Why SHOULDN'T I join the military?

Question

I'm thinking about joining the military and I have seen many give their opinions on what is good about it. But I like to look at both sides of an issue. So I would like to know why I shouldn't join the military. I'm currently single and will be graduating from University next year.

Please only answer if you have served in the military.

Answer 1

The very real possibility of being involved in fighting a war.
Lower pay then most civilian jobs.
Frequent re-locations. Difficult to put down roots.
Military life is hard on families and relationships. I loved it when I was single and hated it after I got married.

Answer 2

Well first off I would say that I can't find a reason why you *shouldn't* join the military, in general. There are specific things that made my job in the military a little more difficult at times. I was a Hospital Corpsman in the Navy. That's "Medic" to those who don't know. In any case I could go into all the little things that made life difficult but I can't think of any one thing that would have kept me from joining the military when I did.

I did notice you said you were graduating "from University" next year. I am going to assume you are talking about the fact that you will have a college degree. As such you do qualify for officer programs within the military (In the U.S. at least). THAT would be the only reason I would suggest not enlisting in the military. There are a few more benefits to being an officer over the enlisted in the military. Most notably only officers get to fly the jets (I *think* Warrant Officers can fly helo's). So if you have any aspirations of being able to fly then I would wait, graduate with your degree and attempt to get into one of the officer programs in the service of your choice (All have pros and cons).

So that's the only reason I could think of to tell you not to join the military. Of course there are plenty of other things in the world that you can do but if *you* want to join the military, then why should anything or anyone stop you?

Answer 3

If the military was now what it was 20 years ago or more, I'd say do it if it is what you feel you should do. But at this point the military has become so corrupt and disjointed, so overstressed and underpaid, and and there is so much disenfranchisement and frustration within the ranks and in-fighting... I'd advise against it. It's just a bad time for the military right now and not a good time to join up.

You know the military is in bad shape if many of its higher officers are disagreeing with their commander in chief. Plus, I read yesterday that they're sending troops to battle now with none of the specialized desert training beforehand. They won't give the soldiers the armor they need and they're forcing people to serve more tours than they agreed to.

Even if you were an officer, would you want to be sending these kids to war when they had been told they were done? when their wives had thought they were finally finished praying for their husband's safety?

They sent my nearly-60 year old uncle to Afghanistan. His first tour was Viet Nam. He is old and out of shape and has a family he is supporting. And yes, he was at the battle front - he was seven feet from one of his buddies when his buddy was shot and killed by enemy fire. The buddy was 58 and had a daughter who had been planning her wedding for the day after he returned. Does that sound like the work of an organization you want to be a part of?

Answer 4

Well it doesnt mater what everyone says because in the end it will be your seving out ur sentence and not a person who answered this question can help u out. I am not against the military i am currently in the DEP for the Marines just make sure ur not getting into this with your head first. It is a life changing experience, and u that will be graduating from a university will b ahead of those who enlist with u, u will also have a quality, and personal experiences that many out there wont have. Congrads

Answer 5

The only reason to not join if you have something else you plan to pursue that may take up a lot of time. I joined it my freshman year in college in April 2001 and it worked great for me. Yeah there was that year in Iraq that delayed my college graduation but I graduated 2 yrs later, but I met so many people, been to so many places, I am able to do the Army part time and pursue my goals (currently working on My MBA). Its fun. Next month I get to take a break from this office job and head to border for a month. Can't beat that :)

Answer 6

The key is what MOS you will be going into when you join. You could be extremely happy and productive if the job you select or is selected for you goes along with your degree and or your doing something you enjoy. But you also might just be miserable, I've seen plenty of young LT that are put in charge of leaf raking details, or making sure soldiers clean the barracks properly or any number of "babysitting" duties. All in the name of discipline but still it might not be something you would care for.

Also what standard of living are you use to? In the US the Air Force and Navy have a higher standard of living compared to the Army.

So the nuts and bolts of it are what job you'll be giving and what branch of the military you join.

Answer 7

The military is good way to make a living, however being a military spouse it is very hard on relationships and family if you plan on having one. Because of the constant moving. We move on average at least once every two to three years.

Answer 8

I havent served but I am answering anyway... I don't see any reason why your shouldn't join...The choice is yours. Don't let other people impact what you do...if you don't do it because of what people say than you might regret it later in life. Military men are hot...thats always a plus. I have dated a guy in the Military and he loved it...yeah some parts were scary but other then that he said he would recomend to all guys to do it. Just do what YOU want and Good luck in whatever your choose.

Answer 9

I am in the Army. I believe everyone who is qualified should join the military. I know that this Army is not perfect. Many people find different things about the Army that they do not life. I have been in for 10 years and I have enjoyed it. I will tell you what I do not like. I don't like waking up early in the morning. I am currently stuck in recruiting and it is the worse thing I have done in the Army. When looking into the military, do not think about why you should not, think about why you should.

Answer 10

You shouldn't join the military if your only interested in lining your pockets. If you know in your heart you wouldn't be dedicated and you are undisciplined. I love my Army and all my battles, If you love your country, want to learn some stuff, meet people from all over and see places you probably wouldn't have as a citizen join any branch of the military you feel you can excel at and contribute to.