The Military

[CryWolf]

I'm not makeing any insults toward the service, I've just lived by the information my family passes on.
The only issue that occures even outside of combat is that the service changes people, that doesnt mean for the worst. I admit that I've got little information on the practice, but something about it has never bonded well with me.
I respect those who serve with good intentions but that still doesnt quite handle well.
Kids who've gone to "basic" for their training often have returned with major changes to their personaliy... Its very strange but something tells me even in the "Out of combat services" the money just seems like a small risk... Call me paranoid but something bugs me about it.

[Shinzuu Katame: Her Tolfy]

The pay is nothing stellar, the real benefit comes with the government-provided housing.

As for basic changing people, it just depends on the person. The only thing about my personality that changed was that I became more health-conscious. Outside of that, I lost a ton of weight, and got a strong Texan accent with permanent additions of vocabulary, like "Y'all" and "Howdy".

I've seen jocks go in as assholes and come out the same assholes, but just physically stronger.

On the flipside, I've seen a pussy go in and come out still an epic pussy.

But I do agree that some people do make drastic changes.

[BakaFawkes]

The military (hold on, I'm talking about about America's military, don't know about others) has some good benefits to go along with them. The pay does suck until you get a higher pay grade, but that's what hazard pay, housing, paid education, veterans checks, disability, PTSD compensations, etc. are for. Then there's the connections you make to many powerful or maybe just helpful people in the service. I'm joining up for something to do, and I want that pension.

[Shinzuu Katame: Her Tolfy]

The military (hold on, I'm talking about about America's military, don't know about others) has some good benefits to go along with them. The pay does suck until you get a higher pay grade, but that's what hazard pay, housing, paid education, veterans checks, disability, PTSD compensations, etc. are for. Then there's the connections you make to many powerful or maybe just helpful people in the service. I'm joining up for something to do, and I want that pension.

if you read from the beginning, i am talking about the american military, too.  i was in the air force for 5 years.

as for some of the benefits, the stipulations to receive them are higher than you might think. plus, it's a major pain in the ass with paperwork and waiting for a response. in a nutshell, it's worse than waiting for Workman's Comp from any retail store.

[BakaFawkes]

BTW thanks for your service to the good old states, and (while I'm not currently "enlisted") I'm doing some... pre-military work right now that requires a lot of typing. My grandfather served in the USMC back in Santo Domingo (the 1965 crisis) and Vietnam. He's going through a struggle to get his benefits due to some technical problems. I wish there was an easier way to do things than mountains of requests and paperwork.

[Lord_of_Fortune]

I served 8 and a half years in the U.S. Navy. I saw two deployments to the Middle East in 2005 and 2006. I was honorably discharged May of last year. I loved everyday in the Navy, because I was given the opportunity to do something a lot of people can't, and that was to defend my country. Not to mention all the ports in Europe we hit. So much booze and yes the rum is always gone. If you can make it through boot camp you can make it through the military.

[Lethrasherhuskeh]

As a Singaporean, I'm subject to conscription into 2 years of compulsory National Service. I served in the Air Force as an Operational K-9 Handler. A lot of people ask me wether it's fun cuz you've got all these fancy weapons to hold and stuff.

Well, in all honesty, no. Some people like me do not, and cannot get used to regimental life. Platoon Politics make up 2 thirds of your day, and there's just a lot of crap work. Duties like guarding an airfield at night without sufficient sleep just depletes your morale, and stupid superiors just like to dampen your day with his crappy impressions of the company. Worse thing is that the pay doesn't justify what you actually do, unless you're an officer.

It's all personal preference really, but this was my experience and I sorta hated it. =/

[Shinzuu Katame: Her Tolfy]

Singapore must be awesome to be an officer. In the armed forces in America, even officers rarely ever get past $30,000/year, unless you're beyond Captain, from what I've seen.

[Lethrasherhuskeh]

Hmmm...well not really. You'll only get to earn that amount if you're a regular if I'm not mistaken.

[Shinzuu Katame: Her Tolfy]

Hmmm...well not really. You'll only get to earn that amount if you're a regular if I'm not mistaken.

no, it's a bit of a long process to "earn" your pay grade. my cousin's been in the marines since I was little, and when i last saw her, 1st lieutenant, her pay was still only 21k

[Sirius]

I was offered a full ride to West Point due to my SAT scores but i had to have a back surgery and was disqualified. I always kind of wish i could have done it but i'm glad i didn't my life would be much different and i'd be a much sicker person.

[Shinzuu Katame: Her Tolfy]

I was offered a full ride to West Point due to my SAT scores but i had to have a back surgery and was disqualified. I always kind of wish i could have done it but i'm glad i didn't my life would be much different and i'd be a much sicker person.

tell me about it. since I was 9 till I was old enough to join the military, I had only been sick for almost exactly 24 hours total (I was borderline obese). After Basic (-80lbs and 12 size waist reduction), my allergies took a turn for the worse and I got sick pretty easily out here with my mate as well as my hometown.

Being healthy sucks, I think.