Several questions for the vets. - Page 2

Rambo · 04-10-2008, 12:13 PM

I was out of the service for 10 years and I re-enlisted. I would even do it again as I had a memorable experience. I'm just saying, as a father and grandfather, I would want my children and grandchildren NOT to go. I understand what my parents went through when my brother and I went off to war in Vietnam. My brother is buried in the veterans section of our cemetary. As young men, we didn't consider what our decision did to our parents. Now I do. I never want to go through what my parents went through. Call me selfish, but that's how this parent feels.

Seabeescotty · 04-11-2008, 06:44 AM

There's a few, but they usually get weeded out pretty darn quick. I served with some of the finest people I'll ever know during a dirty little war in Southeast Asia, and wouldn't give the memories up for a million bucks!

Paul T · 04-12-2008, 06:45 PM

Well little brother some of the things I learned Ill take to the grave
and some of them I have earned the right or obligation to post my
opinions.All of my brtohers and sisters being Army, Navy,Airforce,Marines, or Cost Guard have earned this also in as much as we speak from experiance. If you decide to join choose well your service and what you wish to do in that service. They all have a purpose and that is to protect and uphold This countrys constitution first and the citizens next.
Im retired navy and both my father and one uncle were Marines. My uncle wad killed when the Japaneese invaded Wake Island and my dad
took it all the way from Pearl to the end of Korea. There is a special bond
we have witrh each other and if you really do feel it you will know deeply inside that that 80 year old Marine who served in Panama in 47 is just as
precious a hero as that 20 year old Soldier who lost his leg in Bagdad.
Its up to you to look deep and see if the choice is right for you or not.
But you wont hear any thing negative from me no mater what you choose.
I you choose not to join ..Kool.. But if you do Welcome aboard shipmate..

Paul T. Wilsford GMG1 (SW) USN ret.

Seabeescotty · 04-19-2008, 09:57 AM

Good post, Paul. Both of my boys joined the Marines, and one decided to stick it out for the duration. I worry when he's gone, but that's all I can do. It's his choice, and I'd have it no other way. This generation needs more who can think for themselves, and not listen the the strident crap coming off the TV set!

jkrzos · 04-20-2008, 09:25 PM

Howdy,

I enlisted in the Navy in 1962. My Dad told my Mother that I couldn't enlist cuz i wasn't 21. He wouldn't sign for me. Well, when the recruiter went to my house after I left for Great Lake-My Mother didn't speak to my Dad for 6 months. Basic is like everyone else said-to break you of your civilian habit and form you into a military man. They do it and you will not regret it forever. Upon completion of basic, you go for a MOS or specialty that you would like to do when you are out of the service. Hell if you like it after your 1st enlistment, make it a career. I became an Electrician(I still am, but have a different title) and I enjoyed my service. Before I was 21, I went around the world and fought in country in 1965. I am proud of what I did. No regrets, and possibly woould have stayed in, but for a blond at home. I relaly enjoyed my time and made a lot of friends. I think you need to do whatever you want to do, but don't limit yourself to a certain thing. Experience the world, and I'll close. Good luck in what you decide and God Bless the Servicemen and Women and God Speed for their safe return Home.

John Krzos
Tincan Sailor
Trusty Shellback
Vietnam 65-66

privateer · 04-20-2008, 10:05 PM

I am ex Navy ( Submarine Service ) I only did one 6 year tour. I made the decision at that time that I was not going to make a career of it , but I am glad I served.
I agree with the others that say that it's not for everybody, but you wont know for sure if you dont try on the uniform.

Taurus Fan · 05-01-2008, 05:11 PM

One thing about doing a hitch in the military, even if you live to be a hundred, there will still never be a day that passes where you won't think about the things you've seen and experienced while in the service.

rice paddy dadd · 05-09-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taurus Fan

One thing about doing a hitch in the military, even if you live to be a hundred, there will still never be a day that passes where you won't think about the things you've seen and experienced while in the service.

That's a fact. And as time grows longer away from the Green Machine, my opinion mellows. But I am reminded of a solumn vow I made to myself upon separation in 1970 - that if I was ever recalled I would nail my feet to the floor in protest so that if they did take me I'd have feet bad enough to keep me out of the walkin infantry.
Of course in 69-70 the drawdown in Nam was occuring, under Nixons "vietnamization program", and no one was gung ho to die for a lost cause. The same thing that's gonna happen if Obama wins.
Oh, yeah. At one time I was barred from re-enlistment because of a bad attitude, but they must have thought I was a good soldier cause they made me E-5 and gave me a couple of medals.
My advice to anyone looking to join would be Air Force. They got the best chow and living conditions.

HARDERTR · 05-10-2008, 07:38 AM

I am coming up on my 18 year mark. I am not very happy with the way things are NOW, but I wouldn't be the man I am today if I hadn't joined on my 18th birthday.

As far as your concern about basic training. The fact that you are even THINKING about the possibility of a challenge puts you above 50% of the other new recruits. I am not saying basic is a JOKE now, but TRUST ME.... you'll wonder what all the hype was about when you make it through. Speaking purely for Army basic, it is designed to give you a basic understanding of the military structure, get you in a mindset where you start to believe you CAN accomplish tasks you never thought of before, and break you of a lot of habbits mom and dad (and your friends) let you get away with for all those years.

I am glad I joined, but I wouldn't want my younger brothers, and especially not my son, to join unless there was something calling them to it.

The military is what you make of it. MOST marriages don't survive. The soldiers that seem to have the best time are those that are able to roll with the crap thrown at them. I enjoyed many years of traveling and dealing with folks from all over the world. I have also been fortunate enough to rack up a few materialistic items as well as one divorce and a much different relationship with my folks back home.

A word of advise...DO NOT BELIEVE half of what the recruiter tells you. He is being pressured to "make the quarter". You are just a number to him. The truth sucks, but it IS the truth. I have many friends who used to be recruiters. They hated their jobs, and I have even had a couple of friends get out of the military because they were selected (came down on orders) for recruiter duty. If you have any specific questions, shoot me an email, and I can try to get help you out with any questions you might have.

It doesn't hurt to go in and talk to a recruiter. I would advise you take the test they offer (the ASVAB). It is good for all branches. It is a test that "qualifies you" for the different jobs in the military. Don't even let the recruiter talk to you about jobs you COULD qualify for....until you take the test. When you take the test, take it SERIOUSLY. The higher you score, the better your chances are at getting one of the "cool jobs". And by all means...DO NOT let them talk you into "agreeing to"/signing anything other than the request to take the test. They will act like you requesting the test means you WILL enlist.... it's not like that.

Another thing you may want to consider - you can go to college, THEN join. The military will pay your student loans. The recruiter will push the GI Bill and Army College fund. It IS a lot of money, but you have you remember, you will be 4 to 6 years older than you are now....and just starting college. MOST guys never really take full advantage of it when they get out.

Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind it is YOUR choice. If you join now, you WILL end up here in Iraq. I don't care what the Hillary or Obama SAY they are going to do.... you WILL end up here in Iraq (or Afghanistan).

04-10-2008, 12:13 PM	#21
Rambo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 539 Trader Rating: (0)	I was out of the service for 10 years and I re-enlisted. I would even do it again as I had a memorable experience. I'm just saying, as a father and grandfather, I would want my children and grandchildren NOT to go. I understand what my parents went through when my brother and I went off to war in Vietnam. My brother is buried in the veterans section of our cemetary. As young men, we didn't consider what our decision did to our parents. Now I do. I never want to go through what my parents went through. Call me selfish, but that's how this parent feels. __________________ If you run, you'll just die tired. Last edited by Rambo; 04-10-2008 at 12:17 PM.

04-11-2008, 06:44 AM	#22
Seabeescotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jay, Oklahoma, God's country. Posts: 3,678 Trader Rating: (0)	There's a few, but they usually get weeded out pretty darn quick. I served with some of the finest people I'll ever know during a dirty little war in Southeast Asia, and wouldn't give the memories up for a million bucks! __________________ Adapt, improvise, overcome.-Gysgt Highway, Heartbreak Ridge

04-12-2008, 06:45 PM	#23
Paul T Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Mounds Ok Posts: 207 Trader Rating: (0)	An old seadogs reply Well little brother some of the things I learned Ill take to the grave and some of them I have earned the right or obligation to post my opinions.All of my brtohers and sisters being Army, Navy,Airforce,Marines, or Cost Guard have earned this also in as much as we speak from experiance. If you decide to join choose well your service and what you wish to do in that service. They all have a purpose and that is to protect and uphold This countrys constitution first and the citizens next. Im retired navy and both my father and one uncle were Marines. My uncle wad killed when the Japaneese invaded Wake Island and my dad took it all the way from Pearl to the end of Korea. There is a special bond we have witrh each other and if you really do feel it you will know deeply inside that that 80 year old Marine who served in Panama in 47 is just as precious a hero as that 20 year old Soldier who lost his leg in Bagdad. Its up to you to look deep and see if the choice is right for you or not. But you wont hear any thing negative from me no mater what you choose. I you choose not to join ..Kool.. But if you do Welcome aboard shipmate.. Paul T. Wilsford GMG1 (SW) USN ret.

04-19-2008, 09:57 AM	#24
Seabeescotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jay, Oklahoma, God's country. Posts: 3,678 Trader Rating: (0)	Good post, Paul. Both of my boys joined the Marines, and one decided to stick it out for the duration. I worry when he's gone, but that's all I can do. It's his choice, and I'd have it no other way. This generation needs more who can think for themselves, and not listen the the strident crap coming off the TV set! __________________ Adapt, improvise, overcome.-Gysgt Highway, Heartbreak Ridge

04-20-2008, 09:25 PM	#25
jkrzos Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MATTESON, ILLINOIS Posts: 43 Trader Rating: (0)	Service or not Howdy, I enlisted in the Navy in 1962. My Dad told my Mother that I couldn't enlist cuz i wasn't 21. He wouldn't sign for me. Well, when the recruiter went to my house after I left for Great Lake-My Mother didn't speak to my Dad for 6 months. Basic is like everyone else said-to break you of your civilian habit and form you into a military man. They do it and you will not regret it forever. Upon completion of basic, you go for a MOS or specialty that you would like to do when you are out of the service. Hell if you like it after your 1st enlistment, make it a career. I became an Electrician(I still am, but have a different title) and I enjoyed my service. Before I was 21, I went around the world and fought in country in 1965. I am proud of what I did. No regrets, and possibly woould have stayed in, but for a blond at home. I relaly enjoyed my time and made a lot of friends. I think you need to do whatever you want to do, but don't limit yourself to a certain thing. Experience the world, and I'll close. Good luck in what you decide and God Bless the Servicemen and Women and God Speed for their safe return Home. John Krzos Tincan Sailor Trusty Shellback Vietnam 65-66

04-20-2008, 10:05 PM	#26
privateer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Anchorage , Alaska Posts: 230 Trader Rating: (0)	I am ex Navy ( Submarine Service ) I only did one 6 year tour. I made the decision at that time that I was not going to make a career of it , but I am glad I served. I agree with the others that say that it's not for everybody, but you wont know for sure if you dont try on the uniform.

05-01-2008, 05:11 PM	#27
Taurus Fan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Cobra Command Headquarters Posts: 665 Trader Rating: (0)	One thing about doing a hitch in the military, even if you live to be a hundred, there will still never be a day that passes where you won't think about the things you've seen and experienced while in the service.

05-10-2008, 07:38 AM	#29
HARDERTR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southern Iraq Posts: 184 Trader Rating: (0)	I am coming up on my 18 year mark. I am not very happy with the way things are NOW, but I wouldn't be the man I am today if I hadn't joined on my 18th birthday. As far as your concern about basic training. The fact that you are even THINKING about the possibility of a challenge puts you above 50% of the other new recruits. I am not saying basic is a JOKE now, but TRUST ME.... you'll wonder what all the hype was about when you make it through. Speaking purely for Army basic, it is designed to give you a basic understanding of the military structure, get you in a mindset where you start to believe you CAN accomplish tasks you never thought of before, and break you of a lot of habbits mom and dad (and your friends) let you get away with for all those years. I am glad I joined, but I wouldn't want my younger brothers, and especially not my son, to join unless there was something calling them to it. The military is what you make of it. MOST marriages don't survive. The soldiers that seem to have the best time are those that are able to roll with the crap thrown at them. I enjoyed many years of traveling and dealing with folks from all over the world. I have also been fortunate enough to rack up a few materialistic items as well as one divorce and a much different relationship with my folks back home. A word of advise...DO NOT BELIEVE half of what the recruiter tells you. He is being pressured to "make the quarter". You are just a number to him. The truth sucks, but it IS the truth. I have many friends who used to be recruiters. They hated their jobs, and I have even had a couple of friends get out of the military because they were selected (came down on orders) for recruiter duty. If you have any specific questions, shoot me an email, and I can try to get help you out with any questions you might have. It doesn't hurt to go in and talk to a recruiter. I would advise you take the test they offer (the ASVAB). It is good for all branches. It is a test that "qualifies you" for the different jobs in the military. Don't even let the recruiter talk to you about jobs you COULD qualify for....until you take the test. When you take the test, take it SERIOUSLY. The higher you score, the better your chances are at getting one of the "cool jobs". And by all means...DO NOT let them talk you into "agreeing to"/signing anything other than the request to take the test. They will act like you requesting the test means you WILL enlist.... it's not like that. Another thing you may want to consider - you can go to college, THEN join. The military will pay your student loans. The recruiter will push the GI Bill and Army College fund. It IS a lot of money, but you have you remember, you will be 4 to 6 years older than you are now....and just starting college. MOST guys never really take full advantage of it when they get out. Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind it is YOUR choice. If you join now, you WILL end up here in Iraq. I don't care what the Hillary or Obama SAY they are going to do.... you WILL end up here in Iraq (or Afghanistan).