Eleven Lame Excuses for Not Joining the Military

[jpdriver1]

First off, I'd like to thank all of the vets here for serving --I signed up to go to chopper & medic training as I had a job waiting for me with an air ambulance service --- everything was lining up till someone noticed that the recruiter had put down PARAmedic training --- meaning jumping outta planes --- as a bone cancer survivor I was rejected. 

[jimoshel]

It's good you mentioned that to the recruiters as the medical criteria is cut-and-dry and you saved Uncle some $$ on the physical exam. The biggest show-stopper however is the emotional/mental makeup of recruits that can't be tested except through the rigors of boot camp / recruit training. Thats the job of the DIs, Company Commanders, whatever they are called in the branch you join; to weed out the non-hackers and slackers before it's too late. That's why they are in your face, screaming, dropping you down for push-ups, whatever. To get rid of the deadwood. If you can't make it through boot camp, you don't belong.

 

Now there's no more "laying hands on" as in the past. The emphasis is more on counseling than extreme physical or mental "testing". Thus more deadwood slips through boot camp. It takes a special individual to graduate well qualified recruits consistently while staying within the boundaries that are imposed on them. I have a lot of respect for the guys and gals who can do it well. It's a tough job.

Well Damn Don. Thanks for clearing THAT up. Here all this time I was thinking it was because they didn't like me.  :rotf:

[HOrnbrod]

 

It's good you mentioned that to the recruiters as the medical criteria is cut-and-dry and you saved Uncle some $$ on the physical exam. The biggest show-stopper however is the emotional/mental makeup of recruits that can't be tested except through the rigors of boot camp / recruit training. Thats the job of the DIs, Company Commanders, whatever they are called in the branch you join; to weed out the non-hackers and slackers before it's too late. That's why they are in your face, screaming, dropping you down for push-ups, whatever. To get rid of the deadwood. If you can't make it through boot camp, you don't belong.

 

Now there's no more "laying hands on" as in the past. The emphasis is more on counseling than extreme physical or mental "testing". Thus more deadwood slips through boot camp. It takes a special individual to graduate well qualified recruits consistently while staying within the boundaries that are imposed on them. I have a lot of respect for the guys and gals who can do it well. It's a tough job.

Well Damn Don. Thanks for clearing THAT up. Here all this time I was thinking it was because they didn't like me.  :rotf:

 

Well, in your case Jim they probably didn't.   :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Jacob Ochs]

A lot of the kids that I went down to MEPS with in August when i swore in were disqualified. For various reasons like High blood pressure, previous injuries, false info.... But guess what the number one disqualifier was.... Marijuana/ failing the drug test haha go figure. You would think if you knew you were going to swear in you would stop whatever drug your doing. Nether the less never do them in the first place... But you can't fix stupid. I'm proud to be an outlier from the majority of my generation.

[jimoshel]

HMMMMPH!!!

[huck731]

I went through army basic back in 08.  they couldn't lay a hand one you, but let me tell you. I did 435 pushups the very first night when we got to the "real" drill instructors (not the ones you see at inprocessing) ....all because I walked out of the latrine with my p.t. shirt untucked.

[outlaw star]

I went through army basic back in 08. they couldn't lay a hand one you, but let me tell you. I did 435 pushups the very first night when we got to the "real" drill instructors (not the ones you see at inprocessing) ....all because I walked out of the latrine with my p.t. shirt untucked.

Lmao. Yeah I remember those "Welcome DI's" You know they purposely act like they don't care as to disillusion you to what your REAL DI's are like. They report to your real DI's as to who's gonna be trouble or "needs discipline" then as soon as you step off that bus. . . . Shark Attack! Ah yes, Charlie Rock (in processing) right before A Co 1/34 of the 165th Ranger Brigade. I truly do miss that place.

[Tommy]

I tried to join when I still believed there military was protecting American freedom, I got a medical rejection, though in hindsight that was a blessing. While knowing the vast majority of soldiers are just average Americans doing a job they are proud of, I don't believe in the way the military is being used and am glad I didn't become a part of it.

And, no, I'm not an anti-American commie Nazi terrorist.

[HOrnbrod]

# 12.

[Incommando]

I tried to join when I still believed there military was protecting American freedom, I got a medical rejection, though in hindsight that was a blessing. While knowing the vast majority of soldiers are just average Americans doing a job they are proud of, I don't believe in the way the military is being used and am glad I didn't become a part of it.

And, no, I'm not an anti-American commie Nazi terrorist.

I guess that depends on whether you are writing or reading your post.  :thumbsup:

[shelbyluvv]

 

I tried to join when I still believed there military was protecting American freedom, I got a medical rejection, though in hindsight that was a blessing. While knowing the vast majority of soldiers are just average Americans doing a job they are proud of, I don't believe in the way the military is being used and am glad I didn't become a part of it.

And, no, I'm not an anti-American commie Nazi terrorist.

I guess that depends on whether you are writing or reading your post.  :thumbsup:

 

:thumbsup:  :thumbsup:  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:  :thumbsup:  

[Tommy]

I never did get that. "You don't like sending our men to die invading countries we have no ties to? You don't like sending our money and weapons to support terrorists? You must hate America!"

[jimoshel]

I believe this subject is getting a little political and touchy. I suggest we drop it.

[mjeff87]

Shoot, move, communicate. That's what you need to keep first and foremost in your mind. DI's have an occupation, just like everyone else....they do their job, then go home to the wife and kids most evenings. We had 3 guys who tried to commit suicide in boot camp.....one succeeded.

 

Hell, I got the friggin chicken pox half way thru BRM....spent 8 days in an isolation room in the hospital. My DI sprung me on day 9 and drove me straight to the range so I could qualify so I didn't get recycled.

 

Thanks to all brothers and sisters on here that wear/wore the uniform, whatever branch.

 

Jeff

[ScottJeep]

Well I will keep it clean... first thank you to all that have served. I fly the flag outside my house to honor your, my dad's and my brother's service

that allows me to do so. 

 

I was the little brother that let the big brother have his day "doing what dad did".  I wanted to join up.  Had signed my selective service card but

then had a long talk with my brother who asked me "Please promise me you will not sign up and you will be the one that goes to college." I could

tell by the look in his eye and the catch in his voice that his was really asking so for once I complied and agreed. 

 

Many days I wonder how my life would have ended up if I hadn't complied. 

[HOrnbrod]

Well, there's always the ROTC option. Both my daughters are 1st lieutenants, one in the Army and the other in the Air Force. Whether they make a career out of the military or not I don't know, that's entirely up to them. But they got their education and are gaining valuable life experiences and will be well prepared for either a military or civilian life when their obligation is fulfilled. Especially nowadays when sixty percent of U.S. college graduates cannot find a full-time job in their chosen profession. And I don't see any improvement coming anytime soon.

[jimoshel]

Your daughters sound like a couple of winners. Wonder if their upbringing may have had something to do with it.

[HOrnbrod]

Probably Jim. Neither one of them was born in the States. They have lived in a lot of countries, have seen a lot of the world and it's citizens and they learned to adapt. I was gone quite a bit, so Mom gets the credit for bringing them up the right way. The first time they experienced any schooling in the States was in an Alabama junior high school. They say it was a culture shock.  :yes:

[mjeff87]

a good read....

 

http://www.warriorlodge.com/blogs/news/16298760-a-french-soldiers-view-of-us-soldiers-in-Afghanistan

[Paul Bruchal]

I lived with my Stepdad for about 7-8 years before I joined 18Aug2013. My stepdad was a Master Chief in the Navy for 25 years before he retired and moved in with my mom and I. I was pos and a pissed off teen, lol, and he said I was the 1st person to ever talk back to him. We really didnt get along and we argued alot because hes bipolar and i was angry too much but he is a good guy..

I joined the US Army in August 18, 2013 as a 13B "Cannon Crewmember" and when ever I got yelled at in BCT, I wasnt bothered at all by it. I think its because of living with my stepdad. lol

But I stayed under the radar for about 8 out of 10 weeks until the DS caught on me staying under the radar and they planted a brass shell casing in my wallet and accused me of steeling it. I saw the DS put it in my wallet and I was more pissed at them then scared by them. 

After graduating BCT and realizing the ranking system and knowing what a E9 is, I had alot more respect towards my stepdad and DS's. Him and my mom knew I would like the military and I do. Him and I have a better relationship since I got in. 

 

The people that make up excuses to not join, shouldnt ever be in the military. They can't handle the stress that goes on in rear D, or down range. The Army is down sizing fast, this year alone, my Battery kicked out around 10 people for stupid little and big stuff. And the people that do the Stolen Valor stuff.... :thwak:  :fs1:

[outlaw star]

I lived with my Stepdad for about 7-8 years before I joined 18Aug2013. My stepdad was a Master Chief in the Navy for 25 years before he retired and moved in with my mom and I. I was pos and a pissed off teen, lol, and he said I was the 1st person to ever talk back to him. We really didnt get along and we argued alot because hes bipolar and i was angry too much but he is a good guy..

I joined the US Army in August 18, 2013 as a 13B "Cannon Crewmember" and when ever I got yelled at in BCT, I wasnt bothered at all by it. I think its because of living with my stepdad. lol

But I stayed under the radar for about 8 out of 10 weeks until the DS caught on me staying under the radar and they planted a brass shell casing in my wallet and accused me of steeling it. I saw the DS put it in my wallet and I was more pissed at them then scared by them.

After graduating BCT and realizing the ranking system and knowing what a E9 is, I had alot more respect towards my stepdad and DS's. Him and my mom knew I would like the military and I do. Him and I have a better relationship since I got in.

 

The people that make up excuses to not join, shouldnt ever be in the military. They can't handle the stress that goes on in rear D, or down range. The Army is down sizing fast, this year alone, my Battery kicked out around 10 people for stupid little and big stuff. And the people that do the Stolen Valor stuff.... :thwak: :fs1:

Fellow Engineer!

[CGCWO]

I'll chime in with my 2cents...Was raised by a 8 yr AF vet, he then went on to finish his 20 through the AF reserves and Army National Guard. 5 uncles that served AF/USN/Army. I was the glutton for punishment 6 years Army National Guard 13Echo (boot camp in Ft. Sill, OK with the nicest 5'3" DS from Georgia) sarcasm...LOL He had a bit of a short mans complex. At 17 years old 6 years later I enlisted in the Coast Guard, again another Boot Camp at 22 years old with another really nice CC named Richard Simmons (he did not like to be reminded of the other Richard Simmons). I agree the Army basic was supper physical and somewhat mental taxing, CG basic was physically demanding, but the kicker was the mental stress. After almost 32 years of total service and serving as both enlisted and a Chief Warrant Officer I have seen many guys and gals come and go. My favorite excuse for either not getting in or not making it through boot camp (Failure or inability to assimilate to military life).

 

I've had kids tell me that they were forced/shamed to join by family, then get toasted/high a few days before meps or get to in-processing and become the worst POS the DI/CC could ever imagine.

 

Thanks to all of you that have or are serving!!!!

 

USCG CWO Retired