I'm thinking of joining the Army.....?

Question

I have an interview next week with an Army recruiter. I really want to join. It's always been a dream of mine, but my family and friends don't want me to. And now I'm sort of having second thoughts.

Do you think I should join any way?
Or should I wait until I'm older?....
HELP!

Thank you. :)

Answer 1

My advice. Wait until you are older. Wait until we have a sane president. Please don't join now. You will be sent to Iraq for an illegal and immoral war. Imagine a uniform coming to your parent's house to announce you are dead. What would that do to your family? What if you just lost your arms or legs or both or perhaps were brain damaged? What would that do to you?

If we were in a war for OUR COUNTRY I would be the first to go and say go to others. But for the ego of an ignorant, immoral Texan, never. You know he was too yellow bellied to go to Vietnam when he was a young man. He hid out and was AWOL in the National Guard. And of course with the money his family has, the records were "lost".

Don't do it. Did you know Bush has lowered veteran's benefits? Did you know he doesn't care about medical care for the people who have been blown apart in Iraq? Think of your family and yourself and stay home. God bless America. Bring our troops home alive and before they are maimed and dismembered.

If you join up anyway remember the requiters lie (see yahoo questions for proof) so get any promises in writing and make sure they are legal.

Answer 2

Hey there,
I see we are both in the same boat. I'm looking to join, too. Right now I'm trying to decide which MOS (specialty) I'm interested in. It's a tough decision to make. My parents are against it as well, and my girlfriend isn't thrilled but she's trying to be supportive. As for meeting with a recruiter, I haven't done this yet as I don't believe a recruiter is an unbiased person to get information on the Army from. I'm lucky enough to have friends who are in the Army and some who have recently been discharged, so I've been asking them questions non-stop. You should know that even though females are not allowed to join combat arms (infantry, cavalry, ect.), they still have a good chance of seeing some form of combat since we are at war, especially if you end up becoming a combat medic or MP. My advice would be talk to some folks who are currently serving and get their opinion. They would know better than many of the folks on here and would be more unbiased than a recruiter. If it is your dream go for it, everyone has doubts when they are considering joining. Good luck!

Answer 3

DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING THE FIRST DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to the recruiter and find out what he or she has to say. Then go to the Marine Corps, and the Navy, and the Airt Force to see what they all say. You should see a pattern developing, because all of the sedrvices have just about the same opportunites. After you figure out what it is you want to do, and you discover which of the services is the best fit for you (it might not be the Army... perhaps it's the Marines or the Navy... you never know), then get what the recruiter is offering you in writing, and take it to someone who you trust... preferrably someone who is in the service and have them point out the spots you might need to be concerned with. Then do your research online to determine if you are being told the truth. A suggestion would be to actually find out where the head of the branch of the service you wish to join is and call to find out what THEY say about your offer. One more thing... just because you signed a contract means absolutely nothing... you can get it changed, or even cancelled at any time you want until you leave for bnasic training/boot camp.

Answer 4

I say meet with the recruiter but don't sign up until you get all the information you need to make an informed decision.

The military uses a test to help classify your strengths and aptitudes. The higher the score, the more leeway you have in choosing areas of specialization.

If you haven't taken the test yet, I suggest you take it and then look at your options; to see if the military can provide what you want or have dreamed of.

For me, when I took the test, I could do what I wanted to do which included a foreign language. At the time, they wanted everyone to learn Spanish (drug wars in South America were heating up). I already spoke Chinese from living in China for two years and wanted a Chinese speaking assignment, so I did not enlist.

Don't be afraid to live your dreams! Just make informed choices!

Answer 5

Do see the recruiter, and don't get 'sold' on joining, ask questions about any and everything you have a concern about. The military is a great place to 'grow up' in many ways, but it is not for everyone. Get the info, take it home, chat with your folks about it and try to be objective. Don't rush to join, and if you do decide to join up, even a year down the road, as reporting day nears, you will have second thoughts just like a bride or groom! Good Luck to you!

Answer 6

My dad was career military and served 30 yrs in the US Air Force. As a military brat, i offer the following:

Pros:
1. free career training,
2. free health care coverage,
3. free housing,
4. free leadership training,
5. free travel.
6. The military will also cover the costs of a passport, and
7. enter you into a club that -- if you survive -- will be really helpful when you get out.

Cons:
1. we are currently at war and you are just about guaranteed to go, especially if you join the infantry and have no college or graduate degree that gives you specialized skill or access to the officers corp.
2. Army is all over Iraq and Afghanistan. Marines too. Navy is less in use, and the same goes for Air Force.
3. You have to fall in line with the CIC. For my dad, that meant he was non-political. If you are a partisan person, you have to lock that crap down when you are serving. And that is worse if you think the guy the People elect is a complete moron.
4. As the first line of armed protection to the Constitution, military service men and women do not get the full protection of the Constitution.

I have to say, most of the people i know who joined the military developed a sense of self that they did not have. they became more confident, more centered, more organized . . . some of them were on the road to being losers and found a different path. It was a good choice for them and saved them from lives of waste in small towns, dead end jobs, and misery.

Some of the people i know never came home from their tours. The were killed in the line of service. I am unwilling to make that sacrifice.

Are you clear on whether or not you are willing?

Answer 7

Would you have second thoughts if your friends and family had no opinion?
~~~~
Will growing older change your friends and family's opinions?
~~~~
Are your dreams and ambitions worth working for to achieve?
~~~~~
Everyone has second thoughts about major life decisions. That fact should not be the tie breaker.
~~~~
Have You made the Recruiter spend as much time with you as possible?
~~~~
Are you willing to make informed decisions NOT based on emotional opining of those who care about your individual safety more than national security?
~~~~
Not everyone is meant to serve this Country in a Military Capacity.
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There is Honor in changing your mind.
It is a Romantic Notion to follow your heart.
But you are the one who must decide.
And then you must follow through.
~~~~
D

Answer 8

To be truthful it depends on the type of person you are. If you do not mind taking orders or having a majority of your life controlled in one form or another than go on ahead. I compare joining the army to a teen having a child. They do not know how much of their life and freedom they have to sacrifice. I see so many military people some have nothing but the military and it is all they ever talk about. Fair warning everyone I know in the military are not leading the best of lives. I grew up with a military step-dad and around his military family. Their views were different than civilians. I can not explain it, but most times it creeped me out. Also think about if you join once you sign that piece of paper they own you. You forfeit all your rights as a civilian and then you will have to murder or see people murdered. Ask yourself whether or not you could live with that. I fully support our troops as individuals, but I call them like I see them.

Answer 9

If you have one doubt in your mind in joining the Army, i suggest taking some time off with family and think about it some more...

You're going to go through a lot of tough challenges (not including BCT)

Answer 10

Well I think you should wait and see how the interview goes. If you still feel like you want to join then go for it, I mean yeah, your family is going to freak out ( a normal reaction ) but they will respect your decision to support your country.. well good luck next week!

Answer 11

Good Luck! I been going through the same process as you. My parents don't approve at all so I'm just having second thoughts also but I really wanna join......hope you make the best choice for you.....