Your thoughts

[tank03 1]

I don't see wanting to avoid combat as necessarily cowardly, I know I wouldn't want to be there. But the guy is a complete idiot if he thinks he can join an organization whose sole purpose is to either wage war, or prepare to wage war, and then expect not to have to serve in a hazardous place. That's just stupid! I can't blame anyone for trying to get an education and learn some skills, but with that comes certain responsibilities and a certain duty. You can't have one without the other.

[+Jarhead1 27]

I am sorry for whoever I offend, but IMHO if u join the military and run with your tail tucked between ur legs from a deployment to war, u are a BIG GIANT BI%&H!!!! I did 3 tours to Iraq and am currently nondeployable for the next 2 years. I did my time in my opinion, those who dont agree, thats on u. I am proud to serve my country and to help the people in Iraq, I AM HONORED to be able to give to another country besides my own that needs my own. For that little bast34d to want to not deploy in my opinion, he is a BIG YELLOW COWARD!!! I have known mulitple friends that are no longer with us that would kill him for that remark!!! How can u want to reap the benifits of the military and then cower from combat/deployments?????? Like I said earlier, for those I offend, I appologize, but if I did offend u, then grow thicker skin, cause sometimes THE TRUTH HURTS!!!!

[+Dave 2,318]

I am sorry for whoever I offend, but IMHO if u join the military and run with your tail tucked between ur legs from a deployment to war, u are a BIG GIANT BI%&H!!!! I did 3 tours to Iraq and am currently nondeployable for the next 2 years. I did my time in my opinion, those who dont agree, thats on u. I am proud to serve my country and to help the people in Iraq, I AM HONORED to be able to give to another country besides my own that needs my own. For that little bast34d to want to not deploy in my opinion, he is a BIG YELLOW COWARD!!! I have known mulitple friends that are no longer with us that would kill him for that remark!!! How can u want to reap the benifits of the military and then cower from combat/deployments?????? Like I said earlier, for those I offend, I appologize, but if I did offend u, then grow thicker skin, cause sometimes THE TRUTH HURTS!!!!

 

Can't say it any better than that.

[Guest Saganuay82]

I don't think anyone wants to be there. I don't think that anyone really wants to be shot at or wonder if this passing car will cause a bright light then its over.

 

You join the military, you put the uniform on, you accept the risk and if it kills you then thats the way it is. Is it a pointless death?, thats for the pros and cons experts. We will take our own and bury them and respect them for what they were and how they affected us.

 

If you do not want to do the job and accept the risks, don't join up. Stay civilian and say thanks to a military member for the risks that they take and to the veteran who already took the risk.

[+Dave 2,318]

Good words Sag!

[+Major Lee 18]

Nothing wrong with a young person getting college money from military service. Just be sure to take a couple of history classes before you join so you know what the military actually does when deployed... My son is getting a nice pile of school money from his service in the US Army. It was paid for in Afghanistan and Iraq, and sealed with that purple medal on top... Brandon gets out in a few days and starts school in January at Grand Valley University

 

Edited November 1, 2007 by Major Lee

[+Dave 2,318]

He gets out in afew days? I remember when he was first joining. Has it been that long already?He gets out in a few days? I remember when he was first joining. Has it been that long already?

[+Major Lee 18]

It is truly amazing how time goes by... Brandon has served just over four years... He will be home Nov 8th... From 18 year old kid to decorated combat vet in just four years, yeah, amazing :yes:

[JediMaster 451]

From what RB said, I think it's the guy's girlfriend that's the problem. He wants to join, she's flipping out, he's asking if there's something he should do that will help assuage her concerns. My guess is he's afraid of losing her if she joins.

Given the higher-than-average divorce rate in the armed services, he's not wrong in that. With the number of people today who can't make a marriage work, having one person deployed for long periods and possibly in a combat zone is only going to make that worse.

I also agree he should not join if he's concerned about this, but I don't necessarily think he's cowardly. We're only getting RB's take of the situation, the guy didn't post himself.

 

If you take physics in college BTW you can get into the USN's nuke engineering stuff for subs and carriers. That's about as "safe" as you can get nowadays. Just have to worry about non-combat accidents for the most part. Of course, if you're joining to get the money for college, that path is obviously out.

 

I never joined for 2 simple reasons--1, I hate travel. Short distances, maybe go across the country for a week a year, but that's it. 2, I have a problem with authority.

[+Dave 2,318]

From what RB said, I think it's the guy's girlfriend that's the problem. He wants to join, she's flipping out, he's asking if there's something he should do that will help assuage her concerns. My guess is he's afraid of losing her if she joins.

Given the higher-than-average divorce rate in the armed services, he's not wrong in that. With the number of people today who can't make a marriage work, having one person deployed for long periods and possibly in a combat zone is only going to make that worse.

I also agree he should not join if he's concerned about this, but I don't necessarily think he's cowardly. We're only getting RB's take of the situation, the guy didn't post himself.

 

I think if RB had made that clearer the wagons wouldn't of been circled. Still even then I stand by what I have said. You wear the uniform, be ready for what comes with it.

 

If my wife and I, both active duty, for 16 years so far, have 4 kids, and have been apart already for 2 years currently can do it anyone can. We have survived Korea, Bosnia, Haiti, Guam, Kosovo.....and countless other deployments. Funny thing.....the birth of our children.....9 months after each deployment.....hmmmm

[Atreides 144]

[Rant mode on] What a load of horse**** ! If you're willing to wear the uniform you should be willing to accept the responsibility that come's along with it. I was in the Canadian Forces (Army) for four's year's and got deployed oversea's for a while (former Yugo), was I scared ? Yes. But I was fully aware of what the job entailed, prior to joining up and knew I could be placed in some not so pleasant situation's. If you're joining the Armed Force's of your country, know that the uniform isn't only something you wear to look sharp in but that it also represent's sacrifice amongst other's.

 

We had a select few who tried to pull all kind of S**T to not get deployed, well in that case you should'nt have joined for ***** sake.....exhale...sigh [Rant mode off]

 

 

@Major Lee: Good to see that your son made it back safely and in good health.

[Ruggbutt 45]

say thanks to a military member for the risks that they take and to the veteran who already took the risk.

And with that I thank all of you who have served or are serving. Even though I don't bring it up on any of the forums very often I think about our troops every day. One of our squaddies deployed a couple days ago. He's in Pave Lows. He's a brave mofo who continued to tell us how safe his job is. Yeah right, 50 feet off the deck at 150kts in the dark. Yeah, I'm worried about him. Every day. It takes a special kind of person whose sole reason is to serve his country. There is no more selfless act than that. Some of you might "know" him. He flew with the Virtual Thunderbirds, he was Lead Solo. Handle is Striker. If you're reading this Striker we think about you every day. That crazy nerd voice you do on comms, we still laugh about that stuff.

 

And for that I salute you that serve. It's the only thing I can do that shows you how much respect I have for what you do.

[eraser_tr 29]

No,no no, you misunderstand me. I'm not saying, oh join the air force to avoid combat and any tough work. Simply that it's not as much of a constant gamble as being a foot soldier. Avoiding any kind of danger is impossible and cowardly, but taking a more calculated risk isn't.

 

Are you saying that for example, a mechanic who keeps the A-10s flying, who don't have a bloodthirsty arab that doesn't care if he lives or dies as long as he kills you 10 yards away to deal with every day is not serving their country?

 

Call me a fool, but I simply cannot hold that kind of trust in a washington bureuacrat, or anyone who doesn't know me face to face. We had this discussion about McNamara during vietnam, remember the universally agreed upon despisement because he just threw away lives in a war he didn't believe could be won?

[Viper6 3]

It is truly amazing how time goes by... Brandon has served just over four years... He will be home Nov 8th... From 18 year old kid to decorated combat vet in just four years, yeah, amazing :yes:

Your son is a fine example of how our country puts the best that we have to offer on the line. I see that he is a proud member of the CIB and PH club, WHOOWA! Now all he needs is some jump wings! lol! Drive on Soldier!!

 

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!

[Viper6 3]

No,no no, you misunderstand me. I'm not saying, oh join the air force to avoid combat and any tough work. Simply that it's not as much of a constant gamble as being a foot soldier. Avoiding any kind of danger is impossible and cowardly, but taking a more calculated risk isn't.

 

Are you saying that for example, a mechanic who keeps the A-10s flying, who don't have a bloodthirsty arab that doesn't care if he lives or dies as long as he kills you 10 yards away to deal with every day is not serving their country?

 

Call me a fool, but I simply cannot hold that kind of trust in a washington bureuacrat, or anyone who doesn't know me face to face. We had this discussion about McNamara during vietnam, remember the universally agreed upon despisement because he just threw away lives in a war he didn't believe could be won?

Agreed, There are some jobs in the various branches of the military that have VERY little risk, it is up to that person to know what they want to do in the military, by not having a combat MOS does not mean he is weak or cowardly, but if you choose a combat or combat support job THEN try do not deploy, that's when the problems start. I knew even before i enlisted, that,I wanted to take ALL the steps that would make me a RANGER, There are some that do not want this kind of MOS, like the band members, the Admins, and others. It is ALWAYS best to know ones self before selecting a job that your personality maynot be suited for.

[HrntFixr 4]

Dam locked before I could post!

 

I agree, it's "cake and eat it too" syndrome. joining the military of any country should be to serve and defend first and foremost, everything else is

a bonus.

[ironroad 218]

I can not see doing a job just for the money and "benefits", I know people who are making over 6 figures and are miserable as hell. I have had jobs that paid well (for the time and my position) and I hated them with a pure passion.

 

When I volunteered to work as a civilian for the Marines on base, I loved every minute of it. No type of compensation what so ever. I had to pay out of pocket for gas, meals, etc. but loved going to work everyday because I got help out and work next to servicemen and women who had "literally" seen it all. And you know why they do it, because they are part of something "bigger" than themselves. And while I worked next to everyone from buck privates to colonels, from grunts to aviators, they all told me the same story. They do it because they love their service and country and they are willing to die if necessary. Everyone hates being away from their family but they are willing (and have) to gp into harms way if necessary.

If time and circumstances permitted I would have stayed there to this day and still helped out without hesistation.

 

That is the exact same reason why I applied to be a federal police officer. My family and my girl thinks I am nuts (and hates the idea .) They feel as if I am wasting my education (which I had to work hard to pay for) and do not like the idea of me possibly going across country for training and being a human shield for any type of important dignitary or person. Yes I have the work experience, smarts, and education to work for some high powered company or to go on to grad school for a doctorate or even become a lawyer, but I do not want to be stuck behind some desk filing papers and only making money for "myself." I want, and I truly mean this, to be a part of something that benefits society as a whole.

I want to be a part of something bigger. And that is very reason why my father, uncles, and older siblings have served the public either as police officers and or in uniform.

 

If you go into any job with a "what is in it for me mentality" you will not be there very long, and that goes for any field.

Edited November 1, 2007 by ironroad

[ironroad 218]

One more thing, if that guy thinks there is a "safe" or "easy" branch of the military or uniformed services he has got another thing coming.

 

You do more in training than just push-ups and saying "yes sir!"

 

If he has a keep me "safe" attitude then he will not make it past the initial screening. Doing enough just to get by won't get you washed out by instructors because you will shot yourself in the foot. (literally and figuratively )

[+Dave 2,318]

Are you saying that for example, a mechanic who keeps the A-10s flying, who don't have a bloodthirsty arab that doesn't care if he lives or dies as long as he kills you 10 yards away to deal with every day is not serving their country?

 

There are crew chiefs, there are transportation pukes, even admin clerks who are getting pulled for convoy escort duty. They get a 2 month course at Camp Bullis,Tx then they go to Iraq as foot soldiers. Some are even attached to Army units. No one is immune anymore.

[eraser_tr 29]

Whoah, I had no idea they were doing that.

 

Ironroad, you may disagree, but I can certainly see doing a job for the benefits alone. The day I graduate in May, my health insurance is gone, and nobody will insure me with my medical history, so I need a job with health coverage or I'm screwed. So passion for a job is secondary to making sure the healthcare system doesn't crush me and leave me a dysfunctional wreck that can't leave the house.

[SayethWhaaaa 245]

You could always move to Aus... I mean, our dollar is cheaper, we don't take your first born if you can't pay your health expenses and Aussie women got nuts for Yank accents. Plus you get to pick on New Zealanders! I mean it's win win!

[+Dave 2,318]

Whoah, I had no idea they were doing that.

 

In fact one of my troops is in Iraq now assigned to the Marines as their command and control liason. She is going on on patrols and missions like anyone else.

[firehawkordy 34]

Okay, so I'm late to this but here's my 2 cents, first off all the active members know that like most I served in the Navy both active and reserve. It was the reserve units that were constantly preparing for war, notably HAL-5 and HCS-5. To think that you could go into a branch of the armed forces these days and not see combat is laughable. Boy go into the Peace Corps and dig wells and sing Koombia with the natives, you aint cut out for the military and would only get a good troop killed.

 

I have two kids in the military one in the Marines and the other Army. Both have seen combat, the Soldier got wounded and even though they don't like being deployed they go anyway. Why? because that was what was taught to them, duty first. They didn't join to stay out of a fight, they didn't join to get into a fight. They joined, like most of us to serve their country and give something in return for the freedom we enjoy.

 

My kids and the ones I trained in the Navy represent the best we have to offer, joining to learn a trade is fine, joining to learn a trade and doing all you can to avoid combat in time of war is a cowardly and wasteful act. Cowardly because someone else has to do your job, wasteful because a better man could have been trained and his talent used where it would do the best. I have nothing but contempt for anyone who would enlist and then find a spot that is safe when by rights it should be going to a COMBAT VET, not a skate. My kids would have loved a nice restful deployment not getting shot at. I"m lucky, my boys are fine and still in one piece, what about the poor soul that has lost someone in combat that read the original post? How do you justify the phrase "stay out of combat"? If something had happened to Derek or Issac I'd be less than polite with my reply.

 

I'm stopping here before I blow a gasket and get really ugly. :angry2:

[column5 62]

Aussie women got nuts for Yank accents.

 

What accents?

 

[eraser_tr 29]

and Aussie women got nuts for Yank accents.

 

Which one? there's well over 50. New York alone has like 12.