What have you always wante to ask someone in the Army?

[theycallmemang]

So Escapists, what would you like to know, if anything, about a soldier's life?

Have you ever fired two guns while jumping through the air?

I prefer to call it Olympic Longjump Shooting. No word as to whether or not it'll become a sport, but let's all cross our fingers.

How is it in Afghanistan? My cousin is going over there and I hope it isn't too awful for him.

Also, just want to say thank you.

Two words. Mental. Fortitude. Being away from home will hurt anyway, especially for that long. But it won't be the worst thing to ever happen to him, I can guarantee that.

Write him as often as you can, and then write him again. Tell EVERYONE you know to write him. Hell, start a topic on it here in the forums. That's what will get him through it.

EDIT: Removed previous troll-tastic comment.

What's it like when you're in the thick of it, not knowing whether the next bullet whizzing past you will put you or a friend down?

I suppose that I took it out of turn, for that I'll apologize. It weighs on a man to take life, it does, but in the situation handed to you you can't think that way. I wish it never had to come to that, but it does and it will again. That being said, I can't beat myself up over doing what I have to do. I just don't have that kind of luxury.

On that note, how do you guys go about de-humanising the enemy, stop thinking about them as people as such?

Really, you just can't think like that. On either questions. Combat is what it is, you just do what you're trained for. You can't take every firefight as a startling shock that puts you into a near-death trance where you evaluate your life. You'll never get through a day.

As for the second, I'm aware that they are living, breathing human beings with lives and possibly families. But when you shoot at me, I'm going to shoot right back. Chances are, however, I won't miss.

Also: Keep in mind that our medics even take care of THEM when the smoke clears. That's right, our medics save their lives too.

Hey. Im planning on joining the Military sometime, not exactly sure which branch but Im thinking Marines, But I want to be a Designated Marksman. How would I go about doing that if you know? Do I go through Boot Camp and ask, or just hope and pray that they might assign me?

I really wish I could help you with that, but I'm thinking that you get picked for it if you consistently shoot Expert on the range.

So if I understand your job with the grenade launcher correctly, you're this...

Is that an accurate portrayal of your experience with the grenade launcher?

Too. Damn. Funny.

 

[theycallmemang]

I wanted to ask, as I'm going into the Air Force in a few months, how bad is boot camp really? I'm a pretty pudgy guy, but I can run a mile and a half in 12:30, at the worst. (The AF standard). I'm a little worried about it, and I've heard both sides of the story, from horror stories of 20 mile full speed runs, to stories of eight mile slow jogs. Where in that spectrum was the Army? Cus I'm pretty sure the AF will be below that.

Don't worry about the physical side. You WILL get into shape, just never, ever skimp and try to get away with doing less. You'll get where you need to be and beyond. Worry only about getting where you need to be, when you need to be there, and wear the right uniform. The rest all falls into place.

See, to me that sounds like the type of non-answer I'd hear from a recruiter. "It'll all work out, try it for yourself."

I know I'm not cut out for military life (low tolerance for stress) but I'm still curious about the specifics of training. How many miles, how many pushups, how many hours a day; that type of stuff.

Well, I can't give specifics because in all reality, it changes from cycle to cycle. It'll be hard, but never too hard. I can't really say much otherwise, I just don't know the answer. Expect to run at LEAST 6 miles at a time before training is over, and you'll learn to love it. Expect to get 50 push ups as a punishment, but usually they just tell you to keep pushing until they feel you've had enough.

What's your perk setup?

I pretty much just go in handsome and it works out for me.

Do you ever get desensitized to killing someone, even if that person is obviously trying to kill either you or your friends?

Never. If you do, you need to talk to someone. I wouldn't want that kind of person in my squad.

What is your special Army nickname?

And if you don't have one there's something seriously wrong.

I haven't really hung onto one, but because of my copious tattoos and scar on my face, most of my ups called me "Psychopath." I guess I come off as the kind of guy that cuts up kids in abandoned camps.

What's the ratio of offensive vs. defensive combat? Mostly asking for your personal experience, what you were involved yourself in more, but interested on what you'd say is the overall too.

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 believe, like facial hair, it's something that differs not only per country but even per what branch of army you're in, they have very different regulations for that. But I'm not an expert, just some general knowledge of mine that could easily be wrong.

More often than not, it's defensive. Offense was key in the beginning assaults. Nowadays, the only offense you get is if you KNOW where they are EXACTLY, which is incredibly rare. I got to storm a few buildings, too. That was pretty cool, but so tense I couldn't sleep for a couple days. Nerves were shot.

I don't really have a specific question right now, I just wanted to say I admire you for taking the time of day to share your experiences with everyone here at the Escapist.

I'm not going to wax lyrical on the various takes on the wars America is involved in, but I will say I admire you for volunteering for the US Army and your candour about your experiences in it.

Stay safe.

No, sir, thank you.

One thing that i always wanted to know.
How does it feel to get shot ?

Well, I've been hit once in the back without armor. That sucked so bad I can't even explain it. Legs kinda gave out after I realized something was wrong. But I've been hit in the armor before and blown up a couple times. After every time, I can't help but laugh. I mean it's that profound laughter, daring the heavens to try again because obviously they just can't do it right.

I was rattled, but I couldn't stop laughing. Ached for a good long time, too. But I also knew a guy who kicked in a door and got LIT UP by a PKM immediately. 13 hits to the torso, turned out just fine. He's a Drill Sergeant now, actually. Funny guy, too.

 

[Vrach]

More often than not, it's defensive. Offense was key in the beginning assaults. Nowadays, the only offense you get is if you KNOW where they are EXACTLY, which is incredibly rare. I got to storm a few buildings, too. That was pretty cool, but so tense I couldn't sleep for a couple days. Nerves were shot.

That's what I gathered from your post as well. And the large part of why I asked, to the "technically murder" guys, pay very good attention to this, because it directly refutes a lot of your arguments - when under fire, returning fire is 100% morally justified, whatever way you wanna look at it. And to those saying "they make them into machines", note the difference in behavior, reaction and perception between defensive and offensive action.

Apologies to put you in third person there mate, but just felt it needed to be clarified, I'm not a huge army/war fan, but I don't like seeing people called out on something simply wrong. To you personally, I'd mirror the sentiment of many people here, it's good to see someone being and staying a good and solid human being under such circumstances and you have my respect for a lot of what you do.

Well, I've been hit once in the back without armor. That sucked so bad I can't even explain it. Legs kinda gave out after I realized something was wrong. But I've been hit in the armor before and blown up a couple times. After every time, I can't help but laugh. I mean it's that profound laughter, daring the heavens to try again because obviously they just can't do it right.

I reckon the laughter thing mostly comes from your training (in comparison to your enemy's) ie. the feeling of superiority ('is that the best you got?!' sort of thing ) as well as the your body/mind's way of celebrating you're still alive after the fact

Another question, how long until you're out of service? Might've said it before but I didn't see it.

 

[oxiclean]

Well, I've been hit once in the back without armor. That sucked so bad I can't even explain it. Legs kinda gave out after I realized something was wrong. But I've been hit in the armor before and blown up a couple times. After every time, I can't help but laugh. I mean it's that profound laughter, daring the heavens to try again because obviously they just can't do it right.

I was rattled, but I couldn't stop laughing. Ached for a good long time, too. But I also knew a guy who kicked in a door and got LIT UP by a PKM immediately. 13 hits to the torso, turned out just fine. He's a Drill Sergeant now, actually. Funny guy, too.

Wow, you must have one hell of a tolerance to pain where laughter comes up before screaming in agony. Is that common for most people or just something you do?

Also, i forgot to mention it in my last question, but thanks. I'm glad we have Brave people over there (such as yourself) fighting for the rest of us to rest easy.

 

[theycallmemang]

More often than not, it's defensive. Offense was key in the beginning assaults. Nowadays, the only offense you get is if you KNOW where they are EXACTLY, which is incredibly rare. I got to storm a few buildings, too. That was pretty cool, but so tense I couldn't sleep for a couple days. Nerves were shot.

That's what I gathered from your post as well. And the large part of why I asked, to the "technically murder" guys, pay very good attention to this, because it directly refutes a lot of your arguments - when under fire, returning fire is 100% morally justified, whatever way you wanna look at it. And to those saying "they make them into machines", note the difference in behavior, reaction and perception between defensive and offensive action.

Apologies to put you in third person there mate, but just felt it needed to be clarified, I'm not a huge army/war fan, but I don't like seeing people called out on something simply wrong. To you personally, I'd mirror the sentiment of many people here, it's good to see someone being and staying a good and solid human being under such circumstances and you have my respect for a lot of what you do.

Well, I've been hit once in the back without armor. That sucked so bad I can't even explain it. Legs kinda gave out after I realized something was wrong. But I've been hit in the armor before and blown up a couple times. After every time, I can't help but laugh. I mean it's that profound laughter, daring the heavens to try again because obviously they just can't do it right.

I reckon the laughter thing mostly comes from your training (in comparison to your enemy's) ie. the feeling of superiority ('is that the best you got?!' sort of thing ) as well as the your body/mind's way of celebrating you're still alive after the fact

Another question, how long until you're out of service? Might've said it before but I didn't see it.

Well thanks for the honest appreciation. The Army doesn't identify who I am, I am still myself. Just with a very, very hard job. Comes with a lot of strange things, strange paths of thought that are very, VERY hard to explain in full. But I like to try.

I got a few more years to go yet, but I think I've lived a good long career so far. I'm not so worried about it. Maybe when it's all done and over with I'll go back to England for a while.

Well, I've been hit once in the back without armor. That sucked so bad I can't even explain it. Legs kinda gave out after I realized something was wrong. But I've been hit in the armor before and blown up a couple times. After every time, I can't help but laugh. I mean it's that profound laughter, daring the heavens to try again because obviously they just can't do it right.

I was rattled, but I couldn't stop laughing. Ached for a good long time, too. But I also knew a guy who kicked in a door and got LIT UP by a PKM immediately. 13 hits to the torso, turned out just fine. He's a Drill Sergeant now, actually. Funny guy, too.

Wow, you must have one hell of a tolerance to pain where laughter comes up before screaming in agony. Is that common for most people or just something you do?

Also, i forgot to mention it in my last question, but thanks. I'm glad we have Brave people over there (such as yourself) fighting for the rest of us to rest easy.

Well it's a lot of things. Vrach made a few good points. I think I laughed mostly because I was just happy as all hell that I was still alive. Best thing in life is laughing, I feel.

Pretty keen on this honey whiskey, too.

 

[Wyes]

Do you think that people playing 'realistic' military games like CoD and Battlefield encourages them to join the military, and if it gives them unrealistic expectations? Do you know anybody who you could say only signed up because of their video game experiences?


On a much less serious note; have you ever worked with any Aussies? I realise our military presence is tiny =P

 

[Crazyfear]

Hmmm, I have a few questions as I'm going to be joining either the RAF or the Navy when I reach the age of 18 (to avoid the "cinderella" rule and im sure you've heard of that), but mostly my questions will be about the start and basic training...

What was your main worry during basic training? Fitness/Eating/Socialising/etc

What is the food like there and do you have a large or small selection in the mess hall? This is what I am most dreading as I am quite the fussy eater (but will definitly be attempting to overcome it all when I go) Also, in your opinion, are the ration packs tasty? ^.^

Do you have any other familly members in the millitary or were you the first? (My dad was in the Navy and my brother is in it too, great as they help give me pointers)

One last one, how are the people you work with? My brother says that pretty much all of them are good people and just wondering if that's the same in most other places.

And nice Duke Nukem reference

 

[swolf]

I've been in the US Army for almost two years now, long loved the Escapist forums but never really posted much. I was curious, Escapists, if you were curious about what it's like to be in the armed forces.

MY JOB: (initiate obnoxious Medal of Honor trumpet wail) I am a 19 Delta, otherwise knows as a Cavalry Scout. Yes, we still get the wear the hats you see in Civil War movies, they're called Cavalry Stetsons. No, we don't wear them to battle... as awesome as that would be...

I go in front of the main element of whatever kind of force I roll with in simple HumVees, somewhat rickety Bradly tanks, or the surprisingly comfortable Stryker assault platforms. All of which are fun for me, because I'm the gunner. I either rock the M2 .50 cal machine gun or the mind-blowing penis-expanding Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher. I observe enemy movement, then either move in and take care of the business or call some serious explosions down from heaven that you see on Youtube with creed or ACDC playing in the background. (for the record, I hate those videos)

So Escapists, what would you like to know, if anything, about a soldier's life?

Always good to see another soldier on here. I used to be in as a Health Care Specialist "Combat Medic" (68W). Also, here's a heads-up, there are some people who diss the military on here and say things like "you're all just brutal thugs". It's annoying.

 

[theycallmemang]

Do you think that people playing 'realistic' military games like CoD and Battlefield encourages them to join the military, and if it gives them unrealistic expectations? Do you know anybody who you could say only signed up because of their video game experiences?


On a much less serious note; have you ever worked with any Aussies? I realise our military presence is tiny =P

I have to say, I don't really enjoy the new Call of Duty games. The move into the modern era was a good idea, but it just doesn't have the same visceral ring as the WWII games. Maybe because those battles actually happened, not sure.

But I do know many who play them religiously. But most can't say that they felt more inclined after playing them. I mean, the depiction is insane. I've been in some pretty hair firefights, but Call of Duty is, above all, a video game. It's over the top, and frankly I'd never join if it was really like that. Ever. And you'd be insane to even think otherwise.

No, I never got to talk to any, but I did see them once. I wanted to talk but I was speeding by. So I threw a wave and got one back. I hear they're keeping busy over there, though.

 

[theycallmemang]

Hmmm, I have a few questions as I'm going to be joining either the RAF or the Navy when I reach the age of 18 (to avoid the "cinderella" rule and im sure you've heard of that), but mostly my questions will be about the start and basic training...

What was your main worry during basic training? Fitness/Eating/Socialising/etc

What is the food like there and do you have a large or small selection in the mess hall? This is what I am most dreading as I am quite the fussy eater (but will definitly be attempting to overcome it all when I go) Also, in your opinion, are the ration packs tasty? ^.^

Do you have any other familly members in the millitary or were you the first? (My dad was in the Navy and my brother is in it too, great as they help give me pointers)

One last one, how are the people you work with? My brother says that pretty much all of them are good people and just wondering if that's the same in most other places.

And nice Duke Nukem reference

Basic was a basket of crazy shit. My main worry was not messing anything up. I never wanted to stick out, but I did. I hate to brag, but I did very, very well in my drills. Except the running, I've smoked for far too long. Didn't miss it while I was gone, though.

The chow was great, but then again I was in Kentucky, where people apparently put gravy on their gravy. That wasn't a typo. There was so much gravy. Don't worry about being a fussy eater, you'll eat anything you get. I'm not sure how they'll do it for you over there, but we weren't allowed to speak or look around during chow time. Just... don't.

My grandfather was in Vietnam for three tours by choice. That guy chews nails and farts rainbows out of them, as if to say "That was delicious, may I have some more, you greasy twat?" His dad and all before him were in the service all the way back to when we were in Ireland.

The people? It's hit and miss, like any job. But at the end of the day, whether you like them or not, you'll die for them. And you know that they'd die for you. I don't know how else I can explain that.

I've been in the US Army for almost two years now, long loved the Escapist forums but never really posted much. I was curious, Escapists, if you were curious about what it's like to be in the armed forces.

MY JOB: (initiate obnoxious Medal of Honor trumpet wail) I am a 19 Delta, otherwise knows as a Cavalry Scout. Yes, we still get the wear the hats you see in Civil War movies, they're called Cavalry Stetsons. No, we don't wear them to battle... as awesome as that would be...

I go in front of the main element of whatever kind of force I roll with in simple HumVees, somewhat rickety Bradly tanks, or the surprisingly comfortable Stryker assault platforms. All of which are fun for me, because I'm the gunner. I either rock the M2 .50 cal machine gun or the mind-blowing penis-expanding Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher. I observe enemy movement, then either move in and take care of the business or call some serious explosions down from heaven that you see on Youtube with creed or ACDC playing in the background. (for the record, I hate those videos)

So Escapists, what would you like to know, if anything, about a soldier's life?

Always good to see another soldier on here. I used to be in as a Health Care Specialist "Combat Medic" (68W). Also, here's a heads-up, there are some people who diss the military on here and say things like "you're all just brutal thugs". It's annoying.

Hooah to you, friend. You guys are everyone's best friends. And as for the jerks, well, I politely remind them that I volunteered for what they would have been drafted to do.

 

[swolf]

I wanted to ask, as I'm going into the Air Force in a few months, how bad is boot camp really? I'm a pretty pudgy guy, but I can run a mile and a half in 12:30, at the worst. (The AF standard). I'm a little worried about it, and I've heard both sides of the story, from horror stories of 20 mile full speed runs, to stories of eight mile slow jogs. Where in that spectrum was the Army? Cus I'm pretty sure the AF will be below that.

Don't worry about the physical side. You WILL get into shape, just never, ever skimp and try to get away with doing less. You'll get where you need to be and beyond. Worry only about getting where you need to be, when you need to be there, and wear the right uniform. The rest all falls into place.

See, to me that sounds like the type of non-answer I'd hear from a recruiter. "It'll all work out, try it for yourself."

I know I'm not cut out for military life (low tolerance for stress) but I'm still curious about the specifics of training. How many miles, how many pushups, how many hours a day; that type of stuff.

All right, I can help you out there. Which branch do you plan to enlist in to? If you want to enlist in the U.S. Army, the website is http://www.apft-standards.com/. To graduate BCT (Boot Camp) you need a minimum score of 50 pts in each event (a minimum of 60 pts to graduate AIT/OSUT.). I would list the minimum scores for the other branches but I want to call some people (my uncle used to be Navy, I've got a friend of a friend in the Air Force, my bro in law was in the USMC, and I used to be in the U.S. Army). Though, honestly, if you're not up-to-par, the training will get you there. Though I recommend being as physically fit as you can before enlisting before you will be less likely to get injured. I hope that helps.

Um, other info...well, soldiers in BCT rappel off a tower, hike up and down hills while carrying many pounds of weight (distances are 5K, 10K, and 15K). In AIT, they do excercises specific to the MOS. For example, as a Medic, you have to carry a patient. I've heard that mechanics have to carry vehicle parts for long distances. What else would you like to know?

 

[swolf]

Snip.

Hey, I saw that you went through training in KY, I used to live in Radcliff so I've got to ask if you went to Ft. Knox? If so, would you mind telling them to not fire all the tanks and cannons all the time (LOL)? While I was living there, it scared my girlfriend who wasn't used to living near bases.

When I went through training, our DS reinforced how doorways and windows are "fatal funnels" so, from that day on, anytime somebody stood in a doorway, they would get kicked through it. I remember on guy who was skinny getting kicked and went flying for about 6 ft. What's a funny story from your training?

 

[KaiRai]

Have you shot the British SA80? And what's your opinion of it in comparison to the M4?

Also, do you agree that firefights in Afghanistan are too long ranged for the 5.56mm round to cope with? And do you think the switch the UK is making to a heavier 7.62mm slug is a viable option, giving that they reduced the round for shorter ranges in places like Vietnam and Ireland?

Sorry if that seems like a lot

 

[swolf]

One thing that i always wanted to know.
How does it feel to get shot ?

I knew a friend who had been shot who described it as the feeling of being hit with a sledgehammer, then stabbed, and then burned all in the same spot and all at the same time.

 

[theycallmemang]

Snip.

Hey, I saw that you went through training in KY, I used to live in Radcliff so I've got to ask if you went to Ft. Knox? If so, would you mind telling them to not fire all the tanks and cannons all the time (LOL)? While I was living there, it scared my girlfriend who wasn't used to living near bases.

When I went through training, our DS reinforced how doorways and windows are "fatal funnels" so, from that day on, anytime somebody stood in a doorway, they would get kicked through it. I remember on guy who was skinny getting kicked and went flying for about 6 ft. What's a funny story from your training?

That's pretty funny. One time, we had a kid who wouldn't stop firing on the range. Just burst fired as he felt like. Wouldn't listen to anything. So, like any good private, he realizes he's getting singled out like crazy. So, he takes apart his weapon really fast, throws it down, stands up and throws up his hands.

At the last second he hears a DS go, "HEY PRIVE!" He turns, and then BLAM. DS double kicked him in the chest. Probably leaped a good six feet. A chorus of "OHHHHH SNAP!" from the rest of the range. It was hilarious.

Have you shot the British SA80? And what's your opinion of it in comparison to the M4?

Also, do you agree that firefights in Afghanistan are too long ranged for the 5.56mm round to cope with? And do you think the switch the UK is making to a heavier 7.62mm slug is a viable option, giving that they reduced the round for shorter ranges in places like Vietnam and Ireland?

Sorry if that seems like a lot

I've never really had an issue with range. Given, I'm usually on a grenade launcher or a .50 cal, so that's no big deal. I'm definitely not a gunsmith, though I might reclass into one =P I've never got to fire the SA80, but I'd take a slap to the balls to try it.

One thing that i always wanted to know.
How does it feel to get shot ?

I knew a friend who had been shot who described it as the feeling of being hit with a sledgehammer, then stabbed, and then burned all in the same spot and all at the same time.

I think that pretty much hits the nail on the head, right there.

 

[vento 231]

I've been in the US Army for almost two years now, long loved the Escapist forums but never really posted much. I was curious, Escapists, if you were curious about what it's like to be in the armed forces.

MY JOB: (initiate obnoxious Medal of Honor trumpet wail) I am a 19 Delta, otherwise knows as a Cavalry Scout. Yes, we still get the wear the hats you see in Civil War movies, they're called Cavalry Stetsons. No, we don't wear them to battle... as awesome as that would be...

I go in front of the main element of whatever kind of force I roll with in simple HumVees, somewhat rickety Bradly tanks, or the surprisingly comfortable Stryker assault platforms. All of which are fun for me, because I'm the gunner. I either rock the M2 .50 cal machine gun or the mind-blowing penis-expanding Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher. I observe enemy movement, then either move in and take care of the business or call some serious explosions down from heaven that you see on Youtube with creed or ACDC playing in the background. (for the record, I hate those videos)

So Escapists, what would you like to know, if anything, about a soldier's life?

Say you were out numbered in a house with three un armed individuals, and they attacked you, is it true you cannot shoot them, after all you are out numbered and they are threatening your life, I think you should be allowed to, but I've heard otherwise.

 

[theycallmemang]

I've been in the US Army for almost two years now, long loved the Escapist forums but never really posted much. I was curious, Escapists, if you were curious about what it's like to be in the armed forces.

MY JOB: (initiate obnoxious Medal of Honor trumpet wail) I am a 19 Delta, otherwise knows as a Cavalry Scout. Yes, we still get the wear the hats you see in Civil War movies, they're called Cavalry Stetsons. No, we don't wear them to battle... as awesome as that would be...

I go in front of the main element of whatever kind of force I roll with in simple HumVees, somewhat rickety Bradly tanks, or the surprisingly comfortable Stryker assault platforms. All of which are fun for me, because I'm the gunner. I either rock the M2 .50 cal machine gun or the mind-blowing penis-expanding Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher. I observe enemy movement, then either move in and take care of the business or call some serious explosions down from heaven that you see on Youtube with creed or ACDC playing in the background. (for the record, I hate those videos)

So Escapists, what would you like to know, if anything, about a soldier's life?

Say you were out numbered in a house with three un armed individuals, and they attacked you, is it true you cannot shoot them, after all you are out numbered and they are threatening your life, I think you should be allowed to, but I've heard otherwise.

Well, it's hairy there. In all reality, in full armor, you can take them. A headbutt with a helmet is crushing and horrible. You weigh so much, slam into them. I've never had a problem in a fisticuffs under those circumstances.

 

[Del-Toro]

Officially, none. Unofficially? Sometimes paperwork gets muddled and you might get something to give your kid when you get back. Definitely not a weapon, though. Sigh.

Not even your service pistol? I don't know why but I thought soldiers always got to keep those.

 

[Littlee300]

So if I understand your job with the grenade launcher correctly, you're this...

Is that an accurate portrayal of your experience with the grenade launcher?

Well everyone near him would have to be a enemy, hostage or a complete idiot to not to run from the gun fight.
________________________________
Could you elaborate on your cultural shock episode and have you ever heard of orders coming from superiours that are like "Kill a guy who looks like a known terriost but we are not sure if it is him."

 

[shadow741]

A question related to my other one: How many confirmed kills do you have? Also, how experienced are the afghans?
Edit: I thought of a few more. Have you ever been giving the orders out? If so, then what does that feel like? What rank are you? What do you have to do to get promoted?