Why are they taking up positions you would assume the military would handle itself and what general information can you give me about them?\n\nBy general information I mean in terms of pay, responsibilities, how their hired, etc.
199839
The military is supposed to be self supporting.Set up so that all jobs that need to be done were done by military trained personnel.Although there are still people trained in all MOS's here in IRAQ civilians run the show when it comes to non combat duties freeing the soldiers for patrols,cordon and search and other dangerous jobs.I personally am glad the civilians are here doing what they are doing.No way would i want to be cleaning latrines,picking up trash and other menial labor jobs.\n  It is true that some of the jobs that civilians do should be done by soldiers such as driving trucks on convoys.A soldier  rank of specialist (pay grade E-4) makes around 35 grand yearly depending on marital status and dependants compared to 100 grand for a civilian doing the same job.A civilian doing HVAC will make anywhere from 80grand to 150 grand a year depending on experience while a sgt.pay grad e-5 doing the same job as his or her MOS makes 40 grand.I do not have civilians telling me how to do my job (base security),but they do tell us where we live what we can have in our living quarters and so on.It is my personal belief that NO civilians should be here and swallow my pride when it comes to cleaning latrines and such.During a war civilians need and should be at home where they belong.\n    There are two types of civilians working for the military here in IRAQ KBR and TCN's.TCN's(third country nationals)are laborers they work long hours for little money (by our standards).KBR kellog, brown and root are the specialty workers taking military jobs from the soldiers.These people are supposed to be good at what they do and by what i've seen they are not(that's not to say all are not good at what they do).The minimum a KBR worker makes is 80 grand tax free a year.Example = The area we live in has four generators to provide electricity they are supposed to run in sync so that when one gets overloaded or runs too long another starts up and takes over.The KBR rep. is supposed to know how to make them run in sync,but so far he has not been able to make this happen.When we first got here in july of '05 our power was going out on a daily basis.In 140 degree heat it got very hot very quick.this man makes 8 grand a month and is unable to figure out the problem.The solution? Get a bigger generator so he doesn't have to figure it out.If it was military personell doing this job it would not have cost american tax payers one millon dollars for a new generator the soldiers would be on it night and day until the problem was solved.The kbr person would stop working when it got dark and not worried about it until the next morining.Please understand I am not complaining about our living conditions here.I am an army soldier and can and will adapt to the situation,but if the convenience is available make it work as it should or get rid of the problem = KBR.
656224
As with all generalities there is a mixture of truth and untruth. Most civilians receive their knowledge from TV, movies, media and from actually talking with someone from the military (although this is rare as I have had fewer than three conversations with someone about my experiences in the last 30 years.) \nThe military is a microcosm of the society and with it the many different thoughts, ideas, beliefs etc... of that society. I have known some very good people and some very bad people from my experience and as in the world altogether I have a final generalization and that is power corrupts.
329037
Because soldiers have never, in the history of the world, been paid well. They used to be able to take booty and slaves, but that's long past.\n\nAs ex-military, I've always favored increased benefits, but then again, when I volunteered, it wasn't for the pay.\n\nEntertainers and the entertainment industries (including sports) have gotten bizarre, but if the public puts their money into it, who am I to gainsay their choice?\n\nIt's just the way it is.
100973
why would you think they would be thinking about our troops? most of them are self absorbed snobs who only think about themselves and next few million there going to make. so who cares if they mentioned the troops or not, as long as we keep them in thoughts is all that matters.
284540
I am currently in the Army and am writing this from Southwest Asia.  I love being in the Army.  Where else can you get paid to jump out of planes, go to the range, and travel.  Sometimes these experiences have their downsides but I wouldn't trade any of it.  You meet people with backgrounds very different from your own and that helps you grow.  The Army offers a lot of opportunities that you can't find anywhere else.  Even people who decide not to stay in often say how the Army gave them a direction and helped them to be more disciplined.  The other answers on being wary when you talk to a recruiter are good.  Really research what you want to do in the Army and make sure you get it in writing.  Good luck.
256891
Are you kidding? \n\nThe reason it's gained so many jobs is because there are so many positions opening in the military.  \n\nThe economy is terrible!  Who are you listening to?
340782
One of our local National Guard units is getting ready for their third deployment to Iraq.  This unit has not volunteered for redeployment...they have been ordered.  I think if you do some research, you will find that Guard and Reserve units are being ordered back to the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan more than once, and they aren't raising their hands saying, "Send me, send me".  These are men with jobs and families, and they didn't sign up to be permanent active duty.
260760
I love it.  Everyone sees this issue only in black and white.  What happens to those that can't serve for whatever reason?  Medical, mental, hardship, etc.\n\nMost European countries have the right of it.  They have a mandatory 12 months military service, with the option of continuing on if the soldier wishes.  They are paid a minimum amount of money during the 12 months, but everything is provided for them.\n\nIF they cannot do the military for whatever reason (medical, mental, hardship, etc), then they will do 24 months of community service (volunteer fire dept, meals on wheels, etc).
63553
It depends on how long it tkaes to get the job done.One of the major beliefs of the military is to never give up and never surrender.Our soldiers are doing a wonderful job!I have spoken with quite a few and all of them say not to listen to the media.Our soldiers are doing alot more good things than the media will show and or tell.The ones that i have spoken too feel that they are doing the right thing and are working very hard to do what is nessecary.HOOAH to the military!
21586
The military is not an institution made for the purpose of allowing the "less fortunate" gain an education.\nThe brave men and women that are joining right now are not doing it for the free education, or to make a lot of money.  They are joining the military to protect and serve their country. You are exactly right when you say that they know full well that there is a good chance that they could be sent to Iraq.  They know this and they are signing up anyway, because they believe in what we are doing, and that it is right. \n\nIt is easy to see by the wording of your question, that you just don't get it.
548427
It does seem odd that not even one of the top three decision makers have been in combat and yet they make the decisions that seasoned military leaders have to follow. It would be different if they asked more input from the Generals but according to the latest reports, they didn't and they don't. There have been military men who made ho hum presidents because they didn't have a full grasp of running the country. But for Petes sake at least one of the top three should have military experience to provide input and act as liaison between the white house and chiefs of staff.\n\nCM  you dished out a hate filled rant about politics. The party was never mentioned in the question only the fact that none of the men sending troops into harms way had any combat experience. You come across as a brainwashed republican worshipper who would vote republican if the party decisions eliminated your job and you had to live in your car in a high crime area. For God's sake focus on the issue or are you unable to do that with all your hatred buzzing in your head?
461076
The US army is a mass organization that relies on volunteers.  When they enlist someone they get not only the cream of the crop but a few rotten apples too.  These rotten apples commit crimes in the military in peace time as well as war but it usually only makes the local news papers.  Given that there is a reporter every square foot in Iraq this crime was destined to be world news.\nLack of adequate supervision allowed these few with criminal tendencies to misuse the authority of a military uniform to commit crimes like this one.
138905
Ehtnicity and race are very low on the list of things noticed.  Ability to do the job required and attitude is more often noticed and commented on.  \n\nConsidering today's military is comprised of some of the best , brightest and most educated of our people, considering them to be poor and underprivildeged is an insult to each and every one of them.
490763
Some would have you believe it's based on honor and country, maybe so.\n\nSome would have you believe it's for money, benefits, and higher eduction, maybe so.\n\nSome would have you believe it's because they are retarded, especially since they are joining up during war time, maybe so.\n\nBut maybe they are all wrong.\n\nAsk the person you love why they joined to find out the real reason.
118970
You must go to the base that they are on. Most Commanders don't like it when this happens either. You will get what you want right away. Ask for a supervisor when you get there and you will have no problem. There are company's that do this for a living if you do not want to do this.
392091
See the link below this is drill pay. If they are mobilized they make exactly what active soldiers make (second link below)
306403
Let's not get a debate over rights and stuff, because it is the way it is...  Yes, most jobs are available, but the best thing to do is go talk to your local recruiter, because the ASVAB matters too.