Military Service

[Frenchie_lady]

This might not help at all... but in Canada, the best way to go is to go through Military College. That means that you get out of there an officer, whatever you chose to do.

Of course, they will pay for your education above college if your carreer choice asks for it, but you have to stick around for a few years after that.

I wanted to join, actually applied, but after a talk with a recruiter, I was oked to join, but he strongly suggested I didn't do it. He said that, and I still wonder why, said I had a very opposing personality (can you hear the sarcasm in my tone? lol), and being in the army would probably feel like hell to me!

I thank him every day for being this honest with me!

[redcat]

That's a big concern for me, DL. Son has an oppositional personality and I alternately worry about his being able to control his temper vs accepting the discpline and order.

[Kissie]

Hey Red is there any update on this subject???

[disturbiagirl]

My first husband was in the military and we were stationed in Alaska. I felt then, and still do, that it can be a fantastic opportunity. I too was supposed to join but backed out at the last minute for fear we wouldn't be stationed together. To be fair, when he was in it was during peace time so there wasn't the fear that is present now. At the time though it was a fantastic decision, free travel, education, housing and medical care.

I agree that he should speak with all of the branches and read the fine line, which would hold true for anything.

[Starwind]

I would recommend Air Force if your looking for a somewhat easier ride. maybe the navy. Army and Marines tend to do grunt work so to save yourself the stress i'd shoot for the other branches. They all have their pitfalls so make sure when He signs he reads the fine print. My husband (Marine) Didn't and he kinda regrets it now. I had a brother in the army and he say several combat deployments. he didn't come back the same. If he can avoid grunt work more power too him. I am proud of my family and my husband but I worry for them just the same. Goodluck Red.

[redcat]

Originally Posted by Kissie

Hey Red is there any update on this subject???

Hey Kissie! Here's the update...

Army took pics of his tats. It was the location, not design, that made them questionable. One of the back of his head (that would show only during basic when he had the shaved head) and the other on his neck that they originally thought would be covered by BDUs.

Apparently, these decisions are made by civilians with no concern as to the interest level, qualifications of the applicant. Word came back that they were unacceptable.

Rather than go to the expense and pain of attempting laser removal right off the bat, he talked of going to another recruiter(s) and check with them...also delayed entry if he could go to MEPS first. Then if he passed physical, etc....do the removal between MEPS and the time he had to report in.

But, now I'm not sure he's going to do it. His gf is moving out of state and they're talking of making a life together. Time will tell....

[wisconsin(m)]

Hey Red, Sorry if I repeat someone already said this, I did not read all the comments. For some the military is great and others not so much. I would encourage whoever to pick a field that will get them somewhere when they get out. I was a legal specialist in the military and in many ways it did help me further my goals in life. Nothing wrong with an gun carrying solider if that is your desire, but many could make life long choices.

[Kissie]

Originally Posted by redcat

Hey Kissie! Here's the update...

Army took pics of his tats. It was the location, not design, that made them questionable. One of the back of his head (that would show only during basic when he had the shaved head) and the other on his neck that they originally thought would be covered by BDUs.

Apparently, these decisions are made by civilians with no concern as to the interest level, qualifications of the applicant. Word came back that they were unacceptable.

Rather than go to the expense and pain of attempting laser removal right off the bat, he talked of going to another recruiter(s) and check with them...also delayed entry if he could go to MEPS first. Then if he passed physical, etc....do the removal between MEPS and the time he had to report in.

But, now I'm not sure he's going to do it. His gf is moving out of state and they're talking of making a life together. Time will tell....

Well maybe that is better for him...but let him know...if he ever wants help to get into the military SSG is always here and willing to help!!!! Sometimes it helps to have someone willing to help pull some strings or to open other doors!!!
wish him luck for us!!!!

[scoobertina]

Originally Posted by redcat

Hey Kissie! Here's the update...

Army took pics of his tats. It was the location, not design, that made them questionable. One of the back of his head (that would show only during basic when he had the shaved head) and the other on his neck that they originally thought would be covered by BDUs.

Apparently, these decisions are made by civilians with no concern as to the interest level, qualifications of the applicant. Word came back that they were unacceptable.

Rather than go to the expense and pain of attempting laser removal right off the bat, he talked of going to another recruiter(s) and check with them...also delayed entry if he could go to MEPS first. Then if he passed physical, etc....do the removal between MEPS and the time he had to report in.

But, now I'm not sure he's going to do it. His gf is moving out of state and they're talking of making a life together. Time will tell....

so he really wanted to go that bad that he considered removing his tats? wow... I am impressed by your son.. but if he makes a life with his girlfriend.. I am happy for him too.. it seems like he is thinking about his future now... that is a very good thing...

good luck

[redcat]

Originally Posted by Kissie

Well maybe that is better for him...but let him know...if he ever wants help to get into the military SSG is always here and willing to help!!!! Sometimes it helps to have someone willing to help pull some strings or to open other doors!!!
wish him luck for us!!!!

Thanks, Kissie!! That means a lot.

Originally Posted by scoobertina

so he really wanted to go that bad that he considered removing his tats? wow... I am impressed by your son.. but if he makes a life with his girlfriend.. I am happy for him too.. it seems like he is thinking about his future now... that is a very good thing...

good luck

I hope he is thinking about his future. I know he has to find his own way, despite my being able to see things that could be helpful. The miliary could be good for him in many ways...giving him a purpose, helping him mature and see beyond himself; not to mention the training for a life afterwards.

We'll see what happens. Right now he's focused on moving to MT with his gf. Time will tell....

Thanks, scoob..

[gr8doods]

Originally Posted by redcat

Talked with my son yesterday and he's again considering the service. Overall, I think it would be a good thing for him ~ he plans to speak with an Army recruiter. I'm not sure of his motivation, nor whether I should question it.

I know there are many here who have been or still are in the military. To those, or anyone...how about sharing your thoughts here....would you recommend it, which branch and why? Do you feel there are common pitfalls that should/could be avoided, etc. Anything you wish you had known going in rather than having to learn the hard way?

I know there will be smartass remarks and that's great..but I'd also appreciate any information you have that you should share with a young person in your life as they consider this step. Thanks.

My 2 cents...my son enlisted right out of high school...left in july of that year..he was given a general discharge after only 3 weeks...he was not emotionally mature enough.got into a fist fight the first day because some guys were making fun of him writing a letter home and its contents...to say it was a difficult thing is an understatement...given the world as we have it now,I will say selfishly that I am glad he was discharged...it was a struggle for him in the beginning after coming back home..but all worked out so far for him..

[Hotshotfireguy]

Red,

I started out in the Army Nat. Guard. But I realized being a tank gunner wasn't going to carry me far so I started looking into active duty. I was interested in aviation and went to the Army recruiter and he told me if I went active it would be on tanks, they weren't going to spend money to retrain me when I was already trained. So I walked next door and talked to the Air Force recruiter and six months later I was an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force. Best thing that ever happened to me. Between the military and getting married and having a kid, I did a lot of growing up in that time. Was also the first time my dad told me he was proud of me. I highly reccomend it. I f he does decide to do it, just tell him to not let the recruiters pressure him into anything. It will all work out, one way or the other........Hoping for the best.

[HlpMeEscpe]

To all of you that have served, are still serving, or have children considering service....THANK YOU!!!!

[TallDark&Handsome]

With everything I have been through Red, I would still recommend going into the service to any young man or woman. I am a former Marine, and I am proud of my service to my country. I am not proud of the things I had to do, and I miss the friends I have lost along the way, so in a way... serving your country takes a lot from you, but it gives you a lot in return.

Serving your country is the most honorable, self-less I think you can do, but death and dying are a real part of that. It isn't an easy choice for anyone.

[bighands]

I'll be totally hated for this, but here goes: I understand armies are a necessity and some people are cut out for the job, still personally I hate it and them (armies). I think the type of discipline and camaraderie are wrong, as they install the notion that what makes an individual special is the group he is part of, as opposed to whom he is regardless, and because it teaches you to obey a set of rules blindly which you cannot and should not question, and I think that hinders the ability of people to observe themselves and life more profoundly. I despise the fact that people might find themselves serving for an army which is involved in something very wrong (from their own standpoint) and be obligated in some form to accept this and be a part of it. What bothers me the most is that armies in general are not open about these subjects at all and recruit with systems which are extremely similar to cult-movement recruitment. So whatever your kid chooses, I certainly hope someone should give him the chance to think about such issue...

[redcat]

Originally Posted by bighands

I'll be totally hated for this, but here goes: I understand armies are a necessity and some people are cut out for the job, still personally I hate it and them (armies). I think the type of discipline and camaraderie are wrong, as they install the notion that what makes an individual special is the group he is part of, as opposed to whom he is regardless, and because it teaches you to obey a set of rules blindly which you cannot and should not question, and I think that hinders the ability of people to observe themselves and life more profoundly. I despise the fact that people might find themselves serving for an army which is involved in something very wrong (from their own standpoint) and be obligated in some form to accept this and be a part of it. What bothers me the most is that armies in general are not open about these subjects at all and recruit with systems which are extremely similar to cult-movement recruitment. So whatever your kid chooses, I certainly hope someone should give him the chance to think about such issue...

Actually, I agree with some of your points, big. Armies do require blind obedience and discipline; and from what I've been told, recruiters are, in essence, sales people...telling the potential enlistee what they want to hear.

That blind obedience is necessary for order. I'm sure there have been instances when one receives an order they question, but not everyone can know the necessity for each decision that comes down the line. However, in accepting the responsibility of carrying out that order given, I think one can learn about themselves as well.

I disagree with your thought (in bold) above - I think being part of the group instills a certain pride in an individual. In many cases, that group allows him/her to realize a personal potential that might not otherwise have been.

Armies will always be a necessary evil in our world, until that day comes that we achieve "world peace"...and I'm not going to hold my breath on that one!

Big, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I highly doubt that you will be hated for expressing them. After all, the freedom to do that very thing is just one of the things people have fought and died for.