Our great-niece joined the Army just before Easter in 2015. After working in Retail, attending a Jr. College for short time, she decided to join the Army. She really wanted to work with animals, but that training never happened. She's been a horse person her entire young life and has one, but the Army isn't about horses. The Army is much more "structured" than she really likes. Born and raised in So. California, she is now stationed at an Army Base in a winter "snow-belt" and dislikes that as well. She had her horse stabled close to her Base, so that helps. There are many times she will write something on Facebook that will refer her dislike of being a Soldier. She looks forward to the benefits she will get when her enlistment is over. Overall, a lot of times, after reading something she wrote in Facebook, we think she thinks she made a mistake joining the Army. One thing for sure, the girl really isn't Army or even military material. Now, our neighbor, who finally went to BCT last year, pretty much loves the "structure" the Army provides. He is in school training to be a mechanic on Apache helicopters. He actually loves being in the Army and, the way he talks, will make a career out of it. In fact, he'd like to be offered a Commission to become an Army Officer someday. So, here is one young enlistee that really doesn't like the military and another one who loves it.
Whenever I talk to a young person, late teen's/early 20's, about joining the military, I always tell them what they can expect dealing with discipline and taking orders. I tell them that it's not easy being a military person. I tell them that I thought my step-parents were tough on me, well the Navy showed me what the word "tough" was about. The Navy Basic Training isn't nearly as tough as the Army or Marines, but it's tough........I tell them.
Over the years, I have been asked to talk to friends kids who are thinking about going in the military. It's hard for me to be objective on this subject sometimes. A subject about a life I am both proud of, and treated me well. We talk about the good and the bad. The training and travel are the good. Being away for periods, and serving in a hostile area can be issues. Some have served one enlistment and others have served as long as they allow like me. Some decide it's not for them. I do tell them the time they spend serving will change them for life. Structure and descipline can be a good thing. Learning that your mates have your '6' and they can depend on you, is one of the best lessons you can learn. IMHO
I think it's important for people joining the military to understand it's about commitment to serving your country, not just a way to get an education, or see the world. I hope that they are being told the worst of it because if a person isn't willing to possibly give up their life, I wouldn't think the military would be for them.
One thing for sure, the military isn't for everyone. Back in the Vietnam era, with the Draft going on, a lot of men didn't have a choice......either get Drafted into the Army, enlist in another Service or run to Canada. That's what I did, I enlisted in the Navy. I did get my Draft Notice, but was already in the Navy. Since the Draft stopped, men today have a choice of enlisting or not. Women do as well. I have talked to some young folks that come right out and tell me, "there's no way I'm going to have someone shouting/yelling in my face" (Boot Camp/Basic Training). The Navy isn't noted for this like the Army and Marine Corp is. We think our great niece was thinking much more about the benefits she would get while serving as well as when she gets out. She has already had her teeth taken care of that she wouldn't have had the money to do in civilian life. She gets along with her fellow Soldiers, but then again, doesn't. They don't have the interest in horses that she does. She has also got three tattoos now that her grandmother doesn't like, but puts up with.
@Cody Fousnaugh Since you served in the Navy, you can appreciate the fact that I grew up in a family run by a 'Master Chief ". One of the first books I remember around the house was the 'Bluejacket's Manual'. Speaking of tattoos, I sometimes wonder how my Dad did 32 years in the Marines/Navy and never got a tattoo. I spent 21 years in and don't have any...YET. Jury is still out on my getting one or two.
My dad was a Seabee. I really don't remember why I chose to enlist in the Navy, but knew the Draft was somewhere close and wanted to avoid that. I do remember "the good, the bad and even a couple of ugly" times I had while in. All-in-all, I learned a lot and went to places I'd never dreamed I'd go. Have my Company graduation picture on our livingroom wall, along with pictures of the ships (Destroyers) I was on and the Metals/Ribbons I got. The best time of my life was when I married my wife, but being in the Navy ranks pretty high also. Never got one tattoo while in. Thought about before I met my wife, but didn't do it. Thank God for that, she doesn't like them.
if you're going in ask for overseas duty. that's what's it all about.seeing the world. spending the entire hitch at home is a total waste of time