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Originally posted by bulletboy2311:
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Originally posted by McMedic:
[b]
I'm not knocking anyone that chooses to join the military, I just wish the ones that did were making a more informed decision.
Although I'm with you on that, (and my sorry ass is still on active duty for a little while yet, as I re-enlisted BEFORE I truly woke up to what was going on in this country) there are advantages to a patriot signing up for an enlistment in the military; getting trained is way more cost effective for an individual when it's the military providing the training. Think about how many rounds of ammo go into learning marksmanship, and how much it costs to buy that ammo. Think about how much stuff a recruit learns in boot camp, and how much more is learned in combat training. The skills learned in military training are priceless, and can be passed on to your militia unit once you're out. Just food for thought. [/b]
First, thank you for your continued service. Secondly, I completely agree with everything you said. I served too and I don't regret it. My oldest son is in JROTC and seems to be headed for a military career. There are things I was taught in basic that are just as clear today as it was 20 years ago.

I think that every young person contemplating a military career should visit their local VAMC and see just how veterans are treated. I know that conditions vary from facility to facility but my experience with VAMC has been less than stellar. My mother was a VA nurse for a short time and she can tell some horror stories. I still transport patients to and from VAMC and what I see on occasion makes my blood boil.

As you said, the experience gained by military service or just by going through basic training is invaluable. Also, I really shouldn't be surprised that recruiting and retention goals are being met. I didn't enlist for politics and I imagine you and most others didn't either. You couldn't have kept me from enlisting with a whip and chair. My son will be the same way and I will support his decision to do so. I just hope and pray he has a boring enlistment!