Thoughts on joining the military

[MyHigh]

First off, thank you for all that are serving and those who have served. Our country is so grateful even though sometimes we have people in office that do their best to unravel from the core out.

Follow what your heart is telling you to do, I too, like many Americans will tear up whenever the national anthem is played, and the most beautiful sight in the world is the American flag, good men have given their lives to protect the concept of freedom.

The worst regret to ever have, is the one of which you never did. Live your dream, and don't look back.

This topic has received many of great responses, and I'm sure it has opened your eyes in certain aspects, it sure has mine. Yes, the service is not for everyone however, or country needs good men and now women to sacrifice the comfort of civilian life so others can in fact be safe and comfortable in their civilian life.

What ever your decision may be, I'm thankful you are at least giving it great thought, by doing this shows you are well on your way to being a great American.

 

[MtnT4R]

If you havent seen it yet, watch Generation Kill. I've had a few buddies agree thats a fairly solid depiction of the day to day ramblings in the service. Not a whole lot of flag waving and grandstanding like in the movies.

I was in your shoes a few years ago. Met quite a few vets in college on the GI bill after a few tours, and they took mercy on me and shared some heartfelt advice that ultimately brought me back from that recruiters office:

Yes, you may have some badass times, blow stuff up, maybe do some super secret squirrel sh*t; dont forget that the armed forces are by and large a massive paper pushing bureaucracy that has to have a form signed in triplicate for EVERYTHING, and is ultimately run by politicians that dont have your best interests anywhere on their agenda. You will most likely spend 90% of your time on bullshit tasks that might not make much sense. If you have the fortitude to get past all the BS, then you may get to partake in the experiences that only those who have served can ever know.

Also: the military has been processing and training gung ho recruits just like you for a couple hundred years now. They have seen it all, and they know better than you which job you will be the best fit for. Not saying you wont be a pilot one day, just know there is a huge machine in your way that is pushing all the buttons, and might tag you for something totally different than what you had in mind.

I would agree with those that said there absolutely is a brotherhood in service, like there always has been. I would venture a guess that there are roughly the same percentage of sh*theads in the civilian world as there are in the military. And they NEED good people, so it sounds like if your heart is in the right place, take the opportunity and go. Just be prepared, and good luck.

Edit: Dont mean to hijack, but [MENTION=24995]SV_Dude[/MENTION] - you ever train at HAATS?

 

[LandCruiser]

I have worked in one way, shape, or form for the gubment for the last 6-7 years, and I recently resigned.

Government/military jobs tend to attract some of the most incredibly amazing people and the most insufferable, worthless *******s.

The difference between this and the real world is that the *******s can't be fired or punished and they can literally devote every moment of their day making your life miserable and you're always one bad review/transfer away from having a ruined career. The amount of time wasted/spent in a position is more valuable than a person who does it well. Promotions can be overlooked because of spite, incompetence on behalf of your superiors, or just simple omission and paperwork errors.

Uncle Sam also has a nasty habit of building facilities in the nastiest and most distant parts of this country/globe.

I make more money in the private sector, but the amazing people who work in government jobs makes me miss my time there--if it weren't for the *******s.

 

[MyHigh]

And lest not forget there are other ways to serve your country

Firefighters, and police are also two great ways to protect and save lives.

 

[Kurtis]

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.

I'm going to hop on this one. I want to explain a few things. First, the military is what you make of it. Flat out, no one will make your experience better or worst than you. And if it all blows ass then it was only 4 years of your life. Which, in the grand scheme of things isn't that much.

Before I get started I mean no offense to anyone here.
There is a few things I am more passionate about than wheeling and my truck. One, is my wife and potential family. The other is my job. I am extremely passionate about fixing what is wrong and stopping the stupid where I can. Folks seem to have the Wal-Mart mentality; If it doesn't make you happy, take it back. If the poly pocket doesn't make you happy and feel all warm and fuzzy inside, take it back. What I mean is that too many people just say to hell with it and run away and call it quits. If you don't like it, then fix it. Don't let some douche-bag with an BA in underwater basket weaving make everyone's life suck. There are so many reason why someone could get out. If you have a brain stem and you know it's jacked up, fix it. You could take the place of some idiot down the run and be that true leader. Not the crap they cram down your throat at PO Indoc or GMTs. A real leader. Someone that stands up for their guys (and girls) instead of their eval. A lot of junior people just need a little guidance. You train your relief. Don't let idiots relieve idiots.

/rant

ET1, USN 6 years of service.

 

[lastlaugh]

Im gonna have to jump in on this one also. I have been in 16 years now, and the happiest day of my life will be the day i retire. I have worked extensively with all 4 branches, and the Coast Guard, both stateside and overseas. My wife and I are both active duty. She spend her entire career in intel, and mine has been spread amongst 6 career fields, but mostly in AFSOC/SOCOM world.

If you were my child, asking me the same question, I honestly couldn't recommend it in today's military. It has changed so much in the last 16 years that its just not worth it to me. Don't mistake what I am saying as regret; I wouldn't take back a second of my career. It's just that the political BS is overwhelming now. The majority of our time is spent in "Sensitivity training", "diversity training", "resiliency training" and other BS. Every time someone screws up, you get to go thru the training all over again. I have been thru homosexual awareness training, religious sensitivity training, and diversity training till I'm sick to death of it.

The idea people have had of the military no longer exists. In the old days, I could chew some troops ass for screwing up, and that would be it. Now, you have to be careful. Is that troop a different race/sex/religion than you? Have you documented previous attempts to inform the individual that their conduct was unacceptable? Does that individual possibly have a religious/racial/gender related/ or learning disability preventing them from understanding what you have told them? Have you been thru the proper sexual orientation/gender/religious/learning disability sensitivity training to be able to properly address the issue to the individual in a way they will understand? Things like this are an everyday occurrence. We nove have a generation of kids that have never held a job, never been disciplined in their entire lives, the "no child left behind" syndrome, who think the world owes them something. Add this to the fact that our current leadership has been constantly downsizing us, forcing the older, more experienced NCOs out (some at 18-19 years), increasing deployment time, decreasing time spent at home, whittling away at our benefits, and you have a disaster that is today's military. Oh, and did I mention that all the decisions affecting your life are made by people who have never been in the military? Now they are reducing our retirement! What other job in the world asks you to do what the military does, promises you that if you do that, it will give you these sets of benefits, then takes them away while you are doing it?
The other guys on here also hit the nail on the head. All these things have created a "me first" mentality. Leadership is worried about their evals and getting promoted. Screw the people under you. This, combined with the things listed above, have trickled down into the NCO tiers. We have been so beat down and had our hands tied with bureaucracy that you just do what you have to to survive. You see guy who test well, or are friends with the right people, or volunteer for the right things fly thru the ranks, even though they know nothing about their jobs. It will beat even the best intentions out of you eventually.
As for the marriage thing the Op asked about.....
There is a reason the military has a much higher divorce rate than the civillian population. Everyone I know who has been in for awhile has been divorced at least once. Some of the reasons are:
Being gone all the time, and I mean ALL the time, is a huge factor. Have you been away from your wife for a year or more before? You will.
When you are home, downsizing means you are always at work. 12-16 hour days/nights is not uncommon. You are on duty 24/7 and it would do you well to remember that early in your career.
Uncertain work schedules. You just worked 8 hours and are on you way home when you are called back in. You are needed to work a 12 hour night shift. Sorry! (and yes they CAN and WILL do that).
The fact that you can't really make plans with any certainty also doesn't help.

But, its not just the mission that causes stress on a marriage. Like it was mentioned before, there are a LOT of backstabbing individuals in the military. It's a very gung-ho, macho lifestyle for some. Is your wife attractive? If so, there are a lot of other guys in your unit that will think so too. They may not hit on her to your face, but wait till you deploy and see how much "help" shows up at her door. Its a huge game in the military. I have never seen some much adultery and sexual deviantry in my life as I have in the military. EVERYONE is screwing around with everyone! (That young female you just chewed out for being 2 hours late for work, well, she secretly is screwing your boss type of thing. )
Now, onto the MOS thing you spoke about. I can only speak for the AF when it comes to this, but every branch makes ass backwards decisions. In the AF, if you are selected to be an officer and meet their very strict requirements and have a degree they happen to want at the time, you are sent to OCS. You cannot choose your job and your degree has little to no influence on your final job assignment. (I know guys who came in with aerospace degrees and an active pilots license who manage the chow hall). You must remember this saying "In the best intrest of the Air Force". Everything in your life will revolve around this saying. Also remember, when you join the military, you give up the rights you had as a civillian. If you can live with all these things, by all means, go for it. I can be an amazingly rewarding job.....But don't say I didn't warn you!

 

[SR5Runner97]

I don't like the military the way it is right now. I believe we need a military and we obviously need SKILLED service. I hear too many of my buddies after boot camp, they're basically sweeping dirt in a circle. MOST(not all) people who join the military are people who did poorly in high school and are unable to go to college or get a good job and the military takes anyone who can run a decent mile and do 20 push ups it seems like. I believe our military is too big. we have too much service and not enough skilled service. I hope I don't offend anyone in the military, but they might have a better understanding as to what i'm getting at. This is all from first and second hand sources, directly from friends and friends of friends.
I do respect our veterans and an very proud of our country but I believe we can be investing our time and money into other things like science, something that might actually make us an admirable country again.

 

[SV_Dude]

MOST(not all) people who join the military are people who did poorly in high school and are unable to go to college or get a good job and the military takes anyone who can run a decent mile and do 20 push ups it seems like. I believe our military is too big. we have too much service and not enough skilled service.

You are mostly correct here. There are a lot of kids that join the military because they did poorly in high school. I would take quality over quantity any day of the week.

The problem started when the wars over seas kicked off and our DOD got a huge budget. They dicided to plus up the military and not a lot of people wanted to join during a war, especially a 10+ year long war. So what does the military do? They lower the standard and start reaching for the guys who don't have any other options than to join the military resulting in a lower quality soldier.

I don't mean to completely bash the military either. I have been in long enough to see some huge transofmations. As [MENTION=103374]lastlaugh[/MENTION] said above, you feel like you're walking on thin ice any time you need to correct someone or put them in check because they're being a dirt bag. Between hurting someone's feelings because they had a rough life growing up or not doing enough paper work on someone, it really makes being an effective leader very difficult. Then you take into account of most of the females who feel like they're better than everyone else because they have a cute face and tits. Pregnant females... Holy shit! I can go on for days here. Not all females are bad. I do know some that are better soldiers than most guys but the majority of them have no place in the military.

Overall, I wouldn't trade my first 10 years in the military for anything in the world. I have been lucky enough to participate in missions that very few people in the military have had the opportunity to do. I have been a part of hostage rescue missions, terrorist camp take down's, countless hits on high value targets, missions that took presidential approval to launch, and various other special missions. The mission itself was rewarding enough and I miss it.

In today's army you need to have a LOT of patience and a decent amount of "don't give a shit". It's sad because there is so much that is wrong here and absolutely nothing you can do about it.

I'm done with my rant but whatever decision you make, do yourself a favor and look heavily into the special operations or special forces community. That means you need to choose your job wisely so you can get into that community once you're in.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm surprised there has been very little talk about the "all volunteer service" model we have now vs. Draft model of pre-1980s.

Personally I think we should bring back the draft.

One of reasons the govt. Is able to send troops on 18 month deployments to foreign places where there is zero American popular support for war is because the general public has little to no skin in the game.

 

[lastlaugh]

You are mostly correct here. There are a lot of kids that join the military because they did poorly in high school. I would take quality over quantity any day of the week.

The problem started when the wars over seas kicked off and our DOD got a huge budget. They dicided to plus up the military and not a lot of people wanted to join during a war, especially a 10+ year long war. So what does the military do? They lower the standard and start reaching for the guys who don't have any other options than to join the military resulting in a lower quality soldier.

I don't mean to completely bash the military either. I have been in long enough to see some huge transofmations. As [MENTION=103374]lastlaugh[/MENTION] said above, you feel like you're walking on thin ice any time you need to correct someone or put them in check because they're being a dirt bag. Between hurting someone's feelings because they had a rough life growing up or not doing enough paper work on someone, it really makes being an effective leader very difficult. Then you take into account of most of the females who feel like they're better than everyone else because they have a cute face and tits. Pregnant females... Holy shit! I can go on for days here. Not all females are bad. I do know some that are better soldiers than most guys but the majority of them have no place in the military.

Overall, I wouldn't trade my first 10 years in the military for anything in the world. I have been lucky enough to participate in missions that very few people in the military have had the opportunity to do. I have been a part of hostage rescue missions, terrorist camp take down's, countless hits on high value targets, missions that took presidential approval to launch, and various other special missions. The mission itself was rewarding enough and I miss it.

In today's army you need to have a LOT of patience and a decent amount of "don't give a shit". It's sad because there is so much that is wrong here and absolutely nothing you can do about it.

I'm done with my rant but whatever decision you make, do yourself a favor and look heavily into the special operations or special forces community. That means you need to choose your job wisely so you can get into that community once you're in.

I wish the little "like" button was a "buy you a beer" button. I cannot agree with you more! You are spot-on on everything you said. (I was up with my daughter at 1am last night typing my previous reply on my iphone, and it looks like some illiterate rambling).

The SF community is "military, minus the bullshit". It was the hardest, most rewarding years of my life. I wouldn't trade a day, or any of the metal now in my body for it.

We are suffering greatly from the "buildup" that happened during the wars. We dropped our standards well below what they were previously, and now have a ton of polished turds in our midst. The problem is, we are now "trimming the force" by getting rid of all the wrong people. You have to remember the saying I mentioned above, "In the best intrest of the military". Is it better for them to get rid of an low paid, Jr Enlisted guy, or a Sr NCO that will be drawing a retirement check in a few years? If we can keep them in for 17, 18, 19 years, then get rid of them just shy of a retirement, we just saved the government thousands of dollars! That is what is happening my friends. We are booting guys that have dedicated the last decade and a half to our country, while paying 18yr olds signing bonuses to join! How would you feel if you had spent that long in your job, were just shy of retirement, and now being told to find a new career?

I could go on for days about this topic, but I'm getting pretty long-winded on this post. OP please take what us AD guys have said to heart. We are not making this stuff up. My original thought was to recommend you do your 4 years, get the benefits, and get out. The problem is though, by the end of your enlistment, there is no guarantee those benefits will still exist.

 

[TOY2G]

My initial thought is simple...if you have this much of an emotional attachment to the military and also this much of a conundrum if it is right for you....It may not be.

I enlisted out of HS, my (father figure) was an Army Ranger...they guy was a war machine. He had badges that I did not know existed ( I named my own business because of him "Pathfinder Outdoors") Because of him I was able as a high-school student to partake is some amazing training at Fort Lewis WA. I did my first slack jump at 16, my first combat river crossing at 16, and my first hell week with the OSU ROTC and the 2nd 75 Rangers at 17.

I was in love with Army life. But then I enlisted in 1997 strolled through boot camp, and graduated AIT in 1998.

At this point I was still (in my own mind) high speed. But after a couple years in an FA unit, a political deployment to Kuwait on a red cycle....I realized, it's not about serving and fighting and being "All you can be". It is just a corporation, and there are bosses and peons.

Every time I won a medal......I was the only one who cared. Every time I finished a school I was the only one who cared. Sure I had "Brothers" and I would not trade my time in for anything in this world, but as others have said; the Army changed it's motto to "Army of One" it should read "Army of Ones".. Unless you are deployed or with a special oops group, the comradery is not of the caliber my expectations. I fear you may end up feeling the same way.

All this says is, don't join for that warm fuzzy feeling you get when your emotions take over. If you are going to join, pick a path, stick to it, and try to come out on the other side, stronger, smarter and more well rounded. Any branch can give you that if you have the drive.

I got out after my first enlistment and became a Police officer, and I can tell you, the comradery there is strong. That may be an option for you also, if you feel the need to be a part of something.

All that said, I would do it again.....no questions asked....I may have done a little more, but certainly still done it.

The guys on here who have served and are serving, are being far more honest with you than a recruiter or even a family member. I read a few of these that had me nodding my head.

Whatever you decide God Speed.

 

[BrianSD_42]

My original thought was to recommend you do your 4 years, get the benefits, and get out. The problem is though, by the end of your enlistment, there is no guarantee those benefits will still exist.

Sorry but I'm going to have to call you on this. The benefits you refer to are obviously the GI Bill because that is the only real benefit someone who does only 4 years is "guaranteed" by the US Government.

The GI Bill isn't going anywhere. I assume you were thinking of your military pension but alas serving 4 years never produced a pension.

 

[WillK]

I don't like the military the way it is right now. I believe we need a military and we obviously need SKILLED service. I hear too many of my buddies after boot camp, they're basically sweeping dirt in a circle. MOST(not all) people who join the military are people who did poorly in high school and are unable to go to college or get a good job and the military takes anyone who can run a decent mile and do 20 push ups it seems like. I believe our military is too big. we have too much service and not enough skilled service. I hope I don't offend anyone in the military, but they might have a better understanding as to what i'm getting at. This is all from first and second hand sources, directly from friends and friends of friends.
I do respect our veterans and an very proud of our country but I believe we can be investing our time and money into other things like science, something that might actually make us an admirable country again.

I'm curious, for such an opinion, when did you serve?
Sounds like many of your buddies are low standard to begin with and maybe you should like for higher standard friends.
Also, you should probably check the standards for all branches, not just Army and Marines. That's the problem with you pot smoking hippies, you only think of the gun totters.
And don't worry, you didn't offend me. It was my sacrifice that allowed you to have such a low opinion of others.

BTW, First hand source would be something you did, not someone else.

 

[SR5Runner97]

I'm curious, for such an opinion, when did you serve?
Sounds like many of your buddies are low standard to begin with and maybe you should like for higher standard friends.
Also, you should probably check the standards for all branches, not just Army and Marines. That's the problem with you pot smoking hippies, you only think of the gun totters.
And don't worry, you didn't offend me. It was my sacrifice that allowed you to have such a low opinion of others.

BTW, First hand source would be something you did, not someone else.

My brother in law is on his 4th tour, 2 to Iraq, 1 to Afghanistan and his 4th current one is in turkey, talk to him all the time about it. He's still fairly young, 38 I think and went to college for a quarter and failed every class and joined the army. Will be coming up on his 20th year in a year or two (not sure exactly). Grandfather(dads dad) was in WWII, great grandfather was in WWI, My Papa(moms dad) was in the marines during the time of the Vietnam war. The older generations I have more respect for them. Recently when I see an 18 year old joining any branch it's because they've got a 2.2GPA and barely graduated. I said most, not all. I do know of someone who wanted to be in the air force since elementary school, currently studying in college while taking pilot classes.
When I say buddies, I say people i'll hang out with but don't really care to. My friends are people who are going to college and actually doing something with their life instead of sweeping dirt in a circle.
I didn't serve, that's because i'm smart enough to go to college and didn't fail any classes in high school.
Also, a first hand source is an interview with someone. A 2nd hand source is a summary of an interview, what is this sophomore English all over again? You obviously wouldn't know because you slacked off all the way through high school so doubt you would understand any of that.

 

[MtnT4R]

I didn't serve, that's because i'm smart enough to go to college and didn't fail any classes in high school.
Also, a first hand source is an interview with someone. A 2nd hand source is a summary of an interview, what is this sophomore English all over again? You obviously wouldn't know because you slacked off all the way through high school so doubt you would understand any of that.

So if I'm reading this right, you feel that you and your friends are 'too smart' to risk your intelligent little brains in the service of your country? You should repeat that statement to your brother in law and see what his reaction is.

First hand EXPERIENCE takes precedence over a first hand SOURCE, you dunce. You a journalist or something? I'd be extremely curious to know what you are 'doing with your life' that is so much better than those who choose to serve in the military. Work a 9-5 job for a house in some suburban hell sprawl while you commute to work every day in bumper to bumper rush hour traffic? That sounds like a much better option. Lots of great experiences and opportunities there.

 

[SR5Runner97]

So if I'm reading this right, you feel that you and your friends are 'too smart' to risk your intelligent little brains in the service of your country? You should repeat that statement to your brother in law and see what his reaction is.

I'd be extremely curious to know what you are 'doing with your life' that is so much better than those who choose to serve in the military. Work a 9-5 job for a house in some suburban hell sprawl while you commute to work every day in bumper to bumper rush hour traffic? That sounds like a much better option. Lots of great experiences and opportunities there.

I don't think someone can be too smart for a job, but someone can be overqualified to join the military. My step brother has talked to me about the military and told me that if I can do something else then don't join the military because they let anyone in there nowadays and it's anything but honorable now. He said he's getting his 20 in and leaving. That was pretty funny.
I'm currently going to school and working to be a police officer so i'll know what it's like to be hated and still have to do my job. No 9-5 for me. More like a 7-7. I'll be missing holidays just like you butt pirates who think you're above civilization who act like you're superior to us on a day to day basis. :lmao:
The best part about being a cop is that once the dirt is swept in a pile, we'll pick it up while you spread it around again finding something to do with your time.

 

[SR5Runner97]

I'm not dogging the military and I respect the SKILLED service out there. It just seems like we have more service out there than SKILLED service. The military is a backup plan for students and it sucks because the military is an irreplaceable thing that has fought for everyone's freedom and if you want to do it, then do it but when it's a backup plan because kids failed college is when it looks bad. thank you for all the SKILLED service out there.

 

[WillK]

My military experience was completed different than others here...

First, I served in the US Navy stationed aboard a fast attack submarine.
When I signed up, I thought it was pretty cool to be on a sub. When I got to it, I realized it was an honor.
The guys I served with were incredibly sharp, dedicated, educated and people who had a good sense about them.
I still keep in touch with many and they're doing quite well in the private sector- business owners, successful contractor for the government, one became a software developer and his software products are being used around the globe.
One became a lawyer and there's an a couple who are now engineers.
Others are managing large construction projects, while others are working with veteran's groups to help veteran's with transitioning to civilian life, finding homes for vets with disabilities, and so on...

And my our crew wasn't unique. The standard of a submariner is pretty high. Do some sneak through- I'm sure. But they'll be figured out and weeded out.

There's more to the military then just the Army and Marines.

As for the military being 'dumb downed', the military of today is more technical, more analytical, better trained than ever before.

As for letting anyone in...
Back in the 70's and early 80's, it was not uncommon for a judge to offer an offender the choice between jail or the Army. Those times have changed.

 

[SV_Dude]

Okay guys, relax and chill with the attacks on each other. I know it wasn't intended to go in this direction so let's stop it right here.

Just because there are a lot of down sides to the military now days doesn't mean it's shy of any honor. There are a lot of very proud individuals in the military. It's just the nature of the beast now days to have to look out for yourself while stateside because not a lot of other people will look out for you.

Don't think that any one branch is better than the other either. From my experience I don't have any faith in the Air Force. I'm not saying that it's a bad branch but they have let me and so many of my buddies down so many times. Our rotations to and from theater was 2 months on and 2 months off. We did this for a few years and the Air Force would cancel out flights more times than I can count due to stupid stuff on the airplane. Me being specialized in aviation (not just through the army) I know what's an annoyance and what's required for flight. Then the Air Force would take hours if not days to do a simple job to get us back in the air. All of that would either delay us getting our replacement crew or us not being able to replace out crew on the ground as soon as we needed to. I do however have a lot of respect for the PJ's though. I have worked with them dozens of times and they are extremely professional and competent in their job.

Like I said above, I don't want to bash the military all together. It's a good thing to get in to if you feel that it is your path. The military needs more square minded individuals to lead the younger guys and point them in the right direction. We need more discipline in our ranks and you (OP) sound like you would be a good guy for the job. There are still a lot of good things about the military so don't take this thread as a complete downer. You will still be able to have a positive impact in our country and serve a purpose that is bigger than yourself. There are a lot of people today that don't see the big picture in the military and will completely dog the crap out of it. Some of my ramblings in my earlier posts were just that... ramblings. They were my thoughts on the day to day headaches but it not a complete overview of the military. You will still do good things and build a career for yourself with good benefits, make life long friends and look back after you get out and think "Man that was awesome"! There will be times when you hate life and other times when you are loving life. As long as you stay positive and choose the right path you will learn to deal with the negatives and have a good experience.

 

[MtnT4R]

I don't think someone can be too smart for a job, but someone can be overqualified to join the military. My step brother has talked to me about the military and told me that if I can do something else then don't join the military because they let anyone in there nowadays and it's anything but honorable now. He said he's getting his 20 in and leaving. That was pretty funny.
I'm currently going to school and working to be a police officer so i'll know what it's like to be hated and still have to do my job. No 9-5 for me. More like a 7-7. I'll be missing holidays just like you butt pirates who think you're above civilization who act like you're superior to us on a day to day basis. :lmao:
The best part about being a cop is that once the dirt is swept in a pile, we'll pick it up while you spread it around again finding something to do with your time.

So you are overqualified for the military, but being a cop is just right? Got to love your particular brand of logic. I wouldn't mention those particular views to your new buddies on the force. Don't let those 12 hour days wear you out.

On a separate note, good on you for choosing law enforcement. Hope it works out well for you.