Is the Army really just a "job"?

2014-06-05T11:32:15-04:00

I read this quote in a response posted to another thread: "The Army is a job while the Marine Corps is an identity."

Let me first state that I don't have a problem with my Marine comrades because the Corps is an identity and since 1775 the USMC has done an excellent job building their brand.

Is the Army just a job? This question isn't about the Marine Corps; it's about the Army and how we, as Soldiers, perceive ourselves and the profession of arms.

"Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier". I never considered the Army a "job". I earned the right to be called a Soldier and hanging up my uniform did not mean giving that up.

"Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier". What do you think?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 11:36 AM

2014-06-05T11:36:05-04:00

Whoever would say such a thing is blind.

We place ourselves in just as much danger, have just as much comraderie, and have long and storied history which shows the dedication of our Soldiers.

It is just the same as any other service member. This has to be much more than a job. This has to be something you are 100% dedicated to. You can not half-ass something as important as this, and for someone to call it a job is a farce at best.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made Jun 24 at 2014 1:48 PM

2014-06-24T13:48:06-04:00

Totally agree with you Stephen! Although I am more privy to the term: "Once Cav, Always Cav"......

And the 32 year old tattoo on the my bicep still says Cav Scout. Maybe faded these days, but I am still true to it in heart!!!!!!!!!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2014 8:17 PM

2014-10-21T20:17:56-04:00

Whoever can go through basic, AIT, on top of all of the other training that goes along with learning their MOS/AFSC/or whatever and only call it a job...is in the service for the wrong reasons.

When you enlist/commission you become part of the legacy of defenders of this country. To call that just another job would be akin to calling the presidency just another job... Where's your sense of pride for defending your country, for doing something that not just any Joe on the street can or even will ever do in their life?

I believe that is one of the systemic problems of not just the Army...but of all of the services in this day and age. We've lost a sense of pride in what we do everyday and have relegated it to "just another job." Yes it pays the bills, but to leave it at that is a travesty.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 21 at 2014 9:47 PM

2014-10-21T21:47:24-04:00

No, its an entire lifestyle!

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Oct 21 at 2014 11:14 PM

2014-10-21T23:14:13-04:00

Its not just a job, its an adventure! Oh, wait, that's not the Army...that is very different...never mind

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 12:18 AM

2014-10-22T00:18:19-04:00

"Is the Army just a job?" I believe that as an insitution the Army is not just a job, it is a culture, potentially a career, a profession, and a lifestyle; however, an individual can consider the Army nothing more than a job. It is usually those soldiers that perform poorly and get out after serving the bare minimum time required because they see their time in service as something to be endured, or tolerated, rather than what it really is; an opportunity.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 1:13 AM

2014-10-22T01:13:38-04:00

Even though I'm getting out, being in the Army has always been part of my identity. I think I will always feel this way.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 7:20 AM

2014-10-22T07:20:33-04:00

It sometimes seems that for the bureaucratic arm of the military, yes it is just a 9 to 5 job. Which is sad if true.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 6:59 PM

2014-10-22T18:59:40-04:00

Your identity is however you live to identify yourself. For some people the Army is "just a job," others a way of life or an identity; it's what you make of it. Your passion will always trump any of your obligations and then you'll know where you stand.

Response by SFC Alehandra Philip made Oct 22 at 2014 7:59 PM

2014-10-22T19:59:57-04:00

No, I am a firm believer that the Army is a lifestyle and not a job.

Response by SFC Matthew Parker made Oct 28 at 2014 4:16 PM

2014-10-28T16:16:16-04:00

Short answer no, its not a job. You quit a job, you leave a job and you change jobs. The Army and military service is also more than a life style because you can change a life style.

The service is more than that. Its staff duty on Christmas, its deployments, it's pt 5 days a week, its knowing your a continuation of a tradition dating back 200+ years.

The Army has its own language, law and regulations and for 20+ years I didn't have a first name, just a rank. The service is that lump in your throat at 2300 when taps is played on post or the pride in a salute at retreat.

A job? no its not a job, you and the Army are one in the same, without soldiers there is no Army, without the Army there is no purpose.
You experience things that years later come back as a flood of memories, smells and sounds. I walk past a WWII billets and remember reception at Ft Knox, I smell the wax and remember fire watch. The M113 in front of the VFW is not a antique to me, I can still start and drive it, I remember the smell of diesel and track grease.

When you stand in formation for a promotion, award or a memorial to a fallen comrade no civilian can understand the emotions you feel or how these moments can change you.

I think that is what the real difference is here, your service in the Army or any military service changes you as a person. The experiences stay with you always.

Now if you don't feel the same because you never bought in to the whole total soldier concept that's ok, but you have missed something.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Mar 15 at 2016 8:50 AM

2016-03-15T08:50:09-04:00

It's not just a job; it's an adventure. Oh, wait... that's the Navy LOL!