hey everyone reading this!

right now, iam in grade 9 ( only 11 grades in quebec so high schools almost over) and its this time in life were i have to start making big desisions... teachers tell you to go in 436 math and get 90's because it determines your future and all, but i dont know what i want my future to look like anymore.

ive always wanted to join in but recently things are changing, i still want to, but iam skeptical. some people i know tell me some akward storys that happened in the army and its making me think twice.
were they lying or not?
now i hope someone out there could give me some advice because i really need some, something that could reasure me

thx a lot, Frank

I can't vouch for the Canadian Army, but the American Army was an interesting experience. I never saw any combat, but you have to face that reality.
IF YOU JOIN THE ARMED FORCES, YOUR PRIMARY JOB IS TO GRAB A WEAPON AND SHOOT.

We're having the problem here in the states where people in the National Guard and Reserves are mad because they're being sent overseas and "That's not what they signed up for"

You have the opportunity to serve your country and world as a free person from a free nation.
It also comes with great personal risk.

If you can accept that, and are ready for some adventure that you wouldn't get hanging out on the street corner, then I say go for it!!

JP

Thx Jp!
could you tell me some good and bad experciences? or could anyone else also?
Frank The

I have never been in the army but considered it for a very long time. Then I had an accident, followed by a back surgery (fused vertebrates) and many months of recovery. This pretty much ended my dream of becoming a Recon Marine. Anyhow, when I considered going into Marines I was told to go to college first, get a degree and then join up. This way I would have been an officer to start things off. This may be something for you to consider. Then again if you do not feel like doing the college thing you may just want to sign up right out of high school and get your education through the Army and have it all paid for.

As far as weird stuff happening in the Army, I think that you will probably have you share of push-ups and pull-ups. I think that you will probably come across an officer or two who will be an a$$ and will make you do things just for the sake of doing them. There is always some bonehead or a power trip who will try to make your life hell.

On the other hand, I think that you will make some incredible friendships while in the army. You will probably learn some cool skills and get to shoot serious weapons.

To tell you the truth, if I could, I would still consider joining up. Even with all the bad stuff happening around the World, I would still do it. It is just too late for me.

That's a pretty good analysis for some one who was never in the service Marty!!

I went the "go to the Army and Get your education Afterwards" route. There are some clowns on Power trips, but overall, you will meet some cool people from all over the place that will give you a greater appreciation for different people and different opinions. You will see all kinds of cool places, depending on what job you enlist for.

I was an M-1 tanker in the US Army from 86-90, then again briefly in 91 for the first Gulf War (never saw combat)

The reason that I got out was the majority of the time, we were doing stuff that I really hated, getting up early, killing time, etc. There were times of extreme discomfort- getting rained on constantly for an entire month in Hohenfels Germany, Guard duty, cleaning latrines, basic training...

But, there were also times of great interest and fun!! One word-GUNNERY!!! it was awesome!! The power of one platoon of tanks engaging multiple targets in line!! Oddball things like fighting forest fires in Idaho, riding in helicopters, make it a valuable life experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life!

JP

JP,
Al I have to say is AMEN BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After 6 years on active duty, i ended up joining the Guard. Since SEP. 11, thats all I heard. "I dont want to go, why, why, why!!" Its more like CRY, CRY, CRY!!!!!! Dont join if you dont want the chance of you going somewhere to happen...
Ok, I am off my soap box know.

Frank,
I joined the Army in 1989 right out of high school. IT WAS THE BEST THING I EVER DID IN MY LIFE!!!! I served on active duty from 89-95. I was out for 2 years and I missed the hell out of it, so I joined the Guard in 1998. Been in ever since, 12 years to date.
I complained the whole time I've been in the military, but complaining is natural. I say, if your not complaining about something, then something is really wrong. Joining the military made me the man I am today. When I wear my uniform, Especially now a days, i get a tear in my eye when some total stanger comes up to me at a gas station or grocery store and says "God Bless You For What You Are Doing." And Im only in the Guard know and not even deployed.
This is what I tell kids that ask me if they should join. Its what you make of it. You put in to it what you want out of it. You are going to be herrased, have long nights, miserable days in the cold , rain, or what ever. You may even be called to go fight for your country, doesnt matter if your in the Guard , Reserves, or Active Duty. It doesnt matter if your a cook, clerk, or a grunt. You do what you have to do.You serve your country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, as you can tell, I am very p[atriotic and love to serve my country.

DUTY - HONOR - COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!

"When in doubt Don't". I have said this to many of young people when they are not real sure what they want to do with their lives. The one thing that is very important though is a good education. The more you have the better you can make yourself. In the Army or out. If you are not 100% sure of serving your country than don't. Maybe the Reserve or National Guard would be a good way for you. I served my Country for over 27 Years. Both in the Army and , the Air Force, along with a few years of civil service and I have not regretted one day of it. I joined just after my 17th birthday in 1966 and served till 1998 when I was injured and retired. The military was good to me and my family. It taught me a lot about myself and made me aware of all my abilities that I didn't even know I had. I have been a grunt to cop with a stint of truck driving while in Nam. I was even a Training Instructor for the Air Force Basic Training at Lackland AFB Tx. I would not have had all of these experiences if it wasn't for the Military. I have been fortunate to travel over a lot of the world, from Maine to Japan to Australia, to Alaska. It is not a life for everybody but it can be a great one if you are cut out for this type of lifestyle.

You no guys, makes a lot more sense to me now
i always new being in the office wasnt the type of job id want to do.
and say, i was scared of joining cuz of some realy wierd storys, not that i didnt want to get shot or do all teh training, just those storys got me questioning myself " is it realy worth it"
thinking it over, i know its worth it, at least i have to try it out.
Thanks to all, Million thanks actualy, next time i wonder if joining in the army is i the right thing for me, il think of you all


Cheers
Frank The

Im going to take some words from Lt. Spears from BoB, once you join you have to face the fact that you are already dead, and function like a soldier is supposed to function, without mercy, with;o;ut fear. Im not afraid of war as much as I was a year ago, because I have seen that the veterans now appreciate life in a very special way, and they enjoy every moment of it for the rest of their like, it was an adventure and it will influence thier whole life.

I was lucky enough to have a JROTC program in my High School. It was Naval JROTC and gave me an idea about wearing uniforms etc. I got plenty of advice back then about all the different services and was planning on joining the Navy at that time until my Naval Recruiter went AWOL. Yup, they found him and I realized that I could safely trust the Army recruiter because an Army recruiter would never lie, right???

Anyways...I was in the Army for about 8 years and most of it was like a job, but with a uniform on. Granted I had an Admin sort of position but there are plenty of jobs in the Military that can suit your personalities and strengths.

3442, the only advice I can really give is for you to make the final decision for yourself and not let a smooth talking recruiter talk you into something that you may regret. Research and find out what you are capable of doing.

Having said that, I don't regret enlisting (twice) or my time in the Army. It was worth it to get out of New Jersey. hehe

When I wanted to be a lawyer, they said I couldn't do it because I had to lie a lot. I wanted to become a preist, they said I couldn't cut it. They wanted me to be a doctor, I chose engineering. They said I was terrible in Math. But now I am an engineer. It’s totally your decision in the end.

When I was in ROTC, I enjoyed it so much I actually thought of going ahead, I was good in the range and map reading. My CO said I had potential. I didn’t go through with it because I knew my ma would have the fits. (Besides I was 5’5” 1” short of pre-qualification) I had two of my cousins KIA in the early eighties because of the Muslim war in the south of my country. One lost a leg fighting the communist. Two of my friends who were in the ROTC with me are now KIA too. I don’t know about Canadian or US army, but in the Philippines you have 90% chance of going into combat in you first two years. 30% chance of being ambushed or assassinated throughout your career. It doesn’t matter where you are in the country. Guerrilla warfare has no boundaries. This is only because we have 4 major insurgent groups and numerous sub-groups not counting the often unstable divisions in our military establishments.

Even in ROTC, life was hard. I bet combat would be harder. But it taught me discipline and respect. Honor was not emphasized in ROTC but our culture harbors it in many forms anyway.

I don't want to put the US soldier down but I heard a lot of US soldiers in the news complaining and wining about their combat situation lack of supplies and whatnot, depression and boredom, suicide. It surprised me. Our (Philippine) forces fight with outdated weapons and carry only a quarter of supplies a typical US soldier has with no body armor at all! Imagine the pay too. Yet they fight on.

Remember this, when you sign that form, you are giving your life to the armed forces. They will transform you into something different. When you ride on a bus, you’ll notice that your posture is different. When you eat at a restaurant, you’ll see another difference.

Good luck deciding.

3442,

I'd say go for it. You'll be a much better person for having served your country.
I served four years on active duty in the US Army, went straight into the Ohio National Guard and then got out altogether for six years. Missed it so much I went back into the Army Reserves in 94. I'm out again now, but still miss it bad.
My unit was the first to go to Grenada from the 82nd Airborne Div. back in 1983...I was in the mortar platoon, so I didn't "get to" go. I was really hacked off about that! I equate it to learning to do your favorite thing and then never getting to actually do it. It might sound strange, but I sure wish I could do a stint in Iraq...I envy those guys who get to test their metal over there...

Just thought i would throw my 2 cents in from the opposite side of the spectrum....been active duty for 7 yrs in the USAF...yep, good ole chair force. I mostly sit at a desk and look at a computer, and send my officers out to kill the bad guys and break things. I have spent at least 3 months out of every year overseas, but only because i VOLUNTEERED to go all but 1 or 2 of those times. Cant beat the life, the experiences, the people, or the benefits (medical, college, etc.). The pay is just fine and I am almost finished with my degree, finally decided to start taking classes about 3 yrs ago. Bottom line is, like all these other dudes said, its all about whats important to you. Do a little time and get the discipline and free training, and it may make you a better person. If not, go to school or start working some where, as long as what you do is an effort to make your life better, you win. Good Luck!

why not you'll never know til you try it and will only get out of it what you put into it. I joined at 16.5 sometimes I think it was a waste but then it balances out will alot of the good times I had during the 8yrs I done full time I'm now in the TA and enjoy it much more as if I find its annoying me I can switch off for a few weeks, just try and get a trade out of in the long run not much in the way of work for some one who can pull a trigger on a rife in civvi street these days

i AM joining, and it took me a long long long time to decide it, what you need to do is talk to people in the military, get a feel of what it is like, then think for a couple months "Is this really what i want to do?" took me a while

al right iam joining in!( in 2 years )
hey mech maniach, isnt that what iam doing right now? asking peopel who served how its like?

Thx buddies

If you have doubts about joining, why don't try the joining one of the local militia units in your area. i did this for a period of 4 years and enjoyed it alot. This will give you a fair idea what is like to be in the armed forces.

I think that it's the best move that you can ever make in your life. It's a great education. I spent 14 years as a tanker and at 44 years old would still be doing it if I hadn't destroyed my ankle and had to get out on a medical discharge. I loved going to the field. I'd much rather be out on a tank in the pouring down rain , than stuck in the machine shop every day. Just my two cents worth.

hi

Join up if you think you can handle it, but go for it if you do no second thoughts.
I joined when I was 15 and left when I was 30 in the Royal Engineers. After basic training & boys service .when I was just 17 I tried for the RM & Para's but ended up where I wanted to be an Armoured Engineer.

what did I get out of my service, bad points besides going deaf from Gun fire must be the BullS%%t
Didn’t improve my English though. To many of those four letter words.

Good points, self discipline, self respect
I got artisan trades etc when in the forces.
But if you can handle the Basic Training and everything they throw at you the rest is a dream.
1st and Third postings always seem to be the best.

I have been out for 17 years now do I miss it YES what do I miss: - Comrades, Tanks, the Life
Would I go if asked the answer is YES even though I know that some of the Guys are doing Back to Back operational tours for the last few years.

But you never forget your friends even when out of the forces even to this day.
I find making friends in Civvie life hard and it is not the same the bond that you build between crews, troops or even sections is very hard to explain to some body who has not been in the forces. But it is there I assure you it goes more than friend ship or mates.

ossie