If I join the Military, will I have to fight? This is a question that I often hear from potential military recruits when they are contemplating whether or not to join the US Armed Services. And while I cannot give you a yes or no answer up front, I will use this article to help YOU understand this idea and determine if the military is the right choice for you.When you join the US Armed Services, there is of course a chance that you will have to fight, but it's not a guarantee. Back in the day, the word 'military' or 'soldier' was synonymous with hand-to-hand combat.
There are many benefits to joining the this branch of the military. You are paid twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th based on your pay grade. It is a salary-based paying position. As you gain knowledge and perform well, you can be promoted. Your time is service is also factored into any promotions you may receive. You are paid 2.5 days of paid vacation per month for a total of 30 days per year (most companies won't offer that much time off until you've been around for 10 years or so).The US Coast Guard offers all specialties to both men and women, including combat roles. Your career path is based on aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination.If you are an active member of the coast guard, you will receive complete medical and dental care at no cost, and you are covered for $400,000 in term life insurance at a minimal cost. You will also receive tax-free money for Basic Allowance for Housing, if government housing isn't available in the area you are stationed. You will also get Basic Allowance for Subsistence if government dining facilities are not available, and a uniform allowance.
Therefor you first have to consider how you interpret the word 'fight'. In today's military, many service members do not even carry a weapon on deployment. And of the troops deployed to the war zones such as the middle east, many of them are actually stationed on a safe and secured US Military Base working in rather safe conditions, perhaps doing paperwork or other technical aspects related to the larger fight going on.The above scenario applies to a large volume of the troops currently deployed. However, there are still those troops who are actually on the ground, patrolling enemy territory, and yes engaging in hand-to-hand combat if the situation calls for it.
Will YOU wind up in that situation? It depends.what job or line of work are you applying for? Are you looking for a field that requires weapons and combat skills? Or perhaps are you applying for a job that is just as important, but perhaps behind the scenes of war? The military offers many of these positions.AND YET you still cannot be certain. You can join the army with the purpose of a military police career, and find yourself on security duty on a US base, perhaps not far from your home town. Or perhaps you can join the coast guard as a yeoman (paperwork/office related) and find yourself in an office in the middle east working alongside a PS (military police-like) unit.
By the way, if you considering joining the military you should download my free ebook: "Raise Your ASVAB Score With 10 Simple Tips" . The Coast Guard's Aviation Trainng Center in Mobile, Alabama has a dual mission. The first is to train newly winged Coast Guard pilots to fly the aircraft they'll be flying once they join the fleet.The second is to maintain the qualifications of fleet aviators.When you finish flight school you'll be assigned to fly fly either the HH-60 Jayhawk, HH-65 Dauphin, HU-25 Guardian, HC-144 Ocean Sentry of the HC 130 Hercules. Pilots for every aircraft listed above (except C-130 pilots who train with the Air Force) will go the ATC.When you go to the ATC you'll be a winged pilot. In other words you'll be official but you are still at the beginning of your journey. Be proud of earning your wings but realize you still have a lot to learn.It's the Aviation Training Center's job to make sure that you have a firm understanding and knowledge of the aircraft you'll be flying when you get to your operational air station.Coast guard pilots have a lot of responsibility placed on their shoulders. The C.G. is the premier maritime law enforcement agency and stands shoulder to shoulder with other agencies (such as the FBI) in preventing terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. Coastie aviation plays a vital role in both of these areas.Once you become qualified in your aircraft you'll go one of the many operation air stations across the nation where you'll gain real world experience with your aircraft and the various missions performed, by men and women like you, day in and day out.
Regardless of which branch of the service has captured your heart, there are some military entrance conditions that are standard for entering any branch.Get That Degree.Our military is a group of committed, educated people ready to serve our country. When you sign up, you should at least have a high school diploma in hand. You might be able to be accepted with a GED, but your career opportunities and advancement will be limited.
There were many sentiments shared regarding our Armed Forces and those that serve our country. Regardless of your beliefs and political views, there is no doubt we need to recognize how fortunate we are to have such protection for our Rights Liberty and Freedoms.I was thinking about what I take for granted, the choices I have, the times I spend moaning about the cost of groceries or gas and it hit me. I have that right because someone's relative fought in my name. They did not know me, were strangers to me, but they went to war and as a result, I am a free person with more rights than so many others in third world countries.I never signed up for the Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, or Marines Corp. I know my Dad served in the Army but did not see battle. I know my Grandpa Joe was in the Army but do not remember where or when. So, for me personally, I have not dealt with anyone who had war duty and how it affected them.
But, I have friends whose relatives did serve in different wars and I know how they reacted. I have a girlfriend whose husband has served several tours in Afghanistan. I know she worries and prays for his safe return and she and her daughter miss him terribly.I have friends who lost their son in law and I remember standing on the street as his hearse went by, watching the salutes and honor and feeling so sad for those who had to say goodbye to this young man. It tore me apart and all I could do was join the procession and salute as his coffin me by.I know a few men who served in Vietnam and that is all I know because they would never discuss any details, ever. I grew up in the age when there were protests about our involvement there, and many young people even committed suicide to either avoid being drafted or to make a statement against that war.I only have an arm chair warrior's view of World War I or WWII or any other battle. I read the history books; I watch the news and specials about Pearl Harbor, about Hitler, about Korea and the many other combats. What I am trying to say is that all of my experience, opinions and feelings are second-hand.
You do not need perfect vision to join the service, however. As long as you have a vision problem that can be corrected with glasses or contacts or laser eye surgery, you will be able to serve in the military and perhaps even fly a plane. If you are colorblind, there are some jobs or positions you might not qualify for.The Military Needs Youth.When General MacArthur said "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away," he was not talking about military entrance requirements. There is no branch of the service which currently accepts recruits over the age of 42. If you hope to enter a competitive military academy such as West Point, the Air Force Academy, or the Naval Academy to become an officer, you must be age 17 to 22.
I met an elderly veteran the other day, who stoically stood in the heat, without one word of despair, passing out poppies. And I thought, "hasn't he paid enough, and here he is still serving" How dare I complain about trivial points when this man has faced war for me. I was humbled by his strength and fortitude and his quite acceptance that his duty was not done. I have since discovered his name is Bruno Kramarz and he served in Viet Nam. He was also named Veteran of the Year in Fulton, NY. He is very active in the Veterans and I was so impressed with his quite dignity. His daughter, Joann Bomgren shared his story with me after I told her I met him outside the store. He was there for hours, no complaints and waiting for donations for the poppies. He was also in the first car in our Memorial Day parade-an honor he has earned by his inspiring service to our country.Even on 9/11, though it was now so much closer to home, it was not in my house, not in my town and not in my family. I could feel the pain and was so horrified, but from a distance that has kept me safe. And the people who serve in the Armed Forces have made that possible.The price tag for them lasts a lifetime whether it is memories, injury, or the highest price, their life. For me, they are all heroes and so too are the families of those soldiers. The price of my freedom, of protecting me and my family was paid in full by all those brave people. A debt I can never repay but will forever recognize and be eternally grateful.
[Joining The Coast Guard]
There are many benefits to joining the this branch of the military. You are paid twice a month, on the 1st and the 15th based on your pay grade. It is a salary-based paying position. As you gain knowledge and perform well, you can be promoted. Your time is service is also factored into any promotions you may receive. You are paid 2.5 days of paid vacation per month for a total of 30 days per year (most companies won't offer that much time off until you've been around for 10 years or so).The US Coast Guard offers all specialties to both men and women, including combat roles. Your career path is based on aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination.If you are an active member of the coast guard, you will receive complete medical and dental care at no cost, and you are covered for $400,000 in term life insurance at a minimal cost. You will also receive tax-free money for Basic Allowance for Housing, if government housing isn't available in the area you are stationed. You will also get Basic Allowance for Subsistence if government dining facilities are not available, and a uniform allowance.
Therefor you first have to consider how you interpret the word 'fight'. In today's military, many service members do not even carry a weapon on deployment. And of the troops deployed to the war zones such as the middle east, many of them are actually stationed on a safe and secured US Military Base working in rather safe conditions, perhaps doing paperwork or other technical aspects related to the larger fight going on.The above scenario applies to a large volume of the troops currently deployed. However, there are still those troops who are actually on the ground, patrolling enemy territory, and yes engaging in hand-to-hand combat if the situation calls for it.
Will YOU wind up in that situation? It depends.what job or line of work are you applying for? Are you looking for a field that requires weapons and combat skills? Or perhaps are you applying for a job that is just as important, but perhaps behind the scenes of war? The military offers many of these positions.AND YET you still cannot be certain. You can join the army with the purpose of a military police career, and find yourself on security duty on a US base, perhaps not far from your home town. Or perhaps you can join the coast guard as a yeoman (paperwork/office related) and find yourself in an office in the middle east working alongside a PS (military police-like) unit.
By the way, if you considering joining the military you should download my free ebook: "Raise Your ASVAB Score With 10 Simple Tips" . The Coast Guard's Aviation Trainng Center in Mobile, Alabama has a dual mission. The first is to train newly winged Coast Guard pilots to fly the aircraft they'll be flying once they join the fleet.The second is to maintain the qualifications of fleet aviators.When you finish flight school you'll be assigned to fly fly either the HH-60 Jayhawk, HH-65 Dauphin, HU-25 Guardian, HC-144 Ocean Sentry of the HC 130 Hercules. Pilots for every aircraft listed above (except C-130 pilots who train with the Air Force) will go the ATC.When you go to the ATC you'll be a winged pilot. In other words you'll be official but you are still at the beginning of your journey. Be proud of earning your wings but realize you still have a lot to learn.It's the Aviation Training Center's job to make sure that you have a firm understanding and knowledge of the aircraft you'll be flying when you get to your operational air station.Coast guard pilots have a lot of responsibility placed on their shoulders. The C.G. is the premier maritime law enforcement agency and stands shoulder to shoulder with other agencies (such as the FBI) in preventing terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. Coastie aviation plays a vital role in both of these areas.Once you become qualified in your aircraft you'll go one of the many operation air stations across the nation where you'll gain real world experience with your aircraft and the various missions performed, by men and women like you, day in and day out.
Regardless of which branch of the service has captured your heart, there are some military entrance conditions that are standard for entering any branch.Get That Degree.Our military is a group of committed, educated people ready to serve our country. When you sign up, you should at least have a high school diploma in hand. You might be able to be accepted with a GED, but your career opportunities and advancement will be limited.
There were many sentiments shared regarding our Armed Forces and those that serve our country. Regardless of your beliefs and political views, there is no doubt we need to recognize how fortunate we are to have such protection for our Rights Liberty and Freedoms.I was thinking about what I take for granted, the choices I have, the times I spend moaning about the cost of groceries or gas and it hit me. I have that right because someone's relative fought in my name. They did not know me, were strangers to me, but they went to war and as a result, I am a free person with more rights than so many others in third world countries.I never signed up for the Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, or Marines Corp. I know my Dad served in the Army but did not see battle. I know my Grandpa Joe was in the Army but do not remember where or when. So, for me personally, I have not dealt with anyone who had war duty and how it affected them.
But, I have friends whose relatives did serve in different wars and I know how they reacted. I have a girlfriend whose husband has served several tours in Afghanistan. I know she worries and prays for his safe return and she and her daughter miss him terribly.I have friends who lost their son in law and I remember standing on the street as his hearse went by, watching the salutes and honor and feeling so sad for those who had to say goodbye to this young man. It tore me apart and all I could do was join the procession and salute as his coffin me by.I know a few men who served in Vietnam and that is all I know because they would never discuss any details, ever. I grew up in the age when there were protests about our involvement there, and many young people even committed suicide to either avoid being drafted or to make a statement against that war.I only have an arm chair warrior's view of World War I or WWII or any other battle. I read the history books; I watch the news and specials about Pearl Harbor, about Hitler, about Korea and the many other combats. What I am trying to say is that all of my experience, opinions and feelings are second-hand.
You do not need perfect vision to join the service, however. As long as you have a vision problem that can be corrected with glasses or contacts or laser eye surgery, you will be able to serve in the military and perhaps even fly a plane. If you are colorblind, there are some jobs or positions you might not qualify for.The Military Needs Youth.When General MacArthur said "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away," he was not talking about military entrance requirements. There is no branch of the service which currently accepts recruits over the age of 42. If you hope to enter a competitive military academy such as West Point, the Air Force Academy, or the Naval Academy to become an officer, you must be age 17 to 22.
I met an elderly veteran the other day, who stoically stood in the heat, without one word of despair, passing out poppies. And I thought, "hasn't he paid enough, and here he is still serving" How dare I complain about trivial points when this man has faced war for me. I was humbled by his strength and fortitude and his quite acceptance that his duty was not done. I have since discovered his name is Bruno Kramarz and he served in Viet Nam. He was also named Veteran of the Year in Fulton, NY. He is very active in the Veterans and I was so impressed with his quite dignity. His daughter, Joann Bomgren shared his story with me after I told her I met him outside the store. He was there for hours, no complaints and waiting for donations for the poppies. He was also in the first car in our Memorial Day parade-an honor he has earned by his inspiring service to our country.Even on 9/11, though it was now so much closer to home, it was not in my house, not in my town and not in my family. I could feel the pain and was so horrified, but from a distance that has kept me safe. And the people who serve in the Armed Forces have made that possible.The price tag for them lasts a lifetime whether it is memories, injury, or the highest price, their life. For me, they are all heroes and so too are the families of those soldiers. The price of my freedom, of protecting me and my family was paid in full by all those brave people. A debt I can never repay but will forever recognize and be eternally grateful.
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