OT:i would like some suggestions!!!!

[BEISSEN]

Ok i am looking to join the army for two reasons.

1.independace somewhat.
2.I can pay my car off imediatly.

 There are other reasons as well but here are my thoughts i have and feelings fo all of this.I am very nervous about the basic tranning i am going to have to do and then the over seas tour that comes with the package.From what i hear you have to do 6 months in korea and i have never been in an air plane and i am scared to be in a plane as well.Plus i wont know where i am going to be assined o go as far as deplyment options.
 I want to stay around here but i dont know if that is a possiabilty.I can gain alot of exsperiance from the army but i would liketo know what others think about this.from what i hear there is a 20grand sing on bonus right now if i join he army and if so i can pay my car off righ now and have it put into my name.But if i am assined to go over seas i wont have my car and i wont mind not having the car for 6 months if that is all i have to be there.I will havea chance to get what i want for the crand i me cus i will b taken car of.What are you guys/girls suggestions and thougts.

[bing]

i have 2 friends in the army, mind you the canadain army (which doesnt even classify as an army).

however they have no regrets,

i think there are certain criteria you must meet:

if you have the resources ($$$<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> to go to a good school where your education will all but ensure financial freedom down the line, you should probably opt for that route. &nbsp;though it seems with your car that you may not be able to.

if you have convinced yourself to this point, and are still considering joining, then you should not have any fears what so ever. everyone is scared of making that kind of commitment whether it be moving in to the army, or away top school or whatever.

your fear of planes is ordinary so dont let that stop you.

most importantly (maybe)

i think that there are far too few people in the army, in Canada especially. &nbsp;I have no respect for Canada in alot of ways because we could not even defend ourselves with our army. we rely solely on the american army for security, Canada is actually a safety risk for the US because of the unprotected border and the risk of terrorism as a result.

enlisting in the army is helping to protect the security of your country, which is always a noble and respectable thing to do. i say do it. shit, i already thought you were in the army.

it's prolly just as good as many college's and then they pay you so...

[BEISSEN]

bing thanks for the support.I hope that a few other reply to this.

[DSC]

1.independace somewhat.

How bad are things where you are currently?

2.I can pay my car off imediatly.

I have an 11% compounded interest rate which works out to about 17% by the end...whats yours?

What are your other options? Where are you in life now? job, school, etc...

If your only reasons are to pay the car off and get out of the house, I wouldn't do it.

My bro has been in the navy for 6 years, he hates it, BUT he makes a living, 100% job security, housing money and a bunch of other stuff.

I think the military is a great opportunity. I've considered it several times myself. But my situation changed and things are looking up <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

My thought of it was this...
Its $18k+ per year + hazard pay/sea pay or whatever that is + free housing/housing allowance$ + job training + college money + make you a real man <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
I figured, the WORST that could happen is I join, go to war and die...heh OK chances of that like near none so really the worst that could happen is I hate the next 3-5 years of my life and quit ASAP having made $60k-$100k (over my time in) and money for college when I get out. Then with that money, start college just like I would have 3-5 years earlier had I not joined. So the worst the could happen is you get set back 3-5 years, at which point you are a better person and get free college.

So long term, big picture...great idea
Short term, live for now, I hate exercise...terrable idea
what am I doing? working a computer job and gona go to school at night. As of now, it seems like the right choice for me...we'll see <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[BEISSEN]

Ok where i am currently the living situation is not the best.I have &nbsp;a wishy wasy feeling on what to do in school pus money is real low so i cant do school the way i want plus my car paymeny insurace and credit card bill are adding up to the pointwhere school will be out of the question very soon.I almost lost my car already and if i join can start to see life &nbsp;for real.I want to be on my own but not on the street.So here is rough cap.

car payment+insurance+credit card=490.00 a month plus gas another $40.00+ and then there is the worst thing the wants i want so much ad cant controll myself.

[fodive]

The army is a real option for many reasons, a) if you need the money, you dont get paid much, but you also dont have to pay for much either, such as for housing, and i believe gas/electric bills also.

as far as basic training, dont be scared of that, the reason they have it is to get out of shape guys like me in shape, it may be hard at first, but you will get used to it and, its healthy.

anytime you can represent and protect your country, i think you &nbsp;should do it, but if you have the grades/cash to go to a good school, go there first, at least. dont worry about having to get rid of the 240, if you set yourself up fo a good future you'll be able to get as many S14 R34's. etc. as you want...

in the end its up to you, because it is a 4-6 year commimitment that you cant quit, hope this liittle rambling was a help

[BEISSEN]

yeah it seems everyone is on the side of protecting our country.I am planning on going i ma going to talk to a recrutr tommarrow.

[uuninja]

Hey Josh,

The military has a ton of stuff going for it. I think you can make this work out really well. It sounds like you are a bit lost as to what you want to do with school/work and it also seems like your home life has gone from bad to worse. I know quite a few people that were in similar situations and used their service in the armed forces, and the structure and dicipline that it provides to really turn their lives around. Plus it also offers a great chance to get an education, with the GI bill. Not to mention the oppertunity to travel, some many young people don't get to do.

Anyway let us know how it goes. We are behind you no matter what!

[Tyler Durdan]

Here's the thing...how old are you?

I would suggest whatever you choose to do, wait six months, and then if you feel strongly about joining, or not, you can't lose. &nbsp;On the college thing: There are tons of grants and assistance out there. &nbsp;Just go up to a college and pick up some paper work. &nbsp;My buddy got a grant called the PETA Grant which pays for everything, books included. &nbsp;You might try doing a local community college for two years, then transfer those credits a major university. &nbsp;That's what a lot of my buddies are doing.

I'm not trying to sway you away from the army, but you should consider the decision for some time...it's still gonna be a minimum of 2 years of your life. &nbsp;On the signing bonuses...here's how they work. &nbsp;Anything over $8000 dollars is split up over the number of years you are in...then it's taxed and given to you...for instance : $24000/4 years is $6000 a year, then taxed. &nbsp;Any bonus under $8k is given to you at the end of your first year tax free. &nbsp;Plus you can travel to any base in the world for like ten bucks or something similiar.

[bing]

there is no chance of you going into war and dieing, only highly trained and skilled men in special forces get to do the gorilla style shit.

it's just like moving away to school, i mean it's not you arent learning anything. And there is something to be said for putting it on a resume.

i would put it right next to being a missionary, someone sees that and says you have either a strong faith, or you are a team player. and i'd think you would make soem connectionsin the military.

considering your situation i think it might even turn out to be preferable...

oh... and you cant count your credit card as an expense because you only pay what you spend.
i have cell phone+insurance+gas (140+205+180=525) yes i use almost $50 a week in gas. usaully more so increase it. plus the randoms. but there is alot to be said for working your ass off to maintain a desired lifestyle.

so anyways.... be all you can be beissen

[Babylon]

I am in the Marine Corps. &nbsp;I am almost done with a 4 year term of enlistment. &nbsp;I can tell you that this will most definately be one of the largest decisions of your LIFE. You already know that though. &nbsp;Here's some of what I have learned. &nbsp;Feel free to e-mail me and we can talk about it more if you like.
1. &nbsp;Independance is greater the higher in rank that you are. &nbsp;Expect tp be babysat until you can prove that you don't need to be.
2. &nbsp;The money WILL NOT be that great until you get to be about an E-4. &nbsp;You may ruin your credit. &nbsp;Beware of this. Make a budget and use it accordingly. &nbsp;You WILL get paid on the 1st and 15th of every month.
3. &nbsp;Illegal Drug use is not tolerated. &nbsp;You risk a LOT if you are involved with drugs in any way, shape or form. &nbsp;If your Military Occupational Specialty requires you to have a security clearance, you may be inelligible due to past, present or future drug use. &nbsp;Be careful
4. &nbsp;The Uniform Code of Military Justice (Military Law) is much more strict that what you are used to.
5. &nbsp;Do your homework. &nbsp;Talk to others that are in the occupational field that you are trying to get into and see if the job is worth it. &nbsp;See exactly what benefits such as enlistment bonuses, duty station preference, and college funds you are entitled to.
6. &nbsp;Ask your recruiter ANY question that comes to your mind. &nbsp;He is not allowed to lie to you, but his job is to get people in the military. &nbsp;He may not volunteer information if he thinks he has hooked you. &nbsp;Make him work for his money.

If you have any other questions PLEASE e-mail me. &nbsp;There is so much more to it all than what I have listed here. &nbsp;This is just a brief heads up.

Semper Fi

[BEISSEN]

Ok here is the update on the army situation.I went to talk to the recrutior like i said i was going to do.He told me to study the asvab book thatthey have in the library here on post.It will help me score better.I did not do so well on the pre test and so insted of scoreing to low or just enought to get in he want me to study the book and try to get a 50 or better.If i do get a 50 or better i can get a better selection of mos's.I am not planning to do any type of combat arms or infrentry.I am planning to go into the army now.I am going to ft jackson for basic training and then to ait to learn my job.

[Spyder G-ST]

the army is pretty cool. basic was so easy(before i left for basic i rented all the war movies like full metal jacket) you dont have to go to korea i spent all 3 of my years at ft hood.
you can get station of choice (make sure its in your contract)if thats what you want. also your list of jobs(MOS)wil significantly decrease if you do less years. um.. i reconmend 19k, it was great being a tanker riding in a m1a2 (not scouts with their little bradely &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> ) &nbsp;um... i did the army college fund instead of a bonus (33grand) so now that im in school the va sends me a check for 1200 a month rax free <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>
hopefully you can understand this ,because i know my writting is weak
if you have anymore questions id be glad to answer them for you.
P.S. if you do sign up make sure what ever you decied like bonus, station of choice, or any other thing important that its on your CONTRACT.
a guy at basic was suposed to get like 15grand bonus but it wasnt in his contract so he got nuthin

[nrcooled]

Another Marine Corps bubba here,
All I have to say is don't rush into anything. &nbsp;I enlisted for 4 yrs like most other people in and I can't wait till I get out. &nbsp;I am not complaining and I have had a great enlistment (meritorious promotions, NCO of the Quarter, etc) &nbsp;but I want freedom. &nbsp;If you are joining to get more freedom the military is not the right place. &nbsp;but if you want training, experience, and good leadership qualities the Marine Corps is the place::don't know much about the Army:: &nbsp;But w/ my situation I feel as though I have outgrown the Marine Corps and I joined when I was too old (never thought that 21 was too old). &nbsp;Anyway good luck w/ your decision and Semper Fi

[BEISSEN]

Well nrcooled i am not looking for like complete independance but i do want to get some struture and get my stuff toger and get my life together.

[SoarerTT]

I'm in the navy im stationed in okinawa,japan. I think it was probably the best decision that I ever made in my life. Alot of people don't like the army or marine corps when there in it. Most people in the navy and air force enjoy it, It's alittle more laid back. If your looking for independence forget about it. You need to rely on one another to get stuff done but thats a good thing. You get a sense of unity especially in basic. The more we were a team in basic the easier they went on us. I don't know much about the army but if you have any questions about the military in general I might be able to help so feel free to email me. [email protected]

[my240likenoother]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Babylon @ July 02 2002,03:39)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I am in the Marine Corps. I am almost done with a 4 year term of enlistment. I can tell you that this will most definately be one of the largest some of what I have learned. Feel free to e-mail me and we decisions of your LIFE. You already know that though. &nbsp;Here's can talk about it more if you like.
1. Independance is greater the higher in rank that you are. Expect tp be babysat until you can prove that you don't need to be.
2. The money WILL NOT be that great until you get to be about an E-4. You may ruin your credit. Beware of this. Make a budget and use it accordingly. You WILL get paid on the 1st and 15th of every month.
3. Illegal Drug use is not tolerated. You risk a LOT if you are involved with drugs in any way, shape or form. If your Military Occupational Specialty requires you to have a security clearance, you may be inelligible due to past, present or future drug use. Be careful
4. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (Military Law) is much more strict that what you are used to.
5. Do your homework. Talk to others that are in the occupational field that you are trying to get into and see if the job is worth it. See exactly what benefits such as enlistment bonuses, duty station preference, and college funds you are entitled to.
6. Ask your recruiter ANY question that comes to your mind. He is not allowed to lie to you, but his job is to get people in the military. He may not volunteer information if he thinks he has hooked you. Make him work for his money.

If you have any other questions PLEASE e-mail me. There is so much more to it all than what I have listed here. This is just a brief heads up.

Semper Fi</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
you sound like a recruiter for the army <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

but my point of view is, i dont think i would have it in me personaly. To have someone telling you what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. you get broken down mentaly and phyicly every day
the only thing that i see good is that you get to travel a shit load and you get to meet so many people

[SoarerTT]

You don't get broken down mentally and physicaly everyday. Maybe in basic that's the point of it. Once your broken down you get built up stronger mentally and physically. Don't you get told what to do everyday at your job. Not really much different except alot more is dependent on you. Many people will respect that when you become a civilian again. My advice would be to join I don't know about the army but to each is own so go with what interests you.

[Babylon]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (my240likenoother @ July 05 2002,10:05)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">you sound like a recruiter for the army <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
No, I'm not trying to recruit the little guy, I'm just trying to make sure that he does what's best for himself. &nbsp;I'm giving him some of the knowledge that I have gained in the last 4 years so that he doesn't have to learn EVERYTHING the hard way.

I just like helping people.

Living in Japan for 3 and half years has in fact been pretty cool.

[twosleeper40mode]

dude i say go for it. i dont know how much it will help you out about the car but in life it will have a good effect on you.

im actually about to ship out this wednesday for bootcamp and here is my situation. im goin to ft jackson for basic and ait. my mos is 63s thats heavy wheeled vehicle mechanic. i get 10,000 dollars gi bill im only going for the reserves by the way. 3000 dollar bonus. and all the other good stuff to like a 100 dollar kicker.

wat made me join is this. i am guaranteed a spot in any california state university that i want to go to. that and the fact that they will pay for it. second i get to be a mechanic. im only 19 and everything to me is cars thats why i wanted to wrench for the army and study industrial design in college.

but i still have doubts about my self physically about basic training but if or when i make it i'll be fit and trained.

i hope i helped out
oh and one more thing theres also the student loan repayment program thats not including wat ive already said.

[choku_dori_drift]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (bing @ July 02 2002,10:59)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i have 2 friends in the army, mind you the canadain army (which doesnt even classify as an army).</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;Wow Canada has an army? Have they ever even gotten attacked? I would imagine the attackers would die of boredom...