Would you join the military now?

Outriderdark · 12-11-2005, 05:51 PM

If you are, were or never been in the military - Would you join right now if you could?

I'm asking cause at 33, I'm being called by Army recruiters, which I find amusing but at the same time gets my brain going.

ash · 12-11-2005, 05:55 PM

I'm currently in the Air Force. Joined when I was 17 and am about to get out after 6 years. If it's what you really want to do go for it.

Outriderdark · 12-11-2005, 05:58 PM

It's not what I want, but it begs the question....Does the country really NEED me or is the current situation just the result of poor policy.
Alot of guys joined during VietNam even though they weren't drafted. Then they were in it going "oh, crap" when they realized how f'd up the situation was.
This is a hard time for patriots like myself. We want to have a hand in the nations fight, but we can't figure out if this is just a big cluster f or not.

jerry · 12-11-2005, 06:05 PM

I'd do it again, Yes. However go a bit different route. I went active duty, partied for a few years, settled down and started a family. Worked my butt off.

This left little time or desire for school.

If I could do it over, I'd go in the Guard, start school right away, no family untill school is done, work as a Guard bum to build op some decent retirement points, and still spend 20+ years in.

practical · 12-11-2005, 06:12 PM

I would be now if I could. I was lined up for USMC OCS and flight school until I had a seizure about 4mos before I graduated. Too bad. I'd much rather be flying than sitting at a !!!! drilling rig 8mos a year.

Outriderdark · 12-11-2005, 06:18 PM

Well, my nightmare scenario would be - getting capped in Iraq only to end up as a poster child for "Bring our boys home" (like that guy's Mom at the Presidents ranch) while I sit in the afterlife wishing I had stayed home and posted to G&G intead of getting deep-sixed for a cluster f*#! that we didn't finish or win.
I know, I think too much.

ash · 12-11-2005, 06:19 PM

No.
Yes.
True.
The military as a whole is one big cluster f(*&. This current situation is no different than any other this countryhas faced or will face.

Big Dog · 12-11-2005, 06:22 PM

I did ten years, got out twenty years ago, and still dream at night of being back in. Weird. But yeah, if I could, I'd give it another go.
But owning a house now, got lots of stuff that I really couldn't trust to anyone (more than just a few guns, ya know . . . ) it would be hard to re-up.
At my age, with my back and artheritis - just ain't happening.

Johan Malan · 12-11-2005, 06:24 PM

I live in Canada..... what army?

Outriderdark · 12-11-2005, 06:26 PM

I think it would be an easier decision to make in Canada.

lefty o · 12-11-2005, 06:27 PM

thats a hard question to answer. i did 6yrs when i was younger, and am now 34, but it would take quite a few different things to get me to go back in. if i didnt have a decent job, or a house to take care of or alot of other things, it would alot easier to go take the oath and go play in the sandbox.

Outriderdark · 12-11-2005, 06:32 PM

No small part of me feels guilty that boys 15 yrs younger than me are going and getting popped while I sit here sucking down a Pabst worrying about which Christmas decorations to put up.

lefty o · 12-11-2005, 06:46 PM

it's their path in life, you shouldn't feel guilty about it.

Outriderdark · 12-11-2005, 06:47 PM

I'm also cursed with a woman that tell me to do what I think is right for me. It was so much easier when I could blame a woman for not "letting" me do stuff.

Dallas · 12-11-2005, 07:25 PM

Heck yes.

troy2000 · 12-11-2005, 08:02 PM

Rider,

I don't think you should choose based on whether you're going to be properly utilised or not, or whether you agree with the current policies and war. I guarantee you'll be misused and abused, and whether it's worth it or not will be something you won't get to mull over until long after you're done. Instead, focus on whether you want or can survive a structured life.

The military is a different world, or used to be: life becomes a lot more black-and white, and not following orders becomes almost unthinkable. You'll do whatever you're told, pissed-off, bellyaching and grumbling all the way. And if you wind up in combat, backing up your buddies and not letting your unit down will become infinitely more important than why you're there, or what anyone back home is saying.

There's a certain fulfilling satisfaction in routine military life, if you can handle it; the type of satisfaction you get in learning and performing an intricate dance step, or learning to play a game by the rules. And "I'm doing my duty, and doing it right," can be a powerful antidote to self-doubt and uncertainty.

I have no regrets about the time I put in. I do think it's a minor miracle that the military command structure and I managed to survive each other for four years. I'm a fairly anarchistic type with a built-in skepticism toward authority, a short fuse, and a tendency to decide it's easier to gain forgiveness than to ask permission.

Johan Malan · 12-11-2005, 08:36 PM

Woman: You cant live with them and they cant pee standing up....

Apollyon67 · 12-11-2005, 08:53 PM

it has been something I too have deep thoughts about ORD. If I had the choice to join the USMC at the age of 18 again. Yes, I would. With no doubt in my mind. As it stands now. I am with Big Dog.

NRAJOE · 12-11-2005, 11:58 PM

Already did my service in the Army 1976-79...

Tried to get back in after 9/11 but told was too old (44)...thanks anyways.

Outriderdark · 12-12-2005, 12:04 AM

Thanks for the perspective, troy2000. I reckon you really don't have a say as to whether you fight in a righteous battle or not, the honor lies in fighting cause you were ordered to by the nation you serve.
Part of what makes these recruiters calling so difficult is that when I was younger, they didn't want me. It was a time when they wanted college bound recruits. I got a GED when I was 17 so I could work to support my family since my parents were hit hard in the recession then (late 80's....I know - dumb move but you know how hindsight is.) I wasn't college bound or in college or have any college credits. I know, I tried to join and they wouldn't give me the time of day. This was the beginning of an era of military reductions and recruiters were pushed to find quality recruits, instead of quantity.
Now, just the fact that I have no kids and no criminal record makes me ideal.
Plus, the next couple years would be the last opportunity for me. There's no telling what's gonna happen, and if things die down they may restrict their recruiting again to younger, more officer suitable recruits or go back to the "college prospects" criteria that kept me out of it when I was younger.
I know this may seem like a trivial thing to some. But it literally keeps me up nights.

12-11-2005, 05:51 PM	#1
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	Would you join the military now? If you are, were or never been in the military - Would you join right now if you could? I'm asking cause at 33, I'm being called by Army recruiters, which I find amusing but at the same time gets my brain going. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker

12-11-2005, 05:58 PM	#3
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	It's not what I want, but it begs the question....Does the country really NEED me or is the current situation just the result of poor policy. Alot of guys joined during VietNam even though they weren't drafted. Then they were in it going "oh, crap" when they realized how f'd up the situation was. This is a hard time for patriots like myself. We want to have a hand in the nations fight, but we can't figure out if this is just a big cluster f or not. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker Last edited by Outriderdark; 12-11-2005 at 06:00 PM.

12-11-2005, 06:05 PM	#4
jerry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 11,199 Images: 9 Blog Entries: 1	I'd do it again, Yes. However go a bit different route. I went active duty, partied for a few years, settled down and started a family. Worked my butt off. This left little time or desire for school. If I could do it over, I'd go in the Guard, start school right away, no family untill school is done, work as a Guard bum to build op some decent retirement points, and still spend 20+ years in. __________________ Joe the plumber is screwed

12-11-2005, 06:12 PM	#5
practical Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Baton Rouge, LA/Casper, WY Posts: 736	I would be now if I could. I was lined up for USMC OCS and flight school until I had a seizure about 4mos before I graduated. Too bad. I'd much rather be flying than sitting at a !!!! drilling rig 8mos a year. __________________ Eric "The secret to life is honesty and fair dealing, if you can fake that you've got it made"

12-11-2005, 06:18 PM	#6
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	Well, my nightmare scenario would be - getting capped in Iraq only to end up as a poster child for "Bring our boys home" (like that guy's Mom at the Presidents ranch) while I sit in the afterlife wishing I had stayed home and posted to G&G intead of getting deep-sixed for a cluster f*#! that we didn't finish or win. I know, I think too much. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker

12-11-2005, 05:55 PM	#2
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: En route Posts: 934 Images: 3	I'm currently in the Air Force. Joined when I was 17 and am about to get out after 6 years. If it's what you really want to do go for it.

12-11-2005, 06:19 PM	#7
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: En route Posts: 934 Images: 3	No. Yes. True. The military as a whole is one big cluster f(*&. This current situation is no different than any other this countryhas faced or will face.

12-11-2005, 06:22 PM	#8
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,412	I did ten years, got out twenty years ago, and still dream at night of being back in. Weird. But yeah, if I could, I'd give it another go. But owning a house now, got lots of stuff that I really couldn't trust to anyone (more than just a few guns, ya know . . . ) it would be hard to re-up. At my age, with my back and artheritis - just ain't happening. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

12-11-2005, 06:24 PM	#9
Johan Malan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 302	I live in Canada..... what army?

12-11-2005, 06:26 PM	#10
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	I think it would be an easier decision to make in Canada. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker

12-11-2005, 06:27 PM	#11
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 5,103	thats a hard question to answer. i did 6yrs when i was younger, and am now 34, but it would take quite a few different things to get me to go back in. if i didnt have a decent job, or a house to take care of or alot of other things, it would alot easier to go take the oath and go play in the sandbox.

12-11-2005, 06:32 PM	#12
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	No small part of me feels guilty that boys 15 yrs younger than me are going and getting popped while I sit here sucking down a Pabst worrying about which Christmas decorations to put up. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker

12-11-2005, 06:46 PM	#13
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 5,103	it's their path in life, you shouldn't feel guilty about it.

12-11-2005, 06:47 PM	#14
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	I'm also cursed with a woman that tell me to do what I think is right for me. It was so much easier when I could blame a woman for not "letting" me do stuff. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker

12-11-2005, 07:25 PM	#15
Dallas PUKHA DAWG Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. Posts: 3,609	Heck yes.

12-11-2005, 08:02 PM	#16
troy2000 Resident Armed Liberal Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 10,017 Images: 9	Rider, I don't think you should choose based on whether you're going to be properly utilised or not, or whether you agree with the current policies and war. I guarantee you'll be misused and abused, and whether it's worth it or not will be something you won't get to mull over until long after you're done. Instead, focus on whether you want or can survive a structured life. The military is a different world, or used to be: life becomes a lot more black-and white, and not following orders becomes almost unthinkable. You'll do whatever you're told, pissed-off, bellyaching and grumbling all the way. And if you wind up in combat, backing up your buddies and not letting your unit down will become infinitely more important than why you're there, or what anyone back home is saying. There's a certain fulfilling satisfaction in routine military life, if you can handle it; the type of satisfaction you get in learning and performing an intricate dance step, or learning to play a game by the rules. And "I'm doing my duty, and doing it right," can be a powerful antidote to self-doubt and uncertainty. I have no regrets about the time I put in. I do think it's a minor miracle that the military command structure and I managed to survive each other for four years. I'm a fairly anarchistic type with a built-in skepticism toward authority, a short fuse, and a tendency to decide it's easier to gain forgiveness than to ask permission.

12-11-2005, 08:36 PM	#17
Johan Malan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 302	Woman: You cant live with them and they cant pee standing up....

12-11-2005, 08:53 PM	#18
Apollyon67 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 2,238 Images: 17	it has been something I too have deep thoughts about ORD. If I had the choice to join the USMC at the age of 18 again. Yes, I would. With no doubt in my mind. As it stands now. I am with Big Dog. __________________ "To err is human, to repent divine; to persist devilish." Ben Franklin

12-11-2005, 11:58 PM	#19
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,252 Images: 3	Already did my service in the Army 1976-79... Tried to get back in after 9/11 but told was too old (44)...thanks anyways.

12-12-2005, 12:04 AM	#20
Outriderdark Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 1,125	Thanks for the perspective, troy2000. I reckon you really don't have a say as to whether you fight in a righteous battle or not, the honor lies in fighting cause you were ordered to by the nation you serve. Part of what makes these recruiters calling so difficult is that when I was younger, they didn't want me. It was a time when they wanted college bound recruits. I got a GED when I was 17 so I could work to support my family since my parents were hit hard in the recession then (late 80's....I know - dumb move but you know how hindsight is.) I wasn't college bound or in college or have any college credits. I know, I tried to join and they wouldn't give me the time of day. This was the beginning of an era of military reductions and recruiters were pushed to find quality recruits, instead of quantity. Now, just the fact that I have no kids and no criminal record makes me ideal. Plus, the next couple years would be the last opportunity for me. There's no telling what's gonna happen, and if things die down they may restrict their recruiting again to younger, more officer suitable recruits or go back to the "college prospects" criteria that kept me out of it when I was younger. I know this may seem like a trivial thing to some. But it literally keeps me up nights. __________________ "Would it make you feel better, little girl, if they was thrown outta windows?"-Archie Bunker Last edited by Outriderdark; 12-12-2005 at 12:25 AM.