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Ahtman wrote:Go into the dental corps, not Infantry/Special Forces and you'll be fine.

But I hate the dentist lol

Relapse wrote:

Golden Eyed Scout wrote:I have an appointment at my local Navy recruiter for wednesday. I might try and reschedule it for Friday so my dad can come.
Seeing as there are military members on dakka, can you give me any advice on what to expect?

Are you going in to talk and sign papers? If so I can tell you to be dang sure you have the aptitude for what you're signing on for. Back in my boot camp days we had a guy in my training platoon that had a guaranteed enlistment to be in aviation electronics.
At the end of boot when they were letting everyone know their assignments, he pulled field radioman. He talked to the DI's about it and they told him that even though he had an enlistment guarantee, his tests taken after induction proved he didn't have the aptitude needed. As a result, he was placed in the next related billet.
To tell the truth, I would have been nervous if this guy had even been assigned to clean the gakker since he was dumber than a box of rocks. My training platoon had about a 30% attrition rate and I honestly can't fathom how this guy made it all the way through.

No, I'm not old enough to sing up yet. I just figured I'd talk to a recruiter, have him answer some questions and find out which branch of service I'd like to go into.

Been there, done that and all I got for it was crappy t-shirt and bullet scar the the shoulder. Fun times and many early mornings running 8 miles with a hang over.

metallifan wrote:I know. It's okay, when we come to attention, or change stance, the right leg has to be lifted to be parrellel to the ground, letting the lower leg and foot hang freely (MUCH harder than it sounds)

THIS

We have a small detachment of Canadian NCOs, officers, and warrant officers attached to my unit. Whenever we have a change of command or other formal unit function they stick out like sore thumbs because they have to do that stomp every time they do a facing movement. That and they shove their arms forward a lot farther than we do when marching. Silly Canukistanis

We love you guys all the same though


Automatically Appended Next Post:

DEUS VULT wrote:

Or you could join the Air Force and eat really, really, well. Too well, in fact. Plus you get these super duper nice barracks that arnt even really barracks! Icing on the cake is you dont even have to work that hard physically!In fact, you'll barely notice that your in the military!

you forgot to mention the chill regs, Beer Thirty, and "deployments" to vacation spots such as Dubai and the Bahamas

In all seriousness though, the Air Force is definitely more relaxed than the other branches, but we still manage to have some hardcore jobs. Aerial gunners, Pararescue, TACP, snipers/countersnipers, etc.

I wouldn't know too much about those tho, seeing as how (at least until I can cross-train) I am pretty much an uber-POG

Corvus wrote:

metallifan wrote:I know. It's okay, when we come to attention, or change stance, the right leg has to be lifted to be parrellel to the ground, letting the lower leg and foot hang freely (MUCH harder than it sounds)

THIS

We have a small detachment of Canadian NCOs, officers, and warrant officers attached to my unit. Whenever we have a change of command or other formal unit function they stick out like sore thumbs because they have to do that stomp every time they do a facing movement. That and they shove their arms forward a lot farther than we do when marching. Silly Canukistanis

We love you guys all the same though

I know. Pocket Height swings do look a tad silly, but at least you know we're putting our backs into looking good

DEUS VULT wrote:

halonachos wrote:Planning on air force, only branch my dad will let me join. An army recruiter called and asked for me and my dad said I was gay. He plans to tell the marine recruiter that I'm gay and also a commie. My dad was NAVY and said that there's no way in hell he would let me join.

I'm sure you love your Dad and he wants nothing but the best for you and all buuuuut...... for the love of god man grow some balls. When you turn 18 you are a legal adult and by law can make your own decisions. Crazy, I know. Standard term in the service is 4 years active/ 4 years IRR, thats a long time to be doing something you dont like. Figure out what you want to do for YOURSELF, and if that means Air Force, go for it! It's your decision.
Oh, btw. Your Dad sure sounds like he's being a punk in this regard.

If you call 23 years in the NAVY being a punk, then by all means do so. Just know that he operated on tugs, LST's, and all the way to a FFG-9. He was an engineman and now is a civilian in MSC making more than a lot of my college professors although he lacks a college education. So yes, I guess he's a punk.

I'm doing air force because I'm listening to my elders who have had experience in the other branches and for the most part they say it was hell for each respective branch.

halonachos wrote:

DEUS VULT wrote:

halonachos wrote:Planning on air force, only branch my dad will let me join. An army recruiter called and asked for me and my dad said I was gay. He plans to tell the marine recruiter that I'm gay and also a commie. My dad was NAVY and said that there's no way in hell he would let me join.

I'm sure you love your Dad and he wants nothing but the best for you and all buuuuut...... for the love of god man grow some balls. When you turn 18 you are a legal adult and by law can make your own decisions. Crazy, I know. Standard term in the service is 4 years active/ 4 years IRR, thats a long time to be doing something you dont like. Figure out what you want to do for YOURSELF, and if that means Air Force, go for it! It's your decision.
Oh, btw. Your Dad sure sounds like he's being a punk in this regard.

If you call 23 years in the NAVY being a punk, then by all means do so. Just know that he operated on tugs, LST's, and all the way to a FFG-9. He was an engineman and now is a civilian in MSC making more than a lot of my college professors although he lacks a college education. So yes, I guess he's a punk.

Well by not treating his damn near grown son like a man and allowing him to make his own decisions, yeah he is a punk, regardless of prior service. Maybe you want your folks to baby you your whole life. I wouldnt. To each their own.

On a side note: I've done 4 and done. Walked out with 2 degrees. Of course, I wasn't in the service when I did it. Its easy enough to get done if 4 the hard part is if you want to do... Engineering, Teaching, or perhaps medical. If you go for a masters that's longer as well but a 4 year degree can be done easily. A girl friend of mine was done in 3 or 3.5.

Switching majors is the major reason for taking longer as well as slacking off and not taking enough courses, in order to graduate in 4 years you need to average 16 credits a semester.

I'd like to join the Royal Marines.

As much mud as you could ever want to eat! (According to recruitment Ads)

They'll get you through Uni as well pretty nicely with some of their moolah.

But I would seriously consider joining up if something major - like the Korean 'problems' - kicks off.

sA

smiling Assassin wrote:I'd like to join the Royal Marines.

As much mud as you could ever want to eat! (According to recruitment Ads)

this. My buddies in the USMC have told me stories about working with the Royal Marines. Some of the most badass hardcore dudes they had ever met.

Corvus wrote:

smiling Assassin wrote:I'd like to join the Royal Marines.

As much mud as you could ever want to eat! (According to recruitment Ads)

this. My buddies in the USMC have told me stories about working with the Royal Marines. Some of the most badass hardcore dudes they had ever met.

Plus, they're the only military force in the world to perform an amphibious assault using a Ford Fiesta

That's probably the most epic car commercial I've ever seen

You lose 2 internets for not knowing about Top Gear, the best auto show in the whole time of forever.

metallifan wrote:You lose 2 internets for not knowing about Top Gear, the best auto show in the whole time of forever.

Drats

Never saw that when I was in England. About the only channel we got was the 24/7 teletubbie channel, or at least I don't remember there ever being anything on but teletubbies.

What makes you guys want to go to the military in anyway? Is it just "easy" money or is it considered honorable in your country or what?

Ive got a few reasons, probably the best way to get out and see the world, decent money considering all your expenses are pretty much paid for, women love military men , the training and a general sense of honor and usefulness

imnotbruce wrote:Ive got a few reasons, probably the best way to get out and see the world, decent money considering all your expenses are pretty much paid for, women love military men , the training and a general sense of honor and usefulness

Best way to see the world? Can't agree with that..

Everybody needs money I understand.

Women love military man. Well is that really what military men think or what women think? Many women don't like idea of war and killing people.

Usefulness.. Really what is it? Government gets more pieces to play with in their awesome wars of freedom?


And please don't be offended of my words. They were little provocative but I think you need to get used to provocative comments if you are going to military. And these are just my opinions. I am just curious about your motives going to the military.

Xenon wrote:Best way to see the world? Can't agree with that..

Oh no? I'm pretty sure nothing is better than a free trip. Well, actually, you get paid to go, so... I guess it is better!

Everybody needs money I understand.

No arguement there.

Well is that really what military men think or what women think? Many women don't like idea of war and killing people.

No, it's pretty true. 20-something floosies are all over guys in uniform. Though if you're aiming for anything more than '2-legged deer', UR DOING IT RONG

Usefulness.. Really what is it? Government gets more pieces to play with in their awesome wars of freedom?

Meanwhile, on a crackpot conspiracy theorist's website...

How about the added sense of discipline? The "can-do" attitude? The vastly improved level of honesty, or the fact that you're in the best shape of your life? Really, I think you should've told him he should get used to thoughtless comments. That certainly was one.

And please don't be offended of my words. They were little provocative but I think you need to get used to provocative comments if you are going to military.

I wouldn't say they were provocative. More like blind and uninformed.

metallifan wrote:

Xenon wrote:Best way to see the world? Can't agree with that..

Oh no? I'm pretty sure nothing is better than a free trip. Well, actually, you get paid to go, so... I guess it is better!

But go to where? If you go abroad you go to a freaking war.. Ok there is also Peace keeping missions and stuff like that but many people from US military service go to war. War isn't some holiday trip. It is a serious business and I don't think it is a place where people should go just becouse "LOL i get free ride, whynot?" It is a thing that should be thought carefully. And peacekeeping isn't holidaytrip either. You are doing a mission there. You have a job. It isn't like sipping a drink and sitting on a sunbed. Your mission is to protect local people almost at all costs. And there is always risk of dying or getting badly injured.

metallifan wrote:

Well is that really what military men think or what women think? Many women don't like idea of war and killing people.

No, it's pretty true. 20-something floosies are all over guys in uniform. Though if you're aiming for anything more than '2-legged deer', UR DOING IT RONG

Yeah but there are many more uniforms that you can take. For example Firemen and doctors are considered far more attractive among the girls than a soldiers for example. And again lets think.. Is that a proper reason to go to military service? To get girls? I think not? Must be in my opinion pretty pathetic man if he goes military becouse to get girls. Come one. If you want get girls there are far more better ways to do it than go to the military service. And yes you don't have to even be hunting for a 2-legged deer. Just a good looking sensible girl with brains instead of some bitchy bimbo from a bar counter.

metallifan wrote:

Usefulness.. Really what is it? Government gets more pieces to play with in their awesome wars of freedom?

Meanwhile, on a crackpot conspiracy theorist's website...

Well did I mention anything about conspiracy? It is just pure common sense and a fact. You are one small part of the big engine but you should really think what is it aiming for and with what costs?

metallifan wrote:
How about the added sense of discipline? The "can-do" attitude? The vastly improved level of honesty, or the fact that you're in the best shape of your life? Really, I think you should've told him he should get used to thoughtless comments. That certainly was one.

Discipline, can-do attitude, honesty can be gained in many ways as can be the fitness too. You don't need to go to military service for that. Yes military service may be a good way to get them for many people but certainly not the only one.

metallifan wrote:

And please don't be offended of my words. They were little provocative but I think you need to get used to provocative comments if you are going to military.

I wouldn't say they were provocative. More like blind and uninformed.

Right... And how was your words more more informed and not blind? Yeah you may have had time of your life in your canadian boy scouts but if you would've sent to iraq to a real war I think things wouldn't maybe be so simple right?

Necros wrote:I was going to join the air force after high school, but I decided I'd rather draw comic books so I went to art school and ended up teaching myself how to build websites, so school was useless for me. And I'm still paying off my school loan 17 years later...

Which is exactly why I'm not going to college

Totally useless. I enjoy too many things to pick one and stick with it for more than a semester. Also, I plan to live a debt free life and not going to college will help me a lot.

Xenon wrote:What makes you guys want to go to the military in anyway? Is it just "easy" money or is it considered honorable in your country or what?

A lot of it is cultural. Patriotism is a big deal here in the US, I know its a fairly strange concept to many Europeans, but to many of us, there is no greater honor than to stand up and serve the nation we love. As silly as our leaders can be, we know that a good deal of the world hates us for who we are, and so we tend to see it as a sort of civic duty to stand ready to protect against those who would threaten us and our allies.

Also because in the military ordinary people have the opportunity to do extraordinary things, such as fly a jet, shoot a machine gun, drive a tank, or work with classified information.

And I won't lie, in the US at least, the money and benefits are great. I'm 19 with no college degree and I'm making a nice steady paycheck with free housing, food, and medical care. Also when I do decide to pursue a degree, the Air Force can fund it.

Corvus wrote:
A lot of it is cultural. Patriotism is a big deal here in the US, I know its a fairly strange concept to many Europeans, but to many of us, there is no greater honor than to stand up and serve the nation we love. As silly as our leaders can be, we know that a good deal of the world hates us for who we are, and so we tend to see it as a sort of civic duty to stand ready to protect against those who would threaten us and our allies.

Also because in the military ordinary people have the opportunity to do extraordinary things, such as fly a jet, shoot a machine gun, drive a tank, or work with classified information.

And I won't lie, in the US at least, the money and benefits are great. I'm 19 with no college degree and I'm making a nice steady paycheck with free housing, food, and medical care. Also when I do decide to pursue a degree, the Air Force can fund it.

+1



To the OP, if you're thinking about the military, make sure you think hard about it and choose a job that will secure a future for you. Being in the military isn't a job, it's a way of life. You're going to have to wake up early (unless you're in the Air Force), do things you don't want to do, go places you don't want to go (unless you're in the Air Force), exercise every day (unless you're in the Air Force), and work longer hours (unless you're in the Air Force) for less pay than your civilian counterparts. You're going to have to do crappy things in crappy places while getting crapped on.

That being said, if you pick the right specialty you can open up all sorts of doors. For example, military intelligence and communications are two of the easiest jobs to translate into civilian life because there's always a need for people to work communications equipment and for people with security clearances. Coming from career fields like that you can easily make 150k+ after a single enlistment. On the flip side, if you choose something like infantry or artillery you'll do all sorts of neat things while you're in, but you can get as high up as Command Sergeant Major (as high as enlisted gets) and end up working at WalMart because there is no place for you in the civilian world.

Think carefully before you do anything, get everything that your recruiter says in writing, and pick a good specialty.

Xenon wrote:

metallifan wrote:

Xenon wrote:Best way to see the world? Can't agree with that..

Oh no? I'm pretty sure nothing is better than a free trip. Well, actually, you get paid to go, so... I guess it is better!

But go to where? If you go abroad you go to a freaking war.. Ok there is also Peace keeping missions and stuff like that but many people from US military service go to war. War isn't some holiday trip. It is a serious business and I don't think it is a place where people should go just becouse "LOL i get free ride, whynot?" It is a thing that should be thought carefully. And peacekeeping isn't holidaytrip either. You are doing a mission there. You have a job. It isn't like sipping a drink and sitting on a sunbed. Your mission is to protect local people almost at all costs. And there is always risk of dying or getting badly injured.

Wow. It's a good thing you pointed that out, or else none of us would've known the truth about it *eyeroll*

Yes, you go to fight. You go to do your job first and foremost, but that isn't to say that you're completely removed from experiencing local culture while you're there. In fact, most of the NCOs and Officers from our Reg. that came back from seemed to feel pretty good about their time there. The only time it's really hit us hard was when we lost a Master Corporal attached to the PPCLI.

metallifan wrote:

Well is that really what military men think or what women think? Many women don't like idea of war and killing people.

No, it's pretty true. 20-something floosies are all over guys in uniform. Though if you're aiming for anything more than '2-legged deer', UR DOING IT RONG

Yeah but there are many more uniforms that you can take. For example Firemen and doctors are considered far more attractive among the girls than a soldiers for example. And again lets think.. Is that a proper reason to go to military service? To get girls? I think not? Must be in my opinion pretty pathetic man if he goes military becouse to get girls. Come one. If you want get girls there are far more better ways to do it than go to the military service. And yes you don't have to even be hunting for a 2-legged deer. Just a good looking sensible girl with brains instead of some bitchy bimbo from a bar counter.

@Deus, a punk would let his son do whatever he wanted to do and not try to control his son's life. A father's role is to make sure his children have a better life than he had when he was young and its been better by far as far as I'm concerned.

But I will also agree, patriotism is a huge reason for a lot of youths to join the service. Sure we get some gak government, but it does a lot for us and a lot of people feel like preserving it.

I also agree with the specialty thing and as long as you don't plan on leading people into battle I would encourage taking a fast track to being an officer. If you plan to lead people its up to you, but I would rather have a person with actual combat experience in charge even if that person lacks a college education.

Me, I'm hoping to become a trauma surgeon. I believe that coming home minus a limb or two makes it a lot tougher to recover, I want to make it easier for them.

ha ha ha ha thank you metallifan , also one thing I loved in the military (my mother was in the coast guard and we lived on base) was the way everyone treated each other with respect and ..... well it was kinder ha ha ha ha now that shes retired and we live in a mainly civilian world Ive noticed that everyone seems to be ............ well disrespectful ha ha ha I'm not saying everyone is im just saying most people ive met that aren't in the military seem to think theyre better than everyone else and seem to be out for themselves, I wholeheartedly understand theres people like that everywhere but it just seems like alot less in the military.

IAmTheWalrus wrote:
You're going to have to wake up early (unless you're in the Air Force), do things you don't want to do, go places you don't want to go (unless you're in the Air Force), exercise every day (unless you're in the Air Force), and work longer hours (unless you're in the Air Force) for less pay than your civilian counterparts.

Haters gonna hate. Everyone is jealous of us because we can blow up entire countries from the comfort of our office and be home in time for dinner on the same day. Feels good man

Wolfstan wrote:I don't know if it's because I've not read enough posts, but it does seem to me that the US posters do seem to take the whole idea of joining the military far too seriously. I've seen reams & reams of posts discussing the pros & cons of which arm of the services to join, analysing it from every angle.

A big part of the Brit attitute seems to revolve around either:

Option A: I'm bored with my life / job and need a challenge - join up
Option B: I've got no job prospects - join up

US military has fought a full-on war under every president since Reagan so that might be the difference. Though i seem to recall your guys were right next to us in most of them...

I heard the airforce even gets warm showers.

But I also heard that the NAVY got real strict when it comes to medical and such. I even heard that a guy didn't get in just because he wouldn't get a cavity filled.

Corvus wrote:

IAmTheWalrus wrote:
You're going to have to wake up early (unless you're in the Air Force), do things you don't want to do, go places you don't want to go (unless you're in the Air Force), exercise every day (unless you're in the Air Force), and work longer hours (unless you're in the Air Force) for less pay than your civilian counterparts.

Haters gonna hate. Everyone is jealous of us because we can blow up entire countries from the comfort of our office and be home in time for dinner on the same day. Feels good man

Not hating man, just preaching the truth. And you may be able to blow up entire countries, but damned if I ever met an airman that knew the loud end of the rifle was the one you point at the enemy.

I'm currently in the process of getting the Australian Air Force to pay my way through law school so that I can go full time. Afterwards I'll end up serving in the Lawyer Corps.