Some Advice

posted by ajABE

Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 07:43:42 PM EST

Basically what this diary is going to be about is about the military. I know Sweetie is in ROTC and I was thinking of doing it also if I get into VTech. But what I've been thinking, and I've been thinking a lot, is that I really don't know if the military is for me or not. If I were to do it, then I'd want to be in Special Forces of some kind (NAVY-Seals, ARMY-Rangers, etc.) or not at all. I realize that it really doesn't work that way however. And the only other reason would be if in about 10 years from now, if things in my life aren't going well, then I would join. The likelihood of that happening is pretty slim though, but still... I can't help but feel like doing it anyways. What do you guys think? I'll be talking to some Marines recruiter tomorrow, Friday, and would like to hear your guys' input. I also have 2 uncles and a grandfather who have all done some military time, but I'll be talking to them later when I head out to California in a month. Thanks fellas


Tags: Military, ROTC (all tags)

Comments Disabled | 6 comments

  •  Two of my brothers were in the military (none / 0)

    and it takes a certain kind of personality to be successful there.  Someone who reacts well to things being rigid and completely unwavering.  Someone who doesn't question the intelligence or competence of someone above them.  

    Both of my brothers were miserable in the military.  One was in the army.  One was in the Navy.  That being said, if you think that you would react well to that structure and that kind of interaction, you should do it.  Also, my brothers weren't in the military during times of war.  That's a whole different ball of wax.

    by papi blez on Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 07:55:10 PM EST

  •  you better be one tough s. o. b. (none / 0)

    as well as intelligent to go seal or ranger. if that kind of lifestyle appeals then go for it.  if you dont you'll always wonder what if...
    what criteria must be met to go seal or ranger if any? besides the awfully difficult try out where your physical and metal abilities are pushed to an extreme limit.  they dont let just anyone in because they want in. we all have seen hell week in coronado and it looks fn crazy.  
      http://www.navy.com/about/navylife/o...

    read it a weep, watch and shite yourself with fear

    http://www.navy.com/about/navylife/o...

    and then eat a donut

    The road, it's home, the mountain high, river low...

    by DEGREES OF FREEDOM on Thu Jun 18, 2009 at 08:12:09 PM EST

  •  The military is the most well trained, (none / 0)

    well equipped, and supported organization in the world.

    Just like any organization, it is made up of humans so there are flaws, but for the most part it is an incredibly awesome organization.

    Whether you should join...(ROTC)

    Benefits:
    -The best leadership training in the world at our age.
    -Awesome physical training
    -Free college
    -Solid (albeit delayed) pay
    -Having life changing values drilled into you (lol @ marketing lines but its true)

    of course there is more but thats a short list

    Problems:
    -The military owns you and where you live
    -You will be sent overseas at some point
    -Confusing pay times/dates at first
    -hard, stressful situations and training.
    -You could die...

    Please shoot me an email with more questions!:
    nickw023@gmail.com

    ***If you do go this route, I'd highly advice doing ROTC, especially if you don't want to be in the Army as a 20-year career. Also Army training is different than Marine training in that it's slightly easier. No cake walk but no as over-the-top brutal as the Marines are.

    "As for FFF we'll see how my social life unfolds that night. Which basically means i'll be gaming lol" -Boxin

    by SweetTea023 on Fri Jun 19, 2009 at 09:28:48 AM EST

  •  I know a few people (none / 0)

    who went into the millitary.  Of course they all used it to their advantage.  One became a doctor, the other an attorney - free of charge.  Of course, neither of them saw any combat action in the gulf, that was for grunts.

    On the other hand, every bum on the corner asking for change seems to be a veteran.  And, although there are exceptions to the rule, millitary wives seem to be the homliest bunch I've ever seen.

    by Razor Hanzo on Fri Jun 19, 2009 at 02:58:21 PM EST

  •  Through personal and observed experiences (none / 0)

    Out of the different branches of Special Services, the Recon Marines are probably the easiest and less controversial than the others.  SEAL training is just straight up brutal: there's nothing compared to it.  Ranger training is the next level lower of hell as far as SpecOps goes, but you'll be taking 'supplements' and will generally be hanging out with the coldest group of soldiers you can be in a fox hole with.
    ...If your purpose is to go through college using military money, the army or air force is probably the best deal out there.  If you want the experience, I'd go with the Marine Corps.
    Just, if you can help it, do anything to not be a straight-up gun-bunny, unless you want to be in Recon.  It may be the most active job there, but its also the most dangerous and it will be hell from how some NCOs and Officers will treat you to the possible combat you'll face.
    I've been through the ROTC and do training with certain battalions in the Corps, and its definitely a different style of living, and as Tyler said, you need to have a certain mindset.  You'll be molded a certain way too, but you have to take the initiative at a certain point.

    If you need to ask any questions:
    cwazydiabetic@aim.com

    ArkkAngel007

    by Mr C on Fri Jun 19, 2009 at 08:15:25 PM EST

    •  Great post, Mr C, and everyone. (none / 0)

      Very interesting thread!  I have a ton of respect both for the physical training and pressure the various corp go through, and for the fact that at the very least, in principle, they are out there risking their lives for ours.

      For the actual physical brutality of the training, I know myself well enough to know that not now, nor ever, would I willingly subject myself to it.

      Were it forced on me in a time of war, and not a matter of training, but survival, I like to think that I would not break under pressure.  The cool thing about shows like Band of Brothers is the fact that it shows just how much ordinary people are capable of, and how war is a sort of litmus test for our personality and integrity.

      (I will never forget the episode where they are all holed up in the winter forest, skin on their fingers cracking and bleeding because of the cold. Or how that one dude ran back and forth under fire.  SO AWESOME!)

      by 3Suns on Fri Jun 19, 2009 at 11:00:57 PM EST

      [ Parent ]

Comments Disabled | 6 comments