10 pros & 10 cons for joining the army.
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There is no pro that can justify your life
Deiciding to join the army should be taken very seriously, as essentially you are not only deciding to put your own life on the line but any others when you are engaged in warfare. Too often people rush to join the army because it offers free school or a pension. However, joining the army means placing your life on the line and essentially being given the license to kill. It should not be a decision that is taken lightly.
I am disgusted when i here people sign up for the army because of the perks it offers. When i was a new high school graduate I received many free offers for sock or pen sets when I joined the army, much like perks that are advertised to join a book club. It's disgusting really that the army relays on the same level of silly marketing, but it works unfortunately for the uneducated masses or for people who have no other choice.
I respect the army, but I think its sad that a great deal of our army is made up of people from the lower classes who have very few other options. In essence it is a way for people who were not born into privileges to get ahead, with the sacrifice of their own life hanging in the balance. I know two people who have joined the army with less than desirable results.
My cousin made it through basic and his initial two year tour, but joined the national guard and reenlisted because the draw of a pension was too strong. He is now almost 35 and in less than a few days will be deployed to Iraq. He pushed his luck for benefits and now his wife and two children as well as the rest of the family is in disbelief. This is what happens when you take military service for granted.
In the same way, an old dear friend of mine reenlisted after getting out easy because he wanted to finish school. He didn't finish college because he was called up two years ago. Hopefully he is still ok in Iraq, the army is hard to communicate with and too often you don't hear the names or receive contact as you like. However a great deal of casualties have come from our area, and if he is one of them not only will he never finish college, but he will also have sacrificed his life to a war he didn't believe in which is sickening.
Bear these in mind and i think it may be more enlightening then any pros or cons list you can read.
Oh yea, and you can also receive free plastic surgery in the army now, but how great are those new implants going to look in a coffin? Not to mention augmentation when you are fighting in a land that despises woman is probably counter productive.
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I am actually in the Army and I plan on writing several articles on it. Some small tidbit I have to say is this: The job I have with the Army calls for people who have high intelligence and common sense, and yes they do test for this. I do not consider my service in the United States Military to be a waste, because I and countless others, joined not for our future and what's ahead of us, but for who we leave behind and for their futures. My uncle is also a POW from WWII and I'm grateful that he hasn't read what's in this article, because he didn't survive all of that just to read this casual disregard for the people of the U.S. Army. I am thankful, though, for the opinions of the people I know I, and the rest of us, will protect in the future.
Jessica, I by no means mean to disrespect your army service as you and your uncle may honor your service. If you believe in the cause you are fighting for the story changes ever so slightly.
I have simply pointed out that statistics show that most people who sign up for the army do so because they have no other options. This is well documented not only in my own experiences with people in the army but in many polls and news articles. I am sorry if their reasons for joining are not yours, but you cannot deny that this happens if you are current in world politics.
Once again I appreciate your service, but tactics such as offering monetary compensation and free pens are tactics the army uses. I received the letters six years ago as did my friends, more recently my brother did, and I am quite sure that people still do currently. If you do not like the image of how the army is represented I suggest you look deeper at the organization and its publicity efforts as a whole.
Being in Intel in the Army I would say that I have never met a single person who joined the Army simply for the bonus even though the rewards for Intel are extreme. But good post regardless.
These army cats have their heads in the sand! You never met anyone who joine dthe army for the bonuses - your either a liar, a recruiter or antisocial - I have many friends who are recruiters, i know how they do their job- i wa actively recruited for high ASVAB testing and language skills and know quite a few drooling idiots from my high school class who are proud cannon fodder (because they got tired of the gas station and/or roofing)
you have to be kidding right.
I come from many generations of army/marines and air force - there are legit reasons to join (more so in the past than now) and much honor involved in serving to protect others.
But 99% of you are just in it for the paycheck - and are either fooling yourselves, very well brainwashed or you two are part of that magic 1%
i can wait to get back in
funny enough, since i wrote this. my best friend decided to join the army, guess why, a weak economy and promise of money. so i have my own example and debate answered. ps. he was against the military and is now facing a poor economy despite a college education and wants to provide for his family.
do i respect him? yes the same way i respect my other friends in the military. do i think the recruiters targeted him with bonuses and promise of high pay and little threat? i know they did.
Hence, its a fruadualent way to say the military ethically recruits. bs.
funny enough, since i wrote this. my best friend decided to join the army, guess why, a weak economy and promise of money. so i have my own example and debate answered. ps. he was against the military and is now facing a poor economy despite a college education and wants to provide for his family.
do i respect him? yes the same way i respect my other friends in the military. do i think the recruiters targeted him with bonuses and promise of high pay and little threat? i know they did.
Hence, its a fruadualent way to say the military ethically recruits. bs.
its funny cuz i agree with everything this post says i have to friends who keep sayin they want to join the service there to girls i ask them y jus curious and they say u get a house u get money u get free medicare da government pays for your college dis realy upsets me cuz i have a brother whos puttin his life on the line out there he had $125,000 a year paying job he left it along with his wife and two kids to represent our county so year things like this do upset me
recruiters are shameless pricks i just enlisted and all they cared about was getting their quota for the month...phuc recruiters
HA wow, duh recruiters are trying to reach their quota hello IT'S THIER JOB! It's your fault for going at the wrong time of the month.AND if you didn't get what you wanted or felt you deserved, also your fault. You don't have to sign up it's your choice. dumb, dumb, dumb.
So I'm sitting here reading over all the posts, and I am slightly confused because I thought that in the army a person could choose whether or not they wanted to be in combat or not. I am 19 and thinking of joining; because of the money, because of the housing, food, insurance, etc. I havent spoken to a recruiter yet, but I intend on not being involved in combat. Am I being nieve?
this is very true. i went to a recruiter today, and depending on your ASVAB test score will determine the type of job you could potentially get. the higher the score, the better. a woman rarely goes into combat unless they choose to do so. however, there is a high risk nof getting deployed. is that a chance you're going to risk? that's up to you. yea the benefits are great and yes they offer bonuses and a pension but what "educated" person would want to retire in the military. if you do that's great, don't get me wrong but there is a million of other choices. you could use what the government has to offer you or turn it down. just read the fine print in your contract.i wouldnt chose to go into the arm JUST for benefits. rethink it.
I am going into the Army and I am completely taunted by some of these posts. Yes, the recruiter has a quota but it is YOUR CHOICE to sign the contract. They don't force you against your will. Yes, they may try to persuade you with large sums of money and the guarantees of insurance but they don't strap you down and tell you that you have to serve your country. I personally feel like EVERYONE should have to serve their country. YOUR LIVE in this country and you strive from all it gives you but when it comes down to the nitty gritty and YOU DON'T WANT TO DEFEND IT? look at all the other countries? I would consider myself lucky to live here. I bet each and every one of you sit on your couch every now and again and complain about the problems in our economy. The economy, the health care plans....blah blah blah. But, DO YOU EVER DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? NO. You sit there and read articles in the newspaper about soldiers dying for something more than themselves and your stomach gets weak. They lost their lives and went down in history for their country. They gave up their lives WILLINGLY for you. And yet, your ignorant selves are sitting here ranting about how the Army and anyone in it is a load of crap. Well, next time you watch the television and you get the next quota on how many people died for YOUR COUNTRY, or you read an article on how somebody met their death...I want you to come to your sense and realized that they didn't only meet their death for their country, they also met it for you. so you can live a better life and benefit from what America as to offer.
honestly, not too many people do it for the benefit of their country but for themselves. i applaud you for your beliefs. unfortuantely..... it just doesnt happen that way. everyone in THIS country, OUR country is selfish and they want money or insurance or a penison. very few people do it for the country, but i am happy you will.
I would like to add to Kara that I make it plain and simple that I respect people in the military, i just think that bribing people to their deaths is not appropriate because that is what they are doing.
if the armed forces were made up of people who had full comprehnesion of what they were doing it would be different, but its not.
besides, we i am not even touching on war in general and ethics. my point is simply that war is not a game and life is not either, and treating soldiers lives as a bribe is not ethical.
I am not a recruiter, but I am still in the Army. I am stoked at all of the benefits that I am receiving. But I have worked my butt off for those benefits. I too have met a number of soldiers who believe that they should not deploy just because they don't agree with the situation. Whether they agree or not is not the point. The point is to follow the orders of those above you as long as they are ethical. The soldiers with those opinions against the military only joined because of the money. I end up telling them that they do not deserve to wear the uniform. There are many who out weigh the selfish, undeserving ones. And will respectfully deploy. Also I have met civilians who would love to join in order to serve our country. I know you said that the recruiters are unethically bribing civilians to join, but like Kara said, they don't have to join. They're greed overcame them and their fight for a comfortable life with a decent job is limited. The reasons of joining for the money is not the fault of the military. To a comment above, top flight, those who think they can get out of deployments are the ones who do not deserve to be in the Army. I met females like that too. I am almost done with the Army and I am thankful for the experience and care I was given (health, education......) I am ready to start my own life now. I will too, always have respect for those who serve for ever and always. Since I was in high school or junior high (can't remember) I wanted to join. Seemed exciting. Sure there were times when I was disappointed, but in the end everything worked out. I hope people can start to see that the Army or any branch is not just a job with great benefits, but a way of life for how long you choose. The only thing I disagree with you, Armog, is the advertisement for the wrong reasons. Last time I checked, this is still a free country and people have a choice if they will join or not. One more thing, I have met some who joined for the college, benefits, and money, but during their first few years their passion grew and it was no longer about the money or benefits.
i am a navy veteran i was injured in the line of duty i have worked my ass off for 2 years to b strong enough to overcome my injury... regardless of what recruiters say its no different than any job one takes, really think about it, a cop,firefighter,pilot,etc put their lifes on the line daily. why because they chose too! when making a decision people ask the questions how much will i make? im putting my life on the line what are the benefits? some people hear money and forget about the value of their life that is no ones fault but their own. i have never been lied to by a recruiter and i joined for the right reasons and now that i am better i am considering joining the army. its not greedy to want health benifits or great pay or security... but it is very neieve to think you have to do nothing for it and you cannot place blame on a recruiter.
when i first read armogs article i wanted to scream ur a stupid bit that doesnt respect what the army does for this country, ur just pissy because one of ur friends got shipped off. A person that says they joined for the money an the benefits maybe tellin you the truth but unless they are partially retarded (an since u have to have a high school diploma to join)they are not just thinkin of the money an all that, they have a pretty good idea of what to expect an the money just helps them make that desicion like the guy/girl above me said its not greedy or stupid to want benefits to join the army it is comon sense, it is simply people getting excited about how much they get from one job. you think it is a bad thing that the army talks up there benefits but hey if you had a company an were trying to get people to work for you an you could give them full health and dental insurance plus housing plus education plus food allowence your going to let people know so that they want to come work for you. ya the army may be high risk but that is why they give you such high rewards they know its not safe so that is why the benefits take care of not only the soldier but the soldiers family.
Basically i want to say if you dont have what it takes to defend your country you better not be trying to talk down to or bad about the men an woman that do.
I think you may have missed the part where I said I respected people. If you are going to right a derogatory comment you should get your facts straight. Second, I make it clear that I am against war regardless, the examples of my friends are just that, any soldier can go at any time.
Third, a high school education means nothing in this country, they are a dime a dozen and do not signify that you know enough to understand the weight of your decision. Judging by your grammar and haste to jump to name calling your high school diploma was not worth much either.
To be dignified I have allowed your post, but if you have nothing polite to say, than keep it to yourself. Plenty of army supporters have written constructive responses that reflect my comment that I still respect the military, I simply do not believe in it. There is a large underlying difference.
Hi Everyone,
I'm a military wife. I went to the recruiter with my husband when we were considering the army. When we were getting our options and setting things up, we actively sought a bonus and higher initial rank upon entering. We did sing up for the benefits, the bonus, and for my husband to get further experience and time in his chosen profession. We both understood that he could be deployed and that he was risking his life. You do that everyday anyway. However, some actions do increase your chances. To clear up a few misconceptions, when you talk to the recruiter they will tell you that not much is guaranteed. Not the bonus, what you'll be doing, where you go, or if you deploy. Not all jobs in the military qualify for bonuses. Sometimes what you'd like to do isn't available to you. They give you a wiishlist for locations, but everything is based on the needs of the army. They tell you that upfront and it applies to everything. It's up to you to get the best contract, just like any other job. You negotiate your pay in the civilian world, right? Well pay in the military can't be negotiated but a lot of other things are negotiable. My husband went in as an E4 because we took the time to see if he could earn rank for the job he did as a civilian. Turns out he could. Recruiters vary widely, so it pays to check things out and research and ask other sources. Its up to you to be your own advocate. Please don't blame others for poor choices. Yes, our economy is making it hard to find jobs. But wouldn't it be worth the time to get training in a job that can be parleyed into a civilian position, to get a college education and make a better life for yourself and family? You could die. There's no way around that. But if you die your family is still taken care of and we all know that the same people who joined for the benefits are the same ones who probably couln't afford insurance of any sort. And for the record the military doesn't pay for COSMETIC surgery. They only pay for plastic surgery if it will improve your quality of life, correct a congenital defect, or a condition prevents you from doing your job. And you have to prove that its necessary and approval can take two years or more. Remember folks, when comes down to brass tacks, the decision is yours, you have to live with it and justify it to yourself, and always get a second (or third, if need be) opinion. These things hold true for almost anything in life.
I was considering joining the army but not for the money benefits but for the life skills. I know it's a big decision to make, and a very scary one of that too. I am 16 but I'm not sure of the other pros and cons.. and which army would be best to join, I thought about the British Army but my friends keep saying that it's a bad idea. I know this is my own decision to make, but I still was wondering about what other Armys there are that I could possibly join. I have always been interested, but I never once thought about the money that would be involved, which is pretty funny. I have now read a lot more of what the army have to offer and my decision about joining the army doesn't go negative I only think it's more positive and I want to join it more.
Is the Navy the same as the army? In what ways?
ok. so i have sat here and read though these comments and to be honest im upset. i am currently serving in the marines. i have been in force recon for 2 years now. i wouldnt trade it for any amount of money. and i damn sure didnt do it for the money. now granted everyone joins for there own reasons, im not to judge. but for the people that are in they can agree with me when i say i've heard enough people putting down the military. the only reason you have the right to speak freely and dispising of the military is because the military fought and died for it. this is how you repay them. ever since june of 1775 countless people have fought and died to acquire and protect your freedom. probably in your family line. if you respect the military im not speaking to you, im talking to the people that dont. i will admit sometimes soilders dont want to go to war, who would. but they do it. war happens, its part of the world we live in. its what gives us what we have, makes us who we are. you should never judge a book by its cover and before you dispise the military you should look back in history and see what they have done for you. i live for duty, i fight for honor, and i will gladly give me life for you even if it means you dislike me. trust me, im not the only soilder that feels this way.
OK. This has nothing to do with the purpose of this article but anyone who posts a comment you should really make sure you spell everything correctly while running the risk of looking like a idiot.
@ amrog
I would like to add to Kara that I make it plain and simple that I respect people in the military, i just think that bribing people to their deaths is not appropriate because that is what they are doing.
if the armed forces were made up of people who had full comprehnesion of what they were doing it would be different, but its not.
When it comes down to the military itself, it is difficult to tell. They have their own reasons that are probably not necessarily for the soldiers' best interests, but it is the recruiters that are bribing individuals if anything.
I agree that some ppl just join for the money but others do it for better reasons. I always get asked: wat r u gonna do when u get done with school? and the answer is enlist. but not for money, i plan to enlist so that i can serve my country including u guys sitting at your computers typing right now. I do agree that recruters trick ppl and that thats wrong, but if there were more ppl willing to serve thier country then thay wouldn't have to use underhanded methods.
I agree and disagree with alot of these statments/comments. I believe claiming that only the 'low class' and 'stupid' want to/ join the army is very ignorant. To categorize a group of people based on their decision; especially not knowing their situation or beliefs is dumb. Your being judgmental because you feel a certain way and others dont. An important thing to understand is everybody is not going to feel the same as you, and just because they dont doesnt mean they're stupid.
- Becoming a soldier depending on what job you get will require a certain level of intelligence. But obviously a soldier in the army working as medical laboratory technician is going to have been more educated than a soldier in a the army working in combat. So although they may only have a high school diploma when they enter by the time they finish their term their resume may look better than most. (And for the record the army makes you work your ass off. Its not just learning how to use fire arms til its time to go to war.)
- Yes the army and the other branches use benefits to get people to join. And yes many people join based off that alone. But you also need to understand that those people who do are fully aware of what their signing up for. And if their not they are fully informed upon siging up. So if they dont want to take the risk they shouldnt sign up, Period. A recruiter will tell you up front, the country is at war. Anyone who doesnt understand that that means they could possible have to engage in warfare has very little common sense.
-Risk. Someone earlier made a valid point.Cops and firefighters put their lives on the line daily. Theres just a difference, They're doing it for the community. Soldiers are doing it for the country. There are also army cops.
If I wanted to be a cop I would choose to be an army cops because they are both the same job but one has benefits at an entry level and a good pay. Its sad that cops and firefighter are shown more respect than soldiers**, There are some soldiers who fight because they want to protect and fight for this country. Im not naive to the fact that there are many soldiers who just want the benefits of being in the army, Im just saying for those who truly are in to serve and protect they are shown little respect. (Not saying cops and firefighters shouldnt be respected, because they should.They are selfless risking their lives to save and protect others and they should be respect for doing so, I just feel going to war is putting yourself at an extreme risk therefore people should say they dont deserve respect because 'thats not why they joined'. Because even if they didnt want to go, they did, they fought, and they should be respested.)
- I also dont believe that 'most' recruiters trick or lie to people to join. I believe they tend to focus on the positive things about joining. Which makes sense, its their job. So if you want to be mad or upset at anyone it should be yourself for not doing the proper research, In high school you are taught to use more than one resource and it applys in real life situations. Also a recruiter will more than likely tell you upon your first meeting that the army isnt for everybody.And its not. Im sure everybody would like to believe they're 'Army Strong' but that might not be the case.
i am 27 and goining in to meps, next week i scored a 44 on the asvab,i am a out of work carpenter who is engaded to be married soon. i want to join the national guard. i am in real need of a 11,ooo dollar bounes they are offering to be a transporter ''88 m'' i am also a fighter who has always wanted to go threw boot camp because i belive it will take me to a new level mentally and phisically i want to be sure that i get that money, but im not so sure how it works and it seems like i call my recuriter more then she calls me.i dont want to be away from my new wife to long and just wonder about the deployment,for the guard any comments would help thank you
... the sad part is that if people felt that they had opportunities where they lived, i.e, educational, career, etc... it wouldn't matter what perks a recruiter offered... My son's best joined the Army in March/2010 because he couldn't get a grant to go to college, nor could he find a job... very smart intelligent young man, who is not of the streets here in Chicago and I do understand why he joined... I work for a university and a young lady who graduated decided to join the Army because she owed $55,000 and the perk was, if you join and serve for 2 years the military will pay the debt off... she served 2 years in the most horrendous place in Kuwait... her major was forensic science and her duties were to perform autopsies, on all the fallen soldier's, etc... She was miserable... When she joined she was told that she would be stationed in the states, however, she ended up in Kuwait and that was a shock to her... she really had not thought of the possibility of being shipped over there because the recruiter and other people she talked to assured her that she would not be sent there... If she had spoken to someone else perhaps, who knew more about the military and what a person's responsibilities are when joining, she would have known that the recruiter really could not guarantee that she wouldn't go to war... they did however, pay off the remainder of what she owed for college...She is home now... grateful that she made it out of there, but sad for those she left behind...
I cannot possibly believe all the stuff this article contains whoever wrote it should go live in a third world country so you can see what we are fighting for, yeah a lot of the people joining the army are in for the benefits, but at the end of the day its your choice, i joined because i want to protect my family, my friends, and my country, to defend our constitution, and protect the privileges and the liberties we now posses, im outraged by the accusations this article throws at the military, guess what, if it wasn't for us, you couldn't even publish something like this about your own country's military, go anywhere else in the world and attempt doing this, and expect to go to jail or to get executed, not in this beautiful country though, because the "uneducated masses or for people who have no other choice." are PROTECTING YOUR LIBERTIES. And let me tell you something else sweet heart, me and my family have more money and more education that you could dream of as for a lot of other soldiers. So do me a favor and pack your bags, go to Iraq, and be an Iraqi women, see how you like staying covered from head to toe in a 120 degree desert, see how you get treated, see how you have no voice, and i bet you whatever you want that you will not last a week over there before you ask the "uneducated masses or people who have no other choice." you so much like to criticize for help. So do yourself a favor and shut up, and abstain from making commentaries like this one PLEASE abstain yourself, because we put our necks in the line for you, and you literally still call us.
"uneducated masses or people who have no other choice."
We do have a choice, and we took the choice to protect and ensure the liberties and privileges this great country provides.
el aaron es la veeeeeerga
There are a TON of people who join the army because they need the money and that's OK. There are also a TON of people who join the army because they want to serve their contry and that is the INTENDED reason. Although I don't encourage joining the army for money, shelter, etc. I still respect anyone who defends our contry although I respect the people who do it for the inteded reason even more. I love you all.
-Chuck
We are lucky that in this country we are not forced to join the army at age 18. Personally, I feel everyone should join the army at age 18, and be forced to serve 2 years. A system could be setup, so that college is paid for, but I digress.
You're putting down the entity that keeps this country, and our allies safe. There is nothing wrong with joining the military for cash. Its a viable career for the right people. There is absolutely a chance you will die, be deployed in less than desirable conditions, or be horribly maimed. However, there is a need for the military. Without it, we would be under the rule of Mexico and its drug-lords, China, or whoever has a big enough force to overtake us.
All you military haters are a disgrace, and you are one reason why I am for an involuntary military program that exist in many countries. To give everyone a sense of pride and respect for those who are brave enough to put their heads on the line for your sorry ass.
I'm a 4 year Navy veteran with a college degree. My reason to join the military back in 1991 was to get out of my town and see the world. I did and loved every bit of it. Me joining the military had nothing to do with money.
When I finished bootcamp, I was a changed person. I had so much respect - and still have - for the men and women who serve in the military. More importantly, I developed a passion for serving and protecting my country and the great flag I saluted. You can't help but get goose bumps when you stand at attention saluting our great nations flag. It makes you proud and gives you dignity and honor.
There is some truth to what your saying, but I wouldn't go so far to pitty the lower classes who want to serve our country. Yes, they may have reasons of joining the military other than to serve and protect our nation, but for the most part think of the difference the military makes in lives.
Some people here are born to dont see further down then their own nose. First, in the past 600 years or more every soldier that have joined the army in many country's, like Great britain, france, choosed to do so for the money or because the law told them to(prisonners). the only person's that joined the army for prestige and wealth at that time were the officers. It was a fast and reliable way to gain some prestige and get closer to the king. Today, its for the same stupid reason that people join and you can add to the équation a bunch of little freak that think that they will do like rambo in Irak. But we all know that alot of them will come back with plastic legs and will cry for the rest of there stupid lives and then they will blame it on the system because they will have no reconnaissance(most people dont give a damn about soldier). Second, the only reason you will ever fight for in the army , will be to keep the way of life of the rich people. In fact every soldier's are just muppet's of the rich people, like governor's and other politician who pull their string's for their own benefits. Finally, country come, country go. maybee in a near future, united-stade, mexico and canada will be a new country?! who know's so stop being dumb , there's no honor or any other great value about being a soldier, the only thing soldier are , are society accepted murderer(license to kill...)
have a great day.
And just to make something clear about soldier and their self-proclamed strengt.... EVERYBODY, EVERYBODY, with a good capable physical situation(like 75% of the population) with the will to be a marine and the will to keep up with the shit and brainwashing that drill instrutor's and the army in general put you trough, can and will be capable of achieving the goal of being a marine, soldier or whatever you want to be in the army. there's nothing special about being a soldier, its only a arm job, you dont need a brain to do it, u just follow orders, kill and get killed...
Finally only 1/5 of any army are foot soldier job , the rest of them do clerical job and hide behind their desk because they dont want to go to war...they only wants the money and the security that come with a government job.
ok first of all wen you go to a recruiter they dont promise the world to you money benefits all that k im joining the army and im going to school at the same time while im in there they offer a lot to everyone and its to save your asses from being blown up from terrorist thats y we do it if there was no army there would be no USA it would be dust and so would you ungrateful people yes you say u respect the military but you obviously dont if you have to bad mouth the recruiter and wut the military has to offer and how its unfair n not true but you know wat we dont care we want to go to iraq and afghanistan y to stop this terrorism and to stop them from blowin this country up no i suggest you delete this post before important army personal see it because it is very hurtful that your putting our job down and it feels like were saving you for nothing cause your not grateful enuff to realize we go there to fight for you people and this country to stay free from what we faught for the first time in 1776 so i suggest you think about wut u post before you do it because u just made a lot of people angry posting this my uncle died for this country ok for you to be free to do what you please n not have to answer to nobody do uwant the recruiters to stop their jobs n there be no army then your screwed outta life you do noe y they recruit right becasue every year over 200,000 soilders come out of active duty and are put on reserves so to fullfill their spots recruiters have the job to fill 200,000 spots on the bases and out in warfare and bases all over the world were based all over the world with our alies like S korea because as you know north and south dont get along n were south koreas allies germany italy you dont get how deep the military is until your in it and its the hardest most heroic thing an american citizen can do for thier country so i suggest you stop with your comments unless you wann live elsewhere besides this country since you dont appreciate it
To you carlie,
Inform yourself before posting something that will be a insult to your own intelligence. The terrorism that youre figthing right now is the one youved created over the years, with the back stabbing of your own allied. Just rent bowling for columbian or a other Micheal Moore movie and you will understand the gravity of the action of your country.
I'm in the army and have been for several years now and when it comes to it you have to remember that the entire us military forces are all volunteers. They took the test and where given certain career options based on their scores. This said, you pick your job if he army believes you are fit for it mentally or physically. I do agree partly in the case that the benefits offered are near impossible to find doing anything else so it does attract a large amount of attention. Full health benefits for you, your spouse , and children means no doctor bills as long as you are serving. Paid for tuition and all expenses except when you fail a class. Promotion opportunities and if you serve for twenty or more years you earn a hefty sum when you retire until the day you die including your medical benefits. So I doubt it's the free pens and backpacks it just means it could be the start of something good it is what you make of it.
i like pie do you?
i, only a few days ago, spoke with army recruiters. as a matter of fact, i will be going this week to take the ASVAB. and i can be honest and say that what draws me to it IS the many benefits. but it's not because i'm selfish, because my main concern is my family. and u can't find any job that can give you and your family that type of security. living or dead, my family will be taken care of. and when u wake up every morning u are in danger of losing your life. isn't that crazy? but it's true! walking down the street, taking a shower, watching t.v., and the list can go on, but anything you do can endanger your life. driving is a major one because you have to trust yourself and other drivers. and if you have passengers, their lives are in your hands... i don't know, i think it's just easy to pick on the military when it comes to issues such as this.
im in year 7 but i think we SHOULD have nat. service...
what if we become lazy slobs and stop enlisting???
What if there is a surprise attack??
And besides u will get fit for free...
its nation service some people dont mind defending the country that they love so people like this can bitch about it its enough to make me puke
Do not kid yourselves. Though I do love and respect the troops, the war being fought right now is not for the wellbeing of the country. My Uncle serves in the Marines and he and many other soldiers cannot justify why they are still fighting. There are many rumors that try to explain why the war still exists. Some include; it's for corporate America, the NWO, the control of more oil etc. Nobody except those at the highest level of gevernment, and those "behind the scenes" of the government know. But what we do know for certain is that we truly have no idea why soldiers are still fighting and dying. This is a violation of our rights as citizens. If fellow men and women are out their dying we must know why, we must have our reason. Why must we be continually lied to? Does this not seem completely f***ing ludacris? Look for the truth in everything.
I know this is an old post, and some of the people who originated it may not even read this anymore, but here's my 2 cents. REGARDLESS of what recruiters and ads told any of your friends who begrudgingly joined the guard, including benefits, bonuses, promises of risk free enlistment, etc; anyone who joins without even the slight expectation of going to war, regardless of their own personal convictions concerning the war, is an idiot. I didn't need anyone to tell me that there was a risk of going to war, and risk of injury, or even a risk of dying...I already knew that. What in the world do you think the armed forces are for? If you don't know that those are possibilities, then you haven't been to involved with our country, or your elementary, jr, and high school history books. Where is the pride? Where is the patriotism? Those risks, are prices that we gladly pay for YOUR freedom, and if you aren't willing to lay that down for your country, then you have no business in the military, and could possibly cause others the be harmed if you're not willing to give your all. Please don't act shocked that death is a risk of joining the army, even if it is part-time via the guard. It's still the army, and we still have a job to do.
who is else is going to protect and serve your country? YES, they may initially enlist in the army for bonus's and other peaks. BUT, what some may not realise that it is a rewarding career path to take, its so much MORE than a career also. I wish people weren't so ignorant about it. WOULD YOU PREFER? that your country has no patriotic people who strive on keeping their country safe, keep the peace? OF COURSE the army needs very stron incentives, to get people to join, the world we live in today isn't a safe place. The defence force in australia has a fantastic rep, because the people we train are intelligent, confident, strong and brave men and women. WERE NOT HERE FOR THE MONEY! were here to serve our country, our world, to keep the peace that is sometimes altered or unbalanced.
"There is no pro that can justify your life", spoken like a person who hasn't joined the military. The pro that justifies your life, is protecting others, which for many people like myself is the ultimate reason for joining the military. If you haven't joined the military then you don't know what it intels until you sign up and you're a part of it. I agree with many others, we are all given a choice. I believe that it is very nieve of you to think that "we", military personnel have no idea of what we are really getting involved in when we sign the dotted line. "With great risk comes great reward", Thomas Jefferson. The great reward here, is serving your country by protecting it's peolple, you're family members and friends and people you don't know. What many people won't do is put their lives on the lines. Regardless of the perks, military personnel as well as the many other people who have high risk jobs know that their lives will be at risk and yet "choose" to work in their jobs. I'm an eight year vetern who served in the United States Navy. I'm very proud to have been apart of the armed forces and would do it all over again. To my fellow military brothers and sisters thank you for serving our country, God bless.
The following comment is directed towards, vxX Zero Xxv. I realize after the fact that I mispelled the word entails, due to the fact that it's approaching seven in the morning and I haven't been to sleep yet. People who misspell words or have a few other errors in their post aren't "idiots". Before you judge people, make sure your grammer is correct. You needed to put a comma after the word comment.
"Home of the free, BECAUSE of the brave."
Are the benefits given by the army enticing? Yes. But is that ALL there is to it? No. Obviously joining the military for the money is a horrible idea, anyone could tell you that. Someone who already lacks discipline will be one of those you mentioned joining for money reasons only. In my opinion, these people are already so unfocused, unmotivated, or uncaring to find and hold a job (there ARE jobs out there, people are just refusing to take them) to get themselves through college. The military is not the only path to take, and if you aren't disciplined, don't take it. We already have enough soldiers who go crying back to mommy because they didn't take five seconds to think about what their options truly were.
Sorry for my harshness, but I'm sick of people complaining about the military when it's VOLUNTARY.
i decided to join the army,im not gone yet but im not taking it lightly at all i try to think of every aspect of erything b4 i do it,but i agree wit u,wen i ask ppl about the army all they have to say is "yea good benefits" wat about if a war break out, ppl dnt think about that too much an they really shud,if u dnt die in the army u can suffer from PDS (post dramatic stress) from the thing u see an can endanger u an the ppl u love wen u come back to society,but im goingg to a number of reasons dat a reason dat a normal job cant solve,i think dat a lil war will do me some good, learn independent an such,i dnt mind putting my life on the line....but for normal ppl i compleely understand,ppl shud think about war even if its no war going on,cause wen the war break out u cant say ohh i want out,u have to fight,an deal with it
2yrs ago but cmon..US MILITARY IS VOLUNTARY. If you can't handle It, then just quit. Your article on '' Don't join the Army unless you want to die'' is weak and unprofessional.The military has perks, some better than others, while some are fading. Everyone has they're own reasons to join just like applying for any other job. I don't see any patriotism, just a weak soldier that can't handle a deployment.Like someone said above me, If you have no expectations of deploying to combat or in a green zone to say the least your an idiot. The Army deploys more soldiers than any other branch of service. It will continue another 455 yrs to be the largest and most deployable branch of the U.S. Thanks for posting your stupidity and showing a picture of who you are. Very disappointing. That's why women are in the rear with the gear.The Army is not hear to pat you on the shoulder and kiss your ass.Have a great 2011 all!!
Former Marine & Army CPL
If you joined and thought you wouldn't deploy or are somehow under the misconception that we are not already at war (two officially) please choke on a shotgun with toe on trigger. Do the Army a favor and don't be an idiot. Learning to spell in English rather than in garbled text shorthand may actually get people to take you seriously. You're on the block and you aren't hard. The Army eats gangbangers for breakfast. You don't know anything about hard until you have fought against what soldiers fight against right now.
Mr. Maynard
Outside of the fact that you wonderfully demonstrated just how chauvinistic the army tends to be by your derogatory comment towards females- you also helped prove the point that the army takes those who are too dumb for formal education ie. those with no other choices. 'hear to pat you on the back' That's called a homophone in educated English and you chose the wrong one. Those with an education understand the need of something vital such as the army not to discriminate against anyone who wants to fight for their country, but seeing as you obviously think woman are lesser and cannot argue your point with correct grammar, I am only left to assume you were one of the uneducated who choose a job that preferred brunt masculine strength and stupidity over brains.
I have served in the Army for the past six years, inculding 15 months in Afghanistan, and can honestly say that I find many of these comments to be both offensive, and misleading. I have nothing against the article, and honestly, it is right. The cost of joining the Army may be death, and that is fact. I am a medic, and have seen this cost. However, many Soldiers, as well as Marines, Sailors, and Airmen are not in it for bonuses, or money. They simply enjoy what they do. My last reenlistment, I recieved very little of a bonus. I just enjoy being a medic, and bringing people home, alive. Now, to all those who say that people in the Army are dumb, or have no other options. I am 24, and was offered a few jobs as a fire fighter, and a paramedic on the outside, making more money than I make now. I also have a degree, and graduated with a 3.86 GPA. The Army is a tough job, and should not be taken lightly when considering whether or not to join, but it is in no way a fallback job for everyone that serves!
I WORK A WONDERFUL JOB HERE IN NC, BUT I WANT TO SERVE MY COUNTRY TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITIES, I WILL BE MAKING 2,000 DOLLARS LESS THAN WHAT IM MAKING MOW BUT FREEDOM IS TOTALY WORTH THE RISK.
dear zacky, i hope you realize that by spamming all my articles you actually contribute to a higher ranking for me. so thanks for the spam fest and showing your grade school mentality i have marked them as spam and i will warn you that repeated spam violations will get you banned
Bribing people into death? That is a preposterous statement. They do not bribe people so that they will die for the country. The military is a career. A career offers benefits, and when you're the government you can offer very good benefits, such as college education or signing bonuses. The majority of the people that enlist, I'm almost positive, are capable of knowing that they could be deployed and could be KIA. The statements you make in this are idiotic. Are you assuming that everyone in the military is a stupid redneck that can't read fine print in a contract? And stop making the same repeated replies "I respect the military I'm just saying that..." We understand that. You contradict yourself. How can you "respect" something and then immediately cut it down to nothing? You obviously are basing your "facts" off personal feelings and emotions. And that's not how you should be basing these kind of topics on. Sure there are tons of reasons people enlist ranging from "Education to Pride" but when you lash out against the recruiters because you don't like that your friends were deployed is lame. That's their own damn fault that they enlisted in the first place. The military pays like a real job and requires you to be in it for years, by the time you have enough money to attend school or whatever the case you don't have the time because YOU'RE IN THE MILITARY! It'd be easier for someone to take out a student loan or apply for grants to go to school. Especially if like you said your friend, was against war. Why the hell would he join a career that revolves around war?
You make no sense and suggest you get ahold of you personal feelings when you make decide to make appalling articles like this.
dumb bitch get your facts right if u dont like how the military does its recruiting get out my country..its the individuals choice..recruiters do what they gotta do as recruiters. my advise always research what MOS u want. If recruiters turn you down and offer you a different MOS u walk away by doing so they will give give you the choice of your MOS.
I think there is some truth to this paragraph but if we didn't have people fighting in America like WW2, correct me if I'm wrong cause im 12 but we might have had Hitler as or Leader and we wouldn't be here to be writing all of this so. I'm not a big war man but bring it to say what would happen if we didn't fight with Vietnam, the Nazis and many more??? You have to think of all this.
People join because of free pens? You have to be kidding hahahaha. Anyone that just jumps into the military just for money are not going to make it too far. When I decided I wanted to join I looked up everything from miliatry websites, vidoes from soldiers, books, and talked to friends that joined. While I was checking all that out I never looked into money, I looked at the job itself. I would never put my life on the line just for money, that's just a plus.
If u just want money join the national gaurd, u have a better chance of never actually doing anything and u get state and federal money for school. Anyone who doesn't understand they can die serving their country in the military can't use their brain right
Hello I know this is a old post, I am 23, have gone through college and currently work for BNSF railway. I am joining the national guard, I am not doing it to get a college fund, nor am I doing it to get more money, I am simply doing it because I want to represent the country that is freedom. I am married and my wife protests this strongly, which I understand, how could I not, it will not be easy for either of us but it is much harder for active duty families. Now my believe is that we can all make our own decision based on what feels true to our hearts at the time, and if we regret that choice it was still our choice in the end. God has a plan for us all and none of us can see the path ahead, but trust your heart and stay true to your believes and we will all make it to our true destination.
i joined the US Army about 6 months ago and my recuter never once said anything about bonuses or money for college all he said was that i would be protecting freedom and the American way of life and that was all i needed to hear. i havent and i doudt i ever will regret my choice to join up and i will gladly support anyone thinking about joining
wats up out there
It is interesting to me to hear so many different opinions on war, military, recruiters, etc. I absolutely have my thoughts, fears, and questions. I am planning a visit to my local recruiter, and nothing I've read has swayed me one way or the other. Just like every path in life, there are ups, downs, ins, outs, pros, and cons.....military life seems to be just the same. My only hesitation of joining comes because its a life altering decision. I do have two children and a husband, and I know joining will be good for us in the long run. I also know I am putting certain things at risk here, but it IS my choice. I currently graduated with a degree in the medical field, and while I can provide great support to my family, I could do better. I am the type of person intrigued in debate, and I have the ability to see both sides of most situations. In saying this, I believe you all have great points, and in this country, your voice is absolutely free to speak. One thing I'd like to bring to light.....those of you speaking of friends you know in the military who are fighting for our country, and they don't believe in the cause.....ARE YOU REALLY TRYING TO DISCUSS THIS? Did you actually hear what was written? People fighting for you, me, children, MY CHILDREN are fighting FOR OUR COUNTRY, but DON'T BELIEVE IN THE CAUSE.....I can almost guarantee if they are fighting and have been in a battle of some sort, they still fight with every ounce of their being. Afterall, they have a job to do, and in order to get the money and benefits they were first "bribed" with, they best do that job. So, regardless of any and all(in my opinion), if one joins for perks (such as sock or pencil sets) or if one joins to fight for rights and freedoms, I have to believe they are all doing the best job they can to reap whatever perks initially pulled them in. Wish me luck.....
You have been goin on about this for 2 YEARS? DONT JUDGE!! Until you join yourself and experience what is like!!
I've heard many things, both good and bad about both Canadian and American Forces. I want to become a professional cook, but I want to also help people and the world. The perks are "waves of gold" and the price is my life in exchange. If anyone can help me with "safe" job positions in the Forces then please email me. mctalker1234@gmail.com thanks so much guys! :)
Maybe he does believe in what he is doing but actually just joined to better his education and career/life.
Hi i was thinking about joining the army. I used to be a fighter in school and im also a country girl so im very tough. I take pride in what i do and always think before i take action on anything. I think that what our people are doing to protect this country is beyond great. I give my upmost respect to them and i havent decided yet but i will know by january. I love to help people and im a team player so i just wanted to know is this a good time to join or what. I got until next year to actually decide. Thank you guys for reading the post.
hi..my names shawn arrowood,im 17 and im going to basic training this summer and i just wanted all of you to know that i like the post and i was going to go for the benifits..but i now now i was thinking about my self..i was being selfish and greedy..but now im proud and im going to be there for my country as it has been there for me..thank you
Im 19 and i just got done requesting info on the army idk what to do with my life it's in pieces I just thought that the army would help me but now I will surely give it alot more thought thxs for putting this out here it'll help my choice be more thought out.
Your article wasn't helpful at all. In addition, so what if the army consists of lower class individuals you should be thankful they enlisted. After all, someone has to do it.
WOW. Ignorant people these days, they don't understand what soldiers do everyday! they risk their lives FOR YOU AND AMERICA. if there was no army there would be no freedoms no rights everything would be gone, infact you would probably not be on the internet at all! people dont realize how lucky they are that they have people defending their freedom and rights! it bothers me. yea sit here and complain about the country's problems but you wont do anything about it!? there's soldiers dying for YOU AND YOUR COUNTRY and your just going to sit here and complain about how crappy the army is! wow shame on you...
Smh . People Have Their Own Opinions About The Army
I have just recently signed up for the Canadian Armed Forces, and from my ecpirience the recruiter that I personally talked to didn't try to "bribe" me at all. He asked me all of the Pros and the Cons of joining the military. Then He told me a TON of negative things that other soldiers have said.
I don't know if its different in other countries but they didn't seem to bribe me.
Hope that helped someone :)
Im a high school senior and I just signed my papers...I see you guys point but Its only natural to think of yourself first. I wanted to join because I feel that having that uniform on is one of the best honors to yourself and your country and not only that in the long run it can provide a better life depending on your dedication as a soldier. People dont relize when u join the military you put ur life on the line...but at the same time even as civilian your life can be taken away from you at any moment...I'm not scared of the future. But when joining the military its something to ponder about not only yours but the country you LIVE in.
i know some one in the army and he is telling me he doesnt have a way to retrieve his money and asked me to send him some. Now my question to you all is doesnt all people in the army have access to their money at all time ?
sorry one more question.....He says hes in Nigiria, would there be any chance that we do not have any of our army there? yes or no
AUTHOR,
If you based your opinions on stats and generalities, where are your sources or references? According to what or who are your arguments based on? That's all I have to say, sorry but your articles has no credibility. Instead you should start everything with "in my ignorant opinion".
My very intelligent boyfriend has a college degree and still joined the ARMY a little bit ago. He is now gone to boot camp and it's such a huge sacrifice to be away from him. What he does was not because he had no other choice, like you said, he does it because he wants to serve this country and wants to learn life skills that not many is even capable of. You are very insulting and want to minimize the huge sacrifice and danger these people put themselves into, but hopefully you can educate yourself little by little.
You lady are the stupid cunt that I would like to leave on my COP (Combat outpost) for a week. I assure you that your views and outlooks would take a serious change. I joined because I am an adrenaline junkie. Soldiers sacrifice more in a week then you have in your whole life. I have done more for my country in 10 minuets than you will in your whole life. I'm fine with that and I don't need a thanks.
All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
Winston Churchill
The choices you make in life are your own. To sit here and complain about what you dont or you do get does nothing but make people angry.If you want to join then join for your own reasons and not because people are criticizing why you joined. Everyone are different in there own ways thats what make everyone of us unique. Sometimes people have no choice but to join and will alway change why they joined when they experience what the military has to offer. For the record most people join for the money, but some join for Duty, Honor, Country. I personally think that arguing amongst ourselve is a waste of energy that could be spent doing something that betters our lives.
I have to say from reading this i can understand your opinion but even if there are alot of people who joined just for the pay check there are also lots of people who join because its a good thing to do, it actually gets one's life started and most want to help protect the country(mostly their loved ones) from attack. I joined the national guard two weeks ago and it was not for any money, i had plenty of choices and i have a pretty good life, I joined because it was a good idea and i want to learn some life and leadership skills to be a better person. Everyone knows there is a chance of death and they don't care, and if they do then joining the army was a wrong choice for them and they truely havent lived a good enough life yet to where their happy with what they have done with themselves but i would take a bullet to save a life, and if i die then i die. This is a good debate as all these posts tell what the pros and cons arefor joining so there is no need to actually post them in the artical. In my opinion if you have something like this you want to post to the public just remember its not always a good idea because lots of people can and will get offended by whats in this artical, so maybe its not a good idea posting it in the first place because it too has its own pros and cons.
Man it's everybody's choice to join or not. The recruiter doesn't lie he just doesn't tell you the whole story. If they tell you that you won't deploy than they are lien you will deploy at least once every three years. Let's be realistic all of the army is infantry for those who didn't know you are a soldier first yea your job can be signals analyst but guess what if they don't need you you will be watered down to infantry. I will ship out in April 2012 but I did my research with vets current army people they pretty much all say the same thing. Some like it some love it some hate it it's like any where else but yes your playing your life 50/50 but when Jesus or god or whoever you believe in when he says it's time it's time you can't do anything about no one is eternal and if I die I know I died doing something I want to do. Trust me I have a baby daughter and it was a hard choice but hey if it's going to better myself and family why not?
I'm joing the army because humanity is weak. People are to soft. If america is the only country willing to have an army ruthless enough to do what needs to be done to preserve the cause then damn right I'm in. You fucking college women and liberal hippie assholes with no real world experience are trying to debate why people make decicions with the rediculous cridentials of having "a friend" who joined. You people are retarded. I will join my country's army and dystroy her enemies. Activisim against the army and activism in general should be obliterated. Fuck your opinons and have some gratitude for the country that gave you the opritunity to go to college, by dystroying commie bastards and socialist assholes everywhere that would condem you to slavery. I will join America's armies in hopes that one day I will find an enemy who will give me a glorious death. All men should be able to die for honor without being critizised by all of you hippie asshole college blogger douches. Support me anyone who will. Not for the bennfits, not for the money, not for the man beside you, not for anything but honoring your family name. Support me if you willing to face an enemy greater then you for the sheer thrill of gaining glory for your ancestors. Show them all respect with force not diplomacy. It has gotten us this far and the world is only growing. Better to grow it with friends then asshole activists who will get in the way of progress. Support me.
Lack of funds for college is one of the many reasons that I'm joining the military. I believe that everyone knows that joing the military puts your life at risk. I am putting my life on the line for my country and everything that it stands for.
I understand that you respect the military but do you do anything to provide other options for underprivileged? You can't be this passionate about change and not life a finger to help.
"We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us?"
"God bless our people in uniform for they run towards disaster while we run away"
I cannot believe all of the things I have just read. Most importantly, why should it matter to you why someone else joins the military? If someone joins for the benefits and security of a job in a poor economy they are just as much of a hero as someone who joins just for the sake of defending one's nation. You complain that the benefits are tempting for some to join the military but really, can anyone here say that they don't deserve them? The military is the reason for this countries existence, and it helps keep order not only in our own country, but also around the world. A soldiers job is more physically and emotionally demanding than any other job in the world. Please, if you don't think a soldier deserves the benefits than I beg you to reply to this comment. Sure, there may be some ethics issues involved with the recruiting of soldiers, but here is some things to think about. Joining the military is not a life sentence, after your contract you can get out and lead a completely normal life. Also, nobody is forcing anyone to join the military, as some other countries do. And finally, most soldiers are extremely patriotic and do want to protect and serve this great nation. I have never met another soldier who does not love this nation. The fact that some of you here, not the author, would talk down about soldiers is sickening. The average American today is greedy, ignorant, and stupid. I majored in Biochemical and Cellular and Molecular Biology and Minored in Particle Physics and joined the military. The average soldier, while many times could appear like a dumb jock, is on average a little more intelligent than the average citizen. And when it comes down to the end, when you're life is done, just look back and see if you really did anything important in this life, did you make a difference...probably not. Every single one of these men and women contributed and many died for something much larger and important than themselves. I am sickened by much of what I read today.
Also, chuck, I might guess you are a marine, you're dedication to our country is evident; however, the goal is to not have glory in death or in battle. The glory comes from your willingness to die from your country. While dying is most definitely an act of extraordinary valor, the end goal is to make the other guy die for his. Please choose your words more intelligently next time, I don't believe they will understand what you truly feel as I do. It is sad that the fact that us as a species sometimes must resort to killing one another just to maintain safety and order for the majority. Hopefully there will be a day when wars are a thing of the past, something only spoken of in history books. But for now, it is more real than anyone who is a citizen could ever understand. And nothing but respect should be given to those who have served and especially to those who have truly lost everything. More is sacrificed by joining the military than you ever gain, but in a way that is impossible to explain, it is all worth it.
First off, Justin to respond to your inquiry, I have no problems with the benefits that soldiers receive. For what they do they should get their full set of benefits, I just have a problem with using them unethically to lure in the disadvantaged who do not fully analyze the trade-off. Those who are aware of their options and believe in their country are not my concern, it is those who cannot see the entire picture (and there are many I have seen it firsthand on military bases myself) that are my concern.
I regularly volunteer in my community when I can and do my part to help Jana, so this is not empty handed writing. I could go into many more issues than recruitment, but I will not because there are men and women in uniform that I respect. I simply believe that the military process is set-up to deceive (not by lying, but by purposeful 'non-answers') to lure people into it and as a civilized country that is not something to be proud off. Yes, I believe in peace and democracy and not war, but that is not really the issue here.
Finally Chuck, I have said over and over in comments and my original blog (which if you note was now written over 3 years ago...this thing has a life of its own!) that I support the troops but do not believe in the military. Anyone with an open and educated mind could understand that statement. Your rant that is full of obscenities and misspelled words and proves to me that you not only lack class and education, but that you also are not taking advantage of what you say the army stands for. I have military friends, and I know that type of conduct is not considered appropriate in any circumstance and is enough for disciplinary action should you act that way in front of an officer. Therefore, if you want to have a civil discussion with me I welcome it, but if you cannot live by the army standards you defend, cannot civilly voice an opinion, and then attack my beliefs and opinions I am going to assume you are not worth my time. You will note posts by actual military men and women that respectfully and civilly disagree, I hope you never earn the chance to represent our country.
I am 33 yrs old, and while in a dental meeting in Sheraton hotel in mahwa nj, I can across some recruiters for the Army Reserve Dentistry. I was very intrigued with the 100% full college payment. I realize that I reasons for joining is selfless, but I am happy that this country still gives me that choice to make, regardless of their way to try to get you in, it is still a choice that only I can make. Many people don't know that most countries, a male has to register himself into the army for 4yrs the least. There is no choice nor money to entice that man, just obligation that he has to serve his country. We are blessed to have those who still choose to protect and serve, while the rest of us selfless people enjoy our freedom. If it wasn't for the army's way to get people to recruit, we would have a weak army and a weaker society. Be grateful people. Don't judge! I will not be signing to the army, because I had a choice. Thank you USA!
I'm sorry if I seemed offensive to you Ms. Author. I understand the issue that you trying to bring light to, and possible it is a much larger issue than I previously thought. I respect what you are saying and I'm going to assume you have done a lot of research about it. In a way it could be viewed as immoral to tempt the unprivileged into joining the military with benefits, but also in a good way it provides them a way of getting out of the vicious and perpetuating circle of poverty and brings them into a lower-middle class type of lifestyle. I am sorry if I seemed to be attacking your viewpoint. I just felt the need to express my own opinion. The only thing that angered me was the ignorant and uneducated posts that I read from others. :) I hope your book has sells great!
Please excuse my grammar. I have been awake since the first time I posted on this site. (days ago) I don't want to come across as not intelligent.
to jessica w "The job I have with the Army calls for people who have high intelligence and common sense, and yes they do test for this." your full of shit! I was out there with yall and no dont church it up. you and me are not smart enough to have gone into college and quit blowing smoke up their ass! lol
I understand you said you respect the individuals serving the military, but when you right an article that's condescending and disrespectful in tone. Well, just putting a disclaimer out there isn't enough. For those of us that do serve our country do it because we know that it's something greater than ourselves, or greater than a 9-5 job. I originally considered military for the benefits but I never took the other steps until I was sure that I was doing it for a good reason. I developed a sense of purpose, to serve and protect, so you can write articles that disrespect the very people that work for your freedom. You don't go through BMT and face the chance of deployment and death for a paycheck. There's something deeper there, even if it's hidden behind the benefits. Honestly, it's ultimately the individuals choice and you're in no position to judge that. When you sign the papers, you know what could happen. And, for a job that does ask a lot, if not everything, I think they try their best to compensate with benefits. Would you prefer they did the same jobs and received the equivalent of civilian careers? Because I don't quite think that's fair.
I feel that this article is making a slam against the army and i resent that. you say your not disrespecting it but you only tell one side of a story in a negative mannor. I joined the military for college bennefits, pension, health care, and deployments. i was fully informed on how i could lose my life, and that i am almost garenteed to deploy. I would choose it all again if i could go back too.
I feel like James has explained this perfectly.
Wow. -_-
Of course I am only telling one side of the issue, I am entitled to my opinion. If you have an opinion instead of harping on mine for three years as so many people have unexpectedly done, go write your own. I would be interested in reading cohesive thoughts that are not defensive and injured. Half of these comments read like a child's after they heard something they did not like. Make me a solid argument and I would be more than happy to read the article.
I agree with what everyone is saying. I just read through nearly every post on here, and I cannot believe the author. Yes, amrog, I am talking to you. You keep getting upset with what people are saying, but you do the same thing. You continue to argue with people, belittle their intelligence. So what if someone mispells a word? (yes, that was on purpose). That does not mean they don't know what they are talking about. And like a lot of people have stated, you cannot blame the recruiters for people's ignorant views of the military. If they don't know what they are getting into, it is 100% their fault. And are you kidding me, YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN THE MILITARY?? I already couldn't take you seriously after I read that. Soldiers don't create wars, they only fight them. War is unfortunate, but necessary. It's also biblical. If God says I can fight, I can fight. We can't always peacably compromise. There will always be evil, as there will always be Satan. It is absurd to not believe in the military. Our military is the reason you live freely, and enjoy the pleasures of this life. America is the greatest country on Earth. So if you can't stand behind YOUR soldiers, try standing in front of them. Oh wait, you won't. Thank God we do have SOME people who will defend our country. Oh, and here is my credability: I'm in the Navy, and I know exactly what I am getting into. I, by my own free will, proudly serve my country. I hope you gain enlightenment from my post, I felt very inspired to write it. God bless you.
I'm 26. I am joining because I need change in my life. I need to "be all I can be" in th US Army. I am married and have a son. I love my family dearly. I have an associates degree and my wife has nothing. It is a big sacrafice for us in my joining. Life's a risk everyday anyways. Im joining so my wife can get her degree in teaching. I will gain experience outside of customer service and I will learn to lead, I will learn dicipline.I will take pride in what I do. We all use each other for what's in our best interest anyways. If I die, I will die knowing I made a difference. I know ppl in the military that came out just fine and till this day are alive. After all, it's only for 3 to 4 years a contract. If I don't do this, I'll never know what coulda been of me or my family except stuck in this pile of - - - -. I got a home, I got 2 cars. We both got jobs. But why live limited? Why be stuck? Why not be something bigger than yourself? Get 2 jobs n try to get ahead or just sign my life up? hhhmmm....
Very interesting thread !! I agree with the dudes who say the Army is about defending Freedom and such.
Gotta give some respect for the girl who wrote this article - she has the guts to permit some very strong responses, which is very atypical for a left-wing person (I would guess she would describe herself as that)
The main problem nowadays, is that thanks to the dumming down (often deliberate) of secondary and tertiary education, a lot of these so-called educated people cannot define what freedom vs tyranny is, or even what a country is. Po-mo education at Uni deliberately pushes the idea that there is no such thing as Right and Wrong..
(I'd love to see a Uni lecturer NOT call the police if he was attacked by a gang...)
Essentially For those who love a strong and all-controlling state (Socialists, Utopianists, left-wingers in general..) that is supposedly in your interest, People who defend personal freedom thru controlled violence (Cops, Soldiers, Gun-owners) are not liked cause they are not sheep and are less likely to fall for demagogues and promises of a pain-free existence thanks to an-all powerful state. So they are to be side-lined or ostracized...
the "Hello" dude re "the rich" shows this mentality all too well. Pacifism and Socialism have always been linked in the West (except in SOCIALIST dictatorships..)
Leaving War aside, there is a more general thing here - He who is afraid of Death is Afraid to Live his life fully....
As that handicapped lady said
"life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all"
Socialists etc are prepared to give up their freedom and right to direct their life etc for a little bit of comfort, freedom from having to fight, and assurances of "stability" (slow death more like it) ... But having met a few and lived in Socialist countries (France), their lives are pretty tepid and not to be envied.
btw, I am in the Australian army - Joined with the AIM of deploying.
also have done Mountaineering and other adventure sports - makes you feel alive like nothing else.
I'm so sick of people saying that recruiters have a quota. No, they don't, and no, they do not get paid any bonuses for each recruit they put in. They have a mission, and if they don't reach that mission, then it's ok. It's not like they will get kicked out if they don't reach it. If they don't, they take more recruiting classes, and if it persists, then they will be moved to a different recruiting office. If it is that particular office that is having trouble, then its branch of service might consider shutting it down.
Furthermore, you shouldn't join the military for strictly its benefits. If you do and end up in a comment zone, then don't fucking complain about it. YOU joined the military. It was up to Y-O-U. I hate it when people blame shit on their recruiters or the military in general if they end up risking their lives. HELLO! It's the military, what did you expect?
Money? That depends on your years of service and whether or not you qualify for it. NO: the military is not meant to be an escape from economic hardships. That depends on your rank and how long you stay in.
Also, if you don't get the job you want, then that's your fault to, because, at least I know this for a fact in the Army, you get your job reserved for you ahead of time. Before you sign anything, your recruiter can start pulling jobs and tell you what is and is not available. Once you sign up, you are guaranteed that job IF you can pass the courses required for it.
If you want to go to college, you can do so in the military. They have: post9/11 G.I. bill, montgomerry G.I. bill, Tuition Assistance, CONAP, and more.
To everyone out there, only join if it's truly what you want to do in your life. I'm not saying there aren't some pretty screwed up recruiters out there. Just do your research ahead of time and don't fuck YOURSELF over.
Jesus...
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Yoshi Ninja 3 years ago
i agree with you completely. i was just seeing if there WERE any pros besides money. 2 of my mates reckon theyare joining the army. its upsetting.