The Best

[Dan]

While I am still considering joining the gaurd, I am pretty sure that if i do join, I want my MOS to be Infantry. I know that I do go infantry, I will be in combat sooner or later, I accept that and I will be prepared and motivated. The one thing that I am concerned with, is having a bunch of guys who enlisted just to get college money watching my back in combat. I have been told by many that if you are going into combat, go with the best. What do you guys think of all this?

Regards,
Dan.

[What_Once_Was]

Well, I can understand why you'd be nervous about this. There probably are some people that are in the Guard for the college payment, and that reason only. Although that is one of the reasons I'm joining, it's not the only, I plan to actually serve my community, and state. I'm not going to be an infantry man...so you don't have to worry about me.

[Dan]

Is anyone else who is infantry/considering infantry thought on this issue?

[LRSU_Dog]

I have been Infantry since the mid-80's. With college programs there will always be those who see the incentives and not the reality. However keep in mind that most people who get into thier MOS, are indoctrinated into the "military" reality in BCT and AIT.

Many people transform in this time period, and once they get into the "brotherhood" of being a member of a team or squad thier outlook changes. No one can be ready for the reality of going to combat, but everyone pulls together to do the job - even though the "bitching" factor may rise a bit (it is an Infantryman's right to *****, moan, and complain about things ).

I would not worry about the incentive people, everyone becomes a professional once they are trained and start doing the job. There have been many people taking advantage of educational benefits, and have successfully served in Iraq or other places. Another thing to keep in mind, you also have access to those same benefits - and are encouraged to take full advantage of them.

Finally, the ARNG is up front and truthful about enlisting and the duties and obligations of doing so, so your recently recruited buddy knows this... As well all Infantryman live the creed - that of Soldiers, Airborne, Rangers, and Infantryman - your back will be watched no differently than the backs you will watch as well when the time comes.

[Dan]

Thanks,

I feel alot better about this now.

[sgt bowling]

I have been in the infantry for 5 years now and I would have to agree. Also,
many people claim they joined jsut for the college money. But, if someone has the intelligence to make it in college they also know what they are getting into. Sometimes people use the education benefits to justify their decision to others. And it is our right to complain!

[Mick]

hey man I don't blame you just this morning I told my dad I wanted to go to ranger school. he replied, "why do you want to be a ranger?" well I plan on going full time active duty army after my 6 years in the guard with my education and hopefuly marriage all taken care of. I simple replied, "there the best, I want to be the best, I want to fight with the best."