How many military members actually see combat?

2015-06-02T20:02:58-04:00

I am a recruiter for the Navy and I constantly have "battles" with people who are interested in the Marine Corps and Army and I tell them that not everyone will see combat and that in fact if you are infantry/medic/truck driver you pretty much don't leave the base you're at. Is that a true statement? I'm not a huge fan at all about being a liar just to get people to join. Just trying to get my facts straight. Thanks

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jun 2 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-06-02T20:10:07-04:00

Not as many as most people think. Even IN THEATER, very few see active ground combat.
Picture it like this, the Army is a Dog. Actual Combat troops are the dog and support troops are the tail. We have a 1 foot dog with a 8 foot tail. Not slamming anyone because we all have a role to play.
General Patton once said that every job was important from the Infantry Commander to the guy that boils the water to wash the pots in the mess hall to keep us from getting the GI Craps.
In this current world, you can have gunfighters tat may not see as much action as a truck mechanic on a convoy, because there are no battle lines, only folks that you can not tell if they are good guys, bad guys or guys standing next to big black trash bags...I mean women.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 2 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-06-02T20:10:15-04:00

Pretty Safe Assessment! but we will have to see what our Army and Marine Comrades have to say.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made Jun 2 at 2015 8:24 PM

2015-06-02T20:24:16-04:00

I would generally agree, and as for me I would have been happy not seeing any combat since it seems that I received more combat than I gave

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 2 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-06-02T20:33:23-04:00

USMC Infantry BN's aren't just Infantry & Truck drivers (Our Medics are Navy Corpsmen). H&S Company is the largest Company of the 5 (Weapons, and 3 line companies). The largest 2 platoons are Comm (about 40-60 people), and Motor Transport (I want to say about 40~, but it's been years). The remainder is Admin, Intel, Log, Supply, the Ops Section (which is mostly Higher ranked Infantry).

That's just the Ground Combat Element of MEU. The Air Element and Logistics element have almost no Infantry, and make up 1/3-1/2 of the personnel.

What that means is that no MOS is immune to Combat. Whether you are a "Water Dog" or an "Infantryman" combat is equal opportunity if you are in a deploying unit.

As for Combat itself, that is a little trickier. I believe the last percentage I heard was about 10%~ of the current USMC has a Combat Action Ribbon. Keep in mind the fast turn over (4 year contract), so that doesn't mean 1 in 10 chance, just the current force. It's probably closer to 2 in 10 if not 3 in 10. But still not a majority.

Most people won't see Combat. They won't, however on the USMC side, there isn't really any safe MOS, as most can deploy at the MEU level, and since we join for the OccField vice specific MOS in most cases (Intelligence/Sigint vice Intelligence Analyst), it's impossible to make any kind of blanket statement.

Response by PO1 Dustin Adams made Jun 2 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-06-02T20:45:14-04:00

For anyone you recruit that goes Corpsman, you can tell them that we serve with Marines (Division, Marine Logistics Group, Air Wing, and MEF), SeaBee's, MARSOC, SEALs, SWCC, EOD, and augmentee to the Army so plenty of boots on the ground. Although MARSOC and SEALs are NEC (Navy for MOS) specific, serving with the other elements is not necessarily restricted to 8404/0000 (Field Medical Technician/General Duty Corpsman), my last deployment was with 3/5 and we had several augmentee's that were primarily x-ray tech's, surgical tech's, etc. (84XX/8404 types).

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 8:46 PM

2015-06-02T20:46:24-04:00

I think if you were infantry, division side combat engineer, EOD, motor T or anything else that got you outside the wire on a daily basis between 2001 and 2012 you had a very high chance of seeing combat. I'm a reserve engineer (USMC) and I did. But now... Not so much. About half of the guys I deployed with are out now and the rest of us have become NCOs. The rest of the company is made up of some very disappointed LCpls and PFCs who arrived just a little too late. My Marines ask me every month "Hey Corporal, do you think we will ever deploy?" And all I can say is that I don't know. I would tell anyone signing up these days that their chances of seeing combat are entirely tied to the geopolitical climate or in other words: not until we find someone new that's worth shooting at.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Jun 2 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-06-02T20:58:09-04:00

I was deployed 6 times over 20 years. 2 other times I was on 24 hour alert to deploy to a combat zone. I was boots on the ground in Somalia,Iraq and Liberia. I never fired a shot. I was with an arty battery every time. However, other Marines in my unit were under attack several times in another FOB.
It really depends. If you are in a combat unit, you will deploy. Now it may not always be in a hot area, but you will deploy to fight or be a QRF at some point.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 2 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-06-02T21:18:15-04:00

Combat arms branches are more likely to see combat due to the very nature of their/our mission set. In today's linear battlefield, however, combat support and combat services support can also see some combat although theirs wouldn't be as a result of actively going after the enemy. So here is my advice. If the person you are recruiting wants to see combat by all means steer them towards the direct engagement MOS within the Navy.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 10:10 PM

2015-06-02T22:10:28-04:00

Sit down with the Marine recruiters in your office and ask them the same question. We had very open lines of communication with the Marines I recruited with. The more you all know about what's offered by all branches, what they do, and what their restrictions are, the better you ALL can help your applicants find what they are looking for.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 3 at 2015 8:48 AM

2015-06-03T08:48:54-04:00

"if you are infantry/medic/truck driver you pretty much don't leave the base you're at."

WTF do you think the Infantry and Combat Medics do?????

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-06-03T13:52:17-04:00

My first thought on this...

You should not repeat or communicate things to potential recruits that you are not sure are accurate. It shoots your credibility in the foot and furthers the stereotype of the "lying recruiter".

I do applaud you for seeking to get your facts strait on the matter, though.

Just out of curiosity, have you tried to Google the statistics that stipulate the percentage of the current armed forces that see combat? I haven't done it myself, just thought I'd ask.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jun 4 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-06-04T10:36:37-04:00

I guess it depends on what you mean by "see combat"? Is it just to be present in a place of danger? Is it to actually engage with the enemy? Or is it to be on the receiving end of an IED or mortar?

If you're talking about an actual engagement with the enemy (two-way battle), the percentage is incredibly low.

As others have mentioned, it also very much depends on the era. In 2006, odds for an infantryman (which is very different than just being in the Army or Marine Corps) to "see combat" was probably significant when deployed. Today, odds are probably far less than 1%, given that the Army and Marine Corps main land forces are not conducting major offensive operations... as of 2015.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-06-04T11:00:57-04:00

Not true but kinda. Every MOS has the potential to go outside of the wire. If you don't fly to the FOB you are going to be stationed on you will drive. Choosing a job that is just like a civilian job but in cammo will for the most part reduce your exposure to bad guys. But IDF does not descriminate. The fact is that any of your applicants are more likely to die in a car wreck than they are to die in combat.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-06-04T11:06:49-04:00

In my opinion, I'd market the idea of becoming a corpsman. Sure, there's plenty of 18 y/o's who think they wanna go kill people, but I should also think they are old enough to see there are few greater privileges than being given the responsibility and opportunity to save lives. And there's always EOD, SEALs, and SWCCs of course, not that those are easy training pipelines...

Personally, I would think that a person who seems to be looking for an infantry-type role is barking up the wrong tree. But if they seem a bit open-minded, I'd advertise the critical role the Navy plays in our strategic influence and defense. Nothing says "F*** you" like parking a floating military air base off the coast of whatever nation you feel like, and I think working on the deck of a carrier would be a pretty exciting job. Your Ohio-class submarines are the backbone of our Nuclear Triad. The Navy secures the free passage of vessels on myriad shipping lanes around the world, as far as I know, which is a very underappreciated though important role. And which other branch is in a better position to give Somali pirates a run for their lives? I think that if none of those aspects of the Navy excites/interests a potential recruit, then you shouldn't want them in your Navy, IMHO.

Response by SSG John Erny made Jun 4 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-06-04T11:14:10-04:00

Well, If you had told me that a rigger would end up in a fire fight I would have told you now way, then it happened to me. Operation Just cause Panama. I think the answer is it depends on the unit your in and what your mission is and where you are at. Look what happen to Jessica Lynch and her unit when they were moving in to Iraq. Each company is responsible for its own security so during a movement anything can happen.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 4 at 2015 11:43 AM

2015-06-04T11:43:11-04:00

PO1 Seth Crotser, what are you trying to "sell" with that statement? If they are looking for relative "safety" during a time of protracted ground combat, then saying that the they WILL face combat works in your favor as a Navy recruiter.

I'm not a recruiter and never have served as one, but whenever people ask my advice as to what service they should go into, I always ask first "what are you looking to do while in the military?" That question usually drives which service best suites their goals. If they want to want to play in the woods and shoot guns, I usually direct them to the Army or Marines. If they want to play with hi-tech gear in relative comfort, I usually tell them Air Force or Navy.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 4 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-06-04T12:02:12-04:00

My stock answer for any questions about another service was, I am not in the Air Force/Marines/Navy and never have been...never wanted to be...if you want to know about that service you need to talk to them. Then I would tell them what I loved about the Army and/or the Army Reserve. If they asked a specific question I had the answer to, I would provide the answer but there is nothing wrong with any of the other branches...except they are not the Army...and if they wanted to join that service, more power to them. More than once I had kids telling me they were going to join the Marines and I would start dialing the number for the local USMC recruiter. Okay, it was more to blow away a smoke screen but a couple were serious and I put them in contact with their recruiter.

Response by SSG Thomas Brousseau made Jun 4 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-06-04T12:02:36-04:00

From what I have seen, in the sort of war we are in now, any MOS that is deployed has a chance of seeing combat and being hurt or killed. The only difference is that some military personnel have a higher chance of seeing combat then others.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 1:11 PM

2015-06-04T13:11:06-04:00

The best tactic in recruiting is to only talk about your service. When you start talking about the other branches it will have mostly negative results.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-06-04T13:31:28-04:00

You are demonstrating the Navy Core Values of Honor Courage Commitment by not wanting to lie and to do the prospect right by helping him or her decide what job he/she wants to do and what branch of service to do it. I would share what the Navy has to offer. If the prospect ultimately decides to go with Army or USMC, I would refer him. Supporting colleagues from other branches would not only be best for the prospect, but they would be more likely to return the favor!

As for the probability of seeing combat, in the Army its around 15 soldiers behind every infantry soldier, however, as we have seen many truck drivers, etc saw casualties; but with much fewer soldiers being deployed now its probably a fairly low probability, but as we all know, that can change fast.

Thanks for your service to the US Navy; you have one of the toughest jobs in the military--recruiting; however its a great honor to be the face of the Navy to the public and I know you are bearing it well!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-06-04T14:20:15-04:00

Ok I see where you meant to say only those 3 do. Either way it's false. There are a ton of jobs that don't really leave the wire however, much more than just those three do. Get a list of jobs from the Army recruiter and look at it logically or ask them to highlight the jobs that do. That is if you have a good working relationship with that office which I know is difficult since it is the competition.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jun 4 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-06-04T21:24:47-04:00

The first thing you need to ascertain is "Exactly why do you want to experience 'combat' ?"

And just what does "combat" mean? For me, having stuff blow up around me was really sufficient -- I never got a chance to cruise the rain forests looking for folks to fire back at and, in truth, I wasn't sorry about that.

On the other hand, a bunch of beyond-the-wire types came back vertical because we kept the stuff running that allowed them to call for fire support and extraction. (And some other stiffs kept the stuff running that actually provided fire support and extraction.)

Too many first-person-shooter video games without second-person-shooting-back-with-live-rounds in my not even slightly humble opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 8:53 PM

2015-06-25T20:53:20-04:00

In my first tour I was a Gunner on a gun truck and we escorted LOGPACs up and down Hwy 1 in Iraq, so we were in some kind of TIC pretty consistent, but it was not sustained combat for the most part, we had a LOT of less that combat hungry vehicles in our convoy and the people in the other FOBs were waiting for them. It was mentioned how tempting a target they were though, because we had to run White light so we were seen for miles in the desert they had time to sit there, go get a Falaful, have a drink of Soda and then blow us up and initiate the complex ambush. My second tour we had a small sector but we were a small group correspondingly and therefore our TICs there were EFPs (I got my TBI from that tour). So I agree that you have to define not seeing combat or seeing combat. While we were sitting on the FOB or a JSS we were rocketed, mortared, took VBIEDs, etc...so TECHNICALLY that is seeing combat. Of course being combat arms, I was only interested in the games that got me into them, those TICs that I got to play in. However there were many times that the lead truck would take some contact, they would pass it off to us and there was no one shooting at us, then there were times that I was further back, the first couple trucks took contact, then nothing, then as we went by, an RPG would sail over my head. So TECHNICALLY we were in combat, but not like in my second tour where my 19K self and my crew were battle drill 6ing a house because while we were pulling security on a vehicle that had been blown up and we got called for QRF. So it is a matter of perspective...its not all Spec Teams cool guy action combat. But technically these people can be in combat either wanting to be or not.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2015 9:54 PM

2015-06-27T21:54:41-04:00

I'm a Corpsman with 2nd Mar Div and I saw combat. Tell em to be a doc and wait for the next war.

Response by SSgt Rixa Pirata made Sep 29 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-09-29T15:41:23-04:00

I'm an AF Crew chief on the C-130J-30, and I left the base every damn mission that my plane did....low level air drops, resupply, aeromed evac, etc, etc.....and even I saw combat more than once (3 times on the ground for more than 10 minutes.....shot at many times in flight at low level) when the enemy tried to kill us on approach/takeoff, or on the ground, where we had to fire back for as long as we could before jumping back on board and getting the fuck outta dodge. Sure they were short....but combat is combat. it all just depends on the specific jobs. I was not really ever supposed to see ground combat....but I did. Patched alot of holes in my bird.....good thing it's armored all to hell, and the enemy never brought rpg's....lucky.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 4:03 PM

2016-02-14T16:03:33-05:00

I was an Infantry PL in Iraq. I had a good friend from ROTC days who was Transportation and ran truck convoys in Iraq. I'm pretty sure she saw more combat than I did. We went out looking for a fight and were ready for it--and the hajis knew it and left us alone. Then when a "soft target" convoy would roll through they'd get lit up.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Feb 14 at 2016 4:10 PM

2016-02-14T16:10:34-05:00

I would just be honest with them. If you don't know about that particular job then just research it for them or point them in the direction they would find the answer. There's a a lot of jobs out there but not too many put you directly in harms way although you might receive indirect or an occasional pop shot.

Response by SGT Robert Dubray made Feb 14 at 2016 4:37 PM

2016-02-14T16:37:32-05:00

I finished up My career in the Army. I wanted to go help in in the Desert or where ever! But I was in a support Battalion and at JMRC in Germany and because I was the only one there in my MOS, I was told tuff crap! were not sending you, however I was in the Air Force and Air Guard, and when our Guard unit was working in Saudi and Qatar we were loading bombs and dropping them on various targets... So yes my hands are bloody and I do think about it even though others would say it's not combat? but I did my part and my best!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 4:42 PM

2016-02-14T16:42:06-05:00

Here you go. I spent 8 years as an infantryman and the last 7 as a recruiter. When I deployed I left the wire a minimum of two times a day. Between raids, mosque monitoring, presence patrols and route recon we stayed very, very busy. You are telling kids some of the most erroneous crap I've ever heard. The infantryman in me, if I were to hear that would have to fight the urge to do combatives training with you and arm bar you until you cried. The recruiter in me would explain to you that you don't know a damn thing about any other branches obviously and do some research before you open your mouth.

A piece of advice, make friends with a recruiter from every branch. So you can not only get the chance to work the kids they can't and vice versa, but maintain a professional working relationship and build your knowledge base.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 5:00 PM

2016-02-14T17:00:19-05:00

We don't live and fight in a linear combat theater anymore. The concept of support strictly staying behind the line and only combat arms doing the shooting is so far outdated it's laughable. I know dozens of infantry that never left the FOB for any real combat mission, and I know dozens of support and non combat troops who ducked bullets everyday. Today's theater the most dangerous job is 88M, a truck driver. More troops are killed by IDF and IEDS than with small arms fire. In my sector, it was artillery and MPS running patrols and convoys. It was AF pulling security, and it was Navy sweeping up with EOD. That was 06 in the Surge. There were medics and corpsmen that never left wire and there were some that never pulled sick call once. I treated just as many "fobbits" for combat related injuries as I did others for wounds sustained outside the wire. This whole only infantry go out and take hits is the biggest lie we keep telling ourselves in today's combat. Our enemies do not fight on even ground with us, they do not engage our infantry in close combat regularly because they know they get wiped in most situations. They bomb our check points, lob IDF into our bases, shoot at our convoys and choppers. Sure they ambush infantry patrols but not the frequency we are historically used to in previous conflicts. Yes a grunt will see more direct combat, but we all generally have been shot at at some point regardless of MOD

Response by CPL Larry Joe Waskom made Feb 14 at 2016 5:08 PM

2016-02-14T17:08:41-05:00

I spent nearly 12 months as a deuce and a half supply driver in Vietnam. My day started at 05:00 every morning, finished at dusk every night, 7 days a week for nearly 4 and one half straight months in the first months I arrived there. I ran supplies, people, munitions and what ever anyone needed to anywhere they were. Afterwards I was awarded with some help. I have been shot at, mortored, and about everything in between. I have no CIB or any other infantry status symbols. I was awarded a bronze star for diligence in delivering my goods whenever and wherever they were needed. Enough said.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 5:41 PM

2016-02-14T17:41:22-05:00

yes infantry as well as thier medics leave base and yes there are truck drivers that have to suplly these bases and other bases, as an army medic i spent nealy half of my tour outside the wire

Response by SPC Matt Johnson made Feb 14 at 2016 6:06 PM

2016-02-14T18:06:10-05:00

Petroleum supply specialist and truck driver for 8 years did over hundred missions outside the wire. We got shot at on the regular. Over half of us got our trucks hit by some sort of explosive (RPG,IED, granade) We even had female truck drivers that would always go out on missions with special forces and other infantry and armored groups in order to do body search on local woman when they did raids. We use to go out on what was meant to be 2 day mission dropping off supplies and ended up being a 2-3 weeks outside the wire.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Feb 14 at 2016 6:10 PM

2016-02-14T18:10:24-05:00

Just a little on TV!

Response by SGT Matthew Denman made Feb 14 at 2016 6:11 PM

2016-02-14T18:11:39-05:00

More jobs than just that few...

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 8:54 PM

2016-02-14T20:54:34-05:00

It depends on the area really. I know of Human Resource guys that got shoot at weekly just trying too pay the Iraqi interpreters. Got to a point where they were hitching rides with the UH-60 pilots for safety. Then again I also know of others that have never seen or heard combat on their deployments. I have no personnel experience on this topic, but I am just sharing what I've been told by my S1 NCO.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 10:29 PM

2016-02-14T22:29:40-05:00

And MPs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 7:08 AM

2016-02-15T07:08:51-05:00

Man, I was a computer guy and I went outside the wire on a regular basis. Don't focus on the competition between the branches. If you want to be successful at recruiting, focus on your branch's strengths and perks. Every branch has its ups and downs. You want to recruit people who want to be there otherwise they're miserable, and they're of no real use to their unit or their nation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-02-15T11:55:46-05:00

I wouldn't say you are a liar, just ignorant, medics, truckers, commo DO GET DEPLOYED and see action...hell, as a nurse, action for ME WAS RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DAMN ER....so uh, yeah, they leave the base, and see combat. Time for BCEP seth.

Response by AA Kevin a Kaufman sr made Feb 16 at 2016 12:05 AM

2016-02-16T00:05:06-05:00

I was in the Navy for three years and saw combat once,sort of, we prepped the planes and the officers flew to the front.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 8:23 AM

2016-02-16T08:23:59-05:00

HM3 Here. We see combat.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 9:31 AM

2016-02-16T09:31:02-05:00

The infantry spend quite some time outside the wore, I assure you

Response by MSgt Bryan Weatherman made Feb 16 at 2016 7:33 PM

2016-02-16T19:33:20-05:00

It's true if you aren't in infantry, spec ops or convoy you are probably on base for the most part. I spent 2 tours in Afghanistan and never fired a shot. I was with the Air Force working in Specual Handling. Our biggest threat was breach of base and rocket attacks. There is no front line today. The battle is fought every where .

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Feb 16 at 2016 8:34 PM

2016-02-16T20:34:14-05:00

In today's world it's hit and miss regardless of branch. I guess I experienced "combat" on my second deployment I was I the bursting radius of an 107mm rocket that hit near my CHU But there were so many buildings between me and the impact that I was in no danger at all But we had 7 rockets in that attack one of which hit near the mess hall In total there were 2 KIA and 48 WIA most of whom were in line at the mess waiting to eat dinner

Response by 1LT Michael Bowen made Feb 16 at 2016 8:44 PM

2016-02-16T20:44:58-05:00

I was sent as a construction engineer to Iraq. We were stationed at LSA Anaconda or Balad depending on who you talk to. We received mortar and rocket attacks and direct fire inside the wire. We supported our own convoys and they received fire or IEDs outside the wire. My friend was hit by 2 IEDs, he was a truck driver in Iraq. Is it possible that some infantrymen, medics, truck drivers never leave their base? Yes it is. Where do you get your information? If you need to sell the Navy, sell the good points. You're in the Navy what do you enjoy?

Response by SPC Carlitos Renegado made Feb 17 at 2016 4:40 AM

2016-02-17T04:40:41-05:00

i was a wrecker driver on the recovery team, guess what? we drive to places were they want to kill us to recover blown, broken vehicles or in convoy every day.

Response by GySgt James Murphy made Feb 17 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-02-17T09:55:26-05:00

If you're a navy recruiter maybe you shouldn't speak for army or marine Corp matters, refer them to their respective branch. As a retired Marine and have also served in Army I would offer no guarantees to anybody about whether or not they would see combat. You enter knowing there is always a possibility. As infantry good chance medic also. Truck driver less chance. You enter knowing there is possibility, if you can't handle that we don't need you.

Response by PO1 Gregory Smith made Feb 17 at 2016 11:33 AM

2016-02-17T11:33:36-05:00

I was a Navy Recruiter, ET1(SCW), I saw 14 months in Iraq "outside the wire" stick to the facts, don't lie to your recruits that they won't see combat. Anyone in any branch can be in the dirt outside the wire. I also served in the Marines and National Guard. The Navy has so much to offer... Don't resort to war as a reason to encourage or discourage any one from a branch.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 12:00 PM

2016-02-17T12:00:39-05:00

My sis was a driver in iraq, she saw small arms fire regularly, and there was the constant risk for ieds. My brother was 11b so he cleared buildings in Baghdad- each got out after 1 tour. I sat 2 tours in a/c making sure people got paid. We got hit with idf regularly (weekly + whenever it was cloudy... got predictable)

Response by SSG Therese Mangham made Feb 17 at 2016 5:29 PM

2016-02-17T17:29:28-05:00

No for Army that statement is quite false! Been on MSR Tampa a few times and fought in Desert Storm.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 12:14 AM

2016-07-15T00:14:28-04:00

ahem, no. Medics will be there with the lines, as the corpsmen join the marines, with them

Response by LtCol James L. Owens made Aug 29 at 2016 8:05 PM

2016-08-29T20:05:20-04:00

I recently saw some figures on combat experience in 'Nam. Out of the large number that served only about 20,000 actually experienced combat. Many more were shot at but did not or could not respond because of their MOS.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jul 15 at 2017 4:19 PM

2017-07-15T16:19:45-04:00

I think that the entire idea of seeing combat has been blown so wildly out of proportion that no one who hasn't been there can Even have the slightest clue as to what really occurs. The truth is that even among the small percentage of people that are in such MOSs as armor, infantry, medics, etc that operate within combat zones, there is an even smaller percentage out of them that will ever see real combat. Most "combat" that my peers and I (we were armor; 19K and 19D in the army) was confined to indirect fire while on the FOB or COP, or the occassional IED that hit convoys (which also affected LogPac operations). My guys and I left the wire nearly every single day during my second deployment and I am lucky enough to be able to say that I never was attacked while performing my duties, but that is not to say that I've never had close calls from mortars and rockets when I wasn't expecting it. Combat is a wild and unpredictable monster and with that comes the possibility that an infantryman may never see combat and that the unsuspecting clerk may get cut down by a random mortar. Everyone needs to be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. We can all be deployed and we all have the possibility of having to experience the worst parts of the job.

Response by SSG Joseph VanDyck made Jul 15 at 2017 5:24 PM

2017-07-15T17:24:38-04:00

PO1, as an Infantryman, I was an advisor/ trainer to the Iraqi Army and Iraqi National Police during my 2 deployments. I saw as much combat as the line units that we shared battlespace with. Medics assigned to infantry units see combat, kinda like your corpsmen. 88M's (truck drivers) get ambushed alot. With the fluidity of the current area's of combat, anyone can see combat. Yes, the US Army has a huge logistical tail that never see's combat. In Baghdad, I knew soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who never left the Green Zone or BIAP. The only interactions they had with any Iraqi's were local nationals working on the base or at the Haji shops. But on the other hand we had EWO's from the USN and the USAF who were ambushed with the units they supported. Hell, a USCG member was killed on an Iraqi oil platform with some USN members when the platform was attacked. The chow hall at FOB Marez being suicide bombed killed numerous "non combat MOS's" in a "safe place". So to answer your question, anyone in any service can see combat.

Response by SCPO William Akin made Jul 15 at 2017 6:16 PM

2017-07-15T18:16:44-04:00

Someone once told me that the Army Infantry was the Queen of Battle, and in the next breath with a totally straight face said that Army Sappers (Combat Engineers) kept that bitch from getting raped...
Any truth to that??? ;-)

Response by CW2 John Grantham made Oct 24 at 2017 12:29 PM

2017-10-24T12:29:00-04:00

I did 12 years in the AF and 9 years Army. During AF time I spent time in Nam ( 68/69 ) and was in hostile situations three times. No CIB for that. However was recommended for the Bronze Star for shielding patients in a field hospital during rocket attack. Never received it. Back then they told us only ten percent ever experience any kind of hostile fire.

Response by SPC David Willis made Jan 15 at 2018 4:14 PM

2018-01-15T16:14:23-05:00

Ha well Id have to very much disagree with you that infantry never leaves the base... they almost all do BUT only a fraction of them see combat (if you define combat by taking and returning fire) if you are simply talking about being outside the wire damn near every combat MOS will experience that.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Feb 16 at 2018 7:01 PM

2018-02-16T19:01:35-05:00

I was an Army Recruiter until shortly after my son left the Army for the Navy (Oh the shame of it.) Soldiers, Marines in many MOSs go with their unit when it is redeployed, much as your medics, cooks, etc. If I am in an Airborne Unit goes out of the plane with me. There are some, but not many, garrison assignments. It's pretty much last man out turn off the lights

Response by PV2 Edward R Elkins made May 2 at 2018 12:32 PM

2018-05-02T12:32:38-04:00

When I was recruited, I first spoke with a National Guard recruiter, he had me ready to become a Combat Engineer with 6000 hire on bonus. Then I spoke with the Army recruiter, he talked me into becoming active duty. I was over 30. I took my Asvab and he told me that I could choose between most of the M.O.S. , he suggested I become a Health Care Specialist because they stay here in the U.S. and just work at hospitals working a 9 to 5. I looked at the paperwork he had and there was a little bit of print about Combat Medics , I said its not a combat medic job is it, he said no you have to be special ops to be a medic. I told him I didn't want to be an EMT of any kind, asked him if there was a towel folding job kind of kidding around. He assured me I wouldn't be an EMT. I got sent to Fort Benning,GA 1/38th for Basic Training a historic world war I unit that has now been assigned to Fory t Lewis to fight forest fires instead of doing combat duty. I got drilled pretty hard for being older, it was a platoon with some machine gunners re-enlisting and an MP , also a bunch of high school and college jocks, all together it was a pretty athletic company for the Army, we had a Kenya track guy, several school wrestlers , one of the wrestlers was a three time state champion, a gymnast correction officer, some genious 190 IQ corrections officer who nutted up eventually, a bunch of Puerto Rican soccer guys, some basketball guys, some baseball guys, one body builder guy who used steroids since he was 16 who couldnt make it through training because he drank to much alcohol and it destroyed his liver so eventually before end of basic test results revealed his liver was to messed up to continue training. Then I got my orders , Combat Medic / Health Care Specialist had been combined because of the needs of the Army, back in 2003 it was 91W now its 61W or something like that. I wasn't ready for it. I did not want to be an EMT. However when I got to the Fort Sam Houston base, it was like a normal city, with every kind of store a small town would have, the chow hall was like a buffet restaurant, it was really good food. There was a hacienda with a movie theater free to recruits, you could check out music instruments free , video games, pool tables, and this is during AIT not just when you graduate. There was a PX like a super department store as big as Walmart. A grocery store, and a mall with fast food. Some of the guys snuck out to fast food awall for chow,Some snuck taxi's and went to town for real fine cuisine during AIT, we did claymore training in the sand pits of the golf course. Someone was telling me you could actually check out boats, jet ski's , fishing gear , and more if you were finished with AIT. I didn't find out if that was true because I had to go to Fort Sill,Ok after Fort Sam Houston. I still didn't want to be EMT and even though the training base is good , you are still attached to infantry and artillary and Green Beret's or where ever they need you. Its a blood and Gore job for those who have to be on the front lines. So if you go medic enjoy AIT because unless you get stationed at a hospital like I was supposed to be but didn't get stationed at one, they will attach you to combat unit. I can't complain though really it was a neat experience and many soldiers had it harder than I. I was offered a sergeant rank before I left, I left the Army when the whole unit of sergeants except those close to retirement retired. I didn't want to be a career soldier before I went in, and definitely was glad to get out when I got out. I got an honored and learned a lot of discipline and how to shoot an M-16 , the medical skills I kind of forgot some of the technical after a few years except the hands on how to stop bleeding and put someone on a stretcher , give an IV , ect. I never had to save a life so didn't become a hero but I wanted to be someone working in the hospital and never got to that. It was pretty much against military policy for me to fraternize with sergeants so I didn't meet many privates my age , that sucked a lot. I think that contributed to me getting out so soon , instead of staying in, I was offered sergeant training if I switched to Artillary cannon crew member by a Senior Drill Sergeant, he said he liked me and if I was straight with him , he would get me orders to go to sergeant school. I didn't want to be a career soldier and just got out when I could , they gave me an honored so I guess I wasn't to bad of a soldier but it definitely wasn't my choice of a career. I had been through ministry at age 19 and trained in private investigations at age 27 , so I had a different mindset than a typical civilian. I wish I would have gone National Guard, it would have been a better experience and none of the issues with worrying about orders changing around for needs of the Army. For all I knew I could have been sent to Greenland or Iceland or somewhere I never intended to be doing, something totally off my original choice of M.O.S. .

Response by CPO Nate S. made Aug 6 at 2018 12:57 PM

2018-08-06T12:57:59-04:00

This represents team! As I shared in my rely to SPC Allbright's comments, you don't have to add "...that in fact if you are infantry/medic/truck driver you pretty much don't leave the base you're at..." to the sentence "... I tell them that not everyone will see combat ..." is all you need to say!

Again, please read my comments under my response to SPC Allbright's initial comment. Don't ever LIE!!! The "FACTS" are simple! Were the sailors on the USS Cole or USS Iowa in direct combat operations when they died? So tell, those that waste time arguing army, navy, marines, etc. that people die from all branches and sometimes it is during training. So please remind them those that argue (Have "Battles") they are wasting time!

What they need to be is "Prepared" to survive and work to bring themselves and their buddies home when they do experience combat. That is the bottom line.

Response by Dennis Shannon made Dec 20 at 2018 10:23 AM

2018-12-20T10:23:32-05:00

as always no direct answer to a direct question

Response by CPT William Jones made Jan 29 at 2019 5:54 PM

2019-01-29T17:54:36-05:00

Since Korea nearly every person on the ground or directly over it is subject to being hit by enemy fire. Rockets,ied,firearms etc depending exactly where you are will make a little difference in likely hood. My son dated a female soldier whose dad a “rear area” Ltc wAs nearly killed and fellow officer across table was killed eating in mess hall on a large base in Iraq. So all are subject at any time in country.

Response by PO2 Loren Gilmore made Jan 29 at 2019 8:11 PM

2019-01-29T20:11:34-05:00

Just stick to what branch you are, US Navy. Don't use the statement about going outside the wire as that isn't the case in todays military and theaters of operations. Anyone no matter what their NEC or MOS can and do go outside the wire so keep it truthful. As a Hospital Corpsman we went out with our Marine units every time, you earn that title "Doc". If someone is wanting to get into combat then I would really be more concerned as to whether I really want them in the service at all, it hurts to get shot, blown up and wounded and once you kill someone, there is no reset button that brings them back to life. Trust me on this one. Thanks for your question in this matter. Last word of thought, just keep it real concerning the Navy, as that is what you are recruiting for. Doc Gilly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2019 11:43 AM

2019-01-30T11:43:15-05:00

I may have Ben a combo geek, but my time running convoys and being convoy commander beg to disagree with your statement that only infantry/medics/truck drivers go outside the wire. The navy has its mission and the army/marines have theirs.

In the army, we are trained to be a soldier first and our mos (job) second. Similar to how marines are riflemen first.

Please no hate, just trying to make a point.

Response by SSG Julian Nicholson made Jan 30 at 2019 2:42 PM

2019-01-30T14:42:36-05:00

As a retired Infantry soldier with 23 years and two wars on my record, I’m a bit confused by your question. Why would any Combat Arms Marines or Soldiers be deployed to a Combat Zone simply to sit on a FOB and wait for redeployment home? That would be like Police, but never letting them leave the Police Station.

Response by SSG Max Goodman made Jan 30 at 2019 3:15 PM

2019-01-30T15:15:33-05:00

As a cook I did convoys all the time. Had a IED blast hit me and my fellow non infantry people that infantry took on wounds

Response by CPL Chris Palmberg made Jan 30 at 2019 5:20 PM

2019-01-30T17:20:27-05:00

I spent 22 months deployed as a medic, and can count the number of days I didn't go outside the confines of the wire... likely without taking my boots off. Even people in pedestrian roles like cook or mechanic were assigned down to the maneuver unit and frequently only saw a safe zone when they were in transit.

Response by LCDR Rodney Tregle made Jan 30 at 2019 6:08 PM

2019-01-30T18:08:27-05:00

As a Navy recruiter, I’m a bit concerned that you are recruiting Hospital Corpsmen and unable to give them straight information regarding their career choice. The Navy Hospital Corps has earned 23 Medals of Honor and 173 Navy Crosses. I can promise you your Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen assigned to Division leave the confines of the FOB. It’s a dangerous but rewarding career.

Response by PO3 Larry Harrison made Jan 30 at 2019 10:15 PM

2019-01-30T22:15:39-05:00

I recall hearing that for every person in actual combat there are 8 people supporting him/her

Response by SSG Matthew Holman made Jan 30 at 2019 11:04 PM

2019-01-30T23:04:12-05:00

April 06 to April 07, Tallil Iraq. I helped train the IA out of AnNumaniyah for 3 months, but for the rest of the time it was line haul. We never directly engaged the enemy with our rifles, and we never had a convoy hit with an IED. We did however take IDF at just about every base we RONed at. Kalsu, Scania, Taji, Anaconda, BIAP... I guess it depends on your definition of “combat”. Do rockets landing across the street from you count as “combat”?

Response by MSG Roger Billings made Jan 31 at 2019 11:47 AM

2019-01-31T11:47:23-05:00

Actually those three do leave the wire plus a couple others that you wouldn't think would, like computer techs

Response by SFC Michael Arabian made Jan 31 at 2019 12:39 PM

2019-01-31T12:39:26-05:00

When a service member deploys there is no guarantee they will work in the MOS they joined for.

Response by SPC Nick Osborne made Jan 31 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-01-31T13:05:45-05:00

I don't know where they got their sources, but that's the biggest load I've ever heard. In OIF III '05, our truck company was pulling tankers anywhere and everywhere off of Tampa. We'd be gone from base camp for 2-3 weeks at a time taking pot shots and we got hit by IED's on the regular. We probably saw more action than the grunts did by sheer exposure outside the wire.

Response by CPL Clyde Willis made Jan 31 at 2019 1:12 PM

2019-01-31T13:12:17-05:00

My dad was a career navy guy. He was a CPO when I joined the army. Actually I started with the navy - took the ASVAB and all of that. I wanted to be a crypto tech, but the navy recruiter told me it wasn't likely with the slots open for the navy, but he had talked to the army recruiter and thought it would be very likely I could get a slit. He walked me down the hall and introduced me. Both of them were outstanding recruiters who were looking out for the best interest of the nation and recruits. Be like them. Work with the other recruiters. Ultimately I think it would work out best for everyone involved.

You are probably statistically correct that infantry, medics, and drivers come under fire the most. But in today's warfare EVERYONE has to be ready all the time. I was a 98G cryptologic linguist specializing in Russian and Serbian. Somehow I wound up in Iraq in 03-04 and left the wire somewhat regularly. Never took fire though.

Response by SPC Josh Little made Jan 31 at 2019 1:14 PM

2019-01-31T13:14:20-05:00

No your way the hell off. There is no real metric to know 100% wether you will see combat or not for sure. The Job description of the Infantry is Combat. That does not always mean they get to do that job. Allot of that depends on what unit your in and what kind of war we are involved in at the time. Like the other guy was talking about and I was an Airborne Infantry Soldier in 07 during the surge. We allong with Navy, Airforce and Army Combat Engineers, CBs, EOD Truck Drivers TACPs and JTAC( Airforce Air Controlers)drove whats known as Route Clearence patrols trying to keep roads ckear of IES s and ambushes every day all day long. In addition we had Navy and Airforce guys who were known as individual augmentees( they volunteered ) If you were a Tank Drver or Mech Infantry you might or might not see combat in Iraq at the time but we did not really have those guys in Afghanistan although they did have some strikers later on. In terms of the Army its pretty predictable 18th Airborne Corps to include 82nd Airborne, 10th Mountain, 101st along with 173rd Airborne 1-4 Infantry Rangers, SEALs and Special Forces have all pretty much been on regular rotations in Afghanistan since the beginning until now so if you are in one of those units even as a non grunt its likely you could at least go to Afghanistan now if less grunts are seeing combat these days in 2019 its becsuse we are now in much more of an advisory role it would appear we are doing less combat patrols and there are only about 30,000 (13000 in Afghanistan)troops currently involved in combat zones anywhere out of the 1.5 million service members on active duty. There are only about 50,000 soldiers in the Infantry to begin with. There are however emerging threats in the world and if we get into something new with only 50,000 Infantry in the Army its highly likely they will all be seeing action.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 1:14 PM

2019-01-31T13:14:59-05:00

Commo,supply, unit administrative, cooks all of them leave the wire as it were along with your list. So all have potential to see combat but some will not.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 1:49 PM

2019-01-31T13:49:17-05:00

Who do you think gets hit with IEDs? That's right truck driver's oh and those are mechanics in that wrecker following your convoys. You don't have to be a door kicker to see combat

Response by COL Richard Bloss made Jan 31 at 2019 3:00 PM

2019-01-31T15:00:12-05:00

Don’t forget engineers doing route clearance and critical infrastructure repair, Mitary Police for battlefield circulation, civil affairs, as well as non-standard deployment D-METL tasks of Field Artillery and Armor unit without their cannon or tanks to ease the deployment cycle burden on infantry units. If you are in the Army expect to be deployed. If you don’t want to deploy seek other employment.

Response by PO1 Seth Crotser made Jan 31 at 2019 5:28 PM

2019-01-31T17:28:42-05:00

I love how I posted this three years ago and I keep getting comments on it. I’m not even a recruiter anymore or even in the Navy. I appreciate everyone’s answers, point of view and mostly, I appreciate everyone’s service!

Response by TSgt John LaBelle made Jan 31 at 2019 6:03 PM

2019-01-31T18:03:16-05:00

First gulf war repaired line of sight and sat com systems out of Ft Huachuca. Kinda hard to hide 20 foot dishes. Only left the compound to fix something never would have been put in a situation, we wouldn’t go. In Iraq as an Air Force medical tech never left Balad. Any weapons we had were locked up. As we were trained as card carrying non combatants.

Response by PVT Jeromy Markin made Jan 31 at 2019 6:24 PM

2019-01-31T18:24:24-05:00

When i was in Baghdad in 06-08 I was Infantry and i was in a surge unit... we spent so much time outside the wire we looked for excuses to go to a FOB for a hot meal and a shower...

Response by HA Jace Gallagher made Jan 31 at 2019 6:46 PM

2019-01-31T18:46:33-05:00

Everyone in the military is expected to fight when the time comes. The only exception I can think of are Chaplains

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Jan 31 at 2019 7:42 PM

2019-01-31T19:42:39-05:00

Wrong. Convoys are run by truckers and it’s a dangerous job. There are medics in the field with their troops. The troops love them, the enemy looks for them. The infantry and armor lead the way. I was signal in the 60’s. A nice safe MOS until the radio I was carrying took a round while in the jungle. On our compound worked out of a old conix trailer. It took mortar rounds 3 times that year. But signal is safe. Cooks, clerks or mechanics, if on an outpost are at risk.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2019 8:05 PM

2019-01-31T20:05:45-05:00

Reindeer13

Response by PO1 Michael Moe made Jan 31 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-01-31T21:54:48-05:00

As a 13B field artilary I spent more time outside the wire than inside... who got the bronze star the mechanic who kept the hummers’ rolling and he never left the fob... I’m glad that they all ran and never broke down.

Response by LCpl Justin Cruz made Jan 31 at 2019 10:49 PM

2019-01-31T22:49:40-05:00

I was based on Camp Tripoli about a mile outside of Ramadi, Iraq 2007-2008.
I was goodseryin the marine corps. There was a total of 77 marines, 4 army (laundry) and 12 navy on the fob most of the time.
When we first got there our infantry unit that I was attached to 2/1, I would md we go outside the wire until our numbers started dwindling. We started losing guys to injury and the cooks and 2 supply marines had to do our part and fill in on a patrol. We all trained with our infantry unit stateside and before theatre.
We weren’t as good at the tactics but we learned quickly to be effective. We would take small arms fire about every day.
We were One of the only cooks ever to come back with a Combat Action Ribbon. We were legends within the cooks. Hahahs

Response by SGT Patrick Thibeault made Jan 31 at 2019 11:22 PM

2019-01-31T23:22:04-05:00

Crotser, not everyone goes into combat. That is true. Not every medic gets assigned to a guarded hospital unit. We have medics , many medics who have gone into combat. And then we have our down time. Invite your recruits to talk to a combat medic from the Army that been in combat so they can make an informed decision. I only speak for combat medics,as I was one.

Response by 1SG Larry Taggart made Jan 31 at 2019 11:39 PM

2019-01-31T23:39:28-05:00

As a Recruiter it is a must that you factually understand the truths about your brothers from the other forces. As A recruiter for the Army 96-99. I made it my mission to make sure I could factually and truthfully answer question from prospective recruits about the other services. I am not trying to insult you but you seriously need to learn about other services. The question you have posed indicates that you are seriously lacking in this much needed tool to be a successful recruiter. Most soldiers and Marines will be required to venture outside the confines of the base. Yes, Truck drivers, medics, Intel, aviation, engineers will be required to get dirty. One last tip. Never lie to a prospect it always comes back to hurt you. Always maintain your honor. The chance of getting one to enlist for you is not worth giving up your honor. Once he/she finds out you liked to them the word spreads.

Response by SSgt Paul Murray made Feb 1 at 2019 12:15 AM

2019-02-01T00:15:51-05:00

Interestinfly, it is a fact that during World War II the average Infantry Soldier in the Pacific spent 40 hours in combat in 4 years and in Vietnam they spent 240 hours in combat in one year.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2019 4:38 AM

2019-02-01T04:38:22-05:00

There's going to be allot of chest pounding and hurt pride over this topic.

I can tell you that I've deployed as an Infantryman, Combat Photographer and am typing this in a land far far away as an EOD technician.

As an Infantryman (E-4/E-5) I was out and about quite often while deployed but the rank I was, the length of deployment, unit assigned and years I was deployed all played into how often I was outside the wire. As a COMCAM (E-5) I was outside the wire arguably more given a significantly shorter deployment but ISO CJSOTF-A. As an EOD tech (E-6) it would be somewhere in the middle last deployment and the current one (E-7) it's minimal.

The most honest answer is not as simple as considering only the MOS. The unit, the deployment time frame, length of deployment, assigned unit AND MOS must be considered. The most hardcore Infantryman assigned to a TRADOC unit will never leave the wire as a finance clerk assigned to a deploying unit.

Response by LTJG C Mader made Feb 1 at 2019 7:55 AM

2019-02-01T07:55:57-05:00

Tell them to be a seabee

Response by SSG Brenda C made Feb 1 at 2019 8:17 AM

2019-02-01T08:17:13-05:00

Not true. Depends what your mission is. As a truck driver 88M, we stayed at Camp Arifjan and then did local missions 1-2 days in Kuwait and 5-14 days into Iraq. I was Army. So we didn't just stay in one spot. The most dangerous area is the road. I do know someone who is a Marine who was so bent on getting deploying and wants to see action etc. Etc. Blah. Blah. Ended up a heavy mechanic in the fob. He was like one of those people who are so bent on getting deployed and then complain the whole time they are there.
What matters is you do the job you were asked to do. People should feel confident they did the job that was asked of them, regardless of setting. If you are in harms way or not.
No need to lie. Everyone enlisting should know the reality of the ultimate sacrifice. Everyone is trained to fight regardless of MOS.

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Feb 1 at 2019 8:31 AM

2019-02-01T08:31:47-05:00

As a retired Infantryman, and SF soldier, I feel it is my duty, to comment.
First and foremost, the infantryman's job, is to close with, and destroy the enemy and his equipment. That means, we are to go out, and find combat. Take the fight to the enemy. I do not take anything away from anyone, who experienced a firefight, no matter what there MOS/ job was, but ther objective was not to take the fight to the enemy. Those medics, FIST, engineers, and anyone else attached to the infantry units, conducting their operations, are a breed apart, because they are thrust into our role. I salute all of you for your service, and in particular, those of you who saw action, but please dont minimize the infantry, and the job we do.

Response by SPC Brian Nou made Feb 1 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-02-01T10:08:43-05:00

Infantry and medics don’t see combat? Who do you think fights the wars? Cooks? Clerks?
Don’t get me wrong, they are needed people but you are either ignorant or selling some BS.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2019 10:27 AM

2019-02-01T10:27:40-05:00

A Navy recruiter who does not know the role of the Navy corpsman?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2019 11:15 AM

2019-02-01T11:15:17-05:00

Don't forget Fire Supporters (Field Artillery), Advisors (all MOSs/CMF), Scouts and Armor.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2019 11:16 AM

2019-02-01T11:16:55-05:00

Oh I forgot Engineers...

Response by SPC Sean Ramirez made Feb 1 at 2019 12:21 PM

2019-02-01T12:21:31-05:00

Well I know for a fact that infantry and medics will see combat if they are sent to war

Response by SPC Sean Ramirez made Feb 1 at 2019 12:22 PM

2019-02-01T12:22:35-05:00

COMBAT MEDIC....INFANTRY...get it?

Response by Sgt John Meister made Feb 1 at 2019 1:42 PM

2019-02-01T13:42:38-05:00

How do you define “combat”? Why does that matter?

Every job has it’s importance to completion of the mission. Many jobs are very dangerous. You are dealing with high performance equipment, around munitions and fuels even during peace time. To think you need to be in a mud hole, getting shot at makes you somehow a hero is a false idea. Putting on the uniform and doing your job the best you can makes you better than 99% of your fellow citizens.

Want a combat job? Then go for that. Want to serve and feel proud? Go with something else. Every service has something for everyone. This is why veterans have such respect for each other. No matter what you did or your rank, we have all gone out there and gave up our time to be a part of something greater than ourselves.

To me, the guy serving chow was just as important as a fighter pilot.

Response by PFC Nason Herron made Feb 1 at 2019 3:36 PM

2019-02-01T15:36:52-05:00

Vietnam, 1970, grunt with C/4/12 of the 199th LIB, Redcatcher. In the boonies most days, yup, action.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2019 3:51 PM

2019-02-01T15:51:21-05:00

Not just those three. There are plenty more.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2019 6:57 PM

2019-02-01T18:57:51-05:00

If you are a truck driver for a transportation unit, yes you do see action. Due to moving logistics from one location to another. Also, infantry see's action when the encounter attack groups or when on patrols. Even some maintenance personal, see action when they do recovery actions or if they do mounted patrols for security operations. Today's war see's many soldiers of differant branches working more together than ever before.

Response by SFC John Miskowiec made Feb 1 at 2019 7:26 PM

2019-02-01T19:26:58-05:00

If a person wants to "see combat" What they doing talking to a Navy Recuiter?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2019 8:17 PM

2019-02-01T20:17:09-05:00

Wtf

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2019 8:21 PM

2019-02-01T20:21:30-05:00

You obviously have no idea what Soldiers and Marines do so my advice is to stop poisoning your potential recruits with bull shit information.

Response by SPC Al B made Feb 1 at 2019 9:32 PM

2019-02-01T21:32:05-05:00

If you are infantry you will see combat plain and simple can’t speak for other MOS’s but infantry is the start of the suck hands down.

Response by SSG Gilbert Duran made Feb 1 at 2019 9:55 PM

2019-02-01T21:55:11-05:00

I think aviation is cause we convoy our own supplies and we fly we get shot down,maintenance problems , and accidents a high adrenaline high risk job most other army people don't understand we support ourselves it takes a lot of planning and logistics to make the Aviation machine run.

Response by SPC Andrew Phillips made Feb 2 at 2019 7:01 AM

2019-02-02T07:01:00-05:00

That’s so typical for a recruiter. “I tell people this all the time, is it true?” “I’m not a big fan of lying, I just do a lot of it, but I’m not a lying fan, so much”

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2019 11:32 AM

2019-02-02T11:32:31-05:00

Focus on selling your branch. I don't talk about the other branches because I don't want to give them bad info. If they want to know more about the army, send them to the army recruiter. In the end, it's about them finding the branch that fits them the best. That's why I checked out all the branches before I joined.

Response by SGT Jessica Doty made Feb 2 at 2019 1:49 PM

2019-02-02T13:49:12-05:00

How do you drive a truck and have resupply convoys without leaving the FOB?

How do you treat injuries in combat without being in the battle with the people being injured?

Are you the recruiter that told my SPC that the Air Force was made up of infantry?

Response by PO3 Tommy Williams made Feb 2 at 2019 5:06 PM

2019-02-02T17:06:56-05:00

Sounds like you need to look up an fmf corpsman and listen to their stories

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2019 6:36 PM

2019-02-02T18:36:55-05:00

When I was in Iraq in 2003-2004 mail delivery personnel, Civil Affairs personel and especially truck drivers were frequently attacked by the enemy. In asymmetric warfare that we have seen since 2001 any service or MOS could potentially see combat. It’s merely a matter of being in a certain place at a certain time.

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Feb 2 at 2019 10:44 PM

2019-02-02T22:44:12-05:00

The only thing you can tell a grunt , he will see combat, every body else can be or least exposured to combat

Response by GySgt David Gustavson made Feb 3 at 2019 12:22 AM

2019-02-03T00:22:46-05:00

Crotser, I'll assume you don't have any combat time. Not an issue for me that my luck was bad and not an insult to you. Follow your scripting and redirect conversations Kids think war is like a video game. Retired Marine grunt (and ESWS on LPD 14) with 3 years of sea time, four combat tours mostly outside the wire, loved my job but a bit of advice. Ask your LPO or CPO for advice by a documented counseling session, don't go public. I understand the Navy is a hard sell to most of us, but put your leadership on the hook for direction- documented. Again, don't ask jackasses like me for advice in a public forum.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Feb 3 at 2019 11:57 AM

2019-02-03T11:57:41-05:00

Stick with your experiences in the Navy. Do not try and discuss other branches. If they are looking for ground combat, then they probably would not have joined the Navy anyway. While I was an Army Recruiter, I tried staying with talking about the Army and how we could meet the individuals needs, goals and desires. I became very successful doing that and sticking to talking about the Army, which is the only service I really knew because I was in it.

Response by SGT Tony Spencer made Feb 3 at 2019 12:54 PM

2019-02-03T12:54:45-05:00

Not true at all. Im an 88M. Truck Driver, I was in Iraq 04-05, 07-08. I seen alot of,combat since I was a guntruck operator, convoy security. Seen plenty of combat in those years

Response by SSG Lance Sawyer made Feb 3 at 2019 5:34 PM

2019-02-03T17:34:35-05:00

I am a truck driver in the national guard, and I've been to Iraq twice. The first time was in 05-06 in Ramadi. Our platoon of truck drivers accomplished well over 100 missions outside the wire. I was involved with many myself. On my second deployment to Baghdad instead of doing our jobs as truck drivers we were on perimeter security. Both internal and external. We patroled the interior during the day and went on external patrols, both mounted and dismounted, every night. I have seen my fair share of shit as a truck driver.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Feb 3 at 2019 6:16 PM

2019-02-03T18:16:45-05:00

Did you mean "unless you are infantry/medic/truck driver you dont leave the base"?

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Feb 3 at 2019 7:07 PM

2019-02-03T19:07:37-05:00

20% are trigger pullers.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2019 7:11 PM

2019-02-03T19:11:25-05:00

I agree with others remarks. Those three MOS careers don’t always leave the wire. I’ve seen them work more on the base in training or other positions. The Quartermaster/ Logistics MOS career fields are out a great deal. It depends on the theater they are in and what tastings those career fields are assigned.

Response by COL Dave Moreland made Feb 3 at 2019 8:15 PM

2019-02-03T20:15:14-05:00

Last time I checked the Main Supply Route were outside of bases and dominated by Transporters. In Iraq and Afghanistan the MSRs were the most dangerous area in the battle space. Recommend you stick with what you know and leave the warfighting to the men and women on the ground.

Response by SPC Scott Hall made Feb 3 at 2019 8:18 PM

2019-02-03T20:18:37-05:00

What kind of crack are you smoking

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Feb 3 at 2019 11:50 PM

2019-02-03T23:50:10-05:00

PS- I (11B) was in Vietnam in 1969 and fighting from behind a paddy dike when this other dude jumped down beside me, we talked later and he said he in the US NAVY, not only that, but he was in the US NAVY Reserve , I never did find out how he got from Virginia to my fighting position ? Great dude

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2019 1:19 AM

2019-02-04T01:19:03-05:00

The combat arms troops will see some combat during a deployment, because their job is to find and close with the enemy, but the logistics support chain is a real area of vulnerability and is much more likely to get ambushed or hit by an IED.
I was a fobbit during OIF3, and we were mortared pretty consistently, but Balad was so big that the odds on being hit were very remote.
If your recruits really want to see combat, send them to a Walmart on Black Friday.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Feb 4 at 2019 5:24 PM

2019-02-04T17:24:44-05:00

I was with the 205 Ord. Plt (Ammo) in 65 when Johnson sent the first large numbers of troops to Vietnam. Their was no Ammo Co ready to go .At Ft Knox 75 men mostly recruits fresh out of basic training and other men from 54th Ord Co. (Ammo) were picked. 2 weeks later we were on our way ,an 18 day boat ride in country. We were sent to AnKhe 1st Air Cavs base, the main body hadn't arrived yet. Only the advanced force was their. We set up an ammunition supply point. between the inner and outer perimeter. as soon as it got dark the tracers start flying over our heads, We had to lay low. to avoid being hit. Then the flares. the only protection we had was the outer perimeter. Artillery fire and patrols. But we were not attack directly. This happened quite often. I remember the night our Ammo dump was blew up at Quihnon in early 66 I spent the night in a foxhole waiting for an attack that never happened. I never shot any VC. Never saw any but I was a target more than once. The Ammo Dump was like a magnet to the communists. We had 2 men get purple hearts. one man was lying on his cot when he got hit from small arms fire another was at the main gate of the ammo dump, he got hit in the foot when the VC attacked. My Question is: Were we in combat because we were mainly targets a lot of the time. When someone asks if I saw any action, I tell them it was interesting. Semper fi.

Response by Maj Dov Kawamoto made Feb 11 at 2019 8:50 AM

2019-02-11T08:50:52-05:00

“I’ve seen a little... on TV.”

Response by SFC Don Capps made Feb 17 at 2019 2:23 PM

2019-02-17T14:23:07-05:00

Stick to your Navy recruiting and quit telling war stories.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Feb 17 at 2019 6:25 PM

2019-02-17T18:25:15-05:00

Okay so, first we have to define combat.

All you need to get the CIB and CAB (and maybe the CMB) is to get shot at ONCE, one time, you don't have to return fire.

There is a term called FLOT (Forward Line Of Troops). In Vietnam and Iraq and Afghanistan their was no FLOT as we were fighting an ASYMMETRICAL (uneven or guerilla) war.

In Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam the number one priority was maintaining the MSR and ASR ( Main supply route, Auxiliary supply route). This means the number one "troops" to see combat were MP's, as an MP's job in combat is MSR security, Transportation, and anyone on FOB/MSR security. FOB security is usually done by ANY combat arms be them Infantry, Armor, Cavalry, or even Artillery (as dismounts).

My NG unit was an armored battalion we were deployed as motorized infantry, and only a single company (Bravo Company) brought tanks to Iraq. The rest of us were in Humvee's, and most of those were not up armored either. All of the chow was contracted out, as such all 15 or so of our cooks, except the E-8 in charge of the mess section were sent to fill in slots in Alpha company as infantry (11X). Same with some of our signal, supply, and other non combat people.

The next thing you have to understand is that WAR is not non stop combat. My unit arrived in country on March 15th, 2004. We had the Battle of Fallujah (1 and 2), Sadir city during the elections, and the battle for Mosul. Four major engagement in the 13 months we were deployed. Bravo Company participated in one of them, where they earned the valorous unit award while attached to the 25th Infantry in Mosul, February-March of 2005.

The rest of us provided FOB security, and we were mostly sniped at. We did a few cordon and searches, and found a large weapon cache. We had one man killed by mortar fire, and 13 wounded, 1 team hit by an IED, with 2 wounded men. We were mortared and rocketed about once a month.

My team and I were responsible for a 3 mile a radius around our FOB and the MSR and ASR routes that flowed through it. I was almost ran over like 5 times, doing traffic control points, and random searches on people in and around our FOB.

When you look at the show band of brothers, the BOOK has a place in the epilogue where it mentions in the three years "E"asy company was deployed in WWII it spent a total of four months "on the line" (this is the FLOT.)

The movie platoon is based off a single deployment and their are like 3 major engagements in the whole film.

We were soldiers tells of the first contact of the Ia Drang valley, total time for that battle was about 1 month, the only engagement in that deployment.

Full metal jacket is based off a book, which is a memoir of 1 mans time in country, and their was also 1 engagement, for him

Jarhead is the memoir of Private(LCPl?) Swafford, and he says he never fired his weapon one time in the entire deployment.

My son was going to join the Marines, in the entire office there was only 1 recruiter out of 5, a commo guy, who had the Combat Action Ribbon (Eq. of the CIB/CAB).

So you can deploy as infantry, and you may still not see any combat, it really is the luck of the draw.

Finally, if they want to see combat enlist them as Corpsman, it is the largest rate in the Navy, or RP's, or even CB's.

Response by CW3 Michael Clifford made Feb 17 at 2019 9:50 PM

2019-02-17T21:50:41-05:00

After twenty years in the military and retiring as a CW3 in 1994 from the Army, I saw no combat. In 2007, I went to Camp Bucca, Iraq as a contractor. On Easter Sunday morning 2008, I went through a mortar attack on the base in which 12 rounds were dropped on us. Two contractors were killed, seven were injured and I got knocked off my feet. I didn’t think much of it until I started feeling numbness at the nipple line and down my legs. I came home in July 2008 for mid-tour leave. An MRI found I ruptured discs in the cervical region, thoracic region and lumbar region. Five surgeries later and word that my thoracic injury will leave me paraplegic. My point is, FOBs are not safe from “combat” and yes, we had Navy reservists guarding prisoners at Camp Bucca.

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Feb 18 at 2019 12:36 AM

2019-02-18T00:36:42-05:00

No, that is not a true statement, especially about the infantry not leaving the base. In the kind of wars we are currently fighting, insurgencies, the infantry is the arm of choice. To answer your main question, historically 10–15% actually come in contact with the enemy.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Feb 20 at 2019 7:28 AM

2019-02-20T07:28:06-05:00

Use common sense! Many infantry people have spent an entire career out of combat, others do not have that luxury. The ground element, those most likely to see firefights, are much smaller than the total supporting effort. Many careers are launched by supporting MOSs. I was a jet engine mechanic (gas turbine). I got out, went to college and was in GE gas turbines my entire career. I did not meet one single machine gunner or mortar man at GE. The tip of the spear has a unique and very important place but there are many others that get them there and keep them alive. You may want to explain that, just as in the Navy, the Air Force, Army and Marines are all team efforts of many different, essential jobs and getting shot at for a living is critical in ground operations but it is also very dangerous and is unnecessary in civilian life...………………… unless you live in Chicago, Baltimore etc.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2019 6:17 PM

2019-02-20T18:17:38-05:00

Infantry, medics see lots of combat. Truck drivers see their share too, how do you think supplies get to the bases?
LOGPACs are a favorite target... stop supplies and cripple the force. No given MOS is safe anymore due to guerilla tactics but these 3 see more than most.

Response by LCpl Mikey Hadden made Feb 20 at 2019 8:08 PM

2019-02-20T20:08:48-05:00

You must be mildly mentally handicap or something.

Response by SFC James Welch made Feb 21 at 2019 2:01 PM

2019-02-21T14:01:38-05:00

Well you pretty much missed on all counts. Ever see the Trucks after IED’shit them? Infantry and Medics always gone. Come back , clean up equipment, re-stock and gone again. This is the Modern Military. Stateside you’re always training in the field!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2019 5:34 PM

2019-02-21T17:34:12-05:00

You are partially right. It depends on the environment. If you are Infantry you definitely will be patrolling. If it mountainous like the early Afghanistan most of it was on foot even Iraq during the early times. The other MOS’s had to also do it if the sector could be covered or if for example tanks/ artillery are not needed then they would do what is expected of a Soldier which patrol. The reason some might say that 88 m are a more of a target is because they are a soft target. The enemy rather hit them than a truck load of grunts. Been Infantry for 29 years and every combat patrol I have been on had both direct and indirect fire. I also was a recruiter and would get the same question. Bottom line is the military will prepare you for war and you are expected to performed when called upon.

Response by SrA Jimmy Conant made Feb 21 at 2019 9:38 PM

2019-02-21T21:38:39-05:00

Ahh truck divers are out all the time. I spent more time running up and down the MSR's than i did anything else. Outside the wire.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Feb 22 at 2019 9:49 AM

2019-02-22T09:49:14-05:00

Generally support troops have a reduced risk, however that they won't engage be involved in a combat situation is rather a stretch. Support and Combat bases are targets for guerrilla fighters and insurgents. Support troops have requirements to pull guard/perimeter security and patrols of the perimeter. Those are activities which can lend themselves to returning fires and acting in defense of the base. Other troops such as Civil Affairs (Army, Marines, and Navy to a lesser extent) and Information Units (Psyops) also have missions outside the wire where they are to directly engage local populations and their leaders. They again are considered easy targets in some theaters of operation. As for transportation and recovery troops (drivers, mechanics, POL drivers) those folks who go to recover disabled vehicles are slow moving targets in many ways who are more easily channeled or marked for attack. While there are some MOS positions which may rarely leave the wire and thus are considered safer ( often derisively called FOBBITS), you have to remain alert as the most likely areas to engage a hostile element is in movement to and from those positions. True about 80 percent or more of the two major ground combatant forces are support positions it doesn't mean they aren't without equally incurred risks.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2019 3:20 PM

2019-02-22T15:20:33-05:00

During the 10-Year Vietnam War, in-country? -- Approximately 2.67% U.S. -- out of 7.5-Million U.S. serving worldwide (all branches of service).

As a historian of the era, and an enlisted Air Force combat Vet with 2+ years in-country (Vietnam 4-deployments) in a far more intense & dangerous war (58,000+ US KIA) than we've seen in the past 50-years, we lost a lot of good men -- as we had no battle-worthy helmets, no-night vision (except bulky Starlite scopes for snipers), no individual helmet comms, no body armor that would stop an AK-47 round, same with helmets, etc. The "flak jackets" were a joke, good for maybe one thing - something to sit on while in choppers (bullets come through the floor, you know).
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My 26-month deployment at a major air base saw 34-documented mortar, rocket or sapper attacks (3 times inside-the-wire) resulting in 15 US KIA with about 70+ WIA over my 2+ years. [ Battle casualties on both sides were confusing because of erroneous figures (or intentional body-count lies). ]
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Typically, history shows that about 200,000 (out of estimated 2.7-million rotating "in-country and out of Vietnam" out of 7.5-million worldwide in support) during the entire 10-year Vietnam War -- about 52,000 actually saw one or more "shooting battles" (mostly Marines, Army & Navy medics) against enemy guerilla irregular forces (Viet Cong) or seasoned NVA Regulars, Chicoms or Russians (advisers). Keep in mind, that of the 52,000 or so American soldiers, many were highly-trained special forces-types, 5th SF out of Nha Trang & Ban Me Thout (and hundreds of MACV search & destroy forces or LRRP's) who voluntarily dedicated their lives to 2 or more consecutive deployments.
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To be sure, there were at least a dozen major battles where US forces were severely out-numbered (ie. Nov 1965 -- Ia Drang Valley / LZ Xray / LZ Albany -- we were outnumbered by an estimated 10:1 ratio due to poor intel -- we incurred 237 US KIA, 262 US WIA, 4 MIA -- in just 4-days of battle, nearly all US Army -- subject of the VERY ACCURATE book & movie "We Were Soldiers Once... And Young" with actor Mel Gibson, written by Col. "Hal" Moore & Army war-correspondent Joe Galloway).
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Three years later, as another example, during the bloody country-wide "Tet of '68" (Feb - Mar 1968), we lost around 1,600+ US KIA "in-country" inside of 6-weeks (over 2,000+ total from Feb to May 1968). Further, at Hue Citadel alone: 216 US KIA - 1,500+ US WIA or MIA.
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Enemy casualty estimates for the same period -- 100,000+ -- up and down the "Ho Chi Minh Trail" during the same 6-weeks (roughly 50,000 in and around the Mekong Delta and the Saigon Embassy assault, alone). A personal friend served 4-deployments (Army 2-Silver Stars) had one citation for 214 confirmed Viet Cong irregulars "kill-total" in one day -- using mini-guns from a LOACH chopper on the "Trail" about 2-clicks West of the Laos-Cambodia border (officially, "we were NEVER there").
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Net-Net bottom line: Out of 7.5-million "Vietnam Era" vets worldwide from 1963-1973 - roughly 200,000 saw "shooting combat" (2.67% / + or -) mostly Marines & Army. Plus another roughly 2,000 US KIA in Vietnam and worldwide, died during the same 10-year period from "accidents" or "friendly fire" or "collateral damage".
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Your chances of being killed in an automobile vs. railroad train crossing-accident seems statistically FAR MORE likely. 'Hope that helps answer your question.
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Response by SSG Stefan L made Feb 22 at 2019 7:01 PM

2019-02-22T19:01:40-05:00

Animo Et Fide Allons Semper Paratus Climb To Glory Golden Dragons Swabby! 19D30 Check that out for "inside the base!"

Response by Cpl Thomas Woods made Feb 22 at 2019 8:49 PM

2019-02-22T20:49:37-05:00

So who, in the exact fuck is it that gets blown up by IEDs?...….Cooks?

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Feb 23 at 2019 11:19 AM

2019-02-23T11:19:51-05:00

Know your competition but get it right! Any presumption about a group is usually way off base. As a recruiter I focused on the higher quality of the training and diversity in Navy job and how it compares to other services. Though I enlisted a few SEALS I never played the who were the biggest warriors because all of us went where we were assigned. During Vietnam while aboard cruisers and destroyers we got a lot more days of active combat (being shot at) up on the North Vietnam coast than most people there but if the focus of a recruit was to 'play cowboys and indians' I introduced them to my Army recruiting buddy.

Response by 1SG William Svoboda made Feb 23 at 2019 12:49 PM

2019-02-23T12:49:13-05:00

Well, infantry must leave the base to make contact and fight and win against the enemy, combat medics, (I was a combat medic) we go with them because that's our job. I would stop telling them this and add that if they want to compare jobs do that and see for themselves but don't speak to what you may not understand. I served 22 years and taught military science to high school students for 15 years and I never said anything about a sister service I could not backup. Support personnel don't sit on a base waiting for customers truck drivers take and bring things throughout a field of operations as well.

Response by SSG Kevin Price SR made Feb 24 at 2019 1:33 AM

2019-02-24T01:33:16-05:00

Having retired in 1993, my last trip to the sandbox was as a civilian contractor driving heavy haul. 20+ truck convoy had 5 gun trucks for escorts. I had Army, Air Force and Marines as escorts. Most were in non-combat MOS's. But all did their jobs, provided (unarmed civilians driving outside the wire) with as much needed protection as possible. Sometimes we had air support on overwatch, often we did not. But when my 48-wheeler got taken out by a roadside bomb, I had a squad of Infantry surround my location almost before my truck came to a stop. By the time I radioed in a SITREP, I had two tanks rolling into position, and a pair of Apaches overhead.
Escorts? Transportation units. 2d echelon maintenance units, field artillery units that were rotated out from a FOB. I was based out of LSA Anaconda, Balad, Iraq. Commonly referred to as "Mortaritaville" as we averaged 5 mortar attacks daily. I actually felt safer on a mission than I did at the base!
In a non-conventional war situation such as Iraq, there were no bullets or artillery rounds with your name on them. Each one was addressed "to whom it may concern". My advice? No mstter what branch of service you choose, no matter the MOS, you pray for the best but prepare for the worst. Learn your job, and learn it well. Cross train when you can. But whatever you choose to do, hold your head high, support your chain of command, and take care of your troops. Any one of them may be the one that saves your life.

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Feb 24 at 2019 12:08 PM

2019-02-24T12:08:30-05:00

Yea, um, no. What exactly did you do before recruiting duty?

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Feb 24 at 2019 10:54 PM

2019-02-24T22:54:39-05:00

Different types of combat if you look closely. Ground troops on the ground,USAF combat in the air and Navy on the water.One does not have top fire a weapon to be in combat.Bases get attacked and everyone grabs a rifle.Most medics I know were Navy with the Marines.They did not carry weapon BUT got shot at and at time hit. Infantry are combat troops .Who do you thing do all the shooting?Truck drivers are armed and get shot at.They do not just sit in motor pool.Infantry gets their supplies from the trucks..Navy launch aircraft or fire deck guns.Combat no matter how you look at it one way or the other.OR USAFSS EC47 were unarmed and we did not shot at anyone but got shot at and some killed.Anyone in a combat zone will see some type of combat.

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made Feb 24 at 2019 11:07 PM

2019-02-24T23:07:27-05:00

If your in a combat zone you will see combat one way or the other.Infantry are the main one on tyhe ground doing all the shooting,Truck drivers are armed when leaving the base to deliver to the ground troop.Shot at and some killed.The medics I know were Navy with they Marines.Unarmed ans some killed.Navy off shore launching aircraft or firing guns,Combat,Our USAFSS EC47 aircraft were unarmed but some shot down and members killed.If your in a COMBAT ZONE you will see one type of combat or another.To the Recruiter.NO to your question.That is not correct.

Response by SP5 Scott Splese made Feb 25 at 2019 10:17 AM

2019-02-25T10:17:57-05:00

The simple answer I was given when I was in (and I was considered in a combat MOS) was for every one person on the "front lines" there are (9) supporting them.

Response by Maj Paul Mordini made Feb 25 at 2019 5:17 PM

2019-02-25T17:17:50-05:00

How you define "combat" will answer your question. There are lots of ways to combat an enemy.

Response by SPC James Ashmore made Feb 26 at 2019 2:06 PM

2019-02-26T14:06:15-05:00

I seem to recall seeing all 3 of those during Desert Storm. I can understand people "thinking" that the truck drivers don't go close enough to combat, but how do you think supplies got to the front line? I was a Direct Support mechanic & was always a matter of a few miles behind front lines, but still considered myself to be in a hostile environment. We had the same type of battle fatigue & PTSD after the war.

Response by PO2 Geoffrey LeNoir made Feb 26 at 2019 2:42 PM

2019-02-26T14:42:39-05:00

I think this is a legit question because of the ignorance of a lot of people, especially with the recent wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria. I was at Camp Victory in 2004 as a Sailor and the Navy doesn't see the 2-3 mortars a day for 6 months as enough combat to award a Combat Action ribbon. Even though I had shrapnel come through my hooch and a DOD employee was killed 50 feet away. I rarely left the Camp, but we recieved penetration attempts where Iraqi's were killed 100 meters away. My job wasn't to shoot a gun, so I didn't see "Combat" but I would define my experience as a combat deployment. I compare my time to the ships that had a missile go in the water a mile away from their ship. The whole crew received a CAR even if they were in the engine room, or ships laundry. The problem with the way the Military views awards is not standard and there is TOOOO much room for disparity. To validate my comment, look at how many soldiers receive a Commendation as an end of tour award and compare it to the awards Marines get.

Response by Marlene Hessler made Feb 27 at 2019 12:29 AM

2019-02-27T00:29:40-05:00

Infantry, medic, and/or truck driver never leaving base????? Really.
How many calls are there for a medic on the base???? Maybe if the base is overrun. And, truck driving just on the base? Who takes supplies to those INFANTRY in the field? Even on Rotational Training exercises, you won't see much 'base time'. The training is 'in the field'. If you really cannot comprehend what combat entails, maybe you need to do some reevaluation. I foresee a major shock heading your way.
I cannot speak for the motivation or thoughts of recruiters, but just think about it. Who do you think actually does the COMBAT?
True enough, that you the troops won't be doing a lot of sightseeing, and they will be attached to the base, but that's where the action starts.

Response by SGT Jessie Lovett made Mar 9 at 2019 6:16 PM

2019-03-09T18:16:43-05:00

I was infantry in Iraq. Jss tarmaya we left the base every day and had contact.

Response by SGT Jessie Lovett made Mar 9 at 2019 6:22 PM

2019-03-09T18:22:25-05:00

I also was a truck driver and there was contact every time we went out. And that was every night . IEDs and small arms fire. Over 8.000 miles over the most dangerous roads in Iraq. And that was the PA army reserves.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2019 2:09 PM

2019-03-17T14:09:08-04:00

My friend, I was an infantryman for 28 years, and in that 28, I was overseas for 12 years and 6 tours in combat. So in my generation, our infantry, medics, engineers, and scouts all saw more combat than any one person should see. But you are correct in the fact that not all people will see combat, as a matter of fact in the army alone only about 30% saw combat. I just retired 2 years ago. Now, that 30% is actual combat, not combat zones.

Response by SSG Wayne Wood made Mar 23 at 2019 10:48 PM

2019-03-23T22:48:52-04:00

In the old days of conventional wars where there were front lines and rear areas and such I guess one could say few folks actually ever saw combat. But even in World War 2 there were moments where every swinging individual who could carry a rifle was pushed into the line (the Ardennes immediately comes to mind but there are some others).

Since World War 2 we've been in conflicts where there were no true rear areas - think of Tet where the entire country seemed to blow up in our faces and clerk typists and all sorts of Rear Echelon Individuals picked up their personal rifles and fought. I think it's pretty much the same in the recent and current wars. Mortar rounds and IEDs don't show much discrimination by MOS - there really isn't a "rear area."

Maybe some folks and MOS' are more likely to see combat than others and some places are more likely to be hotter than others - but I wouldn't try to sell anyone a bill of goods that they're going to be safe and sound while others are taking the risks. Even if it was true - my own take is the military doesn't really need folks with that attitude - any branch.

Response by SSG R Daily made Mar 24 at 2019 11:09 PM

2019-03-24T23:09:57-04:00

You're correct all the deaths and injuries are inflicted on folks that never leave the base.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Mar 28 at 2019 10:52 AM

2019-03-28T10:52:20-04:00

Let put it this way, I spent 38 years in the Army and Reserves and never saw combat. I have friends who deployed and saw combat multiple times. It depends on what you're doing as well as where you're at. I also know quite a few people even though they deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, never saw combat either, and yet were entitled to wear a combat patch. With the new threats of Russia and China, we could see intense combat in the not too distant future, that certainly would involve naval combat. Something to think about.

Response by SP5 Ken Hull made Mar 29 at 2019 1:24 PM

2019-03-29T13:24:41-04:00

GREAT combat stories about Presidents, some of whom were never known to be combat veterans !!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 3:25 PM

2019-03-29T15:25:20-04:00

That is not anywhere near factual based on my experience. Infantry and medics were two of the most likely MOS’ to leave the wire during the COIN fight.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Mar 29 at 2019 4:02 PM

2019-03-29T16:02:05-04:00

Admittedly few, but I think it's fair to say that often what someone's "paid to do"...and what they do, can be very different things.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2019 2:25 AM

2019-03-30T02:25:17-04:00

More of us see it than you think. And less of us talk about it.

Oh, and stop lying to applicants. You do a disservice to all of us, and we don't appreciate. Either do your job correctly and well on your own merits, or go tell your command you're a turd and need to go back to your parents.

Response by Sgt Dan Catlin made Mar 30 at 2019 4:36 PM

2019-03-30T16:36:38-04:00

Anyone who raises their right hand then puts on the uniform of any of our armed services may see some kind of combat. I have nothing but respect for the Navy Corpsmen who are assigned to the Corps. But I have the same respect for say someone working their but off on the flight deck of a carrier, or even working in the hot, greasy conditions maintaining the catapult. I've also known sailors who were in subs, and even today they can't talk about their Cold War missions. My nephew is in the Coast Guard, and they often undertake dangerous assignments just because someone was stupid and got into more trouble than they bargained for. I know recruitment is about the numbers and getting the best people to sign up with you. But since you seem to be that rare breed of recruiter who wants to be honest with those who come to him, I agree with the person who said get with the others, find out what they actually offer and what it is really like in the other services and give your prospective recruits options. And never disrespect any branch, MOS, or perceived "luxury status" of others. We don't know what it's like for them, really. But I have an idea what it would be like if we didn't have them. Besides, you want to talk "skate duty," look at what many think of what you do ...

Response by CPT Michael Morotti made Mar 31 at 2019 2:50 PM

2019-03-31T14:50:55-04:00

No job is protected from "combat" anymore. Furthermore, if "combat" is not your thing, join the Peace Corps or Job Corps. I'm tired of the softening of our military. If you cannot handle the heat, don't go in the kitchen

Response by MSG Don Burt made Mar 31 at 2019 4:01 PM

2019-03-31T16:01:00-04:00

It depends on the MOS they want or you the recruiter select for the Service's need at the time...the only truism you have here is that during wartime, "all people don't always face combat" but any service personnel no matter what his/her MOS is, from a cook, to clerk, to mechanic, to infantry to air, their ultimate job description from day one in training, is to primarily "Kill the Enemy" and if they can't wait, then just hang around for awhile and you'll probably be faced with a combat situation here in this country...there are people all over the globe who hate us and the liberty and freedom we have (at a great cost I might add over the years) and are willing to die for their country or belief (so let's help them out, eh?)....those crossing the open borders of the U.S. are just waiting for the opportunity...I entered the service out of high school wanting Electronics Training and experience for the future and that I received, but there was no doubt in my mind that when push came to shove, my job was to kill any and all who wanted to take away all my freedoms, family and my country and that my friend is the truth!

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made Mar 31 at 2019 4:35 PM

2019-03-31T16:35:58-04:00

Let me see. Cross the Iraqi border around March 20 or 21, got as far as Tallil Air Base. The next 6 months my section did perimeter security when the Rangers rescue PVT Lynch, did the same for the 1st Iraqi conference, the rest of the time we were QRF for the Air Force. The whole time we lived outside of the wire, hell there was no wire back them. Went back in 07 and did escort duty 13 out of 14 nights. So Infantry and Combat medics do leave the "base" It rare that we are on a base

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2019 7:13 PM

2019-03-31T19:13:55-04:00

You must mean that those jobs are the ones that DO see combat. Truck drivers always getting blown up on the road and medic or infantry are sorta self explanatory.

But Navy see ground combat too. There were Navy combat engineers/EOD and certainly corpsmen out there with us. I'm sure other jobs too.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Apr 1 at 2019 12:04 PM

2019-04-01T12:04:13-04:00

I was an Infantryman and then i became a medic. I saw combat action as both and i was on patrols almost daily. I saw my share of bullets fired at me and friends who were wounded and i had to go to work on taking care of their wounds on the battlefield. I deployed and went on patrol even when i was a senior NCO.

Is it true that some of these individuals dont see combat? Yes, this is very unfair to those who share the same type of job. But most of them, who are in those jobs will see combat at some point. This has been my experience.

Response by SSG Nicholas Gaines made Apr 2 at 2019 1:51 AM

2019-04-02T01:51:10-04:00

I would advise you that the three categories of which you spoke see the highest Combat casualty rates of any the MOS’s. Infantry and Combat Medics are the backbone of the US military ground fighting force and obviously you’ve never been a truck driver on Irish, Michigan, or Tampa. I went from 68W to 18D and let me tell you in both cases I saw plenty of combat. Enough to share with others. We had 27 KIA out of my Company in Anbar on a single deployment while I was a line Medic in the Infantry and we did three six hour patrols a day in Anbar. You should probably re-think what you say.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2019 2:38 PM

2019-04-02T14:38:14-04:00

I signed up (army reserve) in 05 fresh out of high school. I was just establishing a life hence the reserves. My father was in the marines for 14 years then the guard until retirement. I went into basic with the thoughts along the line of full metal jacket style training. My recruiter and the others looking back now were only in it for the numbers of applicants. I asked about a combat MOS, Intel, etc and was immediately steered toward 88M with the sweet 10k bonus. I say this because my girlfriend at the time was with me whom had no desire to join was there for support was barraged by another recruiter to sign up with these sweet bonuses and college tuition etc. Long story short what 18 year old isn't gonna pass up an extra 10k. I was in from 05-13 I never once was deployed. I dont say this because I'm proud of it in fact I hate it. I volunteered numerous times and was never called up, so most the time I dont mention that I was in the military due to respect of others that actually went and seen the shit. As long as you are knowledgeable and TRUTHFUL about everything you say. 88M was peddled as an easy job, I mean truck driver come on. The military workings of all the branches is a crap shoot, you just gotta with the flow

Response by SFC Chet Crowell made Apr 2 at 2019 4:37 PM

2019-04-02T16:37:32-04:00

Wow! You’re a Recruiter?

Response by Paula Minger made Apr 3 at 2019 12:53 PM

2019-04-03T12:53:00-04:00

The issue of combat is important today because over half of Veterans are filing PTSD claims.

Response by LTC Conrad Novack made Apr 3 at 2019 8:37 PM

2019-04-03T20:37:21-04:00

For 21 years, from 1963 to 1984, I was a branch Chemical Officer. I served in tactical units, service schools, and R&D assignments on weapons and equipment. My tour in Vietnam as an Assistant Division Chemical Officer was characterized by almost daily missions in which I flew combat assault missions in support of division maneuver elements. My usual activities were the employment of CS munitions from UH-1 helicopters to soften enemy targets for assault by ground elements and to enhance the effects of artillery and air strikes for which I functioned as a forward observer or forward air controller. I also flew with our sniffer team of 2 OH-6 and 2 AH-1 helicopters employing the airborne personnel detector as well as flying bombing runs with CH-47 helicopters to drop massive fill munitions of CS on enemy trails and rally points for terrain restriction. Very often we took ground fire, and my door gunners were usually always provided with ample opportunities to engage enemy personnel, as were the crews of the AH-1 gunships. Fact is, the Division Commanding General sort of adopted the Division Chemical Section as his own rapid reaction force to take care of problems that arose in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Considering the aforementioned examples of my duties, it is safe to say that almost every soldier assigned to the Division Chemical Section saw a fair amount of combat on a frequent basis.....an interesting contrast to what one might often consider the peaceful, relative safety of division staff assignments.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2019 1:27 AM

2019-04-04T01:27:41-04:00

I find that statement to be false. I was deployed to Taji Iraq in 2007-2008 as an 88M, Truck Driver. I received my Combat Action Badge when my convoy was attacked by several IED's and small arms fire. Infantry/medics, and truck drivers frequently leave the base to conduct their missions. We did several convoys per week, transporting materials from one base to another, and we always were escorted by gun trucks, manned by infantry, and always had several medics with us due to the fact that running convoys was a high risk mission.
Infantry " pretty much don't leave the base you're at", that's like saying firefighters pretty much don't ever go to fires. Use a littler common sense folks.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2019 2:12 AM

2019-04-04T02:12:06-04:00

Your right about one thing.....you really need to get your facts straight, because what you are telling these potential recruits is NOT true.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 4 at 2019 4:50 AM

2019-04-04T04:50:31-04:00

I never did. South Korea 1970. SSG.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-04-04T13:05:05-04:00

I saw a shitload of combat and I was a Personnel Sgt for one deployment (Afghanistan) and a Civil Affairs Sr NCO for three (Iraq twice, HOA).
I didn't go looking for it, although the units I supported often did. Combat came to me, and when it did, I gave the sons of bitches what for.
The Navy has an important job, primarily a strategic one. The service has many benefits compared to the other ones and as a recruiter, I'm sure you know how to identify that lead's interests and preferences. The Navy is great for seeing the world, getting practical technical skills, and so much more. If you want to go door kicking or flushing terrorist out of caves, the Navy isn't for you.

Response by CPO Mark Bell made Apr 4 at 2019 5:03 PM

2019-04-04T17:03:22-04:00

PO1 Croser,
I am a retired ISC and saw a lot of combat. As a forward deployed Human Intell guy there are many times collecting intel led to combat situations. Being fired on and returning fire is not rate controlled. In fact, the very examples you used in your question are likely to see combat! By the way, there are many in the US Navy who proudly wear the CAR. There are many more who have died in action. Safe in the rear with the gear - not so. Bases are attacked all the time if you are in country you are a target. Please don't promise the new recruits unicorns and rainbows - the military is still the warfighting arm of the US Government!

Response by Cpl Spencer Allen made Apr 5 at 2019 7:34 AM

2019-04-05T07:34:09-04:00

When I was active duty, my MOS was 0311. When we went to Kuwait and later to Iraq in March of 2003 we were “tip of the spear” and rolling hard to the Euphrates. Support elements in the meantime where getting lit up and seeing serious action on their own. I’m willing to bet a lot of the 4th FSSG where getting CARS left and right. On today’s modern battlefield, who the hell can really say? Hadji got smart and won’t meet us fave to face on massive World War Two style fronts. I gues it depends on how deployable you are in your unit and MOS.

Response by PO3 Michael Biegler made Apr 6 at 2019 9:54 AM

2019-04-06T09:54:07-04:00

I spent 44 months on board the USS SACRAMENTO (AOE-1) a fast attack auxilary ship 82-86. Not a lick of combat service. I bet Momar Khadafi and some of his pals might differ. Point being that combat duty isn't the only dangerous duty in the military. I saw to many sailors get fucked up simply because of the dangerous duty theY performed. BM3 BIEGLER.

Response by 1SG Leon Espe made Apr 7 at 2019 10:38 AM

2019-04-07T10:38:16-04:00

I was Acting First Sergeant of Headquarters Company 69th Signal Battalion, 1st Signal Brigade during TET 68 in Vietnam. Some of my Telephone linemen were making emergency repairs on the lines atop telephone poles during incoming rounds and machine and sniper fire while the Infantry guys were hunkered down in the ditch at the foot of the pole. Also during TET my Battalion Personnel and Finance clerks were formed into a platoon to assist the Air Police of Tan son Nhut Air Base to hold off the Viet Cong who were murdering people at the main gate area and at MacV Hqs. Everyone was a combat soldier!

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Apr 7 at 2019 12:09 PM

2019-04-07T12:09:16-04:00

Based on my research about 1 in 5 soldiers do the actual fighting. The rest of us provide needed support. I served as an AF ER medic during Vietnam. My aim was not to kill anybody, and no one was trying to kill me. The Armed Forces allow for those w/ a wide range of interests and skills!
Based on many conversations w/ vets back to Korea, Marines occupy very high status. Some consider the AF as "boy scouts". Special forces are regarded quite highly.

Repeated combat exposures cause considerable trauma and suffering.
I leave w/ this conclusion: if you never served, you ain't shit, if you are not a marine, you ain't shit, and if you never served in combat, you ain't shit!
Rich

Response by SPC Christopher Ritchie made Apr 7 at 2019 10:57 PM

2019-04-07T22:57:17-04:00

Even if you don't leave a base, you can see combat. My base got mortared. The main gate was rushed multiple times. I was medical admin. I rode convoys to check in on my combat medics in the FOB aid stations. Our convoys did get hit. I lost more friends in ambushed convoys than classic ground combat.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2019 11:37 PM

2019-04-12T23:37:35-04:00

Are you F up... Infantry, combat medics, truck drivers that do convoys are the ones that see almost all the combat... Are you pulling our leg? This can't be a serious question.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Apr 14 at 2019 11:08 PM

2019-04-14T23:08:31-04:00

I was a qualified truck/tool driver in the military and I saw many combat actions. I was also a recovery specialist and was more in the front front lines then most. In the peace time I can say that is true but in war time do not lie to them.

Response by SFC James Asbill made May 11 at 2019 2:19 PM

2019-05-11T14:19:17-04:00

Speak not of what you do not know ..

Response by GySgt William Hardy made May 12 at 2019 10:24 AM

2019-05-12T10:24:01-04:00

First off, just what is your definition of combat? I agree with Mathew Joslyn general assessment. Back in Vietnam, I was in a communication center at Danang Air Base. There was never a need for me to go on patrols (other than my 30 days of parameter patrols which was not going out in the bush). I went on a many midnight courier runs between Danang, Red Beach, FLC, 1st MarDiv, and back to Danang, but engaging the enemy was not on my list of duties. Those of us at the Air Base were subject to frequent rocket and mortar attacks and occasionally a few sappers. Not a single person I know of ever qualified for a CAR (combat action ribbon), but many did receive a Purple Heart and many died. I know you (Seth Croster) are probably long off recruiting duty but the fact is that on my first day in Vietnam, I was staying overnight at Camp Tin Shaw and the CB base was hit that night. 300 unarmed new Marines depended upon the Navy to keep us safe and they did.

Years later when I was in the Army National Guard, I did a tour in Iraq at Camp Taji. We performed Gun Truck security for convoys. While I was a 58 year old Operations Sergeant at the time, I did go on missions from time to time. Nothing happened on the days I was on the road, but things did happen when other were out.

I have always had a bad taste in my mouth about the definition of combat and who does and does not qualify for the CAR. If a mechanic can be wounded or killed while trying to get aircraft up in the air, should not that person qualify as being in combat? Why is it you can be killed storming a beach by mortar fire and be in combat but redirect that same fire to an air strip and you don't qualify? I don't get it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 10:45 AM

2019-05-12T10:45:54-04:00

95% of the time you are not in combat.
5% of the time you might see combat.
That’s if you leave the wire, and that’s mostly convoy ops, infantry, and blank check guys with long tabs or tridents.
If someone is worried about seeing combat, they shouldn’t be, that time is kind of over until a new conflict arises.
I know guys in the marines, and Army who have never seen combat either, but that was just the timing of it.
If you were in AFG or Iraq in 2002-2009 then you probably saw some combat, otherwise probably not.
AFG in 2012 was also bad, but peace talks with Taliban are underway, so we may not have much more conflict on a large scale here.

Response by CPL Stephen Patterson made May 15 at 2019 1:37 PM

2019-05-15T13:37:16-04:00

Not sure on you answer? What MOS is exactly is it that leaves "the base" Armywise that goes to all this combat anyway.

Response by CW4 Russell Cowley made May 20 at 2019 10:04 AM

2019-05-20T10:04:29-04:00

About 20-25% will see actual combat in the 5 combat arms of the ARMY.

Infantry
Armor
Artillery
Combat Engineers
Combat Aviation

Response by SSG Raymond Lester made May 20 at 2019 11:15 PM

2019-05-20T23:15:56-04:00

First of all, combat medics have combat in their name. Look up which specialty has the most CMHs. And since everyone except infantry are POGs for a reason, they are the in the battle often and again. Come on man, you can do better than that.

Response by CDR Peter Gregory made May 25 at 2019 10:34 AM

2019-05-25T10:34:40-04:00

War, conflict in the 21st century is non-linear in nature and will be contended behind a computer screen, drone, high energy weapons, cyber, denial of access across the digital band. Marines or Army hitting a beach, ala Saving Private Ryan, or even the age of counter-insurgency ops of the last 20 years in the Middle East is being transformed.

What I would tell any recruit, USN,USMC,USA,AF, CG is that they are joining a war fighting organization with the expressed intent when so ordered to take the fight the enemy and kill them if need be. The military is not a post office with guns and neat gear. The means and methodology of lethality evolves as it always have .We no longer have Calvary charges or shoot arrows, but the end result is the same, 1000BC to 2019AD. And in that context those who do drive a truck or man a post has just as much value and importance than the person flying the drone or behind the computer bringing the fight to the enemy. If they cannot buy into that ,tell them a good day, this is not the right place for them or glory seekers.

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made May 26 at 2019 10:03 PM

2019-05-26T22:03:50-04:00

It depends upon the engagement. It also depends upon your definition of combat.

If being on a base when enemy small arms fire, mortars, artillery, or rockets come in I’m not sure of an MOS that won’t be there at one point or another. Sustained engagements like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam will have the highest percentage because everything you need to train for peace is what’s needed for war.

Fast in and out operations like Grenada are combat arms, transportation & logistics, medical, and MP’s. But they will be followed by civil affairs and numerous other rear echelon troops.

I don’t know if an MOS that isn’t used in combat, either front line or support. Maybe drone pilot, but only because they are now operated via satellite from US bases.

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made May 26 at 2019 10:15 PM

2019-05-26T22:15:03-04:00

I had a friend that signed up in the spring of 2001 as a water filtration specialist in the reserves. She picked that MOS because the recruiter told her that they never get deployed.
When she told me I laughed my ass off and asked her where she thinks that the infantry gets drinking water and takes showers?
She has since had numerous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan starting in 2003.

Response by SFC Jeff Gurchinoff made May 27 at 2019 12:13 PM

2019-05-27T12:13:12-04:00

Stop talking about what the other branches can't do and start talking about what yours can do. If you don't have experience with other branches (which clearly you don't) don't make assumptions. Infantry, Medic and Transportation are not some of the most dangerous jobs because of lack of participation in combat. I assume you want to do your job efficiently. Talk to potential new recruits about the Navy.

Response by SGM Harvey Boone made May 27 at 2019 3:27 PM

2019-05-27T15:27:21-04:00

No matter how many actually pull a trigger they are there and you can definitely who pulled the trigger and who cleaned up the mess as well as those who tended the wounded. Regardless you should hold all in high reguard and show them the respect they deserve. Hooah all and Bravo Zulu every one!

Response by MSG Percy Neal made May 28 at 2019 4:08 PM

2019-05-28T16:08:14-04:00

go on deployment

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 6:22 AM

2019-05-29T06:22:15-04:00

Okay, so I had a unique career in the MIL.
I was 1-181INF Mechanic 11B/63B...while I was in the Army 94-2000. I did not go anywhere (read-nothing going on, really). I left the Army then joined the USAF a few years later. Now with my AF unit I got to deploy to Iraq/Afghanistan in 2009. Thank God for my Army training Sir! ;=) (AF basic is a JOKE). they do a 3week just-in-time training. They don't even really know khow to use their M4's and/or strip 'em on top of that!!!

I deployed as an AUGMENTEE, meaning I went over on my own. (did not deploy with my unit).
Once over there I met up with a unit and we were there to install communications on bases. FOBBITS, However, I was able to go on missions outside the wire, and also helped at JBB, Iraq hospital MEDIVACs (heroes highway). I further deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan.

But yes what do you think Infantry/Combat Medics & truck Drivers do?!! They see combat. The new modern urban-terrain warfare!!!
Thank you my fellow veterans! <3 LLR! (love,loyalty, & respect!)

But yes, there are MANY MANY people who never deploy in the Military!

Response by TSgt Gary McPherson made May 29 at 2019 6:06 PM

2019-05-29T18:06:01-04:00

it depends what one calls Combat.One the front line under fire or in a combat area?Many truck drivers are in the combat area and also many under fire.Many combat patrols have medics with them.I'm a former infantry Marine and retired USAF.NAM vet X2(USAF).I have to say anyone that was in a combat area has seen combat.I received a 100% VA disability (agent orange)that was combat related .I was in the combat area and at times flew with a EC47 bird.Unarmed one.I never fired at any one.,Basically this is a hard question to answer.Infantry patrols most often have medics with them.It is the infantry at are boots on the ground.Medics attend to the ones that are hit and many medics have been killed doing so,

Response by CPT Eireanne Russ made May 29 at 2019 8:46 PM

2019-05-29T20:46:57-04:00

If it weren't for armies having infantry soldiers and armor, we wouldn't HAVE combat and we wouldn't have to drag the combat medics out of their nice warm aid stations and none of the rest of the services would have a job.

War is, ultimately, the failure of of the so called "civilized" politicians to come to an agreement about who owns or gets to occupy a piece of ground. At that point of failure, it becomes the purview of the lowly infantry soldier to resolve the dispute. The last grunt standing on that piece of real estate is the final arbiter of the dispute.

Simple, straight-forward, final.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2019 9:54 PM

2019-05-29T21:54:40-04:00

You might be best served for ALL the Services in definng what each one does in combat-And no disrespect intended for any brother or sister serving now, but a simplification inbound: Air covers, Navy supports, Marines assault, and Army holds. And alot of it can be described as close combat. Difference is range. Marines and Army can deal with up close and personal...Navy and Air (with exceptions) are more distant, but they are all critical. If you "Drive a truck", you can still come under fire, and those buds still need that stuff you are hauling. Everybody has a critical job. Depends 1) How CLOSE you want to be and 2) How good you are at your job-cook, trucker, grunt, gunner. And be thebest at it, cuz we need them all

Response by SGT Martha Cain made May 30 at 2019 2:01 AM

2019-05-30T02:01:01-04:00

The ancient definition of soldier, translates roughly, to "one who waits". I envision this to mean ready responder, or Training to fight but is ; as elementary as a soldier with that little plastic bottle of gun oil, under the elastic of a steel pot...or as complex as a psychological operations leaflet bomb~"announcing, terms of surrender"~In an effort to give the infantry more "fighters" & less "support troops" when the Army brainstormed, this very dilema...called, simply, "force structure". I was at soldier support center when, Gen Max Thurman had us puzzle all this out, at the Xerox Center. That is how, the furthering of already used civilian contractors for support functions, was refined. The further utilization of ready reserves & national guard ; service wide was enhanced, developed, a hard won Pentagon battle ~eterna~ Later I was privileged to serve at USCentCom, where Gen Schwarzkopf proved the laborious refinements & force utilizations & restructures were winning combos & added pre positioning repositioning of materials & assets made for brilliance in tactics/logistics, I feel. Army recruiters offer choices, I never had one lie to me. My first choice was Navy but the Army needed me & I never looked back. I did marry a sailor & it was a near 30 year successful, Joint Service marriage."PUTEMINBOOTS"recruiters~!
`

Response by PV2 Edwin Cuneo made May 30 at 2019 2:56 PM

2019-05-30T14:56:13-04:00

I agree

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2019 3:57 PM

2019-05-30T15:57:53-04:00

I know you meant "unless" you're infantry, etc etc. You can edit your post before people start breaking your balls. Not many people will read the subcomment response.

But Ssg Mathew joslyn wrote it best. During the surge it was everyone pitching in. It was dangerous work and many non-infantry wound up with families receiving flags.

Good question, I salute you for trying not to lie. We all hear stories of nightmare recruiters. I had a great one whose counsel I ignored and I regret it a bit but otherwise I always dispell incorrect information to new potential recruits whenever possible. I'm glad you're one of the good ones.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2019 10:43 PM

2019-05-30T22:43:58-04:00

Yeah.. You're a lair. The MOSs, go outside the wire on a daily basis. Heck I'm not any of those and I went outside the wire every day.

Response by SGT George Gallant made May 31 at 2019 2:27 AM

2019-05-31T02:27:08-04:00

I was in the Infantry in Vietnam and only seen the rear about three times in one year. Most of the time I was in the Jungle but not always in combat.

Response by SGT Roland Trimmer made May 31 at 2019 1:15 PM

2019-05-31T13:15:46-04:00

A Navy Recruiter speaks for us Combat Infantry grunts.....seriously. This was a ridiculous statement by PO1 Seth Crotser.

Combat Vietnam Infantry Vet. R.Trimmer

Response by LtCol Dennis Ivan made Jun 1 at 2019 11:04 AM

2019-06-01T11:04:46-04:00

Depends on how you define combat.
I will give you three categories.

Targeted by indirect fire.
Pretty much everyone.

Targeted by direct and indirect fire.
Anyone who leaves the wire OR stands sentry, includes comm, infantry, arty, corpsman, engineers, logistics, combat camera, intel, and many others. This entirely dependent on your specific job forward and not your MOS. An admin Marine may be assigned to be a guard on a perimeter post or augment the QRF.

Targeted by AND target with direct and indirect fire.
These are the warfighters whose job it is to engage in combat as their job. Mostly this is infantry, combat engineers, comm, corpsmen, arty, tankers, intel, etc.
But, again, that can include anyone. A convoy will have an assault element for security whose job it is to counter attack an ambush. Base defenses include QRFs and security patrols that usually arent infantry or at least not pure infantry.

The basic answer is anyone can find themselves in combat of different types. Most wont because generally the infantry and others keep the fight going to the enemy. But it depends on where we are in the world and what the fight is. Indvidual augment billets, advisor teams, etc etc all provide an opportunity to go get shot at.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 7:19 AM

2019-06-02T07:19:54-04:00

It sounds like you’re trying to convince people who want to see combat to take a job that will give them no chance of seeing combat over a job in which they *might see combat. In some cases that’s probably fine, I’m sure you see a lot of people who say they want to go to combat but it’s obvious they have no idea what they’re asking for. The problem is no one has any idea what combat is like or how they’ll respond until they’re in it. I’ve seen guys who are slugs in garrison, half-assing everything and generally doing as little as possible, but who come alive in combat. I’ve also seen the opposite. My point is If someone has it in their head that they want to see combat, regardless of how misguided they may be, I think you do a disservice to them and their gaining service by pushing them into a noncombat job. If they’re not fit to be downrange there are many checks in place to weed them out along the way.

Response by SSgt Allan Stringer made Jun 2 at 2019 4:41 PM

2019-06-02T16:41:06-04:00

It depends what you mean by combat. I was assigned to a school in Cholon (Saigon metro area) in 1969. The bombers came to the school. More than a dozen died! Twenty-eight Purple Hearts awarded for injuries on August 7, 1969, Dong Kahn school. Is that combat, or a 'safe' assignment? USAF Ssgt at the time. I was on the third floor when five explosions tore at the steel reinforced concrete bldg. Power went out and weapons fire commenced at the third detonation. Walls of my classroom tipped in tearing (now dead) wires from junction boxes. My weapon ( an M - 2) was locked in the weapons room on a lower floor. Was I in combat?

Response by SGT John Martin made Jun 2 at 2019 9:18 PM

2019-06-02T21:18:20-04:00

Talk to some Corpsmen who served with the Marines or army line docs. Hell, someone has to tell the grunts to change their socks, run dirt in their boo-boos, and tell them to take a knee for 5 and drink some water.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2019 10:11 PM

2019-06-02T22:11:34-04:00

I came close to seeing combat from the deck of a ship (USS Francis Hammond FF-1067) when we were part of the carrier task group that participated in the Iran hostage rescue attempt back in 1980. It was called Operation Eagle Claw and can be read about here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Eagle_Claw
the GQ alarm went off at 5:45am stating: "General quarters, general quarters...this is not a drill...", got dressed as fast as we could. I ran up to port lookout which was my GQ station, was handed a bullet-proof vest, an M-16, and told to keep my eyes open towards the bow of the ship. Lo and behold, there was the coast of Iran!! We had no clue or previous knowledge that we were headed there!! Was the one and only time I ever came close to combat.

Operation Eagle Claw - Wikipedia

Operation Eagle Claw, known as Operation Tabas (Persian: عملیات طبس) in Iran,[1] was a United States Armed Forces operation ordered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter to attempt to end the Iran hostage crisis by rescuing 52 embassy staff held captive at the Embassy of the United States, Tehran on 24 April 1980. Its failure, and the humiliating public debacle that ensued, damaged U.S. prestige worldwide. Carter blamed his loss in the 1980 U.S....

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Jun 3 at 2019 12:00 AM

2019-06-03T00:00:24-04:00

The first KIA in Operation Dessert Storm was a USCG Port Security Unit member. An Iraqi commando was attempting to blow an oil platform, when he was caught he blew himself up taking the USCG member with him. If I remember right it was a multi-national team and at least one other was KIA also, but I can't seem to lay my hands on the info right now. The platform was undamaged.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2019 8:56 PM

2019-06-03T20:56:02-04:00

I've seen combat with 2 X-wives.

Response by Sgt Kurtis Baker made Jun 4 at 2019 9:56 AM

2019-06-04T09:56:23-04:00

Wrong. Motor T is always on the run and we always have a doc. I was with Truck Co HQ BN that supplements the motor pools of infantry BNs. We were always training as combat marksman and turning deployments every 9 months between platoons.

Response by SGT John Creager made Jun 6 at 2019 8:14 AM

2019-06-06T08:14:07-04:00

Well Petty Officer, you dont know squat. Many seldom stay on the base.
How do you thing the supplies get to the Forward Operating Bases? Trucks someone has to drive the beans and bullet in theater.
Medics, guess what they go and go and go. Alway on the move when anything leaves the compound a medic goes wit them.

Infantry well you need to study up on what the infantry and all other combat arms do, these are the guys shot, maimed and killed. COMBAT ARMS there Buddy!!! On the ground taking hills and patrolling roads.

Maybe you need to back on your ship and not recruiting.

Response by MAJ Seth Goldstein made Jun 6 at 2019 2:34 PM

2019-06-06T14:34:05-04:00

After OIF and OEF went on for more than a few years more MOS's than you would expect saw some action.

Response by SGT Charles Bartell made Jun 6 at 2019 3:30 PM

2019-06-06T15:30:11-04:00

Some Infantry uni'st stay on the Larger F.O.B.'s to maintan securty. How ever most of
Infantry and there Medic are out of smaller F.O.B.'s that are doing constent mission's.
Weather it be on foot or Air moble, or just in the trucks. or Track's.
As far as the Truck driver's The make resupply runs Transport troops,Fuel, Ammo,And food.
It all depends on the size of your unit and the area it covers, And what kind of support elaments they have.
How the fuck could you not have any kind of clue on this ?

Response by SPC Don Wilcox made Jun 6 at 2019 4:50 PM

2019-06-06T16:50:31-04:00

As a truck driver heavy truck. In Nam I spent just about everyday on the road. Hit land mines . Was ambushed about ten times lost a couple good men doing that year. If you call that being in company area. US Army 1966 to 1967

Response by CN Dennis Nevin made Jun 7 at 2019 4:42 AM

2019-06-07T04:42:00-04:00

In Vietnam I was a Hospital Corpsman assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, Echo Battery. There were several times where two guns, one 2nd Lt, one Corpsman, Gunners and ammunition were loaded up onto helicopters and dropped off in God knows where to support some ground operation. Given that this was over 50 years ago things could have changed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2019 2:58 PM

2019-06-07T14:58:51-04:00

Uhm no. If you’re one of those three MOSes, you’re more likely to see combat than, say, an administrative clerk. Far more likely. Like, if they deploy, there’s a 95% or higher chance they’ll see combat.

Response by HA Jace Gallagher made Jun 10 at 2019 1:03 AM

2019-06-10T01:03:50-04:00

Corpsman deploy mostly with Marines and sometimes even the ARMY on IA billets. Very few of us see a ship in our careers. When we are with the Marines we are expected to do what they do, even sometimes firing at enemies to save ourselves or immediately wounded marines in our vacinity. Also, if a Corpsman is accused of breaking Geneva's convention, most of the time we can argue "prevention is the best cure" to justify fighting and most generals/admirals would not challenge that argument. You bet we go to battle. One of the reasons we have more medals of honor than other branches medics and any other job in the military.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Jun 20 at 2019 10:47 AM

2019-06-20T10:47:30-04:00

I was a Army Medic and a Navy Corpsman. They do definitely see combat if their unit goes, they go too. I can't remember exactly how many Medic to each company or patrol, but line medics are on patrol with them, also. Meaning they may be taking fire as well as the Infantry people.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2019 7:39 PM

2019-06-20T19:39:24-04:00

How the hell did you get to be a recruiter? Who do you think fights a ground war? Do you think medic's are just sitting back at a hospital waiting for all the casualties to come walking in? Where do you think military trucks go, to the PX? THEY ALL GO INTO COMBAT. When am I going to see an important question about our military forces?

Response by SFC Charles Woods made Jun 23 at 2019 6:16 PM

2019-06-23T18:16:22-04:00

Don't know how things are done in todays Army,but in Vietnam the enemy blended in with the locals.So,as a truck driver delivering fuel to wherever a person simply did not know when they were coming under fire.Also as a mechanic recovering a stalled 5000 gal fuel tanker we were fired on several times.Once I approached the gate to our compound,guard told me to take trailer to leak line.We found two bullet holes in the front fuel compartment of the tanker.Direct combat,no but we did get shot at and the enemy simply did not care if we were mechanics truck drivers or infantry.

Response by SFC Tracy Donahoo made Jun 29 at 2019 1:57 PM

2019-06-29T13:57:57-04:00

Who do you think sees combat if not infantry and medics and even truck drivers?

Does being mortared or having VBIEDs attack your camp means you weren’t in combat?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 1 at 2019 2:45 PM

2019-07-01T14:45:30-04:00

It depends on the mission of the base.

Response by SGT Carlo Martinucci made Jul 2 at 2019 12:29 AM

2019-07-02T00:29:51-04:00

You are correct vietnam vet 101st airborne

Response by CH (MAJ) Tom Conner made Jul 2 at 2019 4:46 PM

2019-07-02T16:46:57-04:00

Yeah, your "facts" are skewed. I was a chaplain assigned to an Infantry unit. Just about EVERY job left "the wire" on an almost daily basis. Infantry went out on patrols two or three times a day. If Medics didn't go with them, the casualty rate would be a lot higher! Truck drivers resupplied the FOBs and were seen as "soft targets," and targets they were! Even the people who stayed inside the "wire" had to stay alert to snipers, mortars and rocket attacks. Being "downrange" is not a stroll, nor is it a posh assignment. Even when Soldiers were trying to help the locals, they were targets! I've performed and attended way too many "ramp" and memorial ceremonies. Death doesn't seem to care what your job is. "War is Hell!"

Response by LtCol Tom Stuckey Jr made Jul 2 at 2019 5:21 PM

2019-07-02T17:21:20-04:00

I went straight into combat in Viet Nam as an infantry officer

Response by LTC Mike Kolbay made Jul 3 at 2019 9:53 AM

2019-07-03T09:53:29-04:00

Looks like a silly typo: leaving out "not" between "...if you are..." and "...infantry/medic/truck driver..."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2019 6:43 PM

2019-07-03T18:43:24-04:00

As a LRS soldier actively seeking contact with the enemy we had a hard time doing so because they'd rather engage soft targets than get caught by combat trained soldiers. Infantry is more likely to be exposed out on patrol but with insurgent tactics they are always trying to avoid us and come for those of you who don't fight back so well.

Response by SGT Homer Rudd made Jul 3 at 2019 11:24 PM

2019-07-03T23:24:20-04:00

When I was in Vietnam in the infantry we stayed in the base camp very little. Approximately 120 days in the Central Highlands at one point. Not sure about all infantry units or what happens today but that was what it was like for me.

Response by SGT Sidney LePree made Jul 4 at 2019 12:29 AM

2019-07-04T00:29:15-04:00

I was a cook and saw combat from Desert Storm to Iraq

Response by Sgt Larry Giddens made Jul 4 at 2019 10:04 AM

2019-07-04T10:04:55-04:00

I was in communications....radios. Many of us were constantly in combat, as you can imagine (Viet Nam era), and many died. Also, I flew as a helicopter machine gunner even though it wasn't my MOS. Also, I did infantry because in the Marines, that's what they did....everyone was an infantry man as necessary. I actually spent more time in my first tour in Viet Nam doing grunt than I did radios. In my second tour, I'd take radios back to be repaired and they were in the rear with air conditioning. Of course there is a lot of people who don't see actual combat, but I knew several who were put into combat anyway and were killed, so keep that in mind. So, MOS such as repairing things, for instance, would mean non combat and there are a lot of non combat jobs. Truck drivers....I did that too, and driving down dirt roads with a truck load of artillery shells is pretty hazardous.

Response by SFC Don Kehote made Jul 4 at 2019 6:33 PM

2019-07-04T18:33:39-04:00

Be quite Squid. You're stealing valuable oxygen from the combat medics who neet it.

Response by MSG Douglas Urbanski made Jul 4 at 2019 6:45 PM

2019-07-04T18:45:05-04:00

I was PSYOP and we ran with the infantry, as well as other units we supported. So, yes we saw combat. The only thing I did not get shot at with was an RPG. Retired now. I have a buddy at work who was a mechanic in Iraq and ran convoys out to recover broke down and blown up vehicles. They got into fights quite often, as well as IEDs.

Response by CPT Gary Griffin made Jul 4 at 2019 9:17 PM

2019-07-04T21:17:18-04:00

Not totally true especially for Navy medics. Navy medics can plan on going to the Marines. Not all, not even most, but some. If an Army medic most will be assigned to a hospital. But some will be trained as field medics and assgned to field units. Both can plan on answering to"Doc!". I was a 66H in the Army reserves during the gulf war. 807th MASH.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2019 2:51 PM

2019-07-05T14:51:54-04:00

As far as I am concerned, once you become what you become, Marine, Navy, Army and Airforce, YOU will always be ready for Combat, and if you don't engage in such, what's the big deal. Just remember the most important issue, is YOU are a VETERAN of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2019 12:04 PM

2019-07-06T12:04:05-04:00

Spent a whole deployment as a strictly heavy/severe transport company doing missions in MAXXPRO/HETs/PLS. All 88M. 2013-2014. Traveled all around RC North, bringing anything and everything back to Bagram.

Response by SPC Kc Beck made Jul 6 at 2019 4:19 PM

2019-07-06T16:19:37-04:00

I’m going to say even though we have drawn down a lot you got this back as-wards. All army/marine MOS except ordinance pull regular duty when in theater. Infantry, cav, EOD, Special OPS, medics, MPs. All pull more outside the wire, duty. But there were cooks who pulled more combat trigger time than some grunts, if they were In MP, SF, Ranger Units the cook was usually in a touret somewhere.

Response by LTC Edward Fullmer made Jul 6 at 2019 9:19 PM

2019-07-06T21:19:09-04:00

BULL CRAP. WHY DO YOU THINK THEY MADE THE COMBAT ACTION BADGE. IN IRAQ EVERYONE SAW COMBAT JUST BEING THERE. ROCKETS AND MORTARS WERE COMMONPLACE ALL TIMES OF THE DAY AND NIGHT. DID YOU EVER HEAR OF HARASSMENT AND INTERDICTION FIRE? ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK GOD FOR TEXAS BARRIERS.

Response by LTC Edward Fullmer made Jul 6 at 2019 9:21 PM

2019-07-06T21:21:30-04:00

COMBAT THESE DAYS IS 24/7 AND 360 DEGREES. ASK ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN TO IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN OR SYRIA.

Response by PVT Brad Howard made Jul 7 at 2019 11:45 AM

2019-07-07T11:45:19-04:00

Well being that i was in the army, i can tell you when it comes to war, infantry,media and truck drivers do see combat.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jul 7 at 2019 2:39 PM

2019-07-07T14:39:48-04:00

Sp4 Byron Skinner…According to a DOD paper put out sometime about 2003, just before the invasion of Iraq…. .9% of Ground Force troops are in a Combat Arms MOS (now called maneuver troops) Of that .9% 40% will be actually involved in soldier to soldier armed combat…. of that number 40% will be killed or seriously wounded to the point where they can no longer perform in their MOS. From my own experience and observations she a platoon goes into a direct confirmation with the enemy you can expect 20 US soldiers to be killed or seriously wounded.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2019 7:22 PM

2019-07-07T19:22:00-04:00

As an RP assigned to a FMF unit, I have seen Combat on several occasions.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2019 7:49 PM

2019-07-07T19:49:52-04:00

PO1'Croster.Do you need advice from a FMF Sailor that seen combat?

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jul 7 at 2019 8:16 PM

2019-07-07T20:16:21-04:00

How many military members were part of the force when no one earned medals for combat because we were that strong together?

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Jul 7 at 2019 8:19 PM

2019-07-07T20:19:28-04:00

In Vietnam everyone saw combat at one time or another. It may not have been constant but you saw Combat.

Response by SFC Robert Hermsen made Jul 7 at 2019 10:25 PM

2019-07-07T22:25:30-04:00

I spent 22 years in the Military before turning in my boots for shoes. In those 22 years of serving, I was in one War, 3 skirmishes, shot at, and shot once. There are no glories in war or battle. Just a young person, scared $hittless, praying that you live to see your tomorrows. Yes I will admit that you can fill you chest up with all kinds of awards and medals but the will never take away the pain and sorrow memories that comes with them. Don't know if the new boots want to go into battles or avoid then.

Response by SGT Warren Crutcher made Jul 7 at 2019 11:23 PM

2019-07-07T23:23:49-04:00

And this is why we have so many new recruits state tha this isnt what they signed up for when we get ready to deploy.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2019 12:33 AM

2019-07-08T00:33:33-04:00

Not true at all. Any MOS may see combat. Any MOS can get pulled for security. Infantry, combat medics and truck drivers are outside the wire all the time. Anyway, everything isn’t going to be counterinsurgency forever. Maneuver warfare and near peer competitors are the future. That’s why Army basic is much more intense than it’s been for years if ever. A friendly suggestion; sell your own great service, and don’t put down the other branches. My last assignment was a joint unit. By and large, people gravitate to the service that suits them. Not everyone belongs in the Navy. Definitely not someone who wants to do ground combat.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Jul 8 at 2019 8:14 AM

2019-07-08T08:14:01-04:00

Everyone in the military may see combat. (Not too long ago a recruiting station was attacked.) The 3 branches you cited have a good potential of being in the mix of things. If you want to live life on the edge, be a Chaplain's assistant. You get to drive the Chaplain around the combat zone to visit the front line units. Many times you and the Chaplain, who often is not armed, travel without an escort. If you want to get some first hand knowledge of who may see combat, read narratives on the Battle of the Bulge.

Response by CW4 Russell Cowley made Jul 8 at 2019 9:41 AM

2019-07-08T09:41:22-04:00

During the Vietnam war the troops that were actually in combat each day (in the 6 combat arms) was about 27% of the total force. The 6 are, 1-infantry....2-artillery....3-armor...4-combat engineers...5-aviation, and 6-special forces.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jul 8 at 2019 3:48 PM

2019-07-08T15:48:01-04:00

I was a Lance Missile Crewmember, 1989-1991. Panama and Desert Storm happened on my watch. We did not deploy for either and stayed in Germany.

Response by SSgt Stirling Rasmussen made Jul 9 at 2019 9:42 PM

2019-07-09T21:42:57-04:00

If you are Marine infantry you're going to spend a lot of time outside the wire. If you are a Navy Corpsman, you're going to out with your infantry unit beyond the wire. If you are a truck driver your are gong to be combat logistics, so you'll be driving outside the wire to get supplies to units that are in foreward positions, which in Afghanistan means you are going to be hit with IEDs and ambushes, so you'll be going out in a combat armed convoy. I can't speak for the Army, but I'm pretty much convinced it's the same deal for them.

Response by SSgt Stirling Rasmussen made Jul 9 at 2019 9:44 PM

2019-07-09T21:44:52-04:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2019 8:15 PM

2019-07-10T20:15:45-04:00

Stop trolling

Response by CW2 Kenneth Hudak made Jul 10 at 2019 9:30 PM

2019-07-10T21:30:43-04:00

Don't know why this 4 year old thread showed up in my email, buuuuut...
Don't tell recruits this. The battlefield is now 360 degrees and 'truck drivers' get engaged on the MSR's, medics haul them back in. Some people have assignments that do not require them to leave the operating base, but it's not a promise you can make, and they're just as susceptible to poorly targeted mortars in the DFAC as anyone.

Response by LTC Lawrence Clements made Jul 11 at 2019 3:23 AM

2019-07-11T03:23:00-04:00

That isn't a true statement. I was in the Army and in Vietnam first tour as an advisor to Vietnamese Transportation units and 2nd tour as Battalion XO to a Transportation Battalion operating in the Qui Nhon, An Khe, Pleiku areas and we have an average on one convoy a day ambushed during the 6 months I was there. I followed that with another year as advisor. It wasn't an easy life for the truck drivers who were exposed every day.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 2:15 PM

2019-07-11T14:15:28-04:00

I have a friend who is a Navy Seabee-equipment operator (EO1 in the USNR)
They were like “Equipment Operator? Trucks are equipment. You guys are on convoy detail.”

Response by CSM Patrick Durr made Jul 11 at 2019 7:37 PM

2019-07-11T19:37:00-04:00

I'm reading a whole lot of crap on this question. Speculative answers from people who don't know what the hell they are talking about. Sour grapes...etc. One writer insists that 88m's have the greatest casualty rate. BS. Drivers of vehicles, perhaps, but remember, there are far more non 88m drivers than 88m drivers. The FACTS are: combat arms suffer consistently around 60% of all casualties. Combat support, around 22%. Combat service support, 18%. DOD maintains clear records of all casualties. Do your homework before speculating. MOS bashing is prevalent but we are all on the same side.

Response by SP5 Stephen Cummings made Jul 12 at 2019 12:07 PM

2019-07-12T12:07:10-04:00

As a clerk in Vietnam, I was mostly confined to the compound but was shot at rocketed and saw people die.

Response by PO2 James Brown made Jul 13 at 2019 9:23 PM

2019-07-13T21:23:43-04:00

Just show them how a nice ride on a tincan, DD,is like, That part is called Sea duty,

Response by SSG Dale London made Jul 13 at 2019 9:55 PM

2019-07-13T21:55:11-04:00

This kind of depends on what you mean by "combat." Just because you serve in a war zone does not mean you shoot or get shot at (which is what I would consider combat to be). I don't have the figures in front of me but my guess is that in wartime about 30% of the military will see actual combat while the other 70% will be working in combat support or combat service support roles.
I expect this is why you have to actually be assigned or attached to a fighting unit to be awarded the CIB.
Now, with that said, a much higher proportion will perhaps serve in a combat zone and may even receive combat pay. Their danger is real but they still don't necessarily qualify as combat veterans.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2019 5:13 PM

2019-07-14T17:13:22-04:00

As a 91B (wheel vehicle mechanic), I spent my tour in Afghanistan in a gun turret on top of a MRAP, manning a M240B. All members of my team were "non combat" support soldiers. We went "outside the wire" a lot , at least 5 times a week. Grunts go out all the time, medics go with them, medics also fly in helicopters for medievecs. 88m get blown up all the time.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Jul 14 at 2019 8:15 PM

2019-07-14T20:15:35-04:00

Marines and Army fight wars. There is no front. The enemy doesn't care if your a REMF or Line Doggie, they will kill whoever they can whenever they can, wherever they can. You know how in training the NCO's or whoever is in charge says, "ALL CLEAR." Well, there's no damn "ALL CLEAR" when you're in the shit. Tell every single recruit that the military is dangerous, and that they will all be trained to fight and they need to pay attention as if their lives depended on it, because it does. Hooah!

Response by SSG Adrian Walker made Jul 17 at 2019 10:02 PM

2019-07-17T22:02:07-04:00

I was a " truck driver " and i was running the roads in Iraq as a guntruck gunner for over two years and i saw a lot of so called action, i had to fire my main gun on many occasions and also my 240B, i am here to let you know that not a day goes by that i don't remember someone's face that i had to end their life without hesitation because they were going to end mine. Yes i have bad dreams but i would do it again for my country.

Response by CW3 Paul Bielecki made Jul 23 at 2019 11:19 AM

2019-07-23T11:19:38-04:00

That is not true, though it is highly dependent on your units mission and geographic location around combat zones.

Response by PFC Robert Reynolds made Aug 4 at 2019 9:13 AM

2019-08-04T09:13:14-04:00

Well less get rid of those useless medics and infantry soldiers make them cooks and supply clerks

Response by 1SG Tom Carter made Aug 5 at 2019 11:36 AM

2019-08-05T11:36:52-04:00

I was Signal and I drove through downtown Baghdad every day.
Now, beyond that, we currently have very few combat operations ongoing. Mostly it is training missions.

Response by PO2 Whitney Mulberry-Chaplin made Aug 6 at 2019 9:40 AM

2019-08-06T09:40:00-04:00

Well. Only need to look at those who were "behind the lines" during 1st Gulf War. They had scuds and all sorts of issues. Hitting Supply areas and non combats. So it makes NO difference. Certainly not nowadays. Anyone with pretty much any job has a fair chance at seeing combat. Its not something young people should be in such a hurry to see.

Response by SFC Kory Schaubhut made Aug 6 at 2019 5:33 PM

2019-08-06T17:33:49-04:00

If you deploy most everyone sees the potential for a mortar to hit, at the very least. People in all different jobs have to transit between safer locations for various reasons -- i.e. delivering mail. It's not possible to make a guarantee.

Response by SGT Tony Muro made Aug 7 at 2019 1:05 PM

2019-08-07T13:05:58-04:00

First thing you should be asking yourself is why are you having "battles" with civilians. I had a recruiter "battle" me on some education info. He wanted me to go in as an E-1 when I qualified to go in as an E-4. What did I do? I found another recruiter that got me in as an E-4. Why talk down or spread lies when an individual wants to explore other branches? When I enlisted I looked at all four branches. The Navy wanted to give me a bonus, but couldn't guarantee a specific job. The Marines wanted me to drop and give them push-ups while bashing the other branches. The Air Force were never at their offices. The Army offered me $20K and I got to choose my job. I was fresh out of college and had a lot of school debt, so it was a no brainer. Stick to your strengths, stick to what you know. You know the Navy. There is a reason you joined the Navy. Remember why you joined and what drove your decision.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2019 2:39 PM

2019-08-07T14:39:20-04:00

I was deployed for a year as an 88m and was outside the wire almost every day. The last time I looked up stats was about 5 years ago but at that time support accounted for more than half of the deaths in combat zones

Response by SFC Clifford Brewer made Aug 8 at 2019 6:35 AM

2019-08-08T06:35:08-04:00

I want to respond to the question why military of high rank have designated parking space. I remember reading the regulation back in the day before I retired the only authority designated parking space is for the handicap. The regulation could have change to any high rank can get a parking space..I go on base and I see at least 5-10 parking space for high ranking and civilian without a decal in the window as it is a must handicap decal place in the windshield to park in a handicap space. I see what “RHP” mean..I think it is abuse of power...

Response by PO2 John Driskill made Aug 8 at 2019 1:18 PM

2019-08-08T13:18:39-04:00

Some people will not actually see combat while in the Navy also. Your ship may be in a combat zone and you get a medal for being there. You are supporting the mission but you were never in actual combat like a front line soldier/Marine. Now Navy Medics are in front line rolls with Marines. Don't be a sexual intellectual aka a friggin' know it all about other services rolls.

Response by SCPO Richard Van Dyke made Aug 8 at 2019 6:11 PM

2019-08-08T18:11:36-04:00

Hospital Corpsmen with the Green Machine don't sit on their butts in the rear we are out with our assigned Platoon taking care of our Marines.

Response by CPT Keith Whitter made Aug 8 at 2019 10:40 PM

2019-08-08T22:40:47-04:00

In these times the likelihood of becoming engaged is more likely than it was a few decades ago. Each and every military member has to realize that the situation may arise where they have to hang their butts in the wind (so to speak). For a clerk, truck driver and others in support roles the likelihood is less likely, but much would depend on where they are stationed. A close friend and relative of mine has been active for 17+ years. He has spent about ten of those years between Afghanistan and Iraq. Most who have been there would prefer to never need to go back.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2019 2:39 PM

2019-08-09T14:39:44-04:00

Was in the Navy and truck drivers where pretty much always on convoys which meant leaving base. Medics is a given you will leave base. Infantry does not hang out and Guard the DFACS. They are on the convoys or something else fun.

Response by MAJ Fred Zacher made Aug 9 at 2019 8:54 PM

2019-08-09T20:54:23-04:00

Everyone in a combat zone near the front lines will see combat. Infantry and medics definitely, truck drivers when they are on convoy in hostile areas probably. I was told when I joined the Army that everyone including cooks needed to know how to shoot and fight because the enemy in Korea completely overran units. Even in Vietnam when a Fire Support Base was under attack everyone including cooks had to fight. Our helicopter company at a base camp was mortared repeatedly even though only the flight crews were in combat everyday. If there is a war on and you're in a combat zone chances are you'll see action or the results.

Response by SGT Doug Prescott made Aug 10 at 2019 2:18 PM

2019-08-10T14:18:08-04:00

Evidently the army and Marines have changed a lot since Vietnam. OR you don't know what the fuck you are talking about

Response by LTC Thomas Wiles made Aug 10 at 2019 5:35 PM

2019-08-10T17:35:45-04:00

As an Infantry officer in Vietnam in 1967 and in 1972 , we experienced hostel action almost on a daily basis. Both tours in Vietnam were spent in Quang Tri province, primarily, although we did go further south and west on occasion.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Aug 11 at 2019 2:10 PM

2019-08-11T14:10:00-04:00

MY first reaction to this was to laugh... What rating are you? Because as a Petty Officer 1st class, that question should not even be in your head. What do you think Combat Medics are? They are attached to every combat unit on the line. Truck drivers? Who do you think moves ammo and supplies to the boots on the ground? But the big one... Infantry? Really? What the hell do you think infantry are? THEY ARE the combat troops on the line...

The more I re-read what you wrote, the more I can't believe you even posted your question and said that.. Even though you and I are apparently Navy, I knew this before I even got to my very first ship.

I bet you have no idea that many Navy personnel of ALL ratings have seen actual shooting combat, do you? I started my career as a Sonar Technician Surface. And I can tell you I am now medically retired due to 5 major service connected on duty injuries at 85% physical which also has me 100% IU now... and I did not get those injuries sitting behind a desk or swabbing the deck on a ship.

Response by SSG Lauro Jimenez made Aug 12 at 2019 12:05 AM

2019-08-12T00:05:43-04:00

Dude you need to bone up on your military jobs , being a recruiter. I was in the Infantry. which their job is to kill the enemy and I was a combat Engineer also and deployed to Kosovo . But in my Iraq deployment I was still a combat Engineer but was with a Het unit. Heavy transportation company, truck driver and we seen combat. So do your homework recruiter. You guys play with the Mariners and you didn't know what the Infantry was? Unexpectable.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Aug 12 at 2019 1:33 PM

2019-08-12T13:33:19-04:00

Okay so to answer the question directly. If you look ta the number of awards given in the form of CIB's, CAB's, and the CMB, you will find that approximate 1 in 5 people actually see combat, and that is for those people in a direct combat arms field.

Support personnel, like mechanics, cooks, etc have been placed in line units, but others like finance and personnel, were not.

Basically, if a civilian contractor could do your mission, you got put in the field, all of out cooks were sent with alpha company to round out their unit.

Finally, if you read the book 100 days of bad road (or maybe 100 miles of bad road), not sure which is the right title it will tell the story of a guy in Vietnam, whose sole job as an infantry support tank was to keep the MSR open so the beans and bullets could get to where it needed to be.

That is he EXACT mission that 80% of the "infantry" and other units in Iraq were doing, MSR security, it was we did at my fob, and the guys driving the trucks, the 88M's were the ones taking the brunt of the fire.

If you have guys that want to see combat, put them in as RPs, CBs, AWs, AMH/Ss, ADs (tell them to go Helos), and HMs.

a GOOD recruiter would not need to resort to lies, because he would understand the rates that were dry land types and could or would see combat.

Response by SPC Jack Ryan made Aug 13 at 2019 7:42 AM

2019-08-13T07:42:59-04:00

Sure except for the MPs at roadside checkpoints, drivers, TCs, gunners, and extra guys pulling security. The supplies don’t magically appear on post. You think there’s a guy in a USPS truck dropping the mail off? Who do you think is pulling Guard on those posts?

Response by CPL Steve Freeman made Aug 17 at 2019 3:12 PM

2019-08-17T15:12:22-04:00

My question is "what part of 'INFANTRY' do you seem to not grasp? Medic is ambiguous because it could be a medical guy in a rear facility, or it could be a COMBAT MEDIC. Then there are the COMBAT ENGINEERS, and artillery. Then you have the chopper crews who fly into combat to pick up dead and wounded. THERE Chinook and Blackhaek and other chopper crews. There are para-rescue and combat controllers in the AF. The Army and Marines have RTOs with every squad and they, along with combat medics have the biggest bulls eyes there are. My advice would be to shut your pie hole until you learn a few basic facts about the other branches' combat arms, and maybe figure out a truthful way to compare those positions and their pros and cons to whatever the Navy has to offer.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Aug 24 at 2019 2:31 PM

2019-08-24T14:31:34-04:00

Infantry never leaves the base? That person is wrong and it's not hard to tell. If they F'd up and are on extra duty then 'boredom' would be a way to keep them on base. Medics always go when a convoy is going outside the wire. I can't remember the number of missions I've been on and the companies we went with had at least 2 medics per platoon.
We are all trained as soldiers first and then our job. Infantry is a different thing.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Sep 7 at 2019 10:47 PM

2019-09-07T22:47:17-04:00

When you are in a combat zone, there is no magic bubble protecting cooks, medics, mechanics, clerks or other non combat arms MOS's. Be honest with recruits. You ALL go to basic or boot camp to learn how to be American fighting men. THE BEST IN THE WORLD.

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Sep 7 at 2019 10:48 PM

2019-09-07T22:48:45-04:00

If you don't want to see combat. Stay home and become a librarian.

Response by SGT Nathan Hanna made Sep 8 at 2019 3:53 PM

2019-09-08T15:53:34-04:00

Depending on the operations that are assigned you never know. we had every branch to include coast guard assigned to my little old infantry COP in Kherwar. Low level voice intercept and joint communication teams gave us navy and air force augmentation along with coast guard personnel. the coast guard guy they gave us was the coolest. Only one who sent a care package after his rotation home. None of the other short stay personnel did that. coasties got class

Response by LTC Charles Patchin made Sep 8 at 2019 9:32 PM

2019-09-08T21:32:18-04:00

Oh, that's rich. Popeye must have got hit in the fantail aboard the Love Boat. Stop by the Army recruiting office. Ask to speak with a Combat Infantryman or a Combat Medic. Same with the Marines, remember their Corpsmen are Navy, if you were unaware of that. It sounds like you are very new to the military and recruiting. Attempt to learn actual facts before spouting BS. You may be surprised that if you know what you are doing some of the other service recruiters will steer members to you for specific jobs or training.

Response by LCDR Mike Morrissey made Sep 9 at 2019 4:28 AM

2019-09-09T04:28:16-04:00

I’m a Vietnam Vet who retired the same yr the Berlin Wall fell. Not long after, the Middle East lit up and my wife (Navy Line) was deployed to in-kingdom Saudi. She had just moved out of Kobar Towers when a Scud took it out.

In today’s conflicts with the advent of vests, IEDs and all, there are really only a few “safe” places—shipboard and Air Force bases from whence bombers and drones are launched in the US.

Although, there is a Marine Reserve Center that, not long ago, found out it was in the line of fire.

Response by COL Mayo 'Biff' Hadden made Sep 9 at 2019 10:32 AM

2019-09-09T10:32:22-04:00

I served 31 years in the Infantry & Special Forces, and I served with the USMC and USN Corpsman, in Vietnam, and other locations. The brunt of combat is done by the foot soldier. While they are part of a large team, they conduct routine combat patrols, small to large combat operations all of the time, on a daily basis. You will hear them joke about it because they don't talk seriously about combat. Combat in the cities and villages is more difficult with the world of IEDs, booby traps, and other dangers. I served three years as an enlisted Infantryman and 28 years as an officer. That is the way it is.

Response by SSG Richard Rushing made Sep 9 at 2019 12:13 PM

2019-09-09T12:13:27-04:00

Wait... You are a Navy recruiter who has no idea about the Army, but you are advising others as to 'their' direction in life... In the military (pick a branch), providing half of the information that is half-right is 100% wrong. It's time to extract that lump on your shoulders from your rectal backside. Quit telling HALF of the equation and include "practical probability" into the discussion. Speak proudly about that which you are versed and redirect those conversations which you are "less-than-educated" about.

Integrity if non-recoverable once lost.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Sep 9 at 2019 12:48 PM

2019-09-09T12:48:44-04:00

Somebody has been feeding this Navy recruiter a pile of BS. These are the MOSs who have always been out in the fight. Not the opposite. Many more jobs too. In today's wars, many people with non-combat jobs still end up getting pulled to do combat missions out past the wire. The only service who seems to wimp out is the air force. They have their MOSs who go out with the ground units but for the most part, their people tend to remain FOBITS. The other services are much more respectable in this role And for those us who have been in direct contact with the enemy, we do look down upon those who have never engaged the enemy. It's like training for the Olympics & never getting there. Those who have brought the hurt to the enemy are the real champions.

Response by SFC Reggie Wolfe made Sep 10 at 2019 9:23 PM

2019-09-10T21:23:23-04:00

Obviously you’ve been underwater too long.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 8:49 AM

2019-09-11T08:49:32-04:00

I have been on four deployments. First one I never saw a thing. Second one was in Ramadi in 05-06. I saw more than I ever want to see again. The third and the fourth were just like the first. Nothing to write home about. Time and place and luck or lack of play a part as well.

Response by PO2 Curtis Barlows made Sep 11 at 2019 5:27 PM

2019-09-11T17:27:51-04:00

Yellow shirt on a carrier is combat daily.

Response by SSG Richard Brue made Sep 12 at 2019 3:27 AM

2019-09-12T03:27:44-04:00

I was an Air Defencer and I saw combat. Whole lot of us saw it. No such thing as sitting back and not seeing combat now.

Response by Sgt Jonathan Thompson made Sep 12 at 2019 8:35 AM

2019-09-12T08:35:55-04:00

In regards to deploying, when I served I only knew two types of Marines: those who had been and those who were going. As far as those that would see close quarters combat, i.e. small arms and hand to hand, the number was limited.

Response by SFC Kelly Coleman made Sep 12 at 2019 11:30 AM

2019-09-12T11:30:11-04:00

I am a retired Transportation Corp NCO and I definitely left the base when I was deployed. Through all modes of transportation, the equipment and supplies have to leave the Port of Debarkation. It is the 88M's that move that equipment and supplies to its destination. 88H's unload that equipment and 88N set up movement routes and monitor and man convoy checkpoints on those routes. No of these activities typically take place on on-post roads. In short TRANSPORTATION....TRANSPORTS...EQUIPMENT.

Response by SFC Kelly Coleman made Sep 12 at 2019 11:30 AM

2019-09-12T11:30:59-04:00

Response by MSG Charles Pecka made Sep 12 at 2019 4:19 PM

2019-09-12T16:19:29-04:00

Simply Amazing.

Response by MGySgt Andre Hunter made Sep 12 at 2019 6:21 PM

2019-09-12T18:21:08-04:00

Tell the truth, You don't need anything disturbing your conscious because you lied about something. Oorah !

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 6:44 PM

2019-09-12T18:44:46-04:00

I was in Iraq in 2009-2010, and while my job was working on a computer on a base, I did the job with rockets raining down all around me and once had insurgents who slipped onto the base under cover of darkness pass within a few yards of my position. They ran away because the QRF did a sweep.

Response by PFC Telesforo Ramirez made Sep 13 at 2019 2:38 PM

2019-09-13T14:38:09-04:00

I was in Infantry and I experienced what combat was in Vietnam

Response by SFC Edward Tucker made Sep 14 at 2019 4:25 PM

2019-09-14T16:25:55-04:00

If you’re a Medic/ Doc in the infantry, you shoot, operate and communicate just as an 11B until one of your soldiers call for medic! 11B’s don’t operate outside the FOB without Doc!

Response by SFC Greg West made Sep 15 at 2019 1:52 AM

2019-09-15T01:52:30-04:00

It really depends on the unit and location you deploy and the time frame. My SFOD-A saw a lot of combat and we had a mechanic attached to our team. He wasn't a Special Forces soldier, but the enemy does not discriminate by your MOS because they have no clue of it (unless you were Bowe Bergdahl). Support personnel sometimes leave the wire on missions in combat zones like Afghanistan, Syria, or Iraq, but also look at the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) personnel that were ambushed in Niger, not all of them were SF, some were support. Support personnel often have infantry support, but they also don't due to unit requirements at the time of the mission's execution. If there aren't any infantry to use to escort, then those support personnel may be their own infantry.
We had other support personnel attached to us from time to time such as intelligence personnel, logistical personnel, and others. We even brought the chaplain out on a return from KAF to our FOB Ghekko (later named after my friend Thom Maholic). The military will send you where you are needed and at times you may have to move by ground from one location to another. I often did PSD missions from Bagram to Kabul in 2007 escorting people that were not combat arms and at any time those people could have been in ground combat which is why we rehearsed actions upon enemy contact before movement. Just about any MOS can find itself in a combat situation. In 2012, FOB Salerno was hit by a suicide truck bomb and then 10 attackers came in on foot wearing suicide vests. Sometimes, the combat comes to you and again, your MOS means squat, when it happens, you have to be ready to fight.

Response by SGT Christopher Lortz made Sep 15 at 2019 12:31 PM

2019-09-15T12:31:10-04:00

Well if you are Combat Military Police 31B its a guarantee that you will. I did 4 tours Mar 03- Mar 04, Feb 05- Jan 06, Sep 07- Nov 08, and Nov 10- Nov 11.

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made Sep 15 at 2019 8:26 PM

2019-09-15T20:26:58-04:00

That is just not paying attention to life on your part. Please tell me who you think is in combat? I'm sorry I don't need to be mean. All of those jobs see combat in the army. I was infantry and saw more combat than most. The Combat Infantry badge and combat medics badges are real.

You may want to change your approach and simply ask those candidates what it is about combat that they want to be involved with, killing people? being shot at? going thru artillery barrages? rocket attacks? road side bombs? ambushes?

If they have dreams of being a hero the reality is you can't really be a hero without going thru the hell of intense combat and risking your life!

Response by MSgt John Geruso made Sep 15 at 2019 11:02 PM

2019-09-15T23:02:16-04:00

There are many jobs that don't have high odds of seeing actual combat, but if you are infantry and are assigned to a war zone, chances are you'll get a chance to use your training, if you are a medic in the field, yep, a truck driver, depends - you driving a delivery truck on base or hauling supplies to front lines, truck drivers drive all kinds of vehicles. Dental Tech, probably low on the likely to see combat list. I saw combat in Nam, both in the field and at fixed installation -- Middle East a whole new environment that I do not have first hand experience in, but I've heard about convoys being attacked, bases being attacked. It all depends on where you're stationed, what the war situation is, and how the unit is organized. If someone wants to join, but doesn't want to see combat, rear echelon jobs are abundant, most technical fields, most admin areas, operations, planning, intel (analysts) -- but everyone joining should know, the possibility of being attacked in a war zone is always there, regardless of job title.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Sep 16 at 2019 2:18 PM

2019-09-16T14:18:51-04:00

Infantry in Vietnam and the only time I saw the inside of a base was when I processed in and out. Deployed to Granada 11B, got wounded, earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star w/v-device. And as a Senior Transportation NCO, I was deployed to Desert Shield/Storm where I was setting up the transportation network. Never leave the base, you're WAY WAY off base here.

Response by MSG Edward Camp made Sep 16 at 2019 4:50 PM

2019-09-16T16:50:00-04:00

Not true at ALL

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2019 7:08 PM

2019-09-16T19:08:03-04:00

If they join the Infantry and deploy they will see combat!

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Oct 9 at 2019 5:26 AM

2019-10-09T05:26:48-04:00

Truth is most don't. No need to lie or fabricate stories of any kind. Combat is like baseball, sometimes the ball "finds you". Just hope you're paying attention when it does.

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Oct 9 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-10-09T14:33:54-04:00

Well, Sailor, when I was training my corpsmen to go over to Vietnam with the Marines, the last thing I said to them when they moved on was: "If you really must get 1 of those little blue ones with the white stars, you'd BETTER come back walking under it", because I guarantee you, they were heading for combat, and medics/corpsmen had the highest rate of posthumous awards of Medals of Honor of all members in the military, so I think you'll want to revise that at least. That was also true when my parents served in WW II. Infantry are the guys in those front line trenches, and even truck drivers not infrequently find themselves in combat situations, like it or not. We have a highway, up on the Navajo /Hopi res named for the late Lori Piewestewa (I hope I spelled her name right), who was killed in Iraq when the convoy she was with was attacked. They were "just truckers" delivering supplies. I seriously doubt that has changed a lot even though the appearance of warfare has done.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2019 8:43 AM

2019-10-10T08:43:25-04:00

You are ignorant. I can’t speak for everyone, but after 4 combat deployments with 3 separate units to Iraq and Afghanistan, and 16 years as a combat medic, I can say that unless you are one of the select few chosen for aid station duty, you are constantly on patrol, running the roads waiting to get blown up and engaged. I will admit, it’s a lot of hot driving with little action, but when it happens...and if you’re out regularly it will, it is intense. Educate yourself before making false claims to get recruits!

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Oct 10 at 2019 9:55 AM

2019-10-10T09:55:32-04:00

P01 Croster,
You are correct, not everyone will see combat. That being said, I was a pharmacy tech and deployed with the 1st Infantry Division during Operation Desert Storm. I was in a forward support battalion and we didn't stay in a base, it was movement to contact out in the desert. The fact is while not everyone will see combat, every service member CAN SEE combat and that is no joke. Trying to sugar coat it to get people to join probably will lead to lower re-enlistment numbers because of the snow job a recruiter gave them about the low possibility of them seeing combat. It is always there and every service member must be prepared for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2019 1:01 PM

2019-10-10T13:01:27-04:00

I was first a Supply Sergeant, reclassified to Combat Engineer; however I went to Iraq on a MiTT team as a Supply Sergeant and I saw and was involved in combat. In my opinion no one is exempt. You never know what you’ll end up doing so just be prepared.

Response by SGT Ed Matyjasik made Oct 10 at 2019 4:50 PM

2019-10-10T16:50:07-04:00

Vietnam combat vet, 101st Airborne, infantry. We were out in the jungles of Vietnam 24/7, on and off fighting with the North Vietnam army, NVA. During my tour we were taken to the rear twice for a week end of R&R. That's how we did it back in 1969.

Response by PO1 John Wypyszinski made Oct 11 at 2019 8:18 AM

2019-10-11T08:18:28-04:00

On what planet do you primarily reside DC1? Ever hear of green side Corpsmen? Ever see an HM wearing a CAR? You do know how someone earns one of those, right? Here's a hint, NOT BY BEING A FOBBIT. Get it? If you're an 8404 with a Marine combat unit you're going outside the wire with your Marines. You go where they go, do what they do and you damned sure face the same dangers they face. I wish I knew about the Corpsman jobs you're selling, I might have full use of both my arms if I had one. But then the Marines I was with might not have made it home alive, so 86 that - we all made it home. They say there are no stupid questions, but this one is REALLY pushing the envelope.

Response by Mark Worthen made Oct 11 at 2019 3:18 PM

2019-10-11T15:18:03-04:00

Brief background: (a) Sixty percent of VA mental health disability claims are for PTSD. (b) I'm a civilian who has worked as a C&P examiner (psychologist) for many years. (c) Part of our job is to screen/assess for minimizing or exaggerating/feigning symptoms and problems. (d) We review all relevant records before conducting the psychological evaluation.

Response/Discussion: My working assumption when I am scheduled to conduct an Initial PTSD C&P exam with a medic* is that it is highly probable that he or she suffers from PTSD.

I know this might (understandably) sound like a bias to some people, but I regard it as simply knowledge of base rates (prevalence) and informed by my record review. I'm still objective, I still screen for significant exaggeration/feigning, and still entertain the hypothesis that perhaps he or she is exaggerating or feigning.

But significant exaggeration is rare, and I've never seen outright faking by a medic.

I haven't seen any research on this topic yet (please tell me if you know of any), but in my experience, in almost all the Initial PTSD exams I've conducted with medics, the veteran suffered from PTSD, and it was usually severe PTSD.

The medics I've met have been exceptionally courageous and exhibit a tenacious dedication to doing whatever it takes to take care of their brothers and sisters in arms.

*medic = Navy Hospital Corpsman, Army Combat Medic Specialist, and Air Force Aerospace Medical Services Specialist.

Response by SGT George Reimuth made Oct 11 at 2019 5:45 PM

2019-10-11T17:45:35-04:00

The last time I remember ,when the first Iraq war broke out , some of our Soliders in my unit were chosen through believe this a lottery pull

Response by SrA Edward Guest made Oct 11 at 2019 8:41 PM

2019-10-11T20:41:16-04:00

I don't know about modern day combat, but you don't have a clue about the Vietnam War where over 58,000 Americans died!!! A War made by politicians for young Americans to die in and should never have been fought!!!!!

Response by CPO Charles Myers made Oct 12 at 2019 9:19 AM

2019-10-12T09:19:12-04:00

As a retired Marine Corpsman I can tell you it is not a true statement. Every place my marine unit went I went as the Corpsman. It did not matter if it was a walk down the street or on patrol in Vietnam, I live with and stood watch as any Marine. I was trained on every weapon and even went to demolition training. Semper Fi

Response by SGT Iturner795 . made Oct 13 at 2019 2:23 PM

2019-10-13T14:23:34-04:00

Not everyone has the same experience over seas. Out of 3 tours in the infantry every single deployment was different. The only thing that stayed the same was that I NEVER lived on a base. Always combat outposts doing patrols and experienced combat on every single one. If combat is what they want the navy is not the place for them anyways. Why convince a kid to join a branch that doesn’t participate in what they want to do? Stop worrying about your quota and do the morally right thing and direct those kids to the Army and Marine corps.(and please don’t bring up seals. I get that they do see combat but it’s unrealistic that everyone who wants to be a seal can become one)

Response by SSG Gary Johnson made Oct 13 at 2019 6:40 PM

2019-10-13T18:40:09-04:00

Well, in the Army, you have Infantry, Armor, Artillery as Combat Specialities. The everything else is Support. Transportation, Maintenance, Supply, Food Services., etc. I'd say around only 10% actually see combat.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Oct 14 at 2019 12:35 AM

2019-10-14T00:35:15-04:00

I was three years active in the Army during Desert Storm. As part of V Corps, I did not go and stayed in Germany. My unit was a Lance Missile unit and not one single battalion participated in Desert Storm. Nevertheless, we did train to be deployed and fight in a nuclear war.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Oct 14 at 2019 12:37 AM

2019-10-14T00:37:46-04:00

PFC Jessica Lynch was a truckdriver in a combat zone and she was captured and imprisoned behind the lines until she was rescued. The front lines can change in a moment's notice.

Response by SPC Russ Bolton made Oct 14 at 2019 7:35 AM

2019-10-14T07:35:38-04:00

I myself was a 88m, I was a participant to play in the sand during the shield and storm. When I was in Germany, I consistently dispatched to run off post daily. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery when I either pick up or delivered to different units on different lasers.

Response by CPL Michael Moore made Oct 14 at 2019 5:48 PM

2019-10-14T17:48:09-04:00

It’s a completely false statement, Infantry and Medics if deployed to a combat zone will definitely see combat. Have you ever heard the term “Combat Logistics Patrol”
It was coined to reflect the fact that truck drivers and others must keep the combat force supplied to do that they leave the FOB’s and drive to the different Combat outposts and on the way there is a better than good chance they will be attacked. Even those that never left the wire often come under indirect fires from artillery and Rockets.

Response by SFC Ron Gragg made Oct 15 at 2019 12:47 PM

2019-10-15T12:47:43-04:00

Yeah... You're in the Navy! research "Combat Arms" MOS's.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2019 7:01 PM

2019-10-16T19:01:51-04:00

To a point, you are correct. But only so far as being home. Have a great friend who was 0300. Tells his stories how they went to PT for two hours classes after and secured for Libbo around 1200 nearly everyday, again, only while on the home side of life. Three weeks in the field every three to four months. It by no means diminishes their role or ability, just their “peacetime” if you will routine. It’s funny to me how many Grunts call everyone else pogue just because they aren’t infantry. We even had a grunt SSgt come over to the unit 6 months before my EAS and in his official welcoming speech, he said something to the effect of, “I came over here because I heard you guys had it easy, after my three years I’m going back to infantry cause 16 hour days f*cking suck, ya’ll can keep that sh!t”

Response by SPC William Littig made Oct 18 at 2019 12:30 PM

2019-10-18T12:30:24-04:00

My imagination saw trucks and personnel injured, medics in body bags , tanks, APC’s were self fueling as were VTR’s. My tanker was a great place to sleep at field location. Nightmares ands figments of my imagination could be confused.

Response by Maj Jesse Mendez made Oct 18 at 2019 9:05 PM

2019-10-18T21:05:17-04:00

As mentioned in some of the posts below, today’s combat is not linear. Any/all who join can be in a position where their lives may be in danger. Despite branch of service or specialty, deployed or in garrison, danger can fimd you.

As a former recruiter, when someone who seeking to join, and is focused on either walking into or away from combat, you need to find the reason for their inquiry. Yes their are specialties who are at less risk, if that is even possible. Sometimes being in CONUS is more dangerous than abroad. If they want combat, they can try to buy a lottery ticket by increasing their chances and joining a specific specialty. If they don’t want to be near any fires, have they try a non uniformed agency. All uniformed personnel, military or civilian take an oath of service. That oath entails the possibility of facing danger. There is bound to be a perfect place for all. If running or hiding is preferred, send them packing.

Response by SSG Conrad Sylvestrelamb made Oct 19 at 2019 12:46 AM

2019-10-19T00:46:58-04:00

Mechanics on hemit wrecker in convoys made contact once or twice, codriver on the maduce Godzilla we call ours creeping contact truck codriver will M4 rocksteady 82 STB B co

Response by COL Jim Lincoln made Oct 30 at 2019 12:11 PM

2019-10-30T12:11:31-04:00

answered before-again,in a combat theater,typically about 70% are in support,logistics,training role and will not see direct combat. It is possible parts of the support area might be hit with mortar fire,or a highly unusual attack from thought to be friendly supported locals,as has happened in Afghanistan. In the mid east theater,we have a large contingent in Kuwait,not exposed to direct combat,but all assigned receive "hostile fire pay". All of this similar to Vietnam. Early in the war,we had to document exposure to "hostile fire" to receive he same hostile fire pay,but this requirement was dropped by mid-'65-all in country received it,even if you lived in sometimes air conditioned building in the rear area with hot means and shower--as most do in the mid-east theater. For about 6 months of my 32 in Vietnam,I experienced the latter-the rest--quite different! Then there are the contractors--former military,making about $100K (tax free) thousands serving tin Iraq and Afghan as paramilitary,trainers,secruity etc. Compared to using active duty military--they are a bargain!

Response by SSG Sharon Fields made Nov 6 at 2019 11:29 AM

2019-11-06T11:29:06-05:00

Not true. My husband was a truck driver in Vietnam, although assigned to aviation, and saw plenty of combat. Who do you think resupplies our guys on the front lines? And guess what the enemy does not want them getting their supplies. I think nowadays a lot depends on what unit they get stationed with and if they have a history of being deployed or not. But if you are infantry there is always the chance of being deployed. Once in combat they use you for whatever you are needed for.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2019 7:26 AM

2019-11-12T07:26:43-05:00

You couldn’t be more wrong. It doesn’t matter what your MOS is. It goes off your units mission. I’m a 92 series (supply) and spent many miles and hours off the FOB. We had cooks as EOD escorts. If the young recruits want to stay out of harms way and never leave the FOB/Base, they need to join the Navy.

Response by SGT Patrick Hunter made Nov 12 at 2019 8:40 PM

2019-11-12T20:40:52-05:00

I was a Combat Medic in country 2x, and you rarely see base. I go out with my squad everywhere they go.
Just FWI. There are different levels of Medics in the Army.
A Hospital Medic remains on base 85% of the time. We do our thing up close and personal.

Response by Sgt John Lauer made Nov 13 at 2019 2:16 PM

2019-11-13T14:16:42-05:00

Less than 30% of all people that were in Viet Nam during the war ever fired their weapon at the enemy. Some were hit by occasional mortars while they were in a massive base camp but most never saw combat. What got me was when I was wounded and sent to Cam Rahn Bay Hospital, nobody on base had a weapon except the MP's and base security. I woke up and asked for my shotgun but was told I could not have it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2019 9:46 PM

2019-11-13T21:46:09-05:00

While working as a contractor in Iraq and Afganistan, the most talked about subject in the chow line between troops was How to collect disability, They were teaching each other, most never got outside the wire. I know a female Airforce pvt that served 6 mos. at Bagraham that got PT SD from VA and a free pet dog to take anywhere , just for going to the bazare on weekends, eating at Popeyes chicken and pizza hut, dairy Queen, and Burger King, just because they had to wake up at 0700.
Don't get me started............

Response by 1SG Jason Almond made Nov 14 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-11-14T12:12:10-05:00

What is the battle? Are people thinking that if they join the navy that they are going to be doing saber and pistol battle with pirates on the high seas?
I get it, young peeps what to get out there......most anyone whose been in combat would tell you it isn't "exciting" in the way you want it to be....but it is what it is, right?
Every service has combat jobs / special operations type folks that will see action if there is action to be seen, but even in those jobs, it's never the majority of what you do. The right fit is far more important for the recruit and the force. If someone is just bent on "chasing combat," then tell them to put their money where their mouth is and put them in the SEAL training program. Go pass that test and go get'em tiger. More power to them if they can. Can never have too many bada$$es on your side.

And if they are just all talk, then don't waste your time.

Response by PO3 Jose Heinert made Nov 14 at 2019 2:33 PM

2019-11-14T14:33:30-05:00

When I was a Navy Corpsman from 1966-69 my entire graduation class got orders to USMC Base Camp Pendleton.Most of us remained attached to Marine Units for the duration of our tour, including at least a year in Vietnam, most with grunt infantry units in the field. Some were in the rear at Field Hospitals or on Hospital Ships. Of my graduation class of 40, ten were KIA in Vietnam and many others wounded. Corpsmen were a favorite targets for the NVA or VC.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made Nov 14 at 2019 3:38 PM

2019-11-14T15:38:10-05:00

I was a tool truck driver and spent more time out in the front lines then any one, Why? because I was also a recovery specialist and that was why I spent more time way out in the front of the front lines more then the combat people. I saw more action than I wanted too in fact. The phrase rockets red glare took on a new meaning.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2019 8:47 PM

2019-11-14T20:47:11-05:00

I spent 12 months as a lowly truck driver on convoy duty traveling thru hostile territory worried about every form of IED possible, indirect and small arms fire. Two convoys a week up to 18 hours a day. No i did not see combat like in the movies a d video games but i did have the most dangerous MOS for a while and i did seve in a combat zone outside the wire.

Response by HN Gary Walker made Nov 16 at 2019 1:57 AM

2019-11-16T01:57:29-05:00

You do realize that Navy Corpsmen are the Medics for the Marine Corps. More Navy Corpsmen have been awarded the Medal of Honor than any other rate in the Navy! Army Combat medics, even Air Force PJ's will see plenty of action and deal with more blood and guts than most anybody else! Every Corpsman no matter what their specialty is Field Medic first and always! You better be careful or someone might lose your shot record! LOL Never leave the base! OK Sorry, I am old and grumpy now. Thank you for your service!

Response by SSG Edward Schenk made Nov 16 at 2019 5:15 AM

2019-11-16T05:15:56-05:00

Just stick with your branch you shouldn't be talking about other branches. When I was a recruiter prospecting and a prospect told me they were interested in another branch, I would walk next door and grab that recruiter and let them try and make an appointment at my desk. Plus in your statement you don't have a clue about other branches and what they do. If you're so desperate and you are bashing or belittling another branch, will make you look unprofessional and desperate.

Response by SSG Anthony Nowak made Nov 16 at 2019 10:51 PM

2019-11-16T22:51:00-05:00

I was a combat engineer and and a truck for over 25 years. I have been deployed over 7 times and every time I was outside the wire almost every day.

Response by LTC John Bush made Nov 17 at 2019 7:56 AM

2019-11-17T07:56:50-05:00

First, every conflict is different. Most do not experience direct fire with the enemy in most conflicts. However, Truck drivers and others commonly are exposed to IED in the current conflicts and Truck drivers in Vietnam at some stages of that conflict in some areas were involved in direct fire engagements as were MPs and others. Everyone is subject to indirect fire. I would compare it to driving. You are always in some danger from the other guy that may be impaired but we think of it as an acceptable risk. I would never tell anyone in a combat zone they were in a safe job, low risk perhaps but not safe. People that think they are safe often do not take proper precautions which result in death or injury and I can write a list of over a half dozen incidents I am personally familiar with.

Response by MSG Brenda Neal made Nov 17 at 2019 8:40 AM

2019-11-17T08:40:56-05:00

People who have a main issue of fighting for their country are concrete thinkers. It's a belief system that a person must "fight" to get what is rightfully their. A jarhead I believe is convinced to charge forward first into battle because of many reasons. My ex is developmentally delayed in some areas but is extremely intelligent with numbers. He said he was a cannon cocker. A Vietnam veteran, he cannot live a life except where people like him are present. I was a Medic that wrapped the stumps of young boys who used to have arms and legs. I didn't leave the base but those memories never leave my brain. Know what happens to people you send anywhere and recognize very few people know how to mend their broken illusions back into a sense of reality. The VA can medicate us but only God knows what's in their heart.

Response by PO3 Lynn Spalding made Nov 17 at 2019 7:19 PM

2019-11-17T19:19:57-05:00

Being a Nam Era Navy Veteran, I never got close to action. My first ship took over as Command Ship 6th Fleet and the second was east coast, Atlantic. We went where we were sent. Ground and pounders a different story but not all of them see action either.

Response by SGT Stephen Jaffe made Nov 17 at 2019 7:31 PM

2019-11-17T19:31:43-05:00

I was a 72B (com center specialist) for Army Security Agency in 'Nam 1967-68. If you wear a military uniform in a combat zone, you are subject to becoming infantry at any time. In the Army and Marine Corp, you complete basic infantry training which is essentially the same way Washington's troops were trained in 1775. For most troops, I don't think you ever get 'eye ball to eye ball' with the enemy. If you're on a base, the combat death comes from getting injured or blown up by a rocket or mortar round. During TET '68, Tan Son Nhut Airbase was in danger of being overrun by two VC battalions. All personnel were about to become infantry. I was issued an M14 and two magazines. We didn't have bayonets. Fortunately, some units from the 11th ACR Blackhorse managed to get through so we didn't have to go out to the perimeter. Infantry troops told me that it is hours of exhausting, boring patrolling in extreme heat. When the SHTF, its usually an hour of extreme terror.

Response by SSG Jerry Pannell made Nov 17 at 2019 11:31 PM

2019-11-17T23:31:08-05:00

I think all three can see combat just depends on the type of mission you get into

Response by SSG Michael Doolittle made Nov 17 at 2019 11:43 PM

2019-11-17T23:43:39-05:00

That is BS..... Infantry, if you see a base or a shower you are lucky... In Vietnam I spent maybe 4 days a month in our base camp, in Germany (2 tours) we were in the field or training bases more than 6 months a year

Response by CWO3 Warren Gaudreau made Nov 18 at 2019 7:47 AM

2019-11-18T07:47:18-05:00

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2019 11:24 AM

2019-11-18T11:24:23-05:00

Wow, how long have you been in and gave definitely never exposed to Joint Commands and never been boots on ground or talked with any Navy troops that train and have been boots on ground, shot at worked in horse combat environment. NECC/NSW units, Seabees, EOD, Costal Riverine, MA's, Intel, SEAL's, SWCC and thier support units. Ask them if they just stay on FOB's, COP's, VSP's, Fier bases or what ever you want to call it. By the way I was in a Task Force in Baghdad, left wire every day, but the FOB also took IDF everyday, so there is no safe place. The best thing you can do is talk to other branch recruiters and compare MOS to Rate, excluding the combat scenario

Response by SSgt Michael Bowen made Nov 18 at 2019 6:35 PM

2019-11-18T18:35:01-05:00

News flash They all by virtue of their JOBS ! leave the Base . I was out side the wire 3 times a day . But I was doing combat patrols to prevent IED placements . But you don't have to leave the base to be in combat . Getting shelled by rockets and mortars every other day make no mistake means you are in Combat . DUH !

Response by SSG Jason Penn made Nov 19 at 2019 9:34 AM

2019-11-19T09:34:38-05:00

That is not true at all, for all of the Branches of service. For example, Truck drivers go out all the time and they need support (protection), which is provided by MP/SP (military style police units). Engineers are the ones who go out to clear IEDs off the sides of the road. EOD are the ones who go out to detonate IEDs that can't be moved, and most of the EOD guys I ran across were Navy. Infantry patrols have embedded Military Intelligence support. MI guys who go outside the wire with the Infantry can be any branch of service supporting Army/Marine units. We had Air Force guys with us that would go out on Infantry patrols, providing Intel to kill/capture HVTs (High Valued Targets). Basically, just because you are not Combat Arms, or with either the Army or Marines, it doesn't mean that you will not go outside the wire.

Response by SFC Christopher Quail made Nov 19 at 2019 9:45 AM

2019-11-19T09:45:49-05:00

I wont judge you, but you are incorrect in your assupmtions.

Response by Sgt Mark F Jindrick made Nov 19 at 2019 5:08 PM

2019-11-19T17:08:29-05:00

Not true...you can end up in the middle of a shitstorm no matter what your job is!

Response by SPC Tore Hudson made Nov 20 at 2019 12:45 AM

2019-11-20T00:45:39-05:00

How to you think bases get supplied or people get treated in combat. I would recommend a different profession. Preschool perhaps to begin common sense training?

Response by Sgt Adnan Al-Kujuk made Nov 20 at 2019 10:10 PM

2019-11-20T22:10:22-05:00

I did, desert storm, desert shield, and Enduring Freedom, Saudi-Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq

Response by SPC Curtis Kennedy made Nov 21 at 2019 7:13 PM

2019-11-21T19:13:18-05:00

Any unit that is combat arms sees combat during the opening phases of a conflict, but combat is not limited just to combat arms. With the tactics used by enemy forces, anyone can see a form of combat; from motor attacks on base to IED explosions while performing convoy operations.

Response by LCDR Stephen Holmes made Nov 28 at 2019 11:44 PM

2019-11-28T23:44:53-05:00

Spent the first ten years an an FMF Hospital Corpsman, and the next 15 as a Medical Service Corps officer. Spent only four years with the Marines, five years overseas and only two years aboard ship. It's true there are many more shore duty assignments for medical than sea duty deployed. But if you stay around long enough, you seek what you want to do and get well-rounded variety of assignments. plenty of opportunity for those who want it.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2019 9:30 PM

2019-11-30T21:30:19-05:00

I’m sorry brother but nothing you said made any sense. I did my first four years in the Navy and my last eight in the Army with the last three as a Recruiter so I have a little knowledge with both components. I may not be understanding you correctly, but did you say as an infantry/ medic/truck driver you won’t leave the base or see combat. Infantry speaks for itself, truck drivers have to constantly worry about IED’s and getting ambushed and medics can be in any situation at any given second. Their are many MOS’s that have very little chance of swing combat but the one you mentioned aren’t them.

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Dec 1 at 2019 5:03 PM

2019-12-01T17:03:27-05:00

In Nam, many truck drivers drove roads drawing fire, one of D-2-12 trucks was hit in an ambush in 1965. As rifle fire and an RPG hit the vehicle the engine died as the drivers shotgun fired return fire until he was hit. The engine suddenly started and they made it just o/s our compound before it was finished. The driver was named (Johnny Rivers) not the singer. I was under the impression his assistant died. While in the VA hospital in Biloxi Miss, he was a roommate. We were telling war stories and that is how I found out it was him.

Response by CPT Leonardo Piovesan made Dec 4 at 2019 9:49 PM

2019-12-04T21:49:26-05:00

Whaaaaaaaaat?????

Response by SPC Earl Semler made Dec 7 at 2019 2:43 PM

2019-12-07T14:43:21-05:00

I knew Infantry guys in Vietnam who didn't have to leave their fire base for combat it came to them. I was in the Engineers during my first tour in Vietnam during the 68 Tet offensive again it came to us, also came on the roads we built in the form of hit and run ambushes. My second tour I was a gunner on a gun jeep, and gun truck. We escorted convoys and did security patrols on a stretch of road again we were constantly responding to ambushes. Some weeks every day, some weeks very boring runs. Just like the infantry they alays went for trucks that caused the greatest damage. They went for the drivers of the fuel trucks and the ones hauling the bombs and napalm. There was always the threat of rocket and mortar attacks at the bases when we were there.

Now today there are the same problems whenever you leave your base with the IED's and ambushes, but you can do a whole tour without ever being in a combat situation "as a support" soldier, but not the combat arms soldier.

Response by PO3 Charles Streich made Dec 8 at 2019 7:09 PM

2019-12-08T19:09:43-05:00

Join the SeaBees.

Response by LTC John Bush made Dec 9 at 2019 8:29 AM

2019-12-09T08:29:39-05:00

I remember that like yesterday, everyone was on top of the bunkers cheering, the JATO fired and they were clear and everyone ducked back like a prairie dog town that got a warning

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Dec 9 at 2019 10:54 PM

2019-12-09T22:54:14-05:00

Not many. I did not. I was sent to south korea 1970

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 9:10 AM

2019-12-10T09:10:23-05:00

I'm a supply officer and my last deployment I was out on convoys at least 2-3 times a week.

Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Dec 10 at 2019 5:50 PM

2019-12-10T17:50:00-05:00

I think you are correct. There are no guarantees someone will see or be in a combat situation even if you have a trigger pulling MOS. All branches of Service have units and organization's designed for combat rolls. Specially the Marines and Army. The only two Infantry's where true combat can be a reality. That said, many never see combat due to their assignments and locations within a combat zone. Maybe they were lucky and never realized it. Maybe they should visit and spend time talking to the parents who have lost a son or daughter in combat. Or, visit a local V.A. facility and talk to many disabled combat vets before signing up for a combat role.

I volunteered during the V.N. war. I also volunteered to go Infantry and wanted to be a Rifle platoon Leader. I wanted to fight and experience the ultimate human contest. I got my wish!! I have no regrets. After talking to other V.N. Combat vets I found a common desire. "If I could, I would go back and do it all over again". Almost to the man, the same wish.

In a study made not long ago, why people volunteer and want to experience combat?
The most common 4 answers are summarized here. 1. A hidden need to know if I am good enough, strong enough, and mentally-emotionally capable. 2. I welcome the ultimate challenge. 3. I want to know if I can be as good as those who have gone before me. 4. I owe it to my country as I have a duty to serve.
Others said for the money, school etc. but combat roles were not their primary reason for enlisting.

If you have those that are truly set being on being in and seeing combat I would not discourage them.
They are more likely to achieve their goals by (after Basic and Advance Training) by (excelling in both)and then apply to specialized units. Ranger, S.F., Marine Recon, Navy Seals, and Special Air Ops. (A.F.)

Response by PO3 Charles Streich made Dec 11 at 2019 7:48 AM

2019-12-11T07:48:26-05:00

You should look up the Group 8 Ratings which are the SEABEES. Maybe you have seen those WW2 movies of Marines coming ashore. They were in the 2nd wave. The Amphibian SEABEE Battalions cleared the mines, anything preventing the LCM's from coming ashore so the Marines could have a chance to land. In Nam we were assigned TDY to Marine and Army units who needed something done. Maybe watch 2 John Wayne movies The Fighting SeaBees and The Green Berets.

Response by PO2 James Brown made Dec 11 at 2019 1:13 PM

2019-12-11T13:13:16-05:00

On board ship, you don't run,hide,"dig in", even when "top side or below decks.
Small craft in the rivers, as targets or as a force, The danger was always near..

Response by SGT James Hastings made Dec 14 at 2019 12:29 PM

2019-12-14T12:29:36-05:00

Well, my step Dad was a Medic with Patton and was in every battle in Africa, in Italy and was with the troops that rescued Jews in a death camp in Germany. So, not all were behind the action. The field Aude station where the medic pulled shrapnel out of back and hand before I was trucked us all to a MASH unit which had a machine gunner on a tower protecting us from invasion. True, there are always necessarily “safe” jobs not at the front.

Response by MSG Chuck Pewsey made Dec 15 at 2019 2:24 AM

2019-12-15T02:24:49-05:00

Nearly 25 years, never shot at with anything smaller that 122 mm (Viet Nam, 1972, spring offensive; most of the action was further north - I think they guys behind the rocket were OJT - they missed the whole damn town.) I'm pretty sure there were folks out there who would have been glad of a chance to introduce me to an AK round but didn't get a chance. The last time it was Scuds.

Response by Sgt John Meister made Dec 16 at 2019 7:12 PM

2019-12-16T19:12:33-05:00

Looking back, I think where my recruiter went wrong was explaining what I could do and where it would get me. I was a naive 18 year old. I wanted to be an Air Force firefighter. I really enjoyed my enlistment but I don’t feel like I took full advantage of my enlistment. One guy tried at MEPS to straighten me out but to no avail. I scored really high on the ASFAB in electrical and mechanical and yet I was choosing a career field that was more general knowledge. Who knows what would have happened if I chose different. Retrospectively, I wish I would have gotten into a more technical career field more in line with my natural abilities. I think I would have been happier.

Infantry is a great place for those who are driven to it. Aviation electronics is a great place for those who are driven to it. We are all different and the recruiter will serve his people well to help them find what they will be suited to and interested in. IMHO.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2019 3:49 AM

2019-12-17T03:49:11-05:00

Most admin support jobs will not...I'm.in the Army (coming up on seven years) and have been to Afghanistan twice...I don't count the random.idf "attacks" that happened every so often as combat...people that do count that as combat do a great disservice to those who have actually seen real combat...during my deployments I sat in an air conditioned office, did college courses, and gained weight from the endless number of care pkgs we received

Response by SGT James Davis made Dec 19 at 2019 7:28 PM

2019-12-19T19:28:13-05:00

I was a medic from 86-97. 2 purple hearts and medically retired. Think about it...

Response by Sgt Justen Ortloff made Dec 20 at 2019 9:20 AM

2019-12-20T09:20:33-05:00

I was going to ask you how you made first class without knowing the answer, but then I thought about it... I suppose, unless you're on one of the seal teams, or a pilot in the navy, you wouldn't see combat at all. In the rest of the military, it's not about your MOS, it's about your unit, and if your units number comes up, you could be a cook and still see combat.

Response by SPC Scott Currens made Dec 20 at 2019 10:53 AM

2019-12-20T10:53:50-05:00

Just because you are Infantry, or Combat Medic, does not necessarily mean you will see combat. Even if in theater not everyone puts rounds down range. Take Desert Storm for example, several Infantry Units engaged the enemy, but several just drove their Bradley's in Convoy and never fired a single round. That is why some Desert Storm Vets refer to their CIB as a Convoy Infantry Badge, more than a Combat Infantry Badge. Now several did engage the enemy, and I am sure they will let me know.

Response by SSG Chuck Lanham made Dec 21 at 2019 7:29 PM

2019-12-21T19:29:44-05:00

I was a medic who deployed 13 times. Each time I either took direct or indirect fire. The only Navy I saw in the Middle East were Customs. They never left the base. You should stop lying to everyone. You are welcome.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2019 5:50 PM

2019-12-22T17:50:23-05:00

I am a 91B (wheeled vehicle mechanic) but I went to H8 school so I drive the MRV the Army tow truck and in Afghanistan I was assigned to the SF team so I got to leave and see combat but I feel like it’s just if you get lucky or not just depends on the role they put you in while deployed.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Dec 24 at 2019 11:08 PM

2019-12-24T23:08:48-05:00

I don't know, I was Infantry for 21 years and don't know how the "other half" lives.

Response by MSG Johnathan Mathes made Dec 27 at 2019 11:46 AM

2019-12-27T11:46:15-05:00

well geee .. i surely remember plenty of medics with me when i was on route recons or any missions such as training local police .... you are sadly not very well informed to be a recruiter .. plenty of drivers in Afghanistan saw "action" ... who do you think brings supplies to cops and fobs ...? truck drivers....Infantrymen don't see Combat?... guess those guys living in shit holes and going on patrols every day must have missed this point..... i think you need to do a combat tour and see what goes on Vs what you"think"

Response by SGT Robert Martin made Dec 27 at 2019 3:59 PM

2019-12-27T15:59:17-05:00

You literally picked the three MOSs that are all, but guaranteed to see combat if deployed. If your trying to avoid combat it would be best to just not join the military. Right now sure most soldiers out side of certain MOSs don’t end up in combat, but what’s going to be happening in the next three years? If you had asked anyone back on Oct 10, 1990, or Sept 10, 2001 if we would be at war anytime soon the answer would have been a definitive NO.

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Dec 28 at 2019 12:35 AM

2019-12-28T00:35:49-05:00

It is not about participating in combat, it is about serving your country and if need be face the facts that we might be asked to give the ultimate sacrifice...

Response by SGT Larry Crook made Dec 28 at 2019 12:49 PM

2019-12-28T12:49:43-05:00

THAT'S NOT TRUE , I WAS'NT INFANTRY BUT SHOULD HAVE BEEN . BECAUSE EVERY TIME A COMPANY OF INFANTRY WENT OUT THEY HAD ONE SQUAD OF ENGEENER'S WENT WITH THEM . SO WE WERE THERE MORE OFTEN THEN THE INFANTRY . AND THERE WAS ALWAY'S MEDIC'S WITH THE PEOPLE IN THE FIELD ,AND THANK GOT FOR THOSE MEDIC'S . THEY SAVED MY LIFE AND A BUNCH OF US. THE MEDIC IS A LIFE SAVER AND THEY ARE VERY BRAVE GROUP. US ARMY VIET NAM VET .

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2020 4:21 AM

2020-01-12T04:21:35-05:00

Look wars have changed drastically over the last 60 years or so. Nowadays there’s no rear area like before. There’s no boundaries in today’s conflicts. Everyone who joins the military is capable of being on the front lines. No matter what their MOS is.

Response by SSG Patricia Duggins made Jan 12 at 2020 8:28 PM

2020-01-12T20:28:53-05:00

I,as a nurse, was deployed. Medical personnel, Infantry, Cavalry, Logistics, Transportation etc. all get deployed. Think about anything a soldier may need while in combat and the MOS that deals with that. Those are who will be deployed. Of course having certain medical/psychological issues may bar a person from deploying. Also if you are " lucky", getting over or know someone then yeah you will not deploy.

Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Jan 13 at 2020 1:06 AM

2020-01-13T01:06:16-05:00

Ask Sen. Omar. She now claims she is suffering from PTSD after she witnessed the tensions over the last week or so. She saw combat on T.V.

LOL

Response by SSG Danny Neve made Jan 13 at 2020 7:22 AM

2020-01-13T07:22:17-05:00

I want to say first off as a former Army Recruiter, the Navy was never our competition. They were the biggest liars. I had a mom tell me that the Navy Master Chief was her good friend & he would tell her that we lied. I told her that he wasn’t a good friend then. Her & I made a deal. I would buy her & her son lunch if I lied in any way & he lied she would buy me & my wife lunch. She invited him over & I was waiting, let’s just say my wife & I enjoyed our lunch. Her son wanted to be a Chaplain Ass. He ended up going to Ranger School. Deployed immediately after recruiting, and as an Artilleryman we did patrols & had some cooks & mechanics with us on patrol & convoys. Kicking in doors and manning checkpoints with cooks, supply, mechanics & fisters. Would do it again.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made Jan 13 at 2020 8:52 AM

2020-01-13T08:52:19-05:00

You are wrong. You CAN stay on the FOB your whole deployment, if you are so inclined, but everyone has opportunities to get outside the wire, And if you are infantry, or a medic, or a truck driver, I guarantee you'll get lots of time on the road. Even Navy types. We loved having our Navy Corpsman along on missions. Whovever filled you head with that nonsense needs to be keelhauled.

Response by MAJ Michael Cummings made Jan 19 at 2020 7:09 AM

2020-01-19T07:09:14-05:00

Lol. Navy trying to tell people what the Army does. 1st, you are a REMF so STFU. 2nd, just STFU. You should not be a recruiter since you have already lied to yourself thinking you knew anything.

Response by SPC Jeremy Babson made Jan 21 at 2020 8:38 AM

2020-01-21T08:38:55-05:00

Every MOS is vulnerable when deployed to a hostile area. We had women (before women were officially allowed to) doing infantry operations daily.

The units adapt to the job at hand. In a Muslim nation it's not advisable to let a man touch a women. So our officers came up with a solution and sent fuelers, mechanics, and other females out with the men to adapt to social standards.

I believe they did body searches. My platoon didn't have any women (12b) but we had a female medic assigned to us. She just evaded most of our missions (never figured that one out). Our company had a female platoon leader also. Even though 12b was closed to women when I served.

Seeing combat isn't about your MOS. It's about the mission. If you're with an infantry brigade sent to support a local government that noone wants. Then the people who are really in charge are going to attack you. Like a mob they will bribe, bully, coerce, as many to follow as they can.

If you're having a hard time selling the Navy maybe you need to go back out to sea. You guys have the best tech. The best food. Not having to eat MREs every day alone is a hell of a sales pitch.

People drawn to combat jobs may also be drawn to glory. Glory seekers need not apply. If all they want is a medal they can go play modern warfare. Get one in five minutes or less.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2020 5:17 AM

2020-01-22T05:17:45-05:00

I was a medic in the army rather I combat medic, active duty I had 6 tours, reserves 0, National guard 4 tours

Response by SPC Donny Isbell made Jan 22 at 2020 8:16 AM

2020-01-22T08:16:05-05:00

WTH do you think truck drivers do, drive around the FOB? I was in the 82nd, and attached to Infantry company. We did our own security, route clearance, and a QRF for recovery. I spent more time outside the wire than inside. I thought it would be an easy job, boy was I wrong. When we would get to a FOB or COP the truck drivers had to unload and load cargo or troops. While most everyone else goes to the defac until time to exit. And if you don't mind getting shot at while driving or blown up, its not to bad....keeps ya on your toes for sure.

Response by SPC Kyle Olson made Jan 22 at 2020 7:10 PM

2020-01-22T19:10:04-05:00

Are you retarded? Of course they do!

Response by SSgt Walter Gabler made Jan 23 at 2020 1:35 AM

2020-01-23T01:35:56-05:00

Not true!

Response by Cpl Andrew Talbert made Jan 23 at 2020 12:29 PM

2020-01-23T12:29:57-05:00

God damn son? Are you like brand spanking new, like born yesterday or just a dumbass? How in the world do you even think that infantry and medics never leave their base? Do you assume admin does all the fighting and infantry does security?! You just made the Navy more laughable and proved the Marines are truely the men's department of the Navy. Good lord, this question is so stupid that I think you must be lying about not wanting to lie to others. You're big draw is that unless someone wants to be a Corpsman (Navy Corpsman and Army Medics go on patrol and into combat with infantry and other units that go outside the wire) that the Navy DOESNT generally see combat. The job of the infantry is to win wars you ignorant slut and the medics/Corpsman do their best to keep those who are fighting alive.

Response by CPT Olen Ridling made Jan 23 at 2020 5:43 PM

2020-01-23T17:43:28-05:00

Not as many see combat as should. Since we are talking about combat -- those are the first people to see it.

Response by SGT Juan Robledo made Jan 23 at 2020 10:00 PM

2020-01-23T22:00:40-05:00

Well I'll tell you that I didn't see combat but my younger sons did, one was there from the get go, he enlisted in the US Marines, did 3 tours out there, the youngest did 2 tours as well, if you have a young possible recruit just tell them that there is a possibility, 50/50 chance, if the recruit wants to be in the mix then send them to the US Marines/US Army, if they are interested in a secure job then give them a choice of a job they can see as a job they could use in civilian life after their time in military service

Response by CW4 Michael Moritz made Jan 24 at 2020 7:52 PM

2020-01-24T19:52:07-05:00

I was stationed in Tikrit, Iraq at camp speicher 2005. Our brigade had a large trucking battalion the 50th MSB, main support battalion. They carried out missions outside the wire daily on Iraqi roads, yes they were killed by IED’s and small arms fire from insurgents. Why do you think they removed 160 machine guns as old as WWII on top as cruiser weapons, they searched the entire USA for 50 caliber machine guns that could go through concrete and stone walls. Heck people were killed by incoming rockets going to chow. The mess hall had huge blasting walls to protect soldiers and contractors. Truckers delivered rations and ammo to r3mote areas risking their lives daily. I swear to God shortages of personnel caused them to use US Air Force on convoy missions with the army. The Marines, no finder human being on earth were always outside the wire coming in for medical, vehicle maintenance, ammo, always in danger. It takes eight non-combatant mos soldiers to support every two grunts, but Iranian IEDs did not give a poop what their mos was. Only real difference with the Vietnam conflict modern medicine and machines kept those torn apart alive and send home without arms and legs. General Soleimani trained Shiites insurgents to kill our brothers and sister, he was a main supplier of IEDs to bad people in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The Sunnis ( up to 20,000 tp 50,000), went wacko under Isis radicals, beyond hope after the earlier years of the war, most of them are decent people they worked on the FOB under guard, they never stole, they refuse more money than the bargained for, deeply religious. It is no secret the Iranian Shiites want to annex Iraq and did so since the 1980’s. unfortunately, House Representatives label Trump a war criminal for killing a mass murderer of our service community. Their unfortunately absolutely nut jobs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2020 2:23 AM

2020-01-25T02:23:39-05:00

As a crewmember on Ch-47s one of our primary missions was deliberate ops with the infantry. We ran 8 crews at night and 4 during the day and were never at a loss for work. In fact, we were handing off missions to other units because we had too many requests to keep up with.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2020 1:10 PM

2020-01-25T13:10:17-05:00

Infantry and line medics are almost guaranteed combat in a combat theater of operation. Support Tripp’s can also see combat in the Army and Marines depending on where they are located. Any unit can be engaged by rocket fire.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2020 7:21 PM

2020-01-25T19:21:56-05:00

You are not even anywhere near close.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2020 8:08 PM

2020-01-26T20:08:07-05:00

What do you do, other than recruit? Navy even goes outside the wire.

Response by MSgt Joseph Holness made Jan 26 at 2020 10:55 PM

2020-01-26T22:55:40-05:00

Actually you do leave the Base frequently in those MOS's you mentioned. Prior to my USAF days / years I was a 19E and then a 19K (Armor / Tanks) in the Army and when we weren't in Garrison doing Tank stuff or other Base duties & details, we were out in the field on maneuvers or gunnery. Also, many of those MOS's you mentioned do get deployed to FOBs or special assignments in hostile or combat areas. Hope that helps some.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2020 11:10 PM

2020-01-26T23:10:08-05:00

Infantry and combat medics are not the only ones to see combat. Why do you think they made the CAB? I have talked to mechanics who were forced to go out and run convoys and patrols. Always remember that everyone's primary job in the Army is low level 11B infantry, your secondary job is what AIT school you went into. If not, then why all the ephesus on BRM and throwing a grenade? The true infantry 11B's get the specialized combat skills that all the other skills do not get. While I was in the Air Guard and deployed to Kirkuk and Sather AB BIAP, I never left the wire. But, I do know that Air Force EOD, as well and the other EOD services, did leave the wire regularly. Beside, yes those with transportation jobs have to go ourside the wire, otherwise, who will get equipment for spot A to spot B?

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Jan 27 at 2020 12:05 AM

2020-01-27T00:05:40-05:00

As a former USAF nurse, I would argue Navy, Air Force and Army medics have seen combat and routinely see combat in war! During wartime, medics, nurses and doctors are constantly asked to go out beyond a safe base hospital to help pick up injured with rescues and evacuations and even rescues of downed pilots or hostages. Every Special Operation unit whether SEALS, Rangers, Combat Control, Special Forces have medics assigned. Every entry of Marines in the first wave of combat in every war has gone with Navy medics! Too bad every Army, Air Force and Navy recruiter can’t visit US Navy Hospital San Diego. The most impressive part of US Navy Hospital San Diego is the rotunda filled with the names, awards and narratives of medics who have won Medals of Honor, Silver Stars and Bronze Stars in combat! It is difficult to leave the rotunda without tears streaming down your face after reading just one or two of the narratives to understand how much medics have given and contributed to treating the fallen and injured in all the US wars!

Response by PO3 Peter Beloin made Jan 27 at 2020 7:55 AM

2020-01-27T07:55:32-05:00

Are you kidding?!? Sure, there may be some who never see combat, BUT you better be ready! I joined the Navy because I was an EMT on the streets. I went to Navy Hospital Corpsman A school in San Diego, Aerospace Med C school in Pensacola, Then was transferred to the USMC side of the house and went to Feild Medical Service C school at Lejeune, and stationed at El Toro in CA. I was out doing combat training, traveling with different squadrons for war games around the world, and finished on the front lines of Desert Shield/Storm. Be more honest!

Response by CMSgt Donald ONeill made Jan 27 at 2020 8:30 AM

2020-01-27T08:30:58-05:00

We must remember it takes maybe 8-10 military people to support one combat troop . Most of my combat time as a member for the 5th SFG was not planed and came when we did not expect it . I do not think we will see large units like regiments fighting against other large numbers . Not to say we quit training for that fight but most have been more of squad size fights .
And my last statement is be careful for what you wish for .

Response by SGT Bill Braniff made Jan 27 at 2020 9:33 AM

2020-01-27T09:33:54-05:00

Well children of my era Veterans. In Vietnam during 1968 as an infantryman we very rarely saw our base camps. Every five or six weeks we might get a one or sometimes two day stand down, and when that happened most of us had to stand bunker watch so the REMF's could get some rest.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Jan 27 at 2020 10:20 AM

2020-01-27T10:20:22-05:00

There are many debates over this point you bring up. Even those who are "in the rear with the gear" must face attacks by the enemy. While the combat arms branch of the services actively engage in seeking out and destroying the enemy, it does not mean that everyone else is safe. I have been in two combat zones, Vietnam and Iraq. In both cases, I worked on base. My job in Vietnam was in communications and most of the time everything was fine. We all had to endure our share of rocket and mortar attacks. Not direct combat, but life endangering just the same. I was with the 1st Marine Air Wing. The Danang Air Base was a constant target for rocket/mortar attacks along with sappers. Many men in both the Marines and Air Force were in danger and many, if fact, lost their lives. Near us was FASU, the Navy Supply depot. While they were not the object of direct attack, they too were subject to being hit. In addition, those in my unit were constantly being sent out on courier missions and made the trip through some rough areas. Again, we did not go out and actively engage the enemy.

When I was in Iraq, I belonged to a gun truck security unit that escorted supply trucks from FOB to FOB. While we did not directly seek engagements with the enemy, IEDs were very common and many on these missions were wounded. Our FOB, Camp Taji, was relatively safe when you were on the FOB, but we were hit with a rocket attack one day and the only casualty was a civilian worker at the food court.

My point is that when fighting in a war, you have to look at the totality of what is going on and not get wrapped up in "combat arms" vs everyone else. Depending on where you are and what the enemy decides to do, any military member might be in harms way.

When you recruit people for the military services, virtually everyone could be harms way at some point in their enlistment.

Some of you might remember in 2007 when a Black Hawk was shot down just after taking off from Camp Taji. 12 soldiers were killed including the top SgtMaj of the Iowa National Guard. She was on an inspection tour. My unit was the last that was visited by the inspection team that day and after we said our good-byes, our driver took them to the air strip. A little bit later news came back that they were dead. They did not come to engage the enemy, but they were killed and received a Purple Heart. Get my point? Being on the ground and engaging the enemy is not the only definition of combat duty.

Response by SGT Larry Green made Jan 27 at 2020 12:12 PM

2020-01-27T12:12:06-05:00

No,far way from the real truth,Vietnam ´68-69 5 ton dump truck driver,I would say WE spent a majority of our time building Bridges,or working at the rock-quarry"Wolly-Bully"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2020 6:32 PM

2020-01-27T18:32:25-05:00

as for the army I can speak as an 88M convoy ops on deployment is intense. 88M is constantly leaving off the base depending on what the mission is on deployment.

Response by SPC Cory Thomson made Jan 27 at 2020 10:50 PM

2020-01-27T22:50:18-05:00

I was a mechanic but for the front lines. 3rd Brigade was the first over the border to Iraq. The first night of the war I was in mopp 4 all night because we could see the scuds they were shooting at us. And our fearless leader told us there was WMDs. Then when we got to Baghdad and sat forever Our flaming bush said mission accomplished and as I was Literally reading this I could see tracer rounds going off and we were still getting mortared. We were lucky enough to only lose one person and that was negligence as he wasn’t wearing his seatbelt and fell out of his humvee and got ran over by it. So no, sometimes we were in direct contact with enemy combatants and sometimes we were engaged by guerrilla warfare and sometimes it was the horse flys eating you alive in a giant literal shit hole and you’re slowly losing your mind and you don’t have orders because the civi’s can’t decide what to do and you have to resort to stealing to survive because the nasty girls and the army reserve-retards are afraid to resupply us. And you become disenchanted with your lifelong dream of serving your country and you start hating it because you are powerless over it and then you get stop loss/ stop movement, because you have skills they want but you don’t want to play soldier anymore and your new first sgt is a piece of shit and you plan on fragging him if they send you back for a third tour.
So tell them this: army gear is designed to stop 5.56 mm bullets, the enemy fires 7.62 mm. Friendly fire is more accurate and a lot more likely than enemy fire.

Response by SPC Melanie Vancegonzalez made Jan 27 at 2020 11:38 PM

2020-01-27T23:38:55-05:00

I was in the Army as an aircraft mechanic and my recruiter said the same thing and I will tell you that it's not true. He put extra emphasis on the fact that I am a female and would never see the front lines. Well today's wars don't have front lines nor do they care if you are female. I graduated AIT, went to my unit and 3 months later was in Kuwait. When we landed at the airport we quickly loaded buses and were ordered not to look out the windows because there were snipers in the area. We stayed at a base in Kuwait for 2 weeks and several times we had to take cover and put on our NBC gear for hours at a time due to incoming missile attacks. Then we drove 300 miles in convoy to Tikrit, Iraq through an active war zone. The scenes they show on tv now of Baghdad burning, we drove through that and stayed the night while listening to gunfire and seeing tracer rounds light up the night sky. When we got to the Tikrit airbase it was just a field with some runways and blown up hangers. The engineers hadn't even arrived to secure the fence line. It took about a month for a dirt berm to be built around the perimeter. A sergeant and a private went missing during guard duty. They were found in Tikrit killed by locals. A fence was eventually put up. I did guard duty in a bunker we built along the perimeter called OP5 . Each OP was a mile apart and anyone could have just walked through without being seen. I left the base several times. We were ordered to shoot if anyone got too close to the perimeter. The first time I went on a mission into Tikrit, the airbase was about 10 miles away. We had 3 trucks, about 5 personnel per truck. Three of us were left to guard the truck and were approached several times by Iraqi people some who had Ak-47s. I went to Tikrit a second time by convoy to R&R at one of Saddam's Palaces. I also went by convoy to Balad a few times as well. These weren't day trips. We were told to be on guard and prepare for attack. I experienced mortar attacks in Tikrit, Balad, and Baghdad. I had to put on NBC gear in Tikrit because of a feared gas attack which turned out to only be an oil fire. I flew home in Baghdad for R&R and the plane had to take an almost vertical take off and spiral landing due to enemy fire. We convoyed home, in which I was the driver of a truck, and we received enemy fire several times as well as had to be rerouted because IEDs going off. Granted this was at the start of the Iraq War in 2003 as compared to now and I didn't get into any firefights but I did leave the base my unit was on and I did experience fear of the possibility of dying and saw several dead bodies and lost some of the people in my unit.

Response by SFC Joseph Bauer made Jan 28 at 2020 11:44 AM

2020-01-28T11:44:13-05:00

A truck driver may go from base to base either by convoy, a small two or three truck run or a single vehicle. If truck become inoperable the driver and crew become infantry!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2020 11:05 AM

2020-01-29T11:05:09-05:00

I feel this is a service dependent question. I also think that depending on what MOS you have the actual combat comment might be different. I was told when i graduated basic that 1:64 soldiers in the Army are in a actual combat MOS of those there is fraction that are able to look at themselves in a mirror with no one around and say "I have experience killing someone."

And in the military machine now its even less that it would have been in the early 2000's

Cheers

Response by PO2 Ron Burling made Jan 29 at 2020 12:08 PM

2020-01-29T12:08:39-05:00

As a 12 year Seabee vet with 18 months in Vietnam, I gotta ask; WTF?

Response by MAJ Alex Hernandez made Jan 29 at 2020 12:21 PM

2020-01-29T12:21:46-05:00

When I was in Vietnam 49 years ago the battle lines were nonexistent. Everyone in the field and the rear areas were subject to hostile fire.
That has not changed with more use of ieds

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Jan 29 at 2020 1:25 PM

2020-01-29T13:25:32-05:00

When you get deployed, you get used how they need you. My son was on an artillery crew. When he got to Iraq, he patrolled 6 nights a week between his FOB and Baghdad. Survived 5 IED hits, earned his combat badge, for actual combat. Not sure about other branches, but just because you sign up for a job, and get trained for it, does not mean that's what the Army will use you for. His battery had 4 platoons, two of them never left the FOB, the other two patrolled the whole time. The luck is in the draw I guess which you end up doing.

Response by SSgt Allan Stringer made Jan 29 at 2020 3:06 PM

2020-01-29T15:06:01-05:00

I volunteered, USAF [4 years] in 1966 expecting no combat but a support role dealing with electronics AFSC. In 1969 I went TDY to Vietnam to each English. One afternoon 'combat ' came to my classroom. 28 Purple Hearts (my team members) - bombs and weapon fire - my safe job was altered forever. My elder brother (Army, drafted [19 mo.] Korea, early 60s), and younger brother (Marines, volunteer [21 years] Gulf Conflict 90s) experienced none.
Each is different.

Response by SPC Christopher Murano made Jan 29 at 2020 9:15 PM

2020-01-29T21:15:40-05:00

What, exactly, we're these truck drivers doing all day? Driving around the base? And did it ever occur to you that there is a reason they're called COMBAT medics? And then there is the asinine statement that Infantry doesn't see combat, when the sole purpose of the Infantry is to locate, engage with, and destroy the enemy. That, my friend is called COMBAT.
An old 11Bravo

Response by PO3 Kenneth Suvanto made Feb 2 at 2020 1:42 PM

2020-02-02T13:42:01-05:00

Wow, I don't think that is a true statement but, what do I know lmmfao. If you want to see combat, I'd think you would have to be off your rocker lol. Seeing dead and wounded isn't a pretty sight...js.

Response by PO2 David Allender made Feb 4 at 2020 10:28 AM

2020-02-04T10:28:17-05:00

If you do not know what combat medics do, you seriously need to watch "HACKSAW RIDGE." Then you will know the t truth. GOD bless all the Combat medics throughput history, no matter what side they are on. They go into harms way to save the wounded. Most of them have no guns with then. If not for them the death rate would triple, if not quadruple.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Feb 9 at 2020 3:50 PM

2020-02-09T15:50:55-05:00

That is definitely NOT a true statement! It does not matter what your MOS, RATE or TECH position is/are...it comes down to the need of the military in any branch you served. Some has spent their entire career not deploying or going into a hostile area while others spends theirs going from one conflict to another.

I'm SATCOM (Tactical) and saw combat in Desert Storm, Joint Endeavor, Constant Endeavor, Joint Guard, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
If you never see combat...I'm happy for you, but remember you may see combat operation regardless of your position.

As for infantry/medic/truck driver...keep you A/B/C bags packed and ready! I definitely saw these MOS down range (Infantry provides security, Medic because there's usually no hospital in combat zones and Truck drivers for Logistics runs as well as delivering our fighting resources).

Response by PO2 Steven Henry made Mar 1 at 2020 8:51 PM

2020-03-01T20:51:17-05:00

I am a combat vet from Vietnam and I have heard that less than 27% of the military ever actually see combat.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Mar 15 at 2020 8:44 PM

2020-03-15T20:44:29-04:00

I hate to say this, but you are wrong in your thinking/assumption. Any soldier regardless of their MOS can be deployed to a combat zone. I agree with another post. You should sit down with ALL recruiters, including reserve and national guard.

Response by SGT Lenise Hamilton made Mar 22 at 2020 11:17 PM

2020-03-22T23:17:09-04:00

Now PO1 Seth! What rock did you lift up to get this comment.... you should have left this rock alone
:-(.

Response by CPO Rob Cummins made Mar 24 at 2020 6:42 PM

2020-03-24T18:42:36-04:00

I applaud you for your integrity. Thank you for your dedication I never desired recruiting duty because I wasn’t a used car salesmen and had to lie to fill a quota. If you’re asked about other services I would go talk to your fellow Recruiters and get their opinions on what they consider to be “combat”. As for the Navy our Mission is to go into “harms way” with a Vessel that has the potential for its own destruction. My first sea duty assignment was the USS FORRESTAL (CV/AVT-59) the very ship that Trial By Fire was made on and makes the Damage Controlman rating so important. In the Army or Marines every person is trained to be a rifleman. Onboard a ship it’s our responsibility as DCmen to ensure that everyone is trained as firefighters. Onboard a ship there’s no where to run. I’d call that “combat.”

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2020 9:30 PM

2020-03-29T21:30:15-04:00

Probably a small per centage ...Less than 1%

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Mar 30 at 2020 11:41 AM

2020-03-30T11:41:14-04:00

Looks like you're Navy. I am CG myself. When I was in Vietnam was still going on, as an ET trained in LORAN, most stations I would be sent to were non-combat, though many were not exactly "garden spots." Several, however were in fact very much in the line of fire, having to deal with infiltrators, mortar fire and snipers on a regular basis. Others were on patrol craft, some up the river, but many operating close enough inshore to garner small arms and mortar fire.

From what I have seen that's pretty much the way it is today. Some places in country are safer, but no place is safe. The USCG has a small task force of 110' patrol craft currently providing escort and security in the Gulf. At any time they are in range of attack by missile or Iranian forces. In fact unless I have missed one since, the last exchange of gunfire involved a 110 and an Iranian craft. A small boat was approaching to do a boarding and inspection, when the Iranian crew racked their 50 cal. and pointed it at the RHIB. The Cutter responded with a few rounds from their 25mm chain gun just over their heads. The Iranians decided they didn't want to play and hauled it for home.

Face it, as someone else observed, we can no longer count on combat being linear. Some specialties are less likely to see combat, and some bases relatively safe, but as we have seen a couple of times in recent years, modern combat can break out anywhere, even on a stateside base.

Response by CPO John Bjorge made Apr 19 at 2020 9:49 PM

2020-04-19T21:49:54-04:00

Lie as a recruiter, Oh My. Where you at? I was at MEPS Minneapolis and NRS Crystal. Back then if we didn't make quota we had to go to a refresher class. Put 5 in to test from one of my schools and if you combined all the scores you couldn't put 2 in. It was a crazy time and most of our files were all messed up. I was sent "Back to the fleet" after 10 months.

Response by SGT Lisa Becker made Apr 22 at 2020 9:35 PM

2020-04-22T21:35:07-04:00

I served for 20 years in the US Army and the National Guard as a truck driver and I was deployed twice, once to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Truck drivers like here in the US are a huge needed asset.

Response by MSG Michael Gonzales made May 9 at 2020 3:24 PM

2020-05-09T15:24:09-04:00

As a 82B (Construction Surveyor) in Nam (68 - 69), I was awarded a Purple Heart.

Many people (civilian) are surprised “Why would I get a Purple Heart“! Or “I was not fighting”! The first thing I would think is ‘WTF dumbass’ ... then I realize these people are ignorant. Therefore, I would explain while in combat Area, combat death or wounds can happen anywhere and anytime for soldiers; no one was exempt.

I was assigned a 3/4 Ton truck, 50 Cal, M14, M16, M79, .45 pistol, and ammo up to my a**. ALWAYS READY FOR COMBAT!

All Combat Veterans understand. Hooah

Response by SP5 Chris Bond made May 9 at 2020 5:38 PM

2020-05-09T17:38:05-04:00

Depends on where you're at.
I was a MP dog handler and whent on many combat missions with infantry Calv Scouts ext. Some places you couldn't leave the wore without getting shot at. Other places you couldn't even get shot at using recon by fire.
Other places you were dodging RPGs rockets and 7.62 inside the wire.
Honestly in layman's terms it just depends on where you're at.

Response by Brett Carrier made May 9 at 2020 8:50 PM

2020-05-09T20:50:58-04:00

Spoken like a true BM haha-
From another bm3

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made May 9 at 2020 10:06 PM

2020-05-09T22:06:29-04:00

all will be dispatched outside the wire some point during their deployment/especially infantry and medics,I was a 11b,11c and we always had meds during missions,we had our own drivers which were infantry within our unit.

Response by PO1 Anthony Sam made May 10 at 2020 2:19 PM

2020-05-10T14:19:07-04:00

Not me I retired over 20yrs ago I was in the Navy.

Response by SGT Thomas Seward made May 10 at 2020 7:26 PM

2020-05-10T19:26:45-04:00

We’ve been at war on numerous fronts for almost 20 years. There’s not an MOS that hasn’t seen combat in that time.

Response by PO1 George Kern made May 10 at 2020 8:29 PM

2020-05-10T20:29:13-04:00

I was an equipment operator with the Seabees and when I was in Vietnam, I spent most of my day off base. Getting shot at didn’t happen often but wasn’t a big surprise when it did. Truck drivers dealt with small arms fire and land mines while on convoy. Corpsmen went on patrol with infantrymen. A friend of mine who was a corpsman was wounded 3 times. Better get your facts right.

Response by LTC David Howard made May 11 at 2020 3:31 PM

2020-05-11T15:31:09-04:00

I was a staff officer in a divisional medical battalion in Vietnam (326 Med Bn, 101st Airborne Div). I was not in the combat arms, and my branch was Medical Service Corps. More than once while assisting on helicopter medevac flights I came under fire. Once my vehicle broke down during safe daytime hours, but I was not rescued until late at night while surrounded and taking fire from what I assume were Viet Cong. Myself and another officer were pinned under the disabled jeep, armed only with our M16's and very limited ammunition for about 45 minutes of pretty sustained hostile fire. I may not have served in the combat arms, but this was real combat as far as I am concerned. (When you are being shot at by enemy forces, and need to return fire, that counts as combat in my mind, regardless of the circumstances). Coming under rocket, mortar or artillery attack was not an everyday event when I was there, but it was not a rarity either. Don't be too quick to assume that because someone served in a support role that they never experienced the reality of combat. Trust me, it is not fun. It is frightening at best, terrifying at its worst. All things considered, the less of that to which I was personally exposed, the better. This all happened a very long time ago, but just sitting her typing this on my PC brought back an echo of the pulse raising adrenaline surge that I remember all too well.

Response by MSgt Jesse Tiede made May 11 at 2020 11:28 PM

2020-05-11T23:28:05-04:00

Well, I was one of those who never saw Combat! At times I regret it, but, then I quickly come to my senses, and THANK GOD that I was NOT! My father, several uncles, and my older brother were all combat vets. But, you do NOT have to be in Combat to be in danger for your life! I was less than 8.5 miles, as the crow flies, from the center of Mount Pinatubo, near Clark AB, Republic of the Philippines! While it can't possibly hold a candle to combat duty, not only was I in danger, but also my family, due to the actions of the local Communist movement, the New People's Army! They killed several US military personnel, and pointed guns at our CHILDREN! It's one thing to threaten me, and quite another to threaten my kids... Anyway, I spent just over 20 years total on Active Duty.

Response by SPC James Seigars made May 12 at 2020 2:50 AM

2020-05-12T02:50:53-04:00

I am probably NOT the best person to answer this since I retired In 2012, but I will tell you my experience as a Supply (76/92Y) Sergeant (at the time I was deployed with an Infantry unit). In 2003 I went to Iraq with the 101st Airborne’s 2/327th Infantry unit serving in two companies in the three years I was at Fort Campbell. Before we deployed BOTH my SSG and I tested with the Infantrymen in our unit & passed the prerequisites to get our EIB (Expert Infantry Badge) which DIDN’T end well for the ACTUAL Infantrymen who came in behind us and/or failed the training. Anyway in 2003 we went into Iraq with the Marines and we definitely saw a lot of combat even after we had set up a FOB. Not only did ALL the Infantry/Medics/Truck Drivers see combat that year so did the Supply Personal & Cooks. I was promoted in theater & went out EVERY OTHER DAY in ground convoy’s to take the Infantryman in my company dinner (and spent a month also helping not only deliver chow, but also mail & laundry to the entire Battalion since I had the only operational supply truck during that time). The days I didn’t go out in a convoy my assistant went out on air drop missions after we spent the day preparing & staging the rations to be picked up and delivered in that way. So in my personal experience you are, in fact, telling untrue statements. But, as I said, I have been retired for close to a decade at this point so things may have changed. I would talk to your fellow Recruiters in the Army & Marines at/near your station to see if my experience is still the norm.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made May 12 at 2020 11:33 AM

2020-05-12T11:33:46-04:00

It's good that you recognize you have limited knowledge. Now, you need to go remedy that.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made May 12 at 2020 3:56 PM

2020-05-12T15:56:47-04:00

I was on recruiting duty 03-06. Talk about a shit storm with IED body counts playing on the news every day. Teachers and parents looked at us like we were the enemy, wanting to send their kids into the meat grinder. Better than being in a convoy through the sand box I guess.
Anyway, if a kid has a fire in his belly to get out there and mix it up have him go see the Marine and Army recruiters. They may not be able to offer combat arms anyway. Give them your best pitch and maybe they will be back in a few days.
Now, it's easy for me to say this now. Back then I would have that kid wearing a dress blue jacket standing front of a mirror. I could sell that Kool Aid baby.

Response by SSG Craig Collins made May 12 at 2020 6:41 PM

2020-05-12T18:41:45-04:00

Even as a navy recruiter you can’t be serious....

Response by SGT Mark Saint Cyr made May 13 at 2020 2:02 PM

2020-05-13T14:02:15-04:00

Infantry doesn't leave the base they're at? Are you NUTS?!?

The Infantry is the basic combat soldier. The fact that you became a recruiter and don't know this basic fact is frankly appalling.

Medic? They patch up the Infantry. How can they do that, if they're not on the front lines with them?

Drivers? They may not be driving a vehicle directly into combat. Then again, we have mechanized infantry and tanks... those go into combat.

Not trying to be offensive, but I find your lack of knowledge to be disturbing.

Response by SGT Edward Smith made May 13 at 2020 5:31 PM

2020-05-13T17:31:27-04:00

Was a medic as well as a truck driver and saw combat.

Response by PO1 Richard Sloniker made May 13 at 2020 6:18 PM

2020-05-13T18:18:24-04:00

Closest I came was a tour on the DMZ in Korea in my prior service Army time 1/9th Infantry camp Greaves 1980-1981.

Response by SSG Camile Alexander made May 13 at 2020 8:02 PM

2020-05-13T20:02:52-04:00

You are half right and half wrong. If I were in your shoes I would simple say not everyone will deployed and all deployed personnel will not directly see combat action, but nevertheless they would contribute to the overall mission. I say very rearly does one job description excludes them from combat. Lots of OJT.

Response by MAJ Phil Bundy made May 14 at 2020 1:37 PM

2020-05-14T13:37:25-04:00

You are clearly unqualified to speak on who leaves the base and who doesn't.

Response by MAJ Phil Bundy made May 14 at 2020 1:38 PM

2020-05-14T13:38:26-04:00

That's not even remotely close to being a true statement.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2020 10:49 PM

2020-05-14T22:49:08-04:00

False statement. Completely false. As a 88M truck driver in Iraq I spent 9 months on convoys traveling thru not so nice Places were IEDs were the norm.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2020 3:50 PM

2020-05-15T15:50:03-04:00

Well I deployed four times as a Member of the Texas National Guard Got shot at and saw friends get blown up by IEDs and I was MI so Petty Officer Croster. I think you have just been misinformed. By the way First Fire Fight I was in Our Commander was a Navy Lieutenant I was the NCOIC. One of those with the team was a young Petty officer.. This was in Baghlan Province, Nahrin District. June 2008. We were going to a Location to distribute humanitarian assistance. So you never really Know. The PRT that was with My ADT at Ghazni in 2010 was commanded by Navy. They often saw combat. Operations are often joint for a reason.

Response by SFC Jason Rode made May 15 at 2020 7:50 PM

2020-05-15T19:50:05-04:00

I dodged the recruiter bullet when I was in. Good on you though. Someone has to do it. If I was a recruiter, I'd have serious reservations regarding some "tough" guy or gal who wants to go to war.
If you aren't a combat vet, I'd advise against giving advice regarding combat. Plenty of recruiters are combat vets, have them talk to one of them, or take them to a VFW. My two cents.

Response by LTC Bernabe Rosa made May 15 at 2020 9:00 PM

2020-05-15T21:00:06-04:00

In today's world that statement might be true, special ops are more and more taking the load of the combat, but at the beginning of the war on Iraq and Afghanistan Infantry, medics, drivers, etc saw a lot of combat.

Response by LTC Bernabe Rosa made May 15 at 2020 9:07 PM

2020-05-15T21:07:59-04:00

Adding to my previous comment if you sign for it you better know what you are getting into as you might end in a combat situation. Everybody that enters the service can see Combat at any given time as long there is a foe or war going on. During my time in Afghanistan, and Iraq I have in my FOB service members from all the services including Air Force and Navy, and trust we got hit almost every other night.

Response by PO1 Donald Vinson made May 16 at 2020 4:23 AM

2020-05-16T04:23:51-04:00

Sorry to say this but WTF, you do know that the Navy has a Construction Battalion (Seabees) right, I would say that just about every Battalion st least on the west coast has been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan that I can think of. I was an Equipment Operator (EO) and I was deployed twice within 3 years with the 1st and 2nd MEF, just in case you don't know what MEF is, it stands for Marine Expeditionary Force. And I'll promise you that our convoys were hit constantly and guess what we had medics with us as well as infantrymen/gunners and other support from both ground and air. So please know what rates are in the Navy and ask your counter parts, knowledge is power and the more information you can provide to a potential recruit with benefit both you and him/her. They won't feel like you are pressuring them to one specific job when they really have many options to choose from. Thank you for everything you do and yo all that supports our Country. God Bless the U.S.A.

Response by SFC Kory Schaubhut made May 16 at 2020 4:44 AM

2020-05-16T04:44:18-04:00

RP likes to push some old questions.
Bottom line: You can't promise anyone they won't see combat. You can't promise them they will, but you picked some of the jobs most likely to involve going outside the wire as your examples of folks who would supposedly stay safely on a "base."

Response by SFC Larry Triplett made May 16 at 2020 5:51 AM

2020-05-16T05:51:30-04:00

Have you ever been in Combat, I can tell you that Truck drivers 88M's have seen combat. How do you think the supplies get to the front lines, we have encounter they enemy just like any combat MOS. You are giving wrong information to people. Infantry/Medic/Truck Driver see Combat just like everyone else.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made May 17 at 2020 12:16 AM

2020-05-17T00:16:10-04:00

Hello, a fellow veteran when you raise your right hand to join the military.
the mission is to prepare to go to war, in a combat zone or in support of one
we all could potentially end up in a combat zone. during Iraq and Afganistan. the national guard ended up fighting in the desert. So for your recruits that watch too many war movies if they stay in the rear, they should count themselves blessed..........................

Response by SFC Patrick Gilmore made May 17 at 2020 6:02 AM

2020-05-17T06:02:31-04:00

Sir you could not be more wrong. How do you think the Combat arms MOSs received their ammo, food or anything else. Truck drivers who had to pick up in say Kuwait and drive it up to Harbor Gates in Northern Iraq. We didn’t have thermal sights nor up to date weapon platforms.

Response by SGT Mark Rhodes made May 17 at 2020 10:32 AM

2020-05-17T10:32:56-04:00

Wow just wow, I was a Human Resources that saw combat so it really s
Doesn’t matter what your job is but if you are infantry/medic/truck driver you will most likely see combat. And when they are not deployed from home they training to deploy

Response by MSgt Wes Tracy made May 17 at 2020 1:30 PM

2020-05-17T13:30:43-04:00

I honestly don't know because I was never in a combat zone, but it sounds backward to me. I always pictured Infantry as the ones on patrol and in action, and with a Medic in each group. Truck Drivers? Unless it's a really huge base, where would they drive the trucks to without leaving base? My uncle drove fuel trucks in Viet Nam, but he drove them between bases and outposts.

Response by Sgt Steven Baldwin made May 17 at 2020 5:32 PM

2020-05-17T17:32:45-04:00

Maybe things have changed, never knew a marine unit that didn't have a Navy medic. Has it changed that much?

Response by SPC Ralph Ellis made May 17 at 2020 7:07 PM

2020-05-17T19:07:57-04:00

The likelihood of seeing "combat" increases across a lot of MOS's the earlier the operation begins.
For instance, when we invaded Iraq, plenty of Combat Arms (Artillery, ADA, Infantry, etc.) MOS's were directly involved in combat or combat operations, as were plenty of "support" units (The 507th comes to mind, just off the top of my head.).

The reason for this, is that the advancing units, primarily combat arms, must be reinforced and supported by support units.
The Fedayeen and Republican Guard, for example, would often not directly engage combat arms units because they would be turned into hamburger.
So they would isolate and wait for support units advancing from the rear.
The reason so many combat arms units saw so much action,. however, is they are *directly tasked* with kicking down doors, holding COP's, convoy escorts, and various other operations directly expected and held by their MOS.

There is no "coddling" here, but I have immense respect for the "pipe-swinging door klckers" (Like "The Sheriff of Baghdad", who was growing in legend while I was actively there.) whose daily role was exactly that.

To kick in doors, and carry the biggest stick in the AO while I spent probably 70% of my time in an air conditioned engagement control van in an air defense unit, and the other 30% (because I was lowest in rank in commo) doing convoy escort, guard detail, and RSOP.

I tend to tie the likelihood of an individual seeing combat to two factors:
A.) Location in theater
and
B.) Period of time in theater

What you run into, for example, is the sheer fact that 88M's ("Truck Drivers") running MSR Tampa earlier in operations, or during specific surges, were far more privy to enemy contact or action, and at a minimum, exposed to the detritus of war; e.g. Dead, vivisected, rotting, burning, corpses of men, women, and children, as well as possible friendlies, or various other extreme-risk contacts. Anybody remember the kids running up to convoys with big bags of looted stuff to sell while we were on edge during Thunder Run? Talk about a bad idea!

I am not, nor was I, an 88M (I was attached to ADA as a 31R/25Q, then regular line units later).
I just find them a convenient example.

Someone like you, from a branch that frankly doesn't know it's Richard from a doorknob about the combat exposure of other branches, might turn and talk to one 88M who says, "Yeah we didn't do anything really, just ran supplies from Doha to Virginia and back.", (Was civilians if I remember correctly, though. Maybe a mix of both.) and then apply this to other 88M's inappropriately.

Then you sit down with one who ran convoys up MSR Tampa to Ramadi, BIAP, Fallujah, etc., or ran retrieval operations in some pretty dangerous areas, and treat them as if they are the former example, which is a huge mistake, and may diminish or disrespect their actual contributions or actions, which is a really scummy thing to do.

Unless you have intricate or fairly-informed knowledge of the complicated timeframes and specifics of a given operation, it's a very dangerous, and frankly narcissistic to pretend you do.

Oh, and I am extremely curious: What do you think infantry/combat medics/MP's etc. do?
I am truly baffled by your position on this.

Response by PO2 Michael Slachta made May 17 at 2020 9:50 PM

2020-05-17T21:50:42-04:00

Not a true statement. Navy Corpsmen serving with the Marines go where the Marines go. You can't take care of you people from the rear. When they fall you are there come hell or high water.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2020 12:43 AM

2020-05-18T00:43:14-04:00

Check out the stats on 88m. Ever hear of IEDs, roadside bombs?
Yeah we are easy targets.

Response by SP5 Zach Sochacki made May 18 at 2020 7:46 AM

2020-05-18T07:46:58-04:00

I was a Combat Medic in Vietnam and in my 13 month tour with the 4/31, 196th in I Corps, I was in the bush for 12 months. Not true ion my experience.

Response by SP5 Zach Sochacki made May 18 at 2020 7:49 AM

2020-05-18T07:49:27-04:00

I was a Combat Medic (with CMB) in RVN attached to Charlie Company, 4/31, 196, Americal. My tour in Viet Nam was 13 months, 12 of which were spent in the bush chasing bad guys. Not true in my experience.

Response by SPC Joseph Plunkett made May 18 at 2020 9:49 AM

2020-05-18T09:49:25-04:00

Served in the Army twice 2001-2004 (13B Cannon Crew Member) and 2006-2009 (25B Information Technology Specialist). First deployment to Iraq was March 2003 with 4/42FA 4ID. I spent most of my first tour in Iraq kicking in doors, doing TCP checkpoints, and mounted/dismounted patrols throughout Ad Dor, Iraq. We also provided parameter security for operation Red Dawn. In December 2003, we were the soldiers standing guard as the media arrived.

I left the Army and got my degree in Information Systems. I reenlisted in the Army as a 25B. Second Tour in Iraq was in 2008 and went to Tikrit. I never left the FOB. Hell I rarely left my office.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made May 18 at 2020 9:55 AM

2020-05-18T09:55:25-04:00

You are in Sales dude. A Salesman. Earn to sell your product fairly and cleanly. What are the benefits of your service? What are the facts of your service? Don’t you have a bad ass elite fighting force called
The Seals? What is the difference between a Green Beanie and a Delta Force, a Red Beanie, and a Seal? Challenge the immature head up their ass young wanna be into being the best, if they can hack it, if they got the stuff. Learn to sell your service salesman.

Response by CAPT Jim Coulson made May 18 at 2020 10:17 AM

2020-05-18T10:17:27-04:00

PO Crotser, First, thanks for what you are doing. It is important work.

Honesty is indeed the best policy at all times. Keeps with the Honor, Courage and Commitment watchwords.

About 1 in 5 in the Army and Marine Corps serves in combat arms. The rest are in support services. About 10% of those actually see combat on average. However, in times like these with multiple tours to Afghanistan, therre is a lot more chance for infantry/medic and truck drivers to go on patrol or even just working with training locals to get shot at. So that 10% figure is probably more like 50% these days. (So, 20% are in combat arms, 50% in combat~10% overall). Realize that some artillery, armor and such may not deploy, while others may deploy multiple times.

Be well, and stay safe.

Response by Sgt Peter Schlesiona made May 18 at 2020 10:57 AM

2020-05-18T10:57:49-04:00

Why don’t you just look at the history of your own service beach. Check the history book for COOK, 3rd class Doris Miller who was awarded the Navy Cross. Lots more like him.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 18 at 2020 6:41 PM

2020-05-18T18:41:54-04:00

Actually seeing combat has a lot to do with the world political-military situations, your Service, and your MOS/AFSC. Three mostly fictional examples from my Air Force experience. Capt Bart, 2d Lt Jim, and 2d Lt Al.

All tree officers entered pilot training in summer 1969 and graduated in July 1970. Bart had previously served as an F-4 Navigator/System Officer and flown combat missions over North Vietnam. Jim and Al were ROTC graduates. Bart did very well in pilot training and was assigned as an F-4 pilot after graduation. He went to his fighter qualification school and was subsequently assigned to Thailand. Jim graduated in the middle of the 88-officer pilot training class and took a C-130 with orders to Clark AB, PI, after training. Al graduated 87 of 88 and took a B-52. This worked out okay for Al because he was assigned to Barksdale AFB, LA, which was fairly near his wife's hometown. Bart flew combat missions over North Vietnam along with other types of F-4 missions. After a year in Thailand, Bart had earned a pocket full of Air Medals, a DFC, Vietnam Service Ribbons, and an assignment as a T-38 pilot training instructor at Columbus AFB, MS, which was near his hometown. Jim completed C-130 training, but the Squadron he was going to at Clark was closed, so the Air Force sent him to a Squadron at Langley AFB, VA, instead. Al became a nuclear war qualified B-52 co-pilot. Unfortunately, Bart's career ended abruptly when a maintenance malfunction caused his T-38 to flip over of takeoff killing Bart and his student. Sad death for a combat hero. Jim continued as a C-130 copilot, upgraded to aircraft commander. When the squadron at Langley closed, he took an assignment to Columbus AFB, MS, to reach T-37s. He continued his Air Force career serving in operational and staff positions, advancing to Lt Col, and retired. He never saw combat. He was too late for Vietnam and too senior for DESERT STORM. Al's B-52 Squadron deployed to Anderson AFB, Guam, and he flew missions over North Vietnam bombing Hanoi from high altitude. SAMs were launched at his aircraft, but none ever hit. He saw combat without a doubt. After that deployment, he returned to Barksdale and continued his career. He advanced to B-52 aircraft commander, instructor pilot, evaluator pilot. He also served in staff and headquarters jobs, always sticking close to the SAC and bomber community. In 1990, Al was selected for Colonel. When DESERT SHIELD started, he was selected as the Operations Group Commander for the Expeditionary Bomb Wing in Southwest Asia. He actually led one bombing mission into Iraq as part of the Shock and Awe campaign. After the short Iraq war he returned to the US and was moved to a Wing Commander job. Unfortunately, he didn't make Brig Gen and retired in 1996.

Response by SSG Jeffery Hyde made May 18 at 2020 7:46 PM

2020-05-18T19:46:01-04:00

Infantry lives on the battlefield

Response by SSG Jeffery Hyde made May 18 at 2020 7:48 PM

2020-05-18T19:48:43-04:00

Your lying if you tell them that statement

Response by SPC Glen Mobley made May 19 at 2020 7:51 AM

2020-05-19T07:51:58-04:00

In Viet Nam all who served in country at one time or another saw some form of combat! Myself first Rocket attacks second ambush on convoy third bunker guard + tet offensive 1968

Response by SPC Danieljay Stevens made May 19 at 2020 11:45 AM

2020-05-19T11:45:27-04:00

I was in the Infantry for 12 years, that is all we did was go out and try to bring the fight to the enemy, whether it was The Taliban, Al-Qaeda, or the Iraqi Insurgents. Nowadays you are less likely to deploy than when I was in. I have been out for 7 years now.

Response by 1SG Michael Brooks made May 19 at 2020 12:56 PM

2020-05-19T12:56:41-04:00

link for casualty report for wars. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RL32492.pdf

RL32492.pdf

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Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made May 20 at 2020 3:34 PM

2020-05-20T15:34:39-04:00

Why is this even an argument for you to have with people? Each service member has the potential of being in combat if they are deployed to a war zone. If they are concerned about seeing combat they need to join another organization.

Response by Sgt Leon Williams made May 20 at 2020 6:48 PM

2020-05-20T18:48:42-04:00

Well, as a Marine being in the forgotten war, Desert Storm/Desert Shield, i will say that as a Marine you will probably see combat if there is a combat scenario going on. I agree with the comments of some of the senior brother and sisters at arms here. Todays military has the opportunity, so to speak, to see combat irregardless of your job. And that is probably the same in all branches. Hats off to those who serve.

Response by 1SG Marcus Whitfield made May 20 at 2020 10:52 PM

2020-05-20T22:52:11-04:00

Combat Medics, Infantry, Artillery, Combat Engineers, Armour (tanks), attack helicopters, FO, ( forward observers), all of your special forces operators, did I miss anybody? I’ve been retired 4 years now.

Response by PO1 George White made May 20 at 2020 11:21 PM

2020-05-20T23:21:41-04:00

Judging from all the responses and my own career in the USN, I would turn the question around and ask - "How often does combat come to the average day-to-day military man of any service, rank, or specialty? And, I ask that fully aware that at sometimes and places the answer would be "often". But, I am also aware (as a Vietnam era veteran) that for the vast majority, the answer would be, "not often at all, if ever."

Response by LCpl Troy Gwyn made May 21 at 2020 3:04 AM

2020-05-21T03:04:39-04:00

I was an 1141 / Utility, Electrician in the Marine Corps with 1st Tank Bn.
When 1st Tanks was pushed into Kuwait during Desert Storm, I was suddenly an 1811 / Tank Crewman.

The Marine Corps takes the adage; Every Marine is a Rifleman / Every Marine is a Warrior seriously.

Response by SPC Dan Trapp made May 21 at 2020 4:22 PM

2020-05-21T16:22:04-04:00

It takes several soldiers ready and willing to do their jobs, so that a soldier in combat can do their job effectively. Most soldiers don't actually see combat, but the soldier who is in combat wouldn't be able to do their job very long with out the support of all the other soldiers doing their job.

Response by PO3 Matthew D. made May 25 at 2020 11:18 AM

2020-05-25T11:18:29-04:00

I was a Navy Corpsman and went with the Marines - 1/6 infantry and was in the first Gulf War. If you are a Corpsman there is a high chance you may sent to the Marines which increases your chances of seeing combat. All that stuff about Corpsman being a non combatant goes out the window quickly in a theater of war. I cross trained with the Marines and my platoon. Generalized statements like that aren't a good idea, because I am sure there have been motor transport drivers who have had to respond to enemy fire or avoid an IED.

Response by SrA Gina Hotard made May 31 at 2020 2:31 AM

2020-05-31T02:31:28-04:00

I was a medic and saw combat. And while in the Air Force

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made May 31 at 2020 6:35 AM

2020-05-31T06:35:48-04:00

First off, you gave however many people you told this to BOGUS INTEL! Now that I got that off my chest, I can explain this to you based on what I experienced during OIF.
Infantry- SEE COMBAT!!PERIOD!!!!
Truck Driver- A large percent of them got AMBUSHED by INSURGENTS be it by IED, SMALL ARMS, or BOTH! This is due in part to the fact they were transporting various supplies from one base to another.
Medic- Depending on what actual unit a medic is in, If they are with the Infantry for example or any other Combat Arms Unit, THEY'LL SEE COMBAT!!

Response by GySgt John Hudson made May 31 at 2020 6:36 PM

2020-05-31T18:36:46-04:00

Depends upon unit assigned to and the mission orientation for the units assigned to bases/camps. I originally signed up for a support MOS, but soon found out that you go where the service and country needs you. As for combat, there are three levels that can break out at any time any where. Strategic combat which is all out war, theater combat which is in a localized area, and terror/guerrilla combat which can happen any moment. There are civilian evacuations by air and Naval forces which also has some combat actions. Believe me when I say that bullets/rockets/bombs can happen when you least expect them to happen. I worked as a recruiter for a while in an office with Navy recruiters and Marine recruiters. Our words to the potential recruit were, "war can happen at moments notice. It can happen anyplace at any time. Our job is to respond to the attackers and show them the error of their ways." Some will live peaceful careers/tours. Some will know the worst of times. Tell them what you experienced and what you believe. Give them the facts as you have them. That is all you can do. Semper Fidelis

Response by LTC Alan Taylor made May 31 at 2020 9:56 PM

2020-05-31T21:56:35-04:00

It is estimated that 3-7% see actual combat was part of an operation. Command, Air, Medical, and logistics are the tail that wags the dog. WWII was somewhat of an exception,

Response by SFC Michael Arabian made Jun 14 at 2020 11:04 AM

2020-06-14T11:04:19-04:00

During Desert Storm, I went on resupply missions, stood guard, was part of the Quick Re-action Force(QRF). During the move into Iraq, my vehicle broke down and I was left behind and told once I fixed the vehicle to catch up. So much for the belief of "Leaving No Man Behind" During OIF, I was assigned originally to do truck missions as an SSG, but because I got promoted to SFC right before we got in country, I was re- assigned to take over the Sargent of the Guard for FOB Mosul and Later Diamondback, basically nothing or no one came in or on the FOB's without going through one of my checkpoints,When the FOB were mortar I was in that group of Soldiers who went out to try to figure out were it came from so we could pass that information on. During OEF, I was assigned as the Bde Food Service Sgt, which I responsible for helping outdoor Service Warrent Officer, and the Food Service Officer, do whatever we could food service wise to improve life for our Soldiers,.Our Bde CSM wanted to set up a PX, not just a a small little snack shop, but the full thing along with AAFES coming in later, to take over, and I was told to make it happen, so I flew or rode in convoys from FOB to FOB setting this up or making supply runs. Durng this time I also stood in the remembrance ceremony.Showed my respect as I watch young Service members remain being placed on airplanes to go home, don't get me wrong I was honored to stand there, but in the back of my mind, I knew it could have been me or why wasn't it me. So this CRAP about not leaving the FOB means we are equal to the Service members who went out of the FOBs to engage the enemy are not the same is Bullsh_t, we all had missions to do and we did them, these wars affected us all in different way

Response by MAJ Terry LaFrance made Jun 17 at 2020 12:15 AM

2020-06-17T00:15:02-04:00

My truck company (Medium truck) did line haul missions JTF 6 and DLA, but we a company commander who would look for those kinds of missions.

A good portion of 88M (truck drivers) are in support units in Support battalions and go where their brigade goes, generally to one of the manuever training centers (JRTC, NTC), or if the Bde depolys to Afghanistan or some joint training exercise.

Response by SSG Freddie B Graddy made Jun 17 at 2020 2:45 PM

2020-06-17T14:45:38-04:00

This can't possibly be a serious question, can it?

Response by SPC Brooke Lysne Carlson made Jun 19 at 2020 11:53 AM

2020-06-19T11:53:14-04:00

you're not accurate when it comes to the 3 MOS listed, 88M truck drivers constantly go in and outside the wire, medics and infantry LIVE outside the wire.

Response by SSG James Stodola made Jun 19 at 2020 3:55 PM

2020-06-19T15:55:50-04:00

Well sir, don't know who told you that but they are so far from the truth that they cannot even begin to see it. If you are in a theater of operations, especially one like we have today, i.e non linear, your chances of not facing an attack of some sort are pretty slim. How you define our current battle lines is, just stand anywhere and point in any direction and that sir is the front lines. There are many many convoys on the road at any given point in time and those trucks don't drive themselves, there routine patrols, recon patrols, etc. They all involve infantry, medics, truck drivers, military police, and if you are unlucky maybe even you, as a clerk or a cook if things are bad enough. The thing is in the Army and the Marines, everyone's basic job is rifleman when the shit hits the fan. So you can have any number of non specialized troops out there at any given time. Pretty much everyone leave the "base" FOB or whatever your at, at some point if even for a brief period of time. Hope this and the other fine answers here helps you see things as they are so you can be the honest person you sound like you are.

Response by LTC George Shepherd made Jun 19 at 2020 6:06 PM

2020-06-19T18:06:11-04:00

Take a long pause breath. The primary task of a Real Combat Medic is:
Make sure all the troops you are responsible are:
Up to date on all shots and other Meds
Make sure they have their minds in the right place
once on the battlefield:
Know where your troops are
Know where all adjacent units are
Is there a collecting point for Dust Off Know where it is
Ground evacuation know where and when
Know your NCO's location and your Officers,
Be with one of these so you will know where you are mast likely
to go to "work"
KNOW THIS ONE FACT: You do not need to be killed or wounded. If you are
wounded in action, or killed you are part of another Medic's workload
A Combat Medic has nerves of steel, has more knowledge. about Battle Field Medicine, then the MD's you are sending then too.
Be proud to be Combat Medicine.
Enjoy my daily release of energy that relives my PTSD.
Yes I am a Combat Medic 1sqdn 4th Cav 1St Inf Div
VN Dec 67 by the grace of God Dec 68.
George

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2020 5:39 AM

2020-06-20T05:39:22-04:00

Everyone and anyone in the military may or maynot see and participate in combat. I didn't see it for most of my career, but I did serve in Iraq. I was a supply sergeant and left the FOB just about every single day on mounted and dismounted patrols. You cannot tell people wanting to sign up that they might not go to a combat zone because they might actually go. The needs of the military must be met, and its a part of the job they sign up to do. Best to tell the truth, and simply say it is a possibility that you'll go. You know the deal, Fun, Travel and Adventure awaits you when you join.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2020 12:39 PM

2020-06-20T12:39:27-04:00

The percentage of infantrymen who see real combat anymore is less than 1%. There are zero conflicts with infantry up front anymore it’s all SOF. So IF you are lucky enough to be ATTACHED to SOF, and IF you get to go on missions with them, you’ll only be pulling security for them. It’s no longer a man attraction to go combat arms.

Of course a war could break out at any time, but that’s the current reality.

Response by SGT Peter Paden made Jun 20 at 2020 3:50 PM

2020-06-20T15:50:46-04:00

Not sure about today’s troops but Vietnam 1% was average that were involved in direct combat with enemy. This does not mean everyone in country was in the rear with the gear away from threat. Just they were not involved in direct combat. Without support personnel no weapons or ammo or fuel or food or parts. This coming from helicopter door gunner CC FE that knew without team we all would fail in mission.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2020 6:49 PM

2020-06-20T18:49:10-04:00

Maybe you meant if you ARE NOT Infantry, Scout, Combat Engineer, Driver, EOD or Medic you are less likely to see combat? Somewhat true, but not entirely. Civil Affairs, Psy Ops, and Linguist leave bases all the time. And there are many other MOS's leave the wire as well (Water Purification and Mortuary Affairs come to mind). I'm sure there are others.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jun 20 at 2020 7:47 PM

2020-06-20T19:47:22-04:00

In today's asymmetric warfare, anybody can see combat or can be stuck on the FOB. I started off in the FA & deployed with an armor unit. They made us in-lieu of combat MPs. We ended up assigned to the Marines in Fallujah. We saw quite bit. While visiting BIAP, we met other FA types there & they told us they had been in "combat". Really? Sat on BIAP, eating Burger King, going to the pool every day, & shooting artillery into Fallujah from there. We did not have kind words for them. We were used to the Marine FA on Camp Fallujah having mortars hitting all around the gun batteries while the crews did counter-battery, killing the people who were trying to kill them. Now that is seeing combat. And even many truck-drivers got more trigger time than many infantry as well. It's all on the unit & the job you are doing.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jun 20 at 2020 11:53 PM

2020-06-20T23:53:23-04:00

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seth, wake up and smell the coffee. Your selection of jobs are three of the most dangerous. Let me shut up.

Response by CMSgt Gary Fichman made Jun 21 at 2020 12:08 AM

2020-06-21T00:08:45-04:00

Everyone contributes as directed. A military member does not get to pick and choose assigned duties. In today's environment no matter what AFSC/MOS/RATE you hold circumstances may require the unlimited liability clause may apply.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2020 9:44 AM

2020-06-21T09:44:50-04:00

I was in the Army back in the 80s. I was in Eco Company 227th Aviation Battalion 1st Calvary Division as a 67V helicopter repairman. We were a forward support unit and I trained to fight Russians during the cold war and I never saw combat however, we almost had to deploy to south America to fight the drug cartels and capture Noriega. All the C-130s were loaded up, we all got a ton of shots, made up our last will and testiment and just on the runway for 61/2 hours when it was called off and the Marines were sent instead.

Response by SGT John Selmon made Jun 21 at 2020 1:36 PM

2020-06-21T13:36:05-04:00

Wow! Just WOW! You really do know how to tell some pretty huge ones, don't you? As a combat medic, I was on the front lines during the war in Iraq. In fact, I was an Air Defense combat medic to be exact, yet I still got to be on the front line. I know that Air Defense (Patriot) units are rarely seen in the combat theater, but my unit was right there on the front lines.

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Jun 22 at 2020 4:11 PM

2020-06-22T16:11:01-04:00

According to the information that I've studied, between 10-15% of the military (all branches) actually see combat.

Response by SGT(P) Le'a K Billingsley made Jun 24 at 2020 4:36 AM

2020-06-24T04:36:08-04:00

True....13B/88M/88N....saw, during 1991, Operation Desert Storm....
Participating, as a contractor, 2007-2014.
Odd how that works.....

Response by SPC William Owens made Jun 24 at 2020 11:44 AM

2020-06-24T11:44:43-04:00

Just one question. They don't have combat recruiter badges do they!?!

Response by Sgt Dennis Stevens made Jun 30 at 2020 5:21 PM

2020-06-30T17:21:19-04:00

I can not address this time period but back in the day when we were in Nam, the saying use to be "There are only 2 types of Marines those that are going to Nam or those that are coming." By the way I always made it my business to watch over the Corpsman. One other comment, it would seem that because the Army is much larger the statement you made may be true, but I am not sure.

Response by SFC Carl Olney made Jul 20 at 2020 8:46 AM

2020-07-20T08:46:07-04:00

Just go in it with of a mind set there is no rear area. Anything can happen anywhere at anytime.

Response by CPL Alison Centerbar made Jul 23 at 2020 10:24 PM

2020-07-23T22:24:11-04:00

I’m sorry, but are you actually in the military? I can’t believe you tell people that those MOS’s don’t leave their fobs!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2020 8:48 PM

2020-07-26T20:48:38-04:00

Infantry....
Medic.....
Truck Driver.........

Those are literally the 3 jobs that leave the base the most and see the most combat...

Response by SSG Phil Lockit made Jul 27 at 2020 3:12 PM

2020-07-27T15:12:40-04:00

I'm a Combat Medic who served. I saw lots of field units and wa as not necessarily held back from combat. I was also an MP. Still went to the field.

Response by SP5 Terry Griffin made Aug 2 at 2020 1:10 PM

2020-08-02T13:10:06-04:00

I was a cook with arty battery in Nam. With only 50-60 of us in the field, I was part of reaction force and had to repel attacks. Seemed like combat. In rear area 2x - R&R and to go home

Response by SGT Philip Bahr made Aug 29 at 2020 4:20 PM

2020-08-29T16:20:01-04:00

I served in desert storm in an 8 in M110 battalion. Our section howitzer fired over 120 rounds at the Iraqis during the conflict. Although I was never in a firefight, I considered myself a combat veteran, because our mission was to put rounds on target.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2020 4:30 PM

2020-08-30T16:30:05-04:00

i was a medic spent more than 50% of my time in iraq outside the wire, thats me making a payment to a Shaq

Response by CPT David Geasland made Sep 1 at 2020 2:07 PM

2020-09-01T14:07:46-04:00

1st Cav 1967-1968 Strange! I remember the rocket attacks while on the base in Vietnam. We were always being rocketed. It was safer on a search and destroy mission.

Response by SGT John Fielden made Feb 28 at 2021 6:15 PM

2021-02-28T18:15:38-05:00

"Distro" (Distribution Platoon) in any combat unit leaves the FOB EVERYDAY...Not one Infantry 11 series in the bunch. All 88M, 92F, etc my first ARMY job in Iraq was driving a 4500gallon fuel truck through Baghdad in the SURGE FOB FALCON, MURRAY, RED, HAWKS...Delivered fuel weekly to indigenous pumping stations along the Euphrates.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Feb 28 at 2021 7:11 PM

2021-02-28T19:11:52-05:00

Well they’re drawing down resources, and I doubt they have the manpower to patrol a lot right now, but for most of the last 20 years these guys were busting it. 03, truck drivers, EOD, you name it, MOS dependent like most things. I don’t know the percentage but would it be a bad guess to say that 90% of the personal supported 10% humping a ruck and rifle? My sons AF Combat Weather deployed to Afghanistan with a brigade from the 10 th Mountain during the surge . The casualties were significant, the IDF was a couple times a week, his first day at FOB Salerno two solders were killed by a mortar round. He spent the next year at Drum flinching with sirens went off. He only left the FOB to repair equipment, and present forecasts to the hot shots, and nothing flies without weather reports. So depends right now, there’s still casualties be taken, but they’re usually bombings of police stations, training centers, check points.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Aug 26 at 2021 3:14 PM

2021-08-26T15:14:29-04:00

My son joined as a Fister in the Army in 2009. In the fall of 2010, he deployed to Iraq. He patrolled 6 nights a week between Kalsu and Baghdad, was hit by I believe 5 IED's during that period, even though "combat had ended", but its something he does not talk about. He had platoon mates die, one received wounds so bad he had to get medivac'd out to Germany and was lucky to live. When he joined, the recruiter promised him he was going to be on a artillery crew and not get deployed to Afghan because the new artillery, I believe it was the M-777 was not being sent over. I did a quick google check and that was a crock, but in the end he went to Iraq. Well they did take a Paladin to Iraq, but he didn't get to be on that crew, it was basically play 11B for 9 months. He did get his combat badge, not sure if its a CIB or if they have one for fisters, but in the end, yeah, people end up doing different jobs than their MOS, there was no reason for an ACR unit to deploy and make fisters play infantry, but they did, so you never know, and yeah, recruiters don't always say the truth in the Army. I know I was straight faced lied to about two things when I joined.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 28 at 2021 4:02 PM

2021-08-28T16:02:47-04:00

a submarine could be underwater for months and be "in Combat. The problem is that the services glorify the Heroes who get the medals. I saw a lot of combat in two tours in Vietnam but I can only recall emptying my clip once or twice. If I was firing my rifle I was ignoring my mission, bringing in artillery fire. My kills would be in pieces scattered about.

Response by CPT William Jones made Dec 27 at 2021 9:26 PM

2021-12-27T21:26:51-05:00

In the last few hostile actions infantry and groups working closely with them looking for trouble don’t generally get shot or bombed but they do have a chance to get shotup.