Should I join, or not?

Question

I've been struggling with the decision for years, now. I have a strong military upbringing. My dad retired after 20 years in 2000, (with service in desert storm), and my mom is coming to the end of her terms of service in the army reserves in a year or so. They both have strong opinions on the subject, my dad in favor, my mom STRONGLY against.

I know exactly what I'm getting into. Not only have I been strongly involved in the military since birth, but I've been actively studying as well, for years. I know that joining is a long term commitment, and I guess the only thing stopping me now is the idea that, despite my strong instinct, I won't actually like it, and I'll be stuck. I turn 18 in a week, and I feel like I've come to a crossroads. I know there isn't any real hurry, but I would like to join while I'm still young, if I do go.

I guess my real question is.. what the h**l should I do?

Answer 1

join the reserves and go to collage if you like it then after school is up go active duty officer and make the good money if you don't like it its 1 weekend a month 2 weeks a year and once your out it looks good for job experience.  

Answer 2

no one can tell you what you should do, thats a decision you need to make on your own. if you have a sense of how it all works.. then you pretty much know what your getting into.. look at the pros and the cons.. one big pro the will pay for you to go to school and further your education.. give yourself time.. your only 18.. its not like you are completely aged and have a deadline ..

if i were you. i would sign up for on a short contract. u might get a S****y job but at least you will see waht your getting yourself into.. and worst case scenario. you join.. go to school.. and leave with an associates degree in something so if you decide that its not for you.. you have options for life after the military..

personally i think all kids leaving high school should serve at least long enough to get through basic training.. give them a sense of discipline.. thats just me. i served for 2years in the army as a supply specialist and i ended up not re enlisting.. it wasnt for me. but it was SO bad.. it was tolerable and while i was in i met some of my closest friends today. so you will not only get a sense of whether or not its for you.. but you also gain the experiance.. it was fun..

good luck hope you come up with a decision.

Answer 3

I say go ARMY RANGER LEAD THE WAY WHEN YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU THE MOST.

be the best the army has and the defender of are nations creed.

NOT MANY MEN CAN BE A RANGER BUT IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO IT YOU CAN!

RECRUITER AND/11B INFANTRY/75TH RANGER

SGT.GALASSI U.S. ARMY AND LOVIN IT!

Answer 4

Sorry for the language but..

I want you to ask yourself..Why the **** are we at war?

Are you going to war because you agree with your countries decision that they had weapons of mass destruction? No.. they didn't even have anything to do with it. This is all for oil. If you wanna be used, go ahead. Im telling you man. Your too young. There's people there who are trigger happy and will do anything to shoot. Go to college, get your degree, start a family, and live your life happy. Don't be a tool. Im not feeding you bullshit. Im just telling you the truth. Iraq used to be a good country. They had free health care, free education, and free homes. Saddam was a good ruler. He kept the two types of muslims from shooting and killing each other. American news just lies to you. Think of it like this.. Your controlling a certain area where two of your kids are fighting. Your stopping your two kids from hurting each other. Setting rules and examples basically. Then out of nowhere another mother comes in and tells you that your treating your kids wrong and that she/he is gonna do it for you and you don't have a choice. Then your two kids start going crazy and doing stupid ****. That's the situation right now in Iraq.

I respect whatever your opinion is. Do whatever you like. Don't let anyone tell you, you cant. That's my opinion above.

Answer 5

I was active duty for 3 years, right out of high school, didn't want to go to school. I loved every second of it. I was Infantry. I loved learning how to be a War Fighter. I did a tour in Iraq. Came home, married, with a kid. I got out because my contract was up. I missed it and joined the reserves. WHAT A MISTAKE. I went from door kicking and room clearing, to "soldiers" who sat around for a weekend. All I thought to myself was " They want me to go to war with these people?" I'd ask every kid there. "why did you join?" and the common answer was "college money". When I joined it was a nice benefit, but I joined because I felt like it was my duty to serve.

All and all, If you join. Don't join the reserves, its a waste of time and training. If you do join. Thanks  

Answer 6

should i stay or should i go now dun nu dun nu nu nu nu nu dunu nu

Answer 7

Join the reserves and if you like it enlist..

Answer 8

My advise, go to college and if you still feel the desire to go after you get your degree. Then go as an officer.

Answer 9

I think your place is to be in the army my friend. It seems that is your calling and something you need to do. 20 years down the road, do you want to say to yourself " I should have joined." I hope that doesn't happen. In the Army, we need more brave soldiers like you. Whose heart is in actually wanting to be a warrior. I hope you find your right place, and I hope that place is in the Army.