Military Service ( I need USArmy men)

**Divinus Arma** · 08-25-2005, 07:28

Originally Posted by Papewaio

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** · 08-25-2005, 07:38

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** · 08-25-2005, 08:07

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

**Divinus Arma** · 08-25-2005, 08:34

Originally Posted by Papewaio

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** · 08-25-2005, 08:37

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** · 08-25-2005, 08:42

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 08-25-2005, 09:45

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.

**Grey_Fox** · 08-25-2005, 11:50

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

**Krusader** · 08-26-2005, 21:41

Originally Posted by 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.

Reminds me of my 1-year conscription in the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Norway's kindergarten. There's a rivalry between the four branches in Norway's military, and often in bars there can be a fight between the 'quack-quacks' (Navy & Marines) or 'flyfillene'/air-sluts (Air Force) or Army guys.
However, if any civilians attacked a military person, every soldier jumped them no matter what branch.

From a Norwegian perspective: Marines seems to be the most prestigous.

And if you join them and come to Norway for excercise, then remember warm clothes, so you won't freeze as the last marines did.