If you could add, or take away, one requirement to enlist in the military, what would it be?

2018-01-09T11:56:53-05:00

The requirements to enlist in the military are always changing depending on the needs of the military at the time. At some times, the military has been known to waiver felons, medical issues, or educational prerequisites. On the same token, the military has been known to dismiss people for things as simple as tattoos when they are not in need of bodies. If you could permanently add, or remove, one requirement to enlist in any branch of the military, what would you change?

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Jan 9 at 2018 12:04 PM

2018-01-09T12:04:07-05:00

Bee sting, wool, latex, milk, egg, and peanut allergies were some of the non-waiverable allergies that disqualify a lot of people. Also, color vision for the Army is way too restrictive. I remember a motor pool where the best mechanic was actually a 92A PLL Clerk because it was one of the few jobs he could pick from being colorblind.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jan 9 at 2018 12:12 PM

2018-01-09T12:12:12-05:00

SGT Joseph Gunderson: I would make a college/university education a mandatory requirement for enlisting in the Army/entering Basic Training/Basic Combat Training.

Response by COL William Novak made Jan 9 at 2018 12:19 PM

2018-01-09T12:19:20-05:00

I believe that you have to understand that if you have a penis, you are a male. And if you have a vagina, you are a female. The military is hard enough for most people without having to deal with basic identity problems.

Response by SPC David Willis made Jan 9 at 2018 12:37 PM

2018-01-09T12:37:12-05:00

Make it easier for non citizens to join (provided they're vetted and can speak English fluently) you could even make it to where they cant obtain a security clearance except for interim status while deployed. Make it an easier path to citizenship. Want to become a citizen? Do 4 years in the service. If they get deployed they become citizens when they get back, if they die in combat make their spouse and children citizens.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 1:15 PM

2018-01-09T13:15:54-05:00

SGT Joseph Gunderson maybe screen for mental issues to avoid issues later. I figure it is easier to deny entrance than kick out later as it can be hard to kick out someone who we invested so much money and time into to train or have to then go through the medical board to support them and help them as if they only being unstable prior to joining the military. It will also help determine if they should ever get a clearance. Look at some of the people had had TS clearances and leaked stuff and their stability; in most cases there were signs early on, why risk it again?

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jan 9 at 2018 1:32 PM

2018-01-09T13:32:01-05:00

I would make a written essay part of the ASVAB. I've had soldiers that couldn't write an intelligible sworn statement. I've had subordinate leaders that were incapable of writing a counseling statement. In Korea I had to constantly check spelling, and grammar for one of my teamleaders as he would confuse where with ware. He didn't know the difference between they're, there, and their and consistently spelling any of them as thare. That's my biggest change.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 1:38 PM

2018-01-09T13:38:57-05:00

Add a "Common Sense" type of test

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Jan 9 at 2018 2:28 PM

2018-01-09T14:28:55-05:00

Tattoos. I understand the prohibition on gang-related, hate-related, and patently offensive tattoos, but everything else shouldn't be an issue, even if they show on someone's neck or hands.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 3:53 PM

2018-01-09T15:53:08-05:00

Remove the restrictions against women with irregular periods. This happened to me in 2007. Told the MEPS doc that my period doesn't arrive like clockwork and wasn't able to get in until five years later when I made the connections to get a waiver signed by a commander that he would take me with my "condition." How stupid, wasteful and humiliating.

Response by LeRoss Sawin-Porter made Jan 9 at 2018 6:33 PM

2018-01-09T18:33:35-05:00

The Feet conditions, I would solve the feet requirement block by having applicants run a PFT depending on the branch of service's PFT standards

Response by LeRoss Sawin-Porter made Jan 9 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-01-09T18:39:48-05:00

Actually, Scratch that, Id make it a little easier for people trying to re enlist with a RE3 Code provided they're in good physical condition and can pass a PFT, or some test to prove their medical issue is resolved.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 9:14 PM

2018-01-09T21:14:18-05:00

Mental issues.. I've met some bat shit crazy soldiers and some that I wouldn't want making my cheeseburger at mc Donald's.. they really should check for that.. like a general logic/common sense test would be great

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-01-09T21:43:44-05:00

I would like to see a better briefing of the requirements of service and the implications if they do not follow these obligations. My sister company has had some major issues with this as have other local units. Thankfully, I have only had one. The "don't lie" brief does not show the impact enough and many seem to think that they can quit or just not show up and nothing happens to them. I had a conversation with one who stated that he just joined so that the Army would train him to shoot better. With the gang problem locally....that is not shocking.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 9 at 2018 9:55 PM

2018-01-09T21:55:21-05:00

I would add mandatory writing and public speaking classes (with a passing grade, of course).

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Jan 11 at 2018 3:31 PM

2018-01-11T15:31:01-05:00

Better medical screening to ensure that candidates don't have preexisting medical conditions that may hinder the candidates enlistment.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Jan 16 at 2018 12:04 PM

2018-01-16T12:04:18-05:00

There are plenty of good soldiers languishing in prison, what they need is a structured environment

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2018 11:01 AM

2018-02-18T11:01:02-05:00

First of all, I believe that a person who joins up should not be kicked out just because he would like to get his active duty in like I did. I joined the military to do my duty to this country, then got kicked out with an honorable just because I wanted to get my active in. Now I get help of no kind from the VA and I feel this is wrong.

Response by SFC John Fourquet made Feb 18 at 2018 10:39 PM

2018-02-18T22:39:35-05:00

I would make a psychiatric examination by a psychiatrist part of the enlistment exam.

Response by Cpl Will Labrosse made Feb 19 at 2018 12:16 PM

2018-02-19T12:16:08-05:00

service for all 18 year olds, and if the debate if you are male or female continues then it becomes 100% co-ed with same requirements for all. make a new member a "tool", if you are a felon ect you can have the "shit" jobs additionally eliminate the college trained idiots once you become an E-6 you can choose to branch to an officer or stay enlisted. this will respect your enlisted groups as well as have real world intelligence that knows what it means to serve in the trenches and not think they are entitled just because they are a college kid. also having everything co-ed will eliminate pc bs, there will also have to be society will need to change that veterans get an incentive, land ownership, political positions only go to veterans member in gov't knowing what their choices affect ect something to make it worth serving and if you choose not to serve that is fine but you will not be granted access to the veteran only benefits.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Feb 19 at 2018 12:30 PM

2018-02-19T12:30:03-05:00

Well I would definitely look into what is up with the ridiculously short height requirement for M1 tankers that doesn't really exist for other armored vehicles like the Bradley? I've never been in a M1 tank but if height is such a concern........maybe they should have changed the design just a little? I just think this requirement is the revenge of the vertically challenged people on the Army Enlistment Standards Board.

Response by SSG James N. made Mar 12 at 2018 6:38 AM

2018-03-12T06:38:22-04:00

I would remove the gangbanger waiver, and strengthen the Psychological disorder parts. Depression, and Anxiety are hard enough to deal with, but when they are part of you because you refuse to think the man in the mirror is a man, well, after time, they can lead to suicidal thoughts, ideations, and acting out.

Response by PO1 Mike Dean made Mar 20 at 2018 6:27 PM

2018-03-20T18:27:46-04:00

Reinstate the prohibition on homosexuality. I know that is likely to catch flak but what the Hell, I'm old school. And yes, I know they have been there all along. But when found out they got a one-way ticket home, for their own safety.

Response by SPC Dawn Appelberg (Johnson) made Mar 21 at 2018 4:37 PM

2018-03-21T16:37:33-04:00

Seperate physical pt tests for male and female. Make them across the board and ..pardon my language....screw the whiners. This is the military, not club med. If you cannot male it as a soldier you should not be making it as a female.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2018 9:52 PM

2018-03-23T21:52:57-04:00

Remove all light aspects men or women only none of this transgender carp, homosexuals, lesbians should be banned from service and if found out after enlisting they should be dishonorable discharged.

Response by SGT Glenn E Moody made Apr 8 at 2018 4:17 AM

2018-04-08T04:17:36-04:00

for me it would be educational prerequisites. when I joined just under the wire. I passed the ASVAB and got Enlisted. but was told I would have to get a GED or be discharged. well I never got one. and was good at my MOS Infantry 11-B-10 and was never Discharged because of never getting it. but I was restricted from getting my E-5 stripes. and when my E-4 orders came they had SPC-4 on them. my PLT. LT. called me front & center and removed the SPC-4 and pinned me with CPL- stripes. and my PLT. SGT. said welcome to the rank of JR. NCO. this was the same day the Company CO. read my orders and pinned me with the SPC-4's. that was the highest rank I could get because the EDUCATIONAL PREREQUISITES. this is why it should be removed. it only holds good leaders back. I might have reenlisted and did 20 years or more instead of taking my Honorable Discharge after only 6 years. I was so angry about not getting my E-5 stripes I stopped going to my drills they took 2 stripes and gave me an Honorable Discharge with the rank of E-2 PVT 2 1981 to 1987 was the time frame.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 12:39 PM

2018-04-08T12:39:44-04:00

In order to truly embrace diversity
1. All service members sign a document understanding there is no privacy in military
They all agree that they will not seek sexual partners, dates, marriage partners etc from the military. Absolutely zero tolerance on sex and relationships of sexual nature amoung servemembers.
3. Absolutely no tolerance for discrimination: sexual gender racial religious etc
One uniform standard for each MOS: zero exceptions regardless if entire computer defense section is Asian or all cooks are Indian, all cab scouts women etc. the qualifications are the only relevant determinant for MOS
No quotas, waivers, special programs, private incentives, military academy perks, old boy network etc. fair impartial selection and promotions.
That’s two but I think they are related and critical to the strength of the military

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 12:40 PM

2018-04-08T12:40:39-04:00

Oh... that also means one Barescks, bathrooms etc ... true unity in the most cost effective and unifying inclusive manner possible.

Response by SSG Russell Watson made Apr 8 at 2018 9:13 PM

2018-04-08T21:13:07-04:00

A high school DIPLOMA, no GED.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made Apr 8 at 2018 11:13 PM

2018-04-08T23:13:33-04:00

There is no room for anyone in the Military who doesn't know what gender they are. If they have that much problem they should be treated by a psychiatrist and not be in the the military, I wouldn't trust them to have my back in combat.

Response by SFC Nate Robertson made Apr 19 at 2018 4:29 PM

2018-04-19T16:29:58-04:00

Fully brief new enlistments on the constitution of the United States and their duty regarding it. Also edit the "Governor Clause" for National guard

Response by SP5 Howard Moore made May 1 at 2018 12:24 AM

2018-05-01T00:24:18-04:00

change the minimum age would be 21 if you're to young to buy a beer or a handgun then you're to young to enter into a contract

Response by PV2 Matthew Seidel made May 8 at 2018 8:56 PM

2018-05-08T20:56:49-04:00

I remove Stress Pass. And do a better Psych test on Soldiers.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-05-09T09:49:13-04:00

Physical fitness testing after basic. It should be a job based test.

Response by Lt Col Louis Botta made May 21 at 2018 7:21 AM

2018-05-21T07:21:14-04:00

A better screening system to identify Neo-Nazis, their sympathizers, Neo-Confederates, Dominionists and other potentially terrorist networks within the military services. I well remember SecDef Weinberger had set forth a requirement for it way back in the late 80s and it since has waned.

Response by COL Bob Moore made May 27 at 2018 9:53 PM

2018-05-27T21:53:25-04:00

Mandatory service between 18 to 27 for 2 years. You select when.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2018 8:58 PM

2018-05-28T20:58:48-04:00

I'd allow those on a student F1 visa to enlist. I'd also permit those wishing to transfer from a democratic allied military (NATO, Japan, South Korea, RoC, etc) to direct transfer, as long as their initial service obligations are done with their home military and they receive written permission from their chain of command releasing them to our military.

Response by PO1 Timothy Organ made Jun 1 at 2018 10:12 AM

2018-06-01T10:12:38-04:00

Tattoo restrictions are too political. Potential recruits are getting them more and more now and it's going to be harder to find prospects without them but qualified otherwise.

Response by PO1 Sean Walsh made Jun 10 at 2018 9:47 PM

2018-06-10T21:47:13-04:00

How about modern height weight standards, not something based on the average 25 year old in 1955. I’m not saying take away all restrictions but I was considerered overweight by existing standards shortly after leaving boot camp!

Response by SFC James Marchinke made Jun 12 at 2018 9:30 AM

2018-06-12T09:30:30-04:00

Would not take anything away in fact would make every 18 year old do two years in support of the country...without pay

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jun 14 at 2018 11:24 PM

2018-06-14T23:24:33-04:00

No to felons. Not sorry, no to transgender people.
The military is NOT a social justice testing ground. It excludes people for many good reasons which are far more important than including people for a 'social club'. I know for a fact that people who have breakdowns in the military can be put on a precautionary 'suicide watch'. As a Medic I've had to be a part of this. Take away their boot laces, watch them eat, pee, etc. until they can be evaluated by a doctor/psychiatrist. It can happen for a number of reasons.
Regardless of one's stance on trans people, they are NOT suffering from some physical ailment and will die from it. It is NOT anyone's responsibility to take care of their issue OR pay for it. If a trans person cannot get his/her hormones then that WILL affect how their body functions and how their emotions and thinking plays out.
The effectiveness and safety of the people who protect this country far outweigh a minority; who a lot want a free 'sex change'. Depending on the issue, then people should be permanently banned from joining.

Response by MSgt James "Buck" Buchanan made Jun 27 at 2018 10:29 PM

2018-06-27T22:29:35-04:00

Using the idea of not sending someone to do something you wouldn't do yourself, I think all officers, even those who attend the academies, should spend a minimum of two years in the enlisted corps to better understand the jobs that enlisted people do and hopefully then be able to make better decisions in regards to which personnel do which jobs.

Response by SSG J F Texas made Jun 28 at 2018 8:30 PM

2018-06-28T20:30:47-04:00

While the prohibition was in place we had gay soldiers. They just lied about it. Some of the best soldiers I served with I believe were gay.

Response by SSG J F Texas made Jun 28 at 2018 8:41 PM

2018-06-28T20:41:13-04:00

The tattoo issue has to go. Tats do not effect effective soldiering. Political correctness should be dropped. We are all potential warriors we should be able to talk rough. One and done also needs to go. A single negative incident should not end anyone's career with obvious exceptions.

Response by SGT Luke Wooster made Jul 1 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-07-01T13:49:07-04:00

Ability to swim or show improvement over time. Swim test at MEPS is my recommendation. If there was a Normandy reenactment in todays Army it would be a mass drowning. Reading alot of comments about mental health and its a moving target with difficulty to gauge. Homer's Odyssey wrote about soldiers going home with psych issues so it is nothing new.

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Jul 2 at 2018 12:07 AM

2018-07-02T00:07:37-04:00

There seems to be a large number of comments about the sexual status and gender idenity of prospective recruits. The only beef I have is women getting pregnant to avoid deployment. The should sign a waver stating that they will give a one year notice about their plan to become a mother. You spend a great deal of time and assets to train a solder in her MOS only to learn that when the unit is notified of pending deployment, half the women suddently become pregnant and non-deployable. Bull Shit

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 1:31 AM

2018-07-02T01:31:40-04:00

I wouldn’t add anything. I would bring back the idea that people came to the military to become soldiers not the other way around. Cut the political inclusiveness out and you find the military back in its true form.

Response by SPC Billy Beckett made Jul 4 at 2018 1:18 PM

2018-07-04T13:18:25-04:00

Would like to see the age restriction listed for physically and intellectually capable veterans who wish to serve and demonstrate the capability to do so.

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Jul 5 at 2018 2:31 PM

2018-07-05T14:31:21-04:00

Perhaps a medical exemption for Crohn's Disease. Once I was diagnosed with Crohn's at the end of my first term, I knew I would be prevented from reenlistment. That was confirmed by the Marines when I looked at going back in after 9/11.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 7:41 PM

2018-07-10T19:41:11-04:00

Psychological issues to many people with “ADHD” or some such claim they can’t join that was the most commonly miss diagnosed disorder of the 90s it gives so many people who could be better than themselves an excuse not to join and anyone who’s stupidly honest with recruiters have to wait before they try again.

Response by SrA S Evers made Jul 14 at 2018 7:50 AM

2018-07-14T07:50:22-04:00

Tattoos keeping good people out. I think the idea of tattoos being taboo/bad has become an arcaic notion. I know several amazing army AD that have wanted to transfer to AF and have had a hard time or even dropped the idea because of the tattoo restrictions

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2018 5:12 PM

2018-08-04T17:12:08-04:00

I would change the height weight system to take into consideration people are different sizes according to DNA most of the time. I am 5'3.5 and weigh 155.... in 1 or 2 more pounds ill be considered over weight. I have a soft feminine athletic build. Now most of it is DNA but I do workout a little to stay in shape. The standards apparently were made for tall sticks. Short stacks like me have to go through a stretching device to get taller or become anorexic to make the standards.
An update on height, weight and tape would be a nice add.

Response by LCpl Michael Cappello made Aug 26 at 2018 6:40 PM

2018-08-26T18:40:03-04:00

I have known many a capable and honorable individual that was denied the opportunity to enlist due to things like a minor heart murmur or some other such "minor" ailment.3 Some of those with "heart murmurs" were told by other physicians that it was a false diagnosis. I would also like to see the minimum IQ raised. A couple of IQ points above a rock is not good enough any more.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Sep 1 at 2018 6:42 PM

2018-09-01T18:42:04-04:00

The military should not be allowed to do as Sgt Gunderson stated. There should not be a lowering of standards, as well as tightening then for admission into the service. By meeting a permanent standard, there would be no criminals get in, deviates, and those with medical abnormalities.
I think that the US should have the draft imposed on the youth and use a different pay scale for those that enlist voluntarily and those that are drafted. After an reenlistment for the draftee, one could be converted to the career pay scale.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Sep 4 at 2018 7:40 PM

2018-09-04T19:40:20-04:00

Given our poor Criminal Justice system and the sentencing kids as adults rule I think waivers for some Felons should always be considered and of course leave it up to the Two Star General running USAREC has it has been in the past. I think they should always consider them if they do not already because some folks get charged at like 15-16 years old via an over zealous prosecutor and our society should always extend the benefit of a doubt when the criminal justice sentences at ages that low.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2018 4:31 PM

2018-09-06T16:31:19-04:00

currently you can't go airborne with a medical waiver. i would change that

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Sep 6 at 2018 8:15 PM

2018-09-06T20:15:19-04:00

I recall taking a sort of general knowledge test to roughly assess IQ before being sworn in to the Corps. It was at some point in the "forming phase" at Parris Island that I took a "real" IQ test, where I scored the lowest such score in my life. It was not an environment that I found conducive to doing one's best on such a test.
A central testing site administering those IQ and aptitude tests before a recruit embarks on active duty would be a far better testing environment.

Response by Sheepdog Actual made Sep 7 at 2018 3:05 PM

2018-09-07T15:05:25-04:00

Marijuana. We were all young and dumb at one point in time.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2018 5:40 PM

2018-09-09T17:40:46-04:00

How about make it easier for prior service to reenter back instead of the run of the mill. Or help those who want to serve at active duty but stuck in reserves or NG because units love their number. I am in a unit where there is no need for even the entire unit, let alone a single MOS, but they won't release a single one person into active duty and we go the drills and just sit there

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2018 9:22 PM

2018-09-18T21:22:23-04:00

Go back to an all male (with penises) combat arms protocol...women do not belong in the military or in politics...give the country back to the men to run...look at the difference pre 1955 and post 1955...women's empowerment has destroyed the conservative fabric of the family, of the church and of this Republic

Response by PFC Pamala (Hall) Foster made Sep 30 at 2018 6:18 PM

2018-09-30T18:18:15-04:00

If I could get rid, add or change, it would be: Change-Training that is equal to MOS Skill both Primary and secondary with addition of MANDATORY First Aid. Train as you were defending. If you are infantry, you better know how to fire and properly maintain yourself and weapon. Rid- Certain Medical waivers. If you have heart defects, blown knees, something that can be fatal or make for permanent disability...don't allow enlistment because you are valuable alive. Add-Training so they can and will be able to stay alive and Educational skills for all. Ensure that the SM can be MORE of an asset during time in service and also able to transition OUT of service and can support their family. I learned that i enlisted a bit too old, but I gave it all I had and changed my life for the better. Wish I was younger, stronger and trained harder.

Response by TSgt Franklin Tiller made Oct 4 at 2018 6:18 PM

2018-10-04T18:18:56-04:00

I recruited for the US Air Force for 12 years back in the 80's/90's. I never had to deal with such moral issues. If I were recruiting today I would not want to enlist a person with gender identity issues. The military faces enough issues w/o having to help someone identify themselves as male/female. Cross dressers have serious identity problems. It's like Col. Novak points out. If you have a penis you are a male and if you have a vagina you are a female.

Response by SFC Matthew Del Rossi made Oct 15 at 2018 2:19 AM

2018-10-15T02:19:49-04:00

The GED requirement. When I was recruiting you could only take GEDs during a certain time of the year. If you have passed the GED then treat it as a HS diploma.

Response by SPC Benjamin Hartog made Oct 15 at 2018 1:49 PM

2018-10-15T13:49:13-04:00

I enlisted in the US Army in 1965 in order to provide my evolving individuation with a worldview that would stretch my self-undestanding as a young man entering a hallowed institution that at one time or another was lead by men such as Grant, Pershing, Gavin, Ridgeway and Abrams and many other highly effective American warriors. Historically my knowledge of the US military was relatively extensive and I had read many substansive monographs about the various campaigns and combat operations of all the branches of the armed forces with a focus on WWII and the Korean conflict. I was particularly impressed by "The River and the Gauntlet" and "This Kind of War," masterpieces on the Korean War.
In retrosepct my enlistment was based on two interlocking assumptions: (1) that the US Army would furnish me with a firm foundation which would facilitate my my efforts to work interdependently with other soldiers (2) that the US Army would instill in me an unshakeable single-minded discipline to guide and support me whenever I was faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles such as my tour of duty in the Vietnam War. As my aspirations to be a competent soldier emerged I grew more perspicacious in my outlook and I developed a stronger grasp of my military environment and the multi-layered culture it sustained. Yet in spite of my convictions that the US Army was a material and psychological Gibraltar which provided me with a stable context to cultivate my burgeoning identity as a warrior, my sure-footedness was irrevocably compromised by the war in Vietnam. First and foremost, howerever, it exacerbated the pressure of living in a constant state of moral and strategic ambiguity in a very unpopular and unwinnable war. Vietnam imbued a sense of skepticism in me and this philosophical wound remains an integral part of my personality and has impaired my intellectual efficiency to a point where I fundamentally have a very tragic view of life. Vietnam opened my eyes to the preponderance of pathos, ugliness, filth and cruelty and sufferring. And following my discharge from active duty I was suffused with an overriding and permanent cynicism.

Response by SPC Benjamin Hartog made Oct 16 at 2018 2:56 PM

2018-10-16T14:56:05-04:00

I enlisted in the US Army in 1965 in order to provide my evolving individuation with a worldview that would stretch my physical, emotional and intellectual maturation. I wanted to enter a hallowed institution that played a critical role in the formation of the American War Machine and the warriors it produced such as Sheridan, Alvin York, Pershing, John Shirley Wood, Audie Murphy, Gavin, Ridgeway and Abrams. I was 18 years old at the time. Historically, my knowledge of the US military was relatively expansive. I had already read many substansive monographs about the various campaigns and combat operations of all the branches of the American Armed forces with a focus on WWII and Korea. I was particularly impressed by SLA Marshall's "The River and the Gauntlet" and Fehrenbach's " This Kind of War," both masterpieces of the Korean Conflict.
In retrospect my enlistment was based on three interlocking assumptions: (1) that the US Army would furnish me with a stable structure which would faciliate my efforts to work interdependently with other soldiers (2) that the US Army would also proffer an unshakeable foundation to test my tolerance for crisis (3) that the US Army was a vehicle for establishing a sense of iron displicine in my everyday activities. As my aspirations to be a competent soldier slowly evolved, I grew more perspicacious in my outlook. My views of the US Army seemed to be more strategic and the martial environment in which I existed grew more familiar to me. Yet, in spite of my convictions that the US Army was a Gibaltar like monolith which helped shape and form my burgeoning soldierly identity,
my sure-footedness was severely tested by the war in VIetnam. Ironically, first and foremost, Vietnam weakened my determination to live in circumstances where moral ambiguity was virtualy nonexistent. Vietnam overturned that notion and I discovered that I was suddenly beset by an existential crises which threatened to topple all the psychological defenses I had constructed. Vietnam imbued a sense of skepticism in me and this philosophical wound has remained an integral part of my elderly personality. Vietnam opened my eyes to the preponderance of pathos, ugliness, filth, cruelty and suffering and implanted a view of life in me which is fundamentally tragic. Following my discharge from the service I was left with a covert sense of cynicism which remains a permanent driving force in my worldview. This is the legacy of my military experience.

Response by SFC Steven Barry made Oct 17 at 2018 3:48 PM

2018-10-17T15:48:33-04:00

Just one? No females.

Response by SSG Chris Allsopp made Oct 18 at 2018 2:37 AM

2018-10-18T02:37:28-04:00

The military is always going to be a dynamic force. It is not always going to be a logical, or sane entity. We can all agree that the military will change with the situation, unfortunately it's a reaction based thing, not only to war, but to politics. The military does whatever it needs to sustain, members volunteer to be part of that regardless of it's needs. There is no way to get the military to bend to your individual will.. once you accept that hard truth you have your answer.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Oct 19 at 2018 10:22 AM

2018-10-19T10:22:06-04:00

No transgenders, no females in combat units, a provision for kicking out whiney assed people that forever torment the military with liberal bullshit. The military is there to defend and defend takes effort and dedication, they are not there to be a social experiment lab which severely detracts from effort.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 26 at 2018 7:46 AM

2018-10-26T07:46:50-04:00

1st time drug user, just about everyone has tried weed or some kind of drug and the Army disqualifies good people because the use of drugs one time in the lives. Look at the status in the services for drug users currently serving. Some are booted and some are given a slap on the hand.

Response by Amn Rick Miller made Oct 26 at 2018 6:34 PM

2018-10-26T18:34:55-04:00

Age Requirements.

Response by SGM Herman Whitley made Nov 12 at 2018 9:13 PM

2018-11-12T21:13:25-05:00

Get ride of the restrictions on the prior use of drugs used to control attention issues with youngsters.

Response by Edward Samsen made Nov 18 at 2018 9:40 PM

2018-11-18T21:40:13-05:00

Remove age and some medical requirement for certain non-combat support roles. There are many civilians with skills that are extremely valuable but were/are unable to serve because of age and or medical conditions.

Response by SPC Keegan Onc made Nov 19 at 2018 8:57 AM

2018-11-19T08:57:30-05:00

This is prior service only. Not new recruits. I think that if someone has enlisted and deployed. Got out later that they should be allowed to rejoin regardless of what they may have done within reason. This pertains to when getting out of service and immediately following. Also reguarding RE-CODES. Many of the 2,3,&4 codes are not justified. 4 can ruin someone’s life. No benefits no re-enlistment, nothing. And I think this is very harsh compared to certain situations. Everyone is different. That’s why I said within reason.

Response by PFC David Woodall made Nov 25 at 2018 2:44 AM

2018-11-25T02:44:46-05:00

I agree that if a soldier can't identify their gender how can they identify between enemy and friend.
Soldier vs inmate - the military should not offer a weapon to someone to avoid incarceration.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Dec 16 at 2018 11:11 PM

2018-12-16T23:11:05-05:00

A transgender person requires medication to remain that way. No one in the military should be allowed to serve of\if there medication dependent. As an example, a diabetic can't join the military because of their illness.

Response by PO3 Michael James made Dec 28 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-12-28T22:07:20-05:00

SGT Gunderson, Sir; Honesty !! They lie to us, consequently, we should be able to lie to them !!!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-12-29T00:31:24-05:00

I'd require everyone wanting to join to take a common sense test. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the ASVAB is a test that measures what you are good at. I've seen a lot of book smart people with zero common sense.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2019 7:40 PM

2019-01-03T19:40:15-05:00

Quit forcing people out who are good at their jobs just because they did not progress in rank or they get passed over for promotion. Instead of "Be All That You Can Be", it has become "Do Whatever You Have To Do To Be The Next Rank"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2019 7:26 PM

2019-02-06T19:26:40-05:00

Require ALL members of the Military to meet the weight standards. Why are there so many obviously obese women and senior officers in uniform is beyond my comprehension. Require ALL Officer Canidates to attend either Airborne or Ranger training.

Response by MGySgt Joseph Magyar made Feb 23 at 2019 2:07 AM

2019-02-23T02:07:47-05:00

I would stop the idea that the military is an incubator to test the latest trends in social experiments The latest example is the thought that females and males are equal in body mass and strength a few mAY be but not many. Infantry?

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jul 1 at 2019 7:54 PM

2019-07-01T19:54:15-04:00

Add Mental illness screening including history of mania, psychosis, long-term depression, trans, 'made up genders', and the ever popular 'attack helicopter'.
The military is an all-inclusive club like so many want it to be. Some fail the ASVAB while others are barred b/c of mental and/or physical issues. It's not 'mean'. The standards of the military must be higher than average.

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Nov 9 at 2019 11:42 AM

2019-11-09T11:42:22-05:00

I would make serving in the Military mandatory for everyone of the age 18 to 22, and then help them through college if that is the way they want their career to go.

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Jan 4 at 2020 11:45 AM

2020-01-04T11:45:44-05:00

I think that we should do as Israel does every individual that attains the age of 18 should have to serve in the Military for at least 2 years.

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Feb 7 at 2020 3:04 PM

2020-02-07T15:04:43-05:00

I would add that every male/female serve a minimum of 2 years in the Armed Forces.

Response by PV2 Michael Straub made Oct 29 at 2020 5:27 AM

2020-10-29T05:27:00-04:00

Can you live with bullshit!

Response by GySgt Thomas Vick made Feb 17 at 2021 10:03 AM

2021-02-17T10:03:05-05:00

I would make the military mandatory for two years for every graduating High School Student in America, and for that two years service would give them the same time in College.