Military Reenlistment and the general public

[Xanthina]

Also known as my husband's family and friends.

He's nearing the end of his first term in service, so people keep asking when he is getting out. Only, he's not, he's reenlisting for another 4 years. So when we say that, they get all shocked and ask "WHY??" Well... because he loves his job, and really enjoys being in the military, and is planning on makeing a career out of it.

And I wouldn't be so annoyed, if it wasn't for the fact that this is brought up at every visit since January. And in some form since he joined. He loves his job, he loves the military. And I won't let them browbeat him into giving up his dream



I'm just TIRED of them

[Pedersen]

To non-military people, being in the military is anathema. They don't understand why people would want to do it.

Put it this way: The pay sucks (especially at the lower ranks), the hours suck (it's easy to find yourself working holidays when you'd rather be at home with the kids), you don't get to say "I quit" if your boss turns out to be the world's greatest asshole as defined by Guiness, and you run a real risk of personal danger.

To non-military, it simply doesn't make sense to want to stay in. Doesn't excuse them trying to browbeat him about it, but it does help to explain it a bit, I hope.

[Greenday]

Thank God you at least support your husband. A lot of people in the military have relationship problems when one of the two people join the military.

Yea, the hours suck, and the moving around can suck if it happens. But the health care is pretty decent. Military discounts are good. Buying stuff on bases is cheap. And, to me, it's one of the most respectable jobs out there.

Some people want to be lawyers or politicians for the rest of their lives but I don't see them getting as many "Why"'s as those in the military. At the the military is respectable.

[anriana]

And, to me, it's one of the most respectable jobs out there.

To you. Many of the people questioning a decision to stay in it probably don't see it that way.

[Greenday]

To you. Many of the people questioning a decision to stay in it probably don't see it that way.

I think a lot of people just tend to think most people who are in the military at the moment don't want to be so as a result, they can't fathom the idea that someone actually wanted to be in the military.

[IDrinkaRum]

See, I'm the exact opposite. I question the people who are in 4 years and then get out.

But then again, I'm an Air Force "brat" whose father was in the Air Force for 23 years. My dad's father was in the Army/Air Force before it split into 2 branches of service & stayed in the Air Force part. Then my mom's dad was navy during World War II, got out, was re-drafted during the Korean War, went into the Air Force & then stayed in for 26 years. He was in the military all told 30 years.

If I had been more military minded, I realized, I'd be at the end of my 20 years by now.

I say, if you get into the military, stay in it for as long as you can. It is a good and respectable job.

[AdminAssistant]

It's good, respectable, and pays pretty damn well, all considered. However, sacrifices have to be made daily to get and keep a job in the military - and most people can't fathom that level of dedication.

I have a cousin in the Army, he's been in for close to 20 years, I think (well, he's a Major and up for Lt. Col. at some point soon). He arrived in Baghdad a few weeks ago and will be there for at least a year. I was chatting with his wife about it, and he's really excited to go. He's been a desk jockey for a while now, and he wants to get back out there and do something he feels is worthwhile. He joined to make a difference in the world. Last time I spoke to him, he is thinking about trying to get into a ROTC program or something, because he has kids and wants them to be somewhat settled.

Personally, I couldn't hack it. At all. I'd be crying for my Mommy within a week.

As for your husband's family, it could be either concern for his safety or whining because they won't get to see him as much. Who knows?

[Boozy]

See, I'm the exact opposite. I question the people who are in 4 years and then get out.

You're kidding, right?

Surely you're aware of the horror show that is Iraq and Afghanistan right now. Are you really saying that you don't understand why someone wouldn't want to do another tour of duty?

[IDrinkaRum]

You're kidding, right?

Surely you're aware of the horror show that is Iraq and Afghanistan right now. Are you really saying that you don't understand why someone wouldn't want to do another tour of duty?

I come from a career military family (on both sides). It's a good job. No job is perfect, no job is safe. You do what you're supposed to do, like any other job. People died in both the World Wars, The Korean War, Viet Nam and the 1st Iraq war. People still signed up for 20 years or if they went in for 4, they still re-enlisted.

You get on-the-job training, good medical, getting onto the bases & buying stuff from the BX/PX (Base or Post Exchange) or the Commissary (what the grocery store is) with thier great prices. Why not re-enlist?

[Pedersen]

It's a good job. No job is perfect, no job is safe.

<sarcasm>
You're so right. Every day I go to work in my climate controlled office, with people I enjoy working with, and worry about who's going to die today. The danger zone at my office is phenomenal. Yep, working over a data center shows a level of danger that is unacceptable.

I'd much rather be in a war zone, taking orders that will put my life in jeopardy, as opposed to sitting in front of a computer where my greatest real risk is that my screen is too bright and will cause me to need stronger glasses.
</sarcasm>

You are, technically, correct. No job is safe. However, the number of people who are actually at danger in a typical workplace environment is extremely small. Compare that with the real risk of being sent into a war zone, or on a mission where you have a real chance of not coming back intact.

The military is a lot more dangerous than many people are comfortable with.

[IDrinkaRum]

I'm just pointing out that no matter what you do, no matter how "safe" you are in your comfy, cozy center of your universe, there is a possibility of dying. Either violently or not.

IF you're not comfortable with how dangerous the military is, then don't join. My father was in communications. He was never sent to war, but during the 1970's, he had to do complete drills (with gas mask and everything just "in case" something happened).

Using the excuse "Oh, it's dangerous, I'm not going to sign up" is not an excuse. The military is used to fight wars. People are aware of this.

And being sent to war zones and going on a mission where you may or may not come back "complete" is a risk, as a military person, you take. No ifs, ands or buts.

[Slytovhand]

Ummm - also, military sort of equals 'being trained to take human life'.

Yep - including the chefs ... (especially the chefs ?? yep, I knew a couple...).

But seriously - being ordered around with no options but to obey. Being taught to obey without a single thought otherwise. Being punished at one person's whim...

And the possibility of the aforementioned not coming back in once piece.

Yep - I'd be wondering why someone would join up in the first place too if there's no war on that didnt' directly involve my country being invaded (eg - Iraq or Afghanistan).

[crazylegs]

The military is a lot more dangerous than many people are comfortable with.

Indeed it is, however who am I to decide for my family/frinds that it's above their comfort level.

I undertake a job with *some* danger, nowhere near the level that the military undertake but still some. People I know can't understand why I do the job I do but at least they have the good grace to let me get on with it.

[Flyndaran]

Weird. I have no problem with the concept of reinlistment IF, and it's a big IF, this country wasn't involved in a war crime that is an unprovoked attack against a sovereign nation.

[Boozy]

I'm just pointing out that no matter what you do, no matter how "safe" you are in your comfy, cozy center of your universe, there is a possibility of dying. Either violently or not.

Please take some time to read the transcripts of Iraq War veterans testimony to Congress:

http://www.c-spanarchives.org/librar...1&showVid=true

The stories are heart wrenching. To say that "no job is perfect, no job is safe" shows a remarkable lack of appreciation for the depth of sacrifice made by these people.

Using the excuse "Oh, it's dangerous, I'm not going to sign up" is not an excuse. The military is used to fight wars. People are aware of this.

So someone that has sacrificed their safety, time with their families, and their mental health for four years are not allowed to say, "I've given enough"?

They've given four more years than you and I. And that's four more than they should ever have been asked for to begin with.