[mYCO]

Who all here has done time in the US military or other militaries acrossed the world? How long did you enlist? What was the high points and low points? Would you do it again? Lets hear some short bios.

DISCUSS

[Ualue]

USAF - Firefighter - 99-05

Eglin AFB Florida, Al Jaber AB Kuwait, Kunsan AB South Korea, RHQ AFNORTH (NATO)

High points would be Kuwait, and South Korea. Korea was easily the best year I've ever had. It was an entire year straight of partying, chicks, etc. Kuwait kicked ass for me too - most beautiful women I've ever seen which is saying a lot (you should see the chicks in my hometown and surrounding areas). They were so fine there when you saw them it was like someone slapped you in the face.

Lowpoint would be work at the NATO base. The inferiority complex of some of the Europeans(I said "some"...relax Euros) was just ridiculous. But off duty time was great. Got to see many of the beautiful countries of Europe...England, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic.

The military was a great experience for me. Overall, I think what I took away from it the most was the appreciation of what we have as Americans or just as people who live in a first world country in general. You learn to appreciate what seems like the smallest things from home...the sheets on your bed, your toilet, your shower head, the lack of insane bugs and swarms of mosquitos, etc.

Now that I'm back home I see young kids around town all the time and they're just punks, lack any semblance of what could be considered respect for anything, and are complete douche bags. Not that much unlike myself at that age. I didn't give a f*ck. So for me, the combination of the military and just growing up while in it (age 19 to 24) shaped me for life.

And a current benefit I'm enjoying is the cool $1074 I get now once a month (GI Bill) just for going to school...it's nice extra change in my pocket...not to mention my VA or Cal Vet loan.

Probably a boring post but that's my story. Oh yeah, got to fight fire and save a few lives too while I was at it.

Thanks for listening.

[jpn9736]

I served in the active-duty U.S. Army from 1993-2000.

I was a field artillery cannon crewman and a Criminal Investigation Division (CID) special agent stationed at both Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (1993-1996), and Fort Lewis, Washington (1997-2000).

The high points were the experience, education, and training I received. In addition to some great training, I also was able to complete my Bachelor's degree and an M.B.A. and had the military pay for most of it.

The low points were spending a lot of time away from my family.

I highly recommend the military to anyone considering it. If you're smart and want technical training and a good quality of life, join the Air Force. If you're into the combat or adventure side, join the Army or Marines. If you like to travel for long periods of time and don't mind being stuck on a ship, join the Navy.

[solkanar]

USMC 0311 from 2001-2005. I enlisted when I was 35 and got a waiver for my age. Achieved rank of Sgt. I have 2 combat tours in Ramadi and Fallujah. Overall it was a neutral experience, lots of good and bad. All I can say was that I did it and served my country on the frontlines where many have fought and died before. I just wish I had enlisted after High School. I probably would've made it a career if I was younger. Being Infantry, it really didn't train me for anything other than being a police officer or security guard which I have no use for now. This is why I'd suggest an MOS that would train you for something apon getting discharged.

[Orsyn]

US Army 94-99

11B1P (airborne infantry)

Ft. Bragg NC, 82nd Airborne

Camp Greaves, S. Korea.

Agreed, I loved my tour in S. Korea.

Loved traveling, seeing new places, learning new skills. When I re-up'd I wish I would have been smart and taken the offer to reclass to Medic. But I only wanted to do 2 more years, so I went Infantry again. but then I wouldn't have gone to Korea.

[Bry]

1987-1990 USMC Reserve
1990-1998 USCG

High Points:
Seeing all the Caribbean Islands for free
Doing humanitarian duties during the Cuban and Haitian mass migrations
Spending two weeks in Honduras working with their Coast Guard. Gave me an awesome opportunity to see and meet the people.
Being apart of the crew that towed a Carnival cruise ship to keep it from running aground

Low Points:
The war on drugs and witnessing first had the amount of money wasted
The war on drugs!
For the 3 years I was on the ship, I had no normal family life-got divorced.

Would I do it again?
In a heart beat, of course when I got out, I was ready to get out. But reflecting back now, there are some really awesome moments that I never could have experienced without joining.
Only regret that i have is that I didn't follow my original plan of getting a commission in the Marine Corps.

Bry

[nvmeplz]

I should really join the military. I am sick of school. I need a change.

[fanattic]

navy

ABH

nimitz

high points - overshadowed by low points

low points - you're not living your life on your terms

[dsatt]

Originally Posted by nvmeplz

I should really join the military. I am sick of school. I need a change.

BITE YOUR TONGUE don't get me wrong i have been in since 2002 and i am having a dcent time but i would kill for the chance to go back in time and make myself stay in school. trust me the military is like a frat in a lot of ways but it has a negative side that most of these folks aren't touching on. TRUST ME stay in school...

[massgrunt]

Originally Posted by solkanar

USMC 0311 from 2001-2005. I enlisted when I was 35 and got a waiver for my age. Achieved rank of Sgt. I have 2 combat tours in Ramadi and Fallujah. Overall it was a neutral experience, lots of good and bad. All I can say was that I did it and served my country on the frontlines where many have fought and died before. I just wish I had enlisted after High School. I probably would've made it a career if I was younger. Being Infantry, it really didn't train me for anything other than being a police officer or security guard which I have no use for now. This is why I'd suggest an MOS that would train you for something apon getting discharged.

That's fucking awesome man. Hats off to you. I got out (2/1) not long after the war started.