16 year old, who has questions about the Military, and needs help figuring out his future....

Originally posted by ExCommando "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night, only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf".

You can't apply that saying to our current situation, none of these wars are being fought for so-called freedom. In fact these conflicts have prompted more of it to be taken away from us. Grow up and leave your machoism's behind and see the world for what it really is instead of living in past fantasies, wwII is long gone.

Originally posted by xavi1000
16 year old boy and thinking of a War ? pff

Go outside ..meet girls ..love someone ...

How can you blame him the entire population of kids and teenagers are raised to know war, all these games and movies is the hook line and sinker... there like ohh thats badass i wanna do that

reply to post by ExCommando


So men and women being an agressor in the military is my main reason I stay safe in my house....wow pardon me if i die laughing but...ever heard of defense instead of having a hard-on to fight every country in the world, America is the new Germany just under disguise and all the people like you are blind

Well bud, all that I can say is that the military hasn't been bad for me. I wasn't patriotic when I joined, didn't care for college, family pride of joining a military branch wasn't involved. I have been in for 14 years and have enjoyed most of it. Like any other job, it has it's ups and downs but really.....it's a steady paycheck that you know you are going to get regardless of outcome. My family is protected, I'm protected and I believe I might have the upper hand in most conditions. I am Air Force and many people can call it what you like but I have been around my bases and places. In all honesty, it depends on what you are planning to do. More technical jobs are in the AF and provide the most education for civilian jobs. It is also not so "Gung HO" as many believe is the case but that is ok with me. I respect and love all branches because we all have something to offer. Military isn't bad regardless of those that hate the thought of it or those that were discharged for something ignorant. It is much like a civilian job only you are guaranteed future employment in the mlitary and have health benies. Really, it all depends on how you feel you want to approach the after military thing

reply to post by LandonFromKY


The military is nothing like the movies or the games…it is something that really takes a toll on your life in so many ways, especially if you ever want a family. It is a great thing to help you get free college and get on your feet especially in this economy, but there is a price, essentially your freedom, and the risk of your life. Also, not everyone today respects the military. The military today is about helping other countries, which fine whatever not going to go there. The military was started for a completely different reason for what it is used for today but we obviously need a military, because almost all countries have one and if we did not have a military then we would be taken over pretty fast but considering that right now we are still engaged in activity that has lost a lot of lives for other places, I as a parent would say wait, wait until things are done with “over there” so you do not end up becoming another number. You are young and you have many options. If you just want to help someone join the peace core, or help with some organization that makes a difference in this country that will keep you safe. If you just get a jonesing to join after watching an action movie or playing a violent video game then you are obviously much to young minded to make such a drastic decision, and you really have no idea what you would be getting into.

The military make all your choices, you have many, many rules that you have to remember and follow. You are put into many situations that can be scary and you are supposed to just figure it out yourself. You do not get to choose where you live, or what your job will actually be doing. I know many who went into a certain MOS and still have yet even do what their job entailed. You have to do PT every morning some have evening. You have to pass a lot of things at certain points in your career; there is always schooling to attend of some kind. Certain jobs entail that you have a clearance which depending on your life choices will be whether you get one or not. The pay really sucks until you get to a certain rank or period of serving, then it just sucks and once it gets to a certain point you have to work to get promoted. You have to be an exemplary soldier if you want to get ahead. I have seen many people go in and decide after joining it is not for them but they still have a few years left on their contract so they had to just deal. There are a lot of aspects that only those that have been in can explain and have understood it is essentially what one can handle really. It is not like they make it in the movies and shows, there is no glamour and it can be a very difficult job both mentally and physically.

I too have had many family members and friends in the armed forces as well as have been personally connected to the military for almost a decade, I can say that it does have some benefits but it also comes at a major cost. It is not something to take lightly especially considering the situation you could be put in when in theater. Your family that fought in other wars, they did great, but that was then and them this is now and you, you have a choice unlike some of them and for some people it is the right choice and for some people it is not. You need to personally talk to a few people who are currently serving in the military and look and the pros and cons before you make a choice. And as far as going “over there” no one wants to go over there, except for a few of those that have already been and that is still for a specific and personal reason not because it looked cool in a movie or game.

MMMMMMMMmmmmmmm

So much information about people voluntarily thrown out there...how quaint. Might I suggest that if a 16 year old has to come on a spook forum to get advice, maybe he/she doesn't know what they want to begin with? Maybe this is the wrong place for life experience advice? Everyone has their own idea of what makes a great cup of tea..doesn't mean a 16 year old will like the taste 5 years from now.

I will not post my history....its no ones business but mine. I wont tell you where i served, who I served with, if I served, where I got my training from, or of the like. "Rule # 12 Disclose as little information as possible when your in a public forum." Not to be confused with "Rule #19 Garner as much information as possible without giving away your position or your hand." I could sell TV's for all you meat sacks know, and that's how I like it.

Sonny boy...if you really want to join its on you. Honestly, it's not what its cracked up to be now and days. Pretty soon the Army will have Fed Ex on their uniforms with Viagra tags and such....after all when the corporate world buys up the USSA....well the military will still need a sponsor to operate right?

NO one should be attempting to encourage or dissuade this young un into doing anything......his parents are supposed to do that....he/she/it is 16...and I aint yer daddy.

Next time you play "Call of Duty" and your avatar dies, switch off the machine, unplug it, and put it into the trash. Never play it again. In war, there is no reset.

I am the first in a long line of 'warriors' to not go into the armed forces.

If you feel strongly about it, you should join. Be satisfied that your decision was made not by your need to protect your country, but to follow a family tradition.
If you feel strongly that your patriotic duty is to fight and possibly die for the policies of those who would send you into harms way, then I wish you good luck. That's real. I am absolutely earnest. However, if you question any part of the current policy, then you will be fighting for no other reason than to appease the few. It will not be about your country. It will not be about a brave tradition. It will be about greed.
If you feel the need to fight and die to keep a few people rich, then I am 100% behind you, and wish you well.

Your choice must come from within, and not from without.

If you have absolute understanding of the reasons behind all the current conflicts, and believe absolutely that you are doing the right thing, then I applaud your convictions.
If you have any reservations, you are quite right to do what is in your heart - despite the convictions of your ancestors.

reply to post by GrandArchangel
Neither, I'd rather be free!!

reply to post by Pinkgomo653


Hmm, money and a bigger house - and you are so young but yet so naive. Read about self awareness, awakened consciousness, the wayseer manifesto.....You will then find that working for the forces is not what you are lead to believe. Your partner could be using his talents in a far more productive way and contributing so much more to society, and be far more fulfilled in doing so. Anyone working in the forces is controlled and if they're not controlled they will probably be discharged! Best wishes.

reply to post by ExCommando


The world is one of violence because we continue to believe that is the only way and as you have so rightly stated the armed forces are meant to be there to defend!! Forces do not defend they attack in line with the quote "Attack is the best form of defence". So forces are necessary? What about the starving, disabled, vulnerable people in society, do they not require our services too??

I didn't read every post here, but I can agree with the consensus that if you are getting your rise out of video games or family tradition you should just pack it in now. Wait a few years for maturity to kick in. You are still very young.

There is no glamor in serving, and little respect. Sure you wear your uniform and people might stare, but service members (or vets) are a dime a dozen unless you live in a tiny backwater town. Just like with anything else, you have to earn respect. The act of wearing a uniform doesn't necessarily garner respect from people.

Thirdly, know what you want from the military. For me it was a way to learn life skills that I hadn't gotten growing up. At the same time, I knew I was interested in technical training, so I joined the Navy for its Nuclear Power School.

If all you are interested in doing is blowing things/people up, then consider career options. Either career military (and you have no idea what military life is about and nobody can explain it to you unless you actually experience the ups and the downs), or police/corrections work when you get out. That's pretty much it. Or go to school and start your life 3-6 years behind everyone else.

The military can be a great option for people, provided you "use" the government at least a little bit in the way of training and skill sets. I don't have any regrets for the six years I spent in the Navy. Of course, I wasn't digging holes in the desert wastelands. I was mostly stationed in Hawaii, Guam and Japan and had plenty of time to enjoy the local cultures....primarily beer and women.

Anyways, your only 16. You won't listen to any advice except for your own. I know that. Try to sort out in your mind what it is you want from life. You only get one crack.

Hard decision for you. For some, joining the military is the only way out of poverty, the only way some can achieve a higher status in life. Are you able to attend college or university without enlisting? That would be a question to ask yourself.

And also, there was a time when serving your country in the military was an honourable calling. Has that time passed? I can't say for sure. My opinion is that it has.

For information purposes, both my grandfathers fought in the Wehrmacht during WWII. They were not members of the NAZI party, however.

reply to post by TDawgRex


Except for the fact that both in the States and in Canada, employers are afraid to hire vets. Enlisting was the worst decision of my life and I would really hope that this kid sees the reality of things.

reply to post by TheComte


That time has long since past. Even in the Canadian military, a so-called bastion of humility and righteousness, the honour just doesn't seem to exist anymore. Yes, you would have the opportunity to save lives, but how much of your soul would be killed off in the process, is one question anyone needs to ask before enlisting, regardless of MOS.

Originally posted by ExCommando

Originally posted by jerico65

Originally posted by Sinny
Dont join the infantry!

If you really want to join, go into admin or intelligence...the rest are cattle fodder!

Make your time there worth while.

Cannon Fodder. I've met some squared away dudes who wore the Crossed Rifles, and some spectacular retards that were in Intelligence.

Intel is a great choice. Admin is for weenies.

How can you tell someone not to join infantry?

Have you been in an infantry battalion?

Did I say, "Don't join the Infantry?" Might want to go back and reread my post, Gus.

Originally posted by bommer09
Do you want to think for yourself or have someone else think for you? If you want to think for yourself then you don't want to join the military.

Do people actually believe the BS lie, "In the military, you don't think for yourself?"

I've been in for 29+ years, and made plenty of decisions on my own. Damn, I wish is were as easy as someone making the decisions for me.

reply to post by Hiasyouwant


Well, I would argue that a military coup has never had the best interest of the country at heart. In fact, time and time again it is a power grab that can loosely be justified by a cabal of military and their delusions about "what is best for the country". In effect, rather than following the proper inclusive channels, a small group of insiders subvert the wishes of the public.

I am current enlisted, active duty in the Air Force. Id have to say I have no regrets what so ever. I have friends and family in every other branch and they all said the same exact thing. "The people in the Air Force are treated well."
Everything is taking care of for and just do what you gotta do. Well if you have a specific questions shoot em at me ill answer them to the best of my knowledge.

Well. I'm 26 years old and 80% disabled rated by the VA. Just think of the consequences before doing it. I'm lucky i'm only injured and not dead.

Having said that. I would do it again. Jumping out of planes is probably some of the most fun I've ever had and I've met some of the best people in the army. Wearing the crossed rifles is pretty sweet. Whoever said the BS about employers being afraid to hire former military may hold some merit but there are 10x more companies who will hire you for the monetary rewards from the government.

I did it a little different then most people though. I enlisted in the army after I graduated college. I enlisted because I wanted to go Special Forces. Officer wasn't something I thought twice about. But being an officer is a million times better in certain fields.