Joining the Air Force

[KGW]

Re: Joining the Air Force

It's also worth mentioning the significant technical, leadership, life experience, and people management skills acquired while in service to ones country.

Quite possible elsewhere, of course

I fail to see how the US Coast Guard providing littoral border security and rendering assistance to those in need, much like the US Air Force's Pararescue and Search & Rescue capabilities, just two examples, should be shunned as imperialistic.

I had a young Coast Guard neighbor for 3 years : best neighbor ever. He did not enjoy the "homeland security" overlay. He described the "water nazis," those who were overjoyed to wear guns, and hassle people. He stayed away from them.

My father, a captain in the USAF, died in his F86D patrolling in Korea, 1955. Definitely in service to imperialism, whether he would have acknowledged it or not. As Gen. Smedley Butler put it, "paid muscle for bankers."

I would strongly encourage you to get out more and talk to some folks in uniform........if you can actually be open minded about it, you might be surprised at what you learn about them.

I would suggest that this is not the time to be joining the military. . .Unless you want to be paid muscle for bankers.

Keep your eyes and ears open, BadJuju.

[raja]

Re: Joining the Air Force

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadJuju I was unable to finish the urine test, but I will on Monday.

I wasn't aware it was that difficult. Do you have to start over on Monday or will they let you pick up from where you left off.

I can sympathize.
Prior to my last urine test, I studied and practiced for a week . . . but I still didn't pass :eek: ;)

[lakedaemonian]

Re: Joining the Air Force

Quite possible elsewhere, of course

Of course, but I think it's clearly hard to argue that SOME positions in the military offer substantial opportunities that can be very well leveraged once they leave the forces.

I had a young Coast Guard neighbor for 3 years : best neighbor ever. He did not enjoy the "homeland security" overlay. He described the "water nazis," those who were overjoyed to wear guns, and hassle people. He stayed away from them.

Every org has their 5 or 10 percenters...some have more than others...

My father, a captain in the USAF, died in his F86D patrolling in Korea, 1955. Definitely in service to imperialism, whether he would have acknowledged it or not. As Gen. Smedley Butler put it, "paid muscle for bankers."

[b]I'm sorry for the loss of your father. Personally, I don't view the Korean War as a war in support of bankers.

I would suggest that this is not the time to be joining the military. . .Unless you want to be paid muscle for bankers.

Keep your eyes and ears open, BadJuju.

Personally, I'm well aware of Smedley Butler......and I know a fair few folks in uniform who are as well and what may have been in the 1930's if the US took a slightly different path.

I think you might be surprised at the number of folks who really understand the oath they have taken...particularly the part about domestic enemies.

At optomist could say that we've got a sh!tload of Smedley Butlers in uniform.

[aaron]

Re: Joining the Air Force

I could understand joining the military when we are not at war... but come on man, what are you thinking?

You can go to school or get a job. There is no rush. If you are in rut because of where you live, pick up and move somewhere else. Sometimes I think the financial crisis was planned just to destroy the job market and resolve the recruiting problem. However, there ARE options.

I also question whether you will learn anything useful in the Air Force. What is the future of our military? If you believe anything on this site, I would say it is eventually in for some serious downsizing. That will be either in the form of cuts by our government or by huge military losses in some war or another. Then, assuming you do not get killed or even worse crippled, you can come back to the States and do what? Are any "skills" you learn really transferable?

Reasons to join the military in a time of war:


----> You believe in the wars we are fighting.
----> You want the opportunity to kill people.
----> You are suicidal.
----> You have no other options (unlikely)

[Ghent12]

Re: Joining the Air Force

I could understand joining the military when we are not at war... but come on man, what are you thinking?

You can go to school or get a job. There is no rush. If you are in rut because of where you live, pick up and move somewhere else. Sometimes I think the financial crisis was planned just to destroy the job market and resolve the recruiting problem. However, there ARE options.

I also question whether you will learn anything useful in the Air Force. What is the future of our military? If you believe anything on this site, I would say it is eventually in for some serious downsizing. That will be either in the form of cuts by our government or by huge military losses in some war or another. Then, assuming you do not get killed or even worse crippled, you can come back to the States and do what? Are any "skills" you learn really transferable?

Reasons to join the military in a time of war:


----> You believe in the wars we are fighting.
----> You want the opportunity to kill people.
----> You are suicidal.
----> You have no other options (unlikely)

Do you really believe we are at war? What evidence do you have to support this conclusion?

[lakedaemonian]

Re: Joining the Air Force

I could understand joining the military when we are not at war... but come on man, what are you thinking?

You can go to school or get a job. There is no rush. If you are in rut because of where you live, pick up and move somewhere else. Sometimes I think the financial crisis was planned just to destroy the job market and resolve the recruiting problem. However, there ARE options.

I also question whether you will learn anything useful in the Air Force. What is the future of our military? If you believe anything on this site, I would say it is eventually in for some serious downsizing. That will be either in the form of cuts by our government or by huge military losses in some war or another. Then, assuming you do not get killed or even worse crippled, you can come back to the States and do what? Are any "skills" you learn really transferable?

Reasons to join the military in a time of war:


----> You believe in the wars we are fighting.
----> You want the opportunity to kill people.
----> You are suicidal.
----> You have no other options (unlikely)

Just wow.......

Words fail to describe my opinions of this post.

While I share the central financial contrarian viewpoint held by many on this site........that contrarian viewpoint doesn't extend towards ignoring or accepting someone berating the honorable profession of serving one's country.

Let's break it down:

"I could understand joining the military when we are not at war... but come on man, what are you thinking?"

Maybe he IS thinking......Maybe he is thinking that the massive global overcapacity in the private sector that is far from being completely unwound is no place to try and earn a living for the time being.

"You can go to school...."

Who's going to pay for school? Are you going to pay for his school? Or are you suggesting he enter into FIRE economy education debt slavery that can't be defaulted on?

"Sometimes I think the financial crisis was planned just to destroy the job market and resolve the recruiting problem."

So the US military imploded the global financial system to improve recruiting? Was it the CIA, the NSA, or Area 51 that conspired to do it?

"I also question whether you will learn anything useful in the Air Force."

Do you even know ANYTHING about it to even question whether it's possible to gain useful skills in the civilian world? Or are you just trying to p*ss in the punchbowl to shape his perceptions to match your ignorant point of view?


"What is the future of our military? If you believe anything on this site, I would say it is eventually in for some serious downsizing."

And the private sector will avoid the same problems how?

"That will be either in the form of cuts by our government or by huge military losses in some war or another. Then, assuming you do not get killed or even worse crippled,"

Do you have any idea how many USAF personnel have died on operations since 2001? Do you even have an educated guess as to the risk of a single USAF per being seriously injured or killed on ops, even just using prone to capture personnel as a basis? Are the odds really that low that you are actually talking out your A**hole?

"you can come back to the States and do what? Are any "skills" you learn really transferable?"

Do you know which organization owns the single biggest fleet of satellites, the single biggest fleet of aircraft, one of the largest decentralized, agile, and flexible IT networks in the world, all operating in a non-permissive environment? I'll give you one guess.


"Reasons to join the military in a time of war:


----> You believe in the wars we are fighting.
----> You want the opportunity to kill people.
----> You are suicidal.
----> You have no other options (unlikely)"

I'm sorry, but this is just f**king full spectrum stupid.

Ever heard of the Berlin Air Lift?

Which personnel from which organization played an important part in getting the airlift logistics train moving into Haiti to keep it from descending into the 7th level of hell?

My post may not be the way iTulip likes it's members to communicate with each other, but neither is this steaming pile of bullsh*t.

If you're going to try and PREVENT(which is what you're trying to do) someone from choosing a path at least you can do your f**king homework and speak without so much bloody ignorance.

I begin to seriously doubt the value of this community when it succumbs to tired and ignorant stereotypes.

Not everyone can be a cake-eater...somebody's gotta mop the floors and HONORABLY serve their country instead of acting like an elitist asshole.

To iTulip management, sorry for the rant...if needed I'll fall on my sword, but I'm not going to sit by and tolerate some ignorant fool's efforts to stuff ignorance down a young forum member's throat.

[scottsolid]

Re: Joining the Air Force

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem.
--Ronald Reagan--

Good Luck!

[aaron]

Re: Joining the Air Force

I did some checking. You are right. The air force is a safe place. In fact, I guess we are not really at war either.

Risk your credit ==> college
Risk your life ==> military

[aaron]

Re: Joining the Air Force

Not everyone can be a cake-eater...somebody's gotta mop the floors and HONORABLY serve their country instead of acting like an elitist asshole.

I would prefer to pay twice for my cake than to send our young men and women to fight to protect our empire. Do you really believe (living in New Zealand and all) that we are still fighting for our Constitution?

An elitist asshole convinces the public of the necessity to send our poorest to die in foreign wars to protect the U.S. Empire. Then the asshole convinces the country that you can NEVER EVER QUESTION the military and their patriotism.

Badjuju asked for career advice. I think joining the military is bad for all sorts of reasons.

[LargoWinch]

Re: Joining the Air Force

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, but the Marines don't have that problem.
--Ronald Reagan--

Good Luck!

I disagree:

http://www.itulip.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=fight

[flintlock]

Re: Joining the Air Force

Just wow.......

Words fail to describe my opinions of this post.

While I share the central financial contrarian viewpoint held by many on this site........that contrarian viewpoint doesn't extend towards ignoring or accepting someone berating the honorable profession of serving one's country.

Let's break it down:

"I could understand joining the military when we are not at war... but come on man, what are you thinking?"

Maybe he IS thinking......Maybe he is thinking that the massive global overcapacity in the private sector that is far from being completely unwound is no place to try and earn a living for the time being.

"You can go to school...."

Who's going to pay for school? Are you going to pay for his school? Or are you suggesting he enter into FIRE economy education debt slavery that can't be defaulted on?

"Sometimes I think the financial crisis was planned just to destroy the job market and resolve the recruiting problem."

So the US military imploded the global financial system to improve recruiting? Was it the CIA, the NSA, or Area 51 that conspired to do it?

"I also question whether you will learn anything useful in the Air Force."

Do you even know ANYTHING about it to even question whether it's possible to gain useful skills in the civilian world? Or are you just trying to p*ss in the punchbowl to shape his perceptions to match your ignorant point of view?


"What is the future of our military? If you believe anything on this site, I would say it is eventually in for some serious downsizing."

And the private sector will avoid the same problems how?

"That will be either in the form of cuts by our government or by huge military losses in some war or another. Then, assuming you do not get killed or even worse crippled,"

Do you have any idea how many USAF personnel have died on operations since 2001? Do you even have an educated guess as to the risk of a single USAF per being seriously injured or killed on ops, even just using prone to capture personnel as a basis? Are the odds really that low that you are actually talking out your A**hole?

"you can come back to the States and do what? Are any "skills" you learn really transferable?"

Do you know which organization owns the single biggest fleet of satellites, the single biggest fleet of aircraft, one of the largest decentralized, agile, and flexible IT networks in the world, all operating in a non-permissive environment? I'll give you one guess.


"Reasons to join the military in a time of war:


----> You believe in the wars we are fighting.
----> You want the opportunity to kill people.
----> You are suicidal.
----> You have no other options (unlikely)"

I'm sorry, but this is just f**king full spectrum stupid.

Ever heard of the Berlin Air Lift?

Which personnel from which organization played an important part in getting the airlift logistics train moving into Haiti to keep it from descending into the 7th level of hell?

My post may not be the way iTulip likes it's members to communicate with each other, but neither is this steaming pile of bullsh*t.

If you're going to try and PREVENT(which is what you're trying to do) someone from choosing a path at least you can do your f**king homework and speak without so much bloody ignorance.

I begin to seriously doubt the value of this community when it succumbs to tired and ignorant stereotypes.

Not everyone can be a cake-eater...somebody's gotta mop the floors and HONORABLY serve their country instead of acting like an elitist asshole.

To iTulip management, sorry for the rant...if needed I'll fall on my sword, but I'm not going to sit by and tolerate some ignorant fool's efforts to stuff ignorance down a young forum member's throat.

Thanks for posting this. I think you covered every point spot on.

[flintlock]

Re: Joining the Air Force

I disagree:

http://www.itulip.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=fight

Hey, but at least our military isn't led by a bunch of serial killers.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...802325_pf.html

The commander of Canada's largest Air Force base, who once flew dignitaries around the country, has been charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of two women Ontario Provincial Police Det. Insp. Chris Nicholas said Monday that Col. Russell Williams, 46, was also charged in the sexual assaults of two other women. Williams was arrested Sunday in Ottawa.
The charges left Canada's military in a state of shock.

I really liked that movie. Its very eye opening. But I don't think that should reflect on the individuals who join. Most today are just trying to better themselves. Or should we just disband the military completely until all this Empire stuff blows over? I will admit I would not urge my kids to join. I think a bit of tarnish has been applied to the military by the actions of our leadership. I see the role of the military like Ron Paul sees it.

[Serge_Tomiko]

Re: Joining the Air Force

I would prefer to pay twice for my cake than to send our young men and women to fight to protect our empire. Do you really believe (living in New Zealand and all) that we are still fighting for our Constitution?

An elitist asshole convinces the public of the necessity to send our poorest to die in foreign wars to protect the U.S. Empire. Then the asshole convinces the country that you can NEVER EVER QUESTION the military and their patriotism.

Badjuju asked for career advice. I think joining the military is bad for all sorts of reasons.

I'm not quite sure what you think is wrong with being a mercenary. You seem to think every soldier is a delusional patriot. I would imagine in fact that is a tiny minority.

Honestly, I advocate mandatory military service for all men after high school. Staging a revolution in this corrupt day and age would be far easier if 90% of the male population didn't consist of wretched and obese cowards who have had their blood lust drained out of them by our feminized culture.

[ST]

Re: Joining the Air Force

With everything as bad as it is and feeling trapped, I decided to join the Air Force. Heading to MEPS tomorrow!

I guess they were right. People will only have two choices: waiting in line for food or being in the military.

Judging by your recent posts on this thread and others, the iTulip outlook seems to have convinced you that you have limited options and "With everything as bad as it is and feeling trapped, I decided to join the Air Force".

That is terribly unfortunate. Wanting to commit to the Air Force and feeling like you are trapped for little other choice, are two different things. I wish you luck and hope that whatever your beliefs, you are doing them justice.

[ThePythonicCow]

Re: Joining the Air Force

Judging by your recent posts on this thread and others, the iTulip outlook seems to have convinced you that you have limited options and "With everything as bad as it is and feeling trapped, I decided to join the Air Force".

That is terribly unfortunate. Wanting to commit to the Air Force and feeling like you are trapped for little other choice, are two different things. I wish you luck and hope that whatever your beliefs, you are doing them justice.

I wouldn't say it's particularly fortunate or unfortunate.

The reasons one expresses to oneself for doing something end up being secondary to how well one does what one sets out to do.

I joined the Air Force many years ago for even more coercive reasons. My draft lottery number was too low to keep me out of military service. But the time I spend in the Air Force served me well and I served the Air Force well and honorably. That is sufficient in its own accord.