Just curious how many fine military patriots we have poking around here.
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Just curious how many fine military patriots we have poking around here.
I'd quite like to but it all depends on a whole heap of stuff so I doubt I ever will.
Dutch Air Force: Discharged
Let me tell ya, it is a lot of fun. I have done some amazing things. Some things I can be immensely proud of, and others... well not so much.Quote:
Originally Posted by Taffy_is_a_Taff
But in the long run, the rewards are too great to pass up. I won't be surprised if I head to Iraq in the next year. And you know what? I'm looking forward to it! Afghanistan was awesome! I'll post some photos if I ever get my scanner to work.
You should have had a Gah! or non option so the non-military can respond and see how many are in the military...
Nah. I though about this. The reason is that they are simply not included. I'd like to know who is in, not who is not in. Or something like that.
Active Reserve, for the time being.
I won't start an inter-service rivalry here, but might I ask what are your reasons for the Navy as a choice?Quote:
Originally Posted by Gelatinous Cube
considering the U.S.M.C
Been considering the Army for a long long time. The first university I wanted to attend was West Point. Meh. So I went to a State College. Now that I've got my degree (okay fine, so it is not yet official, but if I can't pass some little sophomore courses...I don't deserve a degree) I don't know what the Army would do with me.
Let me see... B.S. in Chemical Engineering... I know! Send him to drive a truck!
Actually, OCS is appealing, but I've never done any ROTC.
I can't see (so no pilots [and lets be honest, why in the Air Force if not to fly?]) and I don't like the idea of being a semen (he he he!... ahem...sorry, I could not resist). Actually, no Navy for me because I don't like the idea of being on a ship... for a long long time.
Azi
USMC 68-72 Oooooo Raaaaahhh
Discharged,
Did you like it because im seriously considering it and input would be nice ~:)Quote:
Originally Posted by Gawain of Orkeny
Going through Bootcamp was the toughest thing I ever did in my life. I would do it again for a million dollars. Having said that I was never as proud as the day I graduated and my biggest mistake in life was getting out. The Marines are one hell of an organization.Quote:
Did you like it because im seriously considering it and input would be nice
I just couldnt take all the insults from other people my age when I was in the states. Spent three years trying to avoid West Pac and then found out over seas duty is the only way to go.
Over 12 years United States Army (12 years because that is what my retirement points from the Guard and Reserves added up to)
2 years 13E National Guard
3 years Reserves - Field Artillery
10 Years Active Duty - Field Artillery
15 month in the Swedish Marines. After that 7 years in the reserves. After emigration from Sweden, retired (if that is the right word).
Finland has mandatory military service for all males. I spent 9.5 months in the service, trained as Military Police. Moved to reserves 1992.
92-96 The Norwegian Royal Navy.
Just a little FYI, from my understanding of Sub duty, it is one of the most miserable and difficult assignments available. You have to go through a ton of underwater survival training, and then after you make it you can be cramped in a tiny tin can for 7-13 months at a time with no shore time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gelatinous Cube
If you really want to skate, go into the air force. I have been to navy bases, Marine bases, army bases, and Air Force bases. The Air Force have a life of ease and comnfort.
And what is your idea of gruntwork? Until you make non-com, you'll do the bitch work every day no matter what service you are in!
Quote:
Originally Posted by strike for the south
I have been in the Marines since 99. I am an active duty Sergeant.
I LOVE IT!!!!!!
I'll tell you a little inside secret about the Marine Corps that I don't care gets out. Once you are a part of this culture, you find something you will never find anywhere else. There are two aprts to the corps: the organization and the intangible.
The organization is the uniforms, the equipment, the rank, the training, the tactics, etc. These are always changing and will continue to change.
The intangible is the aspect of the Corps that you cannot touch, see, taste, or feel. It is that character and quality unique to Marines that each of us share with exuberant enthusiasm. It is this concept: The standards of excellence demand the pursuit of perfection. In everything that we do, the pursuit of perfection is always present. Perfection can never be attained, but we relentlessly pursue it with absolutely ruthless ferocity. And through this pursuit, each individual empowers his brother, inspiring and enabling each to achieve more and become more than ever could have been done alone. So as a group, we achieve the unattainable. We move ever closer to perfection. And each of us feels this within us. And sees it in our comrades. I know I can count on my Marines. They'll not flee before the enemy. If need be, they will die for me, and I for them, each of us. And as we stand before the fires of death, facing down the inevitable torturous pain with our personal stinking, dripping, burning heat of fear... we will press forward. Into that heat. Into the inevitable. Into the fire together. The world turns, your ears pierce with the noise of a thousand rifles, and the rush, the swelling moment of helpless confusion. Press forward. The deep bass booms in the distance. Closer. Together. Sweat soaks your dripping dragging clothes but you feel light and heavy all at once. The heat of the fear. Press forward.
Until the moment has gone. And the last crackle of small arms fire fades into the silence, when the sharp crisp reality eases back into your mind... you'll be incredibley alone. Until you feel your brothers with you. And then your heart will surge, your eyes will blur with tears, and joy and pride will overhwlem you.
So you want to join the Corps? Always remember that the more we sweat in peace, the less we will bleed in war. Marines endure like no other. The intangible of the corps is what drives Marines. It is what enabled John Basilone to stand up in the field of fire, and scream to his men "Come on you sons of bitches! Do you want to live forever?!" Inspiring them to charge into the woods against a heavily fortified enemy position. It is why, as the army retreats, one young Officer said "Retreat Hell. We just got here". Tarawa. The frozen chosin. Iwo Jima. Belleau wood.
Semper Fi my brother. 99-now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gawain of Orkeny
I could tick three of those really.
Active duty - do training and consultancy now so still involves going to some pretty fucked up places. Still training and staying sharp.
Reserves - on reserve in case of real emergency to go back into the shit
Retired/discharged - ex-British Army for 5 years
Q762 694
Ex RNZIR
Listen to the man. The navy is not for mummy's boys and it is quite tough even for noncoms; believe me I was one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Divinus Arma
Portuguese Territorial Reserve.
9 months of service were mandatory up to a couple of years ago, i didn´t catch any of that, now you just have to register to be put in the list incase anyone tries to invade(yeah right) were said list would be mobilized.
suits me...i wouldn´t consider integrating my country´s military forces in any other situation any way, if we´re about to be invaded call me....if not let me live my life thank you.
I had my military service in the German Luftwaffe. Then reserve. When the cold war was won, I quit. Right after that the Warsaw Pact disbanded ~;)
Bootcamp will most likely give you a few scrapes that will give you a flying start on your scar collection.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gelatinous Cube
I will not quench your dreams, but slow drowning in a downed sub is not my idea of instant...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sigurd Fafnesbane
i think he is talking about a sudden loss of hull integrity situation...that would be pretty fast....probably fast enough so that you don´t even realize what happened..
the situation you described is also possible of course.
I'll hopefully be going to Sandhurst soon after I graduate so voted for the last option.
3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, 1989-1993.
Honourable discharge.
The air force is like a country club or college. I stayed on an air force base one day and coundnt believe it. All ship duty in the Navy sucks. Extremely tight quarters. I remember going on the Enterprise and them trying to get me to volunter for duty on her. I took one look at the sleeping quarters and said no thanks plus your at sea for months at a time. Also the Marines have nuch more to offer than just grunt work. I was in the air wing and worked on F-4s. They said that the air force had 20 different MOS's to do the same job I did. I was a Marine aviation photo electronics technician. Spent three years in schools and OJT on electronic systems, photography and computers before going over seas and fit in 9 months as a PMI, primary marksmanship instructor for you civilian pukes out there.Quote:
If you really want to skate, go into the air force. I have been to navy bases, Marine bases, army bases, and Air Force bases. The Air Force have a life of ease and comnfort.
And damn you Divinus Arma you brought a tear to this old Marines eye with that post. Semper Fi. I see its still the same Corps I left.
It seems we still are the few, the proud , the Marines.
I want to join, but i aint even old enough yet. plus if i join, i'm joining the RAF, flying hercules's, so i need to study ALOT.....
Well it's a shame. Because no one will take you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gelatinous Cube
Without a highs chool degree, you'll need a GED and several units of college to qualify. Otherwise you are an unqualified candidate. There are very rare exceptions of course.
Twelwe months in Finnish Army. Served in Karelian Jaeger Brigade,in armored jaeger company,rank sergeant.Now in reserves. :bow:
Wow sgt in 12 months. Talk about rapid promotion. It took me almost four years to make sgt and that was during a major war when promotions come quicker due to casualties and increased man power being needed. Im surprised Divinus Arma made sgt already though there is a war on. I would also guess though that promotions come quicker as do casulaties in the infantry.Quote:
Twelwe months in Finnish Army. Served in Karelian Jaeger Brigade,in armored jaeger company,rank sergeant.Now in reserves.
How long have you been a sgt and whats your MOS Div? By the way a sgt in the Marines is not the same as a sgt in the army. We out rank them. ~;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gawain of Orkeny
Its so different because we are conscripted.In Finnish army you have 8 weeks of bootcamp,wich is the same training for everyone.Then you specialize or go to
under officer school.I went to the under officer school,which lasted for 18 weeks.After that you get promoted to ali-kersantti which is the same as corporal in your army.Then you get your squad and you train with them for 23-28 weeks.The last 9 weeks we trained with other groups and at the end were at military simulation and then we were moved to reserves.In Finnish jaeger company you have 25 under officers 7 per platoon and four in company HQ.Usually top three of those corporals get promoted to sergeants and i was one of them.After the Army i have been re-training four times aproximitely 4 weeks and if the Army likes what i have done in those re-trainings they can promote me again.I know its peace of cake to get promoted in a conscript army compared to professional one. :bow:
My MOS was infantry.if i understand the term properly.And my wartime task is leader of a half-platoon.
I can confirm that becoming a non-commissioned officer within 6 mnds happens quite often here in the north. As kagemusha said we all start off as conscripted men in boot camp at around 19 years old. A few are selected for voluntary non-com boot camp, which is somewhat tougher than ordinary boot camp. It is all voluntary and you can quit and join the ordinary grunt at any time. From the "survivors" a few is elected to undergo petty-officer (equivalent to sergeant) training. This training course last a few weeks short of 6 mnds where upon graduation you receive the full rank of non-commissioned petty-officer (one red stripe on an officer uniform). They have this rank for the remainder of their compulsory service and usually spend it as drill instructors. The best of these will receive an offer to become a commissioned petty officer (one gold stripe) and continue another year with full pay. Most are raised to the rank of ensign after this year (one gold stripe with a loop). After 5 years as ensign they can be raised to lieutenant.
I retired with the rank of ensign.
My MOS was communications and I was chief of a MSO and later COM-officer. With my high clearance (COSMIC TOP SECRET) I was involved with navy intelligence.
I consider myself a rare breed. I picked up in about three and a half years, I picked up in 2002. I am highly competitive for an advanced selection to Staff Sergeant on this year's selection board.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gawain of Orkeny
BUT, I have been a high expert on rifle and pistol every time at the range, consistently scored high 1st class PFTs, and am considered by many to be the most influential and competent Sergant in my unit.
I was the Honor Graduate of Corporal's Course, The Honor Graduate of Sergeant's Course, I paid out of pocket for hundreds of hours of MOS related training, I have 2 Naval Achievement Medlas, helped bring down a corrupt military police K9 unit with NCIS, sevred in Afghanistan at the Embassy, and have been tasked with special missions under the secret service for President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and the King Of Jordan.
I take Marines and inspire them to rekindle the intangible Marine Corps within them. My Marines understand the difference between the intangible and the organization. Thus, they don't cry about "bullshit" and they know how to deal with other hypocritical leaders. I am an expert at close order drill, I study military history constantly and apply history's lessons to my perspective in the military. I hold an Associates Degree in Business with honors (4.0 gpa), and will finish my Bachelors in Busines Management this November (which I expect to be Summa Cum Laude 4.0 GPA). I'll have completed my degree in just over two years, carrying 18 credits per semester.
My MOS is 5811: Military Police. I hold two secondary MOSs: 5812 Military Working Dog Handler and 5813: Traffic Accident Investigator.
I have handled explosive detector dogs, narcotics detector dogs, and patrol certified dogs. I have pictures of me in my Secret Service style suit and tie with my working dog in front of Air Force One, as well as pictures in full armor and kevlar with my dog at the heavily fortified gates of the U.S. embassy in Kabul. My job was to sweep vehicles and packages for explosives while the infantry sat in their prepared fighting positions under heavy cover. It was a good time. I'll never forget those few moments of sheer adrenaline. LIke when the surface to surface rockets came in, and like when intel told us that the next round of rockets were expected to be chemically armed, or when that embassy alarm went off that it was go-time: the enemy was coming in. Hey news flash: They actual said "man your battle stations" over the embassy PA. It was fun knocking civilians onto the ground as we rushed to our fighting positions. They were all ready to shit right there.
I throw all of this information out there not to brag, and not to justify my rapid and deserved promotion. I just want to share a little of my personal experience as a Marine. When I find time to hook up my scanner, I will upload some awesome pictures.
I am considering pursuing the "butter bar" and staying in as an officer, but I have a really great gig hooked up outside. With my Veteran's preference points, I scored in the top 120 or so out of 40,000 applicants to the LA County Fire Department. The pay is great and I love serving, whether it be my country or the community. But my heart will always be with the Corps.
Semper Fi
Here is a recent picture of me at work.
I no longer do the high-speed Secret Service stuff, or deploy abroad. Now I work accidents. It is my job to investigate Traffic Collisions of all varieties. I have training from a number of civilian law enforcement agencies, as well as from the Depart of Defense.
https://img175.imageshack.us/img175/5950/atwork3bg.png
Edit: I prefer to shave my head and wear a full mustache, but I have a naked lip in this pic.
Can you edit the poll and and add the option with your "moderator" role.Quote:
Originally Posted by Papewaio
Do you have any idea how perverted that looks? ~:eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by Divinus Arma
edit: the shaven head + mustache, I mean.
You should... with your track record you deserve it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Divinus Arma
I salute you first as a sign of respect.
Non sibi, sed patriae
What are you talking about? It's not like I wear black leather and walk around with a ball gag in my mouth! :mask: :biker: :whip:Quote:
Originally Posted by Spetulhu
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sigurd Fafnesbane
My thanks, fine sir. You are too kind. :bow:
Considering perhaps going to Sandhurst later.