Why do people enlist in the military when it means risking their lives?

BDZot

Service to country, service to community. A chance to make a difference. Travel. Experience. Chance to garner responsibility and the ability to lead.

Dead Marxist

So that others may live in Freedom

Pfo

Some people are very patriotic for America. Others use it as a path for a career and college money, and take the risk that they might be called forth to serve. Their's a reason why every job application asks if you've been in the military: it's because it turns you into a quality person and a worthwhile member of society.

b52gflyer

For the piece of paper in the Smithsonian Museum called the Constitution of the United States of America. That one document has allowed you to ask that question, has let me answer it, for anyone to read that question, for anyone to question that question, to allow the government one chance to prove you guilty, to allow people the not to incriminate themselves, the right to vote, and much, much more.

I also did it just for my country because it was the right thing to do and I am proud to be an American. While you sit there and wonder about why, what have you ever done to protect these rights? Just complain? Do you even vote? Or do you just complain about the people in office and the government in general?

Mayor Quimby

Because they love the country and want to protect it.

Philip McCrevice

The left would have you believe they signed up for college tuition aid and got duped by evil President Bush.

Most Republicans and military people will tell you they join because they are proud of their country and want to defend our freedoms. In spite of the left.

chefsky2001

We are able to do a job that you or others like you can not.

Hokie

Because people are weird like that.(that's sarcasm)

There are actually people out there who will risk their lives so we can live free and prevent terrorist attacks from happening on US soil. The men and women in our military are unselfish people who are willing to die for their country. It makes me sad that you don't understand this.

ArmyWifey

To serve and defend. For Duty, Honor and Country. These aren't just words thrown out with no real meaning but the very core of the reason most who serve do so. Even those who don't articulate it well!

Of course there are those who see it as a lucrative way to college, or need the benefits but usually they don't stay in long.

lisab

Everyday your life is at risk.
To ensure freedom in America it was worth dodging a few bullets in Iraq.
Cops, firefighters and other service personnel risk their lives everyday as well.

Denise S

Because if we didn't, others would be forced to serve.

Because we appreciate the veterans that came before us to ensure the rights we have today.

But mostly, because if we didn't, others would be forced to... so, you're welcome.

Airbound Gabe

because we believe in defending our country and protect our loved ones. we may get killed of course but being brave is moving foward even if you are afraid. and doing the right thing is the hardest , but in the end worth it

dude.

Joining the military does not necessarily mean you will be killed. During peacetime it's no different than any other job and during wartime only the combat arms occupations face any real chance of dieing, an infantryman may see combat, but a machinist mate on a ship in the Gulf may never even see an Iraqi let alone combat. With today's technology the average American police officer has a better chance of dieing on the job than a serviceman ( why do people become firefighters and police officers when they know they are risking their lives?).

As for reasons, everyone has their own. Some join for opportunity, some join out of a call for duty, some join because they need a job, some have a misguided idea it's a path to glory. I joined the army at seventeen just to get out of the house and on my own.

Truth is the military as a whole is not any more dangerous than any other occupation. Different jobs have a higher risk, but generally, no different than a civilian job.

I grew up in the military during the Vietnam war, everyone we knew was military and I can only remember six that died over there. I know of about ten people that had no connection to the military that died of other causes.

tx_marine1983

Coming from a Marine...... I joined so that others may live free for the sacrifice that I have made. So that everyone in America could call this blessed country "LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE"

mariner31

I enlisted in the Navy in 1985 because I'd run out of money from college... I'd also grown up surrounded by US Naval Aviators near NAS Moffett Field, loved aviation, and had my commercial pilots license at 19.

I went into a rating that was guaranteed to make me "Naval Aircrew" qualified, and then flew as a helicopter Sensor Operator / Rescue Swimmer for 6 years, went to Shore Duty as an instructor, finished my BA and MA, and got a commission, and then did my last 6 years as an Air Ops Officer (LDO).

Aircrew & Rescue Swimmer School motivated me PAST just the "college money" attitude... the Rescue Swimmer motto is "So Others May Live". In fact our instructors looked at the graduating class of 12 and promised us that the statistics meant that 2 of us would be dead in 5 years, and 4 of us would crash. 2 died, and 6 of us crashed.

Yes, I was WELL aware of the risks... in fact, 24 of my FRIENDS died on active-duty in training accidents during my 15 yrs of service.

We do it for any number of reasons...

A Soldiers Wife

People join for different reasons.. I can tell you that my husband joined for a different reason. When he was in his twenties he became concerned that his younger brouther (11 yrs his junior) could one day be drafted. My husband felt if he joined it would protect his brother. But, today he has a totally different attitude. He has re enlisted several times because he WANTED to. He will tell you he is in the military because he believes in what he is doing. He will have his twenty years in on January 24 2008, but is already planning on signing up again. It is because of men and women like him, we are able to enjoy the freedom we have in our country.

Robert K

I did it because my country asked me to.
Canada is the best country on Earth and there is nothing I would not do for her.

joseph d

I did it because I felt I had an obligation to my country. All my grandparents served including one at Pearl Harbor. I felt that I was carrying on a legacy and making myself better. I would not change my experience for all the money in the world. Also if you think of it this way, it kind of makes sense. Did you know you have a better chance of dying in a car crash in the states than dying in the war? If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would you rather do? Die in a crash or Die in the heat of battle. It is a little morbid, but does help me to clarify things a bit lol.

Seduction

so people like Paris Hilton and Brittany spears can make asses out them selves HA jk its a great career choice whats better then serving your country

niki

I joined the Army to better my own life because after I failed at college, I was not doing anything but wasting my life. I was becoming lazy, too dependent on my parents, overweight and depressed. Now I am in good shape, I have gained a whole new sense of self independence, I am able to honor my Country and my family; and finally I just started onliny school while deployed. Yes, we risk our lives. But death is a part of life so I am not going to fear it. It is better to acknowledge its existance so you can live life to the fullest doing what you love to do instead of living in fear. The military has its ups and downs like everything else in life but when I lay my head down, I am glad at my decision. Joining the Army has taught me many things I would not have learned or thought I was capable of doing everyday. Plus, I get to help so many people all the way. I know I have done some good and some bad while being in the military and I just started a long journey. But if risking my life is what it takes to gain the oppurtunities the military has provided me, then so be it.

bootsontheroad

I am a Vietnam Vet. I joined because my father served during WWII, my mother was a member of the French Resistance and I did not know what I was going to do after High School. No, I was not drafted. I served one hitch. I will tell you this, at 18 years old and the time period I served, none of the enlistees were republican.

Army guy

What? to live free freedom dont come free son it will cost blood and lives you should koin the army and if you die then you die cuase it was right I would die in a war then get hit by some drunk car and get kill i want to die cuase i know in my hart that more could be free ...

B. Wags

People risk their lives on a daily basis. How many people speed to work, run red lights, or drive drunk? They are willing to risk their lives or others lives so they aren't five minutes late to work or so they can skip out on a $10 cab ride home from the bars.

I know that I risk my life for the greater good of my country and if I should have to make the ultimate sacrafice, I know that I will be remembered for what I have done.

My hat goes off to William B. I couldn't have said it better myself if I wanted to.

DesiDani

Well I joined the Guard in 1991 during the first middle east incident. I wasn't deployed. Not everyone in the military is automatically deployed to the middle east. They are also deployed to places in the states and abroad. Also, the military (special forces) have been assigned to complete dangerous missions way before 9/11. Do you honestly think that they were just sitting around eating MREs collecting cobwebs until 9/11. The only difference is that now civilians are hearing of such missions. Your comfy livelihood has been protected for years. If you will consider the military the MIG (Men in Green).

Actually I joined the military because I wanted to do something different. Plus at the time it sound patriotic. I am guessing that many people sign up now for that reason. Well after being around the work ethic, the comradity, and the teamwork.. Seeing how a black or Mexican teen who could of been hanging out in the hood can be in charge of a squad. Seeing how SHARP and respectful a young military person is (civilians even have to stop and say WOW!!!). Why wouldn't people be in the military (I'm about to shed a tear).

BrigadeGeneral

They`re just thoughtless. Not realising what they`re getting themselves into.

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