Opinions on the Military (those that HAVE done it)

[Kintore]

First off, Id like to say please dont reply to this thread if you have NOT done any military time/experience.

I am Contemplating pursuing a career in the Infantry or Armored Soldier field. I know the Canadian Military is different than the American. Right now I am heavily leaning towards doing a Infantry type of application. I just want your opinions on how you like it? pros and cons?

Im just trying to keep my options open, this career has been at the back of my head now for quite some time, 1.5 years. I am ready to do it, im old enough and think I have a pretty decent head on my shoulders to think about this as a full time job.

I just wanted other valued advice from other guys who have done this.

Thanks alot guys,

Josh-

[Bryan Raffa]

this mean I might win a race? wait..Canada has a military..lol you serious? you should talk to lonesome...

[hublake]

I was drafted back in 1965 in the United States Army. At that time I didn't want to go, but did. I was drafted just before the big build up in US Forces for Vietman and fortunate for me I was sent to West Germany for my 2 years. It did a world of good for me. I matured alot and enjoyed my time. At times it was a pain in the#@% but there was times that it was alot of fun. I think the military can be a good career if you want it to be. It is what you make of it. I also got the chance to travel all over Europe on my leave time.

[Kintore]

Thanks Hublake.....

Im about at a 65 percent shot at doing it I think. I more I look into it and research I think it might be a good option.

Im waitin on Lonesome to get in here, I know he has been all over and done alot. Where you at bud?

[jb2wheels]

Everybody should serve. Do it.

[dmotoxrider]

I've got almost nine years in now. I'm in the navy and i work on the navy version of the blackhawk helicopter which is called the MH-60S. I mainly do structural repair, replace and repair hydraulic components. It's been good so far but they are cutting back on people really bad and advancement isn't the greatest. One of the benefits of it is that you will be able to see alot of other countries. That's probably one of my favorite things to do. I would take the asvab and see what jobs you qualify for. Try to find something that relates to the civilian side just in case you get out later down the road. I'll be trying to get out here in 2 years as long as I have my A&P license and my associates degree. later
chris

[fabiodriven]

Do it. I loved it. It's kind of a love-hate thing. When you're sitting in a trench in the pouring rain in the middle of a chilly October night you'll be asking yourself, why the hell did I do this? Then you'll be laughing so hard you'll feel like you're going to hurt yourself and you'll make friends that will be with you the rest of your life, and you'll wonder how civilians live such a boring life. Every time I've taken a break from the military I find myself missing it, no matter how bad it was. I spent 10 months in Iraq in the very beginning when all you had was what you carried on your truck. I was constantly saying every day "Why did I do this? I just want to go home". I had two anxiety attacks where I should have gone to the hospital. The problem was the "hospital" was 10 miles away and I would have been putting 4 other guys in jeopardy to get me there in the middle of the night. Not to mention we all had fuel to haul the next day and sleep or not, we'd all be up at sunrise to drive the trucks. One time the convoy leader broke down and I was the next truck in line so that made me the convoy leader. We were on a stretch of unpaved desert about 80 miles long, I was in an off road vehicle, and there was nothing ahead of me but an imaginary checkered flag about 30 miles away. Of course I immediately brought the old girl up to full speed (about 55) and DID NOT let off the throttle for about 20 minutes. Probly the best 20 minutes I've ever spent that didn't involve a naked woman. My buddy was in the truck behind me and he followed. When we finally stopped we were standing there for about 15 minutes. Finally the LT came bombing up in a Humvee and screamed at us but the told us to just keep going. It was a blast. Where else in the world do you get to race an 18 wheeler trophy truck style? I've been home for over 5 years now, and not a day goes by that I don't think about the time I spent in Iraq. As much as I hated it, as tough as it was, I would do anything to do it again. I still think about joining back up and going for another round. I could tell you stories all day. I say DO IT!!!!!!

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r275/fabiodriven/desertme.jpg

[Twilight]

Part of the Australian Defense Force. I must say that its the best decision of my life thus far. Taught me more than anyone could ever. Been sent to different parts of the world just in training. My first few months I wanted to die and quit... but after that, I never wanted to leave.

Í say do it, but only if you want to.

[Vealmonkey]

I went in the Navy in 1980 and did 6 years. The military is where I learned my trade, Boiler Operator. I made some good friends and saw alot, too much maybe of the Mediteranean Ocean and several countries that border it. I went to Beirut and sadly had to carry too many Marine and Civilian caskets, not once, but twice. I was part of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force for Beirut. My ship patrolled up and down the Beirut coast as a floating gun support platform ready at a moments notice when you really cared enough to send the very best. You will have goodtimes and badtimes. It really is what you make of it. The experience will affect you your whole lifetime. I wish you the best of luck no matter what you choose. And I can't thank the current defenders of the faith enough. "Some gave all, All gave some".

[ScottZJ]

Well if you arent sure of your direction on where your life is going, the military is a great place to start. Even if you dont plan on staying in, they can help you in schooling, help you become a mature adult with a whole different outlook on life. My life in the Navy was unfortunately cut short due to asthma, but I have now been working as a Civilian for 12 years for DOD and love it. The military are great people and they become your family. I see military personal get out and immediately get a CIV position doing the same thing. SO that also helps you get a job in the future. I think its a great platform to start with and very strong foundation.

[Kintore]

Thanks alot guys, you are really helping me here. More I think about it, the more I want to experience it.

Anybody else?

[atctim]

wait..Canada has a military..lol you serious?

Canada is America's attic. You forget about all kinds of stuff you have up there.

[max]

Pm Speedbump. He has quite a few years experience.

[hublake]

Thanks alot guys, you are really helping me here. More I think about it, the more I want to experience it.

Anybody else?

One other suggestion and I think somebody mentioned it already but I would choose a field that has some use on the outside in case you did not like it. I was in an armor battalion and didn't find much use for somebody that could hit a 3 foot dia circle at 1200 meters with a l05 mm main gun.

[lndy650]

i joined in 05 my job was to be assigned with an infantry unit and scout ahead calling artillery on enemy units got cross trained as a tanker and went on a spur ride with the scouts. after a while i went to sniper school graduated top of the class went to Air Assult and did some crazy sh!t in south america. it was fun but i really missed home and the pay sucks! i dont know how the Canadian army pays but the US sucks till E-4. here they offer rank for getting someone to join with you and for passing the pt test at the recruiters if they offer you anything for rank try your best to get it! you will have a great time many many barracks partys lol. then again after all that my back and knees are destryed. any infantry type job will destroy your body. try military intelligence or interigation or something and you will get out still healthy and have a kik as$ civilian job. but if you want to f#@k stuff up infantry/special forces is the way to go.

try to get the wagon seat
http://pix.motivatedphotos.com/2008/6/16/633492552440829456-canada%27s-army.jpg

[harryredtrike]

infantry is a selection you'd make if you like or want to do security or the like after.if you stay till retirement thats not an issue.i was infantry and wouldnt change it.if your just riding out hard times though,id try for something thats needed on the outside<civilian> world.going in the service was the best decision i ever made though.

[fabiodriven]

About the pay- it does suck, I was an E-4 as well. But if you're in a combat zone they do take pretty good care of you pay wise.

Kintore- feel free to PM me if you have any questions at all. If you look at my Facebook page I have a good little sampling of some of my pictures from Iraq.

[ditchmud]

Some of my best memories and the coolest experiences that I've had in my 38 years of life are from the 6 years that I spent in the Navy!
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg308/ditchmud/DSC02127.jpg

[lndy650]

Defenitly looks like a COOL experience ditchmud :lol: i would like to visit the south pole i could ride snowmobile all year :w00t:

[svtkeith]

I did 4 years active in the usaf security forces and had some of the best and worst times of my life. The hardest part is to say good bye to close friends, ones who have had your life in their hands and would die for you and you them. When we were deployed we did not fight for bush but we fought for each other, and that kind of bond, that brotherhood you will never get as a civilian. Guys who served know what im talking about.
As for your career choice, I would pursue a trade that would benefit you if you get out. Like a turbine mechanic or air traffic controller. Infantry although prestigious does not read well on a resume.

[hinddee29]

I was a tanker like hublake, but in an M1A1. He is right far as an Armor job not
much to offer in the real world. They told us we could get into heavy equipment
I never checked into it.

I wanted to be a ground pounder as well when I went in, but couldnt get a slot
so I went Armor thought if I didn't like I could change jobs later down the road.
I got hurt and got out after 3 years. Went back in after 9/11 found out my injury
from active was to bad and couldn't deploy. Now they are paying for me to change careers.

It was after one time doing some training with the 8th Inf. Div. I was so glad to be riding. These guys were awesome, but hauling all the stuff they did was an eye opener for me.
I will tell you this your love for riding, you would love being in a tank!! Haulin ass over open terrian in a 68 ton tank is awesome!! Nothing like it!!

Like other as said you will have times that you will say to yourself what the hell did I do this for, but the good times, people, places, and things you will see and do will far out weigh the negatives.

Serving for your country I think is the most honorable thing one can do.

One thing i didn't do while on active duty and I would recommend for anyone to do now. Is if you can go to school while serving do it. Or pick a job you can do in the real world as soon as you get out. Good luck to you.

[atcquebec]

i will retire from the canadian army in december 09 after 30 years.
Go for it.
$$$$ is very good (canadian)
Stat with the infantry and you gonna have the option to change trade if you want to after a while.