I want to do the 2 year plan but one day i'll be like yeah I so want to do this then another day ill be like wow I definitely don't wanna join the army, its really annoying. Im 17 years old right now and will be turning 18 next september and hopefully we will be mostly pulled out of iraq by then but who knows. I wish I could just stop having so many second thoughts, what got you guys to finally join? What do you suggest I do to clear my mind and make the decision?
2007-10-16 15:46:16 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Joining the military has always been my dream
2007-10-16 15:52:24 · update #1
I don't want to be kicking myself when Im old though saying, Wow i missed out on a lot.
2007-10-16 16:22:39 · update #2
Serve your country no matter how you do it. Usually serving your country means joining a branch of service. Fullfill your dream and serve your country or you will regret for not going as young as you are. I hear it all the time.
SSG Schramm
US Army 15 years
OIF 2003
US Army Recruiter 3 years
2007-10-16 15:56:09 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is natural to have second thoughts. Joining the military and leaving home is a huge decision. No one can tell you to join or not. You are the one that will have to make that decision for yourself. Ask yourself, what are the pros and cons of joining the military? What are you looking to get out of it, adventure, travel, job training, etc.? What are your other options? Once you answer these question honestly to yourself the decision should be easier to make. Good luck and best wishes on whatever decision you ultimately make.
2007-10-17 00:48:53 · answer #2 · answered by Marcel Weezt 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a lot to go through before the Army even accepts you. First you need to be tested to see what you are qualified to do best and if it fits into your future plans not only for the military but for civilian life also if you don't become a career soldier. If the MRS tries to put you into anything else except what you qualify for and want you tell them ," Sorry. That is not what I want or I am enlisting for and I want to go back home and talk to my recruiter". Make that perfectly clear! Second, you have to see if you are physically capable to join the army and be able to pass the preliminary physical examination. All of that is done only after you been checked for any past criminal offenses and have THROURGLY discussed this with the recruiter. WHAT you want to do is up to you and it is your decision to make. If your scared of being sent overseas into combat then consider a non-combat MOS that will also benefit you in civilian life. I was an Army recruiter and Station Commander for five years and I never lied to my applicants and told them just what I have told you. That used to piss off my superiors but I felt that a young persons choice of MOS's should be his/hers to make. I enlisted over 450 young men and women into the Army and 378 decided to make it a career. I settled in the area I recruited from. A lot of my enlistees fought in Panama and Grenada and a lot joined Special Forces and the 75th Rangers. Some were wounded in battle but they told me that they never regretted their decision or my advice. They are my friends and we share a common bond that most people on this site will never know.....but....again it is your decision and only you can make it. I never regretted it and I was wounded on three separate occasions and I probably scared more people out of enlisting into the Army than I enlisted. If I could scare them at my desk I would tell them to go and see the Navy or the Air Force because they were better suited for that type of service. Two retired as USN commanders, one an Air Force Colonel, two USMC master Sergeants. I think that I helped them out pretty good and they appreciated it. Good luck in whatever endeavor you choose.
2007-10-16 23:51:37 · answer #3 · answered by purpleheart3@verizon.net 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are having second thoughts about joining the Army, don't join. It takes a lot of dedication and commitment. My son has been serving with the Army's 1st Cav in Iraq for over a year. He carries 70 pounds of gear around in 125 degree heat in the filthiest conditions imaginable. But he is very dedicated and close to his fellow soldiers and feels he is making a contribution serving his country. My wife and I are extremely proud of him, but look forward to his returning home in December. As a career military man, it is one thing to put yourself in harm's way, but quite another when you have a child in that position.
Good luck to you in whatever you chose.
Chief Petty Officer
U.S. Navy, Retired
1968-1990
2007-10-16 23:35:21 · answer #4 · answered by Bill 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I understand where you are coming from. I had many second thoughts about joining the Navy but I always thought about the many benefits from joining. If your worried about going to war join a different branch i.i.e. the air force or the navy. My husband is in the Air Force and he loves it and the best part is his chances of going over seas is slim to none. If he goes over seas he is going to Korea. You have plenty of time to think about this so o clear your mind think of what you will enjoy about it, how proud your family will be and the success you will be after you leave. It will look great on your resume after.
2007-10-16 22:59:21 · answer #5 · answered by mrssparks07 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Joining the military is a BIG decision once you sign papers theres no turning back, you can go in then say I quit yu can be thrown in jail for that i suggest you talk to a recruiter and see if you hvae second thoughts then.
2007-10-16 22:52:12 · answer #6 · answered by MafiaX16 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are second guessing yourself, don't join. It's great when people do join, but it's not for everyone. Just sleep on it a bit and decide some of your pros and cons. If you have any doubts at all, don't join. You don't want to be kicking yourself later.
2007-10-16 23:16:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are having second thoughts, and you have not inked the papers with the Military, then you are free to walk away.
I wanted to join long ago, however, they would not accept me for medical reasons.
2007-10-16 22:56:53 · answer #8 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wait for as long as it take to be sure you've made the right decision. Once you've made the commitment there is no turning back. There is no "majic formula" to be able to settle your mind and make a decision and stick to it.
2007-10-16 23:15:30 · answer #9 · answered by oneiloilojeepney 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
id say don't make such a long term decision unless you would want to be there even on the worst of days.
if it has always been a dream then give yourself some time to soak it in an except what will be asked of you. your young, u still got time
2007-10-16 22:52:40 · answer #10 · answered by BAD KARMA 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋