Military. Who is serving or has served?

[racedoll]

Reading some other threads gives me the impression that we have several members that have either served or are currently serving in the military.

I'm curious on: why you joined, what branch you are in/why you chose that branch, and what you do?

[Amorok]

I'll be the first.

Active duty USAF since Oct 26th, 1999. I joined for a lot of reasons but mainly because I grew up poor, had a fiancee that I wanted to provide better for than my dad could for my mom, and there weren't any jobs where I lived. I'd pretty much decided since I was little I wanted to join the military when I got older, so it made sense. I couldn't really think of another job that would make my life mean something, where I could make a difference. At least not one that would take me. And lastly, the judge was a REAL big supporter of me not living in Kentucky anymore. Yeah, they still do that in some places.

As for why I'm in the Air Force, it's a funny story. I walked into the recruiting station and went into the first office I saw, which happened to be the Marine recruiter. At the time I was just finishing recovering from something that, among other things, made me lose about 30 pounds. At that age I had almost zero body fat anyway so it was almost all lean muscle loss. I weighed about 120lbs and looked pretty rough. When I told the recruiter I wanted to join the military he asked me how much I weighed and I told him. He said I'd have to gain at least 15lbs before I could join "his" Marine Corps. I said I could do that in a few weeks, he told me no, I'd have to go through a six-month program of diet and exercise, then I could go to MEPS, and maybe a few months after that I could be a Marine. I told him I needed to get out of town a little sooner than that, and he got a little suspicious so I left. The Air Force recruiter just happened to be the next door in the hallway. I asked him how much weight I had to gain to get into the AF and he got all confused. I told him the Marines wanted me to gain 15lbs and I was looking for a better deal. He told me "You don't have to gain weight to join the Air Force, we do that for you!" So 11 years later here I am. If SSgt Purdy had been out to lunch or something I'd be in the Army.

[Dave]

Why: to kill shit
Where: us army/nj arng
what: 19k tanker/19d cavalry scout

This is my eleventh year serving. Three of those were In iraq

[racedoll]

I'll be the first.

Active duty USAF since Oct 26th, 1999.

What do you do in the AF?

[tached1000rr]

Much love to all of you who have or is currently serving:rockwoot:

[Tmall]

Why? I grew up poor and needed a good job.
Which element? Navy (Engineering section)
What do I do? I fix and maintain just about everything mechanical on the boat. Finished technician training last year and will be a Engineering plant operator shortly.

BTW: Canadian Navy.

[Captain Morgan]

I joined because I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do after high school. Went to college, but dropped out halfway through the first semester. Sat out a semester, then same thing. Decided I was going to join the Marines, because that's the branch my grandpa had been in. Told my uncle and he talked me into the Air Force instead. Joined up, stayed for 7 years working on radar equipment. Got out because my dad wanted me to work for him. Wish I'd stayed in.

[SteveP]

Why? No real direction. Seemed like the thing to do.

1997 - 2002 US Navy.

I worked in an aviation squadron and handled all the aircraft material procurement. Got to play with all the maintenance finances and balance fuel data. Aviation Storekeeper 2nd Class type (AW).

[derf]

Why: Pay for college, I am still in because I actually enjoy it
Where: us army/active reserve
what: currently reserve mobilization combat training planner, I design lanes training scenarios

Plus I get to play with cool toys, These are from 2 weeks ago:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183283_501242482395_652142395_6679983_847480_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184078_500506012395_652142395_6672606_1516288_n.jp g

(yes this is really what he turned in to me)
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/180692_501237212395_652142395_6679931_1600416_n.jp g

and some other neato stuff
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/15362_194545787395_652142395_3528603_7171158_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/15362_194545847395_652142395_3528614_1017315_n.jpg

[Cutty72]

ND Army National Guard.
Joined 08NOV99.
Started as a construction equipment mechanic (62B), later reclass to 63B (now 91B), wheeled vehicle mechanic. Currently slotted in a 88N Movement supervisor position. Looking at going warrant in either 915A 919A (both maintenance) or 882A, Movement Officer.
I work full time as a federal technician for the Guard as a Brigade Logistics NCO.

I joined for the money, both college and the extra paycheck, and for the chance to travel and experience more. So far I have been able to travel a bit around the states, to Germany and Kosovo.
Reason I went Army, well, the Air Force wouldn't let me fly the fighters (bad eyes) and Army was the only other local entity.
Gladly without hesitation do it all over again.

[Dave]

Why: Pay for college, I am still in because I actually enjoy it
Where: us army/active reserve
what: currently reserve mobilization combat training planner, I design lanes training scenarios

Plus I get to play with cool toys, These are from 2 weeks ago:

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183283_501242482395_652142395_6679983_847480_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184078_500506012395_652142395_6672606_1516288_n.jp g

(yes this is really what he turned in to me)
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/180692_501237212395_652142395_6679931_1600416_n.jp g

and some other neato stuff
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/15362_194545787395_652142395_3528603_7171158_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/15362_194545847395_652142395_3528614_1017315_n.jpg

That is the best risk assesment I've ever seen

[derf]

That is the best risk assesment I've ever seen

And he was dead serious, I have decided that from now on any time I do a risk assessment I will do a 2nd one and turn it in first, just for shits and giggles

And risk #2 applies to tigger

[Mikey]

Active Duty AF here. Currently stationed in San Antonio, but I've been all over the place. I work in communications, and my job has me doing a lot of travelling, so I get to see some cool stuff at some really cool places.

I love what I do. I've turned down a lot of very high paying civilian-sector jobs to stay in. The civilian side just can't offer me what the AF can.

[Amorok]

What do you do in the AF?

For the first five-ish years I was an aircraft mechanic working on KC135R's & T's. Then they decided they didn't need mechanics anymore. Now I have a desk job as an Education and Training Manager. I make sure other people keep their qualifications and training current and ensure they get the knowledge they need.

[Mr Lefty]

Active Air Force here, hit 9 Years the end of Feb... 11 to go.

I joined because I had no direction, and wanted to travel. Stayed because it fits me I love the constant change, and the sense of pride I have at the end of the day.

I'm currently in Mississippi, as a Military Training Leader (think drill instructor on decaf)... got another 2 years here then off to who knows where...

my original job is Medical Admin (forcibly retrained in Basic)

[Dave]

And he was dead serious, I have decided that from now on any time I do a risk assessment I will do a 2nd one and turn it in first, just for shits and giggles

And risk #2 applies to tigger

Forwarded it to my dad and my platoon

[wildchild]

Why? - wanted to see places, no way was I going to college, every male in my family had before me, but mostly because I was always the one who took a different path from my friends

which? - 1986-1990 then a short recall stint in 1991 Army

What? - Field Artillery. I told a recruiter I didn't want to sit behind a desk.

I've been places, done things, and met people that I never would have without the military.

[Particle Man]

For the first five-ish years I was an aircraft mechanic My dad did the same for years.

There are some pretty cool pics of him working on stuff. Wish he was still around to tell more stories.

[Razor]

Air Force, Active duty...

Why? Because I wanted to fly, enough said...

When? 2001-current...

What? Navigator on various versions of C-130's... 2 years in japan in an airlift squadron, flew all around the Pacific (Vietnam, North and South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, etc etc) nearly five years with the 9 Special Operations Squadron at Eglin AFB in Fla refueling helicopters (53's, 47's, 60's), hauling America's trigger pullers (SEALs, MARSOC, Rangers, TF types, and a few un-nameables), resupplying said shooters with beans and bullets, currently with the 71st Rescue squadron still refueling helos, supporting Combat Search and Rescue, and dumping Pararescue Jumpers where ever they are needed...

[VatorMan]

13 years in the USN as an Electrician's Mate.

Why? To escape Texas.

Learn valuable skilz that have put me in a position to live the life I currently enjoy.

[fnfalman]

Reading some other threads gives me the impression that we have several members that have either served or are currently serving in the military.

I'm curious on: why you joined, what branch you are in/why you chose that branch, and what you do?

1984. US Army Airborne.

Why I joined? Wanted to kill commies for my mommie.

Why Army? Because the Army wins wars.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f308/fnfalman/Guns/Htjeep-1.jpg

[Dave]

1984. US Army Airborne.

Why I joined? Wanted to kill commies for my mommie.

Why Army? Because the Army wins wars.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f308/fnfalman/Guns/Htjeep-1.jpg

Damn straight brother

[MikeSP1]

Active duty Air Force, been deployed since last spring. F-16 avionics technician. I absolutely detest my current squadron. BTW, my home station is in Japan.

[ericr]

Joined - Air Force Reserves in Jan '99 just shy a few months shy of my 33rd b-day. Was active Reserve till Jan '05 and out Jan '07.

What - Communications Computer Operations Specialist ( Computer Networking ) 94th Comm Flt at Dobbins ARB Marietta GA.

Why - basically to learn the Computer Networking, (and because Army guys jump out of perfectly good airplanes :idk: :D: ) it was a quick easy way to get training and skills and the Atlanta job market was ripe back then. I landed a civilian contractor job on base in 2000 for good money, till the contract ended. The new contract sucked, they replaced me with someone making half the pay and couldnt do more than answer the phone and enter a trouble ticket, oh well. Now i'm going back to school to actually get a degree in it.

I did get to travel to some cool places, Germany in 2000 with time to play, saw lots of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxemburg, spent a day in Bavaria region...that was beautiful country! Also got to spend a summer Kuwait, Activated May '02 - Sep '02. Miles and miles of beach and a girl behind every tree. Aviano Italy in Nov '02 and got a day in Venice while I was there, that was cool.


I got out because I got tired of the "reservist" mentallity that was bad in my unit. No one wanted to work and after getting activated and sent to Kuwait it was even worse after I came back. Half the people made me sick, senior NCO's wanting me to do their jobs for them, the rest wanting to show up for their paycheck and nothing else, etc. I should have cross trained or moved to another unit. I had an invite from 22nd AF Headquarters to come over there full time but would have been traveling at least half the time and didn't want to travel that much back then.

[Captain Morgan]

Also got to spend a summer Kuwait...Miles and miles of beach and a girl behind every tree.

:lol: So true. Was there April 98 to July 98.

[askmrjesus]

Navy, 79-82.

I like big boats, and I can not lie. I also like drinking and French hookers.

Fuck the Army, and all their "lets march around with giant backpacks in the hot sun" bullshit.

I chose to be a Navigator, because it's one of the few jobs that comes with a window, and the idiots were dumb enough to let me drive an 868 foot long boat.

JC

[racedoll]

Very interesting stories here. I've enjoy reading them and hope to hear more.

[Dave]

Navy, 79-82.

I like big boats, and I can not lie. I also like drinking and French hookers.

Fuck the Army, and all their "lets march around with giant backpacks in the hot sun" bullshit.

I chose to be a Navigator, because it's one of the few jobs that comes with a window, and the idiots were dumb enough to let me drive an 868 foot long boat.

JC

who marches? i had a tank

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Khajjathefang/213606_36_full.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Khajjathefang/213606_37_full.jpg

70 tons of rolling death. even after they took those away we still had wheels

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b369/Khajjathefang/47875322_l.jpg

[derf]

Fuck the Army, and all their "lets march around with giant backpacks in the hot sun" bullshit.


Pretty sure Ive graduated to sitting in the TOC now playing with a computer, or if I am moving in the convoy cdr seat playing with blue force tracker on the computer

[tallywacker]

SSGT Pittman 101st AB 3/320th FA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K4U4RwTfCA

[wildchild]

this was my ride back then. screw that walking crap. I was the driver although I never figured out if it was the best seat or worst. had a good view but your head was sticking out in bad weather and confrontations.

[marko138]

Alright, which one of you good folks can get me a joy ride in a tank?

[Dave]

Alright, which one of you good folks can get me a joy ride in a tank?

Were I still in texas id hook you up in a second. The m1 is extremely easy to learn how to drive too, we used to let other military folks take supervised joy rides on five minutes worth of instruction

Id also like to point out that that paladin is no tank

[z06boy]

4 1/2 years USMC

I had a few different MOS's.

Military Police/Dog Handler...didn't want to be a cop but had to be MP to work with dogs.

Infantry

Supply/Warehouseman

Why ?

Well...graduated from high school and planned to attend the University of Tennessee...enrolled...started...parents decided to divorce...family fell apart...$$ fell apart...got frustrated with family and decided that I wanted to get away. Dropped out of UT to join the service.

Why USMC ?

I didn't really consider the AF...don't know why really but just didn't.

As far as the Navy...I decided I'd join the Coast Guard instead.

I didn't really consider the Army because I felt that although any of them would be tough...might as well go for the Marines instead since it was "supposed to be tougher" and I'd always wonder if I had what it took to be a Marine. :idk: Now that I served...I've never wondered "if I had what it took to be in the Army". My older brother also served in the Marines.

I'm not knocking the Army at all...my father served in the Army and so have several other relatives and friends.

I spent a year in Japan in the service and for that...this earthquake/tsunami thing is a real trip to me. :no:

[Dave]

4 1/2 years USMC

I had a few different MOS's.

Military Police/Dog Handler...didn't want to be a cop but had to be MP to work with dogs.

Infantry

Supply/Warehouseman

Why ?

Well...graduated from high school and planned to attend the University of Tennessee...enrolled...started...parents decided to divorce...family fell apart...$$ fell apart...got frustrated with family and decided that I wanted to get away. Dropped out of UT to join the service.

Why USMC ?

I didn't really consider the AF...don't know why really but just didn't.

As far as the Navy...I decided I'd join the Coast Guard instead.

I didn't really consider the Army because I felt that although any of them would be tough...might as well go for the Marines instead since it was "supposed to be tougher" and I'd always wonder if I had what it took to be a Marine. :idk: Now that I served...I've never wondered "if I had what it took to be in the Army". My older brother also served in the Marines.

I'm not knocking the Army at all...my father served in the Army and so have several other relatives and friends.

I spent a year in Japan in the service and for that...this earthquake/tsunami thing is a real trip to me. :no:

We sometimes wonder what its like to have 1960's era equipment and no support :P

[z06boy]

We sometimes wonder what its like to have 1960's era equipment and no support :P

Yep..and yet they still manage to kick some azz. :lol:

[wildchild]

that's alright Z06 without Marines we'd have no one to pick on. LOL

I'll give you a free shot only because I thought it was a good one. buddy of mine was a tanker in Vietnam in Marines. he said Army stood for -- Aint Ready to be Marines Yet.

[z06boy]

that's alright Z06 without Marines we'd have no one to pick on. LOL

I'll give you a free shot only because I thought it was a good one. buddy of mine was a tanker in Vietnam in Marines. he said Army stood for -- Aint Ready to be Marines Yet.

:lol: USMC outnumbered as usual.

Just to be clear...ALL that are serving and have served...THANKS !!!!

I don't care which branch you served in. :cheers:

[Dave]

that's alright Z06 without Marines we'd have no one to pick on. LOL

I'll give you a free shot only because I thought it was a good one. buddy of mine was a tanker in Vietnam in Marines. he said Army stood for -- Aint Ready to be Marines Yet.

Actually its

Uncle
Sam

Ass
Raped
Me
Yesterday.

I remember coming into falcon on a chow run and seeing a pack of marines with m79s. I asked if they knocked over a museum :lol: best part was the dumb fuckers didn't get the joke :lol:

[wildchild]

:lol: Usmc outnumbered as usual.

Just to be clear...all that are serving and have served...thanks !!!!

I don't care which branch you served in. :cheers:

absolutely.

[z06boy]

Actually its

Uncle
Sam

Ass
Raped
Me
Yesterday.

I remember coming into falcon on a chow run and seeing a pack of marines with m79s. I asked if they knocked over a museum :lol: best part was the dumb fuckers didn't get the joke :lol:

...or they didn't give a fvck what you had to say because they were hungry. :lol

[Dave]

...or they didn't give a fvck what you had to say because they were hungry. :lol

Doubt it

Im hard to miss lol

[z06boy]

Doubt it

Im hard to miss lol

But you're still some Army dude mouthing something and their mind is on eating. :lol:

[Dave]

But you're still some Army dude mouthing something and their mind is on eating. :lol:

Yeah y'all ain't so good at the multitasking. You know, the failed the asvab and applied guys :lol:

[Archren]

That is the best risk assesment I've ever seen

THIS! Epic win. I am so passing that on.

Why I joined: College money initially, stayed in because I'm a glutton for punishment. That and apparently 10 years of military experience means diddly in the civilian world.

What: Army Reserve 2000-2006; Texas Army National Guard 2007-Present. I chose Army initially because they offered me the higher bonus (when you're 17, $3000 seems like a lot of money).

What I do: I started out as a Paralegal (27D); reclassed to Transportation Movement Coordinator (88N); currently doing OJT for Personnel/Human Resources (42A) and a Colonel's executive assistant. Doesn't sound like much, but apparently we're a pretty high profile unit (Homeland Response Force), so maybe if I keep my smartass comments to a minimum around the bossman, I might actually get my E7 out of this assignment - assuming I don't submit my aviation warrant officer packet first. :lol:

[EpyonXero]

13 years in the USN as an Electrician's Mate.

Why? To escape Texas.

Learn valuable skilz that have put me in a position to live the life I currently enjoy.

My dad was an EMC.

[Dave]

That and apparently 10 years of military experience means diddly in the civilian world.


You said it. Though its worse when you are combat arms, almost makes me wish id stayed active (yeah right :lmao:)

[z06boy]

Yeah y'all ain't so good at the multitasking. You know, the failed the asvab and applied guys :lol:

Has nothing to do with multitasking...they probably didn't give a fvck what some Army guy was talking about. Please spare me talking up the Army over the Marines. :rofl: I spent time on an Army base and trained with guys from Ft. Bragg.

I didn't come in here bashing the Army and that's not what the thread is even about.

[Archren]

You said it. Though its worse when you are combat arms, almost makes me wish id stayed active (yeah right :lmao:)

I'm around enough combat arms guys these days to get the gist. Those who aren't working ADOS, border mission or counter drug are often cops, firefighters, or contractors.

The good thing (for me, anyway, with them working at the HRF with me) is that I learn all sorts of awesome terminologies. "Shut your cock holster" is a relatively new one in my top ten.

[Dave]

I'm around enough combat arms guys these days to get the gist. Those who aren't working ADOS, border mission or counter drug are often cops, firefighters, or contractors.

The good thing (for me, anyway, with them working at the HRF with me) is that I learn all sorts of awesome terminologies. "Shut your cock holster" is a relatively new one in my top ten.


A classic. One of the things I most look forward to about drilling these days is the rare opportunity to let my personality and vocabulary loose.

I don't suppose you've read any of richard marchinko's books?

[Archren]

A classic. One of the things I most look forward to about drilling these days is the rare opportunity to let my personality and vocabulary loose.

I don't suppose you've read any of richard marchinko's books?

I haven't.. I'll look him up on Amazon so we're not still threadjacking. :lol:

[Trip]

13 years in the USN as an Electrician's Mate.

So does that mean it was your responsibility to take it in the butt from the Electricians?

Navy: Boys - Men = Crowbar

:lol:

[racedoll]

I didn't come in here bashing the Army and that's not what the thread is even about.

Thank you.

Just to be clear...ALL that are serving and have served...THANKS !!!!

I don't care which branch you served in. :cheers:

Agreed!

[ericr]

When I was in Kuwait I was with the CJTF-CM, Combined Joint Task Force - Consequence Management for the civilians, we were the first responders for the theater if there were any CBNR events, Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, Radioactive and we were stationed on an Army Base, Camp Doha. The unit was headed up by the Marine Corps and provided security, we had Army Fox units, Navy for Medical and us Air Force guys were with the Comm section, also had German and Chezch Chemical units with us and an Australian contingent. Most everyone there was great to work with, though there was one grizzled old Marine Master Gunnery Sgt (? can't remember if that's right). They pulled this guy out of retirement, grunt his whole career and he thought everyone there should be a Marine :lol: He started trying to pull bunk drills and shit on us enlisted guys until the General reigned him in a little. (Little tidbit since we have lots of gun lovers here, Guns and Ammo, and many other shooting/hunting magazines you'll see articles by Craig Boddington, he was our commanding General over there (he was Reserve too) awesome guy and awesome commander!)

Anyway, I have plenty of respect for all the branches of the service though good natured ribbing is always entertaining between the services :D The AF Reserves didn't see fit to send weapons with us when we deployed so when we went out in the field for training exercises etc, I asked if they would issue me one from the armory. They said don't worry about it so I said fine, if the shit hits the sand out there, I'm hitting the ground till one of you Marines gets shot then I'll take your weapon and fight :lol: He got a funny look on his face but got my point.

[Cutty72]

THIS! Epic win. I am so passing that on.

Why I joined: College money initially, stayed in because I'm a glutton for punishment. That and apparently 10 years of military experience means diddly in the civilian world.

What: Army Reserve 2000-2006; Texas Army National Guard 2007-Present. I chose Army initially because they offered me the higher bonus (when you're 17, $3000 seems like a lot of money).

What I do: I started out as a Paralegal (27D); reclassed to Transportation Movement Coordinator (88N); currently doing OJT for Personnel/Human Resources (42A) and a Colonel's executive assistant. Doesn't sound like much, but apparently we're a pretty high profile unit (Homeland Response Force), so maybe if I keep my smartass comments to a minimum around the bossman, I might actually get my E7 out of this assignment - assuming I don't submit my aviation warrant officer packet first. :lol:

DO IT!!!! Our avation program is over 125% strength right now, so no applications being taken...

[derf]

DO IT!!!! Our avation program is over 125% strength right now, so no applications being taken...

Everyone is overstrength, thats why they are implementing the selected reduction boards and changing service year caps

[Cutty72]

Everyone is overstrength, thats why they are implementing the selected reduction boards and changing service year caps

Not everyone. We are in desperate need of ADA warrants. If it weren't for the 52 week MOSQ, and then needing 5 years experience, I'd go for it.
Ah if only I had a 14 series MOS...

[derf]

Not everyone. We are in desperate need of ADA warrants. If it weren't for the 52 week MOSQ, and then needing 5 years experience, I'd go for it.
Ah if only I had a 14 series MOS...

The only enlisted MOS they are recruiting for currently is laundry and some other BS job, also most warrant jobs are full too. Not sure about Officer MOS, but I know that some of the more technical MOS are no activley recruiting either.

[Dave]

The only enlisted MOS they are recruiting for currently is laundry and some other BS job, also most warrant jobs are full too. Not sure about Officer MOS, but I know that some of the more technical MOS are no activley recruiting either.

tell me about it. theres been piss tests almost every drill

[derf]

tell me about it. theres been piss tests almost every drill

Im taking tge upl course next week. I am not happy but need extra duties cuz my packet goes to the e8 board in oct. But yeh my cdr already said that he has an order from higher mandating 25% monthly test vs the normal 10%

[wildchild]

The AF Reserves didn't see fit to send weapons with us when we deployed so when we went out in the field for training exercises etc, I asked if they would issue me one from the armory. .


so what you're telling us here is that not even your command structure trusts you guys with guns. LOL

I had a buddy who as AF on Fort Bragg. (They were flight control for choppers, not sure why they didn't house them on Pope Air Base). their barracks were like a hotel compared to ours. we did most of our partying there.

[racedoll]

All you Air Force people, what do you know about Operations Intelligence?

[Archren]

All you Air Force people, what do you know about Operations Intelligence?

I'm not even Air Force and can tell you it's an oxymoron. :lol: That's one constant in ALL services. :D

[Dave]

I'm not even Air Force and can tell you it's an oxymoron. :lol: That's one constant in ALL services. :D

Troof. I remember having a heated argument via sincgars with the s2 because they spotted my dismount patrol with a uav and reported them as enemy insurgents

[Archren]

Troof. I remember having a heated argument via sincgars with the s2 because they spotted my dismount patrol with a uav and reported them as enemy insurgents

That'll definitely make your butt pucker.

[wildchild]

I was told where to park for a rondevous once by a Captain. was driving his Jeep for him. he said park here I'll go see if I can see other vehicles.

next thing I heard was a huge impact. yeah he had parked me in a drop zone. less then 50 feet away 10,000 lbs of steel had landed. they were practicing dropping howitzers. then I got chewed out by the LZ captain for being there. I miss those days. LOL

[Trip]

government and intelligence are two things that do not combine. Like oil and water.

[Dave]

government and intelligence are two things that do not combine. Like oil and water.

Like ebbs and vagina

[caveman]

Joined the Army in June of '95. Right out of HS. I was sick of school and hearing my parents bitch at me about my grades and didn't think I would cut it in college so off to the Recruiting station I went.
I was a 35E ComSec and Radio Repairer. Worked on all things communications. Radios, teletypewriters, line telephones(the ones you crank to ring the next phone down the line), and all the things that is used to encrypt the signal. I also worked on, as crosstraining in my shop, on chemical agent detectors and alarms of all kinds.
I met my wife while I was stationed at Ft Bragg, NC. Went to Germany for three years and toured Europe while there. Also deployed to Bosnia at the end of that conflict. While in Germany my wife, who also was in as a personnel specialist, deployed to Saudi Arabia. Came back to the states to Ft Hood, Tx. Deployed from there to Kuwait, Ali al Saleem AB, and was there for the start of the current war there. Too hot and not fun. So, between the two of us, my wife and I, have 13.5 yrs active duty and 16 months of active deployed status.
I loved my time in the service and would never trade the experiences that I gained or the people I met for anything in the world. I am proud of serving and would gladly do it again if given the chance to go back even with the knowledge I have now.
Please, understand, though I appreciate it, I need no thanks. It was a choice I made freely and would do again. The soldiers, sailers, airmen and marines serving now deserve all the thanks. Its their ass thats still on the line upholding our beliefs and way of life. My thanks is when I see some one supporting or helping out some one thats still in today.

Thanks for asking and God Bless all who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice and are still serving today. God speed, my fellows.

[fatbuckRTO]

next thing I heard was a huge impact. yeah he had parked me in a drop zone. less then 50 feet away 10,000 lbs of steel had landed. they were practicing dropping howitzers. then I got chewed out by the LZ captain for being there. I miss those days. LOLWho is the lackluster-JM-drop DZ commander who doesn't notice a jeep parking in his zone? Or if he noticed, he didn't wave off the drop? Fail.

[Trip]

Like ebbs and vagina

lolz

[Cutty72]

The only enlisted MOS they are recruiting for currently is laundry and some other BS job, also most warrant jobs are full too. Not sure about Officer MOS, but I know that some of the more technical MOS are no activley recruiting either.

Sorry, refering to Guard. But yeah, they are definatly pretty full up on the enlisted side.

[tallywacker]

Warrant officers work their asses off in networking.

[ericr]

so what you're telling us here is that not even your command structure trusts you guys with guns. LOL

I had a buddy who as AF on Fort Bragg. (They were flight control for choppers, not sure why they didn't house them on Pope Air Base). their barracks were like a hotel compared to ours. we did most of our partying there.

:lol: No it wasn't that they didn't trust us, it was more "we want to be lazy and let the unit you're assigned to issue one when you get there" kinda deal. I could have gotten one issued at the unit armory but we were there before the shooting really started so I didn't really worry about it when the whole unit was out on a field exercise. I later had to do a night op with some of the radio guys in case they had a computer issue, there were only 10 of us and we ended up 7 miles from the Iraqi border, I wanted an M-4 then! We could see the flares and oil towers across the border from where we were that night.

Air Force usually has pretty good billeting for their people, we're spoiled :D

[Mikey]

All you Air Force people, what do you know about Operations Intelligence?

1N0? I'll PM you.

[No Worries]

Drafted into the Army from 1969-71. On the "wish list", I put down Military Police. I figured if I got that I could serve anywhere (not Vietnam). I got Armor Crewman (11E) and learned to drive a tank at Fort Knox.

In Vietnam, I was assigned to mechanized infantry and drove an armored personnel carrier (APC) with a flame thrower. Hot stuff. Do soldiers still name their vehicles? Mine was called "We Bring You Hell Fire". That's from the one-hit wonder in 1968 by "The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown". The lead APC was "Aardvark" and we had "Zippo", "Mud, Sweat, and Gears" and others. We were right by the Sea and had off every fourth Sunday with a party on the beach. It would have been great if we didn't have mortars coming into our base every night.

The draft got a lot of fit and misfits into service. I guess I was in the middle. But they offered me $10K to stay in the service, a lot of money at the time, but I wanted to be a scientist and went to college under the GI Bill. I've never seen a movie about the experiences I lived through, so I started writing a screenplay last year. I hope to finish it this year. Good luck to all those serving.

[Dave]

Drafted into the Army from 1969-71. On the "wish list", I put down Military Police. I figured if I got that I could serve anywhere (not Vietnam). I got Armor Crewman (11E) and learned to drive a tank at Fort Knox.

In Vietnam, I was assigned to mechanized infantry and drove an armored personnel carrier (APC) with a flame thrower. Hot stuff. Do soldiers still name their vehicles? Mine was called "We Bring You Hell Fire". That's from the one-hit wonder in 1968 by "The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown". The lead APC was "Aardvark" and we had "Zippo", "Mud, Sweat, and Gears" and others. We were right by the Sea and had off every fourth Sunday with a party on the beach. It would have been great if we didn't have mortars coming into our base every night.

The draft got a lot of fit and misfits into service. I guess I was in the middle. But they offered me $10K to stay in the service, a lot of money at the time, but I wanted to be a scientist and went to college under the GI Bill. I've never seen a movie about the experiences I lived through, so I started writing a screenplay last year. I hope to finish it this year. Good luck to all those serving.

tanks still get names, ive served on creeping death, hellraiser, honor and courage, and arrogant assholes (unofficial as they wouldnt let us paint it on the gun tube :lol:)

[racedoll]

1N0? I'll PM you.

Thank you.

[Mr Lefty]

intel? they're all geeks LOL better get to playing WOW ;)

[wildchild]

Who is the lackluster-JM-drop DZ commander who doesn't notice a jeep parking in his zone? Or if he noticed, he didn't wave off the drop? Fail.

well duh, the Jeep was camoflage. LOL

seriously it was a night drop, and lights out driving the Jeep, so no lights anywhere. no one else apparently was near enough to see the vehicle because of darkness.
outcome could have been much different but as it turned out we had a good laugh about it.

[Cutty72]

Warrant officers work their asses off in networking.

True story.