"Thinking About Joining The Military"......A Young Person Tells You

ClassicRockr

ClassicRockr

Well-known Member
Just what do you tell them? Some don't need advice, b/c they have/had a family member or friend serve/serving and can ask them. But, for those that don't, you may be their only help! And, that's whether you have served in the military or not! I have, and from my old Navy years, that I can remember, I will tell the person the "the good, the bad and sometimes the down-right ugly" about being in.

I sort of remember what my Navy Recruiter told me when I enlisted........and then, later, I found out the REAL truth! I would tell the person, "you do have a choice today, that I didn't back during Nam. It was either the Draft, go to college or run to Canada. Didn't want to be Drafted, college was out and I sure wasn't going to run up to Canada, so I enlisted". I would continue, by saying, "since I was in the Navy, that is the only Service I can really relate experience to, but will tell you that Basic Training for the Army and Marine Corps is TOUGH compared to the Navy.........at least when I went in 1968.

Some questions I would ask them:
First, "Why do you want to join?" and "What Branch are you thinking about?"
"Do you think you can handle the strict discipline.?"
"If it's the Army or Marines, that you are thinking about, will you handle a Drill Sargent/Instructor getting right in your face, calling you names and shouting at you? Sometimes saying things that will shock you."
"You will find out what Personnel Inspections are like and just how "straight up and tall" you have to stand."
"You will learn how to salute an Officer and what happens if you don't!"
"If you choose the Navy, you know that you could spend days-to-weeks on the water. You will learn what "Sea-Legs" are very quickly!"
And, I would also tell them this, "In Army and Marine Corps training, you will mostly likely be trained to "kill or be killed".
"In other words" I'd say, "Do you have what it takes to be in the military?"

I would also tell them, "I'm glad I served and there was many times it was definitely an ADVENTURE!!"

So, what would you say?
 

Interesting you bring this up. Grandson's been wanting to be a cop for years and now he's on a military kick. I told him you have to decide for yourself (he's like at least 7 years away) and be whatever you want to be when you grow up not what we want you to be (because his Mom is saying no way) but know it's hard, dangerous work beyond what you can imagine and you have to give up a lot of your rights and just obey orders. Daughter took a more proactive stance and introduced him to a friend who recently returned from overseas. I know they got along well and all and he relishes the real cap and jacket from some Army fatigues that the man gave him but when I asked about them, he shrugged. He seemed less enthused and more back to talking about police so I'm guessing he got some age appropriate truths in there too. Now we need to find a cop for him to talk to. I am betting he will do something along these lines, however. He's not the sit still behind a desk type.

Tougher situation, a young friend of mine in college is having some real home issues and considering the military as a last resort. She is in college and looking for work but is unable to find a job and may have to drop out. Her father is disabled and needs several operations. I've only known people who have been in the military and haven't been myself so I just did my best to have her look at the situation from all angles. This could be a solution for you but -- as you said -- are you prepared to kill or be killed as you will likely be sent to some hot zone. Is your father going to need you here to help him as he recuperates from the surgeries? (Her mother is being extremely unhelpful and that's putting it nicely.) I also cautioned that many vets come home having a tougher time dealing with the mental aspects than the physical and that she needs to be as sure as she can that she can handle it mentally. She has her hands full and it would immediately solve the money problems and probably put her through college if she makes it home to go through college so it could be a solution for her but I did feel I had to urge her to consider what it would require of her and think long and hard on if she could handle that mentally though there's really no way of knowing that until you're in the situation. I did advise her to talk it over with her father first. She'd have to eventually anyway. But she needs to know his feelings about it and just how much he needs her both financially and care-giving.
 
Number one sought after job in the Army is to be an MP.
 

If a young person is interested in the military and is college material, I'd suggest they talk to a ROTC recruiter at a local school. Being part of a ROTC program, while getting your degree, will give you a good taste of military life. Successfully completing the ROTC program while getting your degree will assure you of being a commissioned officer for the time you are in the service. And, you will most likely spend your military commitment in a job that is in concert with your college major.

If the young person wants to enter the military and not go to college, I would pat them on the back and try to encourage them... while being as truthful as I could. A military career offers you retirement at a fairly young age, with a good retirement income. A military career offers you college tuituion, lifetime medical care, and (depending on your MOS) training in a field that could transition to a good second career after separation from the military. Make every attempt to choose your MOS while enlisting. If something interests you, today, if you can build a career in the military along those same lines you are more apt to be successful.
OTOH, I would caution them that there is currently a move to trim the number of our military by close to 15%. That means you will need to display an excellent work ethic, a desire to perform better and stronger than others, and "keep your nose clean". Today, just because you enlist does not mean you will even complete your first contract time if you don't perform. Military life is not a compliment for family life. Our combat troops have something like a 60% divorce rate, much of that caused by long deployments and PTSD issues. A prospective enlistee also needs to understand he/she may come home to their parents/family in a box. You may come home missing limbs or so emotionally damaged you will never fully recover. And, you may see people who you have served with and are your close friends have their bodies shredded by enemy fire or IEDs. In today's military there is no MOS that is exempt from being in harm's way.

If the person is still serious, I would try to steer them towards Army or Air Force. A third choice would be Navy. I would make every attempt to steer them away from the Marine Corps. The Corps is a stellar branch, but the MOS choice is quite limited to combat positions.

That is all said by the father of a son who is making a career out of the Army. Our son enlisted during the "heat" of the Iraq crisis. He survived long deployments in combat zones with the 82nd Airborne, completed an awesome 3-year assignment at the Pentagon (one of few enlisted soldiers to see duty at that institution), and is now with a Special Forces detachment. We got the call last week that he will be deploying this week or next. He cannot tell us where or for how long. When he and his wife attended a recent Christmas military ball, the photos of him in his "dress blues" with all the medals and buttons and stripes displayed on his chest made us extremely proud.

If the young person does choose to be part of the U.S. Military and they still remain in contact with you, please thank him/her for their service to our Country.
 
my dad and uncle served in the USN in WW2. so when my war came they sit me down and said your going in the Navy. no argument.
 
I, also joined the Army in 56 to avoid the draft. My serial number began with ER which meant enlisted reserve. I had to serve 4 years active reserves when I was discharged in 58. I didn't want to take a chance getting drafted in my twenties like so many guys were.

Back then, a lot of trouble makers and wise guys were made to join the service. You could almost see their attitudes change as the training went on. The Army had their ways of straightening out a lot of trouble makers. The few that didn't make it were thrown out. I believe that there are many boys that should be made to spend some time doing service for their country and maybe the jails wouldn't be so full.

Basic training was hard and we were trained to kill. But all in all, I was in the best shape of my life and felt great. One thing that I didn't appreciate. I never liked going to school growing up. The only thing I enjoyed was machine shop and drumming in the high school band. Anyway, much of basic training was schooling and then they sent me to Aberdeen, MD for 15 weeks of, you guessed it, school. Once I got that out of the way, I enjoyed my time in Army.
 
Pappy said:
I, also joined the Army in 56 to avoid the draft. My serial number began with ER which meant enlisted reserve. I had to serve 4 years active reserves when I was discharged in 58. I didn't want to take a chance getting drafted in my twenties like so many guys were.

Back then, a lot of trouble makers and wise guys were made to join the service. You could almost see their attitudes change as the training went on. The Army had their ways of straightening out a lot of trouble makers. The few that didn't make it were thrown out. I believe that there are many boys that should be made to spend some time doing service for their country and maybe the jails wouldn't be so full.

Basic training was hard and we were trained to kill. But all in all, I was in the best shape of my life and felt great. One thing that I didn't appreciate. I never liked going to school growing up. The only thing I enjoyed was machine shop and drumming in the high school band. Anyway, much of basic training was schooling and then they sent me to Aberdeen, MD for 15 weeks of, you guessed it, school. Once I got that out of the way, I enjoyed my time in Army.
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it was a 6 year hitch for us. I went into the inactive reserves for 4 mons then active 4 years. then a year and 8 mons back in reserves. there were many plans available. Namvets did a year in country then active or inactive reserves. the draft was waiting for me right after HS
 
Would be very true today as well as it was back then. I remember hearing about young guys getting a choice by a Judge........jail/prison time or enlist in the Army. I definitely know one thing, no matter what branch of the Service a man or woman enlists to, it definitely makes them know/understand what responsibility and discipline are all about. And, for many, that is a VERY GOOD thing!!

Pappy said:
I, also joined the Army in 56 to avoid the draft. My serial number began with ER which meant enlisted reserve. I had to serve 4 years active reserves when I was discharged in 58. I didn't want to take a chance getting drafted in my twenties like so many guys were.

Back then, a lot of trouble makers and wise guys were made to join the service. You could almost see their attitudes change as the training went on. The Army had their ways of straightening out a lot of trouble makers. The few that didn't make it were thrown out. I believe that there are many boys that should be made to spend some time doing service for their country and maybe the jails wouldn't be so full.

Basic training was hard and we were trained to kill. But all in all, I was in the best shape of my life and felt great. One thing that I didn't appreciate. I never liked going to school growing up. The only thing I enjoyed was machine shop and drumming in the high school band. Anyway, much of basic training was schooling and then they sent me to Aberdeen, MD for 15 weeks of, you guessed it, school. Once I got that out of the way, I enjoyed my time in Army.
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I didn't make a career of the Navy. Spent my 4 years in w/ 2 yrs. Inactive Reserve and that was it. My Discharge papers stated, "Not Recommended For Re-Enlistment", b/c of some trouble I got into.........but did get my Honorable Discharge w/all the benefits. I wasn't really cutout to be a "Lifer" anyway. Heck, I thought my step-parents were strict with me at home, that was until I found out how strict Basic Training was! And, as far as the use of foul language goes, I would tell a young person "if you haven't heard it before, you will definitely hear it in there!" This was one thing that I darn sure wasn't ready for! My step-dad did swear, but didn't use the words that I got introduced to in Basic and after!

One young gal that lives in our apt complex, the last time I heard, said that she wants to be a Rescue Swimmer in the Coast Guard. Only thing is, I've never seen the young lady even swim in the complex pool! Sure doesn't look like she would be built to be a Rescue Swimmer. Heck, I don't even know if they have female Rescue Swimmers in the Coast Guard.

As far as I know, and please correct me if I'm wrong, isn't it harder to join any Service today than it was back in the Viet Nam days? Isn't the Air Force a hard one to get into? Heck, back in the "Nam days" the Draft didn't care if you were a high school graduate or not......right? And, to a point, didn't care what your health status was either.......right? I mean, when I enlisted, I was only 98 lbs! Luckily, I didn't get a Medical Release in Basic Training.
 
ClassicRockr said:
I didn't make a career of the Navy. Spent my 4 years in w/ 2 yrs. Inactive Reserve and that was it. My Discharge papers stated, "Not Recommended For Re-Enlistment", b/c of some trouble I got into.........but did get my Honorable Discharge w/all the benefits. I wasn't really cutout to be a "Lifer" anyway. Heck, I thought my step-parents were strict with me at home, that was until I found out how strict Basic Training was! And, as far as the use of foul language goes, I would tell a young person "if you haven't heard it before, you will definitely hear it in there!" This was one thing that I darn sure wasn't ready for! My step-dad did swear, but didn't use the words that I got introduced to in Basic and after!

One young gal that lives in our apt complex, the last time I heard, said that she wants to be a Rescue Swimmer in the Coast Guard. Only thing is, I've never seen the young lady even swim in the complex pool! Sure doesn't look like she would be built to be a Rescue Swimmer. Heck, I don't even know if they have female Rescue Swimmers in the Coast Guard.

As far as I know, and please correct me if I'm wrong, isn't it harder to join any Service today than it was back in the Viet Nam days? Isn't the Air Force a hard one to get into? Heck, back in the "Nam days" the Draft didn't care if you were a high school graduate or not......right? And, to a point, didn't care what your health status was either.......right? I mean, when I enlisted, I was only 98 lbs! Luckily, I didn't get a Medical Release in Basic Training.
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I was 125 lbs when I went to RTC San Diego in 66

http://oldbluejacket.com/bootcamp.htm
 
At age 18, right after high school in '64, I received my draft notice. I had no desire to go to college and I couldn't find a job. I joined the USAF. I was 5'11" and weighed 125 lbs. I was one long drink of water! After 3 yrs in the Air Force, I was muscled up and weighed 150 lbs. Then, Nam came along. I won't bore you with that. When I was discharged at McCord AFB in Washington, I weighed 104 lbs. I looked like death warmed over. I'll never forget the Sergeant, with an armful of stripes, who offered me a re-enlistment bonus and my choice of assignments to re-enlist. I was silent, my eyes sunken into my skull, and he went Postal. He threw his clipboard against the wall, looked into my eyes, and told me to go home! He said that he hated his job. I went home and fell down the rabbit hole. I felt safe, in the dark, all by myself. On my 3rd day home I had a full time job and had entered college. My workaholic life had begun. That lasted until 1989. That year I allowed myself 4 days off. I quit all of my part-time jobs and kept my one full time job. I retired in 2011, I do not work, and I love my life.
I have met 18 year olds who want to be Marines. What does an 18 year old know? I find that there is nothing I can say about my war-time experiences that has any sway. Their eyes glaze over. Their minds are made up. I can only wish them well.
 
I never served in the military. My brother went in the Navy at 24. He stayed in for the twenty years. I know he said once "I gave the Navy the best years of my life" He won't even talk about boot camp and the training after.

I think he joined because he wasn't finding much work in the 80's and for whatever reason didn't think he could go to school. He was terrified to tell our mother and I still remember him coming to see me and couldn't even tell me. I thought our mother would go ballistic but she didn't. She was very supportive.

He's working on a Navy base as a civilian now. Being in the military has to be hard.
 
Don't know about the new Recruits now, right out of Basic, but when I came home on Leave from Basic Training, my family thought I was a War Hero b/c of the ribbon I was wearing. I had to explain to them that everyone who graduates Boot Camp gets the National Service Defense Ribbon.

I would tell a young person that Basic Training can be/is mentally and physically demanding, as well as whatever job is picked to do. BM (Boatswain's Mate), BT (Boiler Technician), GM (Gunner's Mate) and other jobs like these can sure make a sailor tired at the end of the day! On the other hand, SK (Supply Clerk), PM (Personnel Man), PK (Postal Clerk) and other clerical jobs like this are pretty darn easy on the body!
 
I was an RM

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