"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 21 Oct 2005 14:29:02 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Fri, 21 Oct 2005 05:26:35 GMT, "Bryan"
wrote:


"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
I saw a military recruitment TV commercial the other day, in which a
parent was sort of asked, "if your child asks about going in the
military,
what would you say?" kind of thing. Those weren't the exact words, but
close enough. The idea was that parents should have "information" so
they
can answer their kids' questions and help them decide upon the
military.

This newsgroup and it's political discussions has caused me to think
about
something that never crossed my mind. I need to ask my father (retired
air
force pilot) why he and my grandfather (army, infantry) never encouraged
me
to join the military. It will be interesting to know if my father
thinks
his grandson should join the military.

I wouldn't hesitate to advise any grandchildren of mine to join the
military if they asked me for my advice.

If they asked you why you recommend it, especially at this specific point
in
history, what would you tell them?

I would start out by explaining that life is an adventure. Everyday
is a new series of events that lead to in multiple directions. Take
advantage of the training and skills offered by the military in
exchange for adding to your store of skills and ability so that
whatever direction your life takes, you are a little more prepared for
it.

I would say that you can pick what you want to do - Aircraft,
electronics, yada, yada, yada. If you really want to have some fun,
shoot for the elite specialties. Hell, even those pussy Navy types
can do good things for you.

I would tell them that the discipline and camaraderie will stay with
them forever and give them something to fall back on when times get
tough.

I would tell them to take advantage of the educational opportunities
offered and max your skill set as much as possible.

I would say that yes, the chances of being killed by bad guys is
higher than being killed driving across town, but if you pay
attention, trust your buddies and follow the lead of your Senior NCOs
- stay sharp, you'll be just fine.

Last, I would say that will be bad times, but they will be more than
offset by the good times and those will be more than worthy of
remembering.

All true (almost), but to my son, I've said that if you're going to get your
guts blown out, make sure it's for a good cause.


"The United States has no right, no desire, and no intention to impose our
form of government on anyone else. That is one of the main differences
between us and our enemies."
-- Apparently he isn't counting the invasions, occupations and
nation-building endeavors in Afghanistan and Iraq, 2005 State of the Union
address, Washington, D.C., Feb. 2, 2005