Bush-hating liberal patriot wondering about Reserve options

[Mr Blonde]

Hey,

My name is Eric. I'm 21 and I've made a small number of posts here. I think this is an excellent site and I love reading "Idiots" every week.

Anyway, I've been thinking about some job opportunities in the maritime industry for quite a while now. As it stands, I have a fairly good job on land working for a large retailer. I've been promoted recently, I get good health benefits, and my "commute" is a mere 10 minutes.

While this job is okay and convenient, it's not exactly thrilling. I'm looking for something challenging, adventurous, etc. Before the retail job, I obtained a Merchant Mariners document and a passport in anticipation of joining the merchant fleet. To make a long story short, It's been frustrating trying to get a job there. I thought about the Military Sealift, but I'm having my doubts. Entry level gigs seem scarce and I don't think I want to abandon my promising current job in order to be an overlooked grunt for several years for almost the same pay.

To get to the point, I'm having thoughts about the Navy Reserve. At one time (last year) I wanted to go active. I was about to sit down with a recruiter when my conscience took over. As a man who despises the President and all that he stands for, I could not accept putting myself in harms way for his War. Now I know that the Navy has a limited role in this conflict, but serving actively under this man gave me an ill feeling. Naturally, I prayed in my own secular way for Sen. Kerry to smash Bush in the 2004 Election. He didn't, and amongst my massive disappointment was the realization that I would not be going active anytime soon.

I don't know, I think the Reserves would be good because I could use the benefits, experience, college money, etc. I'd love to serve my country as well. I consider myself a Patriot, contrary to what some conservative thugs might believe. It's a goddamn shame that so many in my generation are now turned off to service thanks to this assclown and his bungled reverse-jihad.

In closing, I'd really like a way to serve, gain the experience, but also keep my current job and not make a huge commitment to sea life. The Reserve seems like a good option, but I just can't stand Bush!

What do you think?

[bluestateguy]

1. Stay out of George Bush's military

You only have a little more than 3 years to wait.

George W. Bush and his neoconservative buddies use the military like little boys playing with GI Joe toys. Stay out. You are entrusting your life in the hands of people who treat troops as plastic action figures in a big chess game.

[Mr Blonde]

3. In principle, yes

But there alot of good men and women in this military. And as I state, the Navy plays a very small role in this War, let alone the Navy Reserves. And who knows, if the Douchebag in Chief does enact a draft, the Navy Reserves is a pretty good place to be.

[charlie]

6. THIS war

But if Dumbbell blunders into a hot situation with Iran, the Navy will be very much involved. Something to keep in mind.

[Extend a Hand]

2. As a mother

I would not want my son to enlist now.

With stop-loss orders your enlistment might end up being a whole lot longer than your contract specifies.

It also seems like I read recently where they were sending some Navy reservists to Iraq.

When Darth Cheney spoke of the war that will not end in our lifetime...I think he meant it. This is a resource war. Oil production will peak soon. I wouldn't want my child to die fighting for oil.

[Hello_Kitty]

7. They are sending members of all the other branches to Iraq

Right now it's voluntary but I wouldn't count on it remaining that way if these Army recruitment shortfalls continue.

[ladylibertee]

4. Do not re-enlist get the hell out until the Dem's are back! Period!

[LynnTheDem]

5. Active Duty army officer here (Lynn's husband)

Listen up; do you want to go to war for a politician's lies? Do you want to kill people?

If yes, then fine, join up.

Otherwise rethink your career plans.

[Obiepup]

8. Coast Guard

Do they have a reserve?

[SerpentX]

9. Talk it over with someone you trust.

Get to the bottom of why you think you want to join. There are a number of ways to:

1. Get money for college


2. Travel/Find Adventure


3. Do something meaningful for your Country/community


4. Take control of your life

without having to join the Military. The Military just seems like the shortest path.

If you're dead set on joining up, and you're really worried about your conscience, go Regular and take a medical specialty. I did and when I got sucked into Desert Storm, I was glad I had non-combatant status.

The Reserves seriously limit your range of options, because your local units are looking to fill specific job slots. For instance, if you want to be a machinist, you'll have to find a local unit that needs one.

Finally, keep in mind that most of the soldiers over in Iraq didn't put themselves in harms way for Dumbellya. They did it for the other soldiers in their unit.

[artemisia1]

10. Try the U.S. Coast Guard. They have a direct Petty Officer program you

may qualify for, IIRC. Also, look into the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. In the Auxiliary you can serve, in uniform, on Coast Guard Vessels and Stations in a non LE (Law Enforcement) capacity and in non-combat roles. It's a great opportunity to serve and the training is great. You just don't get paid - but you do serve your country and gain valuable seamanship experience.

If you are so opposed to this war (as am I), I would STRONGLY DISCOURAGE you from enlisting in the Armed Forces at this time. While service is honourable, you may be put into a position where your personal views compromise your service. Don't go there. True the U.S.C.G. has personnel in the war zone, but the Auxiliary (excepting perhaps medical and interpreter volunteers - and I doubt this even), does not.

[Mr Blonde]

11. USCG is a good idea...

And I've thought about it. But I strongly oppose the "War on Drugs" and I want nothing to do with it. I'm not going to shoot it out with go-fasts in order to maintain a failing status quo. If I had it my way, it would all be taxed and regulated-- no bloodshed.

Eh, you guys are probably right. Now is not the time.

[artemisia1]

12. Auxiliary is prohibited from direct law enforcement. They can do just

about everything else, including taking USCG courses, so you could still have a great experience in uniform - without joining the Armed Forces. Also, if you do decide to do so at a later date, you will have aquired substantial skills and experience.