I think someone has a sense of humor

[arularia]

Why is it that once I more or less decide against an option, I'm suddenly flooded with help and interest from others in getting me to do what I had just decided not to? I've started getting soliciting/recruitment emails from med schools around the country and I even have the army after me now offering me a full ride plus a monthly stipend. To this

Comments

[vampire_killer]

I have a very precise image of the United States military, and to convey it, I draw upon a scene from the movie "Dr. Strangelove." Watch it immediately if you haven't already. Anyway:

A paranoid 4-star General has ordered the bombing of Soviet Russia. Knowing full well that there will be consequences for his jumping the gun, he addresses his men, telling them that war is upon them and that the enemy will descend upon them soon, perhaps even in the guise of their own livery.

Before long, US forces arrive at the compound to investigate the order and make the General answer for it. A great shoot-out ensues, Americans killing Americans. And get ready because this is the punch-line. In the midst of this veritable civil war, by the road, you see a billboard. It reads, "Peace is our Profession. Join the US Army."

A classic. XD Besides, not only are our troops being sent out to unreasonably long terms, the sad fact is that this country simply does not take care of its troops anymore. Pensions and benefits would be better at a customer

[arularia]

My brother-in-law is a career military guy. He was in the Air Force when he met and eventually married my sister and has managed to work himself up to Lieutenant Colonel. My sister gave birth to both of her children in military hospitals and they've actually be taken care of pretty well.

Jason, my brother-in-law, is pretty much a non-combatant type person though, even before he hit his current rank. He's been deployed three times now, but his ties are to the hospital so he's not out there getting shot at. Granted, if someone wanted to take out a base, the hospital would probably be the first place they singled out, but still, I'd rather have those odds than be out on a humvee every day getting shot at.

But you're right. There a lot of people who serve who are getting screwed when it comes to benefits and, unfortunately, the majority of those not getting what they need are those who were wounded and those families who lost a loved one in battle. And these are the people who are in most need of support.