don’t fret Andrew, once we take over that frozen fucking wasteland that ya’all call home, I’ll talk to Uncle Sam about getting you in our Military~
I’d do that for you, I’m cool like that~
[quote]sjoconn wrote:
The U.S. military is cutting it’s forces by more than 80,000 people. Most of these are being put out, not getting out on their own accord. The budget is being cut to hell.
As far as getting to see action…the majority of U.S. forces will be out of Afghanistan in the next 18 months. I doubt you will be seeing any action.
Just something to consider if you are seriously looking at enlisting.
[/quote]
Didnt hear about the US forces cutting people. I talked to an War Register/Deserter and got the idea that the US army would welcome a volunteer with open arms. I cant be alone in that thought. So far as there being no war to fight, are you that naive to believe there wont be another ‘conflict’ brewing up before long? The US cant stay out of a war! Look at the Spanish American war, the US was doing great, soda pop was invented, the economy took a dive so just for funsies the US decided to get involved in Cuban affairs (their battle ship that got blown up in the Philippines by the Spanish was a load of BS). Just an old example of when the US went to war when it wasnt necessary. So Surely the good folk here can agree that some country will do something ‘inhumane’ and require the US military to step in…sooner rather than later. Actually, its about time for another terrorist attack so since I figure its bound to happen lets at least hope that the terrorists hide out somewhere interesting where the military will have to go to flush them out. It would just suck if they got deployed in the arctic.
[quote]Spock81 wrote:
How are you liking Calgary Andrew?[/quote]
This…
[quote]andrew_live wrote:
[quote]Spock81 wrote:
How are you liking Calgary Andrew?[/quote]
This…[/quote]
You’re getting fat on Stampede pancakes? Or am I missing something?
[quote]andrew_live wrote:
[quote]LoRez wrote:
Why? Just wondering, more than anything. Not something you hear every day.[/quote]
I’ll be getting asked this alot.
Reason for joining US army: I’ve always been interested in the military. Joined air cadets when I was 7 and kept at it until I was 18. After college I looked into the Canadian military and there really wasnt any demand for jobs in the military. There was an opening for a MET TECH (Glorified weather man), but I dont want a desk job.
Anyways US military doesnt seem to be able to get enough people to enlist and I always loved everything military I did as a cadet. The US army has more to offer, amazing camaraderie (without being a crossfit group), more skills to learn etc. I’ll get to see action (the Canadian military actually has a huge waiting list for soldiers to see action) I’ve been selling gym memberships for the last 2 years and even though Ive done quite well at it my heart just isnt in it anymore. I just feel like I’m swindling people sometimes. Even the trainers have a saying to help them sell more training, when they present packages the idea is that: IF THEY CRY THEY BUY.
BLA BLA BLA
Theres lots of reasons that I’m sure Ill have to rehash with people over time but the main thing is that I’m very interested in pursuing the different opportunities the US Army has to offer. Moving isnt a problem I just want to know what my steps are and the surest way to get in. I truly never would have dreamed that it would be this difficult to enlist.[/quote]
I’m struggling a bit with your reasoning.
If I understand what you’re saying: What you’re doing now isn’t working for you. You enjoyed the military stuff you did as a cadet. You want more opportunity to learn new skills and put them to use. You want camaraderie. You want to see action. (Why? I’m a little concerned you’ve bought into the romanticized media image of warfare.)
I just don’t really see how “joining the US Army” is the answer to that. Obviously it sounds good to you now, but it sounds like a few years from now you’ll be just as jaded and looking for a change. There was a thread in the beginners forum a few weeks back discussing the more inglorious parts of life in the US Army: http://tnation.T-Nation.com/free_online_forum/sports_body_training_performance_bodybuilding_beginner/sacrificial_physique
There are lots of non-military opportunities that provide camaraderie, that teach new skills, that involve adrenaline rushes. Being an extreme sports guide comes to mind… whitewater rafting, “survival” camping, et al. Or if you really want to see action, and want a more military feel, there are plenty of domestic opportunities in large-city police work, especially if you move toward the SWAT end of the spectrum.
What is clear is that your current life spent selling gym memberships isn’t doing it for you, and that you need a change one way or another.
I’m not really trying to dissuade you; I just think you’ve narrowed your options, and that it might not really be what’s best for you.
Calgary is known for it’s pancakes? I didn’t know that…
“Dissuade”
I like that word. Its new to me
[quote]andrew_live wrote:
[quote]sjoconn wrote:
The U.S. military is cutting it’s forces by more than 80,000 people. Most of these are being put out, not getting out on their own accord. The budget is being cut to hell.
As far as getting to see action…the majority of U.S. forces will be out of Afghanistan in the next 18 months. I doubt you will be seeing any action.
Just something to consider if you are seriously looking at enlisting.
[/quote]
Didnt hear about the US forces cutting people. I talked to an War Register/Deserter and got the idea that the US army would welcome a volunteer with open arms. I cant be alone in that thought. So far as there being no war to fight, are you that naive to believe there wont be another ‘conflict’ brewing up before long? The US cant stay out of a war! Look at the Spanish American war, the US was doing great, soda pop was invented, the economy took a dive so just for funsies the US decided to get involved in Cuban affairs (their battle ship that got blown up in the Philippines by the Spanish was a load of BS). Just an old example of when the US went to war when it wasnt necessary. So Surely the good folk here can agree that some country will do something ‘inhumane’ and require the US military to step in…sooner rather than later. Actually, its about time for another terrorist attack so since I figure its bound to happen lets at least hope that the terrorists hide out somewhere interesting where the military will have to go to flush them out. It would just suck if they got deployed in the arctic. [/quote]
Your deserter friend misinformed you. There are huge cuts going on. The military is down sizing.
I have served 9 years as a reservist and 18 years on active duty. Maybe I might know what I am talking about as far as you “seeing action”? Will there be deployment?? Of course…we have people all over. Will you “go to war”…probably not in the near future (10 + years).
What about Coast Guard reserve are they cutting the Coast Guard budget?
[quote]andrew_live wrote:
[quote]Jackie_Jacked wrote:
Why do you think that getting hitched to an American is the best way? I would really beg to differ with that statement, not just because it’s wrong to marry someone for a green card but just that there is way more involved here then you could even begin to conceive. Trust me, I’ve just been through the whole process, which incidentally took well over two years and I still do not have my green card yet. Also, I would like to add that I love my husband more than anything. The whole process has so far cost us, I would estimate, about $10000 so far and that’s not even included just flying back and forth to see each other and any expenses associated with just seeing each other - only things related to the Visa and move.
You are in Ontario and that means you will be dealing with Montreal consulate. They are the third slowest consulate in the world. They will lose your documents repeatedly and then tell you you have to resubmit them. By the time you do that, they will have a new form that replaced the old one and you will have to fill out that paperwork. They will snub you when you call (if you can even get through to them) and all of the jumping through hoops will be your full-time job.
For me, it was completely worth it but in your case, I’m just saying it’s not easy and it’s very expensive. Unfortunately, I have nothing to offer about the army - sorry about that. If you have any questions about Visas or the process, you can ask or PM me and I will be completely honest with you.
Good luck to you with what you want to do but don’t marry some poor girl just to move to another country, please.[/quote]
I wouldnt do that but from everything Ive read on the US immigration website and the armed forces web site they make getting hitched seem like the fastest way in. [/quote]
That’s cool. I just took your comment at face value. There really is nothing fast about immigration though.
[quote]andrew_live wrote:
Didnt hear about the US forces cutting people. I talked to an War Register/Deserter and got the idea that the US army would welcome a volunteer with open arms. I cant be alone in that thought. So far as there being no war to fight, are you that naive to believe there wont be another ‘conflict’ brewing up before long? The US cant stay out of a war! Look at the Spanish American war, the US was doing great, soda pop was invented, the economy took a dive so just for funsies the US decided to get involved in Cuban affairs (their battle ship that got blown up in the Philippines by the Spanish was a load of BS). Just an old example of when the US went to war when it wasnt necessary. So Surely the good folk here can agree that some country will do something ‘inhumane’ and require the US military to step in…sooner rather than later. Actually, its about time for another terrorist attack so since I figure its bound to happen lets at least hope that the terrorists hide out somewhere interesting where the military will have to go to flush them out. It would just suck if they got deployed in the arctic. [/quote]
Years ago the Army would take people with GEDs and felonies, now they will take neither. As far as war goes, unless one starts in the next year I don’t think it will improve your chances. If you want to kill terrorists, get your bachelors, go to Air Force OCS, and learn to fly UAVs.
I say join the Canadian army anyway…you may get to wear a cool balmoral.
[quote]Hell-Billy wrote:
How good can you be if you hang out with the Kraumpass.[/quote]
Krampus/Crampus would be technically correct
[quote]Ct. Rockula wrote:
“Dissuade”
I like that word. Its new to me
[/quote]
Glad you like it.
Everything sjoconn said is true. They are cutting personnel like nobodies business. Lucky for me, I am two years from retirement, so I am safe from the personnel cuts. We are already seeing the effects of the budget cuts, and they are only getting deeper.
Best bet for you if you want military, is to join the Canadian forces. If there is another war in the near future(I’m hedging between Syria and Iran, personally), you are just as likely to see action from that side. Y’all follow us everywhere anyways.
Besides, you’re kind of an odd guy. You really want to join so you can see some action, then you start railing about the crap we do, which would be necessary for you to see said action.
[quote]andrew_live wrote:
[quote]LoRez wrote:
Why? Just wondering, more than anything. Not something you hear every day.[/quote]
I’ll be getting asked this alot.
Reason for joining US army: I’ve always been interested in the military. Joined air cadets when I was 7 and kept at it until I was 18. After college I looked into the Canadian military and there really wasnt any demand for jobs in the military. There was an opening for a MET TECH (Glorified weather man), but I dont want a desk job.
Anyways US military doesnt seem to be able to get enough people to enlist and I always loved everything military I did as a cadet. The US army has more to offer, amazing camaraderie (without being a crossfit group), more skills to learn etc. I’ll get to see action (the Canadian military actually has a huge waiting list for soldiers to see action) I’ve been selling gym memberships for the last 2 years and even though Ive done quite well at it my heart just isnt in it anymore. I just feel like I’m swindling people sometimes. Even the trainers have a saying to help them sell more training, when they present packages the idea is that: IF THEY CRY THEY BUY.
BLA BLA BLA
Theres lots of reasons that I’m sure Ill have to rehash with people over time but the main thing is that I’m very interested in pursuing the different opportunities the US Army has to offer. Moving isnt a problem I just want to know what my steps are and the surest way to get in. I truly never would have dreamed that it would be this difficult to enlist.[/quote]
This is completely wrong.
First of all, Canadian soldiers are trained as jack of all trades, due to a lack of man power, as opposed to American soldiers, which tend to be more “specialized” (driver only drives, etc).
So “more to do” would put you in the Canadian Army.
Second, you don’t know anything about the camaraderie within the American or Canadian Forces. As if there was any way to know. I can tell you, though, that in the US forces, you will probably be “discriminated” against, and made fun of, because you’re not a REAL American. If you were to come in to contact with Canadian soldiers, they would probably “discriminate” against you also.
Third, Canadian Armed Forces pay their soldiers and officers much more than the American Forces do, as far as I’ve seen, so that is another incentive.
http://www.forces.ca/en/page/payscales-131#ncmsregular-3
Private (CDN) makes 2663 a month, before deductions, versus Private/E-1 (USA) making 1491 a month.
http://www.forces.ca/en/page/payscales-131#ncmsregular-3
You sound like a typical Call of Duty kid, who has done zero research.
[quote]legendaryblaze wrote:
First of all, Canadian soldiers are trained as jack of all trades, due to a lack of man power, as opposed to American soldiers, which tend to be more “specialized” (driver only drives, etc).
So “more to do” would put you in the Canadian Army.
[/quote]
I’m not sure what you guys base this on. Besides the core warrior tasks that every soldier has to train regularly on, your actual mission can dictate what you do. When I deployed I did most of my patrols with an artillery battalion who was doing typical dimounted infantry patrols.
Discrimination is illegal in the US military, good natured ribbing is not. For the record I served with a soldier that got his US citizenship while serving. I never witnessed him being discriminated against, on the contrary there were quite of few soldiers that came to watch his swearing in and congratulate him.
Anyway, I can agree that the OP would be better off enlisting in the Canadian Army than trying to join our military at the beginning of a drawdown.
[quote]boatguy wrote:
Everything sjoconn said is true. They are cutting personnel like nobodies business. Lucky for me, I am two years from retirement, so I am safe from the personnel cuts. We are already seeing the effects of the budget cuts, and they are only getting deeper.
Best bet for you if you want military, is to join the Canadian forces. If there is another war in the near future(I’m hedging between Syria and Iran, personally), you are just as likely to see action from that side. Y’all follow us everywhere anyways.
Besides, you’re kind of an odd guy. You really want to join so you can see some action, then you start railing about the crap we do, which would be necessary for you to see said action.[/quote]
Congrats on your short time! I am under 2 years myself and looking forward to it!
[quote]legendaryblaze wrote:
This is completely wrong.
First of all, Canadian soldiers are trained as jack of all trades, due to a lack of man power, as opposed to American soldiers, which tend to be more “specialized” (driver only drives, etc).
[/quote]
This is completely wrong. I think no matter what army (and I have worked with several) you end up as a jack of all trades. I don’t know anyone in the U.S. Army that just does one thing.
I don’t know much about the US Forces, nor have I had a chance to interact with them, so I’ll take your word for it. This is what I was told by several members of the Canadian Forces.