Does it bother you when people tell you not to join the military?

Question

I have had several questions the I have asked about joining and the majority had at least one or two people writing in caps saying don't join.

Do they think they are saving lives?

My grandfather served in the Korean War and my great-grandfather in WWI. Why do they object to serving my nation proudly?

Anyways the don't convince me and, I still plan on joining. What do you think?

I know I just want to know what you think when you see someone who has never served tell someone that they shouldn't join.

Like this reply in a question I saw like 20 min. ago...

"Yeah, go trespass and kick doors in for Bush. Bring home their OIL. Shoot the place up, shock and awe style, you'll be a hero.."

Answer 1

It comes with the territory. You're doing something they would be scared to do and they're compensating for it by trying to tear you down. You have to internalize this decision. Listen to all sides, decide if you agree with what they are saying. This is the mark of someone who truly thinks for themselves. You should especially take into consideration the opinions of those you care about. In the end, make the decision and stand by it. You won't regret it if you do it for your own reasons. I never did. People will criticize you no matter what you do, that's just part of life. Learn to deal with that and you will take a huge step towards a happy life. BTW, if you do join you will meet some of the finest individuals this world has to offer.

Answer 2

The same people who tell you not to join the service will wishing they did when they are @ age 40 and you are getting pension. Look I am not going to tell to join or not to join just this there more positive reasons for joining that not, as far as being classified as a jack booted thug for bush come on be for real it is a unfortunate situation over in Iraq that will end one way or another for what ever reason the US is there. My self when I was young like you I joined he Navy just for the simple fact that I did not want to a foot solider doing what that and marines do on the ground. The Navy was very good to me not that I walk around with I love the Navy on my shirt just for the simple fact it was a big reason for shaping me as a man and person, Once I figured out that it was just a JOB and nothing more or less it became my carree and after 20 yrs I got a pension that I will get for the rest of life. Now do I want to be in now? Not really but then again I am not young like your self I would say do what your heart tells you because you do not want to wishing you did something and have it pass you by. No one said that you stay for 20yrs get what you can and see how it works out.

Answer 3

I had numerous high school friends that tried to talk me out of joining. They did not understand my family history, my family has been in every major conflict in US history and even one before the fight for independence.
Joining the service was a very positive move in my life and one of the major achievements I am proud of.
It is my belief that freedom must be won every day, our young country has many enemies. They do not like what we represent and hate our Constitution and Bill of Rights.
I would have loved to have been able to stay in the military, but war injuries made it not possible.
I was able to go college(something that would have been very financially difficult if I had not been in the military).
I was able to learn about myself, life, and people rather quickly.
I learned how to focus and be dedicated.
I learned the true meaning of honor.
The best friends in my life were the friends I had in the military.
I would never change the experience or life I had in the military, even if I could.
Your grandfather and great-grandfather may object to you serving, because they have seen how the public opinon of service men and women change into a very offensive attitude.

It is you life and your choice. Follow your heart and live life with honor no matter what you do, life is an wonderful adventure and the road is not always smooth, it makes it apprecitate life more.

I wish you the best.

Answer 4

I'm with you there. My parents not only don't support my decision to join the Coast Guard Reserves, they passionately oppose it. As painful as that is sometimes, I know that I'm doing something that I can be proud of and my country can be proud of.

I used to be afraid to even tell people my plans to join, because I always got a blank stare and then the questions..."Why? Isn't there something else you could do?" etc. Then I realized the only person that could make me ashamed is MYSELF and if I couldn't be proud of my decision, who could? Now, I tell people with my head held high.

I think today, the obvious answer for young people is college. If you say you're joining the military, people automatically assume you weren't "good enough" to get into college or some other dumb assumption. However, to go to Officer Candidate School, you must have a bachelor's degree. Also, many of the enlisted jobs in the military pay better than some college student with a degree in like "Ancient Latin Classical History" is going to get. (I should know. I'm a history major and in college.)

Anyway...I'm glad no one else can convince you. You know you're doing the right and honorable thing! It bothers me sometimes...but it would bother me a lot more if I wasn't so proud to have made the decision that I did.

Best of luck!

Answer 5

Biggest mistake I ever made was listening to my hippie stepfather that the military was a mistake. I had a chance to go to West Point via a recommendation from the state governor, and I had an Uncle go there for a family recommendation. Five years after going to a civilian college - I had no clue what to do with myself as I changed majors four times. I ended up ENLISTING in the Air Force. Even then, I had a woman in the Air Force tell me not to join. It was the best thing for me at the time. Nothing wrong with being an airman, but I missed out on a commission and a free education.

No one can tell you what to do but you, because no one but you really knows what you want.

Join up. Its our job to defend those who criticize us anyway, have a rewarding time and prove them all wrong.

An as for this dying business, I see more civilians dying from car wrecks on the way to and from work than I have known military lost in combat, so we're not as foolhardy as people think.

Answer 6

Your grandfathers bought these fools the right to say whatever they want. Sometimes it is grating -- but mostly it is funny.

I really love to hear some 17 year-old know it all telling me how things in Africa or the Middle East 'really are'. They have no idea that I have first hand knowledge. I find that it is best to ignore them if I'm not laughing at them.

If you feel like doing it, then by all means, keep up the tradition of your ancestors and serve proudly.

Rock of the Marne!

Answer 7

Only you know what is right for you. There are those out there who believe that if there is no military, there will be no war, you have probably been hearing from them. It is my opinion that some must stand and defend the defenseless, if someone calls you a baby-killer, so be it. As long as you know in your heart that you are doing the right thing, you have nothing to fear.

Answer 8

not at all.

why would you care one way or the other.

but i'll give you a bit of advice - when you get to bootcamp and sample what life will be like, what with people screaming at you over such critical things as how to mop a floor or clean a toilet - and you decide that it's not quite weighty enough for you - just tell them you are gay and be sure to do so in front of a witness...

Answer 9

I work at a middle school helping kids prepare for college, and my boss would flat out tell the kids not to consider joining the military. that definately bothered me. im sure some people have your best interest at heart (people that KNOW you) like your family and friends, but strangers who plainly discourage people from joining, yeah, they bother me.

Answer 10

hellz no. theyre retards. srsly, the military is a great way to start out on your life. it gives you a foundation of moral and character, plus it can start you off right financially and give you an education. not all is perfect in the world right now, but the military isn't bad. especially, if youre chillin in cali, like i am.