PDA

View Full Version : Before you enlist(full of crap)


Drill for life
09-27-2008, 05:55 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFsaGv6cefw&feature=related
This video shows no respect to the Military and should be reported. How do you report this video to the right people (who are the right people)?

AlphaNovember
09-27-2008, 06:30 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFsaGv6cefw&feature=related
THis video shows no respect to the Military and should be reported. How do you report this video to the right prople(who are the right people)?

"And should be reported." - Why? They're entitled to their opinion. I'd be damned the day that Youtube, Myspace, or any other websites remove a video from their website because someone's feelings got hurt.

In response to this video: I couldn't get past 2 minutes of it, because the statements that those people made in the opening minutes of the video are the exact same statements that, to me, make no sense whatsoever. When I hear about people protesting a war, or the military in general, and they bring up service members dying, I just turn my back to them. Take a clue, guys: When people join the military, they know what they can be getting themselves into, so anyone protesting the military on the grounds of "people die", I don't even listen to. Go protest beer too, because you know, people get drunk off of it.

EDIT: I resumed watching the video at about 1:40. Some of these people shouldn't have joined the military if they were joining just for benefits.

Drill for life
09-27-2008, 07:29 PM
"And should be reported." - Why? They're entitled to their opinion. I'd be damned the day that Youtube, Myspace, or any other websites remove a video from their website because someone's feelings got hurt.

In response to this video: I couldn't get past 2 minutes of it, because the statements that those people made in the opening minutes of the video are the exact same statements that, to me, make no sense whatsoever. When I hear about people protesting a war, or the military in general, and they bring up service members dying, I just turn my back to them. Take a clue, guys: When people join the military, they know what they can be getting themselves into, so anyone protesting the military on the grounds of "people die", I don't even listen to. Go protest beer too, because you know, people get drunk off of it.

EDIT: I resumed watching the video at about 1:40. Some of these people shouldn't have joined the military if they were joining just for benefits.

Your post is correct, they didn't join the military to fight for their country. They joined for college or some other benefit. I appreciate their service but it was for the wrong reason.

armysc_25b
09-27-2008, 07:45 PM
The first thing you see when you look at my MySpace is a smaller version of my sig graphic and this blurb:

I am a SOLDIER serving in our nation's military, and I enjoy doing what I do as such. I am here on my own accord, not because some recruiting campaign suckered me in. I may not agree with everything in the world today, but I will go where I'm told to go and do what I'm told to do. I serve to make the world a better place for everybody, whether you like it or not. "If you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them."

The benefits are nothing but an added plus. I use my benefits as I see fit. In my field, that means on job experience with computers, and practical leadership experience (hey, those two things alone make me marketable for other companies when I finally do get out) as well as technical certifications. Add in the college degree I'll get and I'd say that when my time is done I've gained a lot from the service.

As far as right now goes, they take care of me. Medical is covered, and has been completely taken advantage of (i.e. wisdom teeth pulled and issuing of $800 orthotic insoles), and should something happen my family won't go in debt trying to take care of everything. I have a guaranteed income, and so long as I am responsible, will not find myself in massive debt. I've gotten to travel overseas, without paying a dime for the transportation, and experience another culture for a year. So I'd say all in all, the service is good to their members, whether or not they agree with that opinion (and they usually don't realize it till later on).

Drill for life
09-27-2008, 07:51 PM
When I enlisted in the Marines I got no benefits, I'm not in for the money (if I wanted the money I would try to attain a commission). I enlisted because I want to fight for my country, uphold the Constitution and to ultimately to uphold the honor of the Marine Corps.

Delta Charlie
09-28-2008, 09:52 AM
When I enlisted in the Marines I got no benefits, I'm not in for the money(if i wanted the money I would try to attain a commission). I enlisted because I want to fight for my country,uphold the constitution and to ultimately to uphold the honor of the Marine Corps.Are you confusing service benefits and signing bonuses? Because as far as I know, certain benefits like medical care are available to all Active Duty service members.

And Officers really don't make much either, compared to civilian jobs comparable to what they do in the military.

I have watched the entire video before, and I felt that the things mentioned probably do happen, to a few people, but they completely overexaggerated everything.

You know, it is interesting to note, most protestors and activists are civilians that have never even been in a recruiters office, you don't see a lot of former service members making such a big fuss. There are some, of course, but not a lot. Interesting.

Drill for life
09-28-2008, 02:30 PM
What I meant by the Money issue is that a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant makes $50,000 a year (if you were in the National Guard before that you make $58,600 a year). That is more than most civilian jobs. I never got a bonus for enlisting (my friend James Powell got $35,000 for enlisting in the Army). I didn't enlist for any other reason except for my love of this great country and the greatest (don't take this in the wrong way it is my Opinion) military force, the United States Marine Corps. My heart and mind are always with the Corps, I love it more than anything except for God.

C/ZOOMIE
09-28-2008, 02:36 PM
When I enlisted in the Marines I got no benefits, I'm not in for the money(if i wanted the money I would try to attain a commission). I enlisted because I want to fight for my country,uphold the constitution and to ultimately to uphold the honor of the Marine Corps.


That's exactly the same reason I'm enlisting. Yeah, I know I could get hurt/killed, guess what, I'm fine with that. This Country has given me more opurtunity's than I would get any where alse, this Country means more to me than my own life, and if it's Gods will, (I pray to Him every day that it is) I will serve. At the same time though, DFL, it's important to remember that in the Military you are defending the U.S Constitution which INCLUDES the First Amendmant. Do I agree with people who protest our Military? Hell no, I tell every protesting hippie off I see, but remember, It's our job to fight for their right to say stupid S*** like that.


CZ :afgarrison:

Drill for life
09-28-2008, 02:52 PM
C/Zoomie I agree with you completely, and I am glad to see somebody else who is willing to risk their life for this great country (and all the Mod's who are and have risked their lives).

C/ZOOMIE
09-28-2008, 03:00 PM
C/Zoomie I agree with you completly, and I am glad to see somebody else who is willing to risk there life for this great country(and all the Mod's who are and have risked there life).

+1 to that. A Salute to all who have served :salute:

armysc_25b
09-28-2008, 06:36 PM
What I meant by the Money issued is that a newly-minted"Butter Bar" makes $50'000 dollars a year,(if you where in the National Guard before that you make $58,600 a year) that is more than most civilan jobs. I never got a bonus for enlisting(my friend James Powell got $35,000 for enlisting in the Army) I didn't enlist for any other reason except for my love of this great country and the greatest(don't take this in the wrong way it is my Opinion)military force the United States Marine Corps. My heart and mind are alway's with the Corps, I love it more thatn anything except for God.
1) Clean up your grammar, not just here but on every one of your 37 posts. I WILL start deleting them period if you can't take the time to ensure they are correct, spelling included.
2) What gives you the right to refer to any Second Lieutenant/Ensign as a "Butter Bar"? They earned their commission, and as such, you WILL respect the rank.

Drill for life
09-28-2008, 07:45 PM
I am sorry for both things, that is what I have always heard them called. I have great respect for officers. All the officers I have met who where enlisted prior to earning their commission (Mustangs) have told me OCS is harder than Basic is. Sorry.

Buffa1oso1di3r
10-02-2008, 07:42 PM
I actually agree with the statements said in the video. War is horrible, and, it sucks. I've seen what war does to people. My AI won three Bronze Stars for Valor in Vietnam, I've met Dave Roever, my Dad is a 29 year veteran of the military. When he came back for Iraq, they fired the Artillery too close to the road (I live next to a huge Army base, they do manuvers almost every day of the year), and, he dove for the deck.

My Dad doesn't want me to join, stating the same things in the video. Same goes for my AI, and, my mom, who got out of the Army Reserve as a Major with 17 years in. But, I firmly believe that we're doing a good thing in Iraq, as we have toppeled a ruthless dictator who has killed hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions. It's my choice to enlist, and, I know for a fact that there is a huge chance that I can die. Some of those ways are horrible and painful, but, I've accepted it for now.

Also, you guys must know that it's the Recruiters job to get us (cadets, students, young adults) to join. They'll throw out all the good stuff, and, they'll keep the "bad" stuff in the back. I hope that you guys are smart enough to realize it. Some of those Recruiters should be in PSYOPs... lol. Those are my .000002 cents.

Drill for life
10-02-2008, 08:48 PM
I totally get you, It's important to listen to people who have been through all of it.

MP_Girl
10-02-2008, 10:57 PM
Alright, now it is time for me to explain to you Cadets a bit about my insight on this video. First off, yes the majority of you are WRONG about this video, in the fact that YOU have not been there, and done that, you are just Cadets. Most of you have parents, family and what ever, well reality check, this video is nothing but truth.

I joined the Army National Guard as soon as I can. I wanted to be a Marine and do infantry, but my mom would not sign the paperwork unless it was Reserves or NG, and so I decided eh, it is still serving my country. Yes, the benefits were nice, but the reason I decided to join were:

A. To better myself as a person, and break the family curse
B. To Challenge Myself to my maximum
C. The benefits and job stability
D. To Serve my country
E. September 11th 2001-the day two cousins died in my family, they were just doing their jobs.

Now. Those were my reasons on joining, granted the recruited tried to talk me into going AD several times, and I was very much persuaded several times, but stuck to my gut. I went to Basic and Advanced Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, graduated, and loved my job as a Military Police Officer, that was when things started to get rough, and I was convinced on going Active Duty. Yes, that's right, most of you do not know me, and what happened, and I did go AD. I joined the Army, Active Duty was the way for me, guaranteed job, guaranteed money, and it was like being a full time cop.

Yes, the Military taught me many things, but the one thing it taught me was Honor. It did change my thinking a bit, and roughed me up, but it made me who I am today.

Back to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFsaGv6cefw&feature=related
This video shows no respect to the Military and should be reported. How do you report this video to the right people (who are the right people)?


Why should the people who make this video be reported? This video has nothing but the truth in it. Thats enough with trying to report this video, when it is absolutely absurd, and check your spelling, you have been warned several times.

"And should be reported." - Why? They're entitled to their opinion. I'd be damned the day that Youtube, Myspace, or any other websites remove a video from their website because someone's feelings got hurt.

In response to this video: I couldn't get past 2 minutes of it, because the statements that those people made in the opening minutes of the video are the exact same statements that, to me, make no sense whatsoever. When I hear about people protesting a war, or the military in general, and they bring up service members dying, I just turn my back to them. Take a clue, guys: When people join the military, they know what they can be getting themselves into, so anyone protesting the military on the grounds of "people die", I don't even listen to. Go protest beer too, because you know, people get drunk off of it.

EDIT: I resumed watching the video at about 1:40. Some of these people shouldn't have joined the military if they were joining just for benefits.


I would agree that they should not have joined for benefits, but that was what sounded good to them in a struggling economy. Have you ever been to war? How about being a victim of a Sergeant that raped you and several other females for fun and then came back and attempted homicide on you.

I was one of those people, and the Sergeant got what he deserved, and I'm traumatized, oh and the benefits, I never got them either. So do not protest unless it is you, and you have been there. Everything in the video is nothing but truth.


And now for my grand finale Cadets.

Am I thinking about going back in? Of Course, but this time to be an officer, because it is what I have always wanted to do. Maybe it is in my future, maybe not, but I do know that this video is truth because My Door was covered in crosses twice, and it had the names and dates of friends (Airman, Soldiers Marine and Navy alike) that died over there, in this war. The ones who did come home, were not the same.

I have not been over there, to the sandbox, no I'm not protesting the war or anything, but this video is truth, because it makes you think about what really happens when you enlist. When you enlist, you are government issue, meaning the Military owns you. Not to mention most females are rape victims (I am) and can name several others that also are. The female was correct in saying female life in the Military is not easy. Your either raped, a slut (excuse my language) or lesbian to avoid being raped, and even worst, is the number of males that are reported raped.

When these people come home from war, they do not have life easy. They are NEVER the same person as they were when they were home before shipping out. It changes your mind, knowing you killed people that maybe were innocent, or those that were killed, or you accidentally killed a child, or even your best friend. The Military changes your mind, but it also changes who you are when you return home. Several friends of mine came home, and tried to get VA benefits, and then guess what? DENIED. Like myself, I'm screwed with health insurance, when I'm homeless begging on the streets, there is no where to go, the VA can't help you. Oh, not to mention that they get so fed up because of their PTSD and depression, which is VERY traumatizing to go through, you guys as cadets HAVE NO IDEA that what they go through is so serious, and they need help, but does our governmant care? Nope. I've had so many friends come home, not the same person, and they kill themselves.


Bottom line, you join, your Government Issue, be expected to be "some ones property" and just try to keep to yourself. Do not listen to recruiters, they do nothing but lie, bottom line, your going to a war, people are dying, and if you do not do your job, then you get put in a Military prison with a Bad Conduct Discharge, where my Sergeant buddy ol' friend Morris is where they can have all the fun with you, or even a Dishonorable discharge. Yes, I'm being Sarcastic, but this is the truth, the reality.

Nuff Said, I'm done here.

mtnsldr
10-02-2008, 11:47 PM
This is not "truth". It is propaganda, skewed to show a more negative representation of the military than is accurate for the majority of people. Are there hiccups. Sure. Is the intent not to have that happen? Absolutely. It makes the military look like we're here to screw over recruits and lower enlisted every single way possible from the moment they step in the door. That doesn't happen in my sphere of influence, nor have I ever seen it on a wide-spectrum scale.

The education benefits portion is deceit by omission. Technically, they are right about the GI bill (although the AD version pays a SIGNIFICANT amount for a student, far more than any regular college student with a part time job). However, that is not the only benefit available. There are testing programs to limit the amount of courses students would have to take, tuition assistance to make up the difference in cost for the classes they are attending, etc. As for National Guard education benefits, it is written on a variety of sources, including the GI Bill's website, that benefits for reservists end upon separation from service. The excuse that "my recruiter didn't tell me" doesn't fly if you fail to do your homework. If you were applying for a job would you not check to see how the company 401K works? Why would this be any different.

When my unit returned from Iraq, we had the largest boom of college students attending classes. I've completed two tours overseas, and I'm currently attending a masters degree program. The soliders of my state who have been deployed twice all volunteered to attend the second time, and we will not mobilize a large number of 2 timers for another 1-2 years, making it a total of 4-5 years between deployments. Upon initial enlistment, assuming you deploy soon after your return from training, that would put your second deployment outside the window of a 6 year enlistment.

There are jobs in the military that transfer over to civilian careers. If you do not choose one of those jobs, you will have to start at the bottom. As an Officer with two combat tours, I'd be lucky to get a job in the civilian sector making twenty thousand dollars less than I do right now. When I returned from my first tour as a combat experiences Infantry Platoon Leader and professional Officer, I was working as a Security Guard for just above minimum wage. Welcome to the real world. If you cannot sell at least a little bit of leadership to get yourself in the door as an entry level employee, than you wasted your enlistment.

There has been much said about recruiters. The fact is, some are great, some are not. If a person feels their recruiter is not serving in their best interests, they can get another one. If they do not feel comfortable signing, don't sign. Everyone needs to take a little bit of responsibility when they've put their pen to paper and signed the dotted line.

As for non-combat MOSs participating in high threat roles: This war changed the way we fight across the board. Look at the drastic changes in doctrine we've seen over the last 6 years. No one could have been prepared for a fight like this, and we certainly couldn't have retrained everyone on their way into theater in the early period of the war, since the senior leaders were still figuring it out. However, all military members are trained to fight, regardless of MOS, because that can become the reality. To say that it is somehow the Army leadership's failure that we lost support Soldiers in combat is ludicrous.

I'm not going to analyze the whole video, that is not even half of it. To say that is information is "truth" is inaccurate. This video shows snippets of small amounts of people who hold a poor view because many seem to have expected everything on a silver platter. To many people view the Military as a hand out where benefits are expected instead of earned, and the second a bit of effort is required, the military has screwed them over. This is merely lies through omission/alteration.

soccermark23
10-03-2008, 02:30 AM
As for non-combat MOSs participating in high threat roles: This war changed the way we fight across the board.

I just wanted to expand a little bit on this, as I believe you made an excellent point sir. This war has changed a great deal about the way things are conducted, take my situation for example. I work in the maintenance section of a fighter wing. Did I ever think I'd be stuck in the middle of a combat zone? Heck no. But was I? You better believe I volunteered to go when given the chance.

Things are so much different now, it doesn't matter if you are in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. And it definitely doesn't matter if you are Active Duty, Reserves, or National Guard. There is a decent chance you will be put into harms way, it's something we all accepted when we joined up. And whether I'm working at a location in the CONUS or dodging mortars in Iraq, my job is to make sure my planes are able to drop bombs on target whenever our pilots get a call; and you can be sure I will do my best to make that happen.

Buffa1oso1di3r
10-03-2008, 12:22 PM
That makes me feel horrible to be a man... how can people be so... cruel and evil?

On the benefits -- College was never really a part of my plans... I'm too stupid to go to college anyway (lol). But, I know for a fact that healthcare is in the toilet, and making 1500 dollars a month as a PFC is way better than getting a full-time job working minimum wage, and, having a place to sleep and eat is way better than being homeless.

Now, replying to the Captain and MP Girl:

What I'm getting is that being a Female, especially enlisted, in the military sucks, and, being an officer in the military is the way to go, correct?

soccermark23
10-03-2008, 12:32 PM
Now, replying to the Captain and MP Girl:

What I'm getting is that being a Female, especially enlisted, in the military sucks, and, being an officer in the military is the way to go, correct?

I don't know if I'd go as far as saying being a female in the military sucks. I work with a number of females and they all love it. I suppose it all depends on the unit your assigned to and the people you work with.

Billyd
10-03-2008, 01:05 PM
Before this goes much further, let's get some facts straight.

When you enlist and enter active duty there are benefits that you get. Among those are medical and dental care and some education benefits. You also gain access to the PX/BX/NEX where you can purchase goods tax free.

You get the opportunity to learn a trade. Whether that be stacking BBs or fixing computers they both offer something.

You learn to lead by first learning to follow.

As to some of the things that have been posted here, let me say that I have not seen the video, but I can pretty much deduce that whoever made the video is more the "Private Benjamin" type of service member more than the "G.I. Jane" type. Reality is somewhere in the middle. If you don't understand the reference, rent the movies and watch them. You will get it.

In my 20+ years on AD, I came across several types and to a one, I reminded them they took an Oath and that I, as an NCO, was holding them to that Oath. Some decided to honor their Oath, others didn't. The ones that didn't I had no qualms about showing them the gate and pushing them through it. Not a single person on AD today was forced to take that Oath. Every single person in uniform today is a volunteer.

Now, do bad things happen in the military? Yes, it is, after all, a subset of society at large. And while not perfect, I believe the military does a fine job policing itself and taking care of perpetrators and their victims.

People, let’s get a grip on reality and not feed the rumor mills. Not all is rosy and hunky dory, but nothing in life is. The military will have its ups and downs, but if everybody will abide by the same set of standards, the good will outweigh the bad.

MP_Girl
10-03-2008, 04:11 PM
That makes me feel horrible to be a man... how can people be so... cruel and evil?

On the benefits -- College was never really a part of my plans... I'm too stupid to go to college anyway (lol). But, I know for a fact that healthcare is in the toilet, and making 1500 dollars a month as a PFC is way better than getting a full-time job working minimum wage, and, having a place to sleep and eat is way better than being homeless.

Now, replying to the Captain and MP Girl:

What I'm getting is that being a Female, especially enlisted, in the military sucks, and, being an officer in the military is the way to go, correct?


That last part I'd disagree with. Even though those things happened to me, that did not mean that I hated my job. In fact, if I could turn back time, I'd do it all again. All I was trying to say was yes, some times it does get rough on females, because there are some perverts in the Military.

Billy D,

Well said post. From my POV, I get your simile. You will get some soldiers that are gung ho, and others that just complain. I loved my job, not trying to complain, just trying to state that Yes, this stuff does happen, maybe not to the vast majority, but to some it does happen. The Military did a lot for me. Made me who I am today, and I appreciate that.

SlightlyCatholic
10-03-2008, 04:14 PM
College was never really a part of my plans... I'm too stupid to go to college anyway (lol).

As a college student, I see the importance of having a college education and from what I can see, it is becoming IMPERATIVE for someone to have a college degree if they want to have a decent living. What happens if you need to leave the military for some reason, or they don't accept you? You can't get by anymore on a GED or a high school diploma and employers expect a higher level of education from applicants in the job market.

While I haven't BTDT, getting a degree isn't just for officers. So why get a degree if it's not required to enlist in the military? Cadets, get used to the idea that the bar set for you is meant to be exceeded and that it is EXPECTED that you will not only jump over that bar but set it much higher than it was set initially. Your superiors don't want to merely see you meet the standard, they want to see you exceed the standard. Graduating from an institution of higher learning shows not only your ability to learn but your willingness to learn, both of which you'll need in the military and in life.

Stupidity is the temporary negligence of one's intellect, not a permanent state of being. If you've accepted that you're too stupid to go to college, then the battle is already lost. However, if you want to go to college and you're willing to work and learn, you'll do fine. You just have to want it, and there are plenty of incentives to get it done.

soccermark23
10-03-2008, 04:18 PM
As a college student, I see the importance of having a college education and from what I can see, it is becoming IMPERATIVE for someone to have a college degree if they want to have a decent living. What happens if you need to leave the military for some reason, or they don't accept you? You can't get by anymore on a GED or a high school diploma and employers expect a higher level of education from applicants in the job market.


Take my advice, a lot of employers want you to have a degree, that is true. But the thing I was never told going to college and during it was that they all want experience too. I've applied for numerous jobs since graduating college and the majority of them say, "Oh that's great you have a degree, but where is your work experience." The best thing you can do to set yourself up for success while attending college is to find an internship or job in the industry you want to eventually move into, this will give you a leg up on the competition and allow you to network as much as possible before graduation.

SlightlyCatholic
10-03-2008, 04:21 PM
That's a good thing to add. I know a few college graduates whose summer internships became their place of employment once they graduated and those experiences were integral to their ability to get a job within six months of receiving their degrees. It's a great way to find out if you're really going to like what you think you want to do with your degree. Also, like soccermark said, you meet some people that can become instrumental in your own success.

Drill for life
10-03-2008, 06:31 PM
Here is my opinion on college. I am going enlisted for 6 years, who knows if I feel like going to college. I will alway's have that option. I don't feel like I am ready for college, I would get into much trouble at a Civilan College, that is why I would choose a Academy over a Civilan School of Higher Education. That is my two cents.

P.S. I want and know I will need the enlisted experience.

Buffa1oso1di3r
10-03-2008, 07:13 PM
Well, it's not exactly that I'm too dumb to go to college... I just... don't want to...

I have a 4.1 GPA, and, my projected ACT score (based off of some practice tests, and a PLAN test), is around 26, which is enough to get into almost any college. I just want a new challenge, that's all.

soccermark23
10-03-2008, 10:16 PM
For any of you cadets that are both interested in college and enlisting, take a look at the National Guard or the Reserves. I enlisted during my first semester of college and served while attending classes, not to mention the GI Bill will help offset schooling costs and I believe most states also offer more incentives to those members attending college.

SlightlyCatholic
10-04-2008, 10:42 AM
Can a college student expect to be able to have a normal academic schedule without worrying about being deployed? I'd hate to see someone enlist and enroll in a school just to get yanked out for a deployment. Then again, that IS what you sign up for.

Startingover
10-05-2008, 02:50 PM
Yeah, if you are in college and you are a full time student, unless something breaks out here, they cant touch you. But if your just fooling around, taking the money and only taking like... 1 class? That would not be full time student and they can take you.

Its like the ROTC program, they cant get you, even if you are contracted/enlisted in the service of choice, if you are a full time student, they need more educated people than they do cannon fodder right now.

PhilK
10-05-2008, 03:10 PM
Yeah, if you are in college and you are a full time student, unless something breaks out here, they cant touch you. But if your just fooling around, taking the money and only taking like... 1 class? That would not be full time student and they can take you.

Umm...wrong. If you are a member of a National Guard or Reserve unit and your unit is called up then you can be expected to go with them. (As long as you are medically deployable) I took several college students on my last deployment because they were a member of my Troop.


Its like the ROTC program, they cant get you, even if you are contracted/enlisted in the service of choice, if you are a full time student, they need more educated people than they do cannon fodder right now.

Actually, you might want to double check your regs. Under certain circumstances contracted ROTC Cadets can be called up.

Startingover
10-05-2008, 03:13 PM
Umm...wrong. If you are a member of a National Guard or Reserve unit and your unit is called up then you can be expected to go with them. (As long as you are medically deployable) I took several college students on my last deployment because they were a member of my Troop.



Actually, you might want to double check your regs. Under certain circumstances contracted ROTC Cadets can be called up.

Ive been known to be wrong... and in some instances very badly.

It has always been my understanding that no matter what, you cant be taken if you are a full time college student. I would love to see some documentation if I have been lied to because I have never heard the opposite, and I have been told to my face many times that if you are a full time college student enrolled in ROTC/NG/Reserves, that you cant be shipped out.

this poses a few questions for me now :sleepy:.... TIME FOR RESEARCH!

In addendum: I have found no reference to any Cadets involved in Full time study at a university being deployed in any regs/records. I have found newspaper clippings and other information about NG deployments taking cadets from their homes. Though I have yet to find any indication that a cadet enrolled in Full time School, and contracted in the ROTC detachment of their choice being deployed out of college. And thats actually the reason that I joined ROTC is because of the promise that we cannot be deployed until we finish our schooling, contracted or no.

What use is a half trained officer in the field, as an officer or an enlisted person?

PhilK
10-05-2008, 03:29 PM
Allow me to help you a little:

What happens if I'm deployed while I'm in college?
That varies from school to school, but most schools will work with you in some way to smooth out details of that eventuality. College First is an enlistment program we offer that guarantees no deployment for two full years, provided you remain a full time student during that period and meet the other qualifications of the program.


From: http://www.1800goguard.com/faq/

Here are a couple memos as well:
http://www.rotc.usaac.army.mil/command/ng/ng_docs/Mob%20USACC%20memo.pdf

http://www.rotc.usaac.army.mil/command/ng/ng_docs/fencing.pdf

These of course are from the Army side of the house, but I would be willing to bet the other branches have similar policies in place.

Startingover
10-05-2008, 03:30 PM
https://tv.ku.edu/news/2005/04/19/students-face-possibility-of-deployment/


Alright, found what I was making my point for. This artical actually explains both Mine, and Philk's standpoints for the NG being able to deploy out and the ROTC staying here regardless.

"I wasn't getting any money to go to school and I wanted a year off, so I joined the National Guard and went to Basic and AIT and then I did community college for a year," Connelly said.

Connelly also faces the possibility of having to deploy soon. But he's not worried about graduating a little later.


Air Force ROTC is a scholarship program where the military pays for a student's education in exchange for a commitment to active duty service after graduation. ROTC incorporates military life into the lives of students from day one.


And Philk, that was exactly my statement, what is in those memos, whether I said it wrong or it was interprited wrong, that is all I meant, though for NG, I did not know the diff.


There are benefits to this lifestyle. For instance, these cadets don't really have to worry about being deployed prior to walking down the hill.

"We're strictly students. Our official status is reserve, but they won't deploy us," Wright said.

Billyd
10-05-2008, 03:39 PM
Your "understanding" as you call it is not going to serve you well. If you are a member of a unit subject to call-up for service, you CAN be called to go as the good Major pointed out. It all depends on what skill sets are needed and if you have those skills. As was suggested, you might want to check the regulations as to your specific situation.

As to "half-trained" oficers, most newly minted Lietenants are not even that. They usually only have lots of book knowledge and very little practical experience. They are at what is essentially entry-level and still have quite a bit to learn. Book knowledge will only get you so far and practical experience only comes on the job. The same with junior enlisted personnel. As one gains experience, one also earns promotions just as in the civilian world.

Startingover
10-05-2008, 04:00 PM
Your "understanding" as you call it is not going to serve you well. If you are a member of a unit subject to call-up for service, you CAN be called to go as the good Major pointed out. It all depends on what skill sets are needed and if you have those skills. As was suggested, you might want to check the regulations as to your specific situation.

As to "half-trained" oficers, most newly minted Lietenants are not even that. They usually only have lots of book knowledge and very little practical experience. They are at what is essentially entry-level and still have quite a bit to learn. Book knowledge will only get you so far and practical experience only comes on the job. The same with junior enlisted personnel. As one gains experience, one also earns promotions just as in the civilian world.

Well half trained in my book isnt even half of the book smarts you should have when you graduate. So having a half trained, half trained person is not a good thing to have either.