Am I crazy for joining the Army?

[redvette]

Hi folks... I know I havent been here for long but I would appreciate some "outside" opinions.... You see,I've been thinking about something for a very vey long time... Thinking,thinking,always thinking..... Every man in my family has served (Army) . My First srgt.(g-pa) said no,srgt. mj (uncle Ray) said dont do it... And (uncle pat) Corpral (sorry I dont know the abreviation for that one),said please dont but if you do I support you. Two WWII and one nam vet dont want me to do it....

It gave me a big ?WTF?... I'm doing it anyways,26 years old,5'11"-165lbs.... I'm gunna try to request Fort Polk (anyone know where that is?)... But I think they send you where they want..... I dont have a fancy education,so I'm kinda planning on knock'in out two birds with one stone on this one.... Serving,and learning. How can you argue with that....

I do plan on keeping in touch and I will never stop smoking cigars! Just next time I hope its in my own uniform. Mom said she can stop me cause I'm the only son... She cant can she??? I hope not... I have more important things to do.... Besides I do pushups and sit ups (+calestetics (sp?)) every freakin morning.... Now I might know why.....

Sorry bout the rants... Just curious what ya'll have to say...

Thanks,Steven.

[slyder]

I say go for it! The military did me loads of good. I just wish I would have stayed in......I could be retiring soon. Its only 4 years of your life.

[suretolose]

I was 24 when I joined the Navy. The next oldest guy in boot camp was 19. Don't worry they will get you in shape.
It was the best choice I have ever made

[veteranvmb]

Originally Posted by redvette

Hi folks... I know I havent been here for long but I would appreciate some "outside" opinions.... You see,I've been thinking about something for a very vey long time... Thinking,thinking,always thinking..... Every man in my family has served (Army) . My First srgt.(g-pa) said no,srgt. mj (uncle Ray) said dont do it... And (uncle pat) Corpral (sorry I dont know the abreviation for that one),said please dont but if you do I support you. Two WWII and one nam vet dont want me to do it....

It gave me a big ?WTF?... I'm doing it anyways,26 years old,5'11"-165lbs.... I'm gunna try to request Fort Polk (anyone know where that is?)... But I think they send you where they want..... I dont have a fancy education,so I'm kinda planning on knock'in out two birds with one stone on this one.... Serving,and learning. How can you argue with that....

I do plan on keeping in touch and I will never stop smoking cigars! Just next time I hope its in my own uniform. Mom said she can stop me cause I'm the only son... She cant can she??? I hope not... I have more important things to do.... Besides I do pushups and sit ups (+calestetics (sp?)) every freakin morning.... Now I might know why.....

Sorry bout the rants... Just curious what ya'll have to say...

Thanks,Steven.

Being a 40 year veteran of the Marine Corps and having two children in the Army(One just finished his eight years about a year ago) with several deployments overseas, I can tell you a lot.
I cannot do it in a forum like this, it would be too many words.

However I would not worry about army basic training. Its a little bit of a mental thing at the beginning, but basically basic training is a joke these days.

As far as where you will be posted, it all depends on what you have asked for as your mos. (Job classification)

The army lets you choose before you sign the papers, what you want to be, and they are bound to that, unless you flunk out of that mos. (Example you want to be a helo mechanic, but then they find out you have no mechanical skills, even when taught) or you want to be a medic, but then faint every time you see blood.

If you are just looking to get away from home, with very little real exposure to danger, join the air force. Or even the navy. Most naval jobs are low danger.

Coast guard is a great alternative, as you will have more responsibility if you want at a younger age.

I wont even begin to tell you in how in this administration, they couldnt give two hoots about soldiers, marines, airmen, naval and coast guard personnel.

Talk to people who have been there and done it first. I for one, would never join the army.

You may ask why my children are in the army. They wanted to go active first and then reserve, and the job they do is not available locally in the marines corp.

They didnt want to be administrative. They are both combat military police, as opposed to garrison police.

Man, this topic is so touchy, I wouldnt know what to say to you.

If you are an older age, and have some college credits, and you do decide to join, make sure you wind up after basic training, as a pvt 1st class or specialist. You will be closer to becomming a sgt, with a higher pay scale, and more responsibility.

Take care Jerry

[madurolover]

After being raised an Army brat (Father retired as Post command Sgt. Major) I joined at the age of 18. I can tell you that I would not trade the experience for anything. If I would have had any sense at the time I would have stayed in and been retired 4 years ago.

Any branch of the service is a great life experience and is one I would recommend to most.

As far as what your Mom thinks, the rule used to be that if you were the only male heir you could not be sent into combat since if you were killed the family name would die along with you. Not sure if this is still true or not. It said nothing about not being able to serve.

Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do.

[AlohaStyle]

Originally Posted by veteranvmb

Being a 40 year veteran of the Marine Corps and having two children in the Army(One just finished his eight years about a year ago) with several deployments overseas, I can tell you a lot.
I cannot do it in a forum like this, it would be too many words.

However I would not worry about army basic training. Its a little bit of a mental thing at the beginning, but basically basic training is a joke these days.

As far as where you will be posted, it all depends on what you have asked for as your mos. (Job classification)

The army lets you choose before you sign the papers, what you want to be, and they are bound to that, unless you flunk out of that mos. (Example you want to be a helo mechanic, but then they find out you have no mechanical skills, even when taught) or you want to be a medic, but then faint every time you see blood.

If you are just looking to get away from home, with very little real exposure to danger, join the air force. Or even the navy. Most naval jobs are low danger.

Coast guard is a great alternative, as you will have more responsibility if you want at a younger age.

I wont even begin to tell you in how in this administration, they couldnt give two hoots about soldiers, marines, airmen, naval and coast guard personnel.

Talk to people who have been there and done it first. I for one, would never join the army.

You may ask why my children are in the army. They wanted to go active first and then reserve, and the job they do is not available locally in the marines corp.

They didnt want to be administrative. They are both combat military police, as opposed to garrison police.

Man, this topic is so touchy, I wouldnt know what to say to you.

If you are an older age, and have some college credits, and you do decide to join, make sure you wind up after basic training, as a pvt 1st class or specialist. You will be closer to becomming a sgt, with a higher pay scale, and more responsibility.

Take care Jerry

This is a great post, pretty much sums it up!

It just depends on what you want to do. I have much respect for all military people no matter what they do. Just think about what you want to do and base your decision off of that? If you join the Army or Marines, odds are much greater of being an infantryman and fighting on the ground... more risk. Going to the Navy or Air Force gives a lot more jobs out of harms way (I know any job can be in harms way, just saying) for the most part. I lived in Hawaii for a few years and had many military friends. It amazed me how many friends I had that had great jobs in the Air Force, Navy and Marines as doctors, pilots, IT computer work etc. I also know a couple people that were in the coast guard and loved it. Being in the coast guard will bring you to nice sea ports vs going to an Army base in the middle of nowhere. Just depends on what you like...

Good luck brother!

[veteranvmb]

Originally Posted by madurolover

After being raised an Army brat (Father retired as Post command Sgt. Major) I joined at the age of 18. I can tell you that I would not trade the experience for anything. If I would have had any sense at the time I would have stayed in and been retired 4 years ago.

Any branch of the service is a great life experience and is one I would recommend to most.

As far as what your Mom thinks, the rule used to be that if you were the only male heir you could not be sent into combat since if you were killed the family name would die along with you. Not sure if this is still true or not. It said nothing about not being able to serve.

Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do.

Hi Donnie:
Good post, but this is a fellow who says hes looking to gain education. He didnt say he was looking for an adventure or discipline or an experience.

I based my answer on that. How many credits were you able to obtain in your four years. ? I bet not many. And if hes going into the army, with the uptempo operational mode we are in now, hes sure not to stay too far in one place in order to physically attend a college or to take the clep classes, or online stuff.
His prize would be the gi bill benefits when he departs.
Also, one thing young lad. When you going the military, you are essentially enlisting for life.
Yes, you are joining for three or four years, but your committment to the reserve component is 8 years.
Which means after four years, you can be put on stop hold, which means you cant go anywhere, and if they let you go after 4 years, you go into an unassigned reserve status(inactive reserve) in which they can call you up anytime, and assign you anywhere they want, for as long as they want.
You need to be carefull, to fully understand what you are signing for. Do not trust your recruiters . They ARE NOT your friends. They usually do this as a fast track for promotion, or no promotion, unless they meet expectations, and most of them will do anything to meet their expectations(quotas).
Some thing with training officers. For the most part they take the assignment as a challenge, but also as a way to advance at a quicker way, then the normal route will allow.

Obviously I love the military and everything it stands for, but I am trying to answer your question, on obtaining an education. If that was my object, I would join the air force for four years, live like your on a country club, any deployments are usually for 3 months only, and an easy enjoyable life. Theres a reason why the airforce has a much larger female component then the other services.

Not degrading the airforce, but the general enlistee in the airforce does not have a hard life. Its sort of like being away at an ivy league college with all the amenities.

Thats all I will have to say on the subject, unless young man, if you want further of my opinion, pm me.
I am a veteran of the Viet Nam war(2 tours), Panama War, 2 tours in Cuba, one in Korea(hardship tour) Gulf war 1, kosovo, and the last one e.f. on stop leave(they wouldnt let me retire) or go back to the states.

Good luck, Jerry

[dj1340]

Originally Posted by veteranvmb

Hi Donnie:
Good post, but this is a fellow who says hes looking to gain education. He didnt say he was looking for an adventure or discipline or an experience.

I based my answer on that. How many credits were you able to obtain in your four years. ? I bet not many. And if hes going into the army, with the uptempo operational mode we are in now, hes sure not to stay too far in one place in order to physically attend a college or to take the clep classes, or online stuff.
His prize would be the gi bill benefits when he departs.
Also, one thing young lad. When you going the military, you are essentially enlisting for life.
Yes, you are joining for three or four years, but your committment to the reserve component is 8 years.
Which means after four years, you can be put on stop hold, which means you cant go anywhere, and if they let you go after 4 years, you go into an unassigned reserve status(inactive reserve) in which they can call you up anytime, and assign you anywhere they want, for as long as they want.
You need to be carefull, to fully understand what you are signing for. Do not trust your recruiters . They ARE NOT your friends. They usually do this as a fast track for promotion, or no promotion, unless they meet expectations, and most of them will do anything to meet their expectations(quotas).
Some thing with training officers. For the most part they take the assignment as a challenge, but also as a way to advance at a quicker way, then the normal route will allow.

Obviously I love the military and everything it stands for, but I am trying to answer your question, on obtaining an education. If that was my object, I would join the air force for four years, live like your on a country club, any deployments are usually for 3 months only, and an easy enjoyable life. Theres a reason why the airforce has a much larger female component then the other services.

Not degrading the airforce, but the general enlistee in the airforce does not have a hard life. Its sort of like being away at an ivy league college with all the amenities.

Thats all I will have to say on the subject, unless young man, if you want further of my opinion, pm me.
I am a veteran of the Viet Nam war(2 tours), Panama War, 2 tours in Cuba, one in Korea(hardship tour) Gulf war 1, kosovo, and the last one e.f. on stop leave(they wouldnt let me retire) or go back to the states.

Good luck, Jerry

Well Jerry, I spent 10 years in the Air Force and can't disagree with your assessment. Mind you that was almost 40 yrs ago when I enlisted. Didn't have anything to prove other than escaping an oppressive childhood home and looking for an education. Taking advantage of opportunities is the key. It enables someone to do things they normally wouldn't or couldn't.

I would encourage anyone looking to further themselves to look into an enlistment. The Air Force is an easier path no argument there, any branch will provide a chance to grow and find yourself. It's a personal thing for everyone and that's the way it should be.

My .02 , YMMV

[ssutton219]

Originally Posted by veteranvmb

Hi Donnie:
Good post, but this is a fellow who says hes looking to gain education. He didnt say he was looking for an adventure or discipline or an experience.

I based my answer on that. How many credits were you able to obtain in your four years. ? I bet not many. And if hes going into the army, with the uptempo operational mode we are in now, hes sure not to stay too far in one place in order to physically attend a college or to take the clep classes, or online stuff.
His prize would be the gi bill benefits when he departs.
Also, one thing young lad. When you going the military, you are essentially enlisting for life.
Yes, you are joining for three or four years, but your committment to the reserve component is 8 years.
Which means after four years, you can be put on stop hold, which means you cant go anywhere, and if they let you go after 4 years, you go into an unassigned reserve status(inactive reserve) in which they can call you up anytime, and assign you anywhere they want, for as long as they want.
You need to be carefull, to fully understand what you are signing for. Do not trust your recruiters . They ARE NOT your friends. They usually do this as a fast track for promotion, or no promotion, unless they meet expectations, and most of them will do anything to meet their expectations(quotas).
Some thing with training officers. For the most part they take the assignment as a challenge, but also as a way to advance at a quicker way, then the normal route will allow.

Obviously I love the military and everything it stands for, but I am trying to answer your question, on obtaining an education. If that was my object, I would join the air force for four years, live like your on a country club, any deployments are usually for 3 months only, and an easy enjoyable life. Theres a reason why the airforce has a much larger female component then the other services.

Not degrading the airforce, but the general enlistee in the airforce does not have a hard life. Its sort of like being away at an ivy league college with all the amenities.

Thats all I will have to say on the subject, unless young man, if you want further of my opinion, pm me.
I am a veteran of the Viet Nam war(2 tours), Panama War, 2 tours in Cuba, one in Korea(hardship tour) Gulf war 1, kosovo, and the last one e.f. on stop leave(they wouldnt let me retire) or go back to the states.

Good luck, Jerry

To the bolded parts....

If you are looking for an education out of this..Navy or Air Force...on some ships there are college professors to teach classes and there are opportunities for the CLEAP/Online courses..I would not believe that the same will be availble in the Army or Marines.

THE RECRUITERS ARE LIARS...this is the truth and fact. after I signed up my recruiter retired. he had to have x amount of new recruits to qualify for an early retirement..I had no support or knowledge of what I was getting into except for my cousin who was already in and out on his ship. They said at MEPS that you could get the signing bonus and the GI bill which at that time was false..they also told guys who had no clue what they wanted to be that they would get a choice in Boot Camp...UMMM NO they didn't..they got deck jobs on ships.

I spent 4 yrs in the Navy and with out it and my Wife I would not be the man I am now.

Boot Camp is a joke now and I bet even 15 yrs ago when I went it was a joke compared to what Jerry experienced in Boot Camp.

My Personal feelings on this and what I am working with when it comes to my own kids is after Graduation..They need to go to college, trade school or military...any way they go they will get an education to better themselves.

I for one applaud you for even considering joining the military. Make sure you know what you want to get out of it and how to get there.



Shawn

[veteranvmb]

[QUOTE=ssutton219;2715729]To the bolded parts....

If you are looking for an education out of this..Navy or Air Force...on some ships there are college professors to teach classes and there are opportunities for the CLEAP/Online courses..I would not believe that the same will be availble in the Army or Marines.

exactly what I meant. educational opportunites are numerous shipboard, but it depends on what type of vessel you are on and your job. On some vessels you basically are on duty 12 hours on 12 hours off, every day of a cruise, except for port calls.
There are jobs on a ship, where basically you will be cleaning toilets 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Not great job training, or experience.

THE RECRUITERS ARE LIARS...this is the truth and fact. after I signed up my recruiter retired. he had to have x amount of new recruits to qualify for an early retirement..I had no support or knowledge of what I was getting into except for my cousin who was already in and out on his ship. They said at MEPS that you could get the signing bonus and the GI bill which at that time was false..they also told guys who had no clue what they wanted to be that they would get a choice in Boot Camp...UMMM NO they didn't..they got deck jobs on ships.

Basic training is the army, boot camp is the Marines Corp. Just a little technical jargon. LOL
However the army will promise you something in writing ahead of time if you want. If you want to learn computers, you take an aptitude test, and if you pass you are guaranteed that job. You might have to wait a few months before you go in(delayed entry) but you are guaranteed a slot.

This doesn guarantee you from not going to a combat zone.

I spent 4 yrs in the Navy and with out it and my Wife I would not be the man I am now.

thanks for the service. as you know the corps is basically an attachment to the navy. I have spent more time on naval vessels then most navy personnel. As a senior nco, I was treated with due respect by navy personnel. I always sat and was served my meals shipboard. And the chow was always top notch. You navy boys eat good.
Not quite as good as the four star meals in the airforce. They hire private gourmet chefs. Thats the air force nowadays. LOL

Boot Camp is a joke now and I bet even 15 yrs ago when I went it was a joke compared to what Jerry experienced in Boot Camp.

When i went in , it was a terror. drill instructors, especially senior instructors, thought nothing about laying hands upon you, or putting you in harms way.
i can tell you some stories, because when i Joined there was a lot of prejudice for us(northern boys, or yankees as they referred to us). Yes the civil war was still alive to some of those sergeants and administrative personnel.
That is no longer allowed. They have to say please and thank you, and may I and can I suggest, and give everyone a gold star on the chest.
The corps is not quite like that, as they want every male enlistee to become a leader.
The Marines want every person to be able to think for themselves and take command if need be.
Every Marine is a basic rifleman.Which means every Marine from a plumber to an electricion to a clerk typist, can grab a rifle and be qualified to fight.
Only service that still teaches hand to hand combat, carries a bayonette into battle, and a knife, and can be accurate with their iron sighted rifles to 400 meters.
No other service can do that.

My Personal feelings on this and what I am working with when it comes to my own kids is after Graduation..They need to go to college, trade school or military...any way they go they will get an education to better themselves.

I had hoped for that for my children, but only one ever received more then a two year college degree, but all are production. They are letter carriers, nypd, fbi, computer systems, and one still in military. I regret they didnt go to college, since I have a master now, and the wife has two masters degrees in education. It just doenst seem to fit the profile, but they are good children, and will never hurt anyone, or depend on anyone else hopefully.


I for one applaud you for even considering joining the military. Make sure you know what you want to get out of it and how to get there.

service to your country is a fine and noble thing to do, but again, what are your reasons if any, besides getting an education are you looking for.
this would determine on where you go. and just a work of caution.

everyone you see who you dont know say they were a marine. Whether they were ever in the service or another branch.
dont let that confuse you or prod you in any direction. you have to live your own life, and do whats best for you. let us know if you know yourself, where your thoughts are, and perhaps our collected experiences can help you out. take your time, there is no rush to make a committment

Jerry

[slyder]

Originally Posted by dj1340

Well Jerry, I spent 10 years in the Air Force and can't disagree with your assessment. Mind you that was almost 40 yrs ago when I enlisted. Didn't have anything to prove other than escaping an oppressive childhood home and looking for an education. Taking advantage of opportunities is the key. It enables someone to do things they normally wouldn't or couldn't.

I would encourage anyone looking to further themselves to look into an enlistment. The Air Force is an easier path no argument there, any branch will provide a chance to grow and find yourself. It's a personal thing for everyone and that's the way it should be.

My .02 , YMMV

since 9/11 the USAF basic training has gotten alot longer and tougher. Its up to 8 weeks now and they now have combat training and some actual warfare type training. I actually wish it woulda been like this in 92 when i went in. Basic was kind of a joke other than it being 110 degrees for 2 months.

[veteranvmb]

redvette, do you copy?

Out J

[redvette]

Yes sir I'm here,been a busy day today. Aside from an education I'm also looking for something that I cant really explain,but from all the research I can gather I think this will be a step in the right direction.

My family agrees that I'm one hell of a good mechanic and thats what I truely love doing(I also love puters and can type fast enough to damn near set a keyboard a blaze!)... What I dont like doing is nothing.... I hate working a dead end job like I am now)...

I just hope I can do enough of those damn push ups!lolol

After all this thinking I think the only thing I'm really worried about is.... Well,do they have a dentist in the Army?

Off to fix dinner and do some laundry so I'll talk at ya'll in a bit.

[beezermcd]

Steven,

I am of the opinion that all men should serve time in the military, so I would encourage you to take that leap and join up. I served 8 years in the Marine Corps (1996 - 2004) and currently work as a civilian for the Department of the Army. Serving in the military, regardless of the branch of service, is an honorable thing to do.

[veteranvmb]

Originally Posted by redvette

Y
After all this thinking I think the only thing I'm really worried about is.... Well,do they have a dentist in the Army?

Off to fix dinner and do some laundry so I'll talk at ya'll in a bit.

Oh boy, now theres a question.LOL For those who served you can chime in on the dentists. LOL
Yes, there is every medical thing you can think of. They will also do laser surgury on your eyes.
But I would rate the dentists out there to be average of below at the best.
There are fine doctors, especially the reservist and guard, but dental is something else in my opinion.
Its more a quantity thing then a quality.
But your teeth will be taken care of. In fact at your age, if you ever ship out on a deployment with the army, they will try and remove all 4 of your wisdom teeth as a prophylaxis treatment. They dont want nothing to go wrong.
Now I am going to go on with one of my stories.
There I was in the first gulf war. I was a man of around 45 year old or a bit older, who has all his wisdom teeth and have always had problems with them at some time, as they come up and irritate and go down.

There I was in the field and dont you know it, I start having some very painfull wisdom teeth problem on one side. A few of my marines, had had wisdom teeth pulled out while waiting in kuwaiit, and I should have had one done, but no time.

So I am in so much pain, and trying to suck it up, where they finally found a national guard dentist who was deployed but not as a dentist. He was part of an infantry garrison, and was enlisted not officer. He was smart and had some field dentistry tools with him.

This was an army fellow. We met for a rendevous, and all he had were a few tools and a flashlight and some stuff. I sit down on a small foot type locker, and he starts looking down my throat with a flashlight, and probing my gums. By the way this fellow was from Mississippi, and I question(sorry for your missisiipians) the quality of his dentistry, and he told me my wisdom tooth had popped through and it should be removed.

I told him its impossible at the moment, and he gave me a bottle of motrin, and cut around the gum, to remove some raw gum flesh, and gave me a bottle of rinse. (It was called peridox). He said thats all he could do for me. I said thanks doc, and I had a squad, escort him back to his unit.

When I got back to base, the next day, I had two of them removed at once. What a lovely homecoming.
People thought I had got shot in the mouth or something . LOL

Dont worry. You will be taken care of , at least with average care. The Marines count on the Navy for almost everything. We use navy corpsmen, surgeons, chaplains and judge advocates. It is a good relationship.

These corpsmen were some of the bravest heroes I have ever had the pleasure to serve with, and a lot were consciouncess objectors or reliogious type folks who were drafter into the Viet Nam conflict.

Jerry