seem to do really well if I'm lucky enought to get my hands on those. Same with the FN SCAR's though those are for Special Forces.

[DoubleJ]

If you have your sights set on a specific branch for whatever reason, learn as much as you possibly can about that particular branch and the opportunities. Enlistment bonuses, going in with a higher rank based on your contract, having the MOS you want; all of that makes a huge difference when starting your military career.
You can't attack every corner with the pedal to the ground. Learning how to manipulate the throttle of a car when cornering allows you to maintain high speeds. Don't hate on my M4 (just give the magazine a slap on the ass and eject a round, then try again). Its takes a certain touch.

I have always thought of going into the Navy as it does involve the most traveling, and it seems as though you can learn a decent amount more from being in the navy. I have definitely done my research heavily, and my experiences of being in military school, taught me alot about what it takes to do the job.

[DarkImpressions]

My mom was in the army,I dont think I would want to go though

[jaeman]

I know one thing thing, Navy > Army in football.

[DoubleJ]

I know one thing thing, Navy > Army in football.

They pwn them in everything not just football.

[Luna5]

I was thinking about going into the Air Force but I change my mind. Both my parents are both in the Air Force. It was fun growing up in the military because you get to move every 2-3yrs and live on a military base that has armed guards.

[fameONE]

I've fired AR-15 variants before (I personally use an electric model in military simulation games) and I definetely love the feel of them (from both the real steel and replica), however the internals sorta piss me off. The new HK 416's seem to do really well if I'm lucky enought to get my hands on those. Same with the FN SCAR's though those are for Special Forces.

If you were to join the military, what branch would you join? And what would you want to do? Not everyone is a gung-ho war junkie.

I have always thought of going into the Navy as it does involve the most traveling, and it seems as though you can learn a decent amount more from being in the navy. I have definitely done my research heavily, and my experiences of being in military school, taught me alot about what it takes to do the job.

If you want to travel and experience a decent quality of life, the Air Force is the way to go.

The Navy is like San Francisco. It has some surprisingly tough streets, and there's also a pretty big gay population.

If you want large bonuses, long painful deployments, new equipment, and a growing crime rate, go Army. Be an Army of one (1.4 million).

Lets say non of that suits you and you'd rather deal with bullshit, taking flak from people that you know you're smarter than, always having to play "tough guy," but getting outstanding training, be a Marine. Somehow, you'll be so proud to put up with so much nonsense its ridiculous.

Or, you can just cross over to the dark side and be a commissioned officer. All I know about that end is that you deal with a lot of politics.

[Luna5]

My dad is a retired MSGT and my mom is a Maj.

[DoubleJ]

If you were to join the military, what branch would you join? And what would you want to do? Not everyone is a gung-ho war junkie.
If you want to travel and experience a decent quality of life, the Air Force is the way to go.

The Navy is like San Francisco. It has some surprisingly tough streets, and there's also a pretty big gay population.

If you want large bonuses, long painful deployments, new equipment, and a growing crime rate, go Army. Be an Army of one (1.4 million).

Lets say non of that suits you and you'd rather deal with bullshit, taking flak from people that you know you're smarter than, always having to play "tough guy," but getting outstanding training, be a Marine. Somehow, you'll be so proud to put up with so much nonsense its ridiculous.

Or, you can just cross over to the dark side and be a commissioned officer. All I know about that end is that you deal with a lot of politics.

Uh.. What branch are you in? I am thinking about it but I also have to think about the possibility of me becoming a firefighter this year.

[Luna5]

The Air Force has the best base housing and the best rep.

[*CowerPointyObjects*]

I have always thought of going into the Navy as it does involve the most traveling, and it seems as though you can learn a decent amount more from being in the navy. I have definitely done my research heavily, and my experiences of being in military school, taught me alot about what it takes to do the job.

The Navy's new slogan- Iraq: It's Almost Completely Landlocked

[EddieV]

If you were to join the military, what branch would you join? And what would you want to do? Not everyone is a gung-ho war junkie.

You could say I'd want to be special forces, however from stories I heard, there's many things you'd have to do, some I wouldn't want to do (i.e. killing the children). Other than that Figher Aviation also interests me however the use of Fighter aircraft is rather seldom.

[DoubleJ]

You could say I'd want to be special forces, however from stories I heard, there's many things you'd have to do, some I wouldn't want to do (i.e. killing the children). Other than that Figher Aviation also interests me however the use of Fighter aircraft is rather seldom.

9 times out of 10, you will kill an innocent person in any branch that you are in. FACT!

[EddieV]

A person strapped with a bomb can be disarmed instead of just shot.

[DoubleJ]

While that is true, you also have to be on the lookout because whenever there is one, there is never truly just one there.

[EddieV]

Shoot to disarm, not to kill. It can be done.

[DoubleJ]

Of course it can be done. I just know that in most cases, especially in red zone areas, it can't be done.

[EddieV]

If they can shoot to kill, they can shoot to wound.

[*Steven*]

The Air Force has the best base housing and the best rep.

The Air Force, while still Military, are not looked upon the same as the other three branches. From what I've heard from my ROTC NSI's the Air Force personnel are looked upon as weaker and wussier. Smarter? Maybe, but not as tough/rugged/manly.

[EddieV]

The Air Force seem to get the job done though.

[DoubleJ]

If they can shoot to kill, they can shoot to wound.

True as well. I mean from all the stories that I have heard, although people don't want to do it, they have to in order to protect their own lives.

[EddieV]

and that is why people fail in life.

[DoubleJ]

True Indeed. I feel as though if you have put yourself in that position, you have already failed to achieve the ultimate goal.

[*Steven*]

The Air Force seem to get the job done though.

Oh I'm not denying that, nor am I saying it's a bad thing to join the Air Force :)

I'd love to be a fighter pilot. Unfortunately, I'm too tall.

[fameONE]

The Navy's new slogan- Iraq: It's Almost Completely Landlocked

Sailors are in Iraq. Sailors fight in Afghanistan. Where there is a Marine, there's a Corpsman (Sailor) Field Corpsman are Marine grunts with Naval insignia and medical equipment. There are make shift hospitals, dental clinics, religious support, etc. All of which are manned by the Navy.

Oh I'm not denying that, nor am I saying it's a bad thing to join the Air Force :)

I'd love to be a fighter pilot. Unfortunately, I'm too tall.

Naval Aviators > Marine Aviators > Air Force pilots

True as well. I mean from all the stories that I have heard, although people don't want to do it, they have to in order to protect their own lives.

Define innocent. An innocent child or woman can be pawned. That same innocent person can be walking around with a bomb. My friend Jessica was killed. She was an clerk in an intelligence shop and was told to search a female POW. When put in that situation, your instincts to survive and protect those you love kick in. f**k innocence. We live in a world full of bastards.

The Air Force, while still Military, are not looked upon the same as the other three branches. From what I've heard from my ROTC NSI's the Air Force personnel are looked upon as weaker and wussier. Smarter? Maybe, but not as tough/rugged/manly.

This is very, very true. "Flyboys" out here get ragged on a lot. One of my good friends is an aircraft mechanic, but in a military setting he's less respect than a Marine aircraft mechanic. He's never gone on the hikes up and down mountains with a .50 cal tripod in his pack. He's never been on 45 day field operations that simulate combat. His combat tour consists of 3 months (tops) in a secured area, working on the "birds." Airmen aren't required to go on patrols. In the Marine Corps, it doesn't matter if you're an infantryman, intel analyst, administrative clerk, or combat engineer (yut!), everyone has the "opportunity" to get some. Their rep; the lazy, unappreciative, rich kids. They aren't all like that, not at all, but that's their rep.

Uh.. What branch are you in? I am thinking about it but I also have to think about the possibility of me becoming a firefighter this year.

I REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.

Marine Corps Crash/Fire Rescue. Some of the best group of guys I've ever met.

You could say I'd want to be special forces, however from stories I heard, there's many things you'd have to do, some I wouldn't want to do (i.e. killing the children). Other than that Figher Aviation also interests me however the use of Fighter aircraft is rather seldom.

USMC Recon, or Force Recon.

Force Recon = SEAL > Recon > Special Forces

[*Steven*]

Naval Aviators > Marine Aviators > Air Force pilots

That seemed to be the overwhelming consensus at the Barracks in Washington our ROTC company stayed at. We toured an air craft carrier, as well, and got to see the three rope/wire/w.e thing that the hook has to catch on and stop you on, too. Fun stuff.

[fameONE]

That seemed to be the overwhelming consensus at the Barracks in Washington our ROTC company stayed at. We toured an air craft carrier, as well, and got to see the three rope/wire/w.e thing that the hook has to catch on and stop you on, too. Fun stuff.

Yea, I was rather impressed by how they handled their business. Very professional, very respectful.

[Kontroll]

The Air Force, while still Military, are not looked upon the same as the other three branches. From what I've heard from my ROTC NSI's the Air Force personnel are looked upon as weaker and wussier. Smarter? Maybe, but not as tough/rugged/manly.

Maybe 10 years ago. The Air Force's BMT was rated second of the four branches, coming after Marines.

The reason people think the Air Force is "inferior" is because it's more of a technical field. But today there are a greater amount of ground force Air Men. The reason is because of a need for that type of specialty.

If you ever saw Transformers, the Air Force Sergeant could have been confused for a Marine besides the Air Force insignia and uniform.

[fameONE]

Maybe 10 years ago. The Air Force's BMT was rated second of the four branches, coming after Marines.

The reason people think the Air Force is "inferior" is because it's more of a technical field. But today there are a greater amount of ground force Air Men. The reason is because of a need for that type of specialty.

If you ever saw Transformers, the Air Force Sergeant could have been confused for a Marine besides the Air Force insignia and uniform.

In each branch, someone has to do the shooting.

But comparing an Air Force ground unit to a Marine grunt is laughable.

[Stuckie]

The Air Force can do D&C pretty well. Army leads the way Hooah!!!

[jaeman]

In order of best academic standards, status of living, and family orientation: Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines.

[fameONE]

The Air Force can do D&C pretty well. Army leads the way Hooah!!!

What planet do you live on?

In order of best academic standards, status of living, and family orientation: Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines.

True story.

[Stuckie]

What planet do you live on?

I call it Fort Gordon, Ga

[EddieV]

And question on the National Guard. Do they ship you out?

[*Steven*]

My impression of the National Guard is that it was the military for people who didn't want to see combat, aside from worrying about illegals and drugs. We went to one of the bases in Washington on our trip and they took us for a ride in these boats meant to chase down drug smugglers. Was pretty f**king badass the way they could handle these boats and the speeds they hit on the water.

[EddieV]

This is my impression of the military.

Marines:
PRIVATE! CARRY THAT 150 LBS BAG UP THAT MOUNTAIN!

Army:
PRIVATE! CARRY THAT 100 LBS BAG UP THAT HILL!

National Guard:
PRIVATE! Just drive that truck across the street....

[*Steven*]

Yeah when we were at the guard base they were telling us how they get bored and play practical jokes on eachother while playing ps2 every evening. One time they put saran wrap on a toilet to get another cadet but it got the CO lol, and he wasn't very happy at all.

[EddieV]

Punishment from that....

Marines: 100 Laps!

Army: 50 Laps!

National Guard: No more Playstation!

[fameONE]

I call it Fort Gordon, Ga

I made my way from Camp Pendleton, CA to Camp Kinser, JP, life's interesting.

Don't worry, no Army jokes. My friend Tracy died in Samarra, Iraq in September. I promised him a truce that I wouldn't make fun of the rank structure, the word "Sarge," ugly dress uniforms, berets, and all the other good stuff if something were to ever happen to him. I'll stay true to my word. But, the Army leads the way? You actually believe that?

And question on the National Guard. Do they ship you out?

Wakrimasen.
I'm not sure, to be honest with you. What does the National Guard do again? I really have no clue what they do.

Marines:
PRIVATE! CARRY THAT 150 LBS BAG UP THAT MOUNTAIN!

A low rank wouldn't get the respect of his own title. It would be along the lines of, "Hey Devil Dog, get the f**k up my mountain right now! Ok, stop, get the f**k back. Grab this pack right now. Fill it up right now. Good, get the f**k up my mountain right now!"

[EddieV]

Hmm, I though the National Guard is equivalent to Japan's self defense forces. Guarding the Nation, however when I look up the Air National Guard, I noticed some of them are in Korea, so I'm like nani?

[*Steven*]

But, the Army leads the way? You actually believe that?

Hotwheels.

[EddieV]

Matchbox

[fameONE]

Matchbox

Tom"ay"to.

[DoubleJ]

Sailors are in Iraq. Sailors fight in Afghanistan. Where there is a Marine, there's a Corpsman (Sailor) Field Corpsman are Marine grunts with Naval insignia and medical equipment. There are make shift hospitals, dental clinics, religious support, etc. All of which are manned by the Navy.
Naval Aviators > Marine Aviators > Air Force pilots
Define innocent. An innocent child or woman can be pawned. That same innocent person can be walking around with a bomb. My friend Jessica was killed. She was an clerk in an intelligence shop and was told to search a female POW. When put in that situation, your instincts to survive and protect those you love kick in. f**k innocence. We live in a world full of bastards.
This is very, very true. "Flyboys" out here get ragged on a lot. One of my good friends is an aircraft mechanic, but in a military setting he's less respect than a Marine aircraft mechanic. He's never gone on the hikes up and down mountains with a .50 cal tripod in his pack. He's never been on 45 day field operations that simulate combat. His combat tour consists of 3 months (tops) in a secured area, working on the "birds." Airmen aren't required to go on patrols. In the Marine Corps, it doesn't matter if you're an infantryman, intel analyst, administrative clerk, or combat engineer (yut!), everyone has the "opportunity" to get some. Their rep; the lazy, unappreciative, rich kids. They aren't all like that, not at all, but that's their rep.
I REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS.

Marine Corps Crash/Fire Rescue. Some of the best group of guys I've ever met.
USMC Recon, or Force Recon.

Force Recon = SEAL > Recon > Special Forces

So are you like a firefighter in the marines?

[fameONE]

So are you like a firefighter in the marines?

Negative. I wouldn't mind being one.

I'm a Combat Engineer/Awards Chief.

[DoubleJ]

Negative. I wouldn't mind being one.

I'm a Combat Engineer/Awards Chief.

In English please lol.

[fameONE]

In English please lol.

When deployed: blow shit up.

When not deployed: Unit operations and combat awards

[jaeman]

Negative. I wouldn't mind being one.

I'm a Combat Engineer/Awards Chief.

You're in the Marines? Where are you stationed?

[fameONE]

You're in the Marines? Where are you stationed?

Okinawa, Japan.

[demolished]

Shoot to disarm, not to kill. It can be done.

Shoot to disarm means you'll have a chance of being shot by the person you disarm.

[jaeman]

Okinawa, Japan.

Are you kidding me? I'm in Yokosuka, Japan.

[EddieV]

Shoot to disarm means you'll have a chance of being shot by the person you disarm.

When I say disarm, I mean that literally. dis-ARM

[DoubleJ]

When deployed: blow shit up.

When not deployed: Unit operations and combat awards

Sounds like a lot of fun eh. How is Japan?

[Kontroll]

My impression of the National Guard is that it was the military for people who didn't want to see combat, aside from worrying about illegals and drugs. We went to one of the bases in Washington on our trip and they took us for a ride in these boats meant to chase down drug smugglers. Was pretty f**king badass the way they could handle these boats and the speeds they hit on the water.

To tell you the truth Guard is usually deployed before active duty.

[*Steven*]

I figured their main object was homeland security.

[fameONE]

To tell you the truth Guard is usually deployed before active duty.

What I've found to be evident with reserve units, regardless of their branch, is that they're definitely lacking in training. Its frustrating because there are active duty that would rather be deployed on a more regular basis but its cheaper, speaking in terms of the Marine Corps, to send a reserve unit.

Sounds like a lot of fun eh. How is Japan?

I could (and would like to) stay here for the rest of my life.

Are you kidding me? I'm in Yokosuka, Japan.

What branch? We can hit up Roppongi next time I'm in mainland... just don't tell my ol' lady. She knows what goes on there.

[jaeman]

I'm actually here for the break, I get back to California soon. I'm actually under an AFROTC scholarship at SDSU but I'm still gung ho about Navy. I used to go to the high school here, walking around in my little NJROTC uniform.

Anyway, I definitely know Roppongi. We should hit that up whenever I come back for another break.

[fameONE]

I'm actually here for the break, I get back to California soon. I'm actually under an AFROTC scholarship at SDSU but I'm still gung ho about Navy. I used to go to the high school here, walking around in my little NJROTC uniform.

Anyway, I definitely know Roppongi. We should hit that up whenever I come back for another break.

You go to SDSU?! When I was stationed in Cali, I was messing around with a broad who went there. I didn't tell anyone I was in the military, though. You know how it is with college kids and Marines in San Diego. There are so many nights that I can and I can't remember, that involved me stumbling down Montezuma, going from house party to house party.

How's your Japanese?

[jaeman]

You go to SDSU?! When I was stationed in Cali, I was messing around with a broad who went there. I didn't tell anyone I was in the military, though. You know how it is with college kids and Marines in San Diego. There are so many nights that I can and I can't remember, that involved me stumbling down Montezuma, going from house party to house party.

How's your Japanese?

Jumping from house party to house party, eh? Sounds pretty sweet, man.

My Japanese is enough to get by, enough to talk to girls and get fed at the restaurants. Sometimes I think I cheat my Japanese skills when I go to CoCo's (I'm sure you know CoCo's, the one that's just on the tip of Blue Street), the staff speaks English and they even take U.S. currency.

[fameONE]

Jumping from house party to house party, eh? Sounds pretty sweet, man.

My Japanese is enough to get by, enough to talk to girls and get fed at the restaurants. Sometimes I think I cheat my Japanese skills when I go to CoCo's (I'm sure you know CoCo's, the one that's just on the tip of Blue Street), the staff speaks English and they even take U.S. currency.

CoCo's is on point. Chicken Cutlet Curry, level 6. Thats my shit.

My Japanese is about the same, I suppose. I definitely understand a lot more than I can speak, and I recognize and can write random kanji symbols that serve no purpose is everyday conversation. SUGOI!!! ^_^

[jaeman]

Level 6! That's pretty hardcore already, the highest I've gone so far is level 5. I get tonkatsu, basically a pork cutlet curry, but I bet you already know that, CoCo's is where it's at.

By the way, you've been on the base, right? Of course you have, you're a Marine. They opened up a Chili's here not too long ago. So whenever you get back on the mainland and you feel like some Chili's, they got it on the base.

[freeridefight]

If you have your sights set on a specific branch for whatever reason, learn as much as you possibly can about that particular branch and the opportunities. Enlistment bonuses, going in with a higher rank based on your contract, having the MOS you want; all of that makes a huge difference when starting your military career.
You can't attack every corner with the pedal to the ground. Learning how to manipulate the throttle of a car when cornering allows you to maintain high speeds. Don't hate on my M4 (just give the magazine a slap on the ass and eject a round, then try again). Its takes a certain touch.

^^ ahha that made me smirk

I know the military can be a great chance for any rural community. There's my two cents

[Melie]

The Air Force can do D&C pretty well. Army leads the way Hooah!!!

ahhh...a fellow army soldier

Don't worry, no Army jokes. My friend Tracy died in Samarra, Iraq in September. I promised him a truce that I wouldn't make fun of the rank structure, the word "Sarge," ugly dress uniforms, berets, and all the other good stuff if something were to ever happen to him. I'll stay true to my word. But, the Army leads the way? You actually believe that?

well, then i guess i won't mention any marine comments huh? lol (just kidding)

[DoubleJ]

I think that I may join and try to go into the fire department there.

[fameONE]

I think that I may join and try to go into the fire department there.

Marine Corps Crash Fire Rescue.

Or if you want to go the EMT route, the Navy also has their own thing.

[JokeInsideJoke]

i would never join the military

[*Steven*]

i would never join the military

BWAKKKK

[JokeInsideJoke]

BWAKKKK

i enjoy living i wouldnt put myself in that kind of danger unless i HAD to. then i would break my leg and arm so i wouldnt have to

[*Steven*]

BWAKKKK

BWAKKKK

[fameONE]

From experience, if you intend to join, be warned. Your career will depend greatly upon the person directly above you.

You can suck at your job, but if they like you, your career is set. You can be awesome, but if they hate you, prepare for a battle to save your career.

I've been in both worlds. By the grace of God, I have a clean sheet.

I went from the field to the command deck. I hate the command deck because of the politics, but the Chief of Staff has given me his approval.

i would never join the military

Two years ago, I said the same thing.

i enjoy living i wouldnt put myself in that kind of danger unless i HAD to. then i would break my leg and arm so i wouldnt have to

Joining the military isn't an expressway to death.

[DoubleJ]

Damn I am really thinking about joining the military man.

[Melie]

it's up to you if you do decide. but make sure you compare because not everyone is the same. and you might wanna think about what you wanna do in the service. because they might not need firemen but put you in something that's "similar" but yet no where near what you want to do. TRUST ME! i thought i was going to an accounting job when i joined but instead i got a "counting" job. counting bullets that is and man that sucked like hell!! i was pissed at my advisor for suckering me into a stupid ass job like that. and he made it sound all great and that it's exactly what i was looking for. man, they are slick so be careful!

[fameONE]

it's up to you if you do decide. but make sure you compare because not everyone is the same. and you might wanna think about what you wanna do in the service. because they might not need firemen but put you in something that's "similar" but yet no where near what you want to do. TRUST ME! i thought i was going to an accounting job when i joined but instead i got a "counting" job. counting bullets that is and man that sucked like hell!! i was pissed at my advisor for suckering me into a stupid ass job like that. and he made it sound all great and that it's exactly what i was looking for. man, they are slick so be careful!

You were an ammo tech.

What recruiters won't tell you is that you are in control of your own contract. Don't sign on the line unless you're guaranteed what you want.

[Melie]

you know what? i liked be an ammo spec. because i was able to do crap that not a lot of others got to do. man, i drove those PLS's and 6 ton fork lifts. plus i was able to get away from my plt for ammo drops. but i was a desk jockey before i got out so

[DoubleJ]

I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do in the military, but every time I think about going in, I always find a reason not to. Ugh that is life I guess.

[JokeInsideJoke]

Joining the military isn't an expressway to death.

HA! you dont know me. in 9th grade was the very first time i ever made it to home base in kick ball. in softball i hit the ball a total of 3 time in a week. and in soccer i missed the ball when it came to a stand-still (almost fell on my butt. ouch).

i WOULD die.

[Melie]

I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do in the military, but every time I think about going in, I always find a reason not to. Ugh that is life I guess.

well, the choice is really up to you, but if i had to do all over again, i would've signed for a 2 year contract. and instead of sleeping with my counselor to get that stupid ammunition specialist job, i would've went with like finance or something.

[DoubleJ]

I would love to join a fire dept in the military, but I know that the risk over in Iraq is hella crazy.

[Melie]

well, see if you can find some firemen soldiers. i don't know any but you can try.

[DoubleJ]

I will, but it such a big commitment for two years ya know.

[Melie]

yeah...but those two years can go by so fast that you don't even realize it is 2 years. you'll spend 3 months at basic, then however many months for your job training and then the rest is at your first duty station. so those 2 years will just zoom by you.

[DoubleJ]

I know, I wish I could have joined right out of high school. I would have been in a better position.

[Melie]

yeah...well what can you do right? what's done is done

[DoubleJ]

True indeed, ah well, there goes that idea.

[fameONE]

True indeed, ah well, there goes that idea.

Don't let some misled, former Soldier, lead you in the wrong direction. Recruiters will only tell you what they feel as though they need to. You can do whatever the hell you want in the military if you step to them knowing what you can/can't do. If you want a guaranteed contract, granting you the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) as Marine Corps Crash Fire Rescue, then make that known. With an MOS like that, there are often benefits involved. Ask questions, b.

[DoubleJ]

True thanks alot man, I am really going to look into this stuff now.

[medic]

I got accepted into Cornell University, The University of Michigan, George Washing University, University of Pennsylvania, and The University of Chicago. I joined the ARMY instead and ship for basic in June of '08.

Do I question my decision? No. Will I regret it? I hope not.

[DoubleJ]

Wait a minute, you got accepted into all of those places, and instead went into the Army? Wow! That is a big risk eh! I wanna go so bad, but I know that if I do, I will be even further behind in college.

[fameONE]

I got accepted into Cornell University, The University of Michigan, George Washing University, University of Pennsylvania, and The University of Chicago. I joined the ARMY instead and ship for basic in June of '08.

Do I question my decision? No. Will I regret it? I hope not.

Honestly, if I had the means to afford an Ivy League school like UPenn, I would've gone the officer route. You'll go a lot further with a commission. Good on you, though.

Of all branches, what made you choose the Army? Air Force Avionics is in dire need for intelligent people.

[DoubleJ]

I am not going to front, I remember back in school, my instructors told me that the air force was thought of as being the weakest branch. Apparently they do next to no pt at all and other things like that.

[fameONE]

I am not going to front, I remember back in school, my instructors told me that the air force was thought of as being the weakest branch. Apparently they do next to no pt at all and other things like that.

True.

But they have extremely techincal jobs that need people with a high IQ, versus a dedication to being in shape.

[DoubleJ]

I want to be able to get my work out on too, maybe navy? I don't want to go to f*g land though, no offense.

[fameONE]

I want to be able to get my work out on too, maybe navy? I don't want to go to f*g land though, no offense.

It all depends on what you do in the Navy. There are some cool ass people in the Navy. But there's something strange about a guy who's a refridgerator technician, with little time on his hands, will never see combat, and is on ship with other guys just like him for 8 months. Yikes.

Naval Corpsman (medical) are the shit.

[DoubleJ]

True, I am going to put a timetable on it though, if things don't start falling into place by June, I am going to start looking at military options.

[fameONE]

True, I am going to put a timetable on it though, if things don't start falling into place by June, I am going to start looking at military options.

Don't join the Marine Corps.