Wednesday, February 6, 2013

IF I Join The Military Will I Have To Fight?

By Victoria W. Bergman


Are you debating a career with the United States Armed Services? Do you have dreams of enlisting in the military to serve your country, travel the world, get money for college, or simply live a life of patriotic adventure? In this article I will give you some tips and advice regarding joining the US Armed Services.I often hear this comment from potential military recruits "I think I want to join the Army" (or Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard). Joining the military was one of the best decisions in my adult life and may very well be for you, however this is not a decision that you want to take lightly.While the military certainly offers a great deal of benefits, it also requires a serious commitment with rigorous work and personal sacrifices. Therefor, if this is something you are interested in doing, be sure to properly weigh your options prior to enlistment.

A quick overview of what happens once you decide to join the military is perhaps the place to start. You will have to contact your recruiter, fill out a mountain of paperwork and undergo a background check. You will have to pass a variety of examinations including fitness, medical, vision, hearing, psychological, and academic.This process can take anywhere from a few short weeks or longer depending on what is involved in your individual situation. Once you pass and qualify you will receive a bootcamp or ship date.

There are a number of benefits to joining the Coast Guard. If you are considering signing up, contact your local Coast Guard recruitment office or visit their official website.n a world where you may feel that what you do has little impact on anyone else, becoming a soldier gives you a chance to make a difference. In order to make this important contribution, you must know the requirements to join the Army so you can prepare yourself for service. Your Army recruiter can tell you about opportunities in the service, but you must meet some basic requirements. Non-negotiable Requirements To Join The Army,The Army offers you opportunities for service and for career training, but you must come in with a high school diploma. Have a GED? The Army may accept you, but you won't get as far as soldiers with diplomas. If you have taken at least 15 credit hours after receiving your GED, you will be given full credit for the GED.To be useful in performing their duties, soldiers must be in good physical shape. You need to be in good health,have good physical condition, and pass a standard physical. You don't need perfect eyesight even to work in aviation, but your vision problems must be correctable by lenses, contacts, or laser surgery

The Army depends on the vigor of youth, but you must be at least 18 to join the service, although a parent or guardian may sign a consent form if you want to enter at 17. Active-duty soldiers must be between 17 and 42, reservists between 17 and 40, and guard soldiers between 17 and 35.Your Citizenship's Status,The Army accepts any legal permit resident of the United States with a green card that substantiates his resident alien status for enlistment in the U.S. Army. If the recruit wants to become a citizen, he will be fast-tracked along the road to naturalization. Until that time, he might be restricted from performing some Army jobs, but he will treated as a citizen within the Army. US citizenship at the time of recruitment is not a requirement to join the Army.

Has the patriotism of our military in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other places in the world made you interested in joining up? What does it take to be "Army Strong"and "Aim High" to "Fly-Fight-Win?" Ready to be part of "A Global Force For Good," or belong to "The Few, The Proud, The Marines"? Each branch of the service has its own specific requirements for becoming part of the enlisted corps or becoming an officer.

This is where the second function of the Aviation Training Center comes in. It's their job to develop, refine, institute, and train new tactics and procedures as well as making sure you're maintaining the high flying standards that the Guard demands.When you become a Coast Guard pilot your first stop will be at the ATC and it's someplace you'll frequent throughout your aviation career in the Coast Guard.Serving the country is always an attractive option for the youth. The patriots are always amazed to join the armed forces to serve the nation and humanity by fighting against the opponents and the enemies of humanity. The armed forces are the best career option for the people with courage and enthusiasm.

If you set your sights on becoming an officer, you need a bachelor's degree. This might be in progress when you join up, but you must have your degree before you can be promoted to an O-3 or higher in any branch. The military is not an alternative to finishing your education.

In return for your commitment to serve, most branches of the military have options to help you pay for your education.Couch Potatoes Need Not Apply.If you have watched news footage of our military abroad, you are aware that service personnel work in tough conditions, maneuver difficult terrain, and have many physical demands put upon them. To join up, you must be "fit to fight." You'll need to be in good health, be physically fit, and be able to pass a standard entrance physical exam to meet military entrance requirements.

So, I do not know what it must be like to be the wife waiting for the husband to return and he never does. I am not mother who sends her son off to battle and prays nightly that he returns safely. As a daughter I have never struggled to understand where my Mom or Dad were and what a war really means.I can only empathize. And today, be grateful beyond words. I do not understand nor do I live in fear as those in war torn countries do. And the reason I don't and hopefully never will is because of all those people who serve our country. Their commitment and courage have protected me and my family through all the conflicts and ugliness.

I met an elderly veteran the other day, who stoically stood in the heat, without one word of despair, passing out poppies. And I thought, "hasn't he paid enough, and here he is still serving" How dare I complain about trivial points when this man has faced war for me. I was humbled by his strength and fortitude and his quite acceptance that his duty was not done. I have since discovered his name is Bruno Kramarz and he served in Viet Nam. He was also named Veteran of the Year in Fulton, NY. He is very active in the Veterans and I was so impressed with his quite dignity. His daughter, Joann Bomgren shared his story with me after I told her I met him outside the store. He was there for hours, no complaints and waiting for donations for the poppies. He was also in the first car in our Memorial Day parade-an honor he has earned by his inspiring service to our country.Even on 9/11, though it was now so much closer to home, it was not in my house, not in my town and not in my family. I could feel the pain and was so horrified, but from a distance that has kept me safe. And the people who serve in the Armed Forces have made that possible.The price tag for them lasts a lifetime whether it is memories, injury, or the highest price, their life. For me, they are all heroes and so too are the families of those soldiers. The price of my freedom, of protecting me and my family was paid in full by all those brave people. A debt I can never repay but will forever recognize and be eternally grateful.




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