Thoughts on joining the military

[Jumpkix]

For the past several years, I have tried to ignore the call that I've felt ever since I was young. That shiver up my spine whenever I see our flag billowing gently in the breeze. I'm not much of an emotionally sensitive guy, but things like this gets me every time:

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I can't pretend anymore like the military life is not for me. I love everything about it, and I have at least a decent understanding considering my brother has been an active duty Marine for the past 13 years. I understand that it means being homesick all the time and fighting for the rights of people who would spit in your face. I also have a realistic sense about the job itself: I have no delusions of fast roping out of a helicopter and being the hero. It's a thankless, demanding, low paying job that is getting constantly more political. You give up prime years of your life in service to our often horrible government. I've witnessed the stress put on marriages and other relationships, and it's easy to tell how diffcult the military life is on loved ones.

I understand these things, and that's what I want. I would gladly accept all of these challenging circumstances but one. My only reservation is asking the love of my life to support this decision. She supports me no matter what, so I know that she would be on board. But she has no idea what that kind of commitment really means. We haven't even had this discussion yet, but it haunts me every day. We will discuss it at some point, but for now there's still a few major things I need to do before I can even consider joining.

My plan essentially is to graduate from college, and then sign up for Marine OCS. My reasons for wanting to be a Marine are not only because of my brother, but I want to stay within the Dep. of the Navy. I love everything about the Marines, being the few and the proud. They have some of the highest standard training for all enlisted and commissioned personnel of the entire military. I'm not at all speaking negatively about the other branches, they all serve important and unique roles. Not that it really matters, but I also think they have the best uniforms out of all the armed services. There's just something about those dress blues...

The only other MOS that I really considered in a different branch was an A-10 Warthog pilot for the Air Force. But since they offer very few candidates that MOS (plus they are trying to eliminate the Warthog all together), I can't risk trying for one MOS and ending up assigned elsewhere.

I know that whatever my MOS, I really want to support ground guys in some facet. For instance, I would love to rescue guys pinned down in hot spots, or lay down a barrage of suppressive fire from an aircraft. Since I'm obsessed with aviation and my lifelong dream was to be a CH-46 pilot, I would love to support ground forces as a pilot or other aviation element. I wish they were still keeping the CH-46, then it would be basically a no brainer, but now I'm researching the AH-1Z, Ospreys, and even the CH-53. Picking an MOS would be a very difficult decision because there are a lot of careers that I would enjoy. I'm not opposed to an MOS on the ground side either, but again I feel my calling is in the air.

I'm continuing to do my own research as well as talk to people in these roles, which is why I would really appreciate any feedback that you guys may have.

When I die, I want a flag draped over my coffin. I want to fight and serve for my country and loved ones. I know our great nation has taken many bad steps in the wrong direction, and I feel that is why it's all the more important to serve. I love my country, and I love my freedom, and it's time I did my part to make the US even the tiniest fraction better for future generations. If I can accomplish that, I can consider my life having worth and making a difference for the well being of everyone else. That's extremely important to me.

Thanks for listening. God bless all of you.

 

[hikenbike]

If you didn't or hypothetically couldn't join the military, what would you do?

What's the alternate plan?

 

[1engineer]

Two soul searching things:
Are you an ultimate team player?
Are you willing to do a job you could hate for long periods?

Think about it.

 

[bofa]

I read this... twice... and couldn't decide how to reply. I'll give it a shot anyway.


It's easy to get caught up in the glory and emotion of joining the military. It's very easy to jump into something when you look at the positive side of things. Who doesn't want to serve their country and make their family proud? Who doesn't want to be a part of something historic and, at times, epic? But you should also consider the downsides and make the best decision for you and your family. There are serious risks and consequences when you make this decision. If you decide to go, do it because it's what you feel is best for you and because you know it's the right decision.

I know quite a few vets and active military, young and old. Most of them wouldn't take back their service for anything in the world. Some have regrets and may have done things differently, but were still proud to serve. Others have had their physical or mental capacity altered for the rest of their lives.

With that said, those that do serve have my respect and admiration. Not because of the nostalgia and fanfare that we see in the parades, but for the sacrifices they've made and the dirt they end up cleaning from their fingernails.

Good luck with your decision either way. I'm sure we'll all be rooting for you.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Have you thought about being a Coast Guard pilot?

I served 26 years as a Coast Guard Radioman, and found it to be a very rewarding carrier. Also it meant long periods away from friends and family. Long hours, and a lot less pay than I made once I retired and went to work as a Network Security Professional. But you don't join the military to make money.

Once we swear an oath to defend our nation against all enemies - foreign and domestic you realize just how serious a business it is to be in our nation's armed forces.

I'm asked "would you do it again?" The answer is always - in a heartbeat!

Semper Paratus
USCG Chief Petty Officer (Retired) 1977-2003

Doug

 

[SV_Dude]

I have been in for almost 11 years. Even though I'm 9 years from retirement I consider getting out every day. It's not what it used to be and the command these days don't care about taking care of their guys. Most people in the military now care only about themselves and unless you're over seas there is very little brotherhood. If you want a good life in the military then get into some sort of special forces or special operations. You will work harder and do more dangerous things but it's the quality of people that you will work with that makes everything worth while.

 

[snivilous]

I've thought a lot about joining the military, and still do. However the biggest issue for me is that I don't take orders well, especially from someone who I think is less intelligent than me--and obviously in the military you HAVE to do what they tell you, which I don't think would work at all for me.

So instead, I currently work at an aerospace company that contracts with the DoD. What's nice about my job is that I get to go on bases and see all the cool military stuff and work on it, though ultimately I'm a civilian contractor so it has benefits of both worlds. The point is, once you're in you're committed and can't back out; you might want to consider that there are other job positions where you work with the military but aren't part of it. Of course, there will always be that yearning to be a Coast Guard pilot or on the front line, but at least I can do a little part in helping our guys have better intelligence and contribute a little bit to the US. Food for thought...

And thanks everyone for serving, no idea how much respect I have for you guys :yo:

 

[Yotta]

I know our great nation has taken many bad steps in the wrong direction, and I feel that is why it's all the more important to serve.

Each time our great nation took a wrong step, someone was there actually making that wrong step happen. Serving means doing what you are told and your opinion about the right direction is irrelevant.

You don't make a much of a difference by being a poor sod at the end of the line who actually has to pull the trigger.

 

[Dirtyfingers]

I'm going to be very, very blunt. When I was little and as long as I can remember all I ever wanted to do was be in the military, same feelings same excitements. I imagined a place where the brotherhood of being in the military would help me be a man beings I didn't really have a father figure in my life. Everything was great till I went to boot camp. No one was in your face yelling at you, there wasn't much military bearing and the people you think are your friends stab you in the back, there's no way to "calibrate" someone who is a shitbag, and it's all about being equal. Once I got through boot which was a breeze I got to my first command. Everyone only cares about themselves and no one has anyone's backs, the only people that I found have my back are some people I've met here on the forum that I've become good friends with. I'm not trying to shit talk the military because there's are some aspects that we do still make things right, but in reality something is broke. I feel like my grandfather would crap his pants if he knew how much things have changed (retired E8 Vietnam and WWii vet). I've slowly changed my mind from wanting to stay in and bleed blue and gold to, I'm getting out and starting my own truck shop.

What we do on deployments and how we serve our country, is still the same yes, but the people that serve...I'd almost rather put my life in the hands of a civilian. That and it's almost like being in the Navy itself for me seems like I shouldn't be because we have contractors come in and fix the equipment my division owns. It all boils down to if you really want to stick with it, seems like you've made up your mind, because in reality if people like us don't put up with the bullshit to protect our families, who will? So yes, I will put up with the selfish all I care about is me but when the time comes I will protect my family attitude. Just make sure you make the "this is the right decision for me" choice.

 

[TNRunner99]

I say go for it. You are only going to regret it in the future and I will always be on your mind of "what if?"
The most important thing to do is talk to your woman and lay everything out. She needs to be informed and be able to discuss her thoughts as well.
Are you already a pilot? And what are you going to school for? I would think an experienced pilot and some kind of degree in the aerospace field would be pretty helpful. But again I'm not in the military and don't really know about the Marines. Another option may be looking into the reserves.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I wish you luck with whatever you choose.

My plan essentially is to graduate from college, and then sign up for Marine OCS.

About this .... have you joined your college ROTC?

The military is generally pretty strict about taking officers for OCS, at least the Navy & Air Force are EXTREMELY picky about taking non-prior service into OCS. The wait is often long and they expect a technical degree (B.S.) and > 3.75 GPA. If you are in ROTC and drilling or prior service then the standards may be lower BUT if you are fresh and try to apply your Sr. year you may have a very very hard time getting a commission.

Any arrests ever? Any DUI ever?

 

[BrianSD_42]

Everyone's experience is going to be different. I served on a Aegis Cruiser (350-ish crew members) and my experience was nothing like what DirtyFingers described.

 

[02SE]

It's not what it used to be and the command these days don't care about taking care of their guys.

I don't know that that particular aspect has changed much. A guy I knew for most of my life, and who was a Pilot in WW2, passed away last year at the age of 94. He used to say that a popular saying with the Brass in WW2 was: "Nothing is too good for our boys".

He said it only took him a short while to realize that is exactly what they meant. Ie: You will get nothing and like it.

If you want a good life in the military then get into some sort of special forces or special operations. You will work harder and do more dangerous things but it's the quality of people that you will work with that makes everything worth while.

There's some truth to that too. One of my best friends had a son-in-law who was among the best of the best. Although he would never say that, as he was very humble. He and his teams actions spoke louder than he would have ever dreamed of doing. He gave his life to save the lives of the rest of his team. A team which he referred to as his brothers.

A more selfless sacrifice I'm not aware of.

RIP, Nate. It was an honor to know you.

 

[KidVermicious]

For the past several years, I have tried to ignore the call that I've felt ever since I was young. That shiver up my spine whenever I see our flag billowing gently in the breeze. I'm not much of an emotionally sensitive guy, but things like this gets me every time:

...

When I die, I want a flag draped over my coffin. I want to fight and serve for my country and loved ones. I know our great nation has taken many bad steps in the wrong direction, and I feel that is why it's all the more important to serve. I love my country, and I love my freedom, and it's time I did my part to make the US even the tiniest fraction better for future generations. If I can accomplish that, I can consider my life having worth and making a difference for the well being of everyone else. That's extremely important to me.

Thanks for listening. God bless all of you.

I think you've got a really romantic idea of what being in the armed forces is, and I think they'll beat that out of you within a couple years tops. I don't think your idea of what you'll be doing or what you'll get out of it is at all realistic.

Have you considered the National Guard? Maybe that's a way to dip your toes in the water, and if you decide that it really is for you, you could go full-time from there?

 

[Doc2012]

Ok, since some people here have chimed in, I'll give you my opinion.

I'm the same way you are. Watching that video gave me chills. Probably always will. I, too, felt the "calling" to serve. I joined JROTC in high school, got a full ride to Georgia Military College in the early commissioning Program. Made the biggest mistake of my life when I voluntarily withdrew because my, no ex, wife pregnant. then I got tired of working dead end jobs, with no relief in sight, and enlisted in the Navy, as a Corpsman.

I had a plan. I wanted to go Fleet Marine Force, FMF. The Idea of being on a ship drove me crazy, but I wanted to "dip my feet" into the medical world. Figured the best way to do it was to do so with the Marines. And boy, was I right.

Best time of my life. Served my first tour with 2/8, deploying to Afg twice. There's nothing better than that "brotherhood." Standing there face to face with the Grim Reaper, telling him "F*ck off! This is MY Marine." Being called "Doc", and being respected for the skills and knowledge you have, and what you can do with your hands. Knowing how to save a life, and knowing that you CAN bring that Marine back home to his family. The trust your Marines have in you, and the fact that they always have your back. Best feeling in the world.

I left "Green side" in Nov of 2011. Went to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. Still here. and I f*cking HATE every day of it.

You're nothing but a number to these people. I went from being a Combat Corpsman, to being a "vital signs tech." I can do sutures, drain an abscess, diagnose illnesses, give IVs, set fractures, give immunizations, the list goes on, but all I can do in that hospital is take vital signs. All the training and experience I have, doesn't mean shit to anyone in there.

I've been bounced around in that hospital from place to place. I've worked for Master Chiefs, and first classes. I've gotten Medical readiness up from 65%, to over 90% in less than a month. I've busted my ass, blood sweat and tears for this place, and have nothing to show for it.

These command structures are more political. They don't care about you. They don't care what you have going on. I had a Chief, after explaining some Issues I was working through with PTSD, tell me "I don't care what's wrong with you. I've got two TBIs, I've got it worse." Really? That's a GREAT way to treat your junior enlisted.

Like SV_dude said, you might be better off joining SF if you're looking for the "Brotherhood." Now a days, every one is out for themselves.

There is no "I" in Team, but there is in Military. And that's what most care about now a days.

 

[Jumpkix]

I read this... twice... and couldn't decide how to reply. I'll give it a shot anyway.


It's easy to get caught up in the glory and emotion of joining the military. It's very easy to jump into something when you look at the positive side of things. Who doesn't want to serve their country and make their family proud? Who doesn't want to be a part of something historic and, at times, epic? But you should also consider the downsides and make the best decision for you and your family. There are serious risks and consequences when you make this decision. If you decide to go, do it because it's what you feel is best for you and because you know it's the right decision.

I know quite a few vets and active military, young and old. Most of them wouldn't take back their service for anything in the world. Some have regrets and may have done things differently, but were still proud to serve. Others have had their physical or mental capacity altered for the rest of their lives.

With that said, those that do serve have my respect and admiration. Not because of the nostalgia and fanfare that we see in the parades, but for the sacrifices they've made and the dirt they end up cleaning from their fingernails.

Good luck with your decision either way. I'm sure we'll all be rooting for you.

You're right, it's very easy to let emotion get the better of you. It's a calling I've felt for years, and maybe I have the wrong reasons for wanting to join. But I want to be able to point back at my life and have the ability to say that I made a small sacrifice for our great nation. Still, I'm trying to realistically measure the pros and cons.

If you want a good life in the military then get into some sort of special forces or special operations. You will work harder and do more dangerous things but it's the quality of people that you will work with that makes everything worth while.

If I didn't go into aviation, this would probably be my second choice. I would love to go into Force Recon, but I'm no sure that commissioned officers get to do much in the field as operators. Maybe I would have to consider Navy special forces if that were the plan? But again, I would have to do my research. After reading several books on SF guys, I can only imagine what that brotherhood of the best must be really like.

I wish you luck with whatever you choose.





About this .... have you joined your college ROTC?

The military is generally pretty strict about taking officers for OCS, at least the Navy & Air Force are EXTREMELY picky about taking non-prior service into OCS. The wait is often long and they expect a technical degree (B.S.) and > 3.75 GPA. If you are in ROTC and drilling or prior service then the standards may be lower BUT if you are fresh and try to apply your Sr. year you may have a very very hard time getting a commission.

Any arrests ever? Any DUI ever?

Thanks man, and I appreciate your wisdom.

No drugs, alcohol, tattoos, or any kind of a rap sheet here. None of that stuff ever appealed to me.

As for college, I'm not in any kind of ROTC program currently. And I didn't realize how competitive the OCS slots were. My GPA is only 3.3 last time I checked, and I'm currently a civil engineering major if it makes any difference. So maybe I wouldn't even be a very compelling candidate for a slot.

Some people were asking what I would do if not the military? Well, I have a great job at a chip company out here in Oregon, so I would continue to develop as a network engineer. I would also like to start some kind of a side business and grow it organically. I'm only 23, so the possibilities are still a little overwhelming. But it excites me to see what kind of opportunities are out there.

Back to the main point, there's a lot of good advice here and I appreciate that. I just hope to find the right MOS for me.

To all you vets and active duty guys, thank you very very much.

 

[SV_Dude]

If I didn't go into aviation, this would probably be my second choice. I would love to go into Force Recon, but I'm no sure that commissioned officers get to do much in the field as operators. Maybe I would have to consider Navy special forces if that were the plan? But again, I would have to do my research. After reading several books on SF guys, I can only imagine what that brotherhood of the best must be really like.

You can go into aviation and still be in Special Operations. I am a 15U which is a Chinook helicopter mechanic/Crew member. My first 9.5 years in the army I was in the 160th SOAR. They are a special operations aviation regiment. I won't go into too great of detail but they're the same group that takes the real bad asses and the guys that don't exist into bad guy land. I was a chinook crew chief and flew nearly 1500 hours, most of that was over seas flying night missions.

There is another specialty unit in Virginia but I cannot really tell you what they do since they are a super hush hush type unit.

My point is that there are a number of jobs you can have and still be a part of the special operations community.

I don't know any sorb (special operations recruiting battallion) recruiters off hand but you can google a sorb office and call them. They will probably be willing to give you some information as to what jobs you can have and be part of the special guys.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

You can go into aviation and still be in Special Operations. I am a 15U which is a Chinook helicopter mechanic/Crew member. My first 9.5 years in the army I was in the 160th SOAR. They are a special operations aviation regiment. I won't go into too great of detail but they're the same group that takes the real bad asses and the guys that don't exist into bad guy land. I was a chinook crew chief and flew nearly 1500 hours, most of that was over seas flying night missions.

There is another specialty unit in Virginia but I cannot really tell you what they do since they are a super hush hush type unit.

My point is that there are a number of jobs you can have and still be a part of the special operations community.

I don't know any sorb (special operations recruiting battallion) recruiters off hand but you can google a sorb office and call them. They will probably be willing to give you some information as to what jobs you can have and be part of the special guys.

There's also a USMC Helo group out of Cherry Point - call signs "Pedro", and "Lobo" that do medivacs. I worked a lot with those guys while stationed at USCG Group Fort Macon NC, and I can tell you those men/women are top notch pilots/crews.

Something the Air Force has is PJs (Para Medic - Jumpers). Those guys are - how should I say this - BAD ASSES!. During the Vietnam war they were referred to as "Air-Sea Rescue" of which my father was assigned. Some of his storied were simply amazing. Just something to look into.

While stationed at Coast Guard CAMSLANT Chesapeake VA I worked with the Air Force PJs on a medico case. A crew member on a foreign freighter - during a bad storm - 200 miles east of Bermuda had fallen in a hold, and ended up impaled on a piece of re-bar. The PJs were flown out in an Air Force C130, and parachuted - AT NIGHT - IN A STORM - hoping that the freighter' captain would pick them up (he did - after we ordered him to do so). They stabilized the patient, and when close enough to Bermuda airlifted him to a shore side hospital. Saving the crewman's life.

Now that takes men with balls the size of watermelons to take on a mission like that. That team was simply put - amazing!

There is no way that any contractor would even think about taking on a mission like that.

:thumb:

I could tell you more amazing stories, but it would take all day. Maybe one day I'll tell you all about the real stories from "The Perfect Storm" of which I was in charge of all the East Coast communications that night. Was an interesting event, and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

 

[grey_ghost]

Very honorable desire to have and a difficult decision. I was never in the service because I didn't have the discipline or the mind set in my late teens or early twenties... but sometimes I look back and think what if?....
A couple other factors to consider: with this continuing recession and so many people out of work, there are some benefits to joining; namely you'd have steady income and health insurance.
On the other, you have no control over who is your commander in chief; he might just be some left-leaning ex-community organizer
but the good thing about presidents is they come and go....
Good luck with your decision and I echo someone's comment to be absolutely clear with your lady and be sure both of you know how much it could change your relationship.

 

[BrianSD_42]

As for college, I'm not in any kind of ROTC program currently. And I didn't realize how competitive the OCS slots were. My GPA is only 3.3 last time I checked, and I'm currently a civil engineering major if it makes any difference. So maybe I wouldn't even be a very compelling candidate for a slot.

I'm not a recruiter so don't go with what I said .. Call them. But I would start looking into it now and not wait to have the conversation. A buddy of mine wanted to go OCS into the Air Force, he was an economics major, no ROTC, non-prior, with (I think but I'm not sure) a 3.4 GPA.

They basically told him its not going to happen. Now that was in 2009, right after the financial disaster. But since then the services have been shrinking and unemployment remains high.

Don't wait. Give them a call and start the conversation. They will ask you right away about the basics.

Oh and I totally understand the 3.3 GPA. Engineering school is F-n hard.