the military

scot88

i'm enlisting in the marine corps next year, so i'd like to know who else on here has served.

also, i can't believe the negative connotations that joining an armed service has these days. sure, the war in iraq is largely unpopular, but is that any reason to treat those who want to and are serving with disrespect? forgein policy is not up to them. be mad at the politicians, not the marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

i'm joining to be a part of something bigger than myself. i'm joining for the brotherhood, the experience, the discipline, and the life long honor. do i agree with all aspects of the war? no. am i going to let that stop me from joining something that has a long history of bravery, honor, loyalty and service? absoluetly fucking not. the qualities i aspire to and admire most are also the principles of the marine corps.

i can't help but think this is turning into another vietnam, where you can't wear your uniform in public for fear of being rediculed, spit on, and cursed at. if you have so much empathy (for the iraqies, etc.), why aren't you more understanding of americans who feel an obligation or need to serve their country?

Abuskedti

scot88 wrote:

i'm enlisting in the marine corps next year, so i'd like to know who else on here has served.

also, i can't believe the negative connotations that joining an armed service has these days. sure, the war in iraq is largely unpopular, but is that any reason to treat those who want to and are serving with disrespect? forgein policy is not up to them. be mad at the politicians, not the marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

i'm joining to be a part of something bigger than myself. i'm joining for the brotherhood, the experience, the discipline, and the life long honor. do i agree with all aspects of the war? no. am i going to let that stop me from joining something that has a long history of bravery, honor, loyalty and service? absoluetly fucking not. the qualities i aspire to and admire most are also the principles of the marine corps.

i can't help but think this is turning into another vietnam, where you can't wear your uniform in public for fear of being rediculed, spit on, and cursed at. if you have so much empathy (for the iraqies, etc.), why aren't you more understanding of americans who feel an obligation or need to serve their country?

This is a silly message pit. Do what you believe in!

and I agree, it is getting that way. In a place like this people can be more open about secret thoughts and it seems a bit uglier than out on the streets. Its too bad people are so judgemental...

I bet the Marines will be a great experience.. I hope we have improved their use by the time you get there.

norm

I personally do not have one thing against the military or the men and women who serve. It is truly a noble cause.

But . . .

I don't want you to die or come home missing parts of your body. I believe our military should defend our country, not fight someone else's civil wars.

Good luck and if you do go over seas, be careful.

Smellyman2

Everyone supports the troops. It is the republican hype machine that wants people to believe not supporting the war equals not supporting the troops.

Brotherhood and honor can also be found in a million different arenas besides the military, but if you think it is best for you than go for it.

Cosmo

scot88 wrote:

i'm enlisting in the marine corps next year, so i'd like to know who else on here has served.

also, i can't believe the negative connotations that joining an armed service has these days. sure, the war in iraq is largely unpopular, but is that any reason to treat those who want to and are serving with disrespect? forgein policy is not up to them. be mad at the politicians, not the marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

i'm joining to be a part of something bigger than myself. i'm joining for the brotherhood, the experience, the discipline, and the life long honor. do i agree with all aspects of the war? no. am i going to let that stop me from joining something that has a long history of bravery, honor, loyalty and service? absoluetly fucking not. the qualities i aspire to and admire most are also the principles of the marine corps.

i can't help but think this is turning into another vietnam, where you can't wear your uniform in public for fear of being rediculed, spit on, and cursed at. if you have so much empathy (for the iraqies, etc.), why aren't you more understanding of americans who feel an obligation or need to serve their country?

...
Don't worry about that. All that spitting on the uniform is one of those FOX News propaganda lies. No one spits on anyone in uniform... and if they did in my presense, I'd deck the mother fucker... and I'm 100% against the War in Iraq.
All I want you to do is really think about your service... do what YOU feel is necessary. And that there are things the military will tell you that are not necessarily the absolute truth.
But, once you swear to that oath and put on that uniform... you must believe in them... even if you know it is a lie. You sometimes have to do it in order to save your own life and the lives of your brethren. You do it, not for your President or your political affiliation, instead, you do it for the Constituton and the Freedoms it grants us. This includes defending it from all enemies of the Constitution, foriegn and domestic... including our politicians.
If you do decide to sign up... thank you. If you are sent by our leaders to some hellhole where mother fuckers are trying to kill you... keep your ass low and your Kevlar on your head.
I hope the time has passed where our military is used in a wreckless manner. Hopefully, people in charge will understand what a limited resource our military is and use them only as the final option.
...
P.S. If you get stationed in Camp Pendleton... get in touch with me. I'm serious... we'll have a beer and talk about Pearl Jam and shit.

scot88

Cosmo wrote:

P.S. If you get stationed in Camp Pendleton... get in touch with me. I'm serious... we'll have a beer and talk about Pearl Jam and shit.

odds are i'll be there, most likely in a year and a half or so...that's where most people get stationed before going overseas. but i'd deffinetly be interested in having a good talk about pearl jam. i doubt i'll be able to find too many people that share my unhealthy obsession.

trappedinmyradio

scot88 wrote:

odds are i'll be there, most likely in a year and a half or so...that's where most people get stationed before going overseas. but i'd deffinetly be interested in having a good talk about pearl jam. i doubt i'll be able to find too many people that share my unhealthy obsession.

Pearl Jam is pretty popular in the military.

Good Luck and be safe...AND always remember what you're fighting for and that you're representing not only the U.S., you are representing yourself. People might not agree with the U.S. where you are, but by conducting yourself in a way that is respectful to the people around you and the people you are helping you can be a bright spot and a story for them to remember forever.

Cosmo

scot88 wrote:

odds are i'll be there, most likely in a year and a half or so...that's where most people get stationed before going overseas. but i'd deffinetly be interested in having a good talk about pearl jam. i doubt i'll be able to find too many people that share my unhealthy obsession.

...
There or 29 Palms (fricken' hot out there). The only good thing is that Joshua Tree is out that way.
Hope it is Pendleton... but, that is where the 1st Marine Division (part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force) is located... those are the first guys in the fight and get handed the tough assignments... like taking on enemy armour.
But, not to worry... those fuckers are Marine's Marines.

scot88

Cosmo wrote:

...
There or 29 Palms (fricken' hot out there). The only good thing is that Joshua Tree is out that way.
Hope it is Pendleton... but, that is where the 1st Marine Division (part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force) is located... those are the first guys in the fight and get handed the tough assignments... like taking on enemy armour.
But, not to worry... those fuckers are Marine's Marines.

i'm not joining to take a desk job. i'm hoping to qualify high enough on the range to get into scout/sniper school.

you really know your stuff. are you or anyone you know a marine?

Cosmo

scot88 wrote:

i'm not joining to take a desk job. i'm hoping to qualify high enough on the range to get into scout/sniper school.

you really know your stuff. are you or anyone you know a marine?

...
I work in the Military/Industrial complex with a lot of military people. We build the large Transport/Heavy Lifting Aircraft for the Air Force. I take extreme pride and care in my work... when I am working and not goofing off... because young lives fly in these machines. Many of my co-workers are in the Reserves and many of them have kids serving in Iraq right now. And boy, are they pissed at the mess we've gotten ourselves into over there.
And please... don't blame me for the V-22 Osprey. I don't like it because the Marines don't like it. I would much rather save the billions and expand the flight parameters of the existing rotor aircraft. This one's Rumsfeld call... he wants this one to fill the shoes of a lot of different aircraft... sort of like McNamara wanted during Viet Nam. There is no such thing as one craft for all roles.
...
And recon or sniper school... that's some tough shit, dude. Good luck with that.

jlew24asu

scot88 wrote:

i'm enlisting in the marine corps next year, so i'd like to know who else on here has served.

also, i can't believe the negative connotations that joining an armed service has these days. sure, the war in iraq is largely unpopular, but is that any reason to treat those who want to and are serving with disrespect? forgein policy is not up to them. be mad at the politicians, not the marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

i'm joining to be a part of something bigger than myself. i'm joining for the brotherhood, the experience, the discipline, and the life long honor. do i agree with all aspects of the war? no. am i going to let that stop me from joining something that has a long history of bravery, honor, loyalty and service? absoluetly fucking not. the qualities i aspire to and admire most are also the principles of the marine corps.

i can't help but think this is turning into another vietnam, where you can't wear your uniform in public for fear of being rediculed, spit on, and cursed at. if you have so much empathy (for the iraqies, etc.), why aren't you more understanding of americans who feel an obligation or need to serve their country?

I support you 100%. stay safe and strong. you are couragous and brave. and you make me feel proud to be an american

bgivens33

Cosmo wrote:

...
I work in the Military/Industrial complex with a lot of military people. We build the large Transport/Heavy Lifting Aircraft for the Air Force. I take extreme pride and care in my work... when I am working and not goofing off... because young lives fly in these machines. Many of my co-workers are in the Reserves and many of them have kids serving in Iraq right now. And boy, are they pissed at the mess we've gotten ourselves into over there.
And please... don't blame me for the V-22 Osprey. I don't like it because the Marines don't like it. I would much rather save the billions and expand the flight parameters of the existing rotor aircraft. This one's Rumsfeld call... he wants this one to fill the shoes of a lot of different aircraft... sort of like McNamara wanted during Viet Nam. There is no such thing as one craft for all roles.
...
And recon or sniper school... that's some tough shit, dude. Good luck with that.

Do you work with C-17's?

catefrances

you know if no one joined the military, the idiots in charge would be forced to think of other ways to negotiate peace.

bgivens33

And we would negotiate with any enemies we might have... please don't invade us/attack us. And we could then negotiate with any natural disaster we might have, please take it easy on us. And then we could have negotiated with the southern states, please oh please don't leave the union. And we could have avoided the civil war. My oh my, why hasn't someone thought of this to begin with??!!??

hippiemom

scot88 wrote:

i'm enlisting in the marine corps next year, so i'd like to know who else on here has served.

also, i can't believe the negative connotations that joining an armed service has these days. sure, the war in iraq is largely unpopular, but is that any reason to treat those who want to and are serving with disrespect? forgein policy is not up to them. be mad at the politicians, not the marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

i'm joining to be a part of something bigger than myself. i'm joining for the brotherhood, the experience, the discipline, and the life long honor. do i agree with all aspects of the war? no. am i going to let that stop me from joining something that has a long history of bravery, honor, loyalty and service? absoluetly fucking not. the qualities i aspire to and admire most are also the principles of the marine corps.

i can't help but think this is turning into another vietnam, where you can't wear your uniform in public for fear of being rediculed, spit on, and cursed at. if you have so much empathy (for the iraqies, etc.), why aren't you more understanding of americans who feel an obligation or need to serve their country?

Absolutely no one ridicules, spits on, or curses at men and women in uniform! My son-in-law has the exact opposite problem! Anytime he's gone anywhere in uniform he has people stopping him to thank him, shake his hand, ask him about his service, etc. And he has lived in two VERY liberal areas! He says now he knows how famous people feel, not being able to go shopping or eat a meal in public without total strangers interrupting (fortunately a soldier can usually just refrain from wearing his uniform in civilian life, which he has of course done). He has not had one single person say or do anything even mildly disrespectful in his presence, nor have any of the soldiers that he knows.

Although it's highly unlikely that anyone will treat you badly, there are those who won't think much of your choice, and not without reason. Those of us who are 100% opposed to the war will question why you want to support it, possibly at the cost of your own life. If no one signed up, the administration would be forced to rethink it's strategy (inasmuch as what they have now could be called a strategy). They would be forced to either reduce troop levels or institute a draft, and I think we all know what would happen if they started drafting middle-class kids ... so yeah, they'd have to reduce troop levels.

It's your life, and I'm certainly not telling you what you ought to do, since I'm assuming you have more sense than to take life-altering advice from a stranger on a message board. I'm just explaining where those who would oppose your choice are coming from.

trappedinmyradio

hippiemom wrote:

Absolutely no one ridicules, spits on, or curses at men and women in uniform!

now, i live in WV and have seen that very thing happen to my roommate who spent a tour in Iraq. he was swinging through here on his way to camp dawson and he had time to eat so i met him at a restaurant in town and a girl cussed at him and called him a murderer. he related a few other times that stuff like that had happened since he had returned to the states. he has good stories too. but, to say that no one does something like you have described above is not accurate.

hippiemom

trappedinmyradio wrote:

now, i live in WV and have seen that very thing happen to my roommate who spent a tour in Iraq. he was swinging through here on his way to camp dawson and he had time to eat so i met him at a restaurant in town and a girl cussed at him and called him a murderer. he related a few other times that stuff like that had happened since he had returned to the states. he has good stories too. but, to say that no one does something like you have described above is not accurate.

Wow ... this happens in West Virginia, but not in the most liberal neighborhoods in Cleveland and Pittsburgh? That's very surprising. I guess the lesson here is, if you want tolerance, you need to find yourself a nice liberal place to live

catefrances

bgivens33 wrote:

And we would negotiate with any enemies we might have... please don't invade us/attack us. And we could then negotiate with any natural disaster we might have, please take it easy on us. And then we could have negotiated with the southern states, please oh please don't leave the union. And we could have avoided the civil war. My oh my, why hasn't someone thought of this to begin with??!!??

any military. in any country. don't make facetious comments ridiculing people. it shows a lack of intelligence to respond constructively. don't assume all anti military comments are directed at the USA.

in all honesty if the united states was not united who would really care?

and quite what natural disasters have to do with anything is beyond me.

sponger

Try to get into spec ops or sniper training. Then you'll end up in Afghanistan actually fighting a war instead of in Iraq playing traffic cop at a booby-trapped intersection.

Ebizzie

Props to you, man.

I was in the Air Force for 4 years, 94-98, and had a blast. Definitely got to travel a bit and had an absolute blast with the guys I served with. It's like a frat without being in a frat.

Marines are a different animal than we airmen, so your experience may vary greatly from mine. But I have other friends who were marines and, though they admitted it was very difficult, they had a great time as well. Marines are much more into tradition and the brotherhood thing than any of the other branches, perhaps because of the beatdown you take to get in the right mentality to be a marine.

It's not too late to turn toward the light and join the AF, but if you must join the marines, I don't think you'll regret it. The people on this board who have criticized vets and those currently in the service are hardly qualified to talk trash about your sacrifices. Be proud.

sponger

Just don't let a military career turn you into some kind of a-hole. Ever seen American Beauty? Col. psychopath was my dad to a tee, except for the homosexuality stuff. He was always a bit on the extreme militaristic side, but he really went overboard after he joined the special forces. From that point on, he and I never really got along. He was not much of a father as much as he was a drill sgt.

Byrnzie

scot88 wrote:

i'm not joining to take a desk job. i'm hoping to qualify high enough on the range to get into scout/sniper school.

you really know your stuff. are you or anyone you know a marine?

I was just reading an article in a newspaper yesterday about Iraqi snipers operating in Iraq and how one has apparently killed over 70 Americans singlehandedly. It also mentioned the Russian World war 2 sniper vassili zaitsev, who notched up over 400 kills and took out over 115 germans at Stalingrad. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasily_Grigoryevich_Zaitsev The film 'Enemy at the gates' is based on him. I also got to reading about the greatest sniper of all time - Simo Häyhä (aka The White Death). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simo_Häyhä He was Finnish and fought against the Russians in the 1939-40 winter war and notched up 542 kills.

Weird coincidence. Anyway, good luck!

sapperskunk

scot88 wrote:

i'm enlisting in the marine corps next year, so i'd like to know who else on here has served.

also, i can't believe the negative connotations that joining an armed service has these days. sure, the war in iraq is largely unpopular, but is that any reason to treat those who want to and are serving with disrespect? forgein policy is not up to them. be mad at the politicians, not the marines, soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

i'm joining to be a part of something bigger than myself. i'm joining for the brotherhood, the experience, the discipline, and the life long honor. do i agree with all aspects of the war? no. am i going to let that stop me from joining something that has a long history of bravery, honor, loyalty and service? absoluetly fucking not. the qualities i aspire to and admire most are also the principles of the marine corps.

i can't help but think this is turning into another vietnam, where you can't wear your uniform in public for fear of being rediculed, spit on, and cursed at. if you have so much empathy (for the iraqies, etc.), why aren't you more understanding of americans who feel an obligation or need to serve their country?

Congragulations, you wanted to hear from vets, so hear goes. Joining the military was the best thing I've ever done. This is a huge decision that you really have to think hard about. Some advice would be to bring a wise Marine with you to the recruiter to get everything you want in your contract. It's like buying a car, do your homework and don't budge on what you want, college money, bonuses, duty station etc.

Don't rule out the Army either, You have a much better chance of being a sniper, green beret, Delta, ranger in the Army just due to it's sheer size alone. The Army has more units that fall under SOCOM than anyone.

sapperskunk

Byrnzie wrote:

I was just reading an article in a newspaper yesterday about Iraqi snipers operating in Iraq and how one has apparently killed over 70 Americans singlehandedly. It also mentioned the Russian World war 2 sniper vassili zaitsev, who notched up over 400 kills and took out over 115 germans at Stalingrad. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasily_Grigoryevich_Zaitsev The film 'Enemy at the gates' is based on him. I also got to reading about the greatest sniper of all time - Simo Häyhä (aka The White Death). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simo_Häyhä He was Finnish and fought against the Russians in the 1939-40 winter war and notched up 542 kills.

Weird coincidence. Anyway, good luck!

What about Carlos Hatcock? That guy was the man. Not to play down vassili Zaitsev, but Hathcock had a 50,000 dollar bounty on his head for christ sakes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Hathcock

Byrnzie

sapperskunk wrote:

What about Carlos Hatcock? That guy was the man. Not to play down vassili Zaitsev, but Hathcock had a 50,000 dollar bounty on his head for christ sakes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Hathcock

Seems like he was a dude:

'Said Hathcock, in his book, of his career as a sniper: "I like shooting, and I love hunting. But I never did enjoy killing anybody. It's my job. If I don't get those Bastards, then they're gonna kill a lot of these kids we got dressed up like Marines. Thats just the way I see it."

sapperskunk

Byrnzie wrote:

Seems like he was a dude:

'Said Hathcock, in his book, of his career as a sniper: "I like shooting, and I love hunting. But I never did enjoy killing anybody. It's my job. If I don't get those Bastards, then they're gonna kill a lot of these kids we got dressed up like Marines. Thats just the way I see it."

There's some remarkable people in this world.

(There is a nod to Hathcock in the movie, Saving Private Ryan. Steven Spielberg stated, "the idea of a sniper putting a bullet through another sniper's scope came from the true story of Carlos Hathcock, who killed a Vietcong sniper who was stalking him by putting a bullet through the sniper's scope.")

bgivens33

catefrances wrote:

any military. in any country. don't make facetious comments ridiculing people. it shows a lack of intelligence to respond constructively. don't assume all anti military comments are directed at the USA.

in all honesty if the united states was not united who would really care?

and quite what natural disasters have to do with anything is beyond me.

I apologize, sometimes I make inaccurate estimations of peoples intelligence, and construct my reply so that it's understood. Not that I think this applies here, but I guess I shouldn't jump to conclusions so fast.

Are you really saying, that no one would care, if the south decided to withdraw from the union?!?? That's a bit entertaining. And who's country's military attacked us on 9/11? The thing is, I'm sure you are very intelligent(well, at least you have good taste in music) but I just find these Utopian ideas to be, well, ridiculous. They sound pretty, but they aren't even remotely feasible. As for the natural disasters, if you would like a list of disaster relief missions the U.S. military has been involved in, google can help you out.

old and in the way

To scot88, my hats off to you for wanting to do the right thing and thinking for yourself. The noble history and traditions of the Corps are amazing. On behalf of my family and myself thanks for wanting to serve and contribute. I served in the U.S.Army 1980-1984 and it helped to define me and my future. So much opportuninty and exposure to some of the most capable and dedicated people in the country. Take full advantage of your enlistment and its benefits, it is your reward for serving. Glory to The Infantry!

you are

my best friend is a Marine, and all i can say is it's the hardest branch of the military. i highly respect ALL military. i say go for it.

from what she told me, i can tell you this:

eat fast, shove it all in your mouth and chew,
learn how to shower in one minute,
NOTHING is private anymore,
be ready for lots of mind games,
everything you say is wrong,
and boot camp is not the hardest. i forget what comes after that, but the next phase will be the hardest.

sponger

I don't think it's saying much when Iraqi snipers rack up such and such number of kills. Our guys in Iraq are just standing around in broad daylight like sitting ducks. They're not operating like it's a true war zone. I wouldn't doubt that most of those kills are cheap shots taken against guys who are manning road blocks or handing out candy bars to children. I bet the columbine shooters could do a better job.

Truthmonger

Everytime i hear about another American soldier dying in iraq I get angry at the people who concocted this bullshit war. Its one thing to fight for a noble cause, and have your dedication serve some greater good. Its quite another to take a bullet for a pack of lies, and to sacrifce your life for a testosterone-laden tangent.

Lets see.... I, the potential applicant, am to fight for a gov't that thinks nothing of putting me in harm's way, and for a cause that is marginally related, at best, to the defence of my country. More likely, i am the grunt who is fulfilling the wishes of a small band of ideologues in Washington who couldn't give a fuck about myself, my family, or our nations greater good. I am nothing more than an agent for their skewed selfish agendas, and a proxy for their crimes around the world.

What's so noble, patriotic or intelligent about that ?