My roots came from Italy with next to nothing. The least I could have done was serve USA. I did a tour in USMC. As of today, I would like to know if future High School graduates, join out of respect for America? Are they "turned off" by military life as a whole? Looking back, I wish I made a career out of The Marines.
Please NO Wise-assed remarks, or goofy answers. I am honestly curious to know what you guys think of this subject. By the way - Have a Good Xmas!
2006-12-14 02:42:14 · 13 answers · asked by paisan_7 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I think you need to go no further than your J.R.O.T.C. at your local high school to find out. Whereas, I too joined the USMC at the age of 18, in large part out of patriotism, which no knowledge to me, would result in me going to the front lines of Desert Storm, I too have wondered this very same question from time to time.
Recently, I was blessed to have been served chow at my wife's elementary school function by some of the most decent, proud, polite, and respectful USMC JROTC cadets I've ever seen. I did not need to remind them what they were bargaining for should they decide to go military, or why they were prepared to face the adversity they were sure to encounter, it was their calling, they were ready, the end.
Those young men and women who are knowingly walking out of high school and college in my place, and facing down true evil first hand are true heroes, and the most patriotic people regardless of age I've ever been blessed to meet.
2006-12-14 04:13:03 · answer #1 · answered by Jarhead 91 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe the answer would be yes in many cases. They either join from pride or a sense of duty to country. The reason I say this is because the armed forces are meeting or exceeding the recruiting demands in almost every case. This even though we have an unpopular war and there is a definite possibility of going to Iraq. I like you joined the military (Navy), and wish I had stayed till retirement age. I did this out of a sense of duty to country, I felt the call to serve and found the experience educational and life shaping. I have never regretted it for a minute.
2006-12-14 02:48:57 · answer #2 · answered by Bryan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The people who do research in recruiting break down the reasons people join into a short list of categories. One of those is indeed people joining out of pride for country. Other categories were things like adventure, technical training, money for college, etc. I wish I had the stats handy as to how many join for what reasons.
My own military experience is that the vast majority of people in service, regardless of why they signed up, have enormous pride in the Armed Forces. Sure, there are the detractors, but here is an example. My reserve unit did a tour in Iraq and out of more than 120 people maybe one, just one, got out of the service after he got back. In fact, close to 10 volunteered for second tours with other units.
2006-12-14 02:51:46 · answer #3 · answered by k3s793 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Men and women join the Armed Forces today out of pride. They join for other reasons, too. And, it is not "the least" they could do to serve this nation. Merry Christmas to you, too, Marine.
2006-12-14 02:54:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I joined the US Army as a Cavalry Scout, 7 days after graduation. I did it out of pride and the knowledge that I was performing a service to the country that has given me so much.
2006-12-14 02:45:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
i would say so, my husband is 22 and joined when he was 19, he always wanted to join the military because he always admired our armed forces, he thinks everybody should serve a couple of years at least, he's in the Air Force and absolutely loves it, he gets to travel and is good at his job (avionics technician) he just became a flying crew chief, in a couple of weeks he will be flying with our new secretary of state! how many 22 year olds can say that, or how many people can say that!
2006-12-14 04:45:12 · answer #6 · answered by AFwife 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well as a former gulf war combat vet who served with 75th rangers i don't belive most high school kids care about the USA much, when it comes to serving in the military. i see them in my neighborhood and chat with them at times and they have no clue about the USA's past history and fight for freedom. THEY are all spoiled and not from a good family background and upbringing i believe. most are single parent kids who very really see their parent at home cause they are either working or just don't care enough. BRING back the family dinner and share your day and feelings to each. ohh yeah merry x-mas
2006-12-14 04:18:54 · answer #7 · answered by gulch1436 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, service to Country is a major factor is joining. Everyone has there own reasons, i.e. college money, training, adventure, travel, benefits and pay..but this day and age you have to have some pride in country in order to serve.
2006-12-14 02:46:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
When I was about 4, my aunt came back from being in the ARMY & gave me her beret. My great-uncle gave me his sailor hat (i was about 9) & when I moved to be with my other aunt (i was 16) she gave me her parka-coat from her time in the AF.
The purpose of my rambling is this: I knew long before i probably even knew how to tie my shoes that I was going to be in the military.
It's my pride for my family members that got where I am today & it was their support that got me this far.
I have taught my nieces & nephews about patriotism & honor for America since they were little. Now two are in J.R.O.T.C. & the youngest is about to join it next year.
2006-12-14 03:40:51 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People join the armed forces today for the benefits that they can get for time served, like college tuition, etc.
2006-12-14 06:46:34 · answer #10 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋