The Military

[Redstar]

Anyone been in any of the branches of the American military? If so, feel free to share your experiences and if you'd recommend it.

[Rakis]

I was once Commander-in-Chief.. then the President was feeling left out of the loop, so I gave up the position in exchange for a fruit platter. Those were some damn good strawberries, but the pineapple left much to be desired.

Pfffff...you got screwed...They gave me a '93 Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel...

[Freakzilla]

I served durring Operation Desert Storm/Shield in the US Army as a Cavalry Scout (armored reconnaisance specialist). Other than being married and raising children, it was the single most difficult and life changing thing I've ever done. Want to find and exceed you mental and physical limitations? Get a combat arms job in the army.

I have a funny story from last night...

My kids were looking at a picture of my basic training platoon and asked which one was me. Of course the idea is to take away any individuality and make you part of the machine, so it was difficult for them to tell.

I told them, "I'm between a black guy and a fat guy."

"Were you the black guy?" asked my four-year-old son.



My wife and I exchange a silent chuckle and I said, "Yes, son. War can really change a man."

Sometimes I think my kids are brilliant then they ask a question like that.

Anyway...

My basic training was pretty much Full Metal Jacket, word-for-word. The instructors aren't allowed to hit you, but they will cause you great pain, usually in the form of push-ups. I went to basic at Ft. Knox in Kentuky and had one station unit training for 15 weeks. That means no seperate, advanced training. Recon training begins day one mixed in with basic. After that I went to Germany, I was 19-years-old. There I discovered I didn't know what drinking and good beer was. The work was much like any other job, plus a couple hours of physical training in the morning. 7-4, M-F. Usually training either in the field or classroom settings. Every meal was a banquet on post. A couple of months a year we'd go in the mountains and play gigantic games of laser tag between armored divisions.

Wartime sucks, it's a lot of guard duty, no going out to discos on weekends, a real drag. At least I wasn't in the giant sandbox, right?

The pay sucks but the benifits are great.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer if I can.

I am thankfull every day and consider myself extremely lucky to not have seen any combat.

[Eyes High]

I've never been in, wanted to go Army when I was younger but plans changed; however, several of my family members (as well as several friends) have been in the military. I think it mainly depends on the person as if they will like the service and which branch. I think the only branch that has not been covered by the group I know is the U.S. Coast Guard.

One of my Uncles loved his time in the Army. He retired as a Sergeant-Major and probably would have stayed in longer if my Aunt's health had not required him to be nearer. However, another uncle was glad to get out when the Korea Conflict was over. One of my cousins were career Air Force. One friend retired Marine. My father-n-law was in the Army for WWII but then switched to the Air Force where he served the rest of his career, taken him to Korea and Vietnam before retiring from the military. My husband served 4 years in the Army during peace time but he got out right before I met him.

Where I live, the military is a big part of life. We are surrounded by bases and posts. With-in a fifty or sixty mile radius there is an Army Post, two Air-Force Bases, (or there was) and a Marine Camp. So of course my views on military life and service might be skewed. I do think it can be an honorable choice but I know it is not for everyone.

I know this might not be what you were looking for, but I hope it helped at least a little.

[trang]

US Marine 1986 - 1996, Aviation Side of the House, 5 years as Air Traffic Controller (in Garrison and Deplyable), 2 years Information Systems Coordinator, 3 years Aviation Hydraulics/Airframes Tech. Left coast, Right Coast, Overseas.

Best things: Maturity, Discipline, Stucture, Dedication, Trust, Justice, Chain of Command, Comraderie, Part of Something Bigger than Myself, Brotherhood of Marines, Serving my country, Honor, being part of the historic VMA-214 BLACKSHEEP Squadron (Ba Ba Blacksheep, Pappy Boyington), The Few The Proud!!! Semper FI!!

Worst part: HURRY UP AND WAIT!!!!! Separation from Family. WAR.


Best experience of my life, I reccomend it to anyone. The Marines, in general, are a bit harder than the other services, but you enjoy the same enriching experience as all the other services. Anyone will be pushed to excel beyond anything you would do in civilian life and your growth mentally, physically, and emotionally, will help you down the road for many many years to come.

Enjoy


Trang

[A Thing of Eternity]

Not the American military obviously, and not at all what the OP asked for, but I've considered joining many times. It's something I'd like to do, but I have to be prepared to put aside years of my life away from my life you know what I mean (and maybe die obviously)? I would definitely be proud to be a peace keeper, hopefully I can kick myself in the ass hard enough to actually do it before I'm too old.

[Freakzilla]

You do not have to be a citizen to join the United States Military.

[GamePlayer]

So to lead the country, you have to be a citizen. But anyone can sign up to die for it. I like that

[Freakzilla]

So to lead the country, you have to be a citizen. But anyone can sign up to die for it. I like that

Of course you won't be able to get clearance for more sensitive jobs, but they can help you become a citizen to, if you wish.