Know anyone in the military? What are they like? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

sailor · 02-12-2004, 10:34 PM

I was thinking about this earlier tonight. I know a good number of people who either are serving or have served in the military: my best friend is at West Point, a close family friend was in the Marines seemingly forever, and one of my fraternity brothers is an eight year veteran of the SEALs, to name the most prominent.

And without exception, every one of these people is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met--honest, true, and reliable. It could be coincidence, sure, but it seems to me that these people are better for their service. Did the military teach them something everyone else is lacking? What is it? I dont know but I sure as hell like it. Not only that, but I have tremendous respect for what they did.

Anyways, what are yall's experiences with folks who have served? Who do you know who has served?

HeAtHeN · 02-12-2004, 10:39 PM

I was in the British Army for 8 years. It was great as a single man.... but then I got married and my life changed (imagine that!!) I no longer wanted to be away from my wife for 6 months at a time.. so I got out.

I served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Germany and Canada (where I live now)

The military made me grow up ... really fast and turned me into a man. I'll NEVER regret my time in the Army.

cardfrek · 02-12-2004, 10:50 PM

I did 4 years active duty in the US Navy in the submarine force. Being military does force you grow up and can change your life in significant ways. I have been all over the world from my time in the navy, and if I never would have joined I probably never would have left Los Angeles. You also learn how to deal with the gov't and MASSIVE beaucracy (sp?).

cleanx · 02-12-2004, 10:55 PM

i have a couple buddys who are in the marines
nice guys not the typical jock o jar head
they are in iraq right now

Jam · 02-13-2004, 12:06 AM

im not really a fan of armies and such... they degrade people by screaming and yelling... why would you want to deal with that crap...

allthough they do deserve respect for serving whichever country thier from... but i know i will never join any army

Lebell · 02-13-2004, 02:28 AM

I've known many many people in the military, and like everyone else, some are great, some are jerks.

My former step-father == Col. in the Colorado Air National Guard and a complete jerk.

My uncle == Col. in the Colorado Army National Guard and one of the most honest and nicest guys you could ever know.

My great uncle == Col. in the Colorado Army National Guard: somewhere between the other two.

Crack · 02-13-2004, 05:05 AM

hmmmmm... pretty much everyone I know now is in the US Air Force, side-effect of being in the Air Force at an overseas base... Like Lebell said it runs the gambit of complete jerk and bestest friends...

ratbastid · 02-13-2004, 05:20 AM

A dear friend of mine is a retired Navy Captain, a four-striper. He's one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle men I've ever known. He loves everybody. I can only imagine what it would have been like serving on his ship.

He actually told me that being First Officer on a ship was his favorite rank. He liked that a lot more than being Captain, because he actually got to work with his men. He was lonely as Captain--surrounded by only a few of his officers every day.

He ran a project during the Vietnam war to provide South Vietnamese villagers with the wherewithal to raise livestock to support themselves. He'd give them a couple breeding pigs or a small flock of chickens, and his department would train them to raise them and care for them. This was something he dreamed up and got support for pretty much on his own. His men refered to him as "CinC Pigs and Chickens".

Amazing guy. Really an inspiration.

bobmsmythe · 02-13-2004, 05:43 AM

Two guys:

My brother in law is in the Navy. Nice guy. No sense of humor. My former boss (now my equivalent, heh heh heh) was in the Marines for 6 years. He's an asshole.

Bob

Bill O'Rights · 02-13-2004, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sailor
...every one of these people is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met--honest, true, and reliable. It could be coincidence, sure, but it seems to me that these people are better for their service. Did the military teach them something everyone else is lacking? What is it?

Well, I don't know so much about the everyone else part, but I'll use a broad brush here and paint you a resounding "Yes".
They are taught duty, honor, pride, respect, loyalty and teamwork. I spent eight year in the United States Air Force. I wouldn't trade that time, or experience for anything in the world.

Quote:

Originally posted by Lebell
I've known many many people in the military, and like everyone else, some are great, some are jerks.

Unfortunately, what Lebell said is also true. But then again, you are going to have jerks and a**holes everywhere you go. They seem to breed faster than cockroaches. The military is, of course, no exception to this rule.

Quote:

Originally posted by jam161 im not really a fan of armies and such... they degrade people by screaming and yelling... why would you want to deal with that crap...

Feh...you've seen too many movies, my friend. Yeah, OK, maybe in Basic Training, but even then it's not that bad, if you just keep your nose clean and do what you are supposed to be doing.

As an end note, I will add that there is camaraderie amongst current and former members of the armed forces that a "civilian" will never comprehend.

onetime2 · 02-13-2004, 06:05 AM

While in college I did the OCS thing for the Marine Corps. That lasted for almost 4 years. During that time I met too many to count. As with anything, there was a full spectrum of people/personalities.

Aside from this I've known many people throughout my life both relatives and friends who were/are involved in the military.

The best of them were among the best people that I've ever met in my life. The worst of them were a couple of rungs higher than the worst people I've met in my life.

Take that for what it's worth.

ARTelevision · 02-13-2004, 06:21 AM

Yes. And I agree with you:

"...without exception, every one of these people is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met--honest, true, and reliable."

I'd say, yes, the military inculcates the kind of good citizenship that is no longer a general or widespread part of our cultural conditioning outside of the military.

sexymama · 02-13-2004, 06:49 AM

Two brother-in-laws, both loosers imo (Can't hold jobs outside of the military, multiple affairs, etc.)

Two "chosen" sons -- has helped them grow up and figure out what they want out of life.

I think it is all what you decide you are going to get out of it. You can only be "taught" good citizenship, honor, etc. if you are open to learning it.

Harshaw · 02-13-2004, 07:05 AM

One of my closest friends dad was in the Marines. He is one of the smartest/funniest guys I know. My best friend is in the Coast Guard, he is pretty awesome also.
One of the reasons I have been wanting to join the Coast guard is most of the people I know who did a stint in the military turn out pretty neat. I'm hoping the same would happen to me.

ARTelevision · 02-13-2004, 07:28 AM

sexymama, thanks for the dose of realism.
this is true - people are free agents...

Iliftrocks · 02-13-2004, 08:31 AM

There are all kinds of folk, good and bad, in the military. I've known the good, the bad, and the ugly.

My bro-inlaw or ex in this case is a hell of a guy, ex-marine, but I've known, and he has too, some REAL BAD people in the marines.... I grew up between an Army base and a Marine base, so I got to meet a bunch of em.........

amonkie · 02-13-2004, 10:36 AM

I've got one cousin who's served in every branch, and is an absolutely great guy, and I have another cousin who was dishonorably discharged from the Air Force, and could be classified as a bum. The people who stay in the services, I believe, have a certain character that enables them to be less self serving than the general public.

meembo · 02-13-2004, 11:29 AM

I'm Episcopalian, and my favorite priest is a guy that was in the English army for years before he was stationed in Ireland and had parts of his body blown off. He bacame a priest saying fuck all the killing and hate and violence. There's too much. He's the gentlest guy, and his sermons are powerful as well. He met his wife there, a reporter covering the violence years ago

maybe you need to be a little older to remember the savagery of the troubles in Northern Ireland, but the hate was savage and brutal and indiscriminate.

majik_6 · 02-13-2004, 01:21 PM

My best friend served as an MP, and his fiancee is in the Army band. Both of them are wonderful people, although they have some undesirable personality traits that they picked up in basic. As well, one of my good friends at college is currently in the Airforce

The way I see it, if you're a humble, good person going in, then you'll become disciplined and respectful.

If you tend to be too cocky or love to be the tough guy, controlling those around you, the army can actually augment that quality. They'll break you of it while you're there, but once you're back with civilians, it can come back with a vengance.

Just my thoughts on the issue. Most people I know that are serving/have served are great people. Most are better because of it, but a few of them can be very, very cocky and sometimes look down on the "mere civilians" around them. I realize that even w/o the service these people had big egos, I just think that their time in the armed forces kind of augmented it. But overall, my friends that were in the service are the most dependable of all my friends, and they're usually willing to do anything and everything in their power to help those around them.

MaGlC_MaN · 02-13-2004, 01:38 PM

my best friend is in the Army and is in Kuwait. he's my best friend so of course i see him as trustworthy and a good person and stuff.

KungFuGuy · 02-13-2004, 02:28 PM

my brother's in the the army national guard and he's somewhere in the middle of jerk and a good guy.

msyelf i'm thinking of joining the coast guard reserves...still undecided.anyone here have info on the coast guard reserves?

teriaki · 02-13-2004, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by meembo
maybe you need to be a little older to remember the savagery of the troubles in Northern Ireland, but the hate was savage and brutal and indiscriminate.

meembo- my husband is from Belfast, he knows first-hand about all the brutality from there.

Back to point:
One of my best friends was in Iraq (just got home- healthy and safe), and he's an awesome guy. Just a generally good fellow to be around.

That being said, I dated a Navy boy several years back, and I can say he totally tainted the way I think of any service person- he was just a jackass. But then again, I dated a lot of jackasses.

CinnamonGirl · 02-13-2004, 03:00 PM

Well, there's crackprogram, of course...also, two of my good friends from high school (one is Army Reserve, one is Navy.) They're all good guys (well, mostly

) My grandpa and uncle were both in the Army, also good guys.

But of course, there are the assholes, as with anywhere else.

02-13-2004, 03:07 PM

Brother & Father= former Marines. Both wonderful people, though their mentality is "my way or the highway", defend my country first. They aren't macho or too arogant. My father is all about the military and is writing a book on war stories collabing with other people.

My bro-in-law= Navy Corpsman (Dr. for the Marines). Totally cool, laid back, got to go t Iraq for a while and had a wonderful experience there, although he is glad to be home- and he & his wife are now expecting their first child- yay!

Friend= Army Photojournalist. Really cool, funny, laid back & enjoying Iraq, meeting many famous people, but ready to come home. Not macho or arrogant in the least little bit.

scrappmittens · 02-13-2004, 06:22 PM

I am an army brat.. my dad is in the army, my two aunts, and my grandpa was. Being in a military family you dont see the nice sides of relatives. But I notice when my dad is around other people he is the nicest guy ever. And all of his army buddies are also cool. I think the army teaches them to be hardasses but still maintain your manners.

gnort · 02-13-2004, 09:54 PM

I have a cousin in the Air Force. He's a real dick. Through-out our lives he has tried to use me and he lied to me about everything. The only thing that has changed about him is his body. He's still the guy who's a screw-up. Even though he hasnt been the best to me I wish him luck in finding something to do with his life. The military actually looks like a good prospect for him because previously he was going no-where fast

kel · 02-13-2004, 10:17 PM

I've never met an ex-serviceman I didn't like. They all rocked. Jim, the handyman for my family for decades, Steve, the 5th degree black belt in uechi-ryu I study with, Steve, a really cool team player who is a bio major in my school.

Sadly I only know 3 because of the walk of life I am taking.

I don't think the military can fix broken people, but it can perfect for those who give it something to work with.

PredeconInferno · 02-14-2004, 12:40 AM

Well, my brother is currently serving in the Army Air Defense...

He's really grown up a lot... he used to never do anything on his own

My parents would have to prod him CONSTANTLY... but he's really changed... I mean... he even socializes with us now!

I like my oldest brother, it's fun having him at home 'cause he's not so angry all the time anymore.

opey99 · 02-14-2004, 07:17 PM

I know a few people in the military, and I think some of the comments previously posted are correct, that being, not all are nice and polite wonderful people.

That being said, one of my favorite people is a guy I was introduced to by my wife, a jewish guy in his 30's who is in the air guard and about the nicest guy I think I've ever met. his wife is great too btw, I think you get out what you put in, and he was taught most of his mannerisms before joining the military.

lucidity · 02-15-2004, 04:46 PM

I met a guy who was stationed nearby for 6 monts of training. A lieutenant in the Army. Real stand up guy, sweet, intelligent. Puts people before himself. He went back to Texas at the end of his time at the base, and we've kept in touch. He ended up doing a stint in Iraq. Good people.

forseti-6 · 02-15-2004, 07:57 PM

Some of the nicest, most honest people I know are/were in the military. Some of the biggest assholes I know are/were in the military. I think like anywhere else you will meet a lot of good people, some bad and some horrendous. Frankly though, I would say the good/bad ratio has been about 90/10, which is probably a higher ratio than most professions.

gorilla · 02-16-2004, 05:54 PM

My parents met in the US Army. He was a morse code translater and she was a secretary, both had security clearance. My dad was also stationed in Korea, I love to hear stories from him about his days in the Army. I have two neighbors in the military, one in the Army Reserves (now in Iraq) and one in basic training for the Marines. All 4 of these people are the respectable, great ones and haven't have a experience with the jerk type. maybe I should get out more...

Annabella · 03-17-2004, 09:48 AM

I was meeting a navy officer and he was A real gentleman,but unfortunately he had lots of other girls too..Thats my opinion on this topic..

feelgood · 03-17-2004, 10:17 AM

Step-sister is currently in the progress of joining the Canadian reservist. My step mom isn't too pleased with her descision, hell, everybody in the family is against it. Not simply because it's a good way to get killed but she isn't really...fit is the best way to put it. For example, on a hike up on the mountain, the first small hill, she broke down crying saying that she couldn't handle the hike. So, if she couldn't handle the hike at all, she sure hell aint gonna make it in the army.

I find that my step-sister often lets her arrogant get in the way.

It doesn't matter, what she wants to do is what she wants to do. Can't do much about it.

I think I'd better add the fact that some of my cousins, my brother and I are having a pool to see how long she'll last in the basics.

My Step-dad was a Vietnam veteran. He got shot couple of times and ended up with metal plates to replace his bones. He's cool and knows loads of shits.

clavus · 03-17-2004, 11:05 AM

I know a lot of military folks. I work with some now. I've spent some time stomping around in the mud with an M-16.

Like everywhere else, I've met-

Arrogant assholes
Gentlemen
Brilliant minds
Laughingly stupid fools
Fragile Prima Donnas
mean-spirited racists
hard workers
And generally excellent all-round people.

The only gereralizations I can give you -
Pretty good physical condition
patriotic
worthy of respect because they chose a noble profession.

Bill O'Rights · 03-17-2004, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by feelgood
Step-sister is currently in the progress of joining the Canadian reservist. My step mom isn't too pleased with her descision, hell, everybody in the family is against it. Not simply because it's a good way to get killed but she isn't really...fit is the best way to put it. For example, on a hike up on the mountain, the first small hill, she broke down crying saying that she couldn't handle the hike. So, if she couldn't handle the hike at all, she sure hell aint gonna make it in the army.

I find that my step-sister often lets her arrogant get in the way.

It doesn't matter, what she wants to do is what she wants to do. Can't do much about it.

I think I'd better add the fact that some of my cousins, my brother and I are having a pool to see how long she'll last in the basics.

Y'know, not to be an ass or anything, but it sounds to me like a little time served, in the military, is exactly what your step-sister needs.

Church · 03-17-2004, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jam161
im not really a fan of armies and such... they degrade people by screaming and yelling... why would you want to deal with that crap...

allthough they do deserve respect for serving whichever country thier from... but i know i will never join any army

That's only the American military. The Canadians are much more respectful of their soldiers.

Redjake · 03-17-2004, 04:20 PM

two of the guys I know in the army are really nice, the other one is a complete dick and exploits his being in Iraq for a year. he makes up stories and expects us to believe them. truly unbelievable stories. I used to respect him for going (before the bullshit started) but now I see him as a liar trying to gain respect that he already had.

H12 · 03-17-2004, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sailor
Did the military teach them something everyone else is lacking?

Yes...disipline.

My brother is currently studying in South Carolina for the Navy. Both of my grandfathers were involved in wars (I forget what divisions they went under). One of my friend's brother is a Marine overseas right now. Two of my friends who graduated last year have entered the Army.

With all of that said, all of them have grown to be more respectful than what they were before they signed their life away for afew years. However, sadly enough, I've noticed that my brother has lost alot of his personality since he went to basic training in October...nobody else that I mentioned (excluding my grandfathers, because I wasn't around before they signed up for whatever) has lost much/any personality. I guess it's to be expected though, plus I figure I just notice his changes alot more than others because I've lived with him for 18 years.

feelgood · 03-17-2004, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill O'Rights
Y'know, not to be an ass or anything, but it sounds to me like a little time served, in the military, is exactly what your step-sister needs.

You met to tell me that she deserves boot camp? Well, she is a little...I don't really know what's the best word to pick but if you watch maury a little bit and see some kids get sent to boot camp, you could say that she's similar to that.

I think military service is a way for anybody to learn general skills and gain government funding to attend post secondary of any choice.

02-12-2004, 10:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
sailor beauty in the breakdown Location: Chapel Hill, NC	Know anyone in the military? What are they like? I was thinking about this earlier tonight. I know a good number of people who either are serving or have served in the military: my best friend is at West Point, a close family friend was in the Marines seemingly forever, and one of my fraternity brothers is an eight year veteran of the SEALs, to name the most prominent. And without exception, every one of these people is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met--honest, true, and reliable. It could be coincidence, sure, but it seems to me that these people are better for their service. Did the military teach them something everyone else is lacking? What is it? I dont know but I sure as hell like it. Not only that, but I have tremendous respect for what they did. Anyways, what are yall's experiences with folks who have served? Who do you know who has served? __________________ "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." --Plato

02-12-2004, 10:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
cleanx Crazy Location: chatsworth, california san fernando valley	i have a couple buddys who are in the marines nice guys not the typical jock o jar head they are in iraq right now __________________ The Nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools." -Thucydides

02-13-2004, 02:28 AM	#6 (permalink)
Lebell Cracking the Whip Location: Sexymama's arms...	I've known many many people in the military, and like everyone else, some are great, some are jerks. My former step-father == Col. in the Colorado Air National Guard and a complete jerk. My uncle == Col. in the Colorado Army National Guard and one of the most honest and nicest guys you could ever know. My great uncle == Col. in the Colorado Army National Guard: somewhere between the other two. __________________ "Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." – C. S. Lewis The ONLY sponsors we have are YOU! Please Donate!

02-13-2004, 05:05 AM	#7 (permalink)
Crack Misanthropic Location: Ohio! yay!	hmmmmm... pretty much everyone I know now is in the US Air Force, side-effect of being in the Air Force at an overseas base... Like Lebell said it runs the gambit of complete jerk and bestest friends... __________________ Crack, you and I are long overdue for a vicious bout of mansex. ~Halx

02-13-2004, 06:05 AM	#11 (permalink)
onetime2 Junkie Location: NJ	While in college I did the OCS thing for the Marine Corps. That lasted for almost 4 years. During that time I met too many to count. As with anything, there was a full spectrum of people/personalities. Aside from this I've known many people throughout my life both relatives and friends who were/are involved in the military. The best of them were among the best people that I've ever met in my life. The worst of them were a couple of rungs higher than the worst people I've met in my life. Take that for what it's worth. __________________ Strive to be more curious than ignorant.

02-12-2004, 10:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
cardfrek Upright Location: Los Angeles, Ca	I did 4 years active duty in the US Navy in the submarine force. Being military does force you grow up and can change your life in significant ways. I have been all over the world from my time in the navy, and if I never would have joined I probably never would have left Los Angeles. You also learn how to deal with the gov't and MASSIVE beaucracy (sp?).

02-13-2004, 12:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
Jam Junkie	im not really a fan of armies and such... they degrade people by screaming and yelling... why would you want to deal with that crap... allthough they do deserve respect for serving whichever country thier from... but i know i will never join any army

02-13-2004, 05:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	A dear friend of mine is a retired Navy Captain, a four-striper. He's one of the kindest, sweetest, most gentle men I've ever known. He loves everybody. I can only imagine what it would have been like serving on his ship. He actually told me that being First Officer on a ship was his favorite rank. He liked that a lot more than being Captain, because he actually got to work with his men. He was lonely as Captain--surrounded by only a few of his officers every day. He ran a project during the Vietnam war to provide South Vietnamese villagers with the wherewithal to raise livestock to support themselves. He'd give them a couple breeding pigs or a small flock of chickens, and his department would train them to raise them and care for them. This was something he dreamed up and got support for pretty much on his own. His men refered to him as "CinC Pigs and Chickens". Amazing guy. Really an inspiration.

02-13-2004, 05:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
bobmsmythe Crazy Location: NYC	Two guys: My brother in law is in the Navy. Nice guy. No sense of humor. My former boss (now my equivalent, heh heh heh) was in the Marines for 6 years. He's an asshole. Bob

02-13-2004, 06:21 AM	#12 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	Yes. And I agree with you: "...without exception, every one of these people is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met--honest, true, and reliable." I'd say, yes, the military inculcates the kind of good citizenship that is no longer a general or widespread part of our cultural conditioning outside of the military. __________________ create evolution

02-13-2004, 06:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
sexymama My own person -- his by choice Location: Lebell's arms	Two brother-in-laws, both loosers imo (Can't hold jobs outside of the military, multiple affairs, etc.) Two "chosen" sons -- has helped them grow up and figure out what they want out of life. I think it is all what you decide you are going to get out of it. You can only be "taught" good citizenship, honor, etc. if you are open to learning it. __________________ If you can go deeply into lovemaking, the ego disappears. That is the beauty of lovemaking, that it is another source of a glimpse of god It's not about being perfect; it's about developing some skill at managing imperfection.

02-13-2004, 07:05 AM	#14 (permalink)
Harshaw Is mad at you. Location: Bored in Sacramento	One of my closest friends dad was in the Marines. He is one of the smartest/funniest guys I know. My best friend is in the Coast Guard, he is pretty awesome also. One of the reasons I have been wanting to join the Coast guard is most of the people I know who did a stint in the military turn out pretty neat. I'm hoping the same would happen to me. __________________ This too shall pass.

02-13-2004, 07:28 AM	#15 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	sexymama, thanks for the dose of realism. this is true - people are free agents... __________________ create evolution

02-13-2004, 08:31 AM	#16 (permalink)
Iliftrocks Junkie Location: Near Raleigh, NC	There are all kinds of folk, good and bad, in the military. I've known the good, the bad, and the ugly. My bro-inlaw or ex in this case is a hell of a guy, ex-marine, but I've known, and he has too, some REAL BAD people in the marines.... I grew up between an Army base and a Marine base, so I got to meet a bunch of em......... __________________ bill hicks - "I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out."

02-13-2004, 10:36 AM	#17 (permalink)
amonkie Drifting Administrator Location: Windy City	I've got one cousin who's served in every branch, and is an absolutely great guy, and I have another cousin who was dishonorably discharged from the Air Force, and could be classified as a bum. The people who stay in the services, I believe, have a certain character that enables them to be less self serving than the general public. __________________ Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

02-13-2004, 11:29 AM	#18 (permalink)
meembo Junkie Location: Connecticut	I'm Episcopalian, and my favorite priest is a guy that was in the English army for years before he was stationed in Ireland and had parts of his body blown off. He bacame a priest saying fuck all the killing and hate and violence. There's too much. He's the gentlest guy, and his sermons are powerful as well. He met his wife there, a reporter covering the violence years ago maybe you need to be a little older to remember the savagery of the troubles in Northern Ireland, but the hate was savage and brutal and indiscriminate. __________________ less I say, smarter I am

02-13-2004, 01:21 PM	#19 (permalink)
majik_6 narcissist Location: looking in a mirror	My best friend served as an MP, and his fiancee is in the Army band. Both of them are wonderful people, although they have some undesirable personality traits that they picked up in basic. As well, one of my good friends at college is currently in the Airforce The way I see it, if you're a humble, good person going in, then you'll become disciplined and respectful. If you tend to be too cocky or love to be the tough guy, controlling those around you, the army can actually augment that quality. They'll break you of it while you're there, but once you're back with civilians, it can come back with a vengance. Just my thoughts on the issue. Most people I know that are serving/have served are great people. Most are better because of it, but a few of them can be very, very cocky and sometimes look down on the "mere civilians" around them. I realize that even w/o the service these people had big egos, I just think that their time in the armed forces kind of augmented it. But overall, my friends that were in the service are the most dependable of all my friends, and they're usually willing to do anything and everything in their power to help those around them. __________________ it's all about self-indulgence

02-13-2004, 01:38 PM	#20 (permalink)
MaGlC_MaN Insane Location: Tennessee	my best friend is in the Army and is in Kuwait. he's my best friend so of course i see him as trustworthy and a good person and stuff. __________________ Bye.

02-13-2004, 02:28 PM	#21 (permalink)
KungFuGuy Insane	my brother's in the the army national guard and he's somewhere in the middle of jerk and a good guy. msyelf i'm thinking of joining the coast guard reserves...still undecided.anyone here have info on the coast guard reserves?

02-13-2004, 03:00 PM	#23 (permalink)
CinnamonGirl She's Actual Size Location: Central Republic of Where-in-the-Hell	Well, there's crackprogram, of course...also, two of my good friends from high school (one is Army Reserve, one is Navy.) They're all good guys (well, mostly ) My grandpa and uncle were both in the Army, also good guys. But of course, there are the assholes, as with anywhere else. __________________ "...for though she was ordinary, she possessed health, wit, courage, charm, and cheerfulness. But because she was not beautiful, no one ever seemed to notice these other qualities, which is so often the way of the world." "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

02-13-2004, 03:07 PM	#24 (permalink)
:::OshnSoul::: Guest	Brother & Father= former Marines. Both wonderful people, though their mentality is "my way or the highway", defend my country first. They aren't macho or too arogant. My father is all about the military and is writing a book on war stories collabing with other people. My bro-in-law= Navy Corpsman (Dr. for the Marines). Totally cool, laid back, got to go t Iraq for a while and had a wonderful experience there, although he is glad to be home- and he & his wife are now expecting their first child- yay! Friend= Army Photojournalist. Really cool, funny, laid back & enjoying Iraq, meeting many famous people, but ready to come home. Not macho or arrogant in the least little bit.

02-13-2004, 06:22 PM	#25 (permalink)
scrappmittens Upright Location: Upstate NY	Army Brat I am an army brat.. my dad is in the army, my two aunts, and my grandpa was. Being in a military family you dont see the nice sides of relatives. But I notice when my dad is around other people he is the nicest guy ever. And all of his army buddies are also cool. I think the army teaches them to be hardasses but still maintain your manners.

02-13-2004, 09:54 PM	#26 (permalink)
gnort Psycho Location: MA	I have a cousin in the Air Force. He's a real dick. Through-out our lives he has tried to use me and he lied to me about everything. The only thing that has changed about him is his body. He's still the guy who's a screw-up. Even though he hasnt been the best to me I wish him luck in finding something to do with his life. The military actually looks like a good prospect for him because previously he was going no-where fast __________________ You had me at Qapla'

02-13-2004, 10:17 PM	#27 (permalink)
kel WARNING: FLAMMABLE Location: Ask Acetylene	I've never met an ex-serviceman I didn't like. They all rocked. Jim, the handyman for my family for decades, Steve, the 5th degree black belt in uechi-ryu I study with, Steve, a really cool team player who is a bio major in my school. Sadly I only know 3 because of the walk of life I am taking. I don't think the military can fix broken people, but it can perfect for those who give it something to work with. __________________ "It better be funny"

02-14-2004, 12:40 AM	#28 (permalink)
PredeconInferno Reclusiarch Location: Unfortunately Houston, TX	Well, my brother is currently serving in the Army Air Defense... He's really grown up a lot... he used to never do anything on his own My parents would have to prod him CONSTANTLY... but he's really changed... I mean... he even socializes with us now! I like my oldest brother, it's fun having him at home 'cause he's not so angry all the time anymore. __________________ Samurai in Training Knowledge is power. Guard it well.

02-14-2004, 07:17 PM	#29 (permalink)
opey99 Junkie	I know a few people in the military, and I think some of the comments previously posted are correct, that being, not all are nice and polite wonderful people. That being said, one of my favorite people is a guy I was introduced to by my wife, a jewish guy in his 30's who is in the air guard and about the nicest guy I think I've ever met. his wife is great too btw, I think you get out what you put in, and he was taught most of his mannerisms before joining the military. __________________ name's Bramage, Dain Bramage

02-15-2004, 04:46 PM	#30 (permalink)
lucidity Crazy Location: ...the space between what's wrong and right...	I met a guy who was stationed nearby for 6 monts of training. A lieutenant in the Army. Real stand up guy, sweet, intelligent. Puts people before himself. He went back to Texas at the end of his time at the base, and we've kept in touch. He ended up doing a stint in Iraq. Good people. __________________ Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see. -William Newton Clark

02-15-2004, 07:57 PM	#31 (permalink)
forseti-6 Existentialist Location: New York City	Some of the nicest, most honest people I know are/were in the military. Some of the biggest assholes I know are/were in the military. I think like anywhere else you will meet a lot of good people, some bad and some horrendous. Frankly though, I would say the good/bad ratio has been about 90/10, which is probably a higher ratio than most professions. __________________ "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

02-16-2004, 05:54 PM	#32 (permalink)
gorilla Insane Location: USA	My parents met in the US Army. He was a morse code translater and she was a secretary, both had security clearance. My dad was also stationed in Korea, I love to hear stories from him about his days in the Army. I have two neighbors in the military, one in the Army Reserves (now in Iraq) and one in basic training for the Marines. All 4 of these people are the respectable, great ones and haven't have a experience with the jerk type. maybe I should get out more... __________________ I'll bet you $5 that you read the previous word...

03-17-2004, 09:48 AM	#33 (permalink)
Annabella Tilted	I was meeting a navy officer and he was A real gentleman,but unfortunately he had lots of other girls too..Thats my opinion on this topic.. __________________ Milloin vaan voi kiihoittua!!

03-17-2004, 10:17 AM	#34 (permalink)
feelgood Free Mars! Location: I dunno, there's white people around me saying "eh" all the time	Step-sister is currently in the progress of joining the Canadian reservist. My step mom isn't too pleased with her descision, hell, everybody in the family is against it. Not simply because it's a good way to get killed but she isn't really...fit is the best way to put it. For example, on a hike up on the mountain, the first small hill, she broke down crying saying that she couldn't handle the hike. So, if she couldn't handle the hike at all, she sure hell aint gonna make it in the army. I find that my step-sister often lets her arrogant get in the way. It doesn't matter, what she wants to do is what she wants to do. Can't do much about it. I think I'd better add the fact that some of my cousins, my brother and I are having a pool to see how long she'll last in the basics. My Step-dad was a Vietnam veteran. He got shot couple of times and ended up with metal plates to replace his bones. He's cool and knows loads of shits. __________________ Looking out the window, that's an act of war. Staring at my shoes, that's an act of war. Committing an act of war? Oh you better believe that's an act of war

03-17-2004, 11:05 AM	#35 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	I know a lot of military folks. I work with some now. I've spent some time stomping around in the mud with an M-16. Like everywhere else, I've met- Arrogant assholes Gentlemen Brilliant minds Laughingly stupid fools Fragile Prima Donnas mean-spirited racists hard workers And generally excellent all-round people. The only gereralizations I can give you - Pretty good physical condition patriotic worthy of respect because they chose a noble profession. __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

03-17-2004, 04:20 PM	#38 (permalink)
Redjake I'm a family man - I run a family business. Location: Wilson, NC	two of the guys I know in the army are really nice, the other one is a complete dick and exploits his being in Iraq for a year. he makes up stories and expects us to believe them. truly unbelievable stories. I used to respect him for going (before the bullshit started) but now I see him as a liar trying to gain respect that he already had. __________________ Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.