service

[Dan]

I have always thought of the Army National Gaurd as a good choice for a young inspriring serviceman. I am choosing the National Gaurd becase I will be able to "test the waters" of military life. I can serve close to home, go to college, and still recieve the same military training (im going infantry) as the active service. I figure, if i enjoy it as much as I think i will, i can always go active and make a career out of it. If i dont, I can proudly serve my term and move on.

Do you guys think of this as a wise approach to the military? Most vets I talk to ended up going gaurd AFTER their active service to close their military carrers.

Thanks,
Dan.

[TRUEBLUE4LIFE]

Serve your country. Go to school. Stay close to home. What's not to like. I love the fact I can fly in black hawks one day..and play hockey the next. Way hooked.

[Smiley99]

Serve your country. Go to school. Stay close to home. What's not to like. I love the fact I can fly in black hawks one day..and play hockey the next. Way hooked.

Its a great decision...there are lots of opportunities to travel, meet people, recieve extra training...GO GUARD!!!

-PFC Boyd

[Rody1069]

I agree the National Guard is a great choice, but Iraq isn't quite serving "close to home." I almost signed up before the U.S. went over there. I really want to sign up now, but I ain't going to Iraq. I want to serve my Country, State and community, not pound sand for a whole population of ungrateful nut jobs.

[WIBecky74]

I soooo want to express my opinion to the previous post but am trying to teach myself discipline in this area. I will simply state the military (in my opinion) is not for you then. And i'll be proud when I get sent over there to relieve others with family at "home" and also know i'm protecting my country being there.

[doubtfuldarhma]

I agree the National Guard is a great choice, but Iraq isn't quite serving "close to home." I almost signed up before the U.S. went over there. I really want to sign up now, but I ain't going to Iraq. I want to serve my Country, State and community, not pound sand for a whole population of ungrateful nut jobs.

Are the ungrateful nut jobs in America or in Iraq?
You enlist to serve your country and sometimes (especially when fighting an enemy) it is best to serve away from your country. Would you rather fight here and endanger our "civilians" or fight overseas and endanger their "civilians"?
Have you forgotten 9/11? Islamic extremists? any of that ring a bell?
The terrorist leaders in the middle east have themselves said that it is crucial that they win in Iraq.
If your enemies think it is crucial that they win you had better make sure they lose.

[m15a2]

Rody,why sign up?You sound inspired to serve but you dont want to "pound sand"?

[AbnMtn]

There's nothing more vital to our country's survival than the willingness of those few who, not necessarily give their lives, but dare to lay them on the line, so that those who neither can't nor are willing, can still reap the benefits of freedoms few other countries in the world can provide. I used to think I served because I was patriotic. That may have changed since my deployment to Afghanistan (even though my patriotism hasn't diminished).

I serve to fulfill my portion of a covenant with the fallen - their sacrifice must never allowed to be in vain. All other reasons for which I serve are secondary.