Military folks!!

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   jennafawposted 15 years ago

   Although I'm joining the U.S. Air Force, I'm willing to meet those who are serving in just any branch!

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      Hmrjmr1posted 15 years agoin reply to this

      Jenna you will find a diverse group here at the hubs that have served and are now serving in all the services, God Bless you for making the choice to do so now. US Army Retired is my current grade..

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      Lita C. Malicdemposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      What a courageous girl you are! Mere mention of the word "military" gives me the creeps. My country is in bad shape because of "private armies" it granted to the ruling Ampatuans here in Maguindanao, Philippines. They have abused their power and a recent massacre happened in broad daylight, killing 57, 30 of them mediamen.
      
      But this is not the US. Go ahead, stand up and be counted. 1 brave soul added to any branch of the military will make a great difference. Good luck!

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   Scott.Lifeposted 15 years ago

   I enjoyed my 8 years as a Marine, but be aware that most of what your recruiter tells you is just half truths and a gloss job. The military is a hard life, often boring, often unsatisfying. Right now chances are you will go to Iraq or Afghanistan and be asked to do things you did not sign on for.You will also deal with a stereo-type and double standard throughout your career, but it can be overcome and even used to an advantage. That is the reality. I served from 1996-2004. It helped make me into an adult and forced me to grow up fast. it was a great experience and life changing and I am grateful for it, but if I had it to do over, no I wouldn't. make no mistake the government is going to be using you like a tool just be sure to return the favor and get the most out of it that you can and take care of yourself first and the people around you. Over there in the sand dunes your friends and people in your flight will be all you have.

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   TMinutposted 15 years ago

   I joined when I was 19, I felt so patriotic and proud! Then the reality showed up - I had signed myself into a group of men with guns, bad idea. Too much 'sleep with me, I control your paycheck, sleep with me, I can bust you down to private, sleep with me, ...

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   armysharkposted 15 years ago

   I joined when I was 17, fresh out of high school went into the Infantry and served with the 82nd. Later became a Ranger and then off to SF 10 years later. Nothing has ever brought me such honor and now I wish to help those who are newly enlisting because I can offer a unique insight into Army life. Read my hubs if you are interested, I feel that it may do you or anyone here looking for advise some good.
   
   Please visit my website: www.militaryshark.com
   
   --Shark

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   mikelongposted 15 years ago

   The military will provide a variety of experiences, some good, some bad. 
   
   Learn how to stand up for yourself, and not take crap from anyone, regardless of what rank they carry..
   
   Being a female you are probably going to face a lot of sexual frustration from the majority men around you....When I was in the Marines I was stationed a couple times with the other services...
   
   Air Force girls were known as "Marine Matresses"....just so you can get an idea of how gender plays in the military....
   
   It wasn't that the girls all got around, but the perception was built up by the men that this is what the women were for...a lot of garbage this all was....
   
   I'm glad I'm out, and I value my independence even more than I did before....
   
   Be safe and don't give in to peer pressure.

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   Crazdwriterposted 15 years ago

   I am married into the Navy good luck to you chica!

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   PrettyPantherposted 15 years ago

   My husband is retired air force.  He did three tours of Viet Nam which still haunt him.  I am in awe of the men and women who endure combat so the rest of us don't have to.
   
   Good luck to you, you will need it.

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   Ghost32posted 15 years ago

   I did my two years in 1964-65, "volunteer drafted" to get my draft obligation out of the way.  An old saying fits--hardly original, but true enough:  I wouldn't trade the experience for a million bucks...and wouldn't do it again FOR a million bucks.  In the Army was also the only time I was ever propositioned by a member of my own gender, but at least it was off duty and off post, not a higher up in my chain of command!
   
   A few tips, take 'em or leave 'em as they work for you or not:
   
   1.  Watch your back.
   2.  Never volunteer for anything (this applies even though you volunteered to serve in the first place).
   3.  Reread what Scott.Life posted; he knows.
   
   That said, there's much honor in the choice you've made.  Best of luck to you.

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   TMinutposted 15 years ago

   Looking at what I wrote before, I realize it may sound like I DID that. I DID NOT! Very difficult to count on these men to "have your back" and consider them as part of your army when they felt as much the enemy as the supposed real enemy. I loved the work though and the camaraderie of the actual decent people.

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    zzronposted 14 years ago

    I was in the US Navy 1980-1982 on the USS Wabash AOR-5.

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    cosetteposted 14 years ago

    my nephew recently elisted in the Army. he is going to be an EOD specialist. i was going to start a forum for military famiies and whatnot, but i searched first and found this one. i wanted to see which (and how many) hubbers have loved ones in the military (or are serving or have served). thanks for this, and thank you for your service those of you who are or have served.

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    A Texanposted 14 years ago

    I come from a family that served and continues to serve, I am a former Marine and I have a niece currently in the Army deployed to Iraq. Two deceased brothers who were in the Corps and one who went up through the ranks and received a commission in the Navy. My father was a 16 year old member of the 101st Airborne who fought in the Ardennes they were a different breed back then!

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    goldenpathposted 14 years ago

    Desert Storm 1990-91.  Wouldn't trade it as it's the ultimate service to your country but is difficult at times dealing with the dreams.

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       A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I had a counselor once who wanted to hear my story, when it was over she was in tears and I was consoling her.

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    cosetteposted 14 years ago

    wow you guys i didn't know that...

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    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    Does Soviet Army count?

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    A Texanposted 14 years ago

    I had a neighbor who claimed to have been Spetsnaz, all I know is he was Russian and knew a lot about Afghanistan.

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    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    I was lucky not to be deployed there...

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       A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       A Texan screwed that up for your side.
       
       Charlie Wilson aka "Good time Charlie" just died too.

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    Mishaposted 14 years ago

    Now you have all that stuff backfiring at you - literally. Not fun...

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       A Texanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Yep!

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