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[PetriP-TNT]

I almost got killed and all I got was this lousy piece of paper.

Well, anyway, congratulations!

 

[BeEatNU]

thanks good sir.

*hats off*

 

[Az]

Didn't know Iraq was a threat to your family.

Just like Matt Damon, that is not relevant.

Thanks for serving good sir. Enjoy your time now.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

I just found his comment to be hyperbole. In our current state, there is nothing to fear about our "FREEDOMZ!" being taken away (then again there's always the Patriot Act) .

It's just your typical talking point that the right pushes to stir patriotic nationalism, while at the same, taking your right aways. It's quite ironic to tell you the truth.

But if it makes him feel better, then congrats on the OP for protecting my rights as an American.

I was thinking petulant, spoiled, ungrateful, ignorant child. But troll works too

.

You sure are a class act, and fits the profile as I've written above. Then again, judging by your past posts, I'm not shocked.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Well shit....sounds like you've seen some real-ass shit.

Congrats, and thanks from Canada.

So, how do you feel? Emotionally that is...do you feel reasonably well-adjusted despite the shit you've seen? I imagine the wife and kid must help a lot.

I have diagnosed PTSD and hearing loss, I'm getting better at the adjustment though.

My brother has been in the Army for the last year, and I have a few questions.

Recently he posted on his Facebook how he is a real hero, not sports stars, or something to that nature. Now as far as I know, he has not been deployed yet. So my question is, is this a mentality that is trained into them during basic, or is my brother just being his normal dude bro self?

Another question. My brother talked about how they were being trained not only for the current conflicts, but also some Iran was throw in for good measure. Now that there is a chance for a political uprising from within, what additude did you get from your former co-workers regarding the change.

I don't want this to be taken that I am bashing the Army. It's just that I don't believe his version of the Army.

No, they don't train you to think you're a hero, he sounds like he has delusions of grandeur, which is odd since he hasn't even seen action.

You don't train to fight countries, you train to fight for conditions. "Desert, jungle, forest, mountain." No offense, but it sounds like he's full of it.

4 years in the Army? What is that, like an E-7? Does anybody even join below E-4 these days?

Who are you talking to?

Anyway, I was active for 5 years, was SGT by 2 and a half years, which was the fastest promotion in my company. I was supposed to go to E-6 board upon returning from my second tour, but decided to get out.

But yes, most people join as E-1 - E-3. An E-7 is a Sergeant first class, which is a platoon sergeant in the Army, 4 years in is WAY too early for someone to take on that kind of responsibility.

 

[dude]

I ended my mandatory service of 3 years last week. High Five!

 

[Slightly Live]

Why would you risk your life in the first place?

Seems like a risky waste of time.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I ended my mandatory service of 3 years last week. High Five!

It was only 3 years? Are you American? When I signed up no matter what you signed up for in terms of active service you were obligated to a total of 8.

Why would you risk your life in the first place?

Seems like a risky waste of time.

Elaborate?

 

[WanderingWind]

I just found his comment to be hyperbole. In our current state, there is nothing to fear about our "FREEDOMZ!" being taken away (then again there's always the Patriot Act) .

It's just your typical talking point that the right pushes to stir patriotic nationalism, while at the same, taking your right aways. It's quite ironic to tell you the truth.

But if it makes him feel better, then congrats on the OP for protecting my rights as an American.

This is the very definition of trolling. Nobody asked for your fucking opinion in this thread on whether or not you agree with his life's decision, or whether or not you believe something is hyperbole. Who the fuck are you? If you don't agree with the military, kudos. Fuck off to another thread then.

Anyway, I was active for 5 years, was SGT by 2 and a half years, which was the fastest promotion in my company. I was supposed to go to E-6 board upon returning from my second tour, but decided to get out.

But yes, most people join as E-1 - E-3. An E-7 is a Sergeant first class, which is a platoon sergeant in the Army, 4 years in is WAY too early for someone to take on that kind of responsibility.

More of a joke. I'm USMC. I know the deal. Congrats on surviving and getting the fuuuuuuck out. Now, get your ass to school so you don't waste your life. That Post 9/11 GI Bill is a great tool.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

When I was going to enlist in the Air Force Security Forces, having a certain amount of college credits helps with that, but supposedly it slows your ability to move up rank by going in as an E-5.

This is the very definition of trolling. Nobody asked for your fucking opinion in this thread on whether or not you agree with his life's decision, or whether or not you believe something is hyperbole. Who the fuck are you? If you don't agree with the military, kudos. Fuck off to another thread then.

Did I ever say I disagreed with the U.S. military? No. I think we have the best military in the world. Joining the military is just like any other job: It's a JOB. Can it be more dangerous than most jobs? Of course.

 

[Deleted member 1235]

Congrats, and thanks for the service.

honestly curious why americans say this. Not saying it's wrong, it's just we don't say it round here.

However, what you did was brave.

Didn't know Iraq was a threat to your family.

While this seems trolly as hell and probably is, the other guy with the 'thanks for what you've done for me an my family' is equally ridiculous.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I enlisted in the Air Force Security Forces. Having a certain amount of college credits helps with that, but supposedly it slows your ability to move up rank by going in as an E-5.

You mean E-4 I presume. People don't enter the military as an NCO.

 

[Slayven]

Congrats and thanks for your service. Does the army let you keep any of your gear?

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Congrats and thanks for your service. Does the army let you keep any of your gear?

Not really, well, not all of it. That said I have a duffel full and box full of gear.

 

[ChiTownBuffalo]

honestly curious why americans say this. Not saying it's wrong, it's just we don't say it round here.

However, what you did was brave.

I think it was mostly due to the repeal of our draft. Since the military is a volunteer military now, it is no longer a duty to serve. So American thanks those that voluntarily served in their "stead."

Best I can come up with. I'm probably wrong.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

More of a joke. I'm USMC. I know the deal. Congrats on surviving and getting the fuuuuuuck out. Now, get your ass to school so you don't waste your life. That Post 9/11 GI Bill is a great tool.

Ah, gotcha bud.

Yeah, I said earlier I'm in my Junior year of college down in SIU. I'm applying to Illinois state troopers on the first.

I think it was mostly due to the repeal of our draft. Since the military is a volunteer military now, it is no longer a duty to serve. So American thanks those that voluntarily served in their "stead."

Best I can come up with. I'm probably wrong.

That's exactly the reason people do it.

And it's humbling whenever someone says it to me, especially in person, and especially when it comes from another vet.

 

[dude]

It was only 3 years? Are you American? When I signed up no matter what you signed up for in terms of active service you were obligated to a total of 8.

I'm Israeli. I said mandatory service, my is one of the few countries low enough to force it's citizens to sacrifice their lives.

 

[SouthernDragon]

Welcome back, you badass.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I'm Israeli. I said mandatory service, my is one of the few countries low enough to force it's citizens to sacrifice their lives.

My mistake bud.

Welcome back, you badass.

I wouldn't consider myself a badass, but thanks!

 

[methos75]

When I enlisted in the Air Force Security Forces, having a certain amount of college credits helps with that, but supposedly it slows your ability to move up rank by going in as an E-5.



Did I ever say I disagreed with the U.S. military? No. I think we have the best military in the world. Joining the military is just like any other job: It's a JOB. Can it be more dangerous than most jobs? Of course.

What base are you at, I am at SAFB hooah LOL

 

[ChiTownBuffalo]

I'm Israeli. I said mandatory service, my is one of the few countries low enough to force it's citizens to sacrifice their lives.

Huh, I just assumed the Israeli attitude was the same as ROK's. We got dangerous ass neighbors, and we need to do this partly out of self-preservation.

 

[-NeoTB1-]

Congrats, and thank you for serving.

.

 

[Lucky Forward]

Congrats and thanks, OP!

honestly curious why americans say this. Not saying it's wrong, it's just we don't say it round here.

Just a guess, but part of it may be because so many servicemen were treated poorly or ignored when they returned from Vietnam back in the day, and it was only in retrospect that people realized the wrong that was done to them, so they make a point of thanking servicemen now.

 

[Slightly Live]

Elaborate?

Why would you even consider joining the Army? There are a million of other things you could have done with that time that didn't increase significantly your chance at coming home in a body bag.

In this day and age, there's no reason to actively increase your likelihood to be killed or get shot at.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

What base are you at, I am at SAFB hooah LOL

I meant to say when I was going to enlist. And yeah, Alien is right. It was actually E-3, not E-5.

Right now I'm going through the hiring process for the Secret Service.

 

[WanderingWind]

I'm Israeli. I said mandatory service, my is one of the few countries low enough to force it's citizens to sacrifice their lives.

That sucks. I have to wonder, at least in America, how the draft actually works. I mean, when you sign up, if you hate it, you really have nobody but yourself to blame. What would stop somebody from just saying "no" if drafted? A drill instructor starts yelling, or your platoon sergeant gets on your case...what would stop Pfc. Draftee from saying "Fuck your mom" and smoking a fattie?

 

[TheKaeptain]

Not really, well, not all of it. That said I have a duffel full and box full of gear.

I still have my vest that I was supposed to give back.

 

[methos75]

I meant to say when I was going to enlist.

Right now I'm going through the hiring process for the Secret Service.

Even better LOL, I know a few people who got out and went SS

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Why would you even consider joining the Army? There are a million of other things you could have done with that time that didn't increase significantly your chance at coming home in a body bag.

In this day and age, there's no reason to actively increase your likelihood to be killed or get shot at.

9/11 Happened less than 2 years prior when I joined (2003)(I needed to lose weight before enlisting) Iraq was just kicking off, and I felt obligated to do what I could for my country.

That coupled with my childhood dreams of being a soldier and/or a police officer made it happen.

I still have my vest that I was supposed to give back.

They charged me for a Mich that I never signed for (my team leader did back when I first got to my unit)

Bastards.

I have a vest too, along with a bunch of other cool stuff.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Even better LOL, I know a few people who got out and went SS

Why don't you apply for OSI? They're bad ass agents who get to do a lot of cool things, like CI and such. I may always look at the civilian agent position in the future.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I meant to say when I was going to enlist. And yeah, Alien is right. It was actually E-3, not E-5.

Right now I'm going through the hiring process for the Secret Service.

To be fair, I don't see what you're doing as trolling at all. I understand your point of view.

Good luck getting in the SS. I'm working on DEA/ATF/Marshalls down the road.

 

[Slayven]

Know what you know now, would you do it again?

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Know what you know now, would you do it again?

In a heart beat.

 

[WanderingWind]

Reasons why people join the military
-free health care
-free college
-job security
-steady paycheck
-tons of intangibles
-etc.

I mean, I totally see why you wouldn't want to join, but it's not really difficult to understand why you would want to, either.

 

[Flambe]

I just found his comment to be hyperbole. In our current state, there is nothing to fear about our "FREEDOMZ!" being taken away (then again there's always the Patriot Act) .

I think the truth is somewhere in the middle of y'all.
Who knows what state your national security (or world stability) would be if you didn't have a very well-trained and well-equipped military.

You can't definitively say there's nothing to fear by any stretch of the imagination. The (relative) peacefulness of the world is an abberation of history, and just maybe your military diplomacy (be it through using Carrier groups as a show of force in a region or active military intervention) has had a positive effect.

 

[state-of-the-art]

Just left active duty last November. 4 more years in IRR though. Hopefully WWIII doesn't break out between now and then.

 

[ChiTownBuffalo]

That sucks. I have to wonder, at least in America, how the draft actually works. I mean, when you sign up, if you hate it, you really have nobody but yourself to blame. What would stop somebody from just saying "no" if drafted? A drill instructor starts yelling, or your platoon sergeant gets on your case...what would stop Pfc. Draftee from saying "Fuck your mom" and smoking a fattie?

Jail time for trolling the US Government, for a draft.

With voluntary enlistment, they just give you a Big Chicken Dinner, or 6, 6, and a kick, if you've been there for a while.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Just left active duty last November. 4 more years in IRR though. Hopefully WWIII doesn't break out between now and then.

They called me back in for 2 musters in my 3 years of IRR, but promptly revoked those orders prior to my showing up.

Good luck bud, hope you don't get activated to STAN.

Make sure your address is up to date, if you miss orders you could end up with a general or lower discharge.

That sucks. I have to wonder, at least in America, how the draft actually works. I mean, when you sign up, if you hate it, you really have nobody but yourself to blame. What would stop somebody from just saying "no" if drafted? A drill instructor starts yelling, or your platoon sergeant gets on your case...what would stop Pfc. Draftee from saying "Fuck your mom" and smoking a fattie?

Jail time, revocation of pay, etc.

 

[TheKaeptain]

Just left active duty last November. 4 more years in IRR though. Hopefully WWIII doesn't break out between now and then.

You're lucky. They aren't calling people back in like they were in 2007-2008. I got called back into the reserves with a year and half left of IRR.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

You're lucky. They aren't calling people back in. I got called back into the reserves with a year and half left of IRR.

Jesus, 6 more months and a day and you would have been safe.

 

[Vieo]

If you get a "Dishonorable Discharge", do you still get one of those certificates, but with "Dishonorable" on it instead?

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

If you get a "Dishonorable Discharge", do you still get one of those certificates, but with "Dishonorable" on it instead?

I believe so, also, you're pretty much screwed if you are looking for state/federal employment. You also don't get ANY benefits.

 

[Jason's Ultimatum]

If you get a "Dishonorable Discharge", do you still get one of those certificates, but with "Dishonorable" on it instead?

A guy I know who tried becoming a cop thinks he didn't get the job due to his dishonorable discharge.

Must be a taint to your record?

EDIT-Seems so.

 

[TheKaeptain]

Jesus, 6 more months and a day and you would have been safe.

They can actually amend orders to call you in with just nine months left. Happened to a guy in my reserve unit.

If you get a "Dishonorable Discharge", do you still get one of those certificates, but with "Dishonorable" on it instead?

Your life is fucked if you get one.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

A guy I know who tried becoming a cop thinks he didn't get the job due to his dishonorable discharge.

Must be a taint to your record?

EDIT-Seems so.

Definitely is, especially if you're trying to get into a paramilitary organization. Just makes sense.

They can actually amend orders to call you in with just nine months left. Happened to a guy in my reserve unit.

Yeah, they can do anything as long as you're in those 8 years, but takes more effort.

Just glad I'm free!

 

[WanderingWind]

Jail time, revocation of pay, etc.

I think most people would take that one, frankly.

"Okay, you can either go get blown the fuck up, or you can go to a military jail, where we are under so much scrutiny your life will be very boring, but safer than your neighborhood."

"...jail, please."

EDIT: A Dishonorable or BCD are bad, bad, bad.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

I think most people would take that one, frankly.

"Okay, you can either go get blown the fuck up, or you can go to a military jail, where we are under so much scrutiny your life will be very boring, but safer than your neighborhood."

"...jail, please."

You're right, but not everyone would see it that way either.

 

[AbortedWalrusFetus]

I think most people would take that one, frankly.

"Okay, you can either go get blown the fuck up, or you can go to a military jail, where we are under so much scrutiny your life will be very boring, but safer than your neighborhood."

"...jail, please."

EDIT: A Dishonorable or BCD are bad, bad, bad.

There was pretty extreme social stigma attached to it in several wars as well. If you were a draft dodger in WWII for example you were essentially a social outcast.

 

[WanderingWind]

You're right, but not everyone would see it that way either.

Good thing we don't have a draft. It's hard enough dealing with people who volunteered. I wouldn't want to deal with junior troops who were forced in.

 

[Brolic Gaoler]

Good thing we don't have a draft. It's hard enough dealing with people who volunteered. I wouldn't want to deal with junior troops who were forced in.

Amen to that. As I was leaving I was so glad I didn't have to babysit privates anymore. They seemed to get worse and worse. There's no way in hell I would have gone Drill, no matter how shitty recruiting is.