Have you served your country? - Page 12

ronto · June 14, 2007, 08:28 AM

U.S. Army cannon cocker, Vietnam (12/66 - 1/68).

tuckerdog1 · June 14, 2007, 04:56 PM

Engloid ,

I suppose if you carpooled, you could say you're serving your country. But that's not what this thread is about, and anybody reading past the 1st couple posts knows it. Very few private sector jobs ask you to put your life on the line ( acknowledgements to LE ), or move your family time & time again. Or move you to a place you can't bring your family for extended periods. But even those jobs always have the option to say " I quit, I'm going home." Do that in the military, and there's a good chance you'll go to prison.

Does not matter what you might be cranking out at the job. Even if it's something the military really needs. Doing that vs actually serving in uniform, does not equate.

If your young enough, you should give it a shot. Most of us are very glad we did.

And nobody here is fishing for a pat on the back. We don't need one.

Tuckerdog1

CGSteve8718 · June 14, 2007, 05:05 PM

I'm curious, do you guys think people who work for private security companies or as the media hounds like to dub them "mercernaries" are serving their country?

I've seen a whole bunch of them while I was in Iraq. A lot of them are prior servicemembers who utilize their experience or skills to do either the same job as the military or jobs that the military won't or can't do, but for more money and no bureaucratic bs.

I'm still hung up on them myself. I don't have a problem with them though, I think I might be leaning towards yes because in some form, they are contributing to the same cause...

Interested to hear from the older guys who served in different wars, different times, even though this thing isn't "new" at all eg. the Hessians.

c4igrant · June 15, 2007, 08:24 AM

Quote:

I'm curious, do you guys think people who work for private security companies or as the media hounds like to dub them "mercernaries" are serving their country?

I've seen a whole bunch of them while I was in Iraq. A lot of them are prior servicemembers who utilize their experience or skills to do either the same job as the military or jobs that the military won't or can't do, but for more money and no bureaucratic bs.

I'm still hung up on them myself. I don't have a problem with them though, I think I might be leaning towards yes because in some form, they are contributing to the same cause...

Interested to hear from the older guys who served in different wars, different times, even though this thing isn't "new" at all eg. the Hessians.

Yes. Simply for the reason that they get killed while trying to do a job for the US Govt. That and they are killing terrorists.

C4

Sgt.Fathead · June 15, 2007, 11:41 AM

It is an unfortunate situation all around but without 'private military contractors' we couldn't do what we are doing in the Middle East right now, especially in the Iraqi theater. You hit the nail on the head on the most important point; they are not as stringently adhered to the Geneva Convention as we were in uniform in my time and these men and women are now. Maybe things are supposed to be on some type of rule guided platform but I was a Marine and as such, I'm all for sinking to the level of the enemy (short of indiscriminate bombing of civilians). They use an IED, kill some of our troops in an ambush, we kill twenty more of them.

I think the real trick at this point would be to seal the Syrian and Iranian border to prevent the flow of weapons/material/munitions in and the flow of retreating/cowardly bastards out.

jimc58 · July 4, 2007, 09:45 PM

Served in the AF from 76-82 SAC, worked for the reserves for several years, transferred over to the Mississippi ANG, worked as recovery mech on tanks, medically discharged in 88, after working in the civilian world all these years, I never thought I would come to the day, but I do miss the military.

ezriderga · July 4, 2007, 09:50 PM

USN 1969-1973

USS Jonas Ingram DD938 1970-1973

ez

MacGille · July 5, 2007, 06:11 AM

Navy (aviation) 4 years, Army (Cavalry) 3 years, Coast Guard (Search and rescue and drug interdiction) 8 years. Civil Air Patrol (Air Force Auxiliary) search and rescue in Alaska 5 years. Tired and retired.

I served because I wanted to. Money was never the issue. I did what I did for the adventure, the excitement and the fun. I never asked anyone to honor me or to reward me. If I was decorated, I didn't ask for it. The reward was in saving lives and challenging myself. I was proud to wear the uniform, and I am proud that I did.

I also served in three police departments, for the same reasons. My retirement is non-existent, my wounds ache, My ears don't work well and my back hurts. I give all of that for my country and glad to do it. This is the greatest place to live on the planet. And worth all of it.

Major Kong · July 5, 2007, 06:41 AM

USN, Naval Aviator (helicopters), 1982-1990 (active), 1990-1992 (drilling reserves), mustered out of the out IRR as an 04.

My $0.02: "Private warfighting contractors" are not "serving their country." Using gunslingers to circumvent civilian control of the military and the Geneva Convention is a disgusting insult to every person who has sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Doyle · July 5, 2007, 08:34 AM

USN - Disbursing/Supply officer 1984-1987.
USS Paul (FF-1080) Oct '85 - Sept '87.

STS3_SSN705 · July 5, 2007, 08:36 PM

STS3 (Sonar Technician 3rd Class, Submarine Fleet)
SSN705 (USS City of Corpus Christi, Los Angeles class)
1st Gulf War

el_diabl0 · July 15, 2007, 08:41 PM

Jury duty, several times.

**Bud Helms** · July 15, 2007, 10:36 PM

Yup, that counts, el_diabl0.

Merk_fmr8511 · July 16, 2007, 01:12 AM

USMC Sept 82-sept 02

LonelyAtTheTop · July 17, 2007, 04:33 PM

No. Turned 18 in 1971 but my birthdate based draft lottery number kept me from having to serve. Thanks, Mom. No regrets there given the circumstances at the time. Recently we hosted four out of town groomsmen and the groom for a Marine wedding held at our church. The bride was also Marine Reserve. All of the men had pulled tours in either Iraq or Afganistan. Very impressive. Very.

BobAsh · July 18, 2007, 09:39 AM

Usmc 0321 '77-'81

sigfreak · July 18, 2007, 10:57 PM

United States Air Force,1989-1993,air frame mech. and ABDR(aircraft battle damage repair) tech.,served year in united arab emerants during first gulf war,HATE SAND!

TheOldScout · October 16, 2012, 07:39 AM

USN 1967 - 1993. Vietnam (river rat 69-70).

NickySantoro · October 16, 2012, 07:58 AM

US Army 8/68-8/70

TheNatureBoy · October 16, 2012, 01:38 PM

Usaf 1978-1987.

Old Smoker · October 16, 2012, 03:19 PM

1967 thru 1978. United States Army. officer type, infantry. Army reserve.
OCS Fort Benning Georgia.

jasmith85 · October 16, 2012, 03:34 PM

Nope I have never been in the military. With the stomach issues I have had since I was a teenager I doubt I would have been accepted and even if I was I couldn't have survived it. Don't get me wrong though. I have a ton of respect for most of our military and veterans. I've met a few pieces of trash that were in the military but the good people probably outnumber them thousands to one.

pturner67 · October 16, 2012, 03:46 PM

USAF 1986-1990
Military Airlift Command (now Air Mobility Command)

Conn. Trooper · October 16, 2012, 04:00 PM

US Army 95-99. Armor.

hhb · October 16, 2012, 04:07 PM

Navy CWO4 (Surface) 32 years. 6 active duty, 26 USNR.

View Poll Results: Are you active military or a veteran?
Yes	517	71.31%
No	208	28.69%
Voters: 725. You may not vote on this poll

June 14, 2007, 04:56 PM	#277
tuckerdog1 Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 281	Engloid , I suppose if you carpooled, you could say you're serving your country. But that's not what this thread is about, and anybody reading past the 1st couple posts knows it. Very few private sector jobs ask you to put your life on the line ( acknowledgements to LE ), or move your family time & time again. Or move you to a place you can't bring your family for extended periods. But even those jobs always have the option to say " I quit, I'm going home." Do that in the military, and there's a good chance you'll go to prison. Does not matter what you might be cranking out at the job. Even if it's something the military really needs. Doing that vs actually serving in uniform, does not equate. If your young enough, you should give it a shot. Most of us are very glad we did. And nobody here is fishing for a pat on the back. We don't need one. Tuckerdog1 __________________ Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. - Henry Louis Mencken

June 15, 2007, 11:41 AM	#280
Sgt.Fathead Junior member Join Date: March 3, 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,637	Necessary It is an unfortunate situation all around but without 'private military contractors' we couldn't do what we are doing in the Middle East right now, especially in the Iraqi theater. You hit the nail on the head on the most important point; they are not as stringently adhered to the Geneva Convention as we were in uniform in my time and these men and women are now. Maybe things are supposed to be on some type of rule guided platform but I was a Marine and as such, I'm all for sinking to the level of the enemy (short of indiscriminate bombing of civilians). They use an IED, kill some of our troops in an ambush, we kill twenty more of them. I think the real trick at this point would be to seal the Syrian and Iranian border to prevent the flow of weapons/material/munitions in and the flow of retreating/cowardly bastards out.

July 4, 2007, 09:50 PM	#282
ezriderga Member Join Date: April 25, 2007 Location: NW Georgia Posts: 31	Yes USN 1969-1973 USS Jonas Ingram DD938 1970-1973 ez

July 5, 2007, 06:11 AM	#283
MacGille Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2006 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 976	Navy (aviation) 4 years, Army (Cavalry) 3 years, Coast Guard (Search and rescue and drug interdiction) 8 years. Civil Air Patrol (Air Force Auxiliary) search and rescue in Alaska 5 years. Tired and retired. I served because I wanted to. Money was never the issue. I did what I did for the adventure, the excitement and the fun. I never asked anyone to honor me or to reward me. If I was decorated, I didn't ask for it. The reward was in saving lives and challenging myself. I was proud to wear the uniform, and I am proud that I did. I also served in three police departments, for the same reasons. My retirement is non-existent, my wounds ache, My ears don't work well and my back hurts. I give all of that for my country and glad to do it. This is the greatest place to live on the planet. And worth all of it. __________________ If ye love wealth better than Liberty, the tranquillity of servitude than the animated contest of Freedom, go from us in Peace. We ask not your counsel or Arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen. --Samuel Adams--<*ixoye><

June 14, 2007, 08:28 AM	#276
ronto Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2007 Location: Smack Dab in the Middle of Nowhere. Posts: 505	U.S. Army cannon cocker, Vietnam (12/66 - 1/68).

June 14, 2007, 05:05 PM	#278
CGSteve8718 Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2007 Posts: 798	I'm curious, do you guys think people who work for private security companies or as the media hounds like to dub them "mercernaries" are serving their country? I've seen a whole bunch of them while I was in Iraq. A lot of them are prior servicemembers who utilize their experience or skills to do either the same job as the military or jobs that the military won't or can't do, but for more money and no bureaucratic bs. I'm still hung up on them myself. I don't have a problem with them though, I think I might be leaning towards yes because in some form, they are contributing to the same cause... Interested to hear from the older guys who served in different wars, different times, even though this thing isn't "new" at all eg. the Hessians.

July 4, 2007, 09:45 PM	#281
jimc58 Junior Member Join Date: March 23, 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 2	Served in the AF from 76-82 SAC, worked for the reserves for several years, transferred over to the Mississippi ANG, worked as recovery mech on tanks, medically discharged in 88, after working in the civilian world all these years, I never thought I would come to the day, but I do miss the military.

July 5, 2007, 06:41 AM	#284
Major Kong Member Join Date: June 5, 2004 Posts: 67	USN, Naval Aviator (helicopters), 1982-1990 (active), 1990-1992 (drilling reserves), mustered out of the out IRR as an 04. My $0.02: "Private warfighting contractors" are not "serving their country." Using gunslingers to circumvent civilian control of the military and the Geneva Convention is a disgusting insult to every person who has sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. __________________ "The target's in sight. Where in the hell is Major Kong?"

July 5, 2007, 08:34 AM	#285
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	USN - Disbursing/Supply officer 1984-1987. USS Paul (FF-1080) Oct '85 - Sept '87.

July 5, 2007, 08:36 PM	#286
STS3_SSN705 Member Join Date: May 7, 2007 Location: Lansdale, PA Posts: 95	STS3 (Sonar Technician 3rd Class, Submarine Fleet) SSN705 (USS City of Corpus Christi, Los Angeles class) 1st Gulf War

July 15, 2007, 08:41 PM	#287
el_diabl0 Member Join Date: July 8, 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 24	Jury duty, several times.

July 15, 2007, 10:36 PM	#288
Bud Helms Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 1999 Location: Middle Georgia, USA Posts: 13,198	Yup, that counts, el_diabl0.

July 16, 2007, 01:12 AM	#289
Merk_fmr8511 Member Join Date: July 15, 2007 Location: NW Montana Posts: 34	USMC Sept 82-sept 02

July 17, 2007, 04:33 PM	#290
LonelyAtTheTop Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Posts: 15	No. Turned 18 in 1971 but my birthdate based draft lottery number kept me from having to serve. Thanks, Mom. No regrets there given the circumstances at the time. Recently we hosted four out of town groomsmen and the groom for a Marine wedding held at our church. The bride was also Marine Reserve. All of the men had pulled tours in either Iraq or Afganistan. Very impressive. Very.

July 18, 2007, 09:39 AM	#291
BobAsh Junior Member Join Date: July 11, 2007 Location: Tul$a, OK Posts: 12	Usmc 0321 '77-'81 __________________ http://tromix.com/

July 18, 2007, 10:57 PM	#292
sigfreak Member Join Date: June 15, 2007 Posts: 53	USAF United States Air Force,1989-1993,air frame mech. and ABDR(aircraft battle damage repair) tech.,served year in united arab emerants during first gulf war,HATE SAND!

October 16, 2012, 07:39 AM	#293
TheOldScout Junior Member Join Date: October 16, 2012 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 1	USN 1967 - 1993. Vietnam (river rat 69-70).

October 16, 2012, 07:58 AM	#294
NickySantoro Junior member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Posts: 217	US Army 8/68-8/70

October 16, 2012, 01:38 PM	#295
TheNatureBoy Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Posts: 1,204	Usaf 1978-1987.

October 16, 2012, 03:19 PM	#296
Old Smoker Member Join Date: June 11, 2009 Location: Northren Wisconsin Posts: 63	1967 thru 1978. United States Army. officer type, infantry. Army reserve. OCS Fort Benning Georgia.

October 16, 2012, 03:34 PM	#297
jasmith85 Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2012 Location: Tennessee Posts: 631	Nope I have never been in the military. With the stomach issues I have had since I was a teenager I doubt I would have been accepted and even if I was I couldn't have survived it. Don't get me wrong though. I have a ton of respect for most of our military and veterans. I've met a few pieces of trash that were in the military but the good people probably outnumber them thousands to one.

October 16, 2012, 03:46 PM	#298
pturner67 Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2006 Posts: 737	USAF 1986-1990 Military Airlift Command (now Air Mobility Command)

October 16, 2012, 04:00 PM	#299
Conn. Trooper Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 530	US Army 95-99. Armor.

October 16, 2012, 04:07 PM	#300
hhb Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2007 Location: Foothills of the Ozarks Posts: 316	Navy CWO4 (Surface) 32 years. 6 active duty, 26 USNR.