Military Service

[Slapshot2286]

Here's yet another problem I'm having with personal relationships. Ever since I was a kid, I've wanted to serve in the military. I still do. Right now, I'm in Army ROTC (2nd year), and will take my commission upon graduating college in 2008. The thing is, I want to enlist first, and serve a few years as an enlisted man...you know, to find out what the "other half" does, so when I become an officer I can have the experience of an enlisted man as well.

 

 

My entire family, including my girlfriend, keep advising against me enlisting. My dad - who was enlisted - tells me not to do it yet. But when he doesn't want me to do something, he says don't do it yet...which really means never. I don't think he really wants me to be an officer either, but I think he knows he'd be proud if I did (I mean, what dad would want to send their kid to the military? And what dad wouldn't really be proud if his kid DID become an officer? I can understand his concern with that).

 

My girlfriend doesn't want it either. She always cries whenever I talk about doing it. I hate that she cries about something I am most passionate about. The thing is, if it weren't for my family and my girlfriend, I would probably be over in Iraq right now. Honestly? I'd be happy doing that. I'd want to finish school at some point of course (to me a degree is a NECESSITY), but I want to go to war. When you train as a soldier, war is the only place to use your skills. Its like practicing hockey for 3 years, but never playing a game. Most people don't understand my mindset (because, God willing, who would want to go to WAR??), but its something I have always felt very passionate about.

 

I keep feeling like my dad knows something I don't (even though he was never actually in battle), or that everyone but me knows that the military is bad news and don't do it etc, etc, etc. How much advise can you take before you try it for yourself?

 

And with a war going on now, I feel like its my opportunity. Of course there will be others, but probably (and hopefully, for our country's sake) not in the time I'd be able to fight it.

[quankanne]

I kind of have mixed emotions about what I'm going to say, but bear with me ...

 

going to war isn't as glamorous as it sounds, there are real bullets and real blood and real death involved. It's not like what you see in the movies, where, after filming is done, the actors pick themselves off the ground, brush the dust off and collect another day's pay. It's for keeps; it's real.

 

that said, I think going into the military is an honorable thing, something that I've seen three generations of my immediate family do, and I'm proud of my dad, my brother and my nephew for answering that call. I think that if a person truly wants to be part of the military, they shouldn't be held back, because it's a good place to learn discipline, team spirit and get hands-on training. Just be sure you're going in with your eyes open, that if Uncle Sam calls on you to defend a country -- whether it's yours or not -- it's all part of the job, and there will be people who'll be against you for that involvement.

 

if this is what you truly want to do with your life, then go for it. And let people know that you are doing this of your own free will, that it's your desire to be a soldier, and that you hope that even if they don't agree with it, you expect them to respect your decision. Period.

 

good luck, and I'm proud of you, kid. It takes a special person to heed the military's call.

[Slapshot2286]

 

going to war isn't as glamorous as it sounds, there are real bullets and real blood and real death involved. It's not like what you see in the movies, where, after filming is done, the actors pick themselves off the ground, brush the dust off and collect another day's pay. It's for keeps; it's real.

 

 

I agree with that 100%. I know perfectly well the dangers of war. That's part of the reason I want to experience it. Think of it this way. What percentage of the population actually sees the horrors of war? 1%? Maybe? Good or bad, I want to experience as much as possible in my lifetime. War is something I feel this country was founded upon. I want to take part in experiencing what it took to make the country we live in today, whether good or bad, which I know it will be the extremes of both. I also know perfectly well that I may be one of those people who doesn't come home. That's a reality that every soldier faces. The fact of the matter is, its an experience few people get, and its something I want to see.

 

 

there will be people who'll be against you for that involvement.

 

Yeah I know that. But thats also part of the reason I'm doing it. Its a pity for them that they forgot why we fight: so that they don't have to. So that the people who oppose the military can say what they wish. Whether or not they agree with my decisions, they are my peers, my countrymen, and they have the right. As old fashioned as it sounds, I'm of the old world. I still believe in my country on a fundamental and spiritual level. I still believe in what it stands for. For example, most guys in my battalion try to get out of flag detail. I want to do it every day. What higher honor can you ask for than being responsible for raising the symbol of your country before everyone wakes up and after everyone goes home?

 

In our highly advanced and civilized world today, even the people serving in the military have forgotten what it means to be a soldier. I'm not one of those gung-ho teenagers ready to go kill innocent women and children. I do, however, believe that war is necessary (and healthy). I don't always agree with the reasons we go to war. But war should be to better the world...whether its our own, or someone else's. Many of the reasons we fought to gain our freedom from England are occurring today, even in America. I believe that one of the only ways to preserve the values we fought for is to serve. Whether or not everyone else remembers, at least I do, and that's gotta count for something.....

[Clair]

I suggest that you show this thread to your father and listen to his comments without arguing.

[CaterpillarGirl]

I would recommend not enlisting. It is much harder to become an officer if you go that route. Stay in the ROTC. You will have many years to serve later. Knowing how enlisted men and women serve is not a necessary requirement to becoming a good officer. You sound like a compassionate, understanding, intelligent, honest person - those are all the qualities that will serve you well in command. It's called Officer Training for a reason - they teach you how to lead. Personally, I would stay the course you are on.

As for criticism about your involvement in the military - realize that most of it comes from concern for your safety and well-being. There is of course, anti-war sentiments that many people harbor, but the people closest to you just don't want to see you in harm's way. That being said, I'm sure that they will all be proud of you no matter what you choose to do. After all, they love you.

[Outcast]

I agree with that 100%. I know perfectly well the dangers of war. That's part of the reason I want to experience it. Think of it this way. What percentage of the population actually sees the horrors of war? 1%? Maybe? Good or bad, I want to experience as much as possible in my lifetime.

 

You could be a journalist.

[ButtonPusher]

I guarantee that you will not be so excited about war once you've seen your friends limbs being blown off, literally, and you've put a bullet in someone's head.

[CoolAunt]

I kind of have mixed emotions about what I'm going to say, but bear with me ...

 

going to war isn't as glamorous as it sounds, there are real bullets and real blood and real death involved. It's not like what you see in the movies, where, after filming is done, the actors pick themselves off the ground, brush the dust off and collect another day's pay. It's for keeps; it's real.

 

that said, I think going into the military is an honorable thing, something that I've seen three generations of my immediate family do, and I'm proud of my dad, my brother and my nephew for answering that call. I think that if a person truly wants to be part of the military, they shouldn't be held back, because it's a good place to learn discipline, team spirit and get hands-on training. Just be sure you're going in with your eyes open, that if Uncle Sam calls on you to defend a country -- whether it's yours or not -- it's all part of the job, and there will be people who'll be against you for that involvement.

 

if this is what you truly want to do with your life, then go for it. And let people know that you are doing this of your own free will, that it's your desire to be a soldier, and that you hope that even if they don't agree with it, you expect them to respect your decision. Period.

 

good luck, and I'm proud of you, kid. It takes a special person to heed the military's call.

What quankanne said.

[Slapshot2286]

I guarantee that you will not be so excited about war once you've seen your friends limbs being blown off, literally, and you've put a bullet in someone's head.

 

Everyone seems to misunderstand what I was saying about this. I'm not excited to go to war. I'm not like "Hey let's jump on the wagon and go kill some towelheads." And I'm sure seeing friends' limbs blown off won't sit so well with me. However, good or bad, its a part of life, and something that, while it is happening, I would like to see it first hand. Everyone's over there fighting (and seeing their friends' limbs blown off and being psyhologically damaged) and we're over here writing on the internet about it. I'd rather be there.

 

 

Anyway, I don't want to be a journalist. I can't stand journalists. Nobody likes them. They are **** disturbers. I have thought about it though . I am going to Special Forces. I'm going to Airborne training this summer.

 

I would also like to thank everyone for their replies. At this point, its been a few weeks, and I've done a lot of thinking. Its not too hard to become an officer if you're enlisted, as long as you have a college degree and a commander that likes you, you can be sent to OCS fairly easily. I still want to talk to the local recruiter about that though. I know that they're recruiting hard core for SF, and the recruiter said he can pretty much guarantee it. I'm still up in the air about what I want to do. But I do know this: I want to serve SOME period of enlistment, but I also want to be an officer.

 

There is a program for ROTC cadets called SMP (Simultaneous Military Personnel). You can be given 2nd Lieutenant duties in a reserve unit while you are undergoing ROTC training. They will waive your tuition, pay you drill pay, and a monthly stipend for being in ROTC, plus the $10,000 enlistment bonus. There is a Combat MP unit based out of Jacksonville here (about an hour and a half away) that one of my buddies is in that I'm thinking about joining up with. It'd be a bit of a drive, but they pay $300 more a month. So with this option, I could have the best of both worlds, plus free tuition. What do you think about that?

[Walk]

Nothing any one says will change your mind on joining. You're already dead set on it.

 

As far as your Dad not being happy about it... He's been there, he knows what it's like. Every second of every day you're told what to wear, what to eat, when to eat, what to think, and when to sleep and when to move. If you want that kind of life, where you never have to make a decision for yourself, follow orders blindly.. then do it. Remember though, no matter how great you think you'll be, you won't. You are just a number. You are disposable. When you die, another will replace you. You will never be the greatest because that possibility is taken from you by the way the military works. Conform, and obey.

 

Nothing I say, or anyone else, will every change your mind. You talk to the recruiters and they speak of pride and honor, and all the great things. They make war sound heroic. But it's not.

 

If you're serious about this, talk to some of the enlisted, or officers, at one of the active duty base around you. Take them out for a beer on a weekend, and pick their brain. Not just one or two questions, cause we're programmed to say it's all good. Ask the indepth questions.

 

Military life is good for some people. Maybe it will be for you. I do have one suggestion... don't go as infantry. No matter how long you stay in the military, you will someday be a civilian again. And the possibility you'll hate it after 6 years is pretty high. Get into an MOS that trains you for something. Com., or Mechanic, or something you could enjoy.

 

Infantry, for as much as you boost it up in your head, isn't all that. They're a part of a whole. The most disposable. And if you don't realize that, then you don't really understand our military.

 

ROTC, and recruiters feed you a ton of hype, and great thoughts, but remember... you are a number to them too. The recruiters need their numbers, and they'll do anything they can to get you shipped off. Don't go into this with a haze of boyish dreams. It's not as you imagine it. The recruiters feed off of those dreams. Keep your eyes wide open, and research everything. Talk to everyone who has anything to do with the service. Military members, families of service men, everyone. You speak of military service like its a calling to a higher power. It's not. And it's hard to explain, but if you talk to enough people, maybe you'll at least get an idea of what it's like before you decide it's exactly what you want.

 

Why the Army anyway?

[Walk]

I would also like to thank everyone for their replies. At this point, its been a few weeks, and I've done a lot of thinking. Its not too hard to become an officer if you're enlisted, as long as you have a college degree and a commander that likes you, you can be sent to OCS fairly easily. I still want to talk to the local recruiter about that though. I know that they're recruiting hard core for SF, and the recruiter said he can pretty much guarantee it. I'm still up in the air about what I want to do. But I do know this: I want to serve SOME period of enlistment, but I also want to be an officer.

 

No it's theoretically not hard to go to officer candidate school, or whatever Army calls theirs. You might decide enlisted sucks, and never want to continue with the service after that. Or your unit might find every reason in the book not to send you. Friend of mine was slated to go to OCS. Then her unit got sent to Iraq, and they pulled her back and sent her over. It's been 2 years since she was supposed to go, and they still haven't released her to attend. I don't think she wants to go now. Think she just wants to ride out her time, and get the hell out.

[CaterpillarGirl]

Talk to a recruiter, and ask them to be honest about the best way to become an officer. It's true that OCS later is an option, but I still feel you'd be better off sticking with ROTC. Once you sign on the dotted line, you actually do surrender a lot of flexibility. Make sure that whatever the recruiter promises you gets put in writing. If they are desperate to get people in SF, they might be willing to compromise on many issues that are important: salary, potential for advancement/OCS, where you get stationed, etc. Be smart about whatever decision you make. Don't let your enthusiasm get in the way of your long-term goals. Good luck!

[Slapshot2286]

Walk, first off, I'm not planning on going Active Army. Unless I'm activated, I'm going reserve or the Guard. As far as picking the Army....they do everything, so there is a lot of leeway as to what I want to do, and they offer much better incentives than most of the other branches. I just never really considered the Navy or the AF.

 

Anyway, I have talked to recruiters, guys who are both on active duty and reserves, national guard, people in Iraq right now, people who have come home. I even talked to a guy who made a part-time career in the guard, and who is now a Colonel. Everyone keeps telling me not to do infantry...to pick something that has a civilian counterpart. Well, I don't want to do something I can do as a civilian, otherwise I'd just as well be a civilian and do it...and get paid more doing it! I want to be in the Army to do things that I CAN'T get in the civilian world: Ranger school, Airborne, Sniper school, Air assault. Getting military technical training is for the people who need the money/training for their career. That's the reason I'm going to college. And ya know what? The Army will pay for it. Multiple times. They will pay for me to get my Ph.D. if it would somehow benefit them (mainly, they could get another high-ranked officer, so more than likely, they WOULD pay for it).

 

I think that you mistake me for someone who needs military service. I really don't. I don't need the money. I am secure. I don't need training...I'm going to college. I WANT to do it. I want to be infantry. It may sound pointless, and most people don't understand, but its something I've always wanted to do. And it is possible to switch branches...especially when you have a college degree. So if I decided I didn't like infantry, I could always get out.

 

Also, don't make me out to be a stubborn ass, cuz I'm not. I'm not set in my ways, otherwise I wouldn't be on here asking questions. I want to get everyone's opinions so I am better educated going into making my decision.

 

Caterpillar, I agree with you about talking to the recruiter. These days, you never know. You gotta have EVERYTHING in writing.

[Devildog]

I do have one suggestion... don't go as infantry. No matter how long you stay in the military, you will someday be a civilian again. And the possibility you'll hate it after 6 years is pretty high. Get into an MOS that trains you for something. Com., or Mechanic, or something you could enjoy.

 

Infantry, for as much as you boost it up in your head, isn't all that. They're a part of a whole. The most disposable. And if you don't realize that, then you don't really understand our military.

 

What are you basing this opinion on Walk? sure, if you are looking at the military as an alternative form of trade school then you might have a point. But there are some things you learn in the Infantry that you are less likely to learn anywhere else.

 

Sure, Infantry is tough, you are the feet on the ground doing the fighting. You are most likely sleeping in holes out in the field instead of nice barracks in the rear. But when the time comes, who would you trust your life to, a grunt or a typewriter jockey?

 

... but I want to go to war. When you train as a soldier, war is the only place to use your skills. Its like practicing hockey for 3 years, but never playing a game. Most people don't understand my mindset (because, God willing, who would want to go to WAR??), but its something I have always felt very passionate about.

 

I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, for vengeance, for desolation. War is hell.

[Walk]

But there are some things you learn in the Infantry that you are less likely to learn anywhere else.

 

Like what? Explain to me exactly how great the Infantry is that you will learn so much more from then any other MOS in the military?

 

Devildog... if you're a Marine, then you know all Marines are Infantry first. MOS second. I know other MOS's have it easier in many ways, but what significant knowledge do you gain in Infantry that you won't learn in any other MOS?

 

Discipline? cohesion? Attention to detail? Combat readiness? Weapons handling? What do you gain from Infantry that isn't present in most other MOS's. (Not desk jockies, okay)

 

How about Combat Engineers? They're not Infantry, yet they see a hell of a lot of the front line.

[Walk]

I WANT to do it. I want to be infantry. It may sound pointless, and most people don't understand, but its something I've always wanted to do. And it is possible to switch branches...especially when you have a college degree. So if I decided I didn't like infantry, I could always get out.

 

Here is the error of your thinking. NO YOU CAN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

What do you think the military is???? Some kind of job you apply for and if it doesn't suit you then you just quit? Don't you have to sign a contract for OCS, like 6 years or something? Or is it only 4 for the Army? 4 years is a LONG time if you decide you don't like infantry.

 

I've seen men try to slit their throats just to get discharged from the military. I've seen kids run through the ringer because they Hated military life. ROTC is childs play.

[Walk]

Sure, Infantry is tough, you are the feet on the ground doing the fighting. You are most likely sleeping in holes out in the field instead of nice barracks in the rear. But when the time comes, who would you trust your life to, a grunt or a typewriter jockey?

 

You're not really in the military, are you? Tell me you're not a Marine...

[Slapshot2286]

Here is the error of your thinking. NO YOU CAN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

What do you think the military is???? Some kind of job you apply for and if it doesn't suit you then you just quit? Don't you have to sign a contract for OCS, like 6 years or something? Or is it only 4 for the Army? 4 years is a LONG time if you decide you don't like infantry.

 

I've seen men try to slit their throats just to get discharged from the military. I've seen kids run through the ringer because they Hated military life. ROTC is childs play.

 

 

Again, you misunderstand me. I didn't say I could get out of the military. You CAN request a transfer to a different branch of the Army. I have talked to numerous people who have done it. Many things make it easier: 1. a college degree, 2. prior military service, 3. good recommendations. All of those are easy to obtain unless you are a serious nutjob.

 

 

I guess now would be a good time to ask if you were ever even in the military......

 

Oh yeah, and by the way, combat engineers are not considered Infantry, but they see "a hell of a lot of the front lines" because they are part of Combat Arms, which is the front line. Engineers see action because they ARE the action. Armor, Aviation, Infantry, Engineer Corps, Air Defense Artillery, Special Forces, and Artillery are all part of Combat Arms, and are stationed at the front, in combat.

 

 

Finally, the point of this thread was not for you to flame me on my decision to join the Army. I was asking advice on whether or not I should enlist prior to receiving my commission. Thanks for all the help......

[Walk]

Finally, the point of this thread was not for you to flame me on my decision to join the Army. I was asking advice on whether or not I should enlist prior to receiving my commission. Thanks for all the help......

 

You're right Slapshot... I'm sorry for attacking you.

 

I'm a Marine. 3 years this March. 6th ESB, Engineer Support Company.

 

*please read without sarcasm*

 

Yes, I know Combat engineers are front line. But, they aren't infantry. That was my point. There's a lot more skill and technical savy involved then Infantry. Still get the "action", but with knowledge. I talked to a few Marines that were Infantry. The ones with some intellect really didn't like it. The ones who were mostly braun and not brain, loved it. Depends on your personality. (I'm just giving an opinion. Not trying to change yours.)

 

As far as transfering... Maybe the Army's different. Maybe you can. I know that the military only allows you to do what they want you to do. If there aren't any openings in the other MOS, if they need the bodies in Infantry, if, if.. They don't tell you a lot of things.

 

Honestly, I know there is absolutely nothing I can say that will change your mind. I was the same way. I think it can be the greatest experience in the world if you go into it with your eyes wide open. And you seem like you are looking at this from every angle possible. Enlisted sucks. Unless you enjoy spending your ENTIRE day picking cigarette butts up off the deck. Hurry up, only to wait the next 4 hours because CO can't figure out what we need to do.

 

You wanna make a difference? Get your officers commision. Be smart, and learn everything you can, and then keep your enlisted men healthy, motivated, and up to date on their training. That's where you can make the most difference. Not as an enlisted. Go where you can actually do some good and make the military better. Enlisted has no say, no opinion, and can't change anything. Just don't get a big head, and think you're better then everyone else.

[Devildog]

You're not really in the military, are you? Tell me you're not a Marine...

 

92-96. Meritorious Corporal, yes, in the Infantry. 0311. Was holding a Platoon Commanders billet when I got out. Pretty rare for a Cpl. to be holding an officer's billet actually.

 

Yes, I know Combat engineers are front line. But, they aren't infantry. That was my point. There's a lot more skill and technical savy involved then Infantry. Still get the "action", but with knowledge. I talked to a few Marines that were Infantry. The ones with some intellect really didn't like it. The ones who were mostly braun and not brain, loved it.

 

More technical savvy? More heavy equipment perhaps. But what about small unit tactics? Infantry is a hell of a lot more than just charging up a hill with guns blazing.

 

For the record, my "fighting stats" were 5'10", 175lbs. So not exactly the overly brawny type. IQ of about 138. They offered me Intel. Actually some of the most intelligent people I knew in the Corps were Infantry.

[Slapshot2286]

You're right Slapshot... I'm sorry for attacking you.

 

I'm a Marine. 3 years this March. 6th ESB, Engineer Support Company.

 

*please read without sarcasm*

 

Yes, I know Combat engineers are front line. But, they aren't infantry. That was my point. There's a lot more skill and technical savy involved then Infantry. Still get the "action", but with knowledge. I talked to a few Marines that were Infantry. The ones with some intellect really didn't like it. The ones who were mostly braun and not brain, loved it. Depends on your personality. (I'm just giving an opinion. Not trying to change yours.)

 

As far as transfering... Maybe the Army's different. Maybe you can. I know that the military only allows you to do what they want you to do. If there aren't any openings in the other MOS, if they need the bodies in Infantry, if, if.. They don't tell you a lot of things.

 

Honestly, I know there is absolutely nothing I can say that will change your mind. I was the same way. I think it can be the greatest experience in the world if you go into it with your eyes wide open. And you seem like you are looking at this from every angle possible. Enlisted sucks. Unless you enjoy spending your ENTIRE day picking cigarette butts up off the deck. Hurry up, only to wait the next 4 hours because CO can't figure out what we need to do.

 

You wanna make a difference? Get your officers commision. Be smart, and learn everything you can, and then keep your enlisted men healthy, motivated, and up to date on their training. That's where you can make the most difference. Not as an enlisted. Go where you can actually do some good and make the military better. Enlisted has no say, no opinion, and can't change anything. Just don't get a big head, and think you're better then everyone else.

 

Thanks, its a lot better to talk to someone with a level head than someone who gets pissed off for no reason. My question is still, though, do I do a term of enlistment before I take my comission? I plan on taking my comission through ROTC either way. I have two choices: scholarship, or SMP. SMP offers A LOT more money, with less requirements. As an SMP, you hold 2nd lieutenant duties as enlisted....mainly platoon leader positions. And I won't be active duty, so I won't be spending every day picking up cigarette butts and whatnot. I go to drill, and thats about it. Everything else is through ROTC, which I also get paid for.

[Walk]

I'm not familiar with SMP.

 

I'm not sure they'd treat you the same as a regular enlisted person though if you went that way. If your goal is to "experience" the enlisted side, I don't know if they would give you special consideration since you'll have Officer duties. What have they said about it?

 

Do you know anyone doing that currently?

 

Do you just want to experience "enlisted", just to get a feel for it? Doesn't Army have a 2 year contract for reserve? You could (if not deployed) finish college while serving enlisted, and then jump to OCS. Your contract would be finished, with the option of reenlistment at that point. (how long til you graduate?) You could negotiate for a higher re-enlistment bonus.

 

I don't know about your reserve base, but mine is being deployed every year like clock work. Out 12 months, back 12 months. I know the Marines have it better then Army. Army gets stuck out there for 2 or more years without seeing stateside. Honestly take that into consideration in how you want to attack this. If you feel you're willing to have your college education set back by 2 or 4 years, then try enlisted first. I do think it'll make you a better Officer, plus, I think enlisted tend to have more respect for an officer who's been there, done that.

 

On the downside, it may kill any motivation you have for continuing with the service. If you're deployed for an extended period are you going to feel compelled to finish college when you get back? It depends on who you are as a person. If you know you're the type to never let anything stand in your way, then I'd say go enlisted. If you think getting deployed may throw you off track, then finish the degree and then go in.

 

Flip side of the coin. I broke my back about 2 years ago, so I can't re-enlist. If something happens to you (God forbid it.), make sure you have a back up plan. They will discharge you if you're too hurt for full duty. (extended period of time.) Just be aware of that fact, is all I'm saying.

[Walk]

More technical savvy? More heavy equipment perhaps. But what about small unit tactics? Infantry is a hell of a lot more than just charging up a hill with guns blazing.

 

I had training in infantry skills, albeit 2 years ago. Since then, I've had additional training in electrical, plumbing, comm, admin, motor T...

 

Plus I am expected to remember/retain all of my infantry training skills.

 

I'm not saying Infantry isn't an amazing group of men. I admire the hell out of them. I know for a fact that I am not physically capable of the demanding and rigorous training you go through at SOI. Maybe some females could, but I'm not one of them, and I accept my weaknesses. As far as brute strength and sheer determination, Infantry is the best.

 

However, as far as intellectual and skills training, I don't believe that Infantry would fulfill my standards. I would much rather have the opportunity to learn several different MOS's, and have room to learn more skills within my own MOS.

 

I don't mind sleeping on the ground, but the damn fox holes felt like sleeping in my own grave. creepy.

[Devildog]

I had training in infantry skills, albeit 2 years ago. Since then, I've had additional training in electrical, plumbing, comm, admin, motor T...

 

Plus I am expected to remember/retain all of my infantry training skills.

 

Basic Infantry skills. You get into a lot more of the tactics and training beyond that in the actual Infantry. Zodiac boats, AmTracs, Fast-roping, spy rigging, TRAP, Mountain warfare, Special Operations capable stuff. Not to mention extensive MOUT training.

 

However, as far as intellectual and skills training, I don't believe that Infantry would fulfill my standards. I would much rather have the opportunity to learn several different MOS's, and have room to learn more skills within my own MOS.

 

I don't mind sleeping on the ground, but the damn fox holes felt like sleeping in my own grave. creepy.

 

Too each their own. But as far as leading Infantry troops, there is alot more than just mindless physical abilities that are required. This was something I enjoyed, and as I mentioned before, other highly intelligent people that I knew enjoyed. Maybe it is about being more than one dimension. The physical as well as the intellectual pursuits.