I'm currently about to finish up my sophomore year of college. Next summer I will be attending O.C.C. (Officer candidate courses) to become a Marine officer upon graduation. Upon accepting my commission, I will become a member of one of the most elite armed forces in the world. The U.S. Marines have a history longer than the United States of America itself, starting during the Revolutionary War.
Personally, I couldn't imagine a desk job for my entire life. I love physical excercises and pushing my body and I think I would go insane sitting at a desk all day.
No recruiter talked me into this with fantastic promises...it was actually that commercial where the marine climbs the mountain, and then slays the dragon at the top (I'm just joking).
Chances are I will end up as a grunt, fighting as a foot soldier. However, it is entirely possible that if I push myself, I could end up as a Marine jet pilot. Getting my ass slingshot off of aircraft carriers 0-140 mph in 2 seconds! That would be so exciting to me I may need to change my pants after.
I know not everyone feels the same way about this as I do, but the Marines don't even try to hide that they arn't for everyone.
Also, getting my college loans paid off, starting at $50,000 a year, plus food and housing and tax benefits isn't too shabby either.
Also, I don't plan on dieing. Despite what the media wants you to believe, not every soldier dies.
I hope this gives you some insight into how someone who is anticipating a military career's head works.

If someones "individuality" is so weak that it is dissolved by putting on a uniform than it wasn't much to speak of in the first place.

Some people find what they are made of by pushing the limits, facing and overcoming dangers and obstacles, and find greater gratification in achievement in a merit and ability stratified context such as the military.

Also, there are those rare souls who regard WAR as an "extreme sport."

The Church of Satan has a LONG standing tradition of affiliates, including high ranking members of the Hierarchy, in Military, Law Enforcement, Intelligence, and other high-risk professions.

Whether being in the military itself is "Satanic" or not depends on the individual - the Satanist is "Satanic" whether in the military or any other line of work and brings that special mindset to bear accordingly.

It is highly arguable that the Satanic mindset is especially suited for life or death tests of survival, or other variations of "The Great Game."

I'd like to point out, even if you choose a "boring" MOS (job) you'll be performing all manner of duties.

My MOS was 92A (Automated Logistical Specialist) and I was the SAW Gunner for my squad, I was on the NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) detection team. I was an "A driver" (security) on a number of missions and I was a military escort for civilians (TCN detail) (On a side note I did have some fun with that).

When we did training, we were each assigned to instruct a different class, my class was always The Firing and Maintenance of the M249 and because I can twist my arms and legs around I was the casualty for first aid and field medicine training. Also I demonstrated how to react in a chemical attack, donning protective gear, flushing your eyes and decontaminating yourself.

Plus, there's the not so glamorous details, mopping floors and KP, luckily, because I was in charge of keys and vehicle dispatches and always in demand, I got out of KP every time.

Well, that's a sample of my expearience.

Thirded!

Survival is indeed the highest law.

But, I think it is important to note that there is more to life than mere survival.

Love, pride, curiosity, a sense of honor, a yearning for excitement, a thirst for accomplishment: All of these can inspire us to take risks, develop attachments, adhere to principles, and pursue interests that some might deem unusual, chancy, or irrational.

It's been said that it's better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a lamb. P I'd say that both of those are more than a bit extreme for my taste, so personally, I'd prefer to live maybe 50 or 60 years as something in the middle of the food chain --something that is occasionally valiant, but not stupid, and self-preserving, but not shut in.

Simply put, a good life is typically one that establishes a balanced marriage between quality and longevity.

If any one has a question on any of the branches of armed service you can send me a private message.
I can get you the answer right then, or at least by the next day.


~Armageddon

the enemy? Why would I consider the governments enemies my enemies? They have done nothing to me, why would I even consider killing them? Nationalism is sheepish, not individualistic. It creates the mentality that people in other countries are enemies and different. The only people who have to worry about being invaded and their freedom being taken from them are in third world countries or some countries in the middle east. That's the only situation where your claim of "preventing enemies invading and taking over" stands. Everywhere else, its just an imposed deception. Its always the richer industrialized nations who invade some poorer country. The strong dominating the weak... If you as a government official can convince your soldiers that they are "defending" their loved ones back home, that they are killing the enemies of their society who wish to hurt them and their families, and instill some pride in them about being part of said country, then you essentially have mind control on them to do whatever you want them too. You can invade another country while your soldiers believe that they are killing the "enemy". Oh but wait, governments never manipulate people and should be trusted right?

As many people here may know, I am currently in my last 4 months of my second tour in Iraq.

My primary job is that of Psychological Operations, but most of the time I have been convoying. I have been shot at, I have been in a vehicle on more than one occassion when it was hit with an IED or RPG, I have shot people, and no matter how much I don't care for people, it is never a good experience. Also, even if you are behind a desk, you are still not safe from mortars.

Also, to the original poster, the MOS you recieve is based off of your ASVAB score, you do not just choose what you want. If you score high enough, however, and based on your education, you do have a wider range of Military Occupational Specialties to choose from.

As far as why anyone would want to join, it does instill pride in one's self. I know that I am one of the less than 1% of the United States population to serve, I am proud in the fact I can, and have, done things that you couldn't believe unless you went through it.

Not to mention I have fired weapons that some people haven't even seen before, much less have fired.

It is not so much of the idea of "patriotism" or anything of the such, that I joined. It was because I realized that this is, in a sense, the modern equivalent to the Spartan, Trojans, and other Warriors of the past.

I find it amusing how people will have admiration for those that I just mentioned, but will disparage the Armed Forces. Yes, we do have unfavorable types within our ranks, and it is also true that we no long wield swords or axes and shields. But what it comes down to is that the only things that really changed are the weapons involved.

To those on here who are serving, and will be serving, in fields that put one's well being at stake, no matter what country, I salute you!

To Terrenial I say: You are a shit-disturber!

Edit reason: addition of text

Its true that there are safer branches of the military that you can get lots of benefits from, and in that case I agree that it might be a good idea to join. My main point is about the front line soldiers, as Charlie R stated this topic is about :

"Sorry, I really should have specified that I meant a combat MOS or at least one that is battling on the front lines."


In other words, the people most at risk of losing their lives.

Terrenial:

First of all let me reiterate something I originally posted.

The military trains for one thing...war.

The "safe" jobs in the military only translate into how far you are from the front lines. If the need is there than a desk will be waiting for you somewhere near the battlefield.
Even the Coast Gaurd has an extremely dangerous job in certain areas of the country.

If you want to argue politics, FIND ANOTHER FORUM!!

I am a former United States Marine. I was with the 2nd unit to cross the border when "the long war" began. When I got home there were no parades, just a bunch of braying sheep that sound alot like...YOU.

If you dont like how the country is run then vote. If that doesn't suit you then find a country you like and move. Either way if you insist on being a pretentious scumbag than just shut up.

Ever think of joining the reserves and becoming a water treatment specialist?




Why do I feel as if I'm going to be the only one who gets this? lol

No, worries, you aren't alone there.

He might have what it takes to burn the shit barrels.

There is risk in everything you do, all day long, every day of the week...

The soldiers who join a combat MOS are on the frontlines the same amount as everyone else... There really is no "safe" job in the military. No matter what service you join, your primary job is to be a combatant...

That said, the word you should pay particular attention to is "job"... The military is a job. The government doesn't brainwash people into doing their dirty work... People are broken down to get rid of old habits and then rebuilt as fighters. One volunteers to join the military; they aren't forced (at least haven't been for a long time). It doesn't matter what your job is because there is always going to be risk. As far as statistics go, one is probably safer downrange than driving down the highway in their hometown. The survival rate for wounded warriors is near 100% these days which makes it that much more appealing to join. Not to mention the benefits… Free Dental, health, and life insurance; free school; tax free money; world travel; and many opportunities to truly LIVE your life.

Self preservation may be the highest law, but it isn’t the only law. If you don’t LIVE your life to the fullest, then why live it at all?
I am a U.S. Army Paratrooper. I jump from many kinds of aircraft throughout the year. Is there a risk of death involved? Absolutely… Why do I do it? Because I am living my life and am highly trained to perform this task well, not to mention I get paid for it. Risk is involved, but that is why we train so hard. The more you practice something, the better you become. If your job is killing people, you practice and you become good at it, thus lessening the risk that is actually involved. Just because everyone in the Matrix is deadly accurate with a pistol from 400 meters doesn’t mean that shit happens every day in real life…
How is joining the military satanic?
It becomes satanic when a Satanist makes it so.

I have two friends who would differ with you on that statement.

There are no women in my battalion, but women are in combat all the time. They may not be put in combat, but that doesn't mean it doesn't find them.

You are saluted and appreciated as well! I find that those who cannot appreciate the service that you men (and women) accomplish deserve no respect themselves either. Indeed the American soldier of today is the modern equivalent of a Spartan or Trojan warrior.

However, aren't there other things you can do to instill pride in yourself which does not place you at harm? Or if it is a manner of public service, how about becoming a policeman or fireman? Sure, those jobs may place you at harm as well, but not as much as going to war.

It still baffles me that a Satanist would want to risk his self-preservation for an "extreme sport" or civil work.