Military history

[bigscarypilot]

One of my LJ buds posted about a friend joining the reserves.   I started my career in the military and if you know of anyone considering joining I would extend the following wisdom.

1.  Fill out every fucking form and watch every deadline.  If you don't you will be screwed, you wll not be promoted, you will not get free cash or medical care or

Comments

[moiramisu]

Which service were you in?
I'm ex AF myself - for the record, I did wait to finish college when my enlistment was up. But then I had a head start, as I was able to take some easily transferred courses with UM abroad, as well as creditd from tech school (DLI - Monterey)

I'd add a couple of things to that -
- You swear an oath when you join the military. Understand what it means, and honor it. (As against the current Iraq war as I am, one of my biggest pet peeves is the concept that there are "conscientous objectors" in an all volunteer service. I can understand more in a draft situation, but all of today's service members *choose* to be there, so should be aware of what that choice entails.)

- Once people get out, the DD214 is just about the most important form in their life, and get several notarized copies. VA benefits are teh bomb. (I would not have been able to afford my house without a VA loan)

[bigscarypilot]

Navy. Impressive that you finished college. So many of my buddies had big dreams but never did the follow-up and are now working shit jobs. Many regretted leaving service and have had a hard time not dreaming of their glory days. Things tend to look sweeter from the distance of time.

Yes and no on the conscientious objector issue. I don't have any problem following orders and respecting rank. I do think that service men and women do have to keep their brains turned on and when someone suggests they do something really stupid the "I was just following orders" defense doesn't hold water. The language of the contract now is so convoluted that it is almost unfair to expect some punk ass 18 year old to understand the breadth of obligation.

Yes yes yes on the benefits! I kept my card and still hit the bases to shop when I can. Do you ever take advantage of the vacation places just for veterans? If not you should research them because you can have a good time for a good price.