I'm thinking about enlisting into the army. Can anyone give me good reasons to do so? Greatly appreciated.

Question

I have a wife of 2 years who is okay with me doing so. Her father is in the military and he says that it would be a great experience for us both. The only thing that is making the decision hard is that I have a 14 month old daughter that I love to play with. Alot of people are telling me that it would be great for my family. I also have people telling me that it's not worth it in case I get sent overseas. I'm not sure of what I want to do, so I need to know what you all think. All opinions are greatly appreciated and welcome. Thank you to all who respond and God Bless.

Answer 1

You pick a wonderful day to make a decision and if you are asking this community what service to possible give up your life you should be asking your priest/ preacher and family.

Please allow me to answer your question with this preface:

I was wounded, the last time long before you were born, May 10 1971. I still dream about the people we eliminated under "Operation Phoenix". I see each of their faces, hear them begging. I see the Vietcong stick grenade spitting smoke and turning end over end; bouncing on top of the APC before bouncing into Doc's lap and detonating; blowing off the top of his head; seriously wounding Tex; penetrating my lower back and kidneys, going from the rear through the front exiting through the knee cap and through my right elbow, ring finger, little finger and wrist. I was unable to return fire in the conventional manner.

I pulled this out for the second time in 35 years it reads:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 May 1971, while on a long range reconnaissance patrol in Ankee providence his men came under an intense enemy attack. The initial attack wounded Sergeant Adams and several other personnel. Refusing medical aid, he commenced giving first aid to the other wounded. At the same time, he directed his remaining forces into a defensive position. When the medical helicopter came, he chose to remain behind to make room for these more seriously wounded. During the ensuing fighting which would include face to face combat and in spite of his wounds and disregard to his own safety, Sergeant Adams continued to defend his position. Sergeant ADAMS 's decisive actions in rendering first aid, directing his personnel, while in defense of their position, while exposed to enemy fire, was directly responsible for the saving of his personnel. His devotion to duty, courage under fire, exemplary professionalism and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army".

I am not bragging but getting ready to make a point. When I got home no one cared and guess what they don’t care today. When I tried to get a job, I had no skills if you want to join a branch of the military at least select a decent job and something that if you decide not to make the military a career you can make a living. If you are really taking advice, I would suggest The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. If one took FARSI or Chinese they could step right into the CIA or NSA as a GS12 or GS13, one could not ask for more. (Upon competition of the School, you are given the equivalent of an Associate Degree).

Branch of the Military. You don’t want to ask us what you want look at what it is you want and what kind of training “you” want for yourself.

I never lie so you and others might not like what I am going to say here, but what they heck? Wait I always wanted to say this: “You can’t handle the truth”! Cool huh?

I live near the Norfolk Naval Base (Worlds Largest Naval Base) and laugh each time a ship goes to sea. All the Navy wives get on TV crying expressing horror at being left alone for six months, fearing their love one might be injured, mad because they do not know how they are going to make it for six months. I know our Navy went to sea in World War I and II and Korea for years! At that time, they might actually be killed in combat. My cousin served on a carrier off the coast of Viet Nam and complains to this day, what he went through. You know how rough it is have three hot meals a day, a clean warm bunk, ice cream games and hot showers. Since the conception of the all volunteer military cruise are a maximum of a year but usually six months. What can you or any one say?

I took my rest and recuperation (r & r) at Da Nang Air Force Base on the South China Sea, and was amazed and enjoyed the movie theaters, sidewalks, pools and A/C. It is no different today. Most of the Air Force personnel are in the rear at that base if working in operations they get the flight in the air, go to a fast food establishment, the pool or movies. From time to time, a pilot might be shot at and even shot down, but the majority of the time is safe and requires brains and skill.

The Army, what can anyone say? God Help us. The Army has again lowered the standards and wonders why a soldier is being arrested for rape, murder or assault and battery. Talk to the old timers our Special Force are getting the equivalent of what the average World War II soldier received. They run in tennis shoes (I have asked that in combat do they ask for a cease fire and change shoes). Hell, they cannot even be yelled at anymore! The classes are lacking with many of the areas were skills used to be taught now occupied by civilian contractors. (They pull everything from maintenance to operations).


There fore many of the skills, which would help the GI in private life, are gone. Therefore, if you chose the Army try to find a decent career.

The Marines. What can anyone say about a Marine? What ever they say it had better be quietly. Before I can discuss them, I have two scenarios I want to discuss:

The wounded Marine just shook his fist at the hillside and yelled: "Damn it! If you're going to kill me, then kill me, but stop trying to scare me to death!"


April 6, 1865 at Saylors Creek Yankee Troops took a quarter of the Army. When heavy fighting was heard off in the tree lines, officers rode down to see who had not been informed of the surrender. A senior yankee rode up to a Confederate Marine and asked, “Why was he still fighting”? The Confederate yelled back asking, “why, aren’t we winning”?

Look at Viet Nam and Iraqi the Marine get more killed with less casualties then the Army because they train their men. A military has to learn think on their feet and when ordered to jump without question. That is what getting our Army boys killed, not the insurgents, epically not themselves but the Army and their training program. The worse thing about a Marine is once they get out they don’t function as well in the private world; the training drives it out.

So ask yourself do you want to be a dead hero (Army); be in combat but come home (Marines) do nothing but play video games, eat and make the people at home think you are in danger- ask yourself if you look best in white or blue. When you say you don’t believe me who up the causalities per branch. I’ll bet you’ll find Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force!

God Bless you and the Southern People.

Answer 2

You can join the US ARMY, MARINES, NAVY, AIR FORCE, COAST GUARD or PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE and get all the same benefits of being in a uniformed service. Since you said "enlist" I assume you do not have a college degree. Get a degree and go in as an officer. The pay is much better, the benefits are better and you are less likely to be on the front lines, in most of the services.

Because we are involved in a "land war" the demand for troops in the ARMY and MARINES is highest, so they offer the best incentives to get you to enlist, such as cash bonuses and better college benefits. The bottom line is what do you want to do in the service? If you want to learn a skll that can be used after you get out of the service, shop around. Make sure you get everything in writing and read what you sign. Even if you sign up for 4 years, the fine print says 8.

Answer 3

You must definitely sit down and speak with a recruiter in your town or city.

Ask specific questions such as -

Education benefits (in the military and after you're out)
Medical benefits
Housing benefits

It can be a tough choice to make; if you're asking what people think, you're not ready.

But at least talking to a Recruiter doesn't cost anything and you're only getting information for your research.

Answer 4

How about the most honorable and noble reason of all - To serve your country. You have enjoyed the many freedoms that being an American has granted you all these years, why not repay what was given to you by all the great men and women who served in the military before you. You are an able bodied man who can go out and make a difference, you can be one of the defenders of truth, justice and the American way. You will learn a trade and develop friendships that will feel like they are family. Free medical and housing for your family not to mention all the travel that you and your family will be privy to.

In my opinion it is a coward that does not serve his country when he is able. I did it for 8 years in SF and don't regret one day of it. I look at the American flag with pride everytime I see it because it waves to this day, because of me and men and women like me.

Answer 5

ANY branch of the military is able to find out anything about your past military life. However, all is not lost. I would suggest seeing an Army National Guard recruiter or reserves recruiter for another branch. They have been known to waiver certain situations depending on your current character. Hope this helps!!

Answer 6

No, no one can give a good, real reason. DON'T GO!
You will be sent overseas of course, this war is never going to end.
Broken family anyone?

Answer 7

Kill a few civilians and call them insurgents. Cause another person anguish. Hell why not?

Answer 8

Lots of middle eastern p u s s y

Answer 9

cos the military really needs u and will appreciate it