NYT: Army Looks for Airmen and Sailors

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/09/politics/09army.html?hp=&pagewanted=print&position=

The Army is looking for a few good sailors and airmen. Actually, more than just a few.

In what some military experts see as another sign of how the Army's commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan have strained its ranks, the service for the first time will soon begin aggressively recruiting thousands of sailors and airmen who are otherwise scheduled to leave the Navy and Air Force.

Under a new program called "Operation Blue to Green," the Army plans to offer bonuses of up to $10,000, in some cases, and four weeks of extra training to airmen and sailors willing to trade in their dress-blue uniforms for Army green fatigues.

The Army is especially interested in men and women who have jobs that are readily transferable to Army positions, like mechanics and logisticians.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

1. It feels DRAFTY!!!

[rooboy]

2. This "Shock and Awe" stuff doesn't seem nearly as Shocking and Awesome...

now that it appears the army can't even get enough numbers to rule the middle east, let alone the world.

[rooboy]

3. Now I know why Powell was doing that Village People number...

he's the new L.T. Smash trying to get people to sign up through subliminal messages.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

9. YVAN EHT NOIJ

That's LIEUTENANT L.T. Smash to you!

[grytpype]

4. Bush is destroying the Army.

He's done what the Soviets couldn't do, what the Japs couldn't do, what the Nazi's couldn't do. He's destroyed the United States Army. It's an "own goal."

[Spinzonner]

5. It will be interesting to see how many dumb ex-Navy/AF

will take up this offer.

Most were smart enough to avoid the army and its risks in the first place when things were beinighn, why would they go for it when its dirty, disgusting, and deadly now ?

And being in logistics and maintenance is not guarantee of safety. Its dangerous anywhere in Iraq and they can always grab you for other things in an emergency.

$10,000 vs your life. I dont think so.

[Career Prole]

6. Hoo boy! "Hey Girl Scouts! You're used to green uniforms...

...if you've earned merit badges in camping, computers, or foreign languages, today's Army has a place for you!" :bounce:

[nosmokes]

7. they might start rethinking that gays in the military

bit, too.

i doubt it, but there's supposed to be an upside to everything, right?

[proud patriot]

8. picking my jaw up off the floor ...Whaaaaaaaaa ?

Who would sign up for this ?

[GoldenOldie]

10. $10,000 ??????

They gotta be making a funny! They could work at McDonald's, Wal-Mart, etc., and get the same annual salary, with no benefits....why in the hell would they be willing to place themselves in harms way, where they could possibly die for these asshole, millionaire chickenhawks. Their gardners and maids must make this much money!!
Support the Troops....what a joke.

[saigon68]

15. It is ridiculous

Stoopid and outrageous. Its time to get out boys and girls. Especially if the election somehow is canceled or annulled.

To the troops from one who Knows

YOU WILL DIE LIKE A DOG FOR NO GOOD REASON !!!!!


WHAT GOOD DID ALL THE DEATHS IN VIET-NAM MEAN ????

still waiting for a Chicken hawk answer to the above.

[seemslikeadream]

16. The neighbor boy I watched grow up

who joined the Air Force and was an excellent pilot has been on the ground in Iraq for months. He's been there ever since they told him he wasn't going home like they promised.

[Redhead488]

17. What the Cheney is he doing on the ground?

[seemslikeadream]

18. That's what his mom wants to know

we are all heart sick over it. He rarely gets to e-mail, has to stand in line for hours to do so.

[Redhead488]

19. Very strange

What does he fly?

[sound head]

11. What's a logistician?? n/t

[Samoflange]

12. Par for the course...

After I had been in the Air Force for 4 years, my parents called and told me that an Army recruiter had been calling the house and stopping by my old high school looking to see if I was interested in joining up. Even after they told him I was ALREADY in the service, and had been for quite a while, he then asked them for my phone number in OK.

I guess he got the point when I told him to call me back when the Army can fly something that actually breaks the sound barrier.

[hadrons]

13. hi Samoflange ....

I flunked out of basic training (at Ft. Sill) because I was a lousy shot 15 years ago, I wonder if I'll get a call from an Army recruiter

[xchrom]

14. i'm looking for a few sailors and airmen, too

they'll have more fun with me.:)