Military men (and women)

[ar3inc]

...I would have joined the Army...

NAVY!!!   

ARMY!!! (family tradition)

    

Navy    Army
   

[ar3inc]

The other military guys can elaborate much more accurately than I.  But serving the U.S. can be a career or just an awesome foundation to embark on one's adult life. (If I had it to do again, I'd have served in the Navy).

Correct me if I'm wrong Rob, AR3, etc..  but I think the minimum is 2 years service.  You can gain AWESOME training in all sorts of fields, get college credits, etc.   In my opinion, some of the most successful people in the U.S. started out their adulthood by serving the U.S. in some capacity.

How'd I do, Rob/AR3?

You did OK!  I'm not sure, but I don't think that there are 2 years enlistments anymore.  I think the minimum is 4 years now...  However, when you enlist, you have a mandatory 10 year contract, which includes your active duty time and IRR (individual ready reserve) time.  If your active duty commitment is 4 years, then you have 6 years in the IRR.  You don't have to do weekend drills or anything, but you could be called up at any time during that remaining 6 years.  I did 12, so I didn't fall under that clause...

The biggest benenfit from my perspective is the experience that you gain... starting from boot camp and initial training, coupled with actual operational experience over the course of your career.  A LOT of employers love to hire ex-military for those reasons... plus typically, the work ethic of the military is great.  We're used to working long hours and have a "can-do" attitude!

I'm not in recurting so I'm not 100%, but I think the Army has a 6 year contract, 2 active and 4 IRR.  (there is no real benifits, like GI Bill or college $)

[Tom McGarry.]

Please permit me to say a real big heart felt THANK-YOU!!!! to all of you that are in any branch of the Armed Forces, as well as those of you in Law Enforcement and to all you Fire Fighters, you are all HEROS to me and my family.
Yes I am Canadian but my dad was from the U.S.A. and I wan't to move there in the near future. So THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU!!!!

[ar3inc]

Your welcome.  It's my pleasure.

Firefighters are true heros.

[Robmeister]

Please permit me to say a real big heart felt THANK-YOU!!!! to all of you that are in any branch of the Armed Forces, as well as those of you in Law Enforcement and to all you Fire Fighters, you are all HEROS to me and my family.
Yes I am Canadian but my dad was from the U.S.A. and I wan't to move there in the near future. So THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU!!!!

Here, Here!!   

[wpruitt]

Please permit me to say a real big heart felt THANK-YOU!!!! to all of you that are in any branch of the Armed Forces, as well as those of you in Law Enforcement and to all you Fire Fighters, you are all HEROS to me and my family.
Yes I am Canadian but my dad was from the U.S.A. and I wan't to move there in the near future. So THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU!!!!

Truer words were never spoken

[Tyler]

Please permit me to say a real big heart felt THANK-YOU!!!! to all of you that are in any branch of the Armed Forces, as well as those of you in Law Enforcement and to all you Fire Fighters, you are all HEROS to me and my family.
Yes I am Canadian but my dad was from the U.S.A. and I wan't to move there in the near future. So THANK-YOU THANK-YOU THANK-YOU!!!!

Truer words were never spoken

I concur!

[wpruitt]

I've always had a special place in my heart for our fighting men and women.  My Dad and Uncle served in the Korean Campaign.  My Grandfather served in the Navy (1917-18) and Army (1918-19).  Heart damage incurred in the Navy, and compounded by his service at Meuse-Argonne shortened him life.  He had a great military story and inspired my appreciation of our military.