Are you ashamed of why you Joined? How this question is affecting our Military.

2014-06-14T08:35:34-04:00

I know I am, my Patriotism was secondary contributor.

I joined the Military for economic reasons. Having grown up in the Midwest my entire life and working since 14. I was unable to support myself and go to school the same time in 2009. The back up plan join the Marines, cause if I was going to join, I was going to go all out.

Now fill in all the other economic reasons of why people join. The deciding factor of why people have been joining the Military in the last decade has been Financial Security #1. More people with degrees and prior education are joining the military more than ever. A little bit of understanding here is an episode PBS's "Need to Know" about the Generation Jobless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLlrn3_G1ZQ&index=13&list=LLBFTSv0jzTz4jmneqhHgjOQ

------------So what does this have to do with your Pride as a member of the United States Military? Everything, your motives are what drive you. This reason will follow you through your whole career. It will eat at the back of you mind and affect you outlook on the whole experience. It will affect you even more when you separate, and have plenty of time to reflect on your failure at civilian life before you joined.

How good is the representation of OIF & OEF at Memorial Day and Veterans day (related activities) compared to our fore fathers of the past?

Crazy low! This is not just due to loss of American culture. When I attend these these events and gatherings I am one of a handful from my time of service. Now you may think this is because we are still currently working, but comes down to personal priorities. Look at the enrollment and participation in the American Legion and other veterans organizations. I don't know a single Marine that participates in the programs, I feel it is due to a like of Pride and dedication to the cause.

Currently military members take pride in "What they did" just not "Why they did it".

--------Current military members are completely and totally aware of the in-efficiency and corruption that takes place in our government. Many even state in serious conversation.

"Right, now I am protecting natural resources for some Uber rich lobbied company."
and/or
"This Government contract for _____ is totally fucking bogus, we don't need more tanks!"

With this lack of confidence in those that run the nation and joining out of economic strife is ruining the effectiveness and motivation of our Volunteer Military.

--------------I have seen grown men cry because they feel they have let their for-fathers down, and are killing their fellow man for the wrong reasons. We can see the big picture now. The internet allows us to be more knowledgeable than ever. I feel that if this issue is not addressed, it could have serious repercussions in the future. What do you all think?

*Edited for grammar*

NEED TO KNOW | Generation jobless: 'Millennials' struggle with unemployment | PBS

The struggles of middle-aged and older Americans during this economic downturn have been well documented. But what about the "millennials," those born during...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2014 9:28 AM

2014-06-14T09:28:43-04:00

I just want to comment that I've been a member of the Legion for over a year now, and at a post with over 500 members, I've never met another active duty member before.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2014 9:36 AM

2014-06-14T09:36:55-04:00

I joined in part for financial reasons ($90k in student loans) but I also joined because it was something I wanted to do. I've never been ashamed or regretted the decision. My experiences in the military have been among the best (and worst) experiences in my life. But it is what it is. Anyone who thinks "war is fun or fair" or that there are clearly defined "good guys and bad guys" has been playing too much Call of Duty on the Xbox, and anyone coming back from an area of conflict who isn't somewhat conflicted themselves is not paying attention. But being occasionally conflicted is not the same as being ashamed - it's a normal response.

Response by SSG(P) Drew Hunnicutt made Jun 14 at 2014 10:25 AM

2014-06-14T10:25:34-04:00

I joined because I have always respected the military and have the utmost appreciation for those who serve. I joined because of people like that. I have student loans but couldn't get any assistance for them because of all the budget cuts. I have a college degree, graduated with a 3.7 and enlisted. I started at E-4 but didn't get any bonuses or financial benefits.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2014 2:10 PM

2014-06-14T14:10:50-04:00

I remain proud that I joined to provide comfort, hope, and care for my brothers.
Vietnam was a physically and emotionally very confusing and exhausting place.
But, I would volunteer to go again in a heartbeat. Most rewarding time of my life.

There were no financial considerations. My later degrees were on scholarship.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2014 2:52 PM

2014-06-14T14:52:22-04:00

I honestly joined because I was a scared father with no better option to take care of my family. Im proud that I jumped into the unknown scared to death to take care of an unplanned responsibility. Now my service means everything to me. Im proud of why I joined and blessed that the Army has educated me and sparked my interest in domestic and international affairs. For a guy who grew up with no electricity and running water half the time, the Army has giving me a life and security that was not imaginable to me as a young man. All I had to give in return was service to the greatest country on earth and dedication and direction to a new generations of scared and up coming Soldiers. I defiantly got the better end of the deal.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jun 14 at 2014 3:30 PM

2014-06-14T15:30:12-04:00

I'll level with you, I'm less ashamed of why I joined than in what was asked of me over the years.
I understand that I was the forward edge of American Interests abroad, Afghanistan, Iraq, Philippines, Korea, Guantanamo... As greedy as I may have been, looking for an escape from the trap I was feeling closing in on me 20 years ago, it is nothing compared to the greed and ego we have exhibited on the international field as a country... Dude, we suck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 12:06 PM

2014-06-15T12:06:38-04:00

I will never be ashamed for joining. At the time I joined I left a good paying job to serve my country. It will always be an honor I will carry that I served my country while so many others blamed the politicians, or other issues for not stepping up as we all did no matter the reason. I know if giving the ability I'd be right back in uniform.

The point shouldn't be that you're ashamed for your original reason for joining but that you joined to serve and protect our Constitution.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 15 at 2014 12:50 PM

2014-06-15T12:50:21-04:00

I'm not even paid to do it but:
I regularly talk to young people about the Army and many services.
I explain carefully what they have to avoid IOT be eligible to join.
I explain what they should do to improve their chances IOT join.
Usually they continue to talk with me even after they enlist.
Many don't go for 20 like I did but none have come out hating me.
All have said it was something that gave them great satisfaction most times.
Also at other times it caused them great frustration.
They are all quietly proud of their service.
I make sure to tell them I am proud that they served.

Response by MSG David Kalb made Jun 15 at 2014 2:18 PM

2014-06-15T14:18:58-04:00

I'm guessing in different eras this question will have some different answers, but from reading the 1970's+ eras they seem to share a common theme. I have never been ashamed of why I joined (education, training, job security, etc) patriotism was not really high on my list.

The real question could be 'do you ever regret it?' I for one have never regretted my service and will never be ashamed that I served. Regrets? Yes, I have them. Loosing friends, not taking full advantage of some opportunities, if I could have been a better leader/role model; but never ashamed.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 16 at 2014 11:57 AM

2014-06-16T11:57:56-04:00

I don't see why anyone would be "ashamed" for selecting to join the military because of the security in pay that it gives. That's a benefit. The days of people signing up because of patriotism are long gone. The military is a job, it pays your bills and supplies you and your family the support you need.

I joined because I wanted out of the small town I was in and yes, get money for college. Did that impact the way I served? Heck no. The military is far from a form of welfare. It is a job, just like any other.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 12:06 PM

2014-06-16T12:06:06-04:00

Yes. I originally joined to finance my education. I enlisted in the PA National Guard in May of 2001. I left for OSUT( THen-NBC, Now CBRN) at Fort Leonard Wood, MI in August. I was on the Range doing BMT, when the towers went down. That tragedy forced me to question my thinking and my priorities. Now 13 years and three deployments later, I couldn't be more excited about possible career oppurtunities in the service. ( By the way, I just graduated in Feb 2014 with my B.A in Criminal Justice from Temple University).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2014 3:16 PM

2014-10-16T15:16:19-04:00

Not ashamed of why I joined and I wish I had joined earlier. I was being reviewed for a mgmt position at my last job. I told myself if I don't get this job, I would look for something else. I've been there for 5 years already and didn't want to waste more time. Turns out, I didn't get the job so I started looking for a job with better benefits. I was looking for job stability, great benefits, and a pension for after I retired. I knew the military had great benefits so I started digging around on the goarmy website. This is when I found out you can audition to be a musician for the army. I went out the next day to a recruiting station and they set up my audition for me. If I knew about Army Bands when I was in high school, I would've joined when I was 18. They army wants to pay me to play music... wow, that's a no brainer right there.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 10:54 AM

2015-09-02T10:54:45-04:00

I joined for the economic benefits, and I'm not even a little bit ashamed.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Sep 3 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-09-03T10:21:34-04:00

We all joined to meet new and interesting people from vastly different cultures... and kill 'em!!!

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Sep 5 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-09-05T15:17:30-04:00

Although there have been things I have regretted doing in my life, enlisting in the Marines is not one of them. My home life ( I was a Senior at 16) was an unhappy one. As soon as I turned 17 I enlisted. The Marines provided me with the means to leave and to support myself. I owe the time spent in the Corps for shaping the work ethics, and traits I now have that have led to my success in every venture I have undertook. OOrrrraaaahhh 1,2,3,4 United States Marine Corps. I will always be thankful for the lessons and experience I attained.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 7:26 AM

2015-09-08T07:26:55-04:00

I joined because I got bored of college. Of course I immediately regretted it, patriotism was a definitely secondary in my choice to enlist. I also wouldn't have done it any other way. I feel like I wasn't ready for college, like I didn't respect what it had the potential to do for me. Now that I've been in the Army for two and a half years, I can definitely see what I did wrong, and that I can't wait to go back now that I know how shitty things can be. It's also rather morale crushing to see friends from highschool gaining commissions in the Army and Marine Corps while I'm rearing to get back to school to start it all over again.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Jul 2 at 2017 6:32 PM

2017-07-02T18:32:42-04:00

I did not join for "patriotic" reasons either. Let me tell you all a little bit of my background for having joined. Before I signed that dotted line and I was still a civilian, I could not hold down a decent job, I didn't know how to be professional in the least little bit. I was presented with two options- join the military or live with my birth father. I chose the "lesser of two evils". I was terrified to join but I was more terrified of what would happen to me if I didn't. Does that make me less patriotic? I don't think so. I was patriotic before and I still am, it just wasn't my main reason for joining. That reason was survival. As long as patriotism flows in you-whether first or second or wherever-you are a patriot. It doesn't mean you have less patriotism just because it wasn't your first driving factor.

No, I am not ashamed of my reason for joining and this is why. My reason for joining made me the mature, responsible, reliable adult that my parents are proud of. I have a job that I know is important and it is making a difference in the lives of my family and friends. I work all different days and nights, holidays, and weekends so others can sleep safely at night. I do what I do knowing that one day my children will be able to watch fireworks on the fourth of july and sing the national anthem, so they can play hopscotch on the sidewalk like I did as a little girl or ride bikes up and down the street without the fear of being bombed or shot because they are of a different tribe or because our nation's leader decided to gas a certain race or ethnicity. This is why this morning I crawled out of bed at 0415 to come into work on a Sunday. No, I am not ashamed now or ever. I will never cower down because my reason for joining was as "admirable" as others would prefer. Here is the difference...I joined, I sacrificed my health and time with my family so they could enjoy theirs-what did they do?

Response by SrA Alan Dirk Scott made Feb 28 at 2018 2:15 PM

2018-02-28T14:15:46-05:00

I was being drafted during the Vietnam War, so I enlisted. I never wanted to be in the military. I love my country and wanted to serve once I was in. To this day I am proud of my military service, but I feel guilty and ashamed of the collateral damage I was apart of. I thank all of you for your service. Even though I don't know you personally, I know your character and fiber, and consider you my brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Feb 28 at 2018 3:07 PM

2018-02-28T15:07:14-05:00

I joined for college loan repayment. I planned to do four years and get out. Almost 14 years later still in. Duty stations of choice and reenlistment bonuses got me. Now I'm still in because of my daughter's medical issues. If she didn't have the issues she's had, I'd not have reenlisted a year and a half ago.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2018 3:18 PM

2018-02-28T15:18:37-05:00

I see no need to be ashamed of the reason you joined. If one is ashamed it should be for not doing the job after joining.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2018 6:11 PM

2018-02-28T18:11:27-05:00

Absolutely not. I joined for reasons, and I stayed for others. Not a single regret has ever crossed my mind.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 28 at 2018 8:14 PM

2018-02-28T20:14:13-05:00

To my mind this whole article and the sentiments in it are totally bogus BS. Care to show me where the resources are in, A-stan or any of the other 50 countries we have troops in, most oil in Iraq goes to Europe/Japan not us. In the past WWI/WWII the public supported those wars almost 100%. Korea- "Forgotten War", Vietnam-Baby killer, Up to GF1- where was that and whoppee, made 2 days news. After 9/11- Kick them Arab buts. After GF2- rock stars/Prince/Rapper deaths far important than 5 dead in Iraq/Niger, etc. Economics- when I left any Pvt with 2 of more kids was trying for food stamps. You trying to tell me a PFC making $1300/month is making more than someone working a white collar job/ shop rates for mechanics are $75-100 per hour, Plumbers make $20/hr, their helps makes $12.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2018 9:13 PM

2018-02-28T21:13:08-05:00

"No", no further questions your honor.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 10:33 AM

2018-03-01T10:33:34-05:00

Nothing to be ashamed of. Frankly, I doubt many of us who "may" have joined for more "patriotic" reasons still had the same feelings four, five or ten years after the fact.

As to the related point; regarding benefits and unemployment...If I could be "back in" right now, I'd probably give it very serious consideration...and that is 100% driven by uncertainty in the economy, the fact that it's unlikely I'll ever "retire", and that after nearly a decade in my "second career"...there's little to no guarantee I could gain equivalent employment should I ever lose my current position.

I'd like to think that regardless of the financial motivators, there's a "greater good" at work that can be served, and proudly claimed. We're far from mercenaries fighting "only" for pay.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Jan 12 at 2019 3:00 AM

2019-01-12T03:00:44-05:00

I love our country and would not change anything with exception of the crooks managing our country! I had never seen how bad things were until the last elections. It has always been a little cut throat but gen after the election they all seemed to settle down and the preside3nt goes on about his business. I would appreciate the infighting end That is my #1 issue I am dealing with. Now as far as serving my country I have always felt that I was treated fairly , specially after leaving AD and joining the reserves. Now, when the USAR started backfilling units that is another issue. The gaining units really started prostituting the personnel that were transferred to them. The Civil Affairs units are what I am particularly talking about. I had never been so disrespected by fellow officers as I was in that unit! and now lastly, I personally feel as though our service in Iraq was a total sham and it's only substance were the loss of those that gave their all for our country. The Iraqi people could care less about the USA. Their only care is to get what they want (for free)from us. When we left Iraq both times we were blamed for their failure to protect their country. They fought a little and got up and retreated leaving all their US provided toys behind. Obama did not end the war as he promised! Our president is the best we have ever had. Shortly after returning from Iraq I retired and have no regrets! To answer the original question I loved my time in the service, with exception to the Civil Affairs Unit I deployed with to Iraq, the Bin's command is all I am embarrassed to had served with.

Response by Cpl Elizabeth Koeneman made Jan 12 at 2019 9:00 PM

2019-01-12T21:00:52-05:00

Not at all ashamed of why I joined. Patriotism played a small part, since I originally tried to enlist days after 9/11 (I turned 17 that week and was going to join the National Guard because I was still a junior in high school but mom refused to sign the paperwork) but not the biggest part. Family tradition played a big part. Both of my mom’s brothers and nearly every male on my dad’s side of the family, except my grandfather, had served in one branch or another. Rebellion was also a factor. As a female, I was not expected to join, none of the females did, so why would I? Plus, my father was pushing me to go to college and become an officer or at the very least, join the Air Force.

Response by LCpl Jack Gaedt made Jul 25 at 2019 11:15 PM

2019-07-25T23:15:39-04:00

I live on the east coast in New Jersey and I am not proud of these marines anymore