Ok.\n\nI am from Australia. Soon, i will be filing for an adjustment of status to US resident..then of course..the waiting game..the.. i will have my greencard.\n\nMy wife and i have been talking and i was thinking of joining the Army after i receive residency status. Most of my life i spent driving forklifts and working in a storage environment.\n\nWhat are your experiences with the US Army? Would there be..say..room for people like me? I am 27, Probably be 29 when i join.\n\nLooking for various perspectives from all types of people.
209873
I am currently a military spouse and if I could do it all over again I would have told my husband to just get a job in his major and not the Army.  The Army takes care of us, they have some great benefits probably the best in the world.  But none of that is worth risking your life for.  I'm not anti-Army, I'm just living the life supporting my husband.  We have a 3 year old, and he just came back from a deployment in Dec and possibly will be leaving again within a month.  Imagine a 3-year old asking for his daddy everyday while he is fighting in a senseless "war".  If you can't, it's pure hell.  I don't recommend military life to anyone unless you are single and times are REALLY hard for you financially.  There are alot of sacrifices you have to make in a military environment.  I have some research for you, go and find out the divorce rate for military servicemen, its beyond the means of high.  I think I just told you the reason why!!
415785
good question and the answer is yes\n\nthis from a former army recruiter / active army
176579
They didn't know?????, I'm sup rise all these people who call you ignorant in the other questions you post don't have their facts straight, that is how racism begins, people whit little information trying to debate an issue they are not prepared. \nYES!!!, USA has immigrants in their armed forces fighting dangers to keep you secure. Believe it or not you can join the army with no papers at all. But they make them legal the moment they are enrolling. This is the same for workers, being in the Army its just another job Americans don't want to do and immigrants are doing it.
429965
I think i know what you went through!..I spent 7 years in the Australian army, and did 3 tours to Vietnam!..Where i was then blown up 4 times by the Americans!..{mind you, they didn't discriminate, they blew each other up as well!}..But after 'demob' i found civilian life very difficult to fit back into!..I survived by going to university and getting a degree in Geology!..But i still found it hard to tolerate the odd thinking of civilians, did you notice that you didn't seem to fit in?..I wonder if this was just paranoia or what?..Many Vietvets just didn't handle it at all!..a lot went "bush" many commit ed suicide, others went insane!.Moving from one world into another so suddenly has to have some sort of effect on the unprepared mind, and i bet you were never prepared by the Army for it were you?.
278391
I am a proud American and would love to join the militraty and be able to fight for my country. The reason I haven't is:\n\n\n1. I have 2 small children and no one to take care of them if I went into the service because my husband works, my parents live too far away from us plus my mom is very sick, and my husbands mom is also very sick. \n\n2. I live in a different country.\n\n3. My husband is militraty for his country and because of confidentiality rules, it excludes me from being able to join. FYI, we got married when I was still a teenager.\n\nI have other reasons, but they are a little bit private to be mentioning in a public forum. I gave you 3 valid reasons why I haven't joined the military. What are your reasons for not joining when you had the chance? Don't judge others on something that you haven't even done yourself.
402183
I will give you my perspective.. Keep in mind you asked for the Cons – so here it is;\n\nThe Treatment:\nI was Active for 4 years, got out - and joined the reserves. Then I reenlisted in the reserves - which looking back was a mistake (for me personally). We deployed for 16 months, and were treated pretty poorly during the deployment by our active duty counterparts... We were constantly told we weren't held to the same standards - yet as a whole we were far more educated (27 Bachelor, 11 Masters, and 2 Phd's - just in our enlisted ranks of less than 80 people), we scored much higher on the APFT, and were more efficient in our MOS and tasks. I have been on both sides of the fence - and to me the active component were the ones substandard.\n\nThere is a stereo-type with guard and reserve units - probably because some have given their units a bad rap (abu ghraib for example). With that said - it is going to depend greatly on the reserve unit you join. Some are good, some aren't. \n\nDeployments:\nDespite the deployment, it took me twice as long to finish my Master's - short notice alerts, short notice deployment (we had about 12 days notice that we would be gone for a year - that later turned to 16 months). There were a lot of business owners and contractors in the unit that lost their  a s s  too - being deployed meant a fraction of their normal income. \n\nBenefits:\nYou get college benefits while you are in the reserves, and the GI Bill if you contract for it - but often school is extremely hard to balance with the reserve schedule. Student Loan repayment is another whopper they try to entice you with; but what they don't tell you is that SLRP is only paid $1500 per year, and it is taxable income! So in affect - if you contract for a $10000 SLRP, you actually get less than $5000 when you compute long term interest and taxable income. \n\nPost Deployment Benefits:\nThe benefits you receive AFTER a deployment are really substandard. Hopefully you do not incur long term injuries - because to get any decent medical care you will need to fork it out of your pocket. The transitional assistance is the biggest joke I have ever seen.\n\nRetirement:\nLastly - should you decide to make some sort of career out of it.. The retirement for a reservist is....let's just say - the biggest joke. You would be better off depositing $25 a month in a high risk stock option, transferring into a moderate risk IRA at age 35 and rolling all the interest. Basically the retirement does not even calculate as a motive to join, plus you can not draw it until age 65.\n\nLeadership:\nSometimes can be good, sometimes not - like anything else in life, knowledge is power. It's always an interesting environment when the enlisted Soldiers in a company are better educated than their leadership - especially the active duty leadership. You will often get those 'ring knockers' with no experience or common sense in charge of you. Be prepared as an enlisted Soldier to constantly have to keep tabs on the common sense ticker of your officers - they always need help, and aren't the sharpest tools in shed. But on a side note - it's fun to debate with them to reveal just how deep their ignorance goes. Just keep in mind that often knuckle heads put knuckle heads in charge - and you have to live with that.\n\nLet’s not even go in to what happens when you have poor political leadership and elected officials at the top that are abusive to the rights of a citizen Soldier...Separate debate.\n\nLastly:\nWe have been back less than a year and are already facing another call-up! Those that planned on getting out to get on with their life have been Stop Loss (a convenient way to keep you past you ETS date), better known as the backdoor draft. \n\n\nSo in summary;\nShort notice alerts and long deployments\nPoor treatment on deployment\nLeadership...um yeah\nBenefits you will find little time to use\nSubstandard benefits after deployment\nR
332874
I served in the Air Force for 21 years and wouldn't trade that experience for anything.  I went in right after high school despite the fact that I was a good student and could have gone on to college.  At that point in my life (1975), I  just didn't want to go school any longer.  I spent the first part of my military career as a security policeman and after being promoted to Master Sergeant (E-7), I retrained and became a First Sergeant.  I traveled throughout Europe and the U.S., which I probably would not have done otherwise.  More importantly, I served with people who knew the meaning of honor and integrity.  In my eyes, there are no finer people in the world than those who serve in our military (and I would also include the spouses of those people.  They understand what sacrifice truly means.)\n\nAs for college, I eventually went back to school.  I got my undergraduate degree while in the Air Force (most of which the government paid for.)  After retiring, I went to law school using my G.I. Bill benefits.  I'm now a practicing attorney.\n\nI have two sons, both of whom are in college right now.  One has elected to join the Army Reserve and leaves for basic trainig in June.  While his mother and I are understandably nervous about that, and tried to get him to wait until he graduates to make that commitment, he feels that serving his country is something he needs to do.\n\nWhile I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your military experience, I applaud you for your service and sacrifice.  My dad was in Viet Nam in 1967-68 and absolutely hated being there.  However, I never heard him complain about being a member of the military during the 20 years he served.\n\nCollege isn't for everyone, at least not right after graduation from high school.  At that age, most people have no idea what they want to do with the rest of their lives.  I think most young people would be better off working for a few years (or serving in the military or some other service organization) before going to college and spending the money for a degree in a field they may not even like once they get into it.
432446
I was a female in the navy for 4 yrs. I learn a lot and had great fun doing it. The freinds you make in there last forever and it is a different kinda friends too. More special I would say. I got out in 96 and still talk to a few of my closer friends. As far as jobs no it didnt help me in a way, the job I had was an operational specialist. radar, navagation, and that kinda stuff near the bridge of the ship ( top ) If I had it to do over again I would make sure that the job I got was one that would trasfer to a civilian job. Which mine didnt. But having been in the Navy looks great on resumes.I will never regret my choice to join. What an andverture. traveling was the best. Singapore, Guam, Hawii,Hong Kong, Germany, Persian Gulf, Dubai let alone the states. I would strongly recommend if to a female for sure, specially if you have no outlook for college or anything like that. Cause I didnt even want to think of college.. So I hope you choose what is good for you and have fun doing whatever it is that the future stores. Best of luck to you
501094
Interesting question. I have been monitoring this news pretty close since it has such a huge impact. I just returned from a 16 month deployment - and already there is talk about going back again. I guess if I wanted to spend this much time active I would have enlisted active. Of course it will have a huge impact on employment - and everything else for that matter. I think it is a form of backdoor draft. Most of the part time Soldies out there never intended to make a full-time commitment to this. We deployed once, did our job, and stood up to our commitment.\n\nTo answer your question though, yes I would attempt to fight this - right down to the wording of the US Code. I would tend to stir waves - get a legal interpretation of the Presidential Order and constitutional rights. In my opinion it is clearly abusive.
321358
Just a question to the poster before me (teeney)...and of course this is just my opinion....\n\nWhat is the point of joining the military to "stay safe"? To me, it is dishonorable and disrespectful for a member of the military to join just for the "benefits" and label. If you are going to serve, you serve 100%. You serve your country and you do what is asked of you, no matter of the level of safety.\n\nFor the asker.....Hun, you join the branch that you feel is right for you. Join the branch which best suits your hobbies, interests, and career choices. Please do not join a branch because it was "safer" than another. Understand that being in the military is both an honor and a burden. If you can outweigh the burden with the honor you will gain....that's what has made the whole experience worth it.\n\nHonestly, as a footnote, I cannot believe the spouses and dependents out there that wear their red, white, and blue with presumed pride, but then complain when their loved ones are called into action. That's part of the job people. If you can't handle it, get off the proverbial porch! \n\n...stepping off the soapbox now\n\nGood luck in all of your future endeavors!\n\nLilD
642702
You had to register with selective service?\n\n          I presume that since you are not a permanent resident alien, You would not be subject to being drafted.\n\n          We have people from Russia in the army.\n\n           I don't think there is any way around the requirement to be a permanent resident alien.
176373
I understand exactly what you are experiencing.  I went in in 1966, went to Viet Nam and got out in 1970.  Everything I did for the next two years was hollow.  No sense of urgency, no real need for me, and I missed the JAZZ (to borrow a term from the A-Team).  I ended up going back to the Air Force in 1972.  You may be like I was.  If you are, nothing will fill that void except the military.  You need to be awakened at 0400 because someone needs you.  You need to work two or three back to back shifts because you are the only one with the skills necessary.\n\nThe only thing I really regret is the way the country is going.  There are people here who have no idea what is going on around them but they have the same rights as everyone else.  I was part of the mechanism that insured they could keep those rights.\n\nI have a friend who retired after I did, we communicate on a regular basis.  I have sent him dozens of articles about some dead head or another and all I ask is for him to tell me why we did the time.\n\nI sure this helps.  Best of luck in whatever YOU choose...
655429
first of all if uve never enlisted, u just dont know jack shit, or whats really going on. its not one of those things u could understand by talking about it. and u shouldnt be answering this at all.\n     I was in the Army for a little over 10 months. i was discharged (Honorably) due to medical b/s, it really pissed me off, my ait was the 2nd longest in the Amry. if i was a ground pounder i would have been half way through my first tour but. i got to do crazy stuff in the Army, at fort Sill, OK they train most of the militarys field artillary so i got to see crazy *** howitzers and what not, ive shot so many different kinds of weapons, some of the nastiest m-4 carbines to the m249 saw and on the weekends at the pistol range an officer brought his .50 cal Desert eagle for us. but lots and lots of guns, i could talk all day about it, anywase, the Army will give u a good job if u do good on the asvab and if the job is avalible, and the air force doesnt get much respect unless your a pilot. but i got to train to be an interregator and if i would have filled out my contract i would have probably gone to the CIA or FBI rite after, and i have a whole new outlook on respect and dicipline, but the air forces boot camp is a joke. u sit in a classroom 6 hours a day, in the Army we marched over 60 miles with 80 lb. ruck sacks, and we got ambushed gased, tricked kidnapped, u name it, u will also get seperation pay for being married, and combat pay and there is more to it than that, im just not to sure b/c im not marrid. but seperation pay and all that will make your paycheck way fatter. and u can get a higher rank before u enlist for clooege credits or for knowing certain things before u enlist. its in the delayed entry program (DEP), talk to a recruiter about itboot camp is no joke tho, its serously hard and 40% of out starting battery did not make it through, ive experienced some awesome stuff, and after AIT i was going to go to airborne school. but i would go with the best job, and dont take **** from a recruiter, they are just salesmen, they are not all knowing and all wise, just guys who gotta make a sale, thats all, check out my myspace www.myspace.com/gunnrunner and give me a message if u wanna know more. i would love to tell u about it
596999
I had the opportunity to work with the Italian army during Bright Star 98 and they suck. I mean, they're great guys and all (these were the paratroopers) and they're full of heart. But their equipment stinks from their uniforms to their weapons to their living kit, to everything. Don't do it man. They'd come over to trade stuff with us and we'd just kind of laugh. The Brits would too by the way.  Now, the Brits...they had some great stuff.  \n\nBut about joining...I know in order to join the British Army you have to be a citizen of Great Britian.  Possibly to join the Italian Army you have to be a citizen.  They may have a website with more information.  The U.S. is one of the VERY few countries where you can join without being a citizen.  It's a reflection of our immigrant past.\n\nCheck out the website below - if you read Italian. I don't.
285060
Hey I gave one of those old women a bad time.  \n\nI am writing from my hospital bed.  The Doctor says I should be out of traction in about 3 months.  Then we can do the reconstructive surgery.  All together I expect to be home in 8 or 9 months.  If I make it in less than 9 months I will be able to celebrate my 21St birthday at home.  Unfortunately the Doctor tells me my jaw will still be wired shut, but what the heck I am getting used to milkshakes.  BTW, it is not Kung-Fu, it is Louisville Slugger, and believe me I know.\n\nJust having some fun.  Actually I am a senior citizen and although I don't work at Wal-Mart I know three other seniors who do.  None of them need the money, they all work part time, it gives them a reason to keep living.  Personally my wife keeps me busy and I am considering doing some volunteer work at an local aviation museum.  Too many retired folks don't have a timeclock to punch anywhere.  Hence, they lay in bed and die...\n\nKEEP MOVING STAY YOUNG.
382249
First off, its nice you have the desire to serve your country, as it seems to be a desire that is dying off. Thank You. If being an MP is your dream, go for it. You should also take into consideration if you plan on retiring or just doing your 4 or so years. As an MP, well, they're not regarded very highly by all the other soldiers. Granted the Army needs them, its just how their job is. I was in a class a couple weeks ago with an MP who was a Staff Sergeant (E-6) and it came as a shock to us when he told us he had been in for 18 years. Any other squared away soldier could have made E-6 in about 8 - 10 years. They do not make rank very quickly. \n\nFor the civilian part afterwards, as stated above, it would all depend on where you apply. Having heard some discussions between the army and some of their civilian contracters, a lot of law enforcement offices our reluctant to hire former MPs as they operate in a totally different manner. Having a degree helps, but isn't always necessary. It does make you stand out above the competetion. I joined when i was 19 with an associates degree and the army made me a pilot. I could have done it without the degree, but having it surely helped. Look into some community colleges, you can start taking them while your in highschool and have the credits count towards both.  I can give you more on the military side of it, but to figure out the civilian part you would be best to talk to someone who works higher up in the law enforcment agency. Hope this helps.
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.