I am in turmoil; do I join the military or not?

Question

Hello there, I am 21 and about to go off to Cranwell, where I want to become a Supply Officer.

I have always wanted the soldiering life but have bad eyesight so have had to do the best I can with Supply. However I am now aware that our wars are no longer fought for Queen and country but rather greedy politicians, and that the wars at the moment have little bearing on the people on the UK.

Were I to give up the RAF in 6 years and get a job on civvy street, I want to have had the time of my life. I do not want innocent blood on my hands, or even that of men just trying to defend their own country. But I want to have a soldier's life.

I am tearing up inside- what should I do?

Thanks for all serious answers

The whole point I am trying to make is that ARE the Armed Forces protecting our country any more, given the current conflicts? If we suddenly pulled out of Iraq, would the Iraqis turn around and invade the UK? No!

And what do the terror attacks on British soil have to do with Iraq? Were the bombers Iraqi nationals? Or were the attacks a direct result of the British being in Iraq in the first place?

Answer 1

there is no better honor than serving your country. This way, you can see boths sides of a conflict, and most soldiers support their leaders, unlike civvies.

Answer 2

I'n in the RAF as an Avionics Technician and I joined up to defend Queen and Country. There are still a few patriots in the armed forces. We are operating in many theatres, but I have spent serving my 6 1/2 years (so far) in the UK, with detachments to many great places.

I don't know how good the Supply Officer's job is but there is VERY little chance that you will actually have to pull the trigger against an enemy. That's the Aircrew and RAF Regiment's role. I do know that you will make friends for life, however.

Besides, you may never go on Operations. The only Operation I have been on was Op Fresco (the fire strike cover 5 years ago). I have not been to anywhere hot and sandy, except for Arizona and Nevada.

Although my current job's not ideal for me (a hands-on engineer stuck in a desk job) I have had a great time so far, travelled to many beautiful locations and made fantastic friends. If you do join up, I wish you the best of luck. Perhaps we will work together in the future.

Answer 3

War is a continuation of state policy, by other means.

I think a political philosopher chap called Von Clausewitz wrote that (or something similar). Anyway, soldiers have always been sent to fight for the national interest (WW2 being a notable exception in that there was no real alternative). Unfortunately, that is part of the deal. Securing oil & thus the country's future energy supply is in the national interest, even if its not exactly romantic.

If that really hits a nerve with you, perhaps you should not join. On the other hand, I think you should because as long as you do the best job you can, you will be making the situation better for others in the forces. Maybe not much better, but a little. But that's still worth it, isn't it ?

Answer 4

I have to say, I think you would have a tremendous career in the RAF. Most join without really thinking all the aspects of it through and here you are, really really looking at it from all angles. I think most intelligent soldiers and airmen feel similar to you and it is an internal battle that will not be resolved readily. Think of this however, if you don't go will you spend the rest of your life lamenting a lost opportunity? There is no doubt it is an excellent job and I'm positive that you will - in the main - have the time of your life. But it is life and you will have bad times too.

Only you can balance your conscience.

You could always try RAF reserve to "try before you buy"

Answer 5

Soldiers have, since time began, served the will of leaders - usually political - as often in battles NOT to defend their Country as in any other engagement. Your naivete is touching but a bit childish.

In your expected career field, even were you to be in a more combat-oriented Service, is virtually impossible to lead you into a situation where you will have blood on your hands, innocent or otherwise.

Not sure what you expect in the way of "time of (your) life." That phrase most often is used to describe extended moments of frivolity. When I served in the US Air Force (in almost as back-from-the-front a career as yours) I tended to think of how I was Serving My Country, particularly when the work became tedious or oppressive.

I suggest you find some worthwhile activity (e.g., volunteering at some community service organization) to help you learn to look beyond yourself. You're far too young to be convincing about beng torn-up inside.

Answer 6

Wrong job, for the wrong reasons I'm afraid, have you ever thought about being a paramedic? its a rewarding, 'though at times, demanding worthwhile job. A lot of the criticicism offered here, obviously comes from people who have no idea of what real life is in the military, I doubt if some of them could even qualify for the local cadets, never mind the real thing. You are young and could have a good life in front of you, if you pick the right career, so think carefully about it, do not let your dreams cloud reality, as it could become a nightmare if you make the wrong choice. Good luck go with you in any decision you make.

Answer 7

You have really answered your own question, so choose another career because if you have all these doubts then you are on the wrong path.
Our forces are being put in the front lines often ill equipped as cannon fodder. We need our young men and women to protect us and they are very courageous but we are not fighting a war against an enemy who have and value on their own people and blow up and kill their own as well as us.
What normal person wants their children to grow up to fight and die?
There will not be peace until the Muslim's that we are at war with at this present time love their children more that they hate us.

Answer 8

My brother is in the RAF as a loadmaster, and whilst some of his postings, ie Iraq he hasn't enjoyed, others such as the Ascenscion islands he has enjoyed immensely. You will have the time of your life sometimes, that's a guarantee. And whilst the wars we're fighting at the moment aren't directly tied to our own defence, we're attempting to improve the lives of others so the world might be more peaceful in the future. I think we're doing a better job in Afghanistan, were the people see us as liberators than we are in Iraq.

Answer 9

Seems like it is backward... It is usually an anti-social psychopath who starts a war inducing normal people into protecting themselves or that normal people are induced into a preemptive strike ahead of the psychopath. So there is only the guarantee that at lease one psychopath is involved in the process of war, but there may be plenty more following him. The real question is who is the psychopath and who is normal?

Answer 10

I admire u for being patriotic but there are also many other ways to show that u love yr country and there are others jobs instead of joining the army.THINK TWICE THIBK TWICE due before u regrets for the rest of yr life

Answer 11

these terrorist will always try to get the better of our forces but we are the best and im proud of every last british soldier airman and navy personnel ive two boys in the army and they love it nothing on civvy st