Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 41 to 56 of 56

Thread: Military

  1. #41
    I killed Tupac Shinysides's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    2,139
    Credits
    19
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Also, for informational purposes, I have very few college credits, I never could pay attention or make myself go to class, it bored me to tears.

  2. #42
    Bikerdog is AWESOME Bowzer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    322
    Credits
    1
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Shinysides View Post
    Bowser, what more can you tell me about the 18X enlistment option? What I was able to find was very interesting.
    Its possibly the fastest way into SOCOM. If you're physically and mentally tough and have the right personality then you may make it though SFAS and the Q course.

    Not for the light of heart.

  3. #43
    I killed Tupac Shinysides's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    2,139
    Credits
    19
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bowzer View Post
    Its possibly the fastest way into SOCOM. If you're physically and mentally tough and have the right personality then you may make it though SFAS and the Q course.

    Not for the light of heart.
    Well, from what I can see I may well try it if I join the Army. I mean the worst that can happen is I wash out into Infantry, right?

  4. #44
    Bikerdog is AWESOME Bowzer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    322
    Credits
    1
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Shinysides View Post
    Well, from what I can see I may well try it if I join the Army. I mean the worst that can happen is I wash out into Infantry, right?
    Pretty much. Even if that happens you can still try and go Ranger if youd like.

  5. #45
    I killed Tupac Shinysides's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    2,139
    Credits
    19
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    You know, now that I think about it, I know someone in the 4th PSYOP division. I may have to talk to him and see what he had to do for his training, even if he is a total douchebag.

  6. #46
    Senior Member fm2176's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    539
    Credits
    611
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    18X allows you to enlist in the Army with a chance to go straight to Special Forces. You enlist, go to Fort Benning for Infantry Training, go to Airborne School once that is complete, then go to the Special Operations Preparation Course (SOPC). Once that is complete you got to Special Forces Assessment and Selection, and if you make it you go on to Q Course. Here is more info: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjobs/a/18x.htm

    The 18X program is a great way for the best enlistees to get a jumpstart in Special Operations. That said, I have known many who wash out of SOPC or later courses. They either get injured or find they are not mentally ready. Those that do not make it go to Infantry units. I have known at least three who have gone back to SFAS and become Special Forces a couple of years later. It requires a sharp learning curve to go from civilian to SF. Taking a more roundabout route and learning something about weapons, navigation and fieldcraft usually results in a better chance of making it through training.


    One last thing about the military in general. I can talk about how good it is, fired chicken can talk about the downsides of it despite him still serving and nine castles can talk about how much it sucks. You never know until you've tried it. I've known hardcore Soldiers who found it wasn't for them, and people you would never think of being Infantry who stayed in and did great things. It takes all sorts. Many people look at the Army as a last resort. They end up having to take that last resort and find they are not morally, physically or otherwise qualified. Despite what many think, it is much harder to enlist than to get nearly any other job off the street.

  7. #47
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Iraqistaniland
    Posts
    27
    Credits
    615
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Don't do it. Don't do it. No seriously don't. You're going to hate yourself in a year if you do. No, really, it's fun. Keep in mind that if you do enlist you'll have days where you hate this job, and you wonder why the hell you even signed up for this shit - just keep driving on and you'll be fine. You'll also have days where you think you have the best job in the world, and no one will ever convince you otherwise.

    As for the barracks the rooms are pretty nice. Mine is small but I'm able to function - it has a fan, and a light dimmer, and a walk-in closet. It's pretty pimp. We do share a common area that has a bathroom, microwave, fridge, and sink/countertops. There's no stovetop. Though I've heard that the brand new barracks the Army's been constructing all over the place have them.

    Try to go into basic in the best physical shape possible - atleast able to score 60's in each event on the APFT - if you enlist. If you don't you're gonna be sucking when you get to your duty station. Unfiortunately TRADOC has made basic training easier than what it's like at your duty station so keep that in mind.

    Also, stay away from Kansas. Really. Ft. Riley isn't the best of duty stations.

  8. #48
    Bikerdog is AWESOME Bowzer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Posts
    322
    Credits
    1
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Your first paragraph confuses the hell out of me.

  9. #49
    Senior Member fm2176's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    539
    Credits
    611
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Bowzer View Post
    Your first paragraph confuses the hell out of me.
    He was joking, though that paragraph was somewhat confusing. Also, to touch on what sithmaster stated about training, basic combat training is just that, basic. Everyone learns the basics of soldiering and for many Soldiers this is the only time they will be in a field environment doing the things I love. Advanced Individual Training is only advanced insofar as it gives a Soldier a working knowledge of his or her job. Training continues at your first and subsequent units and goes much more in depth. My first month at Fort Campbell taught me more about the Infantry than four months at Fort Benning did.

    This thread has had some interesting contributions from service members that have run the gamut from fresh out of IET (sithmaster) to initial-term (MPR, srsinternets), to mid-term (fried chicken) to career (myself). Bowzer has even chipped in from the officer perspective. If only there was a senior NCO posting here somewhere...

    Also, I found out yesterday that the Army is offering a Reduced Military Service Obligation contract. With this option you serve on active duty for two years, then in the Selected Reserves for four more. Your total obligation is only six years, not eight. There are a lot of options explained in the message below, I have emphasized the RMSO and 18X programs.

    MILPER MSG 08-284


    I finally got my shipment in from Ira Green a couple of days ago. There's a military ball at Clinton High School tonight that some of my co-workers and myself will be attending. I've got the dress blues set up and now have my Infantry blue suspenders to wear with them. Though Army dress blues lack the traditional military features of Marine blues (stand up collar, French cuffs, etc) they look every bit as good if not better when worn properly. I'm going with Old Guard personals set-up: buff strap, cockades and ribbons.

    Here are a couple of videos for the OP and others to see some of the pride in service exemplified by the Old Guard. The first is a program about funerals in Arlington National Cemetery, the second is a montage from last year's Twilight Tattoo. The historical actors are all Soldiers from my former company.


    Last edited by fm2176; 03-07-2009 at 01:16 PM. Reason: removed contact info for message

  10. #50
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Posts
    452
    Credits
    207
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    I am considering joining the Brittish Army. Been something I have always wanted to do and am really giving it some thought, only problem is, I am too unfit to join just now, the training would kill me.

    I have a degree, and am a computer buff. However I couldn't do the 9-5 routine, same thing day after day. I want to enlist because it will force me to be disciplined, physically fit and strong, mentally strong and I think this would make me a better person, a person I'd be happier being. And I'd be more confident.

    I was thinking of joining the engineers I think it is, working with the comms systems, few things catch my interest more than telecommunication, it is so fucking interesting and cool.

    I have one major worry though. I have had trouble with depression and my emotional strength...I know physically it would kill me now, but if I train for like 6 months, quit smoking, I'd be ok. Mentally, I think I have what it takes, but I don't know if I could cope emotionally. That is my biggest fear.

  11. #51
    Senior Member fm2176's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    539
    Credits
    611
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gismo View Post
    I am considering joining the Brittish Army. Been something I have always wanted to do and am really giving it some thought, only problem is, I am too unfit to join just now, the training would kill me.

    I have a degree, and am a computer buff. However I couldn't do the 9-5 routine, same thing day after day. I want to enlist because it will force me to be disciplined, physically fit and strong, mentally strong and I think this would make me a better person, a person I'd be happier being. And I'd be more confident.

    I was thinking of joining the engineers I think it is, working with the comms systems, few things catch my interest more than telecommunication, it is so fucking interesting and cool.

    I have one major worry though. I have had trouble with depression and my emotional strength...I know physically it would kill me now, but if I train for like 6 months, quit smoking, I'd be ok. Mentally, I think I have what it takes, but I don't know if I could cope emotionally. That is my biggest fear.
    I have met and spoken with a few British Soldiers but know little of your Army. On this side of the Atlantic, I have met few Soldiers who could not hack it emotionally. Most of those had problems that should have prevented them from joining in the first place. Initial training builds confidence and teamwork. It also teaches you how to deal with stress and personal conflict. Added up, these new skills tend to overcome many obstacles and create a "new" person insofar as insecure, awkward civilians become self-confident, sometimes even cocky Soldiers. Before I joined I had struggled with my own physical and emotional condition. Leaving training I was thirty pounds lighter and able to face my personal demons. Seven years later I have regained the weight in the form of (mostly) muscle (beer isn't helping me retain my lean Infantry physique) and am sure of my ability to handle anything that comes my way. With a family like mine, I need all the advantages I can get.

  12. #52
    Super Moterhater k1nk0s's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    662
    Credits
    209
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Okay so not to derail this thread or anything, but is lying okay in order to get in ?
    I have asthma, only when I get sick, and bipolar disorder. If I were to lie about these to get in (something i've always dreamed of doing) would that be a bad thing? I'm doing it for all the right causes and everything. How close do they look at your medical history?
    Quote Originally Posted by Nadia View Post
    Well I like penis

    so there

  13. #53
    Senior Member srsinternets's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Posts
    864
    Credits
    209
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by k1nk0s View Post
    Okay so not to derail this thread or anything, but is lying okay in order to get in ?
    I have asthma, only when I get sick, and bipolar disorder. If I were to lie about these to get in (something i've always dreamed of doing) would that be a bad thing? I'm doing it for all the right causes and everything. How close do they look at your medical history?
    Thats up to you. If you collapse in the middle of boot camp having an asthma attack, guess what? You're out. If you think you can control it well enough, then its your choice. But if attacks are commonplace for you, you could be putting your life and the lives of fellow servicemen and women at risk if something were to happen in the field.

    But this isn't me telling you to lie. Just giving a tip.
    Last edited by srsinternets; 03-15-2009 at 07:52 PM.

  14. #54
    Super Moterhater k1nk0s's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    662
    Credits
    209
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Yeah I've definintely thought of that. The only thing is my asthma only kicks in when i get severely sick. I can run miles without any problem at all, only when I get sick.
    Quote Originally Posted by Nadia View Post
    Well I like penis

    so there

  15. #55
    Senior Member srsinternets's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Posts
    864
    Credits
    209
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by k1nk0s View Post
    Yeah I've definintely thought of that. The only thing is my asthma only kicks in when i get severely sick. I can run miles without any problem at all, only when I get sick.
    You'll probably get sick in boot camp. Its quite common.

  16. #56
    Senior Member fm2176's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    United States
    Posts
    539
    Credits
    611
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by k1nk0s View Post
    Okay so not to derail this thread or anything, but is lying okay in order to get in ?
    I have asthma, only when I get sick, and bipolar disorder. If I were to lie about these to get in (something i've always dreamed of doing) would that be a bad thing? I'm doing it for all the right causes and everything. How close do they look at your medical history?
    Quote Originally Posted by srsinternets View Post
    Thats up to you. If you collapse in the middle of boot camp having an asthma attack, guess what? You're out. If you think you can control it well enough, then its your choice. But if attacks are commonplace for you, you could be putting your life and the lives of fellow servicemen and women at risk if something were to happen in the field.

    But this isn't me telling you to lie. Just giving a tip.
    srsinternets is correct, you could jeopardize the lives of others in some jobs, and would risk getting slapped with a fraudulent enlistment and shown the door if you were to neglect to mention these things. There are ways to receive a waiver if you can prove that your asthma is no longer a concern; but bipolar disorder may be a disqualification as well. Here is a thread where a similar question is asked: Bipolar Disorder - Army.com Forums
    Damn, check out the post dates...


    That said, I have known many Soldiers who have served with a wide array of medical and other conditions that would have disqualified them. Recruiters know only what you tell them, MEPS knows nothing more, and the physical is in-depth but will not catch many things unless you admit to it. If you were to make it past these obstacles without disclosing all of your medical history you would spend your initial enlistment having to continue to hide your afflictions. Should you make it through and decide to reenlist you would have to keep a low profile, though if something came to light after a few years of service you might be able to "prove" it was not pre-existing and you might even receive disability along with full veterans benefits.

    Do what your conscience will allow you. Not all jobs are balls to the wall 24/7, and after nine weeks (or less for Navy or Air Force) of basic training you might sit behind a desk doing nothing more physically strenuous than a PT test every six months. In my experience, many leaders attempt to help good Soldiers who have something come to light after proving themselves in their unit. My philosophy is that where there is a will there is a way, and though I could type all day telling you not to lie you will end up doing what you feel you must to meet your goals.

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •