two posts in one night?!

[leprechaun624]

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, especially about our country, and the path that it is going down since the recent elections. I have decided I need to get more involved. And one of those ways would be for me to enlist in the Armed Services. It isn't something I would particularly relish, or really WANT to do, due to the risks involved

Comments

Interesting

[anonymous]

Joe, let me start out by saying that I'm more than a little surprised that you're thinking about going into the armed forces. I'll admit that I don't know you all that well but, unless I'm mistaken, this is kind of a new direction for you. With that in mind I thought it might be appropriate for me to comment on your post. First of all, I don't think it would be a good idea for you, or anyone else, to join up if you don't want to be in the military. I understand the feeling of an obligation based on duty, however, there are routes open outside of the military to serve the country. This is part of the reason why I don't feel everyone should be forced to serve, I appreciate the concept of wanting to know what it is to be in the military before trying to effect policy decisions concerning the military but, in the same vein, I don't think people have to be doctors to have an opinion on health-care. Plus, if you don't like the kind of stuff the military does (I'm referring to working all day in the woods and flopping down to sleep in sweat-stained clothes not killing people and being killed) then the military life really sucks.
That being said I also don't want to discourage you from enlisting if that is in fact what you want to do. If that is the case then I would instead encourage it. I'll explain my main reason for joining here only because I think it may help you in your decision, so if it seems like I'm preaching or trying to be holier than thou to anyone keep in mind that this is just an ideal, I can't say I live up to this everyday and don't claim to. I joined because I figured the military will be sent places to do things regardless of what I do with my life. The military does important things, deals with life and death, not only of enemies, but of American boys and girls. I don't ever aspire to enter into politics and have to decide whether or not the reason for killing or being killed is just. I'm not smart or talented enough for that type of thing. What I think I am capable of is leading soldiers and making sure they fight in a just manner and making sure they stay as safe as possible. Regardless of where I went to college someone would be in a foreign country leading a platoon, I think I could do that as well as anyone and maybe better than some. Either way, I trust myself to do the right thing or at least try as hard as possible to. Plus, if that platoon leader off in a foreign land is fated to die, well then that's a least one person's life I've saved by taking his place. That's why I joined up, it sounds arrogant even as I read it and a little bit like I have a death wish. I don't mean it to be either but I'm afraid that's as best I can put it. Sorry this was so long, my posts have a tendency to be that way but enlisting is a big decision and I thought you might appreciate some comments. Just remember, your reasons are your own but make sure they're worth the sacrifice and that this is something you want to do because if it's just something you feel you ought to do you might not make it. Good luck

~Brian

Ps. If you do enlist, try to get into aviation. Fly Army, BOOYAH!

Re: Interesting

[germanboy]

paragraphs!