So I have a friend who wants to join the Air Force...

[Jack Rabbit]

And, naturally, being a U.S. Marine, I was busting his balls. It's what we do. We rag on every other service, because they're not us.

He said he didn't think he was 'Marine material'.

So I asked him what Military Occupational Specialties(jobs) he was looking at, and he said he wasn't sure, but something 'safe'.

I said something to the effect of 'Ohh. Safe. That's what you mean by 'not Marine material.''

And he said yeah, but he doesn't think getting shot at and blown up in some crazy desert his idea of fun.

So I replied, half-jokingly, that it is fun shooting back.

Then I asked him what the point of joining any branch of the Armed Services during a war is if he wants to be 'safe' and not go to war.

He still hasn't answered me.

I don't know. It seems outright wrong to me. Why join the military in wartime if you want to stay stateside on some ****ing posh Air Force base, while other people with families, or have been deployed MULTIPLE times are in harms way every day?

Are you just after college money, what? I think you should earn the damn cash.

Discuss.

 

[Kritish]

I have a feeling that you're letting your Air Force prejudices get in your way. Just because he's not out there fighting insurgents doesn't mean he's useless.
Hell, 99 percent of the pople that work in the NSA never leave their desks.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Sounds to me like your just ragging.

I was initially, but now I'm just pissed at him. Seriously, 'something safe.'

I have a feeling that you're letting your Air Force prejudices get in your way. Just because he's not out there fighting insurgents doesn't mean he's useless.
Hell, 99 percent of the pople that work in the NSA never leave their desks.

You've got a point, it's just his mindset that bothers me. It's not that he wouldn't be useful, but he should accept the risks associated with joining the military and not be a coward about it.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

He also might not want to take a human life/fight for his own life in a cause he doesn't believe in.
Again it still just sounds like ragging to me.

Then why join the military at all? It's in the job description to kill.

You lose your right to not believe in a cause. You execute the orders given to you, and you don't question it. You know, you swear in. As in an oath.

"I, (state your name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Do you see what I'm getting at?!

And so what if I'm ragging. He's being a ****ing *****.

 

[TheAlmightyFuzz]

You are being an ass but your friend is also being ridiculous unless you're not relaying this correctly. He may not want to be in the middle of fighting but that's not really his choice to make once he's in. They put you where they need you.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Ok, and you're also being an ass**** friend.
You want him to do something a certain way because you think it should be done that way and that way only for the most part.

Not because I think it should be done that way, but because I swore an oath to do it the way I'm ordered to. I don't think we should have ever gotten involved in Iraq, personally. But the President started a war there, and we damn well better finish it, because it's our job, and he ordered us to. I joined the Marine Corps to go to war(among other reasons), so someone else could go home.

Also it's a fact he has to accept. There is no 'safe' in the military. He can't join an MILITARY BRANCH and expect to never be in harms way, or wish to never be in harms way. It's naive, selfish, and cowardly.

It's in an insult to the uniform, no matter which one it is.

And you're letting your obvious disdain for the military, or the war or whatever, look at my view point on this situation with incredible criticism.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

You are being an ass but your friend is also being ridiculous unless you're not relaying this correctly. He may not want to be in the middle of fighting but that's not really his choice to make once he's in. They put you where they need you.

Whatever. I'm just trying to be realistic with him.

I'm angry because if he's going to enlist, he should be fully commited, and understand and accept the responsibilities, not shy away from it and hope to remain 'safe'.

 

[enterthemadness]

I was initially, but now I'm just pissed at him. Seriously, 'something safe.'

Something safe? Hmmm? Not in the marines or any other military service. Safe is going to college or working a regular job.

 

[TheAlmightyFuzz]

Whatever. I'm just trying to be realistic with him.

I'm angry because if he's going to enlist, he should be fully commited, and understand and accept the responsibilities, not shy away from it and hope to remain 'safe'.

Ya, and I was agreeing with you.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

And that's how you handle what it is but he's not you.

But that's just it. He'd be held to the same standard as me. He isn't me. But he'd be expected to handle things the same way I do.

I'm sure you're a good friend but telling a friend how he should think and react to anything makes it seem like you're treating him like an idiot. I don't know your friend or anything but no one likes being told what to do or how to think. And your attitude just seems like an ass**** to me.

I'm telling him how he'll be expected to think, and what he'll be expected to do. He can't can't do this and expect to be safe, he needs to understand that.

There's no logic in joining the military if you expect to not go to war, wartime or not. That's what we're here for. And yeah, I'm being an *******. He's being a *****, and he's pissing me off.

My views on the military, war, etc. have nothing to do with what I'm telling you.

I'll take your word for it.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Something safe? Hmmm? Not in the marines or any other military service. Safe is going to college or working a regular job.

Exactly.

 

[Movies205]

I was initially, but now I'm just pissed at him. Seriously, 'something safe.'



You've got a point, it's just his mindset that bothers me. It's not that he wouldn't be useful, but he should accept the risks associated with joining the military and not be a coward about it.

We're not all heros, something we all have to face that at one time or another, however maybe he still wants to help in some capacity so just let him do his part and you do yours.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Have you told him like how you're saying here or have you told him The Army will hold him to the same standards etc.?

First of all, I am not a soldier. I am a Marine. There's a significant difference.

And I made it clear to him that there is no such thing as 'safe' in the military.

Well now you told him and now he has to take it and make a decision himself. Unless he brings it up, I recommend not talking about it. Because it will be repetitive of what you guys have already said to each other, you'll both get annoyed and/or pissed and then you're back to where you started.

Well, it's more than that. He angered me with what he said. He shouldn't be considering this at all unless he's prepared to do what the military is generally known for. He wants the benefits of a militay career with no sacrifice? **** that. It's his want to be 'safe' that I can't get over. It's so selfish.

Trust me, I could care less if you're in the army fighting a war, it's how you are that I make my opinions.

Again, not in the Army. And I said I'd take your word for it, I don't know what that's about.

We're not all heros, something we all have to face that at one time or another, however maybe he still wants to help in some capacity so just let him do his part and you do yours.

I'm not a hero. I'm just want to do my job, what I signed up to do. I want him to understand that he can't do this and expect a carefree ride.

 

[hunt0r]

I am in the Air Force, about to finish my enlistment, and I am working what you might consider a "safe" job. I work Finance and got deployed in 2005 as a local national escort working side by side with army in Iraq. I didnt join the military thinking I was going to be working a safe job. I joined in as open general and they put me in the job that the Air Force needed to be filled. If this person is scared about deploying, then they shouldnt be in the military. And most people who are iffy as civilians become competent once they become soldiers, marines, airman, seaman, etc.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

I am in the Air Force, about to finish my enlistment, and I am working what you might consider a "safe" job. I work Finance and got deployed in 2005 as a local national escort working side by side with army in Iraq. I didnt join the military thinking I was going to be working a safe job. I joined in as open general and they put me in the job that the Air Force needed to be filled. If this person is scared about deploying, then they shouldnt be in the military. And most people who are iffy as civilians become competent once they become soldiers, marines, airman, seaman, etc.

From the horse's mouth.

What are you, a staff sergeant, technical sergeant?

 

[hunt0r]

First of all, I am not a soldier. I am a Marine. There's a significant difference.

And I made it clear to him that there is no such thing as 'safe' in the military.



Well, it's more than that. He angered me with what he said. He shouldn't be considering this at all unless he's prepared to do what the military is generally known for. He wants the benefits of a militay career with no sacrifice? **** that. It's his want to be 'safe' that I can't get over. It's so selfish.



Again, not in the Army. And I said I'd take your word for it, I don't know what that's about.



I'm not a hero. I'm just want to do my job, what I signed up to do. I want him to understand that he can't do this and expect a carefree ride.

Jackrabbit,

Me and you are in two different branches of the military and have many differences, but we have so much more in common than the average Joe who has never served and I think it is hard for people to relate sometimes to how we think. I think if my friend was acting the way you described I would come off pretty harsh myself. No need to sugar coat anything, I want to set my friends up for sucess by telling them the truth and how people will perceive his wanting to find a safe job. Anyways just my two cents.

 

[hunt0r]

From the horse's mouth.

What are you, a staff sergeant, technical sergeant?

Hahaha, not quite...Airman First Class E3...should be E4, but thats another story!

Finishing up my four year enlistment in North Dakota and moving back home to the sunshine state.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Jackrabbit,

Me and you are in two different branches of the military and have many differences, but we have so much more in common than the average Joe who has never served and I think it is hard for people to relate sometimes to how we think. I think if my friend was acting the way you described I would come off pretty harsh myself. No need to sugar coat anything, I want to set my friends up for sucess by telling them the truth and how people will perceive his wanting to find a safe job. Anyways just my two cents.

Thank you, I agree entirely. I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from.

I went to a joint forces school, so I know USAF rank...and USA rank, and USN rank...ugh.

I'm only a PFC(E-2), but I'm picking up lance corporal in a few months.

I'm with you. I'm in no way a career Marine, I just wanted to serve my country and be done with it. I think it's negligent and selfish of young people not to today.

 

[SLVRSR4]

What is the big deal with being "posh" in the air force as you say it. i'd be completely fine piloting expensive aircraft and not having to get foot fungus from sweating excessively in the desert and not having clean socks. I guess if that is macho and tough then that's cool for you. If a guy wants to do things another way he should be able to without your criticism. I plan on going into the air force and some guy made a crack that a female marine could kick my ass. I said that was cool if i want to join the marines then i would have.

 

[nosebleed.]

Jack Rabbit, tell you friend that the Air Force is going to a mobile force mentality. He WILL deploy no matter WHAT job he is going to get in the Air Force. He WILL be in the desert somewhere. Air Force don't train like Marines but he will be in harms way in some way, shape or form. And depending on his Air Force Specialty Code he might be tagging along with the Army or even you guys providing support. Tell your friend to goto community college and apply for as many grants and scholarships as he can because the Air Force is not going to get any easier...its getting harder. I appreciate a good ragging from a Marine for being in the Air Force but when it all boils down to it we're all cannon fodder for the government to do what they want with us and if your friend is not ready to accept that then stay the hell out of the military. The last thing the Air Force needs is more lazy asses.

 

[Movies205]

I'm not a hero. I'm just want to do my job, what I signed up to do. I want him to understand that he can't do this and expect a carefree ride.

That's understandable, he shouldn't expect it to be care-free if he's joining any armed service.

 

[hunt0r]

What is the big deal with being "posh" in the air force as you say it. i'd be completely fine piloting expensive aircraft and not having to get foot fungus from sweating excessively in the desert and not having clean socks. I guess if that is macho and tough then that's cool for you. If a guy wants to do things another way he should be able to without your criticism. I plan on going into the air force and some guy made a crack that a female marine could kick my ass. I said that was cool if i want to join the marines then i would have.

Not all people in the Air Force fly jets and not all air bases are "posh" so unless you have lived it or experienced it then I wouldnt be throwing around blanket generalizations and sterotypes. That **** gets on my nerves...most civlians do. I happen to agree that all young people should serve atleast a minimum of two years in one branch. Make you appreciate all the freedoms people tend to take for granted.

 

[SLVRSR4]

My father was a pilot and I don't remember it being posh at all. If that was considered posh what do the other branches do? Dig foxholes and tough it out like real men? I don't see what would be wrong with working in a nice place. I guess i'm not marine material

 

[hunt0r]

Jack Rabbit, tell you friend that the Air Force is going to a mobile force mentality. He WILL deploy no matter WHAT job he is going to get in the Air Force. He WILL be in the desert somewhere. Air Force don't train like Marines but he will be in harms way in some way, shape or form. And depending on his Air Force Specialty Code he might be tagging along with the Army or even you guys providing support. Tell your friend to goto community college and apply for as many grants and scholarships as he can because the Air Force is not going to get any easier...its getting harder. I appreciate a good ragging from a Marine for being in the Air Force but when it all boils down to it we're all cannon fodder for the government to do what they want with us and if your friend is not ready to accept that then stay the hell out of the military. The last thing the Air Force needs is more lazy asses.

The Air Force is becoming more and more like the Army everyday. My AFSC is being handed over to civilian contractors along with lots of other jobs in the AF. Pretty soon all those "safe" jobs are going to be gone and you are just going to have lots of the same things the Army does. We will always have a different mission, but its getting closer and closer to the front lines.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

Jack Rabbit, tell you friend that the Air Force is going to a mobile force mentality. He WILL deploy no matter WHAT job he is going to get in the Air Force. He WILL be in the desert somewhere. Air Force don't train like Marines but he will be in harms way in some way, shape or form. And depending on his Air Force Specialty Code he might be tagging along with the Army or even you guys providing support. Tell your friend to goto community college and apply for as many grants and scholarships as he can because the Air Force is not going to get any easier...its getting harder. I appreciate a good ragging from a Marine for being in the Air Force but when it all boils down to it we're all cannon fodder for the government to do what they want with us and if your friend is not ready to accept that then stay the hell out of the military. The last thing the Air Force needs is more lazy asses.

Thank you, nosebleed.

Yeah, Marines **** all over you, but we're still all United States servicemembers and that means something. If you enlisted at all, you've got alot more respect from me than most people do.

And I've been hearing alot about the changes the Air Force has been making. When I was in boot camp I heard of some Air Force instructors observing our training methods. It sounds pompous, but other services have been trying to emulate the USMC for a while now. The Army wants to learn from our versility and the Air Force wants to mimick our 'Force in Readiness' mentaility.

What is the big deal with being "posh" in the air force as you say it. i'd be completely fine piloting expensive aircraft and not having to get foot fungus from sweating excessively in the desert and not having clean socks. I guess if that is macho and tough then that's cool for you. If a guy wants to do things another way he should be able to without your criticism. I plan on going into the air force and some guy made a crack that a female marine could kick my ass. I said that was cool if i want to join the marines then i would have.

It's a friendly rivalry type thing. Like nosebleed said, the USAF does not train like us, and the Marines have a reputation. We're ****ing Devildogs. We're killing machines. We're a warrior culture. And ask other branch member, we like to rub it in.

And the majority of my criticism comes from his desire for safety, not joining the Air Force.