What do you tell young people who are thinking of enlisting?

2016-05-23T20:24:26-04:00

Personally, I ask them, "Do you think you can consciously and willingly take another human life?" I ask them this because this is the one topic they DON'T think about when contemplating enlistment, and in my opinion, it is the FIRST thing they should consider, as military service at it's core is all about combat, regardless of what their MOS is going to be.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 23 at 2016 8:29 PM

2016-05-23T20:29:07-04:00

Run?

Response by MSG Pat Colby made May 23 at 2016 8:38 PM

2016-05-23T20:38:43-04:00

First question is "What to you want to be when you grow up?"

There are a multitude of Jobs and Skills in the Military. Some are less hazardous than others. For example an IT guy or an X-Ray Tech is WAY less likely to have to pull a trigger than a Scout or even a Truck Driver. The person must determine likes and dislikes. Career goals need to be addressed. If the soon to be Soldier does 6 years and gets out, what skills can they take away to achieve what they want to be when they grow up?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 23 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-05-23T20:47:10-04:00

Damn Good Question! Even if you are not directly involved in Combat your actions can result in the Death of Human Beings. It sure is the Nature and Core of our Industry. Merchants of Death Unfortunately. My NECs 9182, 9185, 9187, Telecommunications Management, Computer Communications and Tactical Intelligence but my actions have resulted in deaths and I've been called a Baby Killer before.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made May 23 at 2016 8:54 PM

2016-05-23T20:54:41-04:00

I tell those who have asked this: you learn and qualify on small arms for a reason...

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 9:13 PM

2016-05-23T21:13:09-04:00

SSgt Dugles Cherry A valid point. I would find out their reasons to join. I would tell them about hardships during deployment and hardships if they have a spouse and kids. I would also tell them about education benefits and forming bonds with fellow brothers and sisters. I would strive to paint an accurate balanced picture of what military life can be.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 9:23 PM

2016-05-23T21:23:57-04:00

Decide what you want to do. Then research what the military branches to see what each has to offer that will lead to you doing that.

If there are no matches perhaps the military is not the right thing for you.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-05-23T23:43:10-04:00

Dugles, I see nothing wrong with your question of potential enlistees... it's a valid concern that MOST don't consider.

In addition to that, I'd tell them to get EVERYTHING in writing - if it is promised, get it written and SIGNED before you think it's a done deal - and it may STILL be changed (needs of the service, baby!).

Then I ask what they WANT to do - and to research the services intensely. While you REALLY may want to be a XXX in the Army, the Marines may have an MOS that more closely fits your career goals... or the Navy. Compare and contrast all five branches to find the one that is the best fit for YOU. Then go talk to folks that are IN the service and aren't Recruiters. Your Uncle Ernie that was in the service in 1985 doesn't cut it, because EVERYTHING has changed since then. Talk to someone that went to recruit training recently and is now doing their job.

There are some hard-and-fast rules.
1. If you want to see the world, NOBODY beats the Navy.
2. If you want to be treated the best, NOBODY beats the Air Force.
3. If you want to be a generalist instead of a specialist, NOBODY beats the Coast Guard.
4. If you want chances to be stationed anywhere in the world, NOBODY beats the Army.
5. If you want to learn discipline and to get some order in your life, NOBODY beats the Marines.

Response by SSgt Dugles Cherry made May 23 at 2016 11:51 PM

2016-05-23T23:51:12-04:00

Many are dumbfounded when I present this question to them, simply because they had not thought about it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-05-24T11:46:00-04:00

go active and stay away from guard or reserves

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made May 24 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-05-24T13:09:03-04:00

Use the educational benefits at every opportunity.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 24 at 2016 2:53 PM

2016-05-24T14:53:46-04:00

Honestly, I've never thought of that. The ability to take a human life is not something I've thought of. Granted I may have only had a "desk job", I understood my contribution to the fight and knew that if I made a mistake, it could cost the lives of others.

To me, if I were talking to young people about enlisting, I would be asking them if they were prepared to sacrifice every aspect of themselves for the mission at hand. I may have never killed someone, but I can't count the number of birthdays, anniversarys, funerals, weddings, graduations among other events that you miss.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have any regrets about my service. I knew I'd be making sacrifices, but I never imagined my family would be burying both my dogs before I even reached the Fleet. That was just how my service started. There was plenty of other things that were missed.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 2 at 2019 1:34 PM

2019-04-02T13:34:55-04:00

When I have the opportunity to talk with someone who is enlisting, I tell them to discuss what the recruiter has told her/him for clarity.