Posted on Jun 14, 2014
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NEED TO KNOW | Generation jobless: 'Millennials' struggle with unemployment | PBS
The struggles of middle-aged and older Americans during this economic downturn have been well documented. But what about the "millennials," those born during...
I know I am, my Patriotism was secondary contributor.
I joined the Military for economic reasons. Having grown up in the Midwest my entire life and working since 14. I was unable to support myself and go to school the same time in 2009. The back up plan join the Marines, cause if I was going to join, I was going to go all out.
Now fill in all the other economic reasons of why people join. The deciding factor of why people have been joining the Military in the last decade has been Financial Security #1. More people with degrees and prior education are joining the military more than ever. A little bit of understanding here is an episode PBS's "Need to Know" about the Generation Jobless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLlrn3_G1ZQ&index=13&list=LLBFTSv0jzTz4jmneqhHgjOQ
------------So what does this have to do with your Pride as a member of the United States Military? Everything, your motives are what drive you. This reason will follow you through your whole career. It will eat at the back of you mind and affect you outlook on the whole experience. It will affect you even more when you separate, and have plenty of time to reflect on your failure at civilian life before you joined.
How good is the representation of OIF & OEF at Memorial Day and Veterans day (related activities) compared to our fore fathers of the past?
Crazy low! This is not just due to loss of American culture. When I attend these these events and gatherings I am one of a handful from my time of service. Now you may think this is because we are still currently working, but comes down to personal priorities. Look at the enrollment and participation in the American Legion and other veterans organizations. I don't know a single Marine that participates in the programs, I feel it is due to a like of Pride and dedication to the cause.
Currently military members take pride in "What they did" just not "Why they did it".
--------Current military members are completely and totally aware of the in-efficiency and corruption that takes place in our government. Many even state in serious conversation.
"Right, now I am protecting natural resources for some Uber rich lobbied company."
and/or
"This Government contract for _____ is totally fucking bogus, we don't need more tanks!"
With this lack of confidence in those that run the nation and joining out of economic strife is ruining the effectiveness and motivation of our Volunteer Military.
--------------I have seen grown men cry because they feel they have let their for-fathers down, and are killing their fellow man for the wrong reasons. We can see the big picture now. The internet allows us to be more knowledgeable than ever. I feel that if this issue is not addressed, it could have serious repercussions in the future. What do you all think?
*Edited for grammar*
I joined the Military for economic reasons. Having grown up in the Midwest my entire life and working since 14. I was unable to support myself and go to school the same time in 2009. The back up plan join the Marines, cause if I was going to join, I was going to go all out.
Now fill in all the other economic reasons of why people join. The deciding factor of why people have been joining the Military in the last decade has been Financial Security #1. More people with degrees and prior education are joining the military more than ever. A little bit of understanding here is an episode PBS's "Need to Know" about the Generation Jobless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLlrn3_G1ZQ&index=13&list=LLBFTSv0jzTz4jmneqhHgjOQ
------------So what does this have to do with your Pride as a member of the United States Military? Everything, your motives are what drive you. This reason will follow you through your whole career. It will eat at the back of you mind and affect you outlook on the whole experience. It will affect you even more when you separate, and have plenty of time to reflect on your failure at civilian life before you joined.
How good is the representation of OIF & OEF at Memorial Day and Veterans day (related activities) compared to our fore fathers of the past?
Crazy low! This is not just due to loss of American culture. When I attend these these events and gatherings I am one of a handful from my time of service. Now you may think this is because we are still currently working, but comes down to personal priorities. Look at the enrollment and participation in the American Legion and other veterans organizations. I don't know a single Marine that participates in the programs, I feel it is due to a like of Pride and dedication to the cause.
Currently military members take pride in "What they did" just not "Why they did it".
--------Current military members are completely and totally aware of the in-efficiency and corruption that takes place in our government. Many even state in serious conversation.
"Right, now I am protecting natural resources for some Uber rich lobbied company."
and/or
"This Government contract for _____ is totally fucking bogus, we don't need more tanks!"
With this lack of confidence in those that run the nation and joining out of economic strife is ruining the effectiveness and motivation of our Volunteer Military.
--------------I have seen grown men cry because they feel they have let their for-fathers down, and are killing their fellow man for the wrong reasons. We can see the big picture now. The internet allows us to be more knowledgeable than ever. I feel that if this issue is not addressed, it could have serious repercussions in the future. What do you all think?
*Edited for grammar*
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Responses: 27
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I remain proud that I joined to provide comfort, hope, and care for my brothers.
Vietnam was a physically and emotionally very confusing and exhausting place.
But, I would volunteer to go again in a heartbeat. Most rewarding time of my life.
There were no financial considerations. My later degrees were on scholarship.
Vietnam was a physically and emotionally very confusing and exhausting place.
But, I would volunteer to go again in a heartbeat. Most rewarding time of my life.
There were no financial considerations. My later degrees were on scholarship.
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I'll level with you, I'm less ashamed of why I joined than in what was asked of me over the years.
I understand that I was the forward edge of American Interests abroad, Afghanistan, Iraq, Philippines, Korea, Guantanamo... As greedy as I may have been, looking for an escape from the trap I was feeling closing in on me 20 years ago, it is nothing compared to the greed and ego we have exhibited on the international field as a country... Dude, we suck.
I understand that I was the forward edge of American Interests abroad, Afghanistan, Iraq, Philippines, Korea, Guantanamo... As greedy as I may have been, looking for an escape from the trap I was feeling closing in on me 20 years ago, it is nothing compared to the greed and ego we have exhibited on the international field as a country... Dude, we suck.
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I honestly joined because I was a scared father with no better option to take care of my family. Im proud that I jumped into the unknown scared to death to take care of an unplanned responsibility. Now my service means everything to me. Im proud of why I joined and blessed that the Army has educated me and sparked my interest in domestic and international affairs. For a guy who grew up with no electricity and running water half the time, the Army has giving me a life and security that was not imaginable to me as a young man. All I had to give in return was service to the greatest country on earth and dedication and direction to a new generations of scared and up coming Soldiers. I defiantly got the better end of the deal.
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MAJ (Join to see)
SGT(P) Castleman: You did what a father or mother does (or should do) - takes care of their children however possible. Props to you for being a man and a father. Much respect.
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
Thanks Sir, I have met many people with similar backgrounds to me in the Army. Its nice to be a part of a team that understands how fulfilling it is to make something from nothing.
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SFC(P) (Join to see)
That means a lot Msgt. Honestly to me my choices were nothing more than paternal instinct kicking in when I was a kid and had no clue what to do. I tell my kids often how important they have been to my development and encourage others to let their kids know they are appreciated. They were my initial reason for joining but the reason I stick around is the men and women that put family, country and fellow service members first. Who would not want to be apart of a team that values the fact that not one person is more important than the idea of a free and united nation? The Military to me epitomizes inspiration and I will always respect and remain grateful for the life it has allotted me. Cheers!
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I never used them felt they should be for others.
I didn't join for "patriotism" or whatever. So am I wrong to have stayed in all these years past what I planned?