Should I enlist in the millitary?

[Glühbirne]

What do you think? But please oh please do NOT turn this into a political discussion regarding the war or war in general or the millitary in general. K?

[monki12]

wow glu......tough question.

I can see the benefits of joining, there are quite a few, i just dont think i could ever do it. Im more of a indoor, writer kind of gal but hey, if you like adventure, discipline, and physical activity then the military might be for you. I dont know much about you, but i think from your post, i never got that vibe from you......but who knows, i just reconnected with a high school friend who turns out has been in the navy since graduation and she loves it.....she was the shyiest,smallest girl i knew, so do whatever your heart desires, glu.

[ratito921]

Glu if you're brave enough to tough it out then by all means do it. Everyone that I know that is/was in the military has been successful and disciplined in one way or another. I always wanted to be in the air force, but I'm too fat and have no discipline and now I'm just too stubborn! :lol:

I say if it's what you want to do, then go for it.

[Pooh79]

I say go with what your heart/mind wants. My brother was in the USMC for 6 years and is now a war veteran. He does not ever regret enlisting.

While in the Marines he obtain a certification in English-Spanish translation and once out he was recruited by many federal government agencies. He now works for his inlaws painting houses:bounce:...........but he did learn much.

[gdalicia]

Can you explain a bit why you are considering it? Personally I would not join, for many reasons including personal safety. Sadly, I'm not sure that employers really see military experience as a positive thing anymore. Many of the skills you would learn would not really help you get a job in the "real" world. Are you thinking of changing careers/moving?

What about a career in healthcare? Nursing can be tough, as there are many prereqs and long waiting lists for most programs. But it's an excellent career and is basically recession-proof. What about Radiology?

[jsierra1982]

oh man i know i would NEVER make it through basic training. i am such a weakling. also, i hate being DAMP. there's nothing worse than camping and having to sleep in a tent and feel damp all the time. uggghhh, wet and cold...i could never do it. i'm a spoiled city girl. in fact, my biggest fear about going to mexico is being damp and cold up in the mountains...ugh it makes my arm hairs stand on end!

BUT if you like outdoorsy/adventure stuff, like someone said, go for it!

[Pooh79]

FYI

In the poll Glu has: " Should I enlist in the millitary and try to become a linguist?"

[Glühbirne]

Well, a long time ago, pre Mr. G, I looked into thier linguist program. I would take a test and depending on my score would be assigned to learn a language. The higher the score, the more complex a language I'd be taught. I would then have a job involving that language, like listening to radio signals in that language then transcribing them into English, or I'd be translating.

I dont' know why I've started to think about this. I guess I just feel like I'm drowing in a sea of mediocrity. I feel like I'm just subsisting in life and I'm not making a difference at all. Mr. G hates this town and I love my job but it's not fulfilling. Adventure sounds really lucrative right now.

If I weren't married I'd go and enlist right away. The only thing that holds me back is wondering how much time I'd have to spend away from Mr. G. I mean, if I got stationed somewhere, anywhere in the world, I know he'd easily pick up and move there. But if I had to be apart from him for a long long time.........I don't know. I just don't want my life to be this meaningless. I can't stand the thought of just living this way forever. I don't need this choking stability........ we don't have a child. Why do we need the house and the picket fence? Maybe I could do something to help someone else.

[Pinkpig]

I have the utmost respect for everyone who wears the uniform. I think there are wonderful opportunities for those who choose the military. We certainly need people like you to be a part of our armed services. This is a question that only you can answer. I think it can be a very fulfilling career for the right person. Have you talked with a recruiter to get all of your questions answered. I respect you so much for just thinking of doing this. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[aprilstorm]

If you think it is for you then go for it. :)

[MTRACKSPORT]

please don't make a rash decision before you check it out real good.make sure you are not going through a phase in your life. the military is a very good place to learn different skills and they ARE useful in civilian life. i would not trade my experiences in the military for anything in the world. as far as skills learned by myself? 1035 parachute jumps from a high of 25000ft to a low of 650ft in grenada.175 deep water dives. (3) 18mo tours in vietnam, 1 tour in somalia,el-salvador,grenada,panama, traveling all over the world, finishing up in 1990 in iraq. all together 32 yrs service in the military , guard , and reserves. none of the skills mentioned are civilian useful unless a person wanted to be a skydive instructor,smoke jumper, deep water diver for a salvage company, bodyguard for the president or high ranking dignitary ect. i was strictly combat orientated. there are many skills you could learn that would be very helpful. electrician, plumber,wireman, office specialist, medic , nurse ,dental assistant , doctor , truck driver , carpenter , surveyer ,ect. just because the first word is military does not mean that you will not learn anything useful. call a recruiter and talk to him about your wants and fears. you might be surprised.:yay2::yay2:

[Cfloresgirl]

I say why not? Sounds exciting to me Glu! My aunt retired from the Navy and the benefits were wonderful.

[aguafria]

Hi Glu,
If you feel it's the best decision for you and your family, go for it!!! This is an unselfish, giving decision and I'm in awe that you're thinking about it.


Just pray on it.

[Mami-cinco]

I went into the Army Reserves at age 32. I went to basic training with a bunch of 18 and 19 year olds. Best experience in my life!!! Think about the reserves and think about Civil Affairs, it is social work of the Army. My unit went to Tailand, Hawaii, and Cambodia for the two week active duty requirement. They paid 10,000 towards my school. I went all the way up to Sergent!!! I was in the best shape of my life. Best experience!

[IBMMuseum]

Well, a long time ago, pre Mr. G, I looked into thier linguist program. I would take a test and depending on my score would be assigned to learn a language. The higher the score, the more complex a language I'd be taught. I would then have a job involving that language, like listening to radio signals in that language then transcribing them into English, or I'd be translating.

I dont' know why I've started to think about this. I guess I just feel like I'm drowing in a sea of mediocrity. I feel like I'm just subsisting in life and I'm not making a difference at all. Mr. G hates this town and I love my job but it's not fulfilling. Adventure sounds really lucrative right now.

If I weren't married I'd go and enlist right away. The only thing that holds me back is wondering how much time I'd have to spend away from Mr. G. I mean, if I got stationed somewhere, anywhere in the world, I know he'd easily pick up and move there. But if I had to be apart from him for a long long time.........I don't know. I just don't want my life to be this meaningless. I can't stand the thought of just living this way forever. I don't need this choking stability........ we don't have a child. Why do we need the house and the picket fence? Maybe I could do something to help someone else.

I'm glad at least a couple people that served have spoken up (Thank You. Wow! 32 years!). Here's another one (finishing 22 years in both the Army and Navy). No regrets for serving, even in places so horrible that I cried.

I went in at age 20, in almost the same mood. Didn't care what they would put me in, just that subconciously I wanted direction. You have more of a plan than I did.

One very big pro is if you can get Mr. G as an LPR before being stationed somewhere (longer than a year) on an "accompanied" tour (in other words, the spouse/family going with the servicemember) his citizenship can be expedited. Unless you do a straight 20 years Active Duty the retirement pay is delayed (for Reserve time you can only start collecting at 59-1/2). Also keep in mind that linguists are primarily going to be trained for the needed languages now (a servicemember can also not neccessarily be a linguist, but collect bonus pay for knowing a language; Unfortunately a common language like Spanish does not receive bonus pay unless serving in an area where it is the primary native tongue).

I'm 100% behind you, and can answer any questions if needed, but it is your decision...

[Glühbirne]

Also keep in mind that linguists are primarily going to be trained for the needed languages now .

From what I was reading on the net today from different millitary sites as I was researching, the languages they are needing lately are Farsi, Urdu, Arabic, and other middle-eastern languages and dialets, as well as Chinese languages. I have no idea what sort of aptitude I really have or how I would score on the test. I think language is one of my strengths...... at least I really enjoy it. But I learned Spanish and German as a teenager.......now I'm fast approachiing 27. It might be harder now.

I just have a lot to think about I guess. I'm kind of scaring myself with these ideas of mine. I wonder if it's just a crazy notion that I'll be laughing at next week? I appreciate all the imput and hope for more.

I was expecting everyone to try to talk me out of it, but I'm surprised to see so much positive response.

[lexidoodle]

Glu, I voted not to enlist, but I change my vote to go ahead enlist if you think that is what you want. I didn't see the reason why you wanted to enlist. I agree with MTRACKSPORT, don't make any rash decisions, and when you talk to the recruiters be smart, they will do/say anything to get you in!

I did 23 years in the USAFR (Air Force Reserve) and I am a civil service employee at a military base, both at the same unit! I get a little attached to people/places. :bounce:

I must say even for the Reserves, I have been to Germany 3 times, Iceland, and several stateside locations for TDY (temporary duty). The reason I joined?? I was 18 and going nowhere except down hill, I needed to get the hell out of dodge and have someone straighten me out PRONTO!

You get out of it what you put into it. Open mind, positive attitude, you'll do ok.

[lexidoodle]

Forgot one thing, If I was to join again, I would consider the Coast Guard. If you like travel and water...................:)

[JennyM]

I went in for 3 years....I have a problem with conformity...LOL, I will tell you this. It is NOT what you ever expect it will be, and I def, suggest NOT go in the Marines. I was in the army, and I'm glad I did it, but I wouldn't do it again. I went to Korea, Thailand, and up and down the east coast.

Do what you think you need to do. I would have rathered go in as an officer...(get your degree) at least you would be treated better, and if you can, go in Airforce or Coastguard. They are better when it comes to families.

[JennyM]

The reason I joined?? I was 18 and going nowhere except down hill, I needed to get the hell out of dodge and have someone straighten me out PRONTO!


:ditto: (except I was 17)

[Auntlily]

Ok, sorry..but I'm going to have to go against the current here.

HECK NO!!! I wouldnt do it. Although I voted yes..do what floats your boat..I really wouldn't do it. I have a friend..again this is my HONEST opinion, who after coming back from Iraq is having such a hard time adjusting to his married life again...and his work life too. He is having a hard time finding work and he is always so jumpy and nervous. I really feel bad for him. You can tell he's really traumatized.

Plus, girlfriend..you could break a nail!! :ah:Good grief!

[Pinkpig]

MTRACKSPORT, Papi-Cinco, IBMMUSEUM, Lexidoodle, JennyM, and All Others Who Have Served Our Country,

Thank you so much for your service to our country, for protecting out rights, and for helping to keep our familys safe.

I would agree it is not for everyone. It would have to be a very personal decision and only you can decide.

Good luck with your decision, Glu.

Would you have to give up your new moderator job? LOL

[Glühbirne]

I went in for 3 years....I have a problem with conformity...LOL, I will tell you this. It is NOT what you ever expect it will be, and I def, suggest NOT go in the Marines. I was in the army, and I'm glad I did it, but I wouldn't do it again. I went to Korea, Thailand, and up and down the east coast.

Do what you think you need to do. I would have rathered go in as an officer...(get your degree) at least you would be treated better, and if you can, go in Airforce or Coastguard. They are better when it comes to families.

May I ask why you say not the marines? What is it about the coast guard and and airforce being better about families. I have so many questions for people who were actually in service.

How do you go in as an officer? I have a bachelor's degree but my GPA wasn't the greatest, probably just barely a 3.0 if I remember. I get seasick really easily....... I wonder if I could "stomach" the coast guard. I wonder if all branches do the linguist thing.

[gdalicia]

Sorry Glu, I did not pay attention to the reason either. I think that sounds like a very interesting job!

I also have tremendous respect for the military. My Dad is a Vietnam vet (Navy) and has told us tons of stories about what it's like (both good and bad). However, I had a friend that enlisted in highschool and she ended up absolutely hating it, and had to fight tooth and nail to get back home because once you sign up it's extremely hard to get out if you change your mind. Watching what she went through really stuck with me. My highschool boyfriend also joined ROTC in college and ended up becoming an Airforce pilot and he LOVES it so it just really depends on each individual person. Personally I would not thrive in that kind of environment, but I know that there are people that absolutely love it and (like it has been mentioned here) feel that it is a character building experience that they would not get anywhere else.

But I do have to mention that after having worked as a recruiter, it's true that military experience (for better or worse) is not always considered the same as job experience. So that's definitely something to keep in mind.

I would just do my homework and talk to a lot of people that have joined, because I think the military recruiters tend to present a very glossed over version of what it's like. Like any job, the fantasy can be far from the reality once you arrive. Good luck!

[IBMMuseum]

May I ask why you say not the marines? What is it about the coast guard and and airforce being better about families. I have so many questions for people who were actually in service...
Ask away, either through a PM or live on the forum (in the appropriate area). I think all of the services have come around to supporting the families equally. In a few areas I have seen the servicemember would be treated as more of a number than other areas (I don't like the Army "Stop Loss" policy, and think 18 and 24-month combat tours are breaking military families and the services themselves).

...How do you go in as an officer? I have a bachelor's degree but my GPA wasn't the greatest, probably just barely a 3.0 if I remember. I get seasick really easily....... I wonder if I could "stomach" the coast guard. I wonder if all branches do the linguist thing.

I've heard of it a little, but would think the Army would have the primary program (there is a Navy school in Monterey, California). As a linguist you wouldn't be put on a ship (I get seasick under only very rough conditions, and the one time throwing up we were in port, with the Mad Dog I drank the night before being more of a factor). The Coast Guard is now under the Department of Homeland Security (before it was the Department of Transportation), but I've heard of some instances where their personnel travel more than in the Navy.

[Klame1983]

Well, as others have said, go for it, but make sure you research it good enough before you enlist. Good luck!

[Nepthys]

That is a very tough decision. I joined the Army Reserves while I was in High School. I went to basic training between my junior and senor year of school. I think it would have been better for me if I had went full time but I didn't and I did not like the reserves. I am a traveling gall and felt like it held me back because I had to be back at my unit once very month. After I was out I moved all over. Harlingen, Texas for a few months, Ontario, WI, Michigan, back home Nebraska, Iowa, Utah and Nevada before I settled down three years later. So my point it it is a big decision and getting advise is one thing but you have to really think about your interests. I made it through basic and AIT just fine. I don't think it was hard at all. Do what you need to do and it is simple. Plus, I looked really fit when I was done.

[tasksgirl]

ahh.. I voted no but then saw something about linguist? The only reason I voted no was because it's dangerous.. but if you are not in the combat areas and your hubby supports it then go for it..

[MARIPLAY]

I am a little late in this discussion, but let me tell you something. I use to be in the US NAVY, and I loved it ..but i do have to tell you millitary life isnt for everyone, allot of people struggled through bootcamp ..mentally and physically. I loved it , If I didnt have a baby and a husband now ..i would go back in a hearbeat ..but still good luck with whatever decision you decide to make .

and if you have any questions ..i am here!!

[Emily]

Glu I thought about this before the war started, and I decided against it because I have children. I did not want to be seperated from my children for long periods of time. When your elisted you dont have much choice in your life. They pretty much own you, and tell you to go where ever they want you to go. Because of that I was very hesistant to enlist, and eventially decided against it. I've known parents who both were sent to opposit countries, and then there children were left alone without a care giver. That family was split up for years.

This was my reason for not enlisting.

[Glühbirne]

The long separation part is the part that I wonder the most about. If the chances were high I'd be away from Mr. G most of the time, I don't think I could handle that.

The other stuff doesn't bother me as much. Even the "danger" factor doesn't bother me. I'm a free-spirited person but I don't have any big issues with authority and haven't had major problems submitting to it in my life. I don't know if I'd end up loving it or hating it. I think I might even be able to get over sea-sickness if I was exposed to it long enough.

Did anyone here enlist when they were married or get married while they were in? How much time did you have to spend apart from your spouse? Were you apart more or together more?

What if I were to get pregnant? I'm not saying I'd be trying for that if I did decide to go in, but there's always the chance it could happen.

I so appreciate all the opinions. PLease keep em' coming.

[Emily]

If I remember right when you get pregnant you do get maternity leave but your fair game after the kids born.

[hilarya]

I am 100 percent sure that you have good intentions. I couldn't handle the separation again, but do what is best for you :)

[Nepthys]

The long separation part is the part that I wonder the most about. If the chances were high I'd be away from Mr. G most of the time, I don't think I could handle that.

The other stuff doesn't bother me as much. Even the "danger" factor doesn't bother me. I'm a free-spirited person but I don't have any big issues with authority and haven't had major problems submitting to it in my life. I don't know if I'd end up loving it or hating it. I think I might even be able to get over sea-sickness if I was exposed to it long enough.

Did anyone here enlist when they were married or get married while they were in? How much time did you have to spend apart from your spouse? Were you apart more or together more?

What if I were to get pregnant? I'm not saying I'd be trying for that if I did decide to go in, but there's always the chance it could happen.

I so appreciate all the opinions. PLease keep em' coming.

My cousins husband is an officer and he has been sent over seas for a year at a time twice. So they have been apart for two whole years. They have three little girls so it was tough. Also when they go to new bases he always goes first to get things set up and they follow a few weeks later. So those months can start to add up.

[angela256z]

I would have voted no, but it is not because I can't see you doing it. Right now I just think it is a bad place cause my friend husband has been deplyed 3 times in the last two years and I hate seeing her so upset over it.

[Glühbirne]

Gosh the separation is scary. Every time I think about that, I'm like, "Heck no!" But the more I research about the linguist job, the more exciting it sounds. But then there's the possibility that I wouldn't pass the test, then I'd be stuck with some other job.

Here's a link about the test: http://www.military.com/benefits/military-pay/special-pay/military-foreign-language-proficiency-pay#dlpt