Opinions on joining the military

[WolfC.lupus]

I have pretty much been into all things military since I can remember. I am currently studying nature conservation as I love nature too, and I am almost done with my first year, and I'm thinking about putting it on hold for a few years and maybe joining the military. Every man I look up to in my life has served in the SADF and if I ever want to do this I have to do it now. If I decide to join what are your opinions on where I should join? I was thinking the British Army as I am likely to see some "action". I don't want to sit behind a desk and do paper work.

I also love my country, not necessarily the people ruling or living in it but non the less. The SANDF is pathetic compared to the former SADF, with AIDS and a pathetic fitness level etc. But if every person like me decides to join overseas then that's the way it will stay. So if you were in my position what would you do? Any comments welcome.

 

[PCShogun]

The decision for military service is a deeply personal one. Only you can justify the service and potential sacrifice that will be involved.


There is little, in my opinion, that shows your sense of honor, duty, and devotion to one's nation, than military service. If you love your country, if you want to feel like you make a difference in the lives of your people, and if you feel you have the maturity and determination to do your duty; then I believe you have answered your own question.

 

[Suprah]

The best advice (just like anything) is to ask someone who has already been there and done that. Whatever service and division you are thinking of joining, find someone who has been serving in it for a few years..

Just don't expect it all to be like COD! :gun

 

[WolfC.lupus]

Thanks for the replies. Will see if I take the plunge at the end of this year.

 

[Feanor]

Let us know how you decide.

 

[Kirkzzy]

I was thinking the British Army as I am likely to see some "action".

I urge you not to reconsider that statement, I hope by action you don't mean some "Secret mission given to your squad from the general to go SHOOT #$!@ everywhere! With all of you coming back alive and with many laughs along the way." You will gain friends when in the military and some of them may not come back, others may not come back with everything still there (mentally and physically). British army have some of the more tragic casualty rate in Afghanistan (by the time you join the war should be wrapping up however).

It is ultimately your decision and I personally think joining the military is a great idea for some, gives people discipline, a sense of belonging and you make many friends. In fact I have a friend who wants to become a pilot and I am cheering him on, telling him what he needs to do to get in, stuff like that... Same with other people I know who have been dreaming about it for most of their life.

For me personally I am an enthusiast, but it stops there. Mate don't join if you think you are unprepared for what you are getting yourself into. However if you generally feel loyalty to where ever it is you end up serve, it has been a life long dream, a tradition in your family and/or community then go for it.

What I am trying to say is, don't join for "The Action". Like there is some really exciting stuff, nice gadgets/toys to play around with, but if you mean what I think you mean then re consider.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[WolfC.lupus]

@Kirkzzy no offence taken. I don't mean action as in call of duty, I simply mean that I don't want to sit and do nothing, I actually want to fire my weapon whether in training or if it comes to a situation where I have to defend my own life.

I am probably one of the very few people who knows what it's like without being there myself, every man I look up to in my life has served, I've witnessed the scars of war, the emotions in a man's eyes when he re-unites with a fellow soldier after several years for the first time or in the very few cases he mentions those that didn't come back home. I have seen a lot of the results of the many aspects first hand. From friends not making it home, the fear, the challenges in training and surviving, the things medics have to deal with and try and fix (dad was one) and even what it does to a person when he takes the life of a "child soldier" (Africa is full of them), stories of the things the family at home have to go through. I know the military is one of the toughest professions, and if I decide to join that will be the reason, to test and push my body and mind to and beyond their limits. To prove to myself I am capable and do something good at the same time.

The reason I am considering the British armed forces is simply because they are very experienced and that is where I will most likely experience the best and worst aspects of war.