Not Sure?

[JD17]

I am thinking of enlisting in September, i was looking at military police and it looks like a good MOS for me since I want to be in the SWAT team as a career. I am very worried about getting seriously wounded or killed so that’s the biggest thing keeping me from choosing. But I do want to help my country and I don’t want to be just another kid in high school screwing around, I want to be doing something great, my girlfriends brother is in the CT national guard and he loves it but he’s also not afraid of dyeing. I am not leaning to one or the other I am totally half way on it, I just want some suggestions. Thanks

[shutterm4]

I don't think that there is honestly one person on this earth that is not afraid of dying, but its all about how you choose to deal with the thought of it possibly happening. does joining the national guard mean you will get killed. No. Is there danger in the national guard? yes. Is there danger in the SWAT team. Yes. But that danger is faced with great training and precision tactics that minimize casualties and they are designed so that you can be SAFE and effective. Is there a chance that if you were to join that you could be put in a dangerous situation? Yes, there is a chance that it can happen, and thats why you go to basic training and AIT, so that you are trained to face that danger and fear, and so that you are able to protect yourself, and accomplish your mission.

A fear of Death is normal, but you cannot let it control your life and permeate your thoughts, because if you do you are going to live a very boring a sad life. People face danger everyday to do their jobs, but that doesnt stop them. You must overcome the fear and realize that you are becoming something much bigger and more important then yourself. You would become part of the most elite and largest fighting force in the world. You would be a member of the United States Army, You would be standing for something far greater then yourself, You would be serving and protecting your country, and that is something that is our duty.

There is much fear in death, and you have 2 choices regarding that fear. You can let it control you, or you can choose to control it and live your life in a way that you wont regret. Because if you live a life full of "i almost did" and of "i should have done" you are going to regret it in your future.

The Army National Guard is an honorable choice, and if you choose to serve, it is something that you will always be respected and admired for.

[sgtdavis]

I am thinking of enlisting in September, i was looking at military police and it looks like a good MOS for me since I want to be in the SWAT team as a career. I am very worried about getting seriously wounded or killed so that’s the biggest thing keeping me from choosing. But I do want to help my country and I don’t want to be just another kid in high school screwing around, I want to be doing something great, my girlfriends brother is in the CT national guard and he loves it but he’s also not afraid of dyeing. I am not leaning to one or the other I am totally half way on it, I just want some suggestions. Thanks

Security Police in the Air National Guard is what I would recommend to you. Good Luck

[matthew.ritchie]

If you're looking at law enforcement as a career, particularly in SWAT, then you're facing a serious risk of injury or death in that career field as well.

I've served for 17 years, and I personally know more Soldiers that have died at home (e.g., heart attack, car accident) than overseas. While my personal experience is hardly a scientific analysis, please note that while each casualty overseas makes the news, we don't think as much about the tens of thousands who come home alive. It took four years of fighting in two countries for military deaths to equal the civilian deaths of one attack on our own soil.

I can't tell you what to do, but I can state that no matter what you do in life, eventually you will die somehow. Civilians aren't immortal. Of course military service has risk, but ultimately every aspect of life has some risk. You do your best to mitigate that risk, but you don't let it cripple you.

[WIBecky74]

I am thinking of enlisting in September, i was looking at military police and it looks like a good MOS for me since I want to be in the SWAT team as a career. I am very worried about getting seriously wounded or killed so that’s the biggest thing keeping me from choosing. But I do want to help my country and I don’t want to be just another kid in high school screwing around, I want to be doing something great, my girlfriends brother is in the CT national guard and he loves it but he’s also not afraid of dyeing. I am not leaning to one or the other I am totally half way on it, I just want some suggestions. Thanks

Just MHO but research research research. And it looks like you are so great job! Take your time and the more you know, in theory, the easier it should be to make your decision. Take your time. Of course our country needs you ASAP if you would be a good asset to the National Guard, but its a decision that takes alot of thought.

Your knowledge comes from many media sourses that dont always show an unbiased opinion. You see death and bad news. The good stuff isnt always shown to us. Keep that in mind with your worry about dying. I was scared of death before enlisting or even thinking of enlisting, am now, and will be after my service is completed. It comes from the unknown for me.

I dont know much about the MP Mos or simular jobs because I wasnt interested in them and had no reason to learn yet. But when you said SWAT team as a career, I was curious if you meant in the civilian world or as a military job since the guard is a part time job unless in extended training or deployment.

[Ryan.Le]

I am thinking of enlisting in September, i was looking at military police and it looks like a good MOS for me since I want to be in the SWAT team as a career. I am very worried about getting seriously wounded or killed so that’s the biggest thing keeping me from choosing. But I do want to help my country and I don’t want to be just another kid in high school screwing around, I want to be doing something great, my girlfriends brother is in the CT national guard and he loves it but he’s also not afraid of dyeing. I am not leaning to one or the other I am totally half way on it, I just want some suggestions. Thanks

Hey JD.

I've been in the Guard since 112206; enlisted 11B.

You don't look at it as a "potential to getting wounded or ****." You let all of that go and just don't think about it--because no one is looking to get wounded or killed.

Also,

you say you want to make SWAT a full time career.

First off; yes, MP will get you the appropriate training and skills you could use to get into a police academy and eventually SWAT training.

Secondly; you BETTER think twice about SWAT as a full time career if you're afraid of getting wounded or killed. Those are the real deal about SWAT--they're not your happy-go-lucky police officers writing traffic violations or dealing with unruly minors in a high school. They're called in with M16s sitting in their trunks to come face to face with some of the dirtiest people alive.

If you need any further help or information, I'd be glad to answer.

[JD17]

This is another thing that scares me, say you have a 8 year enlistment time, and on your last year you are deployed, they can keep you past your enlistment time. Im young (16 will be 17 in september) and im afraid of not living a long life, but at the same time i wanna do something great, and i know if i enlist im in for good no way out, that also scares me.

[shutterm4]

You're freaking out about something that rarely happens, and the last couple years you will be on IRR. People have led you to believe that the government has some conspiracy theory against soldiers and that they want to keep you in the military forever. This is untrue, and the whole "back door draft" concept is rare and quite over emphasized. As far as living a long life goes, your going to be fine and the media has led us to believe that all people in the military do is go over to iraq and die. Think of the THOUSANDS of soldiers that have been there and come back safe.

ultimately its you choice on what you do, but like others have said, SWAT is a VERY dangerous job, and you would intentionally be putting yourself in harms way for the sake of others.. You can live a safe life in the militray, but if you want to live forever, your best off just never leaving the safety of you home. Just make sure you have no faulty outlets, gas leaks, or airplanes crashing into it..

[WIBecky74]

Its called Stop Loss and it does happen. Both my brother and sister-in-law spent roughly a year on it. Selfless service. Ya either have it or you dont. Its not likely to happen that you will be held over your obligation time, however, keep in mind that you are signing for something with many uncertainties and weigh everything before signing that dotted line. My belief is I joined for the 'right' reasons and if it happens it happens. Its either a job you want or you dont.