We currently live in WV and are moving to Texas. So either place would work. He wants to talk to a general and a scab(what is a scab, and where he learned this I have no clue because I know nothing about the army, so I NEVER talk about it). I usually try to do these kinda things for him but I don't want to tell him that it will happen until I know it is allowed and possible. I guess this is the right category.
204010
First of all, it's adorable that your son wants to "See army trucks"  He sounds like a cool kid and a badass.\n\nSecond, the link in the post above me is a good source of Military bases and their locations; but it isnt all you need to know.  The kind of trucks your son is talking about are called M-35s, M-900s, M-1078/83's and Humvees and they are NOT at every military base.  I would hate for you guys to travel all the way to a base to find that they dont have prime movers.  So make sure you call ahead and ask for those trucks.\n\nAs far as talking to a General, that's pretty unlikely.  Generals are very rare and very busy.  I couldnt talk to a General if I wanted to.\nBut if you need help with the truck issue I'd be happy to help any way that I can.
98866
That is an oxymoron,there is no army knowledge!Just kidding best of luck to you!
154260
Well, i am married (mil to mil) and if he gets married after basic training he might be a hold over, waiting for them to process all his paper before he heads to his A School. So i would tell him he might want to do it now and let the recruter do the paper filing and whatever else he needs to do. That is the recruters job, to do paper work or whatever needs to be done for your son to work for uncle sam. Dont let the recruter be lazy if he is acting lazy, it's a military thing. LOL If he gets married before boot camp then everythig will fall into place and him and his wife can be together as soon as he gets out of A School and he will have nothing to worry about other than finding a house. If you need anything feel free to e-mail me   tink41503@yahoo.com
24262
sense the first answer you got was useless!! And based on the idiots personal feelings about a military that he probably doesn't have the guts to join and serve with!!!!\n\nI will do my best to help. The entry-level separation is for people who "can't" make it. Either they fail to meet the requirements physically, or they are a discipline problem. It won’t be a dishonorable discharge; it would be a “general discharge” And would be further classified as, under “Honorable” or “Less than Honorable” conditions. As far as I know “your friend” wouldn’t fall into this category being as she has already graduated boot camp. I would suggest that she go to her first unit and “ride it out” for alittle while. I served 12 years in the military and can tell you that not everyone is cut out for the service. Most people that I have dealt with that want out are usually new and kinda flip out in boot camp. The rest of the service isn’t like that. It honestly is similar to a 9-5 job.\nYour friend had to know that the military isn’t the “girl scouts” She had to of known there was a chance of getting deployed? Either way I would say to her that she should at least get to her unit and do her job for a few months and if after that she still doesn’t feel like she is cut out for it, go talk to her Chaplin and then her commander to see what her options are. Hope this helps! (Tell “your friend” to keep her chin up!) There is a category called "failure to adapt" this is for people who have served -12 months active duty and "aren't cut out for the military" Not sure of the exact details for that one.
40725
I am not a soldier...anymore.  I was active duty army for 2 1/2 years and also did a tour in Iraq.  I am now a soldier's wife.  My husband just left a week ago.  I know what you are going through.  You need to understand though that when he says he doesn't want you to worry...that's the truth.  I told my husband before he left that I don't want to know if he gets fired upon, has to shoot anyone, etc.  I would rather just stay in a lovely state called denial. LOL  When I was in Iraq I made that mistake of telling my mom when I was shot upon...I never told her about another incident.  I didn't want her to worry. (Keep in mind...is was there in the beginning)  Give him some time...hopefully he will start having some stories that he cares to share soon.  I am am yahoo messenger quite a bit...my email address is in my profile.  Keep your head up...good luck!
380898
Be his friend, write to him and send care packages while he is deployed.  Let him know you would be happy to come visit him when he returns from his tour.  Right now, be a good friend.  He doesn't have amnesia.  He remembers what you previously told him.  Perhaps this will be a good "testing" ground to see how you would handle deployments.  Maybe he was hesitant to get "involved" with you because he didn't want to put a "girlfriend" though a tough deployment.  Show him you got the moxie to stick it through (being his friend)....and then when he returns who knows...he may change his mind when he sees you can "handle it"....Remember...be upbeat, encouraging, help keep his spirits UP.  Show him you got the "stuff" to handle it.  Good Luck!
542205
I will give you an eyewitness statement. First, I'm not from Texas (I'm a Tar Heel!!! - GO NC!!), second I'm not in the National Guard, I'm active duty. Now the account, I served with an active duty battalion that was assigned 2 National Guard companies - one was from Kansas and one was from Texas. They were truck companies, and both saw heavy action. On a side note, I found both units to be extremely professional in their duties. Neither shirked from any mission assigned to them and had an amazing "Can Do" attitude. If I had any negative comments about the Guard units I have served with - they are minor. I found they had a bit of a height/weight and PT shortcoming, but they more than made up for that with their Mission First attitude. My BC had a board in his office/tent with a collection of all the Guard patches of units we had run into over there. I don't recall a single state missing from his board - we even had a couple territory patches (Guam and PR). So whoever posted that on a Yahoo Board is simply giving into conspiracy BS and once again, as they almost always seem to be - are yapping away and have NEVER spent a day. Isn't it curious how the folks who seem to to come up with this crap have a mysterious lack of service to go along with their tripe?
454519
That's his choice to make, not yours.  He needs support and encouragement, not someone like you bringing him down.  Obviously he doesn't care about your reasons, and he shouldn't.  This is his life.  If you don't want to be part of it, end it with him and let him move on.  Joining the military is one of the best decisions he could make.  He'll see alot, learn alot, get an education and prepare for a career after and most of all, he'll become a better man.  There's nothing greater than the pride, respect and honor of serving ones country.\n\nDon't let your fears discourage him.  Support him and tell him "thanks" for being willing to protect yours and your families rights and freedoms.\n\nGood luck to him (and you if you decide to stand by his decision).
466719
I'm sorry, but he's not.  My hubby is on cycle break, thank goodness.  However, I'm checking on this for you as we speak and I'll do an edit when I have your answer.\n\nEDIT:  I'm so happy to help in any way that I can.  Military life comes full circle for many of us.  We were the "young'uns", now, we're the "old folks".  Never be afraid to ask questions.  Military life is a life like none other and we ALL need support.\n\nI really am glad you asked a question and specifically pointed me out.  However, my info is pretty limited as of right now.  Ft. Sill is closed due to our weather conditions.  Hubby won't be able to check much until he goes back in.  Anyways, this is what we have:  19 January should stand as graduation date.  That would be 9 weeks BCT and 2 weeks exodus.  We do fill up fast here and I'm glad you worked it all out ahead of time.  Hubby is going to try to check on exact dates of exodus.  Is your son coming home??  What a great present I'm sure that would be for you.  I'm glad his letters are upbeat.  That's a good sign.  Most of the Drill's here are cool.  We love all of them in our unit.  They really want these guys to succeed.  The phone number to the unit I think your son is in is (580) 442-1304.  I'm sure you already have his number, but this is what I deducted from the info you've given.  Your best bet is to call them....they do need to answer your questions.  I know they don't like to be bothered by family members, but you have a lagit question and they can answer it.  Since hubby is in a different unit, it's hard to get exact info other than knowing everything is on schedule for what's posted and that's the same he has.\n\nGood luck and I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.  If I do find anything else out, I'll be sure to post it on here.  Be sure to yell "HI" to me while you're in town!!  I can't even begin to tell you what an awesome experience graduation will be.  Enjoy!!\n\nEDIT2:  I wrote your e-mail addy down.  How did you find me??  I haven't answered any other questions of yours and you seem to know me so well.  Anyways, glad I can help and if I find anything else, you'll know about it.
200444
It was disheartening to read your question, because it sounds like you're really down on things - I sure wish I could wave a magic wand and make all your problems go away.\n\nWhat I can offer is my experience as someone who has moved all around the country - particularly much earlier in life. My dad was a corporate troubleshooter, and his company would move him from city to city where this division or other was having problems - his job was turn things around and then move on to the next crisis. At one point, as a kid, I moved 7 times in 10 years - think of all the schools and new classmates that involved! As an adult, I worked for a while as a college professor, moving from university to university until I got tired of that route. So I've been there (and there and there and there, and I can sympathize.)\n\nThat having been said, sometimes there are difficult realities to life - and the road doesn't always take you where you want to go. Or at least not in a straight line. I don't know what it is that your husband does for a living, so it's difficult for me to understand why the only jobs available to him are in West Virginia. I can certainly understand that it's a tremendous culture shock for you to move to a really, really rural community, but if it's really true that the only jobs for him ARE in West Virginia, then I guess I would have to salute your husband for having the character to pick up and follow the money. I'm going to assume that he's motivated to earn a decent living by his responsibility to his wife and daughters - so I'm thinking he may well deserve a lot of credit for recognizing his needs.\n\nThere is no magic money tree that can get you back to Texas, and again, I don't know anything about your job skills and where the opportunities exist for you. Perhaps the best approach for you would be to take advantage of whatever opportunities you have to pursue additional schooling that will qualify you for more positions -maybe your chosen field will provide more options for you in Texas, and your husband will find it desirable to move back to Texas where YOU can earn a good living.\n\nMoves are difficult things, because they uproot us from everything we know and our entire comfort zone. A very famous psychology theory from the 1960s speaks of the most stressful events in the average person's life, and how those stressors can impact mental health. As you might expect, moving/relocation is one of them (others include divorce, death of a family member, jail, loss of a job, etc.) If you're interested in reading more, read about the "Holmes Stress Scale".\n\nThere is nothing at all unusual about feeling completely lost and out of place in a new situation and a new environment and the only thing that can possibly ease that stress and pain is to be patient and give yourself time to adapt. We truly are amazing at adapting to new environments, but being the homebodies that we are, it always takes time - for some people and for some environments, it just takes longer than others.\n\nI also don't know about the nature of your relationship (and your daughters' relationships) with your husband - if you're close, and this move is driving you apart, the sad reality is that going back to Texas without him is going to introduce a whole new set of challenges to your lives, not the least of which would be the financial ones.\n\nMy best advice to you is to find a sympathetic ear nearby - I know this may seem impossible, but there must be a neighbor or a religious leader or a community service program or a job counseling service or any number of other caring individuals who can help you adjust. Since you didn't indicate if you're working at the present time, I can't necessarily recommend volunteering, but if you're not working, that's an excellent way to meet people and become a welcome part of a new community. If you're not working, and you
451000
This is something you'll have to learn to get used to.  Sorry, but that's Army life.\n\nTDY is Temporary Duty.  Unless it's a certain amount of time or specified on his orders, you won't be going with him on these assignments.  Usually, TDY is some sort of school, training or "war games".\n\nPCS is Permanent Change of Station.  This is an official government move.  It's usually from one post to another.  If he's in AIT, he still hasn't made a PCS move yet.  PCS is a change in duty.\n\nKorea is NOT a deployment.  That's considered an unaccompanied tour.  They last a year to 18 months.  There's several places he could get sent for an unaccompanied tour.  In most cases, you won't go with him, thus the unaccompanied.  That's a PCS for him though.  He can also go to Japan, Germany, Italy or other locations overseas that you will be able to move with him as a PCS.  Places like Germany are a 3 year assignment.\n\nThere's several locations he can deploy to such as Bosnia or Iraq.  Deployments will last a year to 18 months as well.  Those, you won't be allowed to travel with him at all.  He can also deploy from and overseas location as well.\n\nHope this helps.  Be prepared for time apart.  Stay strong and independant, but love and trust him with all you have.  You'll be able to do fine.  The Army is a rough life, but it's a good life.  It'll definitely be what you make of it.\n\nGood luck!!
324769
I am an Army brat. My dad is now a retired Lt Col. I've been to Ft. Meade in Maryland, El Toro in California, Keflavik in Iceland, Ramstein in Germany (which I am now at stationed in the Air Force), Mildenhall in England, and Ft. Lewis in Washington. I'm glad that your dad is coming home to you soon. Hope he enjoys his short break from the desert. God bless!
276456
With a law degree, almost any branch would be jumping for you.  The big part would be to pass OCS (officer canidate school)  where they teach you to lead troops.  I've never gone, but it sounds like a tougher boot camp than the one I went to.  As long as you are physically and mentally able to hack it, I'm sure you'd be sent to the legal section.  Your recruiter would be able to confirm that with the contract he draws up for you.  You'll know all the legal jargon by then and can read for yourself exactly what you are being promised.  If it's not to your satisfaction, have him change it or look to a different branch of service until you find what you want.
666745
He might as well just stay where he is. He wont be able to get out completly with an honorable discharge. If he were to switch to another branch (very difficult to do, you should contact your local recruiting station) his time would restart and he would end up staying in the armed forces longer.
475910
I assume that he's there for basic training.  I went to basic at Ft. Sill OK about 3 years ago now and I can tell you this.  SEND MANY MANY MANY LETTERS!!!!  My mom sent me at least a card or a note or something every single day.  I'm sure some other people that read this will make their comments about that, but I will tell you what, it is very very motivating and comforting to know that your family is thinking about you and cares for you.  Mail call was probably my favorite part of the day every single day.  You should hear from him soon.  maybe not by phone for awhile, but more than likely at least a letter with his address.  As I recall we didn't get phone privliges until about our 2nd or 3rd week.  He will also spend a few days at a reception battalion before he acctually starts basic.  he might get a few minutes to talk while there.  his phone calls will more than likely be very very short as there is normally very few phones for many many people to use.  God Bless your family and your son!  I hope this helps at least a little.  If you have any other quesions, feel free to e-mail me!
514921
There are many, many points in this question i find quite disturbing.\n\nBut, if you really want to do it then stick with what you said you'd write. Like general events and news from back home, nothing else.\n\nAlso i hate to put a dampener on things, but please consider how you'd feel if this nice soldier you've been chatting to doesn't come home.  That could be hard to deal with..
604272
Bella, I am a male with 22 years experience in the Canadian Military. I am also married.  Firstly, if you have chemistry and feel this is Mr. Right your major concerns are:  (1) are you willing to relocate and up and leave behind friends family etc for your significant other.  This can have be a major stressor in Military Relationships from own personal experience.  (2) He could be called away to a "high risk" combat environment, which would leave you alone for prolonged periods. There is also your career aspirations to consider.  The military is better at caring for family then in the past, however, their first concerns is still exigencies of service or service first.  You have to prepare yourself mentally for that.  My final piece of advice is for both of you to sit with the Military Social Worker.  He/she can give you great advice and insight into what it is like being a military spouse.  It is an honor to serve ones country,  and he can also take his military training after his 3 year engagement and apply to the civilian sector.  Many civilian employers find military background and training extremely marketable  Finally, I wish you both well and and all the best to the both of you as you embark on the great adventure