Should I join the VFW?  I want to, but I'm unsure....see details...?
440231
First, I'm going to take you and my son and smack you both! ha! I have actually witnessed my son and a WWII vet go on and on and on with the "Thank you -- No, thank YOU" thing until they both had tears in their eyes! Seriously! They had both families bawling too!\n\nYes, you should join! Absolutely! And yes, the beer is cheaper and here it's fish frys instead of chicken BBQ's, but there is a lot more to it than that.\n\nWhen you join, you are also supporting THEM and every vet who came before or comes after. They're glad to know what they did in the past was inspiration enough to you to make you want to join and be a part of them. \n\nAnd facts are facts. Most of the membership of the VFW's are in trouble. The WWII vets alone are dieing at a rate of a 1000 a day. It's a LOT of hard work to run these clubs. It's not an old man's game (no disrespect intended). They need your help. And without these clubs, a lot of the VA hospitals wouldn't get the support they do along with many other charities.\n\nAnd remember this--not everyone can become a member of the VFW, but YOU EARNED it. It's an honor. \n\nAnd yes, the conditions they fought under were worse, but probably no one is more grateful that your conditions were better than they are. They know the horrors of war and wouldn't wish them on anyone, any more than you would wish the horrors of Iraq on the next generation. But neither of you got to pick your conditions, the wars themselves presented those. What matters to these Vets is the fact that you cared enough to follow in their footsteps.\n\nGod bless! And thanks for serving!
681495
So you decided to become a sea going bell hop.....\n\nFirst off I want to say you might have made the best decision or the worst decision in your life. The military isn’t for everybody. First things first you got to get to MEPs once your there they will give a physical and ask you some questions. Once you get to boot camp you’re going to think this was a bad idea. Just remain calm and don’t panic and keep your mind on the task at hand boot is one of the most important events in your military life when you get into trouble where ever you are you will automatically go back to your most basic training. So pay attention! Secondly don’t get pissed off at your drill instructors they may seem to hate you but just remember they hate every one equally and they are just there to help you. First they will try and make themselves the enemy so that your unit will bond with each other, most people think they try to break you this is false. They try and make you hate them so much that you will wish they were dead. At this point you just need to obey and you need friends. If you alienate your self in boot camp you will only find your self alone. Alone you are vulnerable and you will not make it. Near the end of boot you’ll notice a change in your drill instructors they become like your family with a mother a father and a big brother try and figure out their roles to understand how they will react. \n\nAs for advice in dealing with your parents, this will be the hardest part you’ll need people back home that support you they need to have enough respect for you that you can make your own decisions as an adult. Yes Bush is an Idiot, but at the same time as a sailor, marine, soldier, or airman you can’t choose who and when you want to serve. That is something that some one out side of the military cant understands. Say for example that you joined up before the Iraq war or even before 9/11 you can’t say I am not going to war. You just have to make the best out of your situation you have to tell your self how can I make this better how can I improve this situation. One of the best qualities about Marines is their ability to improvise, when you are fighting a war that you don’t agree with just see what you can do to make it better, a lot of people do this every day most just feel that they are fighting for their buddies to keep them alive. Just remember that you can’t second guess you’re self that you have to do the job or you or a friend will not make it home. No pressure right? On top of that you may never see Iraq. The best advice I can give you in the field is if you’re in the infantry trust in your friends not your weapon remember it is made by the lowest bidder. \n\nAll in all joining the military is a unique experience one that will help you on your way to opening a business just look at the rise in companies after the second world war hence why they are called the “Greatest Generation.” We just have to have a positive out look on a very negative situation maybe just maybe our boys and girls coming home will be like that generation.
186546
I would start off by visiting your local VFW or American Legion. Talk to the services officer and i am sure that he or she will be able to help you.\n\nYou don't need to be a member just a Vet. \n\nI hope this helps.
164307
from what i've heard -- if you are interested in medicine, and tell recruiters that when you enlist, you will stay in that field within the military.  i met someone who was a mechanical engineer (or perhaps studying it, more likely), and tho he was in the services, he worked on engines, etc. as opposed to fighting.\n\nit's my impression that if you join and tell them you are interested in/have experience in a field that is used by the military, but is non-combative, that you can pursue that track within the military.\n\nyou could try telling a recruiter that you're interested in serving the country, but serving it through medicine/taking care of injured fellow servicemen.......\n\nbut keep asking, this is all just what i've heard second and third hand.  good luck!  and if you join, may you stay safe!!
983238
This worked beautifully for me:  I joined the AF after 1 1/2 years of college - it was during Vietnam and I did consider the fact that I could be drafted and chose AF as best of service for me - because college felt like a continuation of HS and I was not challenged.  Joining AF was best thing I could do.  Loved the four years.  Trained as analyst and that helped my analytical thinking and assessments I would do in my career: Investigator.   When I discharged from AF I returned to college with renewed vigor.  Also, got GI bill that helped a lot.  Also, I was able to grow up during my AF years with so much responsibility and I saw most of the Far East, Washington DC and one year in Texas which I also loved.   Your situation seems a lot like mine was with the exception that you are not looking at the draft - at this time.   Good Luck.  Email me if you have other questions.
287333
semper_fi_brother:\n\nFirst off, let me tell you I am 37 and have been in the Army for 15 years both on Active Duty and in the National Guard. The person BEST QUALIFIED to answer your question would be an Army Recruiter. That being said, let me answer your questions as best as I can.\n\n1. No, you would not be the laughing stock of the entire Army. Soldiers have a great affinity for ANYONE who joins our family of brothers-in-arms. I suspect you would have a somewhat harder time in Basic Combat Training (BCT) for a couple of reasons, though. The Drill Sergeants would probably key in on you to make sure you were physically able to do the job. They will undoubtedly harass you to ensure you were mentally capable to handle pressure. The biggest challenge, however, will be your age. I found it tough to go through BCT at 23. This is because I had already developed into a man with my own ideas of right and wrong; I had developed into an individual. The purpose of BCT is to break down a group of individuals and rebuild them as a team. Chances are, you will see and do some things you may not agree with, and how you respond to that will determine how easy or hard of a time you will have.\n\n2. It is possible to go in as a higher rank, but it will not be because of your age. If you have a college degree, you might be able to go in as a Specialist (just below Sergeant). Even if you don't have a degree and have some college, you may be eligible to go in as a higher rank. Sometimes, depending on the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty - your job field) you choose, you may be eligible to start at a higher rank. If you get anyone else to join with you, you may be eligible to start at a higher rank. When I enlisted, I got two people I worked with to join the reserves. I was awarded one rank per recruit and went in as a Private First Class. This is an area a Recruiter could help out in. Also, if you know someone in the Reserves, let him refer you to a Recruiter. It could make your friend eligible for a $1000 bonus! :-)\n\n3. This, too, is going to be a question for a Recruiter. To my knowledge, the age of enlistment was raised to 39 for the Reserves and National Guard only. It will never be raised higher than that. The reason is that you are forced out at age 59 1/2, and there is no chance of making a retirement if you join at 40. I am not too sure what the requirement is for active duty. You may be able to request a transfer to active duty status once you are in the Reserves, though.\n\n4. Not to my knowledge. I just checked the Air Force Reserve website and you must be under 34. I suspect the answer will be the same for the Navy and the Marines.\n\nIf you decide to go in, I wish you luck! I think you will find the job tough but rewarding. It truly gets in your blood, and I plan on being in for the next 22 years until the boot my old a$$ out.
1033806
regret NO WAY! I joined streight out of High School, boot camp, then to A school, went to BUDs and washed out the last day of hell week. went to a ship and to the first gulf war, saw many places and had a ship collision at sea, Lived in Singapore for 6mo, and apon returning to Pearl tried BUDs again, yes Its worth it, thats all I will say about that, placed with a SDV unit then with a SWTAB unit, Got out of active duity, went to reserves with a ASU unit then finished up with a SeaBee unit. \n RULE one in life (you make it so make it good)\nPeople say NAVY (never again volunteer yourself) B.S. You learn to Volunteer first to get a task you can do and not be given a task to do. It shows you will take a challange and do your best and it will be noted. Bravo Zulu My Friends, and Anchors Away.
1072442
It sounds like you don't have the so-called "warrior-mentality" that many of the Soldiers and Marines have, so you may feel out of place in the Army or USMC.  I agree with the others about the Air Force, Navy or CG.  As far as which of the three, look at your options for MOS through your recruiter for each.  Remember, too, that the Air Force generally allows for more time "at home" whereas the Navy is deployed at sea a lot, as well as the CG.  Thus you have a much greater chance of "seeing the world" sooner with the Navy or CG than with the AF, though you will end up spending more time away from home.  With the AF you have a better chance of actually being stationed overseas than with the other two.\n\nHowever, I am a bit concerned about your reasoning for joining.  Don't get me wrong, the benefits such as MGIB are AWESOME and definitely can be a huge draw.  But you must not forget that it's not a "free ride".  Especially nowadays you will PROBABLY be asked to serve in some sort of combat situation, or at least in support of such actions.  If you have real concerns about supporting combat actions or being in combat yourself I'd suggest taking out loans or applying for civilian scholarships to continue your education.  While it may have been commonplace a few years ago, the excuse of "I joined the military to get an education, I never knew I'd have to fight and I want out now" just doesn't fly anymore.  Seriously think about this before you, quite literally, sign away your freedom on the dotted line.
359110
Regardless of the political ramifications of joining the armed forces in a time of conflict, the experience can be very rewarding if you go in for the right reasons.\n\nYou'll need to evaluate the reasons of why you want to do this and balance it against other important relationships and plans for the future.\n\nIf you're running away from problems, it's not a good reason to go...they'll still be there when you return.\n\nOn the other hand, if you see this as a path to bettering yourself and taking yourself to the limit, I can think of no better choice.  It will truly make a man of you....get what you can out of the experience.\n\nMost importantly.....come home alive.  I'm sure there are people who would deeply regret your loss of life.\n\nIn peace....
562382
That depends on you.  Do you feel that the Army, or any other branch of the military, can help you in your endeavors?  The military has a lot to offer, and you can take it far.  The military, however, is also not for everyone.  There can be long hours, but we have a lot of time off for that.  You could be sent to war, or not.  \n\nYou need to get all the information you can get, and be honest with yourself about the reasons you are joining.  Read the material, don't just look it over.  Ask people who judgment you trust.  See if there are people in your area that are in the Army, and ask them.  REMEMBER, tho, there are always people that aren't happy with what they are doing.  Some people like the military way of life, others don't.\n\nLife is full of decisions.  Unfortunately, this is one decision that YOU have to make.
438496
I joined the AF right after the start of Desert Storm. I din't join because of the war that's just when I went in and I loved it. Spent 7 yrs in before I was diagnoised with type 1 diabetes. I think it's a great chance for one to grow without just being dumped on your own right after high school. MOST AF people are behind the scenes We didn't go on on the front lines. Not to mention the AF treats their people really well. IF you do join, just remember boot camp is a mind game, the real AF is not like what you will endure in Boot camp. I say DO IT!!
43130
What do you want?? Why is it so important to him to have you join? My point is that if it is not what you want to do then don't do it. Basic training is not easy (ask my brothers)and school afterward (if you do that) is not easy. War is hard. You could be called on to defend your home. Talk to a friend in the service, or your parents. Try for someone who will be honest. Serving your country is great, if that is what you want to do, then go forth with honor.
662568
Ok I am to assume that you have already joined...so with that in mind do you already have an MOS assigned? or job? If not make sure the recruiter is aware of your primary int erst and get EVERYTHING put in your contract!!! The recruiter will promise you the world, but when you get to that first duty station or even school, if it isn't in your contract you got screwed! Also have a game plan. The military will pay for college at 100% now there are many ways to do that either attending school before actual service, during  or after by using the GI bill. I suggest before or during so that you actually have a place to eat and sleep while attending otherwise after you might already be married and with child and car pmts, etc and it will be too hard to focus on school when you need income.... also check with your education office as soon as you check in get knowledge of your benefits, because they won't offer unless you ask...
1094115
it's nice to hear the air force is treating you well ... I was a army wife and it was not" 90210 "like you explained ...{thanks for the dumpy comment }, My husband was a GRUNT in Bosnia and in Afghanistan ... It was sheer hell for me and our 2 boys .. Im thankful for Ft. knox they did all they could do to make it as easy as they could for us during my husbands deployment... No matter what branch all these men and women are HEROS ! I was not aware that there were people who did'nt support our troops ... I just thought it was Bush they did'nt support ! being a "army" wife is very hard!!{ there is no fun and games at war} maybe I should have had my husband Join the airforce so we could not appear to be so dumpy!!! My husband is a hell of a man and Im very proud of what he has done for our country.. HOOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
505862
Hi there!  U.S Air Force guy here. I was in Desert Storm in the early 90's.  From experience I will tell you that you should first decide what you really want to do.  Secondly, you should take advantage of the Veterans Affairs support.  They can help you transition back into the Civilian life from the Military life.
710091
Your scores sound impressive, but what the military thrives on is drive and passion.  Keep pushing for it, bud...you'll be flying before you know it.  But you can't give up now.  \nWe need pilots and we'll need you as well. \nAim High!
408998
I would contact the VFW in your area Veterans of Foreign Wars, or The American Legion, or your nearest veterans center.........good luck