How many military members actually see combat?

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

Wow! You’re a Recruiter?

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

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.

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.

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

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

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 ...

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.

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