Reasons To Join the Military, Script Flippin' Options

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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]

Punishment from that....

Marines: 100 Laps!

Army: 50 Laps!

National Guard: No more Playstation!