16 year old, who has questions about the Military, and needs help figuring out his future....

As others have said, view it like one big company, and pick a job. More importantly pick something that is marketable in the civilian world so if/when you get out of the military you arent stuck.

Carrying a gun around can make a good story and a cool picture, but after that, there arent many places that pay you for your ability to shoot/survive/kill.

My .02c is to do something that involves aircraft in whatever branch you end up joining, either on the maintenance side or on the communications side


Oh and by the way. War is nothing like Call of Duty. That is a crap game for kids and fat couch potatoes that glorifies killing and death. And misrepresents it entirely because you cant just hide behind sheetrock or wood, or even a car. War is not a good thing. I know to many people who are not right in the head even yeeeaaars after that. So if the video game or movie presentation of war is in any way your motivation to join, do yourself a favor and dont.....

Originally posted by Beavers
yeah man, go sign up for TPTB and bomb civilians

ooorah!

16 year old boy and thinking of a War ? pff
Go outside ..meet girls ..love someone ...

Originally posted by Sinny
Dont join the infantry!

If you really want to join, go into admin or intelligence...the rest are cattle fodder!

Make your time there worth while.

Cannon Fodder. I've met some squared away dudes who wore the Crossed Rifles, and some spectacular retards that were in Intelligence.

Intel is a great choice. Admin is for weenies.

reply to post by LandonFromKY


If you have the desire in your heart and soul to be a soldier - then I personally think you need to do it.

I grew up wanting to serve - and joined at 18. I progressed quite quickly, and was a badged Commando shortly thereafter.

Ended up serving in quite a few different places and conflicts, so by the time I was 22, I'd grown up quite alot.

This early experience has grounded me, and enabled me to look at the world in a different way - I would never, ever go back and change my path.

If I didn't join, I think I would always wonder, "What if?", and I personally think it would drive me insane.

Some people are destined / programmed / wired to do certain things - and if you don't take this path, you will always question yourself.

Lastly, don't join if you're doing it for the wrong reasons - if you want to be a SpecOps warrior, then forget it - it's NOT what you think it is. It's a bucket load of sweat, blood and tears - lack of reward or acknowledgement, and the pain of losing brothers in combat.

It's also alot of sitting around waiting, punctuated by brief moments of sheer terror under fire.

I loved the brotherhood and the action, but a lot of people had ideas of what it would be; and it turned out to be the opposite.

I guess what I'm saying is this; make sure your reasons for joining and sound, and you've explored what your career will be.

Originally posted by jerico65

Originally posted by Sinny
Dont join the infantry!

If you really want to join, go into admin or intelligence...the rest are cattle fodder!

Make your time there worth while.

Cannon Fodder. I've met some squared away dudes who wore the Crossed Rifles, and some spectacular retards that were in Intelligence.

Intel is a great choice. Admin is for weenies.

How can you tell someone not to join infantry?

Have you been in an infantry battalion?

reply to post by LandonFromKY


If you're a real man and a physically fit man then you'd be a fool to go into anything other than combat arms, Ranger, Infantry, Marines, Seals. Those of us in combat arms know what is real. I have actually hunted insurgents in the mountains of Afghanistan, I have really run through gunfire to man a weapons system many times, I have had RPG's and Recoiless rounds hit within feet of me, I have been actually pinned down.. I have seen the enemy up close. The other people on here are correct, choose your MOS carefully. But, if you want to really see what you can do, then be a real fighter. The difference is actions on contact. Non combat MOS's typically run from the fight, we run to the fight. You will know people and then they will die not far away from you. You will cudddle in the cold with other men. You will watch medevac choppers leave you behind to continue the mission after taking your buddies bodies away. You will rarely work with women. Are you man enough? There is certainly honor in all MOS's, but is there action?

Originally posted by ExCommando

Originally posted by jerico65

Originally posted by Sinny
Dont join the infantry!

If you really want to join, go into admin or intelligence...the rest are cattle fodder!

Make your time there worth while.

Cannon Fodder. I've met some squared away dudes who wore the Crossed Rifles, and some spectacular retards that were in Intelligence.

Intel is a great choice. Admin is for weenies.

How can you tell someone not to join infantry?

Have you been in an infantry battalion?

I will second his advice. Infantry most definitely not for everyone.

Originally posted by DaveWx3

Originally posted by ExCommando

Originally posted by jerico65

Originally posted by Sinny
Dont join the infantry!

If you really want to join, go into admin or intelligence...the rest are cattle fodder!

Make your time there worth while.

Cannon Fodder. I've met some squared away dudes who wore the Crossed Rifles, and some spectacular retards that were in Intelligence.

Intel is a great choice. Admin is for weenies.

How can you tell someone not to join infantry?

Have you been in an infantry battalion?

I will second his advice.

Infantry most definitely not for everyone.

edit on 30-6-2011 by DaveWx3 because: (no reason given)

I agree that combat roles are not for everyone - but in the harsh reality of day, it's the combat troops who are the men manning the walls.

There's a great saying, that goes something like this,

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night, only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf".

Originally posted by ExCommando

I agree that combat roles are not for everyone - but in the harsh reality of day, it's the combat troops who are the men manning the walls.

There's a great saying, that goes something like this,

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night, only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf".

Well those rough men stand ready to do violence, because they have an active support system throughout the rest of the branch.

Everyone is there to support someone, so they all have important jobs.

I'm incredibly surprised at this thread.

I can't believe anybody on this website would actually recommend, much less encourage somebody to join the military.

I mean, if you work for the military, you work for the government. If they tell you to kill someone or some group of people you have to do that. And if you don't you get fired and lose your job for disobeying orders.

Do you want to think for yourself or have someone else think for you? If you want to think for yourself then you don't want to join the military.

Originally posted by bommer09
I'm incredibly surprised at this thread.

I can't believe anybody on this website would actually recommend, much less encourage somebody to join the military.

I mean, if you work for the military, you work for the government. If they tell you to kill someone or some group of people you have to do that. And if you don't you get fired and lose your job for disobeying orders.

Do you want to think for yourself or have someone else think for you? If you want to think for yourself then you don't want to join the military.

Whilst everyone has their own opinions on the government / military, the reality of the world we live in is one of violence.

Without a military to defend ones shores / borders, where would you be?

Agree or disagree with the powers that be, but accept that we will (for the foreseeable future), need troops to protect the basic liberties of freedom for the populace.

I aced the test and could have any job, but refused.

It would have broken me, or not.

Either way, it wouldn't have been good.

If you can handle the system, it's your choice.

I do think a global war will break out this decade.

Yeah I don't like the government of this country very much. Sure, there's some good people trying to effect positive change. However I feel like most of our government is corrupt and I also feel that every war that we have fought in since WWII has been unjust and immoral. I could not in good conscience encourage anybody to kill people on the other side of the world just because our government says so.

Plus, I really don't believe terrorists who are too poor to afford running water are really capable of destroying our nation and people. Even if 9/11 was real and not an inside job I still wouldn't be that afraid of them (the "terrorists")

Take my words for what they are worth:

I have served 18 years 9 months in the US Army. Six of those years were in Iraq. I am about to be released from military service as I am no longer "able bodied". I have had both shoulders rebuilt, cracked seven vertebrae in my neck and back, and will need a knee replacement within five years. I am 38 as of today. I am very much a monster as you have been warned about.

I have taken great pride at taking the fight to the enemy and proving that my combat skills were superior to his. I have the blood of men, women, and children on my hands. Every day I think of them and every night I dream. I weep when I think of the sins I have commited against my fellow man. I am the monster you have been warned about.

I have also saved tens of thousands of people from a regime that was based on violence and torture. I have kept thousands of women and girls from being raped. I have built schools for children who had never seen a book and created shelters for battered women who had never known hope. But, I am the monster you have been warned about.

Service to your nation is a noble cause. Some will say TPTB will use you to fight thier wars. These same people pay taxes to fund soldiers fighting in the war. Which is worse, he that fights for those who cannot, or those that fund a war they do not believe in. Yet I am the monster you have been warned about.

I served six years in the infantry in LRP-D units. Light infantry is going to brain wash you if you join. You will learn to love "the Queen" and treasure her for the rest of your days. You will stand proud, not that you are a soldier, but that you are willing to fight when others are not. It always reminds me of the movie "Troy", when Achilles is talking to the young boy. They boy says "he is the biggest man I have ever seen" and "I wouldn't want to fight him". Achilles replies "that is why no one will remember your name". Yes it is a movie, yet the meaning is profound. Some will stand while others will fall. It really matters which you want to be.

You will join or not as you see fit. Do not join for a video game, or a book, movie, or tradition. Look inside yourself and find if you are a dog or a sheep. The world needs sheep just as it needs dogs to protect them. Just make the right choices and do the right things. It is very easy to fall from being a dog into becoming a wolf. I am and shall forever be the Monster you have been warned about because I crossed the line a few hundred times too many.

Better days,

I'm sure a lot of what I'm going to say has been said already but there's too much military hate that happens I don't want to read it and get my undies in a bunch. So, with that said, I did read the OP's post and that was enough for me.

First, I'll tell you that you shouldn't let anyone make the choice for you. I would say that you should listen to the advice from people and decide for yourself. You want to be a Marine? You go be the best damn Devil Dog you can be. Army? Best damn soldier. Air Force? Best damn airman. Navy? Best damn sailor. You get my point?

Second, don't let the recruiter make the choice for you. I'll admit it, every recruiter lies. That's part of their job. No, seriously, no matter what the recruitment is for, your job is to lie and persuade. Recruiters can be shifty as hell, so be on guard with them. Ask as many questions about everything that you can think of. And do some research on the branch of service you choose.

Third, and this is the biggest warning. DO NOT BELIEVE OR BUY IN TO MILITARY VIDEO GAMES AND MOVIES. A lot of them are pretty close to the truth, but it's still Hollywood. Meaning a lot is fabricated.

Fourth, my story. I'm currently enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 15 days, I will no longer be a Marine. Instead I'm switching over to be an airman. I did five years with my beloved Corps. Was I or am I infantry? Well, no. But I can't exactly talk about my job. Not saying it's a classified field, but it's intelligence related. Have I worked with the infantry? On many occasions. I would HIGHLY suggest staying away from the infantry in either the Marines or in the Army. I've seen both worlds up close and neither is really better. Well, the Army actually treats their people better. But either way both put a lot of ground beneath their boots and it's a tough and rigorous job. I've enjoyed my time in the Corps, but there is a lot that has pushed me away. And there is a lot that pushes away some of the best Marines I have ever had the pleasure of serving with.

Fifth, branch of service. I can tell you right now that the Marine Corps is the worst as far as standard of living. But, there is a bit of pride in that. We're known for doing the most with the least, and when you think about that at the end of the day you do get a swelling of pride. But within that pride hides a lot of careerists. And careerists are the worst cancer in the Marine Corps. They care more about themselves and their future and not so much about you or the mission at hand. In a sense I can not blame them. But at the same time it's always mostly the people who are in charge and it's down right absurd. But that's about my only grievance. Other than that, it ain't easy because the Corps tends to cling to tradition...when it benefits them. The Army I don't know a whole lot about besides what my sister and brother-in-law tell me. But it seems like it's just the Marine Corps lite. You get the same stuff just not as heavily. The Navy is a different beast all together. There are many, many options for people in the Navy. I believe they offer the most technical based jobs of any other branch. That's just my opinion. From a cook to a diesel mechanic to an IT specialist. They have a lot to offer. The Air Force, which I'm going to in a couple weeks, offers, you guessed it, a lot of aviation based jobs. And they also take care of their personnel leagues better than any other branch. Oh, and if you decide you want to be a pilot, you have to be an officer. Doesn't matter what branch.

It's probably not the best advice or insight you will get/have gotten, but I like to say my piece to hopefully help make a difference in a young man's life. Four years in any branch will do you a lot of good. Hopefully I have given you a little bit to think about before making your decision if you haven't already.

Originally posted by 200Plus
Take my words for what they are worth:

I have served 18 years 9 months in the US Army. Six of those years were in Iraq. I am about to be released from military service as I am no longer "able bodied". I have had both shoulders rebuilt, cracked seven vertebrae in my neck and back, and will need a knee replacement within five years. I am 38 as of today. I am very much a monster as you have been warned about.

I have taken great pride at taking the fight to the enemy and proving that my combat skills were superior to his. I have the blood of men, women, and children on my hands. Every day I think of them and every night I dream. I weep when I think of the sins I have commited against my fellow man. I am the monter you have been warned about.

I have also saved tens of thousands of people from a regime that was based on violence and torture. I have kept thousands of women and girls from being raped. I have built schools for children who had never seen a book and created shelters for battered women who had never know hope. But, I am the monster you have been warned about.

Service to your nation is a noble cause. Some will say TPTB will use you to fight thier wars. These same people pay taxes to fund soldiers fighting in the war. Which is worse, he that fights for those who cannot, or those that fund a war they do not believe in. Yet I am the monster you have been warned about.

I served six years in the infantry in LRP-D units. Light infantry is going to brain wash you if you join. You will learn to love "the Queen" and treasure her for the rest of your days. You will stand proud, not that you are a soldier, but that you are willing to fight when others are not. It always reminds me of the movie "Troy", when Achilles is talking to the young boy. They boy says "he is the biggest man I have ever seen" and "I wouldn't want to fight him". Achilles replies "that is why no one will remember your name". Yes it is a movie, yet the meaning is profound. Some will stand while others will fall. It really matters which you want to be.

You will join or not as you see fit. Do not join for a video game, or a book, movie, or tradition. Look inside yourself and find if you are a dog or a sheep. The world needs sheep just as it needs dogs to protect them. Just make the right choices and do the right things. It is very easy to fall from being a dog into becoming a wolf. I am and shall forever be the Monster you have been warned about because I crossed the line a few hundred times too many.

Better days,

Thanks for your service - I'm 30 years old, and my body is in the same shape as yours (falling from a blackhawk always ruins ones day).

We both have blood on our hands, it's how we deal with it that defines us as men.

Originally posted by Beavers
yeah man, go sign up for TPTB and bomb civilians

ooorah!

^ This

OP, you stated in your first post that playing Call of Duty and other war games make you want to join even more, you think that's a coincidence? These games were designed as a recruiting tool (just like America's Army, a game developed by the US Army to recruit kids like you). The military will lie their ass off to you..once you join, you forfeit all your constitutional rights and are officially US government property (it's true, the government can legally fine you for getting a sunburn, you'll get a citation for "destruction of government property", chances are likely this wouldn't happen, but it's possible if a superior officer really doesn't like you).

Let me tell you one thing, war is absolutely NOTHING to glorify. These video games and movies are designed to pump you up and get you excited about putting a rifle in your hands and killing people..what you need to do is watch some actual war footage of people getting their bodies blown apart by IED's and machine guns..it might make you think twice about joining the infantry. I would advise talking to some veterans who saw combat, such as your grandfather, but also people unrelated to you who can truthfully share their experiences with you. Sure, there are plenty of benefits to joining the military, such as fiscal benefits and money for college, but you'll ultimately be trading your mind and personality for it..and your mind is something that is priceless. Considering the current state of affairs we face and the government that is in place, I would never even consider joining again. You'll ultimately be working for the new world order, sent out to a combat zone to expand their power and help them achieve their goals. You will just be a tool to them, and they don't give half a # about you..they want bodies, and love the idea of you giving yours over to them. The reality of war is hell..there will be no celebrations taking place when you come back home with a scarred mind, or worse.

I'm not trying to completely disuade you from joining the military, but I want you to understand that if you go, this won't be a joke..this is real life, not a video game. The infantry has good and bad people in it, 2 of my best friends are in and have served in Iraq..but I would definitely reconsider joining the infantry if that's what you have your mind set on, there's a lot better jobs in the military. I enlisted in the Marines at 17, my recruiter got me hyped up and filled my head with a load of bs..he lied to me but I was young and naive, so I believed everything he said. Do yourself a favor, and seriously think about the reasons why you want to go, and why the infantry. If you go, you won't be defending freedom, but that's what you'll be told..and if anyone disagrees with me, prove me wrong. We send our troops to foreign countries who never attacked us, and we slaughter their civilians in the name of freedom..is that something you look forward to doing?

I have to admit that while Jarhead, Call of Duty, Halo, etc, are giving the wrong idea to our youth thinking of joining the military, that Black Ops campaign brought shi7 back real quick. I remember playing that game with the surround sound all the way up and ill be damned if I didnt think i was right back in the heart of baghdad.

Im an Airforce vet, SP. Served in Gulf War One. I am proud that I served. I went in older than most at 22 because I wanted to finish my trade school and get my elecrical license. Video games are fun, war isnt. (No respawn). There are plenty jobs in the military, personally I would get into computers,avionics or power distribution if I was to do it all over again. If you do decide to go get into a field you can use in the civilian world. My friend has been in satallite recon for years and is now working for Lockheed martin making stupid money. My nephew, like you, was interested in combat and joined the Marines. He had an apptitude for mechanics and was given his assignment for Okinawa Japan as a motor pool mechanic. He refused because he was all gungho he wanted combat. I told him he was insane to give up an assighnment like that.He went to Iraq for one tour and his convoy just missed an IED. His second tour in Afghanastan he wasnt so lucky, all but himself and one other Marine made it out of a large IED that took out his whole unit. He is only 20 and he is wrecked for life, more emotionally than physically.Im not saying not to serve your country, Im saying really think long and hard on your MOS. Talk to combat veterans and ask them what would they do different or the same. You can serve your country and get a good set of skills you can use the rest of your life.I hope this helped, it really is a big choice and it shouldnt be taken lightly.

Bill