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

[The_ModeRazor]

Okay, this has been killing me my WHOLE life:

Whats it like to kill a man

Yeah, that's pretty much mine too. But it's been answered (and I kind of expected this answer) so here's another one:

How do you adjust to what you have to do in your job? Is it "just following orders", or do you have some sort of moral compass?

 

[Shockolate]

Do you use Cold blooded or Stopping power?

I enjoy mocking my friend (who's in the army) with such questions.

It's all in good fun though.

 

[MercenaryCanary]

What's the general intelligence of the soldiers, because I very recently got back from a Summer Leadership School for JROTC, and... to to put it simply, they seemed to be very lacking.

Also, you seem to be a pretty cool guy. I hope you come out of everything on top.

 

[TheBoulder]

What gear(if any) do you get to keep to yourself indefinitely? Also, do you choose what kind of weapon you use, and do you get to keep that weapon(or have it reserved)?

 

[Penguinness]

Okay, this has been killing me my WHOLE life:

Whats it like to kill a man

Yeah, that's pretty much mine too. But it's been answered (and I kind of expected this answer) so here's another one:

How do you adjust to what you have to do in your job? Is it "just following orders", or do you have some sort of moral compass?

I could imagine that "killing a man" is one less gun shooting at you... so relief?

 

[theycallmemang]

Alright then, so I gather having a translator is not something that is mandatory?

We always had one, I can't speak for all troops, though. (OR companies, for those who aren't in the cavalry)

Ok thanks, I have a few more questions, bare with me here.

How often do you actually get to shower? (Just out of curiosity, I value hygiene a lot)

I hate to sound sadistic but due to my own ignorance perpetuated by there being at least one in every war movie/game; how often do you see a soldier essentially break?
crack, has seen to much action and has to be removed from it?


How often, if ever do you work directly with another countires military? and what are the general feelings from one country to the other?[/quote]

There were times when I went a few weeks without one, but I'd have the wet-naps from an MRE (which are pretty tasty) to wash the essentials.

I've seen some break, I got pretty close myself once. I'm not above admitting it. One time it was rough enough that I'll not describe it here, but it ended with us having to tackle him and hold him down for a solid twenty minutes. But as for the movies and what not, where there's always someone taking off their helmet and screaming or breaking down.... well, you'll have that. Usually it's never so dramatic. Usually they themselves recover VERY quickly and laugh it off. We've got a job to do, and we want to get it done.

As for other forces, I didn't see many. There was a couple times where I got to interact with some very funny and eager chaps from the UK. That was a good night. They had some beers, we managed to catch some game. We're not doing anything particularly important... cook out? I think we could all use one.

Come to think of it, I haven't laughed as hard as I did that night for some time.

What is your impression of the native people you meet in their country? Even if one doesn't know their language, I guess...

As a side note, I'd just like you to know that people like you have my gratitude for having the guts to go and do the dirty work. Sure, I have my personal qualms about war and all, but I realize that every country needs a strong military in order to survive and thrive. Lol-if it wasn't for you guys keepin' volunteer-based, I'd have committed suicide by now when ushered into the army

A lot of them are shy, don't want to talk. Others are grateful and get RIGHT IN YOUR PERSONAL SPACE to say so. Then, of course, you get the ones that shoot at you. All in all, they're good people. They strive for a better nation. I can't say I harbor ill will towards them.

 

[Eldarion]

I turned 18 recently, I can join the armed forces. Would you suggest someone my age signing up? What is the experience like for the younger recruits?

 

[Panda Mania]

Hehe. Personal Space Invaders. "HELLO I'D JUST LIKE TO THANK YOU--" *blinks, backs away*

 

[Guitar Gamer]

Alright then, so I gather having a translator is not something that is mandatory?

We always had one, I can't speak for all troops, though. (OR companies, for those who aren't in the cavalry)

Ok thanks, I have a few more questions, bare with me here.

How often do you actually get to shower? (Just out of curiosity, I value hygiene a lot)

I hate to sound sadistic but due to my own ignorance perpetuated by there being at least one in every war movie/game; how often do you see a soldier essentially break?
crack, has seen to much action and has to be removed from it?


How often, if ever do you work directly with another countires military? and what are the general feelings from one country to the other?

There were times when I went a few weeks without one, but I'd have the wet-naps from an MRE (which are pretty tasty) to wash the essentials.

I've seen some break, I got pretty close myself once. I'm not above admitting it. One time it was rough enough that I'll not describe it here, but it ended with us having to tackle him and hold him down for a solid twenty minutes. But as for the movies and what not, where there's always someone taking off their helmet and screaming or breaking down.... well, you'll have that. Usually it's never so dramatic. Usually they themselves recover VERY quickly and laugh it off. We've got a job to do, and we want to get it done.

As for other forces, I didn't see many. There was a couple times where I got to interact with some very funny and eager chaps from the UK. That was a good night. They had some beers, we managed to catch some game. We're not doing anything particularly important... cook out? I think we could all use one.

Come to think of it, I haven't laughed as hard as I did that night for some time.

[/quote]
Alright thank you for your time, and for lack of better words; fighting the good fight.

 

[theycallmemang]

Friend i'm sorry if this offends you but.What if you get K.I.A.?How would we discover cause you seem like an awesome guy.

I don't know. Hopefully it's epic enough that I get my own CNN special. "Private Mang: Found KIA after saving six thousand orphans. Nuns and babies also suspected to be involved." I think that might do. Maybe. Or I'll battle Bruce Campbell to the death for rights to his chin.

Do you use Cold blooded or Stopping power?

I enjoy mocking my friend (who's in the army) with such questions.

It's all in good fun though.

Stopping Power. Hit 'em once and walk away. I always tell people that's how we climb the chain of promotion in the army. "That guy jumped and got two headshots with his M9? MAKE HIM SERGEANT BY GOD! AND DO IT QUICKLY!"

What's the general intelligence of the soldiers, because I very recently got back from a Summer Leadership School for JROTC, and... to to put it simply, they seemed to be very lacking.

Also, you seem to be a pretty cool guy. I hope you come out of everything on top.

Thanks! And as for others... eehhh. I met some serious rock heads in basic and even in ROTC. But luckily, these people often get recognized for what they are. Some people just made me want to slam my face against a wall to find a way to get through to them.

What gear(if any) do you get to keep to yourself indefinitely? Also, do you choose what kind of weapon you use, and do you get to keep that weapon(or have it reserved)?

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.

Okay, this has been killing me my WHOLE life:

Whats it like to kill a man

Yeah, that's pretty much mine too. But it's been answered (and I kind of expected this answer) so here's another one:

How do you adjust to what you have to do in your job? Is it "just following orders", or do you have some sort of moral compass?

I could imagine that "killing a man" is one less gun shooting at you... so relief?

I could say that I never got sleep for it, but I'd be lying. In a choice between you and them, who would you pick?

 

[theycallmemang]

I turned 18 recently, I can join the armed forces. Would you suggest someone my age signing up? What is the experience like for the younger recruits?

I'd say that if you want something to do that's bigger than yourself, go for it. Younger isn't a bad thing, but you do have rougher standards for your PT tests. I'd recommend getting out and living a little before signing your life away.

 

[emeraldrafael]

How traumatizing is it to know you;re purposely murdering someone?
->follow up: How soon (if ever) do you get used to it and what helps to get used to it?

Thats really one of the few things i just could never really do so i dont think i would ever be good in the army.

 

[snowman6251]

How often do you get to come home (vacation time I guess) and how long do you have to serve before you can resign for good?

 

[Harkonnen64]

What made you sign up in the first place? National pride? Fear of terrorism?

I wanted to start a family right and with enough capitol to really establish a home. As for terrorism, I've never been scared to fly, if that tells you anything.

In all reality, I wanted to get up off my ass and do something with myself. The sense of pride and confidence I got in myself after 16 weeks of training alone was amazing. I went from cookie dough to iron in will and body. I think that alone was worth it.

Huh huh. It's for some people, but I highly doubt it'd suit me. ^_^ Well as long as you enjoy it that's the main thing.

Well, it really isn't for everyone. That's where I have to get somewhat steamed at people who throw things at me when I'm in uniform and shout, "Baby killer!" out of the security of their speeding car. Yes, that's happened. Yes, more than once.


I have to remind them that I volunteered to do what they might have been drafted to do.

So say you attacked someone who did this and word got back to your CO, what would the typical reprimand be?

 

[Eldarion]

I turned 18 recently, I can join the armed forces. Would you suggest someone my age signing up? What is the experience like for the younger recruits?

I'd say that if you want something to do that's bigger than yourself, go for it. Younger isn't a bad thing, but you do have rougher standards for your PT tests. I'd recommend getting out and living a little before signing your life away.

Thats the thing really, I live in a very small town with no job opportunities and crap economy. I want to get a job and move out of my parents house ASAP but I don't see that happening soon as long as I live here.

I have lived on or near navy bases for most of my life cause my dad was in the Navy (submarine helmsmen, by the way) so military service is in my childhood anyway. Have lots of other family in the military or ex military too. Parents keep encouraging me to sign up.

What do you think?

 

[Slaanax]

I turned 18 recently, I can join the armed forces. Would you suggest someone my age signing up? What is the experience like for the younger recruits?

I'd say that if you want something to do that's bigger than yourself, go for it. Younger isn't a bad thing, but you do have rougher standards for your PT tests. I'd recommend getting out and living a little before signing your life away.

Thats the thing really, I live in a very small town with no job opportunities and crap economy. I want to get a job and move out of my parents house ASAP but I don't see that happening soon as long as I live here.

I have lived on or near navy bases for most of my life cause my dad was in the Navy (submarine helmsmen, by the way) so military service is in my childhood anyway. Have lots of other family in the military or ex military too. Parents keep encouraging me to sign up.

What do you think?

I wish I didn't sign up when I was 18, but I wasn't in a good state of mind at the time. I only signed up for the national guard too.

 

[theycallmemang]

How traumatizing is it to know you;re purposely murdering someone?
->follow up: How soon (if ever) do you get used to it and what helps to get used to it?

Thats really one of the few things i just could never really do so i dont think i would ever be good in the army.

I can't help but take offense to this. You might not have meant it to, but it just gets me.

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.

How often do you get to come home (vacation time I guess) and how long do you have to serve before you can resign for good?

It depends on many things. Where you are, what you're doing, what resources are available. Time in service depends on the contract you sign. Common is three years, I chose six.

What made you sign up in the first place? National pride? Fear of terrorism?

I wanted to start a family right and with enough capitol to really establish a home. As for terrorism, I've never been scared to fly, if that tells you anything.

In all reality, I wanted to get up off my ass and do something with myself. The sense of pride and confidence I got in myself after 16 weeks of training alone was amazing. I went from cookie dough to iron in will and body. I think that alone was worth it.

Huh huh. It's for some people, but I highly doubt it'd suit me. ^_^ Well as long as you enjoy it that's the main thing.

Well, it really isn't for everyone. That's where I have to get somewhat steamed at people who throw things at me when I'm in uniform and shout, "Baby killer!" out of the security of their speeding car. Yes, that's happened. Yes, more than once.


I have to remind them that I volunteered to do what they might have been drafted to do.

So say you attacked someone who did this and word got back to your CO, what would the typical reprimand be?

Prison. No question about it.

I turned 18 recently, I can join the armed forces. Would you suggest someone my age signing up? What is the experience like for the younger recruits?

I'd say that if you want something to do that's bigger than yourself, go for it. Younger isn't a bad thing, but you do have rougher standards for your PT tests. I'd recommend getting out and living a little before signing your life away.

Thats the thing really, I live in a very small town with no job opportunities and crap economy. I want to get a job and move out of my parents house ASAP but I don't see that happening soon as long as I live here.

I have lived on or near navy bases for most of my life cause my dad was in the Navy (submarine helmsmen, by the way) so military service is in my childhood anyway. Have lots of other family in the military or ex military too. Parents keep encouraging me to sign up.

What do you think?

Ask yourself, man. Do you want to do it? Do YOU think it'll be a good thing for you? If yes, then do it. See where it takes you.

Just know, it won't be easy.

 

[SadakoMoose]

Hey there, what's up man?
I've had plenty of military friends, myself, ranging from 2nd Infantry to Force Recon. Heck, my father was a machinist in the Navy.
Anyway, so far have you had any experiences with PMC's? If so, what are they like to deal with?
Also, would you prefer something like an FN SCAR or an HK G3 instead of the M16? I've heard good things about both.
Oh, and while we're at it, how are that MRE's these days?

 

[Cewebwalz]

Quick question here. Is there any racism against the Afghani's over there? I've heard stories of Neo-Nazis in the military, but how bad is it really?

 

[Breaker deGodot]

Is it really as much of a clusterfuck in the Middle East as they say, or is life stabilizing (for the most part)?