Military Service ( I need USArmy men)

[Shottie]

I'm considering join the US Army, what am I getting myself into. What is bootcamp like etc.



**Now to everyone else this isnt a bashing the US Armed Forces thread, so if you have your opinions then keep them to yourself or post them somewhere else. Learn to respect others stuff, this is an information thread only, thank you**

[Gawain of Orkeny]

I'm considering join the US Army, what am I getting myself into. What is bootcamp like etc.

The Army does not have bootcamp.

[Azi Tohak]

Basic training is not bootcamp? I'm confused.

Azi

[Proletariat]

I'm a UsArmy woman, but fwiw:

It's easier than it sounds. I was pretty scared going in, but after a few weeks you get the idea of what's going on and how to deal with it.

Just remember not to listen to the idiots who say things, "Guys! Quit fooling around! You're gonna get them mad at us again!"

Tell that moron that it's basic training and the drill sergeants are going to be outraged no matter how well you guys are doing, for at least the first two thirds of it.

Anyway, most of it's actually pretty fun after the first few weeks of processing days and what-not. You just have to get over the mental stuff. Anyone can do push-ups and sit-ups with the amount of practice you'll get there. Unless getting yelled out by someone you've never met who's only doing their job affects you personally, you'll be fine.

What Fort are you doing basic at?

[Proletariat]

Basic training is not bootcamp? I'm confused.

Eh, he's just being snide. The Army calls it basic training and the Marines call it boot. Our drill instructors would scuff up the entire company if we ever deigned to use Marine terms.

[Gawain of Orkeny]

Eh, he's just being snide. The Army calls it basic training and the Marines call it boot. Our drill instructors would scuff up the entire company if we ever deigned to use Marine terms.

No Im just being a Marine

Your basic and our bootcamp can hardly be compared. Heck as you yourself demonstrate even a woman can make it through Army Basic training. The Marines have a seperate bootcamp for women. We are a conservative organization You want it easy join the airforce. Navy bootcamp and Army basic are not so hard..

[Kaiser of Arabia]

No Im just being a Marine

Your basic and our bootcamp can hardly be compared. Heck as you yourself demonstrate even a woman can make it through Army Basic training. The Marines have a seperate bootcamp for women. We are a conservative organization You want it easy join the airforce. Navy bootcamp and Army basic are not so hard..

USAF ALL THE WAY!
I'm too fat and lazy to go USMC, though it would be great to be in the chain of command of a USMC Tank Battallion or somthing cool. I guess I'll just have to set my sights on SAC.
lol Good luck my man, make it through in one peice and go kick some [I dont feel like getting another warning level]!

[Proletariat]

Your basic and our bootcamp can hardly be compared. Heck as you yourself demonstrate even a woman can make it through Army Basic training. The Marines have a seperate bootcamp for women.

If it wasn't for gals like me there'd be no one to fit you with a prosthetic after you lose a leg while playing Buffer Rodeo in the barracks, or whatever passes for mentally stimulating activity with your kind.

[KafirChobee]

Don't sweat the small stuff - basic is what a person makes it. Keep a low profile, off the DI's radar and you'll be fine. If, however, they discover you or determine you to be in the special needs category - work yourself out of it.

When enlisting, choose an MOS carefully - do not be sucked into being a grunt. Unless, of course you truly enjoy being shot at. It ain't all that glamorous.

Basic is something like 18 weeks now. Was only 8 or 10 when I went through - many (many, many) moons ago. By the time you complete it you will be a fully qualified rifleman - the additional training for infantry is in cross weaponry, tactical, etc, etc, and additional P.T.
Jump school was 3 weeks when I was in, heard it is a bit longer now. But, all it was in my day was training one to jump out of a plane - period. ["The first week we will seperate the men from the boys. The second week we will seperate the men from the idiot. And, the third week the idiots will jump.]Once assigned to an Airborne unit one went through additional a much more elaborate training process - extensive. That much hasn't changed, but they are teaching the rope trick out of choppers now (which was an OJT thing for many - in 'nam).

So, pick an MOS that will be helpful in civy life - even if you intend to go to college afterwards. And don't sweat the small stuff. Also, keep you ass down, your head lower - and don't let those buttons get in your way of the ground.

[Divinus Arma]

Without causing a war in here, I think everyone can agree that the USMC is the hardest and most prestigious of the branches.

It is the only branch where enlisted can carry a sword. You must be an officer in every other branch.

I think that about covers it.

Just join. Fear is natural. Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the conquest of it.

But I really recommend the Corps and I will be happy to give you some real insight if you would like.

Don't worry, you mostly get eight hours of sleep, three squares a day, and a warm bed. Mostly.

But you know what?

Look in the mirror when you are done my friend. You will have earned a title very few in this country have before you. And you will be distinct and unique and proud for the remainder of your life.

All it takes is vision (*I see the end*), determination (*I will do this*), and ability (*I am not retarded or disabled*). You can do it.

[Papewaio]

Side topic.

Wear swords... can you use them in combat and would you want to compared with a bayonet?

[Del Arroyo]

They're a branch of the navy, they've got approx. 100k total personnel at this point I THINK... they're overused in Iraq operations because the type of engagements mostly call for tough, reliable infantry with limited armored support... if it were a symmetric war with another major power the Tank Divisions and heavy Mechanized Infantry of the Army would be needed... as they were in both high-intensity phases of our 2 Iraq wars.

They are definitely the most rigorous branch of the military, with the exception of certain elite units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Promotions are generally slower, they have no 2 or 3 year enlistment options (minimum 4)... can you get a comission without having been enlisted? I'm not sure on this one. Anyone?

DA

Papewaio-- The Marines (and possibly army infantry) train with bayonets mostly for psychological purposes-- the odds of actually using one are slim, its thinking you're ready to that's important. As far as carrying swords in combat, I have a feeling that yes bayonets or just a knife would be far preferable.

[Azi Tohak]

Nah, the Marines are just the Army's little brother with a huge ego. Think Napoleon complex

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/websites.nsf/unitsalpha

They have four divisions (creatively, but sensibly named 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Marine Divisions), but the 4th is a support, not combat, unit.

I really think this is interesting:

http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/we...nsf/unitsexped

How they are organized for expeditions.

But, the Army's TO&E can be found here:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/

Azi

P.S. Gawain, and Divinus, you know I'm joking, but I just want to make sure everyone else does too. The Marines are an outstanding fighting force, but they're small, compared to the Army.

[bmolsson]

The Marines have a seperate bootcamp for women. We are a conservative organization

Oh... That is sooo..... gay.....

[Divinus Arma]

CUBE,

Okay Okay.

Real stuff now. God, I still have tears in my eyes from that show the evil thread...

The Marines have just Shy of 180k active duty.

Azi is correct, we are organized into four divisions: three active and one in reserve.

We also have four air wings, and four "Force Service Support Groups" (which are being renamed as Marine Logistics Groups in a month or two- a big change).

Anyway, each Marine Divisision, Air Wing, and FSSG together make up a MAGTF, or Marine Air Ground Task Force. It is basically a fully functioing mini-army that can be deployed anywhere in the world at an amazingly expedited pace.

The concept is this:

We have small detachments of Marines called a "MEU", which is a Marine Expeditionary Unit that goes on a float with the navy to a hotspot in the globe. Somewhere that might erupt in conflict, need stabilization, whatever. There our Marines sit for a few months in the local area. If something erupts, our MEU gets deployed ashore. Not just in boats, but up to a couple hundred miles in! We can have boots on the ground in less than 24 hours, and start kicking the shit out of bad guys. From there, if the MEU can't handle it, the larger MAGTF gets mobilized. But this has to be huge, like Iraq. Afghanistan only took a little more than a MEU to subdue, then the army came in behind us and further inland.


That is why we are sometimes called "America's 911 force" (not so much anymore becasue of Sept 11 911 association).


We are unique in the diversity of operations we can conduct, how quickly we can condeuct the operations, and how incredibly efficient we are at it.

Yes it is true, we fall under the department of the Navy, but we are largely a self-directing branch. That is why when you enlist in the Corps, you are not enlisting in the Navy. Because we are so small, it makes sense for us to utilize the Naval support systems such as medical, dental, offshore firepower, seabasing for deployment, etc.

Does this help?

[Gawain of Orkeny]

They're a branch of the navy, they've got approx. 100k total personnel at this point I THINK.

I think its closer to 180000.

The Marines are an outstanding fighting force, but they're small, compared to the Army.

We will kick the Armys butt anytime. Again they have no real fixed wing aircraft. Numbers are their only hope

How big is a Divison these days? 20k or so? Put in perspective, that makes the marines pretty small, with about.. 5 Divisions?

We have 4 divisions but we also have an airforce. Plus various other units.

We were talking of who has the toughest basic and who is in general the best trained , most motivated and elite of our regular troops. Thers no denying that as far as the American military goes the Marines are better than the Army or any other of the big three for that matter. No offense to any of you Army dudes or whatever they call you

[Divinus Arma]

Side topic.

Wear swords... can you use them in combat and would you want to compared with a bayonet?

Nobody has carried swords in combat for a very long time.

It is ceremonial mostly, but it is still a big deal. Swords have always been a sign of leadership in the emerging modern military heirarchy, since we actually started using gunpowder. Obviously, since the industrial revolution, it became less useful and was relegated to ceeremonial use for everyone.

Here's a young lad in command of his squad now:


This Marine could be any one of you. A leader. Called upon by peers and fellows in times of crisis. Revered with awe by those outside. I still get ooohs and awes when I tell civilians that I'm a Marine. "Wow", they say. "Have you done anything exciting? Did you go to Iraq? Have you killed anyone? Isn't it hard?" I can see the change in their eyes when I tell them. Instant respect. Instant gratitude and appreciation. Instant wonder. Man and woman alike. "Wow. A United States Marine. Here. In front of me. I could never do that. Wow."


Here. Enjoy this fine site:

http://www.marines.com/

[Gawain of Orkeny]

If you have never been a Marine I doubt you will understand what makes them so special. Its something intangible. You find to people who were in the army and they will say thats nice. But anytime two Marines meet its like meeting a long lost brother. It doesnt matter when they were in. In fact it doesnt even matter what country their from . British Marines were always some of my Favorite blokes to go bar hopping with overseas. Marines stick together no matter where they are or when they have served.

[Papewaio]

So the short 'modern' answer for the use of swords in the modern military is: Bling that cuts.

[Divinus Arma]

So the short 'modern' answer for the use of swords in the modern military is: Bling that cuts.

Ya ya I know you are a 3rd dan ninja master that flips out and kills people. That is your purpose. I get it. I'll be sure not to open any windows.

[Papewaio]

The only cutting ninjas I know of is the Shogun cut scenes.

I just find it interesting that in a modern millitary swords still have status... its rather cute.

[Divinus Arma]

The only cutting ninjas I know of is the Shogun cut scenes.

I just find it interesting that in a modern millitary swords still have status... its rather cute.

CUTE?!

Nah.. it is not for fun or "show".

It is a weapon with great history. It has simply evolved from a weapon to a symbol. It is respected. Carrying a sword officially for one's nation is a great honor.

[Al Khalifah]

British Marines were always some of my Favorite blokes to go bar hopping with overseas. Marines stick together no matter where they are or when they have served.

Britsh Marines are the best. Their training and levels of fitness are obscene, always good to have around when things get wired. I always wish I'd joined the marines instead of the army when I was a lad, but I thought I wouldn't be able to slog it. Oh well.

Anyway, to answer the original question... JOIN THE ARMY/MARINES/NAVY! It needs you, but more importantly YOU need it.

[Taffy_is_a_Taff]

Del Arroyo:
In Iraq (last year I think) some British soldiers conducted the most recent bayonet charge in history and they emerged victorious. I don't think there were any British casualties. I'll try to find a link to some news stories or something, just to make sure it wasn't just a cute story I heard.

I was speaking to an ex-Gordon Highlander (he was in during the late 70s/early 80s) whom I used to work with, he had stories about bayonet training and he made it sound like a butchery course (cutting side up on the bayonet, put it under their breast bone and lift).

[Al Khalifah]

It's definately not a little story, it is true.

The Scotsman: Argylls fight hand to hand in Iraq

OUTNUMBERED British soldiers killed 35 Iraqi attackers in the Army’s first bayonet charge since the Falklands War 22 years ago. The fearless Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders stormed rebel positions after being ambushed and pinned down. Despite being outnumbered five to one, they suffered only three minor wounds in the hand-to-hand fighting near the city of Amara. The battle erupted after Land Rovers carrying 20 Argylls came under attack on a highway. After radioing for back-up, they fixed bayonets and charged at 100 rebels using tactics learned in drills. When the fighting ended bodies lay all over the highway — and more were floating in a nearby river. Nine rebels were captured.

That's why the British Army trains for the bayonet charge.

[Grey_Fox]

The only cutting ninjas I know of is the Shogun cut scenes.

I just find it interesting that in a modern millitary swords still have status... its rather cute.

It's part of military tradition throughout the western hemisphere. Tradition in the military is important, it makes sure that the new kids joining their service know what their service has achieved for hundreds of years, although that is just part of it.

[bmolsson]

It's definately not a little story, it is true.

The Scotsman: Argylls fight hand to hand in Iraq

OUTNUMBERED British soldiers killed 35 Iraqi attackers in the Army’s first bayonet charge since the Falklands War 22 years ago. The fearless Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders stormed rebel positions after being ambushed and pinned down. Despite being outnumbered five to one, they suffered only three minor wounds in the hand-to-hand fighting near the city of Amara. The battle erupted after Land Rovers carrying 20 Argylls came under attack on a highway. After radioing for back-up, they fixed bayonets and charged at 100 rebels using tactics learned in drills. When the fighting ended bodies lay all over the highway — and more were floating in a nearby river. Nine rebels were captured.

That's why the British Army trains for the bayonet charge.

Impressive....

Even though as a balance it should be mentioned that it did not work that way in Gallipoli.....

[Aenlic]

The Scottish regiments have a rich tradition and all; but I can never again think of them without seeing the Monty Python sketch about the Scottish suicide commandos.

And consider joining the Navy, Shottie. You'll eat better. As far as I know crypto and nuclear power are still critical ratings which will earn you faster promotions and nice bonuses. And you don't have to wear green unless you go for UDT/Seal training. You would miss out on carrying a pretty sword and marching about chanting clever ditties or sitting in a bug infested tent eating MREs; but it's a tradeoff.

[Ja'chyra]

It's definately not a little story, it is true.

The Scotsman: Argylls fight hand to hand in Iraq

OUTNUMBERED British soldiers killed 35 Iraqi attackers in the Army’s first bayonet charge since the Falklands War 22 years ago. The fearless Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders stormed rebel positions after being ambushed and pinned down. Despite being outnumbered five to one, they suffered only three minor wounds in the hand-to-hand fighting near the city of Amara. The battle erupted after Land Rovers carrying 20 Argylls came under attack on a highway. After radioing for back-up, they fixed bayonets and charged at 100 rebels using tactics learned in drills. When the fighting ended bodies lay all over the highway — and more were floating in a nearby river. Nine rebels were captured.

That's why the British Army trains for the bayonet charge.

Unfortunately the days of the bayonet are numbered as most of the soldiers in a fire team can't even fit them to their weapons. The juries still out on what will replace them but the odds are the fighting knife.

[Al Khalifah]

The days of the bayonet in practical combat are indeed limitted, but it will certainly remain a part of training procedures indefinately.