serious question on military service

[Eshrote]

We are the best fighting force in the history of the world. At no time, has that force failed to live up to its reputation and would give it's last breath so you may live. The question should not be whether you think its good enough for your kid, but whether your kid is good enough for it. Living up to the history of its deeds is not a simple matter of signing your name on the line.

 

[KAYWOLF7]

if you are concerned about your child being sent into harms way, Barry IS the right CINC to sign up under. he's least likely to send us anywhere. look how at how he continues to back down on the Ukraine situation. more of the dirty stuff is carried out by private contractors now than ever before. i agree with the first tour being as short as possible, and with a GUARANTEED MOS that has a civilian value. the discipline, the comraderie, the confidence can all be gained without being in harms way, and there are many ways to serve your country that don't include being in a firefight, in a foreign land. if after the first tour, they want to stay in, then they are making a much more informed decision. be sure you get that MOS Guaranteed, in writing.

 

[Hammerhead636]

If I had a daughter I wouldnt let her even live near a military base with all the sexual assault that goes on in the military.

 

[The Appalachian]

I'm a military officer and a father. I'm going to try to convince my children to find secure, rewarding civilian careers.

 

[Shemp]

I'm a military officer and a father. I'm going to try to convince my children to find secure, rewarding civilian careers.

Im not an officer, but I agree 100%. Things have changed in the military, exponentially so in the last 6 years.

 

[jstans84]

I got out of the Marines back in 2009 but still have friends that are in and I still keep tabs on what's going on in the Corps. As it sits right now I'd probably try and talk any friends/family out of joining. I can't speak for the other branches but the Corps has changed a lot in the past 5 years and none of it for the better. Perhaps after Amos and Barrett are both gone the Corps will become a good place again but I don't really know right now.

 

[rtross]

i went in and there was good and bad. i am troubled by what our military is turning into

Agree, but with following:
1. Currently, pop culture and political correctness are have too much influence on military policies.
2. The leadership training and sense of being responsible for a mission/others will always be excellent.
3. The espirit de corps can not be duplicated anywhere else.
4. The current OPTEMPO is rediculous. Better be prepared for multiple and long deployments.

That being said, this retired COL would NOT encourage my children to serve, but would not dissuade them if that was their dream.

 

[Benhad]

You should see how it was back in 70

If I could only imagine...

 

[Indirect Fire]

Just after the Vietnam War the military (and I refer to combat battalions) was a disaster. I was able to see when things finally turn around first hand and that was when Ronald Reagan was elected. Love him or hate him that is a fact. CINC's are important and the last 3 have been fails beyond imagination IMO, but nothing has occurred (yet) like what did just after 1975. Personally I think events in the world will correct the problems created by the last 3 POTUS's (unfortunately not in a pleasant way).

There's hope.....unfortunately I think President Hillary Clinton with continue the path we are on.

 

[Kornbread01]

I had almost forgotten about his, but serving under the a**rag creep, LBJ & then serving under Nixon , dispatched on the same type missions were quite different for those of us in the USCG. Some of the silly, restrictive, micro-managing bs, which filtered down from high above, almost magically vanished with Nixon. It was like we were all of a sudden considered professional men instead of a bunch of Gomer Piles to be inundated with silly , irritating stuff. That kind of crap led many to say, to hell with it, I'm getting out & you frequently saw "FTG" as graffiti under LBJ.