Fess up: Why haven't you joined the military?

[Logjam]

We are all conservatives here, right? Since that's supposed to be the case, then I want to see each and every one of you join the military. You can select any service that you want; they are all different and offer different challenges and require different skills. So please select from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard. I will be glad to answer any questions about them that you may have. I've been in the Marine Corps and the Army. I've worked with the Coast Guard, the Navy and the Air Force. I was "in" for 30 years; active duty and reserve. I retired as a major in the Army Reserve.

Now, guys we are all hard chargers aren't we? If you have the guts and a genuine conservative bent, then take the bull by the horns and join up. You will never be the same! Being in the military, especially during a war, is the most exciting endeavor that you will ever undertake. If you are in your 20's you'll still be young when you get out. Or you can stay in for 20 years. If lucky you can stay in for 30, but only senior field grade officers or senior enlisted men get to stay in for 30 years.

If you like technology I suggest that you join the navy; try subs, they are the most exciting. Of course, Naval Aviation is a wild trip! (I earned by "Wings of Gold", and flew fighters for nine years.) The Air Force uses lots of cutting edge technology too, but I've never liked the service much. It's too gentlemenly. You won't even get dirty if you join the Air Force. If you are a jock then join the Marine Corps or the Army. If in the Army go for the Rangers. I joined the Marine Corps and went through their PLC (PLatoon Leader Class) in the early 60's. It was a very wild ride!

I feel profoundly sorry for men who did not join the service. Their lives seem so mundane to me compared to the outlandish and exciting lives that we led in the service. You will never be challenged in civilian life, as a young man, as you will be in the service. You will also be proud of the fact that you didn't "wimp out" when our nation was in a fix.

So, JOIN UP; stop pussy footing around! If not,I want you to stand tall and explain to me why you don't.

[rcne]

I'm a vet, from the Vietnam era. Been there done that. But go in as an officer, take the officer training course if they offer it.

I didn't grab the opportunity to become an officer in boot camp, but looking back I should have.

[Mr.Vicchio]

I did my ten years logjam, US Navy Veteran. Enlisted... yes go officer.

I would like to say I am completely AGAINST your line of thought. People should WANT to join, not feel compelled too. I hate that, seriously. I wanted recruits comming to the fleet that WANTED to be there, came to that conclusion on thier own. Nothing is worse then having some Seaman Recruit straight from Great Lakes start whinning about how he didn't really want to be there, he was only in because he felt he had too.

And trust me, seen it, hate it, am tottaly against it.

Guys and gals, if you feel you WANT to join, join. Don't join "because I'm a conservative I should". That's a bad attitude IMHO.

[Logjam]

Quote by: rcne I'm a vet, from the Vietnam era. Been there done that. But go in as an officer, take the officer training course if they offer it. I didn't grab the opportunity to become an officer in boot camp, but looking back I should have.

I have been both enlisted and an officer. It's amazing, I guess, how different the two are.

There were some advantages to being enlisted. You got to work in your speciality. If you trained to be a radio man, you worked as a radio man (of course, there were a great many enlisted men who worked outside of their MOS.) but in general we tried to direct men to their MOS specialities.

Being an officer wasn't nearly as cut and dried. You had to lead your troops. That's sometimes hard to do; sometimes the grunts don't want to be lead by you.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd go for OCS again.

Lots of good enlisted troops were given the opportunity, but bailed when they learned that their obligation was going to be extended.

I was in during the VN era too.

[Logjam]

Quote by: Mr.Vicchio I did my ten years logjam, US Navy Veteran. Enlisted... yes go officer. I would like to say I am completely AGAINST your line of thought. People should WANT to join, not feel compelled too. I hate that, seriously. I wanted recruits comming to the fleet that WANTED to be there, came to that conclusion on thier own. Nothing is worse then having some Seaman Recruit straight from Great Lakes start whinning about how he didn't really want to be there, he was only in because he felt he had too. And trust me, seen it, hate it, am tottaly against it. Guys and gals, if you feel you WANT to join, join. Don't join "because I'm a conservative I should". That's a bad attitude IMHO.

I agree with you in part. I think that citizens should feel it their responsibility as Americans to join the military when we are at war. It is one's responsibility. When you are "in" deal with it. Sure there were gripers, but lots of draftees were very successful.

Furthermore, a Conservative, a guy who believes in what the President is doing should feel compelled to join. Indeed, I am not going to "force" them, but forcing should not be required.

I think, therefore; we are in disagreement. While I see your point, and some part of me agrees with you; generally I think that all good, healthy conservatives should make an effort to defend our country and openly support our president.

[Clarence]

Quote by: Logjam So, JOIN UP; stop pussy footing around! If not,I want you to stand tall and explain to me why you don't.

I was hoping to. In fact was talking with the Air Force and had already explained to my family that I was interested in going, when I found out we were attacking Iraq for insufficient reasons. I sometimes wish I would've. Maybe I could make a difference for the good of things. I will not support a commander in chief with so little respect for ailing veterans. Happy veteran's day btw. I'm a bit salty about yet another career option going down the tubes because of morality. I'd almost got caught up in a pyramid scheme before I realized that my whole plan for success depended on me ripping people off or misleading them at the very least.

People should WANT to join, not feel compelled too.

Excellent point. However, there are many that will not answer this thread or join up even though they will argue from their keyboard vehemently that they support the warrior class. Hey, one could be a cook or maybe there's an online discussion branch of the military they could benifit. I suspect that the majority of americans see the armed forces as some caricature of perfection and stoicism. Combat is something one can not imagine from what I hear. And even if it can be imagined, it is difficult to relate. I will always fight for what's right. I'm not complacent and I don't mind dying if someone else benifits. In many ways, I was born for the warrior class. But I will not fight if I don't believe. I would rather die than live with the horror of killing without an absolute sense of rightiousness. They would never allow me to be a cook (my profession).

[rcne]

One difference between here and European countries is that in Europe everyone has a service obligation of some type.

I sometimes think that that would be a benefit for this country. Think about how much good a two year service would do the country as well as building character and independence in those doing the service.

[Logjam]

Quote by: Clarence I was hoping to. In fact was talking with the Air Force and had already explained to my family that I was interested in going, when I found out we were attacking Iraq for insufficient reasons. I sometimes wish I would've. Maybe I could make a difference for the good of things. I will not support a commander in chief with so little respect for ailing veterans. Happy veteran's day btw. I'm a bit salty about yet another career option going down the tubes because of morality. I'd almost got caught up in a pyramid scheme before I realized that my whole plan for success depended on me ripping people off or misleading them at the very least. Excellent point. However, there are many that will not answer this thread or join up even though they will argue from their keyboard vehemently that they support the warrior class. Hey, one could be a cook or maybe there's an online discussion branch of the military they could benifit. I suspect that the majority of americans see the armed forces as some caricature of perfection and stoicism. Combat is something one can not imagine from what I hear. And even if it can be imagined, it is difficult to relate. I will always fight for what's right. I'm not complacent and I don't mind dying if someone else benifits. In many ways, I was born for the warrior class. But I will not fight if I don't believe. I would rather die than live with the horror of killing without an absolute sense of rightiousness. They would never allow me to be a cook (my profession).

What a bunch of unequivocal clap trap. The wimperings of a spinless, pabulum sipping limp dick. You've listed several reasons for sniveling out. Listen, Clarence; it's really very simple. Americans in harms way, you join up and help them. You become a American Fighting Man. You aren't concerned about the politics of the event. You are, however; concerned that fellow Americans are at war and it's your responsibility as a healthy American male to join in the fray.

BTW: If you go to a VA hospital you will see how hard they work to help injured veterans. The care is excellent and it's free.

You should be ashamed of yourself. Go ahead and join the Air Force. You'll enjoy the challenge, and you likely won't even get dirty. It's a gentlement's service, and very valid one.

You can either be proud of your service during this war, or you can hang your head as the vets march by. Join the marchers.

[Logjam]

Quote by: Mr.Vicchio I did my ten years logjam, US Navy Veteran. Enlisted... yes go officer. I would like to say I am completely AGAINST your line of thought. People should WANT to join, not feel compelled too. I've been thinking a lot about your post. As I ponder your post I'm more and more opposted to your thinking. People should join because it's their responsibility. You don't join the service to be happy, or contented or even safe. You join to work hard, and put your life on the line to achieve victory. I hate that, seriously. I wanted recruits comming to the fleet that WANTED to be there, came to that conclusion on thier own. Nothing is worse then having some Seaman Recruit straight from Great Lakes start whinning about how he didn't really want to be there, he was only in because he felt he had too. T.S: the sailor is there to do a job. Screw his whining. When you join the military you put your feelings behind you. You must toughen up, bite the bullet and win.] And trust me, seen it, hate it, am tottaly against it. Save your hate for the enemy. Guys and gals, if you feel you WANT to join, join. Don't join "because I'm a conservative I should". That's a bad attitude IMHO.

No, it's the attitude of a budding hero.

[James]

I would say I'm too young, but since December 14th, I'm not anymore. After I finish high school, I'm seriously thinking of going to the Citadel in South Carolina, then hopefully the Marines.

[Waychel]

Both of my sisters were in the military (Navy and Air Force). I'm the youngest and the only one not to have done any service. I don't really think that I am cut out for the military... I mean I can't even do a push up!! D=

I'm pre-law right now, so depending on how my schooling goes... JAG could be an option for me at some point in time. I would really like to serve my country in some capacity... I just do not believe I am cut out to serve in the same way that my sisters did.

[mr.perfecto]

I tried to join twice already. :(

Even if they would accept me at this point, I'm not sure I would go. The idea doesn't have the same appeal it did when I was younger.

[Mia]

What do you think of homeless people joining up? There are a lot in Phoenix, and a friend who is former Army tries to recruit them.

[rcne]

Mia it is sad to say but a larger than norm percentage of homeless are vets. Adjusting back to the life of a civilian sometimes breaks down.

I have some friends that just went on a day to day existence once they got out. They survive by working a while then taking a break, or switching to day jobs under the radar.

Then again I have friends that stayed active in the Marine Corp league and others that adjusted quite well (college, family, apple pie Americana etc) so its an individuals circumstance that reaches the point of either "carry on" or "coast".

[Mr.Vicchio]

The problem Logjam, is that we have a culture that would see slackers join up, and make life hell for those that are there to do the job. The military should NEVER be used as some sort of social game. And that is exactly what you are proposing. While I AGREE with you that people should realize thier duty to country, and that a 2 year stint in the armed forces would do a WORLD of good to many people, the fact is, forceing people to join would cause headaches, and problems like you haven't seen.

Could you imagine the problems if your plan had gone into effect say... in 2000. And we are at war right now?

OMG Vietnam all over again. Thanks but no thanks. Keep it pure voluntary, and let the real heroes join up with people who are willing, able and READY to face the challenges of military life, and leave the slackers where they belong, in the malls.

[Mia]

Quote by: rcne Mia it is sad to say but a larger than norm percentage of homeless are vets. Adjusting back to the life of a civilian sometimes breaks down. I have some friends that just went on a day to day existence once they got out. They survive by working a while then taking a break, or switching to day jobs under the radar. Then again I have friends that stayed active in the Marine Corp league and others that adjusted quite well (college, family, apple pie Americana etc) so its an individuals circumstance that reaches the point of either "carry on" or "coast".

Yes, I noticed that myself. I was shocked, actually, at the % who are vets.