Military?

[bendman]

Has anyone here had any contact with the military? I'm going to join the Army (US) and I was wondering what everyone's experience with them was.

[Pegasus]

They're a nice enough bunch of guys, most of them. You have the odd jerk or two. ;)

I met a few while I was in the Canadian military.

One thing I can tell you, being that military-types are pretty much the same all over, is to check your ego at the door. Believe in yourself and you can do anything, despite what the instructors tell you. Boot camp is a head game. Remember that and let them play their games.

Peg

[kemikalfire]

my dad was in the airforce for 20 years, my sister-inlaw and her husband are in the airforce, I had a cousin in the marines, and another in the army, not to metion the friends I have...so yeah, I know a few people in the armed forces. It all depends on what you make of it.

I know some people who have used it as a great stepping stone for other jobs after their term, but then most of the people I know were in, stayed a while and then got out after 4 years, then got some mediocre job.

Use it to go to school before they decide to cut back on the GI bill, thats one of the great things about the military. If you plan on making it a career, I suggest either getting a degree first so you can enlist as an officer, or going to school while in and working your way up. Unless you have or get a degree, there's a ceiling on what you can do.

kate!

[Horus_Kol]

i was in the British Armed Forces (part-time) for three years...

The one Yank Officer I met was a good man - but that's all my experience of the US Army.


Originally Posted by Kemikalfire (Kate!)
Use it to go to school before they decide to cut back on the GI bill, thats one of the great things about the military. If you plan on making it a career, I suggest either getting a degree first so you can enlist as an officer, or going to school while in and working your way up. Unless you have or get a degree, there's a ceiling on what you can do.

Yeah, my dad went to school while in the Armed Forces, and is now pretty much running the Red Cross Blood Service for South Australia...

[Blueangel]

My dad did a stint in the Royal Artillery and my grandfather was an R.A.F. mechanic for the entirity of WWII, but assigned to as ground crew for the U.S.Airforce in Europe for much of it.
An ex beau is Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm and I've got to say they're a little bit crazy! He got bored with normal jobs and decided to follow his dad into the R.A.F., but did the Naval entrance aswell and was accepted by them first. For a crazy dude, he managed to score the second highest mark in an entrance exam in the south of the UK.

One word of warning...beware of ever drinking with British Marines. They're a little a the wild side ;)

[althalus]

Originally posted by bendman
Has anyone here had any contact with the military? we have a two-day "test run" at th eage of.. hmm.. 15..? where they see what you're up for and what sort of training you'll undertake a few eyars later.

that's all contact i've had with the military, and all i ever will have.

i asked for a non-weapon service (not sure what you'd call it.. "whimpin' out" most likely ;) :P ) and they put me in "the reserves".. meaning if sweden ever happen to be attacked i'll be drafted... (or not..)

i will not participate in battle :)

[Vik]

Oooh! You should have seen how my eyes lit up when I saw the word "Military?".

I am a HUGE military buff. I absolutely love anything military. My Dad is retired Air Force, I was in the Air Force on delayed commissioning for a year while going to college. There were some issues that came up with my life long dream (I am 4 inches too short to fly any military aircraft) I decided to pursue the Air Force a different way. I am finishing up my college so that I can join the Air Force as a Chaplain in a few years.

Anyway, as for the military. Even though I am all about the Air Force, I have the upmost respect for the other branches. I know many many people from the Army and they absolutely love it.

If you are able to deal with the authority issue then you will be just fine. Just remember during basic, when it seems like they are treating you like your worst than dirt, that they are breaking you to build you up into a disciplined soldier.

Keep us updated on how things go!

[putts]

Originally posted by althalus
i will not participate in battle :)

Never say never.

If you're 30 years old with a wife and kids and their safety might depend on you killing a man on a battlefield to keep him from your family, you just might.

In fact, I pity any man would would not fight in such a situation to protect his family.

When all attempts to keep the peace have been expended and it's down to your family or them, it will always be them.

[althalus]

Originally posted by putts
...If you're 30 years old with a wife and kids... not saying i would'nt defend my family. i wouldn't join ranks for it, though.