Zech Marquis The 2nd (197 posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sat Feb-27-10 10:08 AM
Original message
I am about to join the Army!!!
Monday morning I'll be up bright and early at the MEPS in Fort Lee VA, as I will be sworn into the Army :bounce: Last summer i had actually started processing for the Navy Reserve, but the recruiter was quite flakey, and the Navy didn't have any good job openings at all (not even for OCS applicants).
So why would I want to join the Army? having grown up as a military dependent, it feels very odd not to be moving every few years. Now I am currently working at Best Buy, and honestly I really like the company as a whole (and my co workers even more than that). Plus I just finished my college algebra course, which will allow me to finally complete my undergrad degree in International Studies. So I had several ways to go forward, and I decided that I'd look good in uniform 
My contract won't be finalized until the guidance consuelor and I meet Monday, but I am looking at starting as an IT Specialist (25b), then going for becoming an officer. I'm 37, so it'd be easier and quicker to enlist first, then with my degree work towards OCS. I've been working out and running since September--I;m 5 foot 10, 205 My running time is pretty good, and I'll use the time left until I ship to keep improving on ir. So I'm really excited to be serving my country, and no amount of Fox "News" and those stupid ass tea party rednecks will stop me.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7806631Hey moron the stupid ass redneck teabaggers are the ones who respect military service. The goons on your side hate the military.
msongs Donating Member (1000+ posts) Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sat Feb-27-10 10:12 AM
Response to Original message
4. a war machine job is a good bet in a militaristic nation like the US nt
so far that was the only snarky comment but, I am sure more are to come after all they are DUmmies.
elocs (1000+ posts) Journal Click to send private message to this author Click to view this author's profile Click to add this author to your buddy list Click to add this author to your Ignore list Sat Feb-27-10 10:49 AM
Response to Original message
29. My godson, who turned 21 this week, enlisted in the Army when he was 17.
I talked with him about the possible consequences beforehand so he clearly understood what he was getting into. To enlist was his own personal choice and he did what he thought was best for him (at the time he thought Bush was an idiot).
He did a tour of duty in Afghanistan (in the mountains near the border with Pakistan) and his 3 years were up last August. He reenlisted for another 6 years because he loves being in the Army. For him it is the perfect fit. At 16 he was on his way to becoming a high school dropout because with his ADD/ADHD he just couldn't get it or be motivated to go to school and with a high school kid that is very problematic. He was no good at making his own decisions, but did well with specific direction.
So in the middle of his junior year he dropped out of his high school and enrolled in one of those National Guard challenge camps for troubled youths. He thrived there and that summer he graduated from the challenge academy and got his GED. Not surprisingly he decided in August to enlist in the Army and there he was before his senior class had even taken a chair.
If he stays for 20 years (I told him if he stayed for 9 he may as well go for 20) he will be 37 when he has his time in. Still a relatively young man and he would be ready to start another career. Currently he has been trained to build and keep computers running as well as getting networks up and running. So for him to enlist was a good choice and one that probably saved him.
How could that be, I thought all soldiers were heartless murdering bastards now?
