Military Service : ATOM 0.3

moNet @ 12/26/2007 1:31:01 AM

« Hoosker : Biplanes

LAWL!

Silly Hoosker. They still used zeppelins, or "dirigible" to the educated man.

I can't belive I missed this thread. I'm getting ready to get out of the Army after 10yrs. Can't take it anymore.

I've been promised this great government job on the outside that I volunteered for. Great pay, great benefits, 9-5 workday, paid vacation, and I get to travel the world!

This will be so much different and better than the Army!

[/sarcasm]

davethefish @ 12/25/2007 10:48:56 PM

« Hoosker : Heh, long lime of RAF soldiers.

Best typo ever.

Hehe yeah true :P people say Limeys as a bad thing, but it refers to our time as THE naval superpower and the fact that we carried citrus fruits on bored to counter Scurvy (limes had little Ascorbic acid, lemons had a lot more) and we really ruled to waves

Hoosker @ 12/25/2007 10:46:16 PM

« davethefish : Anyone who has the guts to stand up for sevice is always welcome to anything I can offer in my eyes, and I have a fair amount of friends in active service with the British army, and the RAF, and also come from a long lime of RAF sodliers, and a mother who was in the WRAF and a grandand who was in the RAF form 1938 onwards as a segearnt, and other grandad as Medi-corps. Big up to all those who Put everyone else before themselves before others and fight for us!

Heh, long lime of RAF soldiers.

Best typo ever.

davethefish @ 12/25/2007 10:16:27 PM

Anyone who has the guts to stand up for sevice is always welcome to anything I can offer in my eyes, and I have a fair amount of friends in active service with the British army, and the RAF, and also come from a long lime of RAF sodliers, and a mother who was in the WRAF and a grandand who was in the RAF form 1938 onwards as a segearnt, and other grandad as Medi-corps. Big up to all those who Put everyone else before themselves before others and fight for us!

craziesean @ 12/25/2007 9:57:20 PM

I was in the Navy for 6 yrs between 1999 and 2005. I was stationed aboard a Ballistic missile submarine. Honestly it was the best years of my life. I have never work with a closer group of people. We worked hard and played harder. and when it comes down to it, I owe everything I have today to my time in. Met my wife and had my boys. set me up for my job now.

icepigs @ 12/25/2007 8:19:30 PM

Didn't take me 20 years... only took me 10. I was one sexy piece of manhood until 1997.

donteatpoop @ 12/25/2007 7:49:33 PM

« icepigs :
Anyway, this is what icepigs looked like in 1987...

Hard to believe you could get so ugly in just 20 years.

icepigs @ 12/25/2007 7:33:53 PM

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I just scanned in my Marine Corp Boot Camp Graduation Photo..... Sorry for the crappy scan, but the picture was in a glossy book (kind of like a High School Annual).

Anyway, this is what icepigs looked like in 1987...

http://ultimate-photos.com/share/usmc.jpg

Hoosker @ 12/1/2007 11:56:16 PM

« DerAlt1:The history of it as far as American preparedness and military administration is shocking.
You and especially your dad may like to read the book "This Kind OIf War" by TR Fehrenbach.

It's almost too hard to believe.

I will read it, thanks. I'm a firm believer in the study of history...unlike many in our current administration, congress, and on, and on.

and DerAlt, if you haven't already, the documentary "Welcome to North Korea" is an amazing look at this country that is also, extremely hard to believe.

I found a downloadable and online watchable version here

Bornbad @ 12/1/2007 11:06:53 PM

Regular Army grunt. 17 months in Nam. I was one of those guys that waded through rice paddies and shot people I never met. I hate a huge part of my past. You don't even want to know.

DerAlt1 @ 12/1/2007 9:36:17 PM

« Hoosker : Thanks for your service DeAlt. I read those Biplanes were pretty difficult to handle.

Just kidding, I know, Korean War. That was a brutal place from what my dad (Also Air Force during your time) tells me.

Ha, actually you're not too far off with that. The early F-86 and the Russian MIG-1 were the cutting edge then. Still a lot of prop jobs wre flying then.

The Korean war was a blood bath. Luckily I was not sent there but everyone else in my RADAR class was.

The history of it as far as American preparedness and military administration is shocking.
You and especially your dad may like to read the book "This Kind OIf War" by TR Fehrenbach.

It's almost too hard to believe.

dollyllama @ 12/1/2007 8:22:11 PM

« rambler : Well. I guess "right wing" would be a bit harsh for most of us, but I do think that definitions of "right" or "left" and "conservative" or "liberal" have changed a bit.

Perhaps I shouldn't mix up political groupings with personal inclinations...

You didn't seem to be radical anything to me so far, but please explain what is a "radical libertarian"?

I don't like anybody in politics ;D

rambler @ 12/1/2007 5:38:19 PM

« dollyllama : I don't think anyone here would assess me as "right wing" or even "right of center". I'm a proud radical libertarian. Definitely left of center.

Well. I guess "right wing" would be a bit harsh for most of us, but I do think that definitions of "right" or "left" and "conservative" or "liberal" have changed a bit.

Perhaps I shouldn't mix up political groupings with personal inclinations...

You didn't seem to be radical anything to me so far, but please explain what is a "radical libertarian"?

dollyllama @ 12/1/2007 5:33:17 PM

I don't think anyone here would assess me as "right wing" or even "right of center". I'm a proud radical libertarian. Definitely left of center.

rambler @ 12/1/2007 5:31:14 PM

I am really, truly amazed by how many plimates have served in their country's armed forces, or who talk very positively about a family member who has done so.

I am in full agreement with you all, but I wonder if this is typical? Or are we a sort of right-wing (or at least right-of-centre) subset of humanity?

When I consider our other discussions, for instance on issues like education, religion, etc., I think this may be true. Even if we think ourselves to be very modern, free-thinking, liberated, whatever, we obviously do think conservatively about many important issues.

There is still some hope for the world.

larknet @ 12/1/2007 1:27:16 PM

Retired Coast Guard after 20 years, 8 months. I was an Operations Specialist (via Telecommunications Specialist and Radioman). Served aboard the CGC's Katmai Bay and Chase as well as the Aerostat's. Ashore tours in Petaluma, Alameda, Key West, and finally in D.C. Proud to have served and proud for those who volunteer to serve. I made many great friends in the Coast Guard. Make the best of where you go and what you do is my advise.

dollyllama @ 12/1/2007 12:39:23 PM

Air Force Regular.

Hoosker @ 12/1/2007 10:28:46 AM

« DerAlt1 : Air Force, 4 years active 1951 to 1955.
Plus 4 years reserve.

Thanks for your service DeAlt. I read those Biplanes were pretty difficult to handle.

Just kidding, I know, Korean War. That was a brutal place from what my dad (Also Air Force during your time) tells me.

DerAlt1 @ 12/1/2007 9:20:18 AM

Air Force, 4 years active 1951 to 1955.
Plus 4 years reserve.

suebe @ 12/1/2007 9:03:26 AM

« tomphoolry :

That is beautiful. Thank you all for protecting us.

My BF spent 4 years in the Coast Guard as a sonar man. He is proud that Staten Island was never attacked while he was on duty.

My late partner, Peter, enlisted in the Coast Guard and lasted 3 weeks before he returned to high school.

My dad and his brother served in the Navy in WWII.

And my great uncle John, served in the Russian army, pissed off someone, and was beheaded. Body never found.

tomphoolry @ 12/1/2007 8:52:18 AM

I'm sorry this is so long, but this is where it belongs, considering the thread and the season. Thank you to all who serve, from the bottom of my heart.

This has been around a while but it will always be relevent.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the
room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me,
angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a
winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that
was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by
love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I
started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes
when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, then the sure sound of
footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door
just to see who was here.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure
stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled
here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me,
and my wife and my child.

'What are you doing?' I asked without fear, 'Come in this moment, it's
freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at
home on a cold Christmas Eve!'

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the
snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light, Then he sighed and
he said 'Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every
night.'

'It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you
from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like
my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,'
He sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.'
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ', And now it is my
turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me
pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and
blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family,
my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in
a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my
sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time
that this flag will not fall.'
'So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright, Your family is
waiting and I'll be all right.'

'But isn't there something I can do, at the least, 'Give you money,' I
asked, 'or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from
your wife and your son.'

In his eyes welled a tear that held no regret, 'Just tell us you love
us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your
own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember
we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to
you as you mattered to us.'

Maven @ 11/30/2007 4:17:52 PM

« johnnytitan : US Air Force here.

Work with missiles?

donteatpoop @ 11/30/2007 4:15:34 PM

Thank you Sholom for stepping up to the plate.

And thanks to the rest of you who have done the same. I appreciate the sacrifices you made for the rest of us.

Tonight I will drink in your honor.

johnnytitan @ 11/30/2007 4:13:09 PM

US Air Force here.

icepigs @ 11/30/2007 3:59:57 PM

« tomphoolry : There is no freaking way that skinny, young-ass kid in the top row, ninth from the left, was you.

Yeah, I'm calling you a liar.
;)

Too cool, IP.

Ya found me!!! What gave it away? My name and the little arrow I drew on his picture 20 years ago?

By the way...this is my new wallpaper on my PC at work....

tomphoolry @ 11/30/2007 3:56:48 PM

« icepigs:Through TogetherWeServed.com, I found a guy who was in the same platoon as me in bootcamp. He had a picture of our platoon....
That was 20 freakin' years ago!!!! Holy s**t, I'm getting old!!

There is no freaking way that skinny, young-ass kid in the top row, ninth from the left, was you.

Yeah, I'm calling you a liar.
;)

Too cool, IP.

icepigs @ 11/30/2007 3:41:28 PM

Through TogetherWeServed.com, I found a guy who was in the same platoon as me in bootcamp. He had a picture of our platoon....

http://marinephotos.togetherweserved.com/223733.jpg

That was 20 freakin' years ago!!!! Holy s**t, I'm getting old!!

TraumaMamma @ 11/29/2007 9:12:16 AM

Me- Corspman (Medic) in the Navy
My ex- Pharmacy tech on the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier.
My father- Gunners mate on the USS Haynesworth...he was in the little dome swinging the guns around on a destoyer. His hearing is awful now...he was a ship that was in the bay of pigs.

My son- a Seabee in the Navy. Mobile Contruction. He has been to Dijabouti Africa and will be deploying in a few months for Kuwait....He travels with my favorite branch, the Marines...as he is a ground unit.

I know this is Navy/Marine Biased....but this may inspire you a bit. Be proud!!

sholom22 @ 11/29/2007 9:09:57 AM

« trushafty38:Dad was in army (vietnam) and my grandfather was in the army as well (WW2).

What MOS are you going to choose?

31B Military Police. Well I still got some time I won't ship out til July since I'm still in high school

icepigs @ 11/29/2007 7:49:06 AM

6 years in the US Marine Corps.

Good luck in your future....

rambler @ 11/29/2007 7:32:07 AM

Two years National Service in the South African Defence Force, Army. Back in 1980-81, followed by a couple of one-month "camps".
Eventual rank: First Lieutenant.

I'm glad I had the chance to learn a few things about myself and how strong I can be, learnt to knuckle down when it was needed, etc. It's a pity many youngsters today do not have that opportunity now that conscription is gone from South Africa.

But I did spend an awfully long time doing almost nothing, could have had the same experience within one year, and could have started a more productive life a year earlier.

We have a saying that your National Service days are the best days of your life that you would never want to enjoy again...

Hoosker @ 11/29/2007 6:58:19 AM

Me, Coast Guard
Brother, Navy
Dad, Air Force
Mother, GS Air Force
Uncle, Army Airborne
Uncle, Marine
Niece, Marine
I could go on for awhile, but the family thing begins feeling further removed with nieces, nephews, cousins, grandfathers, etc.

Best of luck to your amazing future shalom, you will be experiencing things you could never experience outside of the Military...and a sincere thank you for your future service.

Irishdrunk @ 11/29/2007 4:30:39 AM

Every member of my family has been in the service, I however could not enlist due to physical restrictions. I salute you sir.

punthe @ 11/29/2007 4:16:34 AM

I was a SGT. (E5) 13B20 in the ILARNG.

SGT. = Sergeant

E5 = Pay Grade

13B20 = MOS

13B20 = Cannon Crew Member for 155 Howitzer (Ammo Team Chief)

ILARNG = Illinois Army National Guard

MOS = Military Occupational Specialty

trushafty38 @ 11/29/2007 4:10:30 AM

Dad was in army (vietnam) and my grandfather was in the army as well (WW2).

What MOS are you going to choose?

steelshooter @ 11/29/2007 12:29:40 AM

Navy. (And my Dad was Navy.)

Son-in-law is currently in the Army (and recently back from Iraq).

Maven @ 11/28/2007 11:58:13 PM

Currently an AF wife.

sholom22 @ 11/28/2007 11:47:40 PM

Next week I'll be swearing in to join the Army. I was just wondering if anyone else here has any prior military service.