Who's Been in the Military?

And you think you'll be flying jets WITHOUT going to college?

 

+1 You'll need a degree and military training time. Unless you already have flight time you are against some heavy competition. Talked to an old navy buddy, former Naval Aviator, and he's back in the Marine reserves to fly and get retirement time: that's what is going on today.

DO go into the military, it is very rewarding and like education it's an arrow in your quiver.

Too many have opted NOT to serve, which I find a problem. Everyone should find 'some' time to devote service as pay back to those that came before us.

Many talk about how it should go, but when it comes time, they think of themselves first.

I as my father [ret. CDR] and one of my sons [Marine] vol. for service. My F-I-L did also, retired marine. Other two sons had medical knee conditions but they tried three services each only to be told no.

I say it's a great way to spend four years or whatever the min. can be today. Then go to college.

 

I've never been in the military, but have known plenty who have. From what you've written you don't have the mindset for the military.

You don't join the military just to join. It's either something you believe in, or you know you need to get your act together and you know it will straighten you out.

 

I hear what you are saying but let me expand on this: Not all drafted personnel had the mind set. They did their job and what was required of them. I can hear the young man's lack of experience also, but that doesn't prevent me from knowing he can do it and be successful, or that he should not do it or try for it. It's life and many have/can make it.

With all the 'military' time I spent with my father and living overseas in a military life, I still wasn't all prepared for the actual thing. Everyone has a learning curve. Almost everyone learns to adjust to it, and find a means to make it work...few are drummed out for social problems.

 

Bing*******O.

Entering the military because you're bored or because you don want a regular job is piss poor reasoning. If I was doing the hiring I wouldn't take you because of this reason.

Besides, it's wartime, do you want to go over seas?

 

+100

If you want to join just to join we dont want you.

 

Just finished 4 years in the Marine Corps. It was 4 of the most rewarding years so far in my life. I entered in after college, and the training and job experience I received was great which has led me to receiving great jobs offers, and eventually taking one with a Fortune 500 company.

With that said, you will not be flying jets without going to college, you will have to become an Officer for those jobs. As an enlisted member, you could be in the flight crew for helos and planes which I always thought looked like fun.

However, if you want great job training, and something that would be beneficial to you later on with a $$$$$$ paying job, you could enlist and receive language training, and when/if you get out, become a contractor and make good money.

Or - mix it up a little, and do an ROTC program, where you go to school (maybe have the military pay for it) and during the summer you can go train.

If you have any questions, let me know.

 

Maybe he is the type of person who needs the military and just doesn't know it. The reality of youth is that you don't always know what's good for you or what you want. I say join, learn and contribute.

 

That is a good point. I know MANY people that would be almost homeless if they had not joined up and learned about the world, and themselves!

 

I know there is that aspect as well.

And I don't know Ferrarilvr on a personal level so I can't jump to any conclusions. And I certainly do not want to discourage him, nor tell him not to join. I just think he needs to really do research about everything. Branches of military, college majors, etc, etc. Just because you go to college doesn't mean you'll be sitting behind a desk.

Hearing "interesting stories" and thinking flying planes would be cool doesn't justify anything really. I've heard from friends of mine, dad as well, that there are so many who think the military is fun and games (they hear all the good times when on leave/away from the base), then they realize how much dedication it is.

 

Had a guy from my high school who was considered the baddest kid of all, he came back real humble!

As far as flying a jet, if you dont have 20/20 vision....your toast first of all.

 

That's an inaccurate statement.

Limit is 20/40 correctable to 20/20 for Marines and 20/70 correctable to 20/20 for the Navy/Air Force.

 

You should also know that if you were to join today, YOU WILL DEPLOY TO IRAQ OR AFGAN WITHIN THE YEAR!

 

That's odd - I'd bet not many folks starting out in the Navy nuclear training pipeline will ever be deployed to either theater.

'Course I was just a subbie nuc-puke electrician who enjoyed his 6 years skulking under the waters in pig boats...

 

It will depend on the job you get but he mentioned Marines.

But I believe in telling the worst possible news up front.

 

From what I've seen and heard, that would be true. A friend of mine's son joined the Navy. He went on several long tours and spent some time in European ports. His friend that joined the Marines went to the desert in Iraq. Keep in mind that the military is not a vo-tech school. The people on the other side will try to kill you.

 

I was the Canadian army during a time when many people joined the military just to get a job (the 70's and 80's.....I served from 1976-1983).

In other words most of these people couldn't get a job that paid well, or they didn't like the jobs they were offered, because at that particular time, the military did pay quite well for unskilled people. Are you just looking for a "job" ?

Serving in the military is not a job per say.........my father retired as a Master Warrant Officer after some 34 years, and as an army brat growing up, I decided I would "pay back" those who went before me, by serving in the army as well.

Let me say it again. Serving in the military is not a job. It can be a lifetime commitment........one way, or the other. You have to be prepared to make said commitment. I highly recommend it, as long as you understand it is not a job.

 

Not true, but it "could" happen. It would all depend on your job, the training cycle, and unit rotation. You could join and go to a non-deployable unit or a unit that just got back, so it could be anywhere from 6 months to 3-4 years until you have a chance. Or the stars could meet and you could be over there directly following your training.

 

sadly ALLLLLLLLLL of the people Ive known or have come in contact with that are/have been in are basicly two types of people

1. its either McDs or the military
2. I want to go so I can tell everyone I went and use it to get respect and pick up chicks

I know a gril who told me one flat out told her, "Its your responsiblity to sleep with me since I fight for your freedom."
nice



the days of people fealing it was a responsibilty of theirs to go serve and protect their country because its the right thing to do are long over. The Pat Tilmans of the world at 1 in a billion now.


btw, a certain memeber on this board fits the 2nd type VERY well

 

it's a good option except going to the college

 

I believe strongly that everyone should serve their country in some form, be it an enlisted soldier, Marine, pilot, Platoon Commander, etc. I would recommend going to college, and doing an ROTC program. If you want to get started right away, I know the Marine Corp has a program called Platoon Leaders Class, (PLC) which is held at OCS in Virginia. You can go for two 6 week slots during the summers between college years, or one 10 week combined course. Upon college graduation, assuming you graduate from PLC--(alot of people dont make it), if you choose to accept, you will be be commissioned as a 2ndLT in the Marine Corps, and then begin your officer training. With MOS school, its about a year of training before you begin "working" in your MOS. Just know that with other branches, and especially the Marine Corps--if you are not sure that you want it, you will not make it through OCS. It is a grueling challenge that will push you harder than you thought possible. Unless you REALLY want it, you will not make it to graduation.

Drstrangelove--I know he is a Marine, I am not sure what his rank is (or officer/enlisted) but he would be a great place to start. (Sorry for volunteering you Sir)

Good luck

I have the utmost respect and admiration for everyone that volunteers to serve our country--no matter how they choose to do it.

 

Not to be totally up front, but the true reality of all possibilities....

My friend who had one of the deepest beliefs in what he was doing, and planned to make a lifelong career out of the military was killed within his first 6 weeks. He left on his dad's birthday, and arrived (in his casket) on his mothers. Neither of his parents were for the war and strongly against his dedication to the military. But he knew what he wanted and the consequences at hand.

The only reason I say this, is because it's the truth. You have to know all possibilities and do what you believe, and know you may hurt some family members/friends for your choice.

 

I served National Service in Singapore for 2.5 Years and now its changed to 2 years.. and it was a waste of time.
The first 3 months was worth it. . we were tough how to to use different weapons etc.
After the 3months , you got your vocation.. be it a sniper, diver, commando , etc. No Pilots for National Service.
I was enrolled into office cadet course, but dropped out, due to a knee problem, and was posted to Miliatary Police.

Why i saw it's a waste of time, its simple.. if you want to join the Armed Forces, make sure you are up to it. Unlike what we have to do in Singapore, where its not a choice, and we are charged , and labelled deserters.

I respect the Militarty and the people who work in them, but not the ones being forced to do National service, as most of our hearts are not in it. To be good in something, one must have passion... IMHO

sorry if this offends anyone here

 

There are many ways one can "serve" their fellow countrymen. How about middle of the night keeping Vets alive stateside? Which I have done numerous times.
Non-military myself, but have lots of respect for you all.
God Bless and thank you.
BTW: I thank every WWII Vet I meet. I might be speaking German or Jap without them.
God rest their brave souls.