Harkonnen64 said:
What are the fringe benefits after leaving the army? (aside from the VA hospitals, if those can even be called a benefit; my dad takes me there sometimes and noone there seems to know what they're doing or even care to know)
There's so many to name and I barely know a thing about them. I do know that you can get some CRAZY awesome loans on houses, and yeah I've had some issues on paperwork and people not know anything about anything. Even the Army isn't safe from that.
Superfly CJ said:
theycallmemang said:
I don't call it murder if he tried to kill me and messed it up. Difference between us is that I rarely miss. Would you consider it murder to take out a man who tried to take you out first? Or your best friends? What if that same person is the man you've been tracking ever since you found the kids with bombs strapped to them, and they tearfully confess to your translator that it was that very man who did the strapping?
Hell, I would have beat the guy to death for that. I just didn't get the chance to get close enough.
I would give the dictionary definition of murder, but I wouldn't want to patronise you. Case taken, however, you've still murdered others. Killed.
Exterminated. Dress it however you like, but lives have been taken on your command.
I'm sorry, but this mental conditioning is the main reason why I'll never join any armed force. Surely, at some level, you realise that you're being engineered into a weapon- nothing but a tool for your superiors to use. This is present in all jobs, i'm sure, but theres a difference between being a slave to a corporation; writing and organising what they tell you to- and being a slave to an institution that, at heart, makes its money and takes pride in methods of killing; murdering and destroying what they tell you to.
My own moral predeterminations aside, however, i'm aware that we don't live in a world filled with unicorns and rainbows. 'It's a dirty job...' and all that, i'm just worried that i've never seen a single soldier question their own conduct, or even approach it with an ounce of responsibility. I know someone who works in the Ministry of Defense, and she constantly remarks on how eerie it is to see people so conditioned into accepting what they're told.
The society you fight to uphold is based on objective thinking- I just find it ironic that the majority of the footsoldiers can't practice it.
All said, however, I have a great respect for what you do, and (maybe not so much) your right to do it. It'd be interesting to see how you progress, and if you still hold the same views in ten years time.
As much as one would think that I would take offense this kind of remark, I cannot. You're very right on several levels. We are quite conditioned, but don't think for one second we don't have out own views. I am a man quite capable of my own judgment.
However, to say that we are slaves is unfair. An army cannot function without a chain of command, or it will fall apart. If we were able to just say "Nope," we'd never get anything done.
But I respect your point of view, for sure.
steevee said:
Honestly. What's your opinion of the UK Army?
The guys from the British Army I've met have a pretty high opinion of most of you guys. Though there's a lot of rivalry between our two countries respective Marines from what I hear.
And between Delta and the SAS, but that's a bit different I geuss
Oh, also. Is there any kit from another Nationalitys Army you wish you had? And what is your favorite bit of kit?
I have a PROFOUND respect for the UK's armed forces. I'm glad to hear they feel the same, and it's good that we can work so well together. Some of my squad mates were surprised to know that I could understand them when they spoke, hahaha.
I love Canada's camo. It's a whole lot more functional that ours, I feel. But it's free for me to wear, so I can't complain. As for my kit? I love our MOLLE 2 ruck sacks. They're actually pretty comfortable.
Nannernade said:
Has your gun ever jammed in a very crucial moment of combat? If so how did you react? And did it you unjam it in time to get back into the heart of the action?
That's the beauty of the M4. If you take care of it, it takes care of you. I'm OCD about cleaning it, pretty much. Never had an issue besides the occasional double feed. Slam it back, get back into the fray.
Twistur said:
I have a question: How old were you when you signed up?
Because I want to sign up for the Dutch Airforce next year, when I'm 18(and a half).
I was twenty when I joined. I actually celebrated my 21st birthday in the tear gas chamber. Go me.
WhiteFangofWar said:
Do the Boot Camp Sargeants actually open up on the fresh recruits with the usual "You are the most pitiful, sniveling, pant-wetting bunch of mommies' boys I have ever seen" shtick, or something along those lines? Or does that not work anymore?
I cannot stress enough how terrifying these people are. You'd like to think that you're tough as hell, and I come from a rough background, but you'll never be prepared. They'll find out what makes you fall apart, and they'll blow that shit wide open.
Day one of basic, we got what's referred to as, "The Shark Attack." Even Drill Sergeants from other troops came to rip us up. Not JUST because it's hilarious to them (and it really is), but because they want you so shocked and scared that you're about to break down.
It works. They are professionals to the end.
Ironic Pirate said:
This going to sound really weird, but in movies, when people are given orders, the orders tend to be kind of vague, and it just seems prone to miscommunication, as the person giving the orders tends to kind of walk off, without getting them any transportation, but then they end up getting there in tanks...
Anyway, the question is, in movies orders are very short and to the point, are they more elaborate in real life? I've always figured they just A) didn't want to have a twenty minute mission briefing in a 90 minute movie, and B) they don't want to give away the whole plan to the audience, but is that how it really is? Sorry if this is too weird, but it's always bothered me.
We get them on paper usually, then interpret and get the chance to ask whatever we need. Usually. Otherwise you pretty much know what you're doing anyway, no need to beat a dead horse. "Head to grid (insert map area) and patrol. Weapons are free, expect contact." Is more than enough to tell me what I'm going to be doing. That's what we're trained for, after all.
Blazing Steel said:
Do all men have to have their hair shaved down to a number 1? Just something I've always ment to ask someone who's in the armed forces.
I prefer it that way, but we don't have to. It's much more comfortable in a helmet. In basic, you don't get a choice. But we have a lot of regulations when it comes to hair style and length.
shadow741 said:
How long did it take to get your first confirmed kill?
Three weeks in country.
