why ppl so negative about army?

Question

I am going to army basic training in June. I tell people that I am going to army and they say I shouldn't. I tell them that (im a senior graduating in may) I can earn bachelor's degree while serving and college courses are much shorter and 100 % free in military.
But then they say army benefits are not as good as it seems.

I know army is not 100% amazing and it's not for everyone either.
But why are these people telling me that I am wasting my time?

I want to ask those who are/have been in the army.
What are some downside of army that might concern other people?

I am not concerned about being sent into a war, nor did they say anything about Iraq. They were only telling me that army is not worth 4 years of my life when I should be enjoying college and youth.

Answer 1

Lmao at the army doesn't train as much as the other branches...smh some AIT courses (advanced individual training) is well over a year! The benefits are great! Free medical, they pay for your college if you decided to go while enlisted not to mention you still get your GI Bill. If you want to become a police officer, fireman or most other civil service professions they waive degree requirements and give you an extra 10 or so points on the civil service exam. The Army trains your mind body and soul for the better.
I am a black guy who grew up in NYC, Surrounded by negativity I utilized The Army to be someone, now I have a 4yr degree in criminal justice and I am a Staff SGT. I been to Korea, Italy, Germany, Iraq and all of the US, don't listen to people not in the military giving you advice. Yes while in war you can possibly die, but you can die anywhere. I think its more admirable to pass away dying for your family,friends and your nation than to die because you were hit by a drunk driver.

Answer 2

As much as the army is a good idea and I am glad I chose it. Be careful about those college classes. The mission comes first and depending on where you are you won't have time to take them. You won't be able to get a bachelor's in 4 years and many of the classes you take will not transfer to other schools.
But when you get out you can use the MGI bill to pay for college, use what did transfer and get your degree that way. You will be older and wiser and less likely to fall for many of the freshmen traps that are out there, since you already lived on your own and you have become more responsible.
Good luck in whatever you choose.

Answer 3

I just joined the Marine Corps last week and I have been getting a lot of answers similar to yours. People just don't have the motivation to serve their country. I didn't join because of college benefits (though those are nice), I joined because I wanted to serve. Just know why you joined and forget the nay-sayers and follow what you have decided to be right for you. If this is the path you truly desire to take, then take it and disregard those who think that it is a waste of time or an otherwise stupid decision.

And, btw, when you do your final contract, make sure that everything that was promised you is in the contract- what your recruiter tells you you can get means nothing if it is not in writing.

Answer 4

Well, its not that the benefits aren't there, its just that they make them really tough to get. A lot of people give up on them because they cant figure the paperwork maze out and figure they are impossible to get. All you have to do is make enough of a fuss and ask a bunch of questions and eventually they'll get so frustrated they'll usually do it for you just to get you off their case, which is how it should be anyhow.
The biggest problem with the Army is just that, its terribly bureaucratic and no body wants to navigate it until somebody makes them. Also, everyone pretends they know whats going on even if they don't and refuses to ask questions to help you get information. You just constantly have to ride people for information. If you become afraid of the system like everyone else you get screwed constantly and you will constantly be screwing others.
Other than that, I love the Army. Its tougher than some of the other branches, which gives you a reason to be proud of your strength, but not as tough as some others, which makes it easier. Not that the Army is better than the other branches, but I certainly like it best for me.

Answer 5

I'm retired Army but I quit High School and went in at 17. All I ever wanted to be was a Grunt and I was happy with that. I understand that only about 16% ever use those educational benefits for anything but education within the military.
You've signed up, make up your mind to be the best soldier you can be and don't let the complainers get you down.

Answer 6

Having been in the military in the 70's and USRA.. all i can tell you is recruiters LIE like a rug for one.. and 2.. if you get yer *** shot blown up or otherwise killed.. those college benefits arent going to be of much use to you now are they?..

Army benes arent as good as they lead you to believe.. thats a fact.. any one army can tell you that LOL..

But if you wanna go.. i have no objections.. thats your choice 9though i reccomend that working at burger King you might live longer these days) thats up to you... would i do it again? F*UCK no particularly not in this day and age...
I have nothing against the military.. gawd nows i was in it and gawd knows i ended up working for em up till my retirement (DoD Civilian) but things may not be what they appear to be fer sure LOL
But hey Good luck to ya bro .. Mine was certiainly a different era though.. and yours will be too..

Answer 7

I don't know a whole lot about the Army, but I do know that they are less experienced and spend less time in training than other branches of the military. I think if it's what you really want to do, then don't let other people make you think differently. Just realize that not all recruiters are entirely honest to you.

Answer 8

The Army is great. Don't listen to these idiots. Join. Serve. If you don't like it get out. The one thing you will always have, is that you served your country. That way you can tell all these, "American I-want-the-benefits-but-don't -want-to-pay-a-price-crowd," get screwed!

Answer 9

Being sent to Iraq or Afghanistan comes to mind... maybe it's not very obvious as a potential downside? I can't tell, but somehow I suspect that you can't do much studying there.

Answer 10

The people that tell you this are just opposed to fighting anywhere and think that peace talks can solve everything. Thank you for signing up to serve your country, and God bless.