I don't where or not to join the military or not?

GunnyC

I say you should not be worrying about any of that, including joining the military yet. When you reach the age to make a decision you will have to sit down with you parents and talk to them about it or if you change your mind by then you won't. Life is dangerous and you really can't get too worried about the "what ifs"; the number one cause of death in teen agers is driving so you don't want to get you license and drive? Worry about getting good grades and finishing school then you can look at what yo want to do then-go into the military-go to college-get a job-married with a little more focus and opportunity. Study, get good grades, graduate and then see what you want to do and make the decision.

gugliamo00

I can't give you the answer. You have to figure it out. But here are some thoughts...

If you're worried about dying and thereby making your family sad, you have more to worry about than the military. About 5,000 die each year in traffic accidents. More than that die each year under medical care. I don't know how many get killed in gang-related violence.

Sure, guys get killed in the military. But guys get killed out of the military too. About 3,000 were killed on 9/11... and none of them were military.

If you're worried bout causing your parents grief, don't...it can't be helped. You're growing up. One day you will go away to school. Mom will cry (she's losing her little baby) and dad will worry. One day you'll get married. Mom will lose her little baby. Likely your parents have career plans for you. They may not voice them, but most parents have high expectations for their kids. There's probably little chance you... or anybody can live up to those expectations. So mom and dad will worry.

But here's another thought. You have to live with you all your life. You can't escape yourself. You have to do what's right for YOU. You can't live your life for somebody else. If you do, and something happens to them... what happens to you? If you pattern your life in a way you don't like because you think it pleases somebody else, and you're miserable, what happens when that person isn't around any longer.? You've spent part of your life making somebody else happy and yourself miserable. Ok they were happy for a few years... but you're going to be miserable for life... unless you do something else... if you're not too old.

You want a guarantee? You're not going to get it.., in the military or in civilian life.

As a recruit, I was interviewed in the Navy for a particular specialty. The first question the guy asked was, "Do you want to die for your country"? I said something like, "Sir, I joined the Navy to serve my country. I'll die to do so if necessary, But, if this recruit understands your question, I believe it's better to live and fight for my country." Actually, I've subsequently found that General Patton said something similar, "No <bleep> ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb <bleep> die for his country" I spent about a quarter century in the Navy.

You have to make your decisions based on what YOU think is right. You will have a tough time living with yourself if you don't.

I'd say, "Good luck," but you don't need luck.

Barry auh2o

For now, you'll serve your country best by finishing high school and with good grades.
Remember, if you do decide to go into the military, the better grades you have in school, the better military job you'll be able to get. So for now, you're helping your country and your family by doing well in school.
Post again in a couple months and let us know how you're doing.

Kekionga

If you possibly can...

Stay in school and make that decision when you are around 21.

College education will get you ahead in the military and in civilian life. It is the foundation to a good life. WIthout it, whether you go into the military or not, your future will be restricted.

Get good grades... they are important and try to go to college first!

g-day!

UnaBlogger

Here is a good link that may help you.

As You Were 85

your still very young to make decisions about joining any armed forces i say stay in school graduate and then decide when your about 18 or 21 and then make some life changing experiences but if you still want to join or if you need info i'll give you a site or to you can look at
http://www.military.com/
http://marines.com/page/usmc.jsp?flashRedirect=true
https://secure.military.com/Recruiting/page1.do
http://navy.com/
that a few of the sites i can offer you.As i said take life as it comes one day at a time a save the heavy decisions for as you get older until then good luck

Tim

its good that you're thinking hard about it. just keep doing that until you're old enough and then talk to a recruiter. bring your parents if it makes you feel better. see what conclusion you all can come up with.

Chemist of Carnage

You're a bit young to enlist. Don't think of it as a mission to rescue the world. Regardless of which branch you join, you will be a piece in a machine, a tool to the government of the United States of America. That isn't to say it is a good thing or a bad thing, it just is what it is. Are you prepared to give up control of your life for an extended period of time in a situation you can't just walk away from? If yes, go for it, if not think about something else.

But like I said, you're a bit young. Think about it for a while and do what YOU think is right, not what others want for you.

John C

Give this idea a try then, Coast Guard. They don't see combat often but do a very important job.Protecting our coasts, stopping drug shipments, helping ships that get in trouble. A great way to serve and fairly safe.

daisycm

join the coast guard your still helping your country but the chances of u getting deployed or anything are very slim.....you will be away from your family but not in much danger

Richard R

I graduated from college when the Vietnam war was being fought. My degree was in history, and for everyone wanting to stay out of the war, a teaching position was highly sought after. I ended up enlisting in the Navy since joining the Army had the very real possibility of getting shot at. I spent 6 years in the service, most aboard a fast attack submarine.

There is nothing in the Civilian world like the camaraderie that exists in the military. I suspect that being in combat strengthens that. Books I have read suggest that veterans remember combat as the most meaningful part of their lives.

Fortunately the USS Plunger wasn't called for any combat duty. After 6 years I was ready to get out, but for many the way of the warrior is the only true calling.

Stay in school. Get the best grades you can. Take the hard courses. The better your education, the more choices you have in the service as well as in the regular world.

RedWhite&Blue

You are too young to join the Military. You have to bee atleast 16 W/ Parent conscent. But really you should wait till 18.

YA Namster

Things maybe different when you're actually eligible, so put the whole military thing on the back burner and worry about it later.

Trucker024

I was the same way @ your age. I am 37 now. I went into the Navy from 1988 to 1992. I was an Airframes mechanic and worked on F-14 tomcats. It was hard to go out on the ship for months at a time, but loved the work and was nice when I wasn't on the ship stationed in VA Beach. I would do it all over again. It really made me grow up and learn a lot about life. I chose to leave when my time was up as I loved my work, but wasn't interested in staying in. You gain so much as far as friends,life,travel. It's hard, but you can really grow inside and respect what you have done. It is a personal choice and isn't for everyone. Look into all branches of service and the jobs they offer. Do NOT let them talk you into it. Go because YOU want to go. Good luck and remember to include your family with your thoughts and ideas.

Kitten S

I'm an Army officer, so I am biased, but call the personnel section at any military base and ask for a tour. Stay away from recruiters-they are selling something. Talk to real soldiers, marines, airmen, and seamen. Find out what they do and how they like their jobs. The military isn't for everyone, so I encourage you to start researching now. Also consider the benefits that the services have to offer. the bottom line is that you should join because it's what you want to do. I love the Army, and there is no place I'd rather be, but it may not be the thing for you. Talk to the real folks who do the job everyday, you will be surprised at how honest they are about the benefits and limitations of military serivce.

After doing the research, search your heart and talk to your family again. Try to get them on your side if you join. You will need their support. Train as you fight, and pay close attention to your training. Training is what will save the lives of you and your comrades. Finally, do not fear death. the coward dies a million deaths, but the brave die but once. The only thing that is guaranteed in life is that you will die. The stats say you won't die in combat, so focus on your training and you will be okay!

Good luck

renny

Learn as much as you can about the lifestyle. You've got so much time to decide!

I knew I wanted to join up when I was your age. My parents pressured me to forget about it and we finally settled on waiting until I was out of college. They thought I'd change my mind - guess what? I didn't. I'm now in training for Marine basic.

As for a branch, I say Marines of course, but it depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. Talk to recruiters from each service, get a lot of information.

Good luck!

terry p

bear in mind the government is willing to send you abroad to fight for your country but they won't let you have a beer till your 21, they will charge you an arm and a leg for education, they are going to make you pay huge sums of cash for your healthcare, so do you REALLY want to help your government when they are going to treat you so bad, at the end of the day they really don't care about you as an individual, you are just a number.

Sorry deleted

getting soldiers kill, I don't see any freedom or help in any way on war.

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