So I joined the US Army...

[Xazax]

I was interested a while back in joining the Marine core, because of there history of being the toughest... well i spent months getting in shape to even ENLIST in there DEP program which requires i do 2 Chin-ups and 44 sit-ups, My recruiter then deals me some very harsh and unwanted news, There's a big chance i wont be able to even enlist, not because im not qualified but because there such a huge influx of people enlisting that its getting very tight, and since im 21 already finished high-school years ago, and a semi college drop-out I'm not exactly high on the list, they want seniors either in or fresh from highschool.

I would have to wait either months to get in and even then there isnt a chance since i'd have to battle for the spot with 4-5 other guys in the same place im in.
Last i heard there only enlisting THREE people this month, 3 months ago it was 120.

Waiting for me isnt an option, I'm living with my dad and off my dad(leeching if you will) I dont have a job and i cant get one, I decided to talk the Army recruiters well they got me in the door and i got my contract signed, before they too do the same as the Marine core(It seems every branch is cutting enlistment atleast around here)

So I've joined the Army, as an Infantrymen for 3 years active duty. Reason i did infantry if anyone out there wonders why in the hell... its becauseI'm color blind.. i have a hard time telling Lighter colors like light green and yellow apart and hence I only had a few options available..

I leave for Fort Benn. Georgia for OSUT (boot-camp and AIT) Jan. 19th
Obviously im going to be deployed for the Middle-east im not even going to say its a chance because im pretty damn sure there going to send me there and if not well I'm lucky.

If any of you guys have advice for me, for surviving boot-camp and battles or have some friends/family in the services that can offer some enlightenment it be appreciated

[FordGT90Concept]

Congrats. You might end up in the middle-east and you might not. It depends on where your regiment is deployed. Seeing as Afghanistan is quickly turning into another Vietnam, Obama might order a unilateral withdrawal before you even finish boot camp. :(

Anyway, good luck.

[mlee49]

Congrats, your countrymen thank you. 3 years is nothing, seriously 6 weeks of Boot camp, and another 6mo of training will eat up your first year. Your first deployment will drain you, but thats exactly normal. Just take it in stride and by then you'll be 2 yrs down and you'll be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Either way dont fret it, it's not bad until they ask you to resign for 10 years and offer you 10k. Just try to turn that down :D

[T3hPwn3r3r]

Bad move IMO.

There is next to nothing to be gained from serving in the armed forces... Unless you like shit pay, PTSD, and being shot at by derka-derkas.

[Wile E]

Bad move IMO.

There is next to nothing to be gained from serving in the armed forces... Unless you like shit pay, PTSD, and being shot at by derka-derkas.

I don't know, perhaps defending your beliefs and country?

At any rate, why Army and not Navy?

[FordGT90Concept]

No water? Seasick? XD

[Deusxmachina]

I don't know, perhaps defending your beliefs and country?

At any rate, why Army and not Navy?

Why Navy and not Air Force? Air Force is apparently the least shot-at and most "luxurious" branch of the military, so sounds good to me.

Iraq isn't completely terrible, I guess. I know an Army Colonel there. Now, with that rank he gets it cushier than others, and spends a surprising amount of time on the internet, but just sayin' things might be slower there than many people think.

I'm surprised Marine enlistment is lowered on purpose. Would think they have a harder time getting people.

And now I'm reminded of the Marine-commercial conversation from Generation Kill:

"Brad probably saw that T.V. commercial, the one with the knight that fucks up the Dragon that turns into the Marine.
Cpl. Walt Hasser: Woo woo! Dress blues with a Sword!
Cpl. Josh Ray Person: Fucking dress blues commercial man. That got so many fucking dudes."

Seeing as Afghanistan is quickly turning into another Vietnam, Obama might order a unilateral withdrawal before you even finish boot camp. :(


Yeah, right. Wouldn't surprise me if those jackoffs pull a false-flag with Iran on top of it. Why the sad face on that? The Army should be at home protecting U.S. borders, not protecting Middle East borders.

[WhiteLotus]

They shouldn't send you out to the hot zones striaght off, they will most likely send you to a few cooler "peace-keeping" areas first just to gain some experience.

Anyway good luck with it, it's a tough job and you most likely encounter some people that think you're a stupid fuck-wit for joining, but fuck'em... you're doing what they are too much of a pansy to do.


(if you are wondering, i would not volunteer for the armed services anymore, but they were calling for soldier i would be the first pick up that gun and defend my country)

[FordGT90Concept]

Yeah, right. Wouldn't surprise me if those jackoffs pull a false-flag with Iran on top of it. Why the sad face on that? The Army should be at home protecting U.S. borders, not protecting Middle East borders.
Losing wars demoralizes the military and everyone who supports the military in addition to showing signs of weakness to those that want to see the USA destroyed (the very reason why we ever got involved in Afghanistan--first for the Soviet invasion, second for harboring terrorists that have the blood of over 3000 Americans on their hands and seeking more).

The National Guard and Coast Guard is for protecting U.S. borders. The Navy, Air Force, and Army is for projecting power abroad.

Martial law (tanks on the same roads children play) makes the populous nervous so you keep them away to prevent causing problems here. ;)


Anyway good luck with it, it's a tough job and you most likely encounter some people that think you're a stupid fuck-wit for joining, but fuck'em... you're doing what they are too much of a pansy to do.
It is so agreed.

[Xazax]

I asked for some advice, not political views and crisitm about being where we are at etc I'd love some insight from people who did boot-camp

[Deusxmachina]

Fairly simple:

Do what you are told and learn to enjoy exercise.

If any questions are asked, create your answers based on a military
point of view, not personal feelings.

"recruit, what do you think the other recruits need?"
"discipline, sir. The basic function of a soldier is to march in the
direction told to march."

Read, understand and be able to apply the teachings of Sun Tzu, at the
least.

That's for Marine boot camp, but I'm thinking such things would serve well in the Army, too.

[T3hPwn3r3r]

I don't know, perhaps defending your beliefs and country?

At any rate, why Army and not Navy?

From what?

Invading the Islamic world is not going to bring peace or safety to America.

Also, I grew up in an Army family.

Whether you realize it or not, you'll become a lifeless power-hungry drone.

[Wile E]

From what?

Invading the Islamic world is not going to bring peace or safety to America.

Also, I grew up in an Army family.

Whether you realize it or not, you'll become a lifeless power-hungry drone.

From any threat that may arise. What, do you want everyone to wait until there is an immediate threat? Yeah, that will protect us well. :rolleyes: Good luck getting everybody trained in time.

I grew up in a split army/navy household, no, not everyone becomes a drone. That's more the Marines' game. lol.

[Steevo]

My father was Navy, two uncles army. One uncle can't have children as they had to clean up a "mess" of chemicals without protective suits on as that woudl cause a media stir. It cost the US about a quarter of a million for the test launches off a carrier that my dad was involved in, that was for each launch BTW. They did lots, and they launched a nice car off the deck the commander picked up in some other country.




After talking to many as I used to want to be a Seal, (thus the reason i used to be in such badass shape) but they talked sense into me.


Protecting our country from immidiate danger.....of oil barons not making enough......
Protecting our freedom for more freedoms to express our freedoms. Kill the people who dislike wars and death, that solves the problem.
Protecting our country, by invading one half way aroudn the world, and sticking our nose into everybody elses business, all the whle allowing illegals into our country, and giving them benefits and treating them better that residents.


These are the ideas of men who have seen war, and been in places they shouldn't have been, for reasons unknown, and that cost millions of dollars and many lives.

[FordGT90Concept]

I quote the op:
I asked for some advice, not political views and crisitm about being where we are at etc I'd love some insight from people who did boot-camp

[Steevo]

What are your goals in joining?
Boot camp is hell, and how I was raised in alot of ways.

[RevengE]

Bad move IMO.

There is next to nothing to be gained from serving in the armed forces... Unless you like shit pay, PTSD, and being shot at by derka-derkas.

There is nothing to be Gained in Making stupid comments either. I have alot of family in the Marines and Law Enforcement Including me..so keep these type of comments to yourself. He asked for advice not someone to bring him down. Back on topic. Keep yourself Focused in boot camp, pay attention, don't goof off or give the Drill Instructor a reason to make your life a living hell. (toast)

[RevengE]

What are your goals in joining?
Boot camp is hell, and how I was raised in alot of ways.

Boot camp is how you make it. it can be hell or a fun rewarding experience

[Black Panther]

If you could consider this as an advice... here's mine:

I wouldn't care to join the army myself.. but if it were my loved one planning to join it, I'd pray so he doesn't.

[FordGT90Concept]

Is there no sense of honor and duty in the world anymore? I would join if I could.