What are some of the biggest lies that were told to you while you were in or since you have been in the military?

SSG Elizabeth Koss — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:16:07 -0400

Note...this is research for a book that I am writing. It is supposed to be funny and informative.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 11:42 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:42:37 -0400

I was told just having a Top Secret clearance would open up jobs at a number of three letter agencies. CIA, FBI, NSA, you name it. None of them have called yet.

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Aug 10 at 2020 11:51 AM

MSgt Don VandeBogert — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:51:57 -0400

Less than honorable or bad conduct discharges are automatically upgraded 6 months after you separate. Used to hear that frequently years ago but more rarely in the last few years. Heard it from "dorm lawyers" up through unit Commanders and have had to educate a few of them on that.

If you don't like the job you have as a first term enlistee you can cross train and pick any job you want. Definitely doesn't work that way. I've had to educate many on that as well.

My favorite. They give saltpeter to you in boot camp to "suppress" certain urges. Not explaining this one, just Google it. Even my teens asked if this really happens.

V/R
Bogie

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 10 at 2020 12:02 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:02:27 -0400

Before anyone reads below, please know that NONE of them are true. They're all proven urban legends. Please don't argue them, you'll just look dumb.

- The contents of the Finial at the top of the flag pole (finials and truks aren't the same thing, and there's nothing in there anyway).

- The old "government property/sunburn" urban legend

- The old Boot Camp "salt peter" urban legend.

- To get XYZ award, you must be ABC rank

- Using a .50 cal in troops is against the Geneva Conventions

- The notch in the old dog tags was to jam them into the teeth of a corpse

- Boot Camp "stress cards" get you out of punishment (Marines say the Army had them, Army said the Air Force had them, etc...)

- Soldiers with no siblings can't deploy

- Mister Rogers was a Navy SEAL/ USMC sniper in Vietnam! Depending on who you ask.

- Jane Fonda passed along POW messages to their captors (never happened, documented urban legend, I know the elderly will scream they knew a guy who knew a guy, but it's not true)

- Mccain and the Forrestal fire

- The Old Guard members are forced to live cloistered lives where alcohol and profanity are forbidden for the rest of their lives! (I know, ridiculous, but some actually believe this)

- General Pershing and the anti-muslim "pig blood bullets"

- Chesty Pullers " real Marines have an Article 15" quote. (Chesty Puller never had an article 15 or got in trouble AT ALL, but somehow Marine shitbags have adopted him as their patron saint with a bunch of fake quotes.

- The M-16 "Mattel grips" (they never manufactured any parts, to include grips)

- "Hollywood can't wear uniforms correctly because of Stolen Valor!" Yes they can, don't be silly. This is easily research'able.

- "The Army has more aircraft than the Air Force and more boats than the Navy."

- "There are self-destruct buttons on bases and ships."

There's a lot more, obviously, but these spring most readily to mind...

Response by SFC Robert Mercantini made Aug 10 at 2020 12:16 PM

SFC Robert Mercantini — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:16:31 -0400

Awards are not based on rank, and promotions are directly impacted by actions, competence, etc...yada...yada...yada. Like Vindman....He has a purple heart yet has no awards but the "i was there" and PCS awards. He got where he is at by bad mouthing the U.S. to the Commies and the good ol boy system.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 10 at 2020 12:31 PM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:31:41 -0400

"Promotions are automatic. You just have to be in long enough to get them."

"Refuse to sign a counseling statement. Counts as if you never got it. "

"Check the disagree box on a counseling statement, they cannot use it then."

"They can only give you an APFT every 6 months...."

"They give male recruits salt peter at boot camp..."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 12:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:52:22 -0400

You can go active duty once you get to your reserve duty station xD

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 1:02 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:02:12 -0400

Drill SGT's tell the biggest lies. It's their job.

We were getting smoked one day, and the Drills threatened to recycle the ENTIRE COMPANY and start over from scratch. Even then at my age of 38 while in basic I knew they were full of it. The company was half 88M's and the other have 35 series. Then half of the trainees were NG or Reserve, so our CoC's would all have to be informed and part of the recycle decision or to simply cut us loose from the Army.

All that comes with consequences that would completely even end the Battalion Commander's career.

Now, if I pointed that out to all the kids quivering in fear the Drills would certainly try and recycle my individual ass.

The only power Drills have is pain, smoking and exhaustion and annoyance. Reduction of rank, Art-15's, Recycling all come with the Commander's signature not theirs.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Aug 10 at 2020 1:37 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 13:37:34 -0400

"Final formation will be early today!"

"We're just like the Infantry."

"I have an appointment" (Told by every E4 Mafia and WO ever!)

"We're getting 'zonked' after change of command!"

"Twenty percent of you will die in either Iraq or Afghanistan."

"Your job is to close with, and kill the enemy!" (True, but it omits other frequent aspects of the job such as: spending all day PMCSing vehicles, loading coms, admin and "classes", policing the motor pool of garbage and the barracks of cigarette butts, Death by PowerPoint, and sitting for endless hours in the bay waiting...for what exactly, we never really knew.)

"Report at 0300. Draw weapons at 0500. We step off at 0900." (Only the "0300" part--which in Army-Speak actually translates to "0245"--was ever right; the rest was wishful thinking!)

"We're going to cross-train Infantry and Tankers to do each other's job."

"You can't be sent to the field if you have done your Phase 2 physical."

"This weapon isn't clean."

Off the top of my head, those were the lies I was told, that others here have not mentioned yet.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Aug 10 at 2020 2:18 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:18:10 -0400

Awards aren't based on rank.

Fraternization / unethical behavior / DUI / toxic leadership / unsafe acts will not be tolerated.

The Good Ol' Boy Club is a myth.

You just need to get more rank and then you can fix things.

The Army encourages and appreciates candor.

The Army encourages and apprwciates creative thinkers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 2:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:19:00 -0400

That Fort Hood is "The Great Place."

Sexual Assault is happening everywhere.

"There is no such thing as a stupid question."

"If you ain't CAV then you ain't S@#t."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 3:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:37:35 -0400

I think one of the worst ones I have ever been told was the one about the beads on dog tags. Recall someone saying that they were 365 on the long chain and 52 on the short chain. One day I counted them and realized everything was a lie. I got over it quickly and moved on to the next one.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 10 at 2020 3:42 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:42:00 -0400

My list of lies may be a bit dated mainly cause I’m an old fart but here goes
1. My unit was going to Germany- We all went to Vietnam
2. Your M16 is a better weapon than the enemy’s AK47 - Lie.
3. C rations are edible- come on really!
4. There is an island off California where all uncured VD cases are shipped never to return
5. Agent Orange after effects would be taken care of by the VA-still lying

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 10 at 2020 7:44 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 19:44:39 -0400

The 200 million IU Bicillin won't hurt at all.
Go get me a hundred feet of chow line or a jar of relative bearing grease.
Your sponsor will do great things for you.
Go ahead, wear your cover into the O'Club.
Meaning of the colors of the NDSM: Red if for the blood I haven't shed, Blue is for the seas I never sailed, White is for the skies I never flew, and Yellow is the reason why.
Cosmoline strips easily.
You never get screwed on an auto upgrade when they don't have compacts. Took a long time to live down showing up at MWTC Bridgeport in a pink Cadillac.
A Board of Correction only takes 6 months.
Your Wetting Down won't cost much at all.

It's endless....

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 10 at 2020 11:06 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 23:06:44 -0400

....ok so you got your 3rd choice, you can just branch transfer later. Here’s a form <dropped behind file cabinet>

HRC: grow where you are planted
HRC: We expect officers to go up and down between COM and ACOM through their career. This is normal.
HRC: your file is competitive
Also HRC: your file was middle of the pack, that is likely why you weren’t picked up. Selectees were all ACOMs with nom jobs.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 11:40 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 23:40:20 -0400

1) If you work through lunch you’ll get off early

2) We work to standard not time! (We stayed at work many hours after the standard was exceeded)

3) You won’t be penalized for your lack of infantry tactics, we are simply judging your leadership ability (Advanced Camp ‘18)

4) We’ll train you up before we send you to EFMB.

Response by 1st Lt Mark Marshall made Aug 11 at 2020 12:22 PM

1st Lt Mark Marshall — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:22:20 -0400

With your MOS you will never see combat...after 22 yrs I can say unequivocally that it is all that I have seen.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 1:08 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:08:33 -0400

There was another one.

At 17, I met with an Army recruiter after my junior year in high school. He came by the house, and I shook his hand when he walked in.

I am not lying. He said "That's a very firm grip. You're in good shape. You could be Delta Force!"

Response by TSgt George Austin made Aug 11 at 2020 1:49 PM

TSgt George Austin — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 13:49:45 -0400

The VA will take care of you. Retire with free medical and dental.

Response by SSgt Russell Stevens made Aug 11 at 2020 3:28 PM

SSgt Russell Stevens — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:28:17 -0400

The biggest lie I was told was from the Air Force when I was medically discharged. I was told what I needed to apply for at the VA and they would be right on it. My case was begun with DAV at my last duty station and transferred to where I lived when I was discharged. DAV turned out to be of no help at all and I struggled with the VA for decades before I finally started getting any compensation for what initially ended my career. Long story short, I petitioned the Federal Courts to have all of my non-disclosure statements declared null and void. Someone at the federal level leaned hard on the VA to begin the compensation.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Aug 12 at 2020 1:53 PM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 13:53:49 -0400

Civilian companies love to hire veterans.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 11:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:37:46 -0400

The DA6 is designed to ensure equitable distribution of duties

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 13 at 2020 12:06 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 12:06:02 -0400

WRT USAF “123/DP” OER system: promote is a promotable rating. It wasn’t, I wasn’t, so I retired.

Response by PO3 Patricia Miner made Sep 24 at 2020 10:24 PM

PO3 Patricia Miner — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 22:24:28 -0400

I was so naive when I enlisted.

Response by PO3 Patricia Miner made Sep 24 at 2020 10:26 PM

PO3 Patricia Miner — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 22:26:34 -0400

My comment wasn't posted completely. My recruiting officer told me to pack my bathing suit because I was going to Orlando for bootcamp.

Response by Sgt Jim Frost made Sep 24 at 2020 11:24 PM

Sgt Jim Frost — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 23:24:31 -0400

I joined with 3 buddies under a buddy plan but after basic training in San Antonio TX we never were stationed anywhere near each other.

Response by Sgt Jim Frost made Sep 24 at 2020 11:26 PM

Sgt Jim Frost — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 23:26:12 -0400

I wanted to get into computers but they decided that nearly everyone in my Basic Training Flight was sent to Air Police.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Oct 1 at 2020 11:25 AM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 11:25:11 -0400

The 1980's slogan, "Be all that you can be in the Army." The problem is we can only be all that Uncle Sam wants you to be and not what you want to be.

In basic training, drill sergeant had a bet with each other who which of their soldier will score perfect 40/40. I was promised that if I score 40/40, I will get to be in the front of the chow-line for the rest of the training. Well, I got 40/40, but he made me a platoon guide instead. Meaning, at the end of the chow-line for the rest of the time I was there.

Oh! There are more, but the rest is classified. :P

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2020 8:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 20:46:15 -0400

I know we are supposed to have: the day of, a half day, the holiday DONSA, etc. but I’m gonna need you to work. “Don’t worry we will get you on the back end to make up for it.”

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2020 10:18 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:18:00 -0400

That the items you were issued and were never taken out of the original packaging were "not clean enough" to be turned in to CIF.....

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 5 at 2020 11:22 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 11:22:32 -0400

When you get out, companies will be looking for people like you! You get healthcare for life! Any MOS can apply to airborne school. You will work with computers (this was 1982, and the computer launch control system the Lance Missile system had was a kin to a box with a couple of switches, and a 4 dials on it. It looked like it came from Buck Rodgers).

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2020 11:24 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 11:24:54 -0400

NCOER Lies:

Bullet points all specifically say "Exceeded the Standard" multiple times. Rating: Met the Standard

Senior Rater Comments-- only met Senior Rater once when inprocessing.

Response by SP5 Carroll Durham made Oct 5 at 2020 1:08 PM

SP5 Carroll Durham — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 13:08:53 -0400

The Average age of the Vietnam soldier was 19 yrs old. No women have won the medal of honor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2020 3:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 15:10:27 -0400

Didn't apply to me because I knew the MOS I signed for I wanted (at least wanted enough to sign for it). But recruiters would always say, if you don't like your MOS you can reclass after 6 months at your unit.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Oct 5 at 2020 4:21 PM

SMSgt Bob W. — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 16:21:28 -0400

Life time free medical.
Commissary and Exchange are cheap because they don't charge tax; however, the Commissary had a "surcharge". The Exchange has limited quantities of items close sizing offered was a joke.
They military will never change their retirement system--checked out "Thrift Savings" recently?
Military Hospitals always have the best equipment and drugs. Does generic drugs count?

Response by Sgt Frank Vanacore made Oct 5 at 2020 5:58 PM

Sgt Frank Vanacore — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 17:58:14 -0400

When signing papers at the recruiting station after physical, recruiter says "if you sign for 4 years instead of 3 years you will more than likely get the MOS you desire". Wrong.
4years later, at reenlistment meeting " I see hear you requested MOS when you joined, I think we can get you into that field now". No thank you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2020 12:51 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 00:51:57 -0400

You are non deployable. Unfit for service, you will be medically retired. Takes 6 to 8 months. You have to extend for 1 year.
Just signed my 3rd extension.
Still in. Still in as good shape as before. Still waiting

Response by Cpl Gerald Tucker made Oct 6 at 2020 1:10 AM

Cpl Gerald Tucker — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 01:10:08 -0400

The horn on my Jeep stop working. I told to go to Motor T Supply and get a “Can of Beep?” Motor T was like “Get the Fuk Outta here!” Lol

Response by Cpl Gerald Tucker made Oct 6 at 2020 1:22 AM

Cpl Gerald Tucker — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 01:22:54 -0400

United States Marine Corps serves “Duck” at Boot Camp.
The never had Duck so I couldn’t wait to have some Duck an asked Sr. DI when we having Duck.
Of course Sr. DI put me on blast saying “Recruit wants Duck for lunch?”
Well as it goes the entire platoon found out what Duck was that day and the next day we had Roast Duck!
Duck- whereas recruits in chow line get their food sit down for the count of one minute the get up and get out the chow hall!
Roast Duck- is when recruits get food in their tray while in line and as you exit the line you dump your leftover food in trash and leave chow hall.
Good Ole days

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Oct 6 at 2020 2:04 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 02:04:25 -0400

Free health care for life for retirees. (I joined way back in 1978 when it was true.) Damn politicians keep finding ways to charge the producers so they can give free stuff to the non producers.

Response by Wayne Soares made Oct 6 at 2020 7:54 AM

Wayne Soares — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 07:54:56 -0400

Excellent SSG Koss!

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Oct 6 at 2020 9:46 AM

SSG Dennis R. — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 09:46:00 -0400

Free dental & medical care for my entire life if I did 20.

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 6 at 2020 3:10 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 15:10:57 -0400

Except for statement 6). Every sentence is a lie. The true part of statement 6) is the set up for the lie.

1) We're from the CG's office and we are here to help you.
2) Welcome, we always look forward to hearing what the CG's office has to say. You've been a great deal of help in the past.
3) Well, when we finish going through the areas we are inspecting, we will stick around to help correct any deficiencies., and don't you worry; if you can fix a discrepancy before we leave, it won't reflect in our final report.
4) I'm sure that when you are finished helping us, things will run much more smoothly.
5) Well, all the tips and tricks we show you will save you so much time and simplify your day to day operations.
6) We bought you donuts, to go with your coffee while you are here. (<Truth) (Lie>) OH!!! I never gave any thought to the fact that powdered donuts will trash your uniform. Oh well... I hope you enjoy them.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Oct 6 at 2020 7:23 PM

1SG Dennis Hicks — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 19:23:46 -0400

"Be all you can be"
"Keeper of the Standards"
"We misplaced your shot record"
"Move out is 0400 sharp"
"your bad back, failing knees and hip and neck problems are not service related"
"There is no such thing as toxic leaders"
"Command surveys lead to good changes"

Response by SFC Mark Klaers made Oct 8 at 2020 8:15 AM

SFC Mark Klaers — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 08:15:25 -0400

That VA benefits would be available in exchange for my service. Applied a couple years ago and was denied (Section 8E) Because of the large volume of new applicants and my current income. I don't recall that being mentioned in my enlistment contract anywhere. Had I known this was a thing, when I got off the plane in Kuwait I'd have said "Shit! You got half a million M-fers here already, you don't need me" and got back on the plane!

Response by Justin Underwood made Oct 8 at 2020 8:32 AM

Justin Underwood — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 08:32:21 -0400

Drink milk before you go to the cs chamber.

Response by CW3 Kelly Duncan made Oct 8 at 2020 1:13 PM

CW3 Kelly Duncan — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 13:13:38 -0400

Sort of an institutionalized lie: I was Infantry AND unit supply at different times as enlisted. Then I became a supply warrant officer. For 23 years I had Fort Hood on my assignment preference statement and was always told there weren't any openings at Fort Hood by the various assignments people. Really?!? I have advised my grandson to put only places he doesn't want to go on his preference statement.

Response by SFC Clifton Brown made Oct 9 at 2020 12:55 PM

SFC Clifton Brown — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 12:55:20 -0400

I trying very hard to filter out items in the 'nobody told me' department, even though issues like Stop-Loss qualifies as an lie of omission (First time was a real shock!).
Where do I begin? I'll limit them to lies when I was 17-18:
1. The yachting club at Fort Ord. (AFEES Recruiter laid that one on me when I enlisted on my 17th birthday).
2. Ability to fly on commercial airliners for free if the plane has an empty seat.
3. Snipe and Nauga hunts.
4. Group fitness, followed by relaxing with government-issued cigarettes from my C-rations.
5. Being the Colonel's Orderly. No prestige there as touted.
6. Only child in combat theater of operations. Me and 3 of my brothers were in Vietnam at the same time, albeit overlapping tours. Of course, we didn't mind but our Mom and Dad naturally had anxieties.
...and many more but I'll stop there. I retired at 60 so you can see the progression.

Response by SFC Clifton Brown made Oct 9 at 2020 1:02 PM

SFC Clifton Brown — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 13:02:54 -0400

Oh, I forgot; tax-free salary while in the service.

Response by CPO William Slifko made Oct 9 at 2020 7:42 PM

CPO William Slifko — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 19:42:36 -0400

Volunteers will get a day off.

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Oct 10 at 2020 2:50 PM

MSG Allan Davis — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 14:50:55 -0400

You have to raise a puppy at the Q a kill it and eat it to grad

You have to swim through human waste at Sniper school

You have to jump a wooby at Ranger

Navy SEALs work as hit men for the CIA.

You have to be a Q grad to be CAG

Camel Spiders move in “herds” and shamals carry them across the sands

“143 degrees” in the shade

Civilian GS employees on a military installation are necessary

A civilian can correct a soldier on a military installation

ACUs were effective camouflage

All Rangers drink alcohol

Extending your arm down the length of your weapon to support it makes you more accurate “that’s how special forces shoot”

You have to fire your weapon from two feet away of a flag man at Sniper school

Snipers used .22LR during Vietnam

Snipers use .22LR to train with

Marines don’t attend Ranger and their BT is just as difficult

Rangers were “good” with losing the black beret

The flash on the black beret is blue because Bill Clinton signed over the military to the UN ( he basically did but that’s not why it’s blue)

The current US Army soldier is the hardest most professional soldier in the world. ( this one makes me laugh every time I hear it)

Obama did great things for our military as Commander In Chief

An Article 15 WILL lose you your TSSC

Females are able to graduate the same exact Ranger school that was going on in the 90s “because the Ranger standard will not change”

The biggest lie of all Elise Stefanik is the first female to become a green beret. She isn’t and not only is she not but she was beat out by over 3 decades. Katy Wilder bad ass that she is had to fight tooth and nail for her right to wear the color and tab in 1980 after she blasted her way through the Q course.

Two guys burn in at ATTIC / MFFS every single class

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Oct 10 at 2020 3:15 PM

MSG Allan Davis — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 15:15:35 -0400

And above all “ the army does NOT promote officers for bad behavior”

Response by Maj A. Clark made Oct 10 at 2020 4:35 PM

Maj A. Clark — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 16:35:46 -0400

I started in 77, back then we were told we would have full free medical and dental forever, just for serving. Now that I am retired, not really....So I was was not going to have anything after only 5 or 6 years.
We were also told that the assignment retailers would carefully consider transfer and school requests. That was a huge lie. I was threatened with an article 15 just for going to the detailers office.
We were also told how all our uniforms would be free.. That was not true. Hell they even deducted funds from our boot-camp paychecks to pay for crap we never used.
And all the supposed civilian job cross-overs for various military career paths was pure fantasy.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Oct 10 at 2020 8:16 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 20:16:18 -0400

During third phase of Marine Corps boot camp you will get a shot in the left nut with a square needle. That one had a lot of guys groaning when they heard that! My brother (who went it a year and a half before me) finally admitted to me it was bullshit but don't tell anyone. So while all the other recruits were groaning I was laughing inside!

Response by PO1 Andrew Boner made Oct 10 at 2020 10:13 PM

PO1 Andrew Boner — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 22:13:42 -0400

You'll have plenty of time to go to school while you are in!

If you get permission sign up for underway classes, your Chain of Command HAS to allow you to attend.

Your Navy training will help you get a civilian job.

Response by CPT Allen Saum made Oct 11 at 2020 10:40 AM

CPT Allen Saum — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 10:40:14 -0400

As a young, single 1st Lt., I was told that if I volunteered for a tour in Korea, I'd have my choice of available assignments once I returned to the States. Once I got back, when asked, I gave Branch my top three assignment choices. Not only did I NOT get any of the three, I was assigned to the one post that I told Branch that I DIDN'T wish to be assigned........One of the main reasons I ended up resigning my commission a little over a year later.

Response by CPT Dennis Stevenson made Oct 11 at 2020 11:04 AM

CPT Dennis Stevenson — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 11:04:36 -0400

This isn't funny, but it's a lie told to the US population. That's the motivation for and conduct of the Viet Nam war. It's easy to track down: The National Archives has the whole sordid story.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Oct 11 at 2020 3:48 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 15:48:41 -0400

Civilians will care.

Response by SMSgt David A Asbury made Oct 11 at 2020 5:39 PM

SMSgt David A Asbury — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 17:39:31 -0400

Was going to get a square needle in the testicals during basic. We will comp the time you are working on your day off.

Response by CPL Cadrew Strickland made Oct 11 at 2020 9:12 PM

CPL Cadrew Strickland — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 21:12:14 -0400

I was told when we got to Ft. Polk for basic training we would get to sleep in that first day. Getting up at 5 am was not sleeping in. That was July 1, 1974. I learned real fast as a seventeen old that this wasn’t home.

Response by CPT Derry Gallagher made Oct 11 at 2020 10:29 PM

CPT Derry Gallagher — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 22:29:20 -0400

During Vietnam, "We see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Response by SGT Allen Treviranus made Oct 11 at 2020 11:25 PM

SGT Allen Treviranus — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 23:25:01 -0400

“You won’t be successful as a civilian”....lmao.

Response by SSG Scott Mitchell made Oct 12 at 2020 10:29 AM

SSG Scott Mitchell — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 10:29:31 -0400

1. The wish list. Pick three stateside locations and one overseas location that you would like to be stationed at and the Army will do its best to accommodate your request. I really think the Army takes that list and puts it in your personnel file as the header page marked with DO NOT EVER SEND THE SOLDIER TO ANY OF THESE PLACES.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Oct 12 at 2020 2:43 PM

PO2 Paul Dempsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 14:43:18 -0400

That in the six week of boot camp we would be getting a shot in the left testicle with a a new type of square needle to help immunize us from sexauly transmitted diseases. The black syphilis first found in Veitnam was the main reason for the shot. Because until this shot it had no cure. It made your tongue turn black

Response by Sgt John Dean made Oct 12 at 2020 8:13 PM

Sgt John Dean — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 20:13:49 -0400

Square needle in the right nut. Getting shots before going to o Vietnam

Response by 1SG Michael Farrell made Oct 12 at 2020 9:41 PM

1SG Michael Farrell — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 21:41:39 -0400

So many, for all sorts of reasons. Truth can a lot of plasticity in the shapes it takes. One kid decided to steal from an AWOL roommate, which we discovered because the Squad Leader and the Platoon Sergeant came to me in tears of frustration. They had told him that I was coming up, so away we went. We went upstairs, and the guy had gone into his room and take a nap. I was kind of stunned, but amused. The room stank and I recognized really dirty clothing, so I compared it to a dead animal and said "We gotta find that dead animal...We found lots of stuff a lot of it with the other guy's name on it. For example, he had an additional cable box..." where did you get that...Found it....where'd you find it? Uhh, on
the street?
Where on the street...really? ...ah, yeah...was anyone with you? Oh, yeah,oh yeah...Smith. Bob Smith...Sergeant Smith, go find Bob Smith so he can back up Shit for Brains on this?...Wait, wait...I don't remember? Yeah, so where did you get this? Went on for a while but not so long as it could have...Guy got a new job someplace back home, just a lot sooner than he'd expected.

Response by SMSgt Seymour Black made Oct 12 at 2020 11:04 PM

SMSgt Seymour Black — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 23:04:14 -0400

Hot A meal on the objective.
Your going to jump in with one days worth of food and get resupplied. After the jump you will not get meals for 3 days.

Response by Cpl Loel Larzelere made Oct 13 at 2020 5:22 AM

Cpl Loel Larzelere — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 05:22:13 -0400

There would always be a good-paying job for a veteran with an honorable discharge.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2020 8:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 08:30:50 -0400

Was told that I would be MOS qualified and proficient in MOS which is 100% wrong! There is no such thing being proficient and or the SME in the MOS you enlisted for, with details and other non MOS task you do throughout your career you are lucky to even know your MOS.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Oct 13 at 2020 9:06 AM

SPC Kevin Ford — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 09:06:50 -0400

That there was formaldehyde in Soju that you buy at the store. I still see it sometimes on the internet and can't find any evidence that it is true.

Response by SGT Dean Yeargin made Oct 13 at 2020 3:47 PM

SGT Dean Yeargin — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:47:47 -0400

pay attention, you will need this info later ...no so much

Response by 1LT Luke Flowers made Oct 13 at 2020 9:31 PM

1LT Luke Flowers — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 21:31:56 -0400

That when the time came and I asked for specific help when I left Active duty the help would be there.

That I would get copies of every record I asked for.

That the declassification of specific operational history would occur when I asked for it. Specifically that Special Major OIF 05-07 stuff.

That I would get my foot locker when I asked for it.

That’s the stuff until I receive it are big Ole lies.

Response by 1LT Luke Flowers made Oct 13 at 2020 9:34 PM

1LT Luke Flowers — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 21:34:32 -0400

If you get copies for me of all documentation relevant to what I just discussed and the current location of the aforementioned foot locker I would greatly appreciate it SSG Koss.

Response by SGT Michael Hearn made Oct 13 at 2020 11:24 PM

SGT Michael Hearn — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 23:24:31 -0400

SSG KOSS
I would need a boxcar for the BS I heard in the Army. I had a 2nd Lt in Germany was a 13-week wonder CHEERY/LOL He was dumber than a rock when it came to ammunition.

Response by PO1 Robbie Bell made Oct 14 at 2020 10:45 AM

PO1 Robbie Bell — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 10:45:52 -0400

I was told my rifle wasn't clean enough to turn in to the armory at least 2 times each time I attempted to turn it in. I figured out the armory staff had a 3-times minimum cleaning before they would accept a rifle. Even a rifle that was never fired. The next time I needed to check my rifle into the armory I sufficiently cleaned my rifle once and waited until 5 minutes before Beer:30 to turn it in. Amazingly accepted on the first try. I passed this word on to my platoon and the next time the armorers were basically begging us to hurry up and turn our rifles in.

Response by PO1 Robbie Bell made Oct 14 at 2020 10:50 AM

PO1 Robbie Bell — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 10:50:10 -0400

Another lie told in the Navy: If you don't have a warfare designation, you'll never make chief (E7). I know several butt-kissers that made E-7 without a warfare pin and several very deserving people WITH a pin that got passed over. Navy chief selections are based on friendship and butt kissing, NOT ability and know-how.

Response by Jc McGraw made Oct 14 at 2020 1:10 PM

Jc McGraw — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:10:34 -0400

Recruiter told me that as soon as I passed MEPS, they would have me on a plane to San Antonio, in less than 4 weeks. Actual time, 7 months and 3 weeks! Lol

Response by MAJ Karl Swenson made Oct 14 at 2020 6:51 PM

MAJ Karl Swenson — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 18:51:23 -0400

In 1966, I was guaranteed -GUARANTEED - that I would see no combat if I enlisted for 4 years. Hook, line, and sinker. 3 months later, I was on my way to Infantry AIT...

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Oct 14 at 2020 8:14 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 20:14:49 -0400

Recruiter: "You can go to any duty station you want after boot camp, just put in a request with the drill instructors and they will take care of the rest." I knew that was bullcrap when it came out of his mouth. They send you wherever they damn well want to and you aint got $hit to say about it!

Response by SSG Bobby Richardson made Oct 15 at 2020 2:31 PM

SSG Bobby Richardson — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 14:31:08 -0400

"It's okay to slam 5 shots of 5 different types of alcohol, on an empty stomach."

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Oct 15 at 2020 9:01 PM

PO2 Louis Fattrusso — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 21:01:48 -0400

I was living in LA and was told I would go to boot camp in San Diego. Instead they shipped me to Orlando. Put me on a bus at 0600 taking Air Force recruits to LAX for an early flight. Mine didn’t leave until 1700. Didn’t get to Orlando until 0100.

Response by Cpl Van Blakeman made Oct 16 at 2020 4:04 PM

Cpl Van Blakeman — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 16:04:36 -0400

Where the current incompetent draft dodger is pretending to be the commander in chief.

Response by PO2 Tony Divito made Oct 18 at 2020 7:38 PM

PO2 Tony Divito — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 19:38:59 -0400

“Go fetch the bulkhead remover...While you’re at it we need three yards of flight line”.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Oct 19 at 2020 12:44 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:44:32 -0400

This didn't affect me, however, when I was stationed in Korea for my final tour(2007-2008), the Soldiers that were in the unit before I got there(Aco, 302, BDE SPT BT), they were getting orders to go to units in the U.S. that were either deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan. These individuals tried to extend their tours in Korea(before I got there, their previous platoon Sergeant extended his tour multiple times so they tried to follow suit). All those who tried, FAILED!!!

Response by SFC George “Bones” Small made Oct 19 at 2020 8:35 AM

SFC George “Bones” Small — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 08:35:13 -0400

I think the biggest lie that the guys of my time were told, is that if we stayed in over 20 years for retirement, we’d get free medical and dental care for life. Also, that lie included that we could always acquire that care at any military base hospital and/or dental clinic we lived close to..

Response by 1LT Murray Robinson made Oct 20 at 2020 5:52 PM

1LT Murray Robinson — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 17:52:56 -0400

While technically not a lie, but more of an embellishment of sorts, is something I noticed from every NCO or EM that transferred to units. Invariably, no matter where someone transferred to, the previous unit/post/duty assignment was infinitely more squared away, efficient, STRAC, etc. than wherever they currently were assigned. It was almost without fail.

The other lie I heard was told by soldiers to their wives when they would volunteer for assignment in Korea. There were some soldiers that loved it over there for various reasons. They would volunteer for the assignment and then call and tell their wives that they had come out on "levy" for the assignment.

Response by James Nelson made Oct 25 at 2020 12:44 PM

James Nelson — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 12:44:21 -0400

Marijuana Causes Brain Damage

Response by SSgt James Nelson made Oct 26 at 2020 11:00 AM

SSgt James Nelson — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 11:00:22 -0400

"After 4 years and 2 pumps you can go anywhere in the Corps you want". My recruiter said this and when I spoke to my Gunny he said "this is the moment when you realize you have been lied to."

Response by Maj Martin Smith made Nov 2 at 2020 10:56 AM

Maj Martin Smith — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:56:49 -0500

On the day I joined, 27 SEP 63 an Army captain who swore many of us in said" if you stay for 20 you will never have another medical bill". Needless to say that didn't hold!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2020 11:05 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:05:57 -0500

CID agents when undercover must identify themselves when asked.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2020 11:32 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:32:18 -0500

In Boot Camp before we got our shots a Corpsman told me they would only hurt for a second!

Response by PO2 Wendell Dick made Nov 3 at 2020 9:27 AM

PO2 Wendell Dick — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 09:27:13 -0500

I was told you only swear in once Big lie

Response by Sgt William Hodges made Nov 3 at 2020 10:46 PM

Sgt William Hodges — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 22:46:13 -0500

I signed up for electronics but really did not want to be there. The recruiter said just tell them in basic and hey will change you. I go to basic, told them what the recruiter said and they told me to wait until I get to the personnel awaiting training squadron and they would change my assignment. I go there and they told me that I would have to wait until I got to tech school to get changed. At the tech school, they said sorry Too late to change. The story goes on but I will stop there.

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Nov 5 at 2020 4:13 PM

CPL Joseph Elinger — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:13:01 -0500

The story about Mr Rogers being a Sniper.

Response by LCDR Jerry Maurer made Nov 5 at 2020 7:20 PM

LCDR Jerry Maurer — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 19:20:18 -0500

First day at basic training, Drill Sargent asked for a show of hands, who was a farm boy and knew how to drive a tractor? My dad, ex airborne drill sargent, had told me never to raise my hand in basic training. So even though I had driven a tractor for 4 years on the neighbors farm, I didn't raise my hand. Dozen trainees did raise their hands and were immediately handed shovels and rakes. They spent the next 4 hours landscaping in the hot Louisiana sun with a drill sargent yelling at them, while the rest of us went to lunch and set up our bunks. Thanks, Dad!

Response by SPC Cory Thomson made Nov 6 at 2020 8:41 PM

SPC Cory Thomson — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 20:41:57 -0500

A Brigadier came to us in Kuwait and sat us down like summer camp kids and gave us a rah rah speech and said he wanted “5 Hard days” and then he would rotate us home, 10 months and “mission accomplished” later they came around and took all our anmo and grenades, which was weird because we were still pulling guard duty, then they announced a visit from good ol 5 days, I guess they didn’t want us having an accidental discharge when we were forced to listen to him again.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Nov 8 at 2020 10:44 PM

SPC Steven Nihipali — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 22:44:02 -0500

Call me and someone will always be there...

10 years later and I don't talk to anyone nor do i want to from my units... garbage

Response by SGT Wajahat Mohiuddin made Nov 9 at 2020 8:43 PM

SGT Wajahat Mohiuddin — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 20:43:47 -0500

When I told my recruiters that I got the MOS 74D (CBRN)
"That's great, you'll be in a lab doing tests all day"

Throughout AIT I kept wondering where the labs were.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Nov 13 at 2020 1:48 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:48:31 -0500

Your guaranteed a job in the USPS after discharge

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Nov 13 at 2020 1:54 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:54:12 -0500

If you get out with any “bad” discharge like other than honorable, etc. Within 6 months you can apply to have an honorable discharge

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2020 6:23 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 18:23:29 -0500

When I was 18 I was perhaps even more naive than the average newbie. I saw the letters FTA scrawled on a tank and asked what that meant? "Finest Tank Around", I was told. OK, so what does it mean when it's on an M-113 APC? "Finest Track Around."

I reenlisted for Airborne and was told it meant, "Follow The Airborne for Fun, Travel, and Adventure", but by then I had found out what FTA meant. Didn't mean that to me. I liked being in the Army.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2020 6:31 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 18:31:52 -0500

Of course everyone has heard of sending someone for a box of grid squares, a left handed monkey wrench, a bucket of propwash, a can of squelch for the radio, 10 lbs of track tension, or something similar. Mortar people used to talk about the "Bubble Pump", needed to make the mortal level so firing could commence.

The most fun I had with newbies was sending them to tap on the side of an APC with a hammer, and place an X if it sounded hollow. "The armor needs reinforcing there", would be what the newbie was told.

Response by PFC Edward Krinsky made Dec 16 at 2020 11:01 PM

PFC Edward Krinsky — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 23:01:43 -0500

Biden won the election

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Dec 17 at 2020 9:32 AM

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 09:32:04 -0500

The biggest would have to be That the VA was there to help you once you got out. That is a diversion tactic.

Response by SGT George Reimuth made Dec 17 at 2020 10:01 PM

SGT George Reimuth — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:01:29 -0500

THE BIGGEST LIE , WAS IN 1070 WHEN I FIRST SIGNED THE PAPERS TO JOIN THE MIITARY , BOY THOSE RECURITERS VAN TELL A BIG ONE.

Response by LTC William Kocher made Dec 18 at 2020 3:22 PM

LTC William Kocher — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 15:22:19 -0500

ASA wasnt in Vietnam..

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2020 9:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 21:19:59 -0500

“ No one is more professional than I. I am a noncommissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers. As a noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army." I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers, and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the military service, and my country; regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.

Competence is my watch-word. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind – accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a noncommissioned officer, I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All Soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my Soldiers, and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers, and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my Soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, noncommissioned officers, leaders”

Response by PFC Kimberly LaVoie made Dec 21 at 2020 7:55 PM

PFC Kimberly LaVoie — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 19:55:28 -0500

Never volunteer for anything ........ A minigun will put a bullet in every 3 square inches in a football field ...... The life expectancy of (insert MOS ) is only X number of seconds in combat ....

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Dec 22 at 2020 10:34 AM

1LT Voyle Smith — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 10:34:01 -0500

I don’t recall ever being lied to in the Army.

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Dec 22 at 2020 4:02 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:02:50 -0500

I was told that I would get promoted to Staff Sergeant and finish 20 years of active-duty military service and got screwed over for a number of reasons. The one I hated the most was making the promotion list for Staff Sergeant and being denied promotion anyway.

Response by MSgt Brian Williams made Dec 23 at 2020 1:11 PM

MSgt Brian Williams — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 13:11:41 -0500

1. I wanted to work with AFRTS when I joined the military. I was told that a radio traffic analyst (202) must work with AFRTS because there was the word radio in the title. I knew nothing about the military when I joined so, OK. I'll buy that. Turns out I only got to listen to AFRTS on my many overseas assignments. I found out that a 202 was in the intelligence field.
2. When I graduated from basic training no one knew much about my tech school in San Angelo, Texas other than there was a girl behind every tree. When I got there I discovered there were no trees.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Dec 27 at 2020 5:52 PM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Sun, 27 Dec 2020 17:52:31 -0500

I was promised all sorts of shit non came about because I was a German citizen

Response by Pvt SanJuana Méndez made Dec 28 at 2020 2:43 AM

Pvt SanJuana Méndez — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 02:43:57 -0500

While I wz on emergency leave, burying my mom (buried 5th anniversary of day my dad died) & comforting my baby sister who survived Mom's fatal accident, I requested indefinite leave of absence. Instead of saying there wz no such thing but that I wz eligible for hardship discharge, wz told it would be more beneficial to my siblings if I returned to duty & fulfilled my term of enlistment.

Some 6 wks after returning to duty & trying to focus on Basic training, wz told I wz getting my way. Didn't get my way, tho. Request for indefinite leave of absence (my way), imo, indicates intent to return at a later time. Instead, I wz given discharge under honorable conditions based on attitude & RE-4. They nvr even gave me "fighting chance"; nvr explained basis or what RE-4 meant. I naively signed away any hope for military future believing I'd be returning to duty once I'd taken care of obligation as family matron.

Response by LtCol David Weber made Jan 4 at 2021 5:34 PM

LtCol David Weber — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 17:34:00 -0500

1972. Hugh briefing in the gymn. Now under social security. Don’t worry, remember, “you will have health care for life”.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Jan 5 at 2021 8:40 PM

SSgt Daniel d'Errico — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 20:40:16 -0500

I had a major in USAF, who guaranteed me that he wod get me promoted, without my having to test for promotion. Many NCOs in the Air Force had problems getting promoted due to testing, due to lack of creditable awards (medals) or just falling short of the promotion test grades. (My problem was missing the score usually by 3 points). Problem was this major wasn't my reporting official and anything he would write, wouldn't count.

Response by SPC Steve dePinet made Jan 8 at 2021 1:52 PM

SPC Steve dePinet — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:52:51 -0500

My favorite lie was told by my DI's in Army BCT (1978), and my son was told the same basic lie when he did Marine Basic, about 2008. In the old days, it was the Soviets, but now the Russians. Involves ammunition, we were told that the Soviets used bullets that would not fit our guns, but that our bullets would fit in theirs. Now that I'm a reloader, this seems to based on the 7.62 x 544R round (developed in 1891, for the Mosin-Nagant rifle used by the Russian and later, Soviet, then again, Russian Army). That round uses a bullet that is .311" in diameter. The NATO 7.62 x 51 round uses a bullet that is .308" in diameter. So, technically, the "Bullet" used in the NATO round can be loaded into a Russian cartridge and used in their firearm, but the "bullet" used in the Soviet/Russian round cannot be used in the NATO gun (it's too big in diameter). But, NO ONE is going to be re-loading ammo on the battlefield, they will just pick up the enemies gun and ammo. And, the 7.62 x 51 round will fit in the 7.62 x 54R chamber, but it is loose, and would not fire, because there's nothing holding it against the bolt face, so the firing pin will not impact the primer. So, while technically correct (if you say bullet, not round), it's not actually true because it implies that they can use our ammo, which they cannot.

Response by SPC Steve dePinet made Jan 8 at 2021 2:10 PM

SPC Steve dePinet — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 14:10:39 -0500

Another lie was told by my recruiter (who didn't get lied to by their recruiter?). When I was at the AFEES station in Columbus, Oh, Feb, 1978, I was asked about what MOS I wanted. I said "Computer Programmer", or Languages"... I was told "there are only 2 slots for the computer programmer school for this year, and they're allocated to females, because the Army is trying to raise the number of females in that field. But, because of your scores on the ASVAB, we'll apply to DA for a waiver". I said, "that's fine, but don't forget about languages". I was told "you have to pass the Language Aptitude Test for that", and that the test would be given the next day. Next day, I was put in a room alone with a recording telling me how to take the test, and I took it. Later, I was told "Congratulations!!!, we got the waiver for the computer programmer slot.". I said, "that's great, but how about that language test", to which I was told, "oh, you didn't do so well on that". Later, while in BCT, I (and several others) were called out in morning formation and sent to the Testing Center, since "all enlistees with a General Technical (I think) score above 110 on the ASVAB have to take the Language Aptitude Test (LAT), so the Army knows who might have the ability to learn another language". So we were given the test, I looked at it and raised my hand. The testing Corporal came over and I told him "I've already taken this test". He checked my records jacket (this was 1978), and said "no, you haven't". I took the test, which has 125 questions. The first 6 were study habits. The first time I took the test, I lied and gave the correct answer. The second time (in BCT), I told the truth, so I got those first 6 questions wrong, but the other 119 right. That Corporal said "it takes a 79 to pass this test, I've never seen this high of a score before". To which I replied "I told you that I took it before". So the lie was the recruiter telling me that I didn't do so well on the LAT, when they didn't even score it. Because they already had a waiver for the fact that I have a penis.

Response by MSG Dan Kilpatrick made Jan 20 at 2021 12:42 AM

MSG Dan Kilpatrick — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 00:42:09 -0500

Once you get your EIB you won't have to do anymore 12mi road marches.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2021 8:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:19:34 -0500

If you join the army, they will pay off your student loans…if you sign up for a critical skill (MOS, like any medical), they will double your repayment $$$!

Response by SSG Elyzabeth Cromer made Jan 21 at 2021 10:18 PM

SSG Elyzabeth Cromer — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 22:18:29 -0500

I really appreciate you coming to me with this...

Response by SSG(P) Danielle Birtha made Jan 24 at 2021 2:39 PM

SSG(P) Danielle Birtha — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 14:39:49 -0500

Biggest Lie? That our U.S. Military was formed, and exists, to protect We The Citizens of the U.S. from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
The World Trade Organization has 165 Nations... one U.S. ... against 164 Crowns and Dictators.
Our History says that Britain, Japan, Russia, China, the Saudi Kings who attacked U.S. on 9/11/2001, and Invaders, are Enemies of the U.S. ... Our Democratic National Socialist Congress even SCREAMED, with high drama, during the Trump Impeachment that,
--> "CHINA... IS... THE ENEMY! ... NO ONE... IS ABOVE... THE LAW!"
Right now... those Saudi Kings are being protected from their enemies... including U.S. .. BY OUR SOLDIERS WHO FIGHT AND DIE FOR OUR ENEMY... BY LAW?
Right now... millions of illegal, undocumented, CRIMINALS, who invaded our Nation, are enjoying all the blessings of we the citizens, with Sanctuary from our Law, which COMMANDS our public servants to REPEL INVADERS, AND PROTECT U.S. FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE... while those same servants who swore their allegiance to U.S., now lead those invaders, and other criminals, IN FULL OUT INSURRECTIVE RIOTS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WE THE LAW ABIDING TAXPAYING CITIZENS...DENYING U.S. POLICE PROTECTION... AS THEY INSIST THEY BRING U.S. A NEW WAY OF LIFE... A SOCIALIST ONE... AS THEY BEAT U.S. INTO SUBMISSION UNDER THEIR NAZI JACKBOOTS.
Right now... our manufacturing jobs are in the hands of all those enemies... by Trade Deals, that trade U.S. for... ??? ... re-election campaign funds for the incumbent traitors to use to censor, propagandize, and lie thru the Media... while they point at Trump and say "He did it! look at Trump!"

4 years... 10 investigations, the entire Justice Department... ZERO EVIDENCE OF CRIMES BY TRUMP!
But tons of evidence against Bill & Hillary, Joe and Son, Kerry & Son, and sooo very many more... and how many pedophile perverts do we have serving in our State Legislatures?
While all hate Trump, Star of NYC Celebrity Apprentice, for saying that Stars in Hollywood can sexually assault women as they wish... he wouldn't do that, his wife would kill him... they don't do that in NYC... touch a woman in NYC and you will find yourself in a hospital, or jail!
Yeah... been there... you CAN shoot someone on 5th Avenue and no one will 'notice'... but attempt sexual assault in NYC and ALL WILL COME TO HER RESCUE!

QUESTION: Please... anyone... show me where it says that our Legislatures have the RIGHT to DEMOTE our General Welfare, into abject poverty... TO LEVY WAR AGAINST WE THE PEOPLE, WHILE THEY ADHERE TO OUR ENEMIES, GIVING THEM AID AND COMFORT, WITHIN OUR U.S., AND ELSEWHERE... BY YANKING OUR PROSPEROUS MANUFACTURING JOBS OUT FROM UNDER U.S. ... TO GIVE TO THE SLAVER COMMUNIST DICTATORS OF THE WORLD... OUR ENEMIES...WHILE THEY SCREAM THAT OUR ENEMIES ARE INDEED OUR ENEMIES, AND NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW...
--> EXCEPT FOR OUR SWORN LOYAL??? SERVANTS????
I know the Constitution, and U.S. Law well enough to teach at College level... sorry, I don't see anything that says they can... but I see a lot that says THEY CAN'T DO THAT!

THIS NATION, AND OUR MILITARY, NOW EXIST TO SERVE THE ENEMIES OF THIS NATION...
BY DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL SOCIALIST FASCIST (THE PARTY OF HITLER!!!), DICTATORSHIP >(

yes... DICTATORSHIP! We The Citizens were told "NO!" when we demanded the right to vote whether we wanted to give up our jobs, and our Country... to our ENEMIES >(

According to U.S. Treason Law... DACA, Sanctuary, Trade Deals with our enemies, using public servant office to attack U.S. with invaders and criminals...

--> U.S. Code › Title 18 › Part I › Chapter 115 › § 2381 TREASON: "Whoever, OWING ALLEGIANCE TO THE UNITED STATES, LEVIES WAR AGAINST THEM, OR ADHERES TO THEIR ENEMIES, giving them AID AND COMFORT WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR ELSEWHERE, IS GUILTY OF TREASON AND SHALL SUFFER DEATH, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States."
(in this context... levies war = wages war).
What's happening in Seattle, and major Cities around the U.S. ... IS WAR AGAINST WE THE PEOPLE... BY OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS >(
Read that Treason Law again... and again, and again... UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND THAT EVERY WORD SAYS YOUR ELECTED LEADERS ARE COMMITTING TREASON, WHILE THEY CRUSH U.S. UNDER THEIR JACKBOOTS >(

Don't take my word for this... you have ALL the available information in the world right in front of you... GOOGLE IT! Just make sure you stick to .gov and .edu sites, or you get propaganda ;)

"What would the Founding Fathers do if they were here today?", as the prosecutors asked during the Impeachment... THOSE FOUNDING FATHERS WOULD HAVE ERECTED GALLOWS, AND HUNG ALL 6000 OF OUR TREASONOUS ELECTED PUBLIC SERVANTS BY THE NECK UNTIL DEAD... AS A WARNING TO ANY AND ALL WHO WOULD USE THEIR ELECTED POWERS AGAINST U.S. !!!
INCLUDING THE SUPREME COURT WHO IS LETTING THIS HAPPEN TO U.S. >(

We ARE being conquered from within, with only one shot being fired, as Nikita Kruschev promised. (the unarmed Veteran Woman who stepped into the Capital Rotunda with her hands spread, saying, "We are here to arrest our Congress for..."
POW... BULLET TO THE HEART... EXECUTED ON THE SPOT FOR DARING TO PEACABLY ASK CONGRESS TO COME OUT AND ANSWER FOR THEIR CRIMES OF TREASON!!!)
and then they attacked the peaceably assembled Citizens on Capital Grounds, just talking and taking photos... WITH CLUBS, TEAR GAS, FLASH BANGS, AND FASCIST HATE AS THEY SHOVED AND TOSSED PEOPLE OFF THE THIRD STORY, 3 DYING, DOZENS HOSPITALIZED... A TREASONOUS INSURRECTON PUT DOWN... WHILE THOSE WHO ORDERED THAT SLAUGHTER... ARE ATTACKING THEIR OWN CONSTITUTENTS... AND CALLING THAT PEACEFULL ASSEMBLY?

Sorry... informative... but nothing funny about that... except in the hearts and minds of our ENEMY CONQUERORS! ... BELOVED BY OUR TREASONOUS GOVERNMENT!
(although I have no doubt I will have fascist answers to this, by fascist haters of U.S., who claim to be U.S.)

WAKE UP!

Response by SGT Jon Mullins made Jan 25 at 2021 5:18 PM

SGT Jon Mullins — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 17:18:13 -0500

I used to joke with my Battle Buddies and tell them that you could jump out of an aircraft without a chute and if you PLF’ed you’d be fine. About 6ish years later I heard that same thing from an FNG during a field problem and I almost peed I was laughing so hard.

Response by MSgt Walter Thomason made Jan 25 at 2021 8:13 PM

MSgt Walter Thomason — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 20:13:31 -0500

Recruiter before I signed up for Basic... "The Air Force will send you home over the Christmas holiday."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2021 8:21 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 20:21:33 -0500

"We will be home by Christmas" a unit 1SG in early OIF1 after the Iraqi Army was defeated.

I turned to my platoon and said "That shit ain't gonna happen."

Response by PO2 Louis Fattrusso made Jan 26 at 2021 5:47 PM

PO2 Louis Fattrusso — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 17:47:18 -0500

I was in when Zumwalt was in charge. It wasn’t so much as lies being told to us as a continuing change in policy. You never knew what wasor wasn’t acceptable. We went from Crackerjack to Milkman and back in a three year span. Beards were ok, then they weren’t. Very frustrating to the long term chiefs who took there frustrations out on the Kr. pettty officers and seaman.

Response by LT David Swithers made Jan 28 at 2021 8:18 AM

LT David Swithers — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 08:18:28 -0500

-We were told by the drill instructors in boot camp that nobody in our platoon scored a high enough score on the IQ test to ever be considered for OCS. Later when I saw my records I scored 130, and 110 was the cutoff for OCS.

- We were told that our first duty station preferences would be given in order of class rank in electronics technician school. I finished first in my class and asked for an east coast duty station. I was sent to Camp Pendleton, about as west as you can get without being in the Pacific Ocean.

- I was guaranteed my MOS as a electronics technician at enlistment, but when I went to my first duty station they made me the supply clerk, even though I was first in my class in electronics technician school.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2021 8:55 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 08:55:07 -0500

If you take one for the team now you'll get your first choice next time.

Response by SGT M C made Jan 28 at 2021 3:08 PM

SGT M C — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 15:08:37 -0500

"Shave real close because tomorrow you are going to the CBR range and your gas mask must fit snug". Tee Hee! Fortunately for me I had nothing to shave per se at 18 but I also had some education and gave pause of though WHY? didn't make sense. Poor slobs that shaved that night up, down sideways were suffering the next day after having that C-1 Riot agent burning their skin, again Tee Hee!

Response by SGT Andrew Anderson made Jan 28 at 2021 5:17 PM

SGT Andrew Anderson — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 17:17:15 -0500

In late 1966 my enlist was coming to an end however I wanted to remain in the Army. With the war in Vietnam ramping up, what I didn’t want to do was continue my service as an infantryman (11B). So I talked with our battalion re-enlistment NCO, he assured me that if I re-enlisted I would go to school and get my MOS changed, I signed the dotted line. I did go to school, got a new MOS of 51L Air Cond & Refrig Repairman as promised. School ended, I got 15 days of leave prior to departing for Vietnam on December 17, 1966. I arrived at the replacement Company and on the 2nd day the NCOIC called out assignments and departure times. At the end of the formation there were 7 of us still standing there, and this is what we heard, your primary MOS is now your secondary MOS and your secondary MOS of 11B is now your primary

Response by SSG Michael Snyder made Jan 29 at 2021 6:50 AM

SSG Michael Snyder — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 06:50:08 -0500

I was PROMISED free medical care for the rest of my life in return for serving until retirement - totally BOGUS.

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Jan 29 at 2021 2:17 PM

SFC Michael Peterson — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:17:35 -0500

I think the biggest was when the Commander in Chief (at the time) said “I did not have sexual relations with that woman”. Another one, that’s already been mentioned is “free medical care after 20 years of service”.

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Jan 30 at 2021 12:16 PM

CW4 Keith Dolliver — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 12:16:24 -0500

That we're in the "new paperless Army"... as I print out everything I have digital copies of so I can put it in a physical continuity book.

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Feb 16 at 2021 1:13 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 13:13:55 -0500

Worse misunderstanding was ReforgerII and flying on the largest transport of that time only to learn upon landing there was problems with the engine mounts breaking.

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Feb 21 at 2021 11:27 PM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 23:27:12 -0500

I was told in my ASI or AIT that all Army Vehicles were designed to float. Note* I was a private that didn't know better. SUE ME.

Response by Sgt Steve Williams made Mar 7 at 2021 9:43 PM

Sgt Steve Williams — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 21:43:37 -0500

Simple...the assholes looking for "extremists". They/we joined to serve our country. It is an incredible insult for these Democrat jerks to play this political game.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2021 6:55 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 06:55:06 -0400

That “core values” was the key to everything that we do. I would argue that “the game” has been demonstrably more important to an individual’s success than service, integrity or excellence. My trouble is figuring this out way too early and far too many “adult” conversations with “leadership” behind closed doors. Far too many conversations with active and retired who communicated to me that it was often more about the product that has to be sold, and the image that needs to be created than it is about the job that has to be done. “The best night sleep that I’ve had in over thirty years was the night that I officially retired. I knew that I no longer had to enforce failed policies, that I didn’t have to project an image that I didn’t believe in and I could judge a man based upon his worth and his word”. Ret CMSgt.

Response by SFC Howard Holmes made Mar 16 at 2021 3:48 PM

SFC Howard Holmes — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 15:48:18 -0400

The biggest lie I was ever told came from Bn. Commanders and above. "We really care about each and every one of you," or "we have only your best interest at heart." Such liars. They could give two craps about Pvt. Snuffy or even up to and including Sgt. Smith. They care only about their own careers. This is especially true after the initial Graham Rudman (sp?) act of approximately 1988. When they started major down-sizing, officers were and remained more concerned about their own career than they ever cared about the soldiers. Believe it or not, in all the times I've enlisted, I wasn't even lied to by a recruiter - now that's amazing. LOL.

Response by Maj A. Clark made Mar 23 at 2021 6:08 PM

Maj A. Clark — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:08:51 -0400

Day One: " Don't worry, we will let you finish your degree and send you to OCS. Just sign this enlistment first."
Five Years Later: " Just sign your re-enlistment papers and that OCS slot is yours..( finished degree on my own) .. But it sure would be a waste of a senior NCO."

Response by Maj A. Clark made Mar 23 at 2021 6:13 PM

Maj A. Clark — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:13:53 -0400

Day One: " You have have so much leave time you will not know what to do with all 30 days."
Year Two: Friday at noon: " My wife is in labor over at the base hospital, can I get off early today to be there?"
Year Two: Monday Morning: " Yeah we filled in your leave slip for 3 days, since you were gone all weekend. Now get your slackin ass back to work."

Response by Maj A. Clark made Mar 23 at 2021 6:19 PM

Maj A. Clark — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:19:24 -0400

Them: " Here is a list of all the new uniform items you are required to buy. We have an inspection on Monday Morning."
ME: "What about the supposed uniform allowance they talked about before I enlisted?"
Them: " You already got that you greedy bastard ! Look right here on your LES, see the $2.37 last March?"
ME: " When was $2.37 enough for all this crap I have to buy?"
THEM: " The War of 1812. Everybody knows that." " here take my dry cleaning with you since you are headed over to the uniform shop."

Response by PO3 Terry Lee made Mar 27 at 2021 7:45 PM

PO3 Terry Lee — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 19:45:13 -0400

Corpsman no longer have to go through Marine Boot Camp.

Response by SGT Donovan Leeds made Mar 28 at 2021 2:49 PM

SGT Donovan Leeds — Sun, 28 Mar 2021 14:49:13 -0400

I was told for over a year (beyond my ETS) I wasn't authorized to take leave while waiting on a Medical Review Board (MRB) - when, in fact, it hadn't officially started. Actually went 8 weeks w/o pay because my 90-day extension paperwork sat on a desk.

Response by PO2 Paul Dempsey made Apr 6 at 2021 11:39 AM

PO2 Paul Dempsey — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:39:06 -0400

It was boot camp. I was told in week 5 we would get a shot if the left testicle with a square needle. Chuckling you never know.

Response by SGM Robert E. Gray made Apr 7 at 2021 7:45 AM

SGM Robert E. Gray — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:45:36 -0400

Lifetime medical care for me and family Free of Charge!

Response by SGM Robert E. Gray made Apr 7 at 2021 7:46 AM

SGM Robert E. Gray — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:46:48 -0400

No pain, no gain when you hurting like hell!

Response by SMSgt Henry Kiester made Apr 7 at 2021 6:10 PM

SMSgt Henry Kiester — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:10:39 -0400

Not me, but once during technical training (I was the instructor), I asked one of my students an Airman Basic (E1) where he wanted to be stationed for his first duty assignment. When he replied "an aircraft carrier", I asked him why he did not join the Navy. He said his recruiter told him "the Navy has ships and planes, and the Air Force has planes and ships! Sign here...". I had to explain things...

Response by SSG Scott Bregi made Apr 7 at 2021 6:27 PM

SSG Scott Bregi — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:27:49 -0400

As a Retiree (Aug '78 - 'Aug '98), I was promised free healthcare for life for me and my family if I made it a 20 year career. Well that turned out to be a BIG lie!

Response by SSG Eric Blue made Apr 7 at 2021 6:44 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:44:34 -0400

I think the biggest lie I was told while in the Army is that I will have more than enough time for education and college courses. I was either part of nearly every mission or I was nearly every mission, which didn't give me ANY AVAILABLE TIME to do college courses. The only available time I would have would 2300 hours to 0400 the next day, which of course is the time I would need to try and sleep. Out of that 5 hours, I might get actual sleep for 3 of them. DAMN NEAR EVERYONE ELSE got those opportunities for schooling, though!

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 7 at 2021 10:21 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 22:21:15 -0400

My first wife said she loved me!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2021 10:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 22:59:56 -0400

Healthcare for life.

Your preference for stations to be assigned to? MMmmm.
Ft. Campbell as its close to home.
Hawaii because its far from home but has great weather.
Orders received for Ft. Bliss. Got the beach but no water to go with it.

Then there was the one I heard told to a soldier that if a tank rotates to the left 13 times the turret will fall off.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2021 11:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 23:08:39 -0400

The only thing more difficult than getting a new idea into the military is getting an old idea out.

Response by SFC Craig Titzkowski made Apr 7 at 2021 11:59 PM

SFC Craig Titzkowski — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 23:59:41 -0400

Okay Here it goes. this should stoke some thoughts.
1) Rank has it's privilege's.
a) You loose one you gain another.
b) Things change as rank does.
2) All soldiers are treated the same.
a) This can go many way prospective dictates point of view.
3) Promotions are done by merit.
a) Same as above answer,
4) The point system can't be manipulated.
a) We all get paid the same at the same rank but are we on the same rating scales,
This will stoke some thoughts I hope it does because all can contribute to leadership failures. I just want some people to think with an open mind.

Response by PO1 Nicholas J Calandra made Apr 8 at 2021 2:43 AM

PO1 Nicholas J Calandra — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 02:43:00 -0400

This isn't funny, but it's informative. During my 20 yrs+ ('60's-'80's) we were told after you retire with 20 years in, will receive free Medical / Dental for life. Well, as it turned out, this free Medical / Dental was based on "Space Availability"!!! At no time in all those years was "Space Availability" ever mentioned. Congress eventually did come up with Tri-care for Life (TFL) but it isn't free! $145 a month is taken out of my SS to pay for Medicare B and to qualify for TFL.

Response by MSG Donald Patrick made Apr 8 at 2021 5:48 AM

MSG Donald Patrick — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 05:48:48 -0400

Each time it came for re-enlistment, the first words out of the mouth of the recruiter. Stay in until retirement and you will gain free medical care for life. Even though it did happen for many, later we had a senator who claimed we were never promised that and it came to an immediate halt in the late 90s.

Response by PFC Russell W made Apr 8 at 2021 7:51 AM

PFC Russell W — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:51:23 -0400

Being told to "just keep it clean," making CIF sound like reasonable people.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Apr 8 at 2021 11:27 AM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:27:19 -0400

Here are two for you SSG Koss:
Eat all you want, but eat all you take. This was from back in the very early 70s. You had just better empty your plate. (However, I remember a lot of exceptions on being made on the days they served us--LIVER!!!! Shoe leather would of been easier to chew and probably tasted better) I remember the first time this Yankee Boy had grits; I thought they were cream of wheat. Lets just say that, after I had doctored them up--everybody laughed and I did somehow choke them down. That ended as soon as I hit my duty station.

Don't worry about a few weekends in the stockade; everybody gets some.
This actually was true for a while and there was no adverse number for your reenlistment code. Although, I do think Vietnam had a lot to do with this at that time. (During WWII they emptied out the prisons to get soldiers) My 'Lifer' Senior Drill, from basic, said all of those stripes on his left arm were for trips to the stockade. My E8 father said the same thing went on during the Korean War.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made Apr 8 at 2021 2:25 PM

SSG Samuel Kermon — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:25:13 -0400

One was the giant rattlesnake at Elliotts Beach, USMC Recruit Depot Parris Island. We did have a five foot rattler killed but think the big one was a DI scare laugh.

Response by Capt James Shipley made Apr 8 at 2021 2:43 PM

Capt James Shipley — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:43:41 -0400

That we would be compensated for the damage done to us by AGENT ORANGE poisoning. Never happened.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Apr 8 at 2021 2:45 PM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:45:10 -0400

That I would travel to exotic places all over the world. Damn I had fun getting out of the house for a spell and met a bunch of neighborly Vietnamese

Response by CPT Richard Trione made Apr 8 at 2021 4:06 PM

CPT Richard Trione — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:06:35 -0400

"Don't volunteer for anything, because you will get screwed over!"
After observing the SMs volunteering, I noticed most of the ones who volunteered would be giving leadership positions.
So, I started volunteering and it all turned out really great! I never felt like I have been mistreated for volunteering. In fact, as a leader over the decades, the people who step up to volunteer impress me as really caring about the mission and being passionate about accomplishing great things together as a TEAM!

Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made Apr 9 at 2021 9:44 AM

MSG Felipe De Leon Brown — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:44:32 -0400

If you equate "Empty Promises" with lies, I can offer three.
1. (1970) A SGM and a MAJ both told me that orders would follow when my detachment commander pinned a Bronze Star on me for meritorious service in RVN at the end of my first tour. Have the medal but no orders.
2. (1986) The then CSM of the Army held a briefing for all MSGs on the Isthmus who had been promoted the preceding year. He stated that all MSGs who were promoted prior to 1986 and had not attended ANCOC would be "grandfathered"and be able to compete with all who had. There were several of us in attendance. Not one MSG who had not attended ANCOC ever advanced to SGM rank.
3. (1989) A MAJ promised to put me in for a service award prior to my PCS and a COL also promised to provide input. When I inquired about the status of the award some six months after, I was sent orders for an AAM.
I continue to believe that any service member who successfully performs their duties in pay grades higher than their pay grade/rank/rating should always be recognized and awarded for their service in a tangible way. Those who haven't been excluded from the recognition have no idea how it feels to not receive anything for their service.
Best of luck with your book.

Response by PO2 David Robinson made Apr 9 at 2021 11:20 AM

PO2 David Robinson — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 11:20:34 -0400

While finishing PR "A" school, we had a couple of CPOs come in and asked for 7 volunteers. Those that did volunteer would receive additional training in 1st aid, parachuting, and other adventurous things. Being 17 at the time, and VERY green, we didn't find out until about 2 weeks later that we had volunteered for duty in Antarctica. While it turned out to be the highlight of my career, I had learned my first military acronym: Never Again Volunteer Yourself (N.A.V.Y.)

Response by CW2 Matt Baum made Apr 9 at 2021 2:37 PM

CW2 Matt Baum — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 14:37:13 -0400

I was told that my ASVAB scores weren't good enough for anything medical when I joined the AF, and was given a list of Logistics jobs to pick from. I picked one and HATED my entire (almost) 10 years. I went to an Army recruiter as an E5 and was sworn in and on my way to 68W school. BLUF: My scores were not so low after all, liar-pants recruiter was filling quotas at other people's career expense. I went on to be an 11A, and ended as an 882A.

Response by SrA David Benjamin made Apr 9 at 2021 3:51 PM

SrA David Benjamin — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:51:40 -0400

In Dec 1964 I was doing resupply to Bangkok Thailand as part of the 516th TCW on temp duty to Okinawa. When I landed there as a crew chief on my C130 I saw a bunch of F100s bulldozed up in a pile at the end of the runway. Shocked, I asked a local Airman what that was all about. He said that those were the ones that were too shot up to repair but still made it home. I got out in June 65 and was listening to a speech from the president and he was emphatic that There are no American pilots flying out of Vietnam. He was right, they were flying in but were not getting out. Political BS and miss direction.

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Apr 9 at 2021 7:12 PM

SMSgt Michael Gleason — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 19:12:03 -0400

I wish I still had the Recruiting brochure that (in 1968) said if I "did 20 years and retired" I'd have "free medical and dental for the rest of my life"! I "did" almost 34 years, and my "free medical and dental" is costing me almost $1500 per month.

Response by SFC David F. Podesta made Apr 10 at 2021 3:19 AM

SFC David F. Podesta — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 03:19:45 -0400

When I enlisted in 1964, the recruiter said I could have my choice of duty stations. The army sent me to Vietnam. That was not one of my choices. You just can't trust anyone.

Response by LTC Reginald Brown made Apr 10 at 2021 8:04 AM

LTC Reginald Brown — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 08:04:03 -0400

None

Response by CH (CPT) Jerry McGowin made Apr 10 at 2021 5:10 PM

CH (CPT) Jerry McGowin — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 17:10:27 -0400

I was told when i enlisted in the USCG that if i retired from the Military, my wife and i would have great health care for the rest of our lives, as a faithful reward of Uncle Sam.

Response by CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern made Apr 10 at 2021 9:13 PM

CPO Robert (Mac) McGovern — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 21:13:53 -0400

Since you are gathering material for your book I provide the following I wrote as a response to Congress when they made an official statement saying heath Care was never guaranteed and Recruiter’s lied for years about it being a benefit.

Military Recruiters Versus Congress - Who Lied About Health Care?

Before 1989, every military recruiter told countless thousands of young men and women considering military service, they would be guaranteed unequaled heath care benefits for serving at least 20 years. These benefits were taught, as part of the curriculum, in Recruiting Schools and Career Counselor Training Courses as an incentive for joining and re-enlistment. During all the prior years of training, there is no documentation of even a single recruiter or counselor questioning the validity of what they were promising. There was no reason, they were told the same thing when they joined and retirees were receiving promised health care. Sadly, since 1989, this has not been the case and the phrase "the truth changes" increasingly is used when referring to most promises made by our government.

In 1975, I decided to join the Navy. The first step of the process involved testing, physical, classification and most desirable, the promise, in return for 20 years' service, free medical care for me and my immediate family for the rest of our lives. I joined, and I served 20 years retiring in 1995. The words left out of the promise were "space available." Initially, this omission was not relevant. Today, it has great significance. The reason; the military has downsized considerably over time and therefore, there are fewer doctors, nurses, other health care professionals, and especially hospitals to provide space available health care. They are the words now being used as justification to change military health care benefits.

Most believe recruiters and career counselors have lied to military retirees and disabled service members, especially since 1959 when Congress enacted the "space available" addition to military Health Care. This was the first of a number of laws enacted to reduce and limit access to retirees...the Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act 0f 2003 acknowledges promises of lifetime health care were made and broken for many years after these laws were passed. The quandary, Congress and the Joint Chiefs, never ordered military recruiters to stop promising free health care for life. Today, Congress blames recruiters for lying to new recruits. I wonder at the number of members of the Congress who recruiters informed their Health Benefits would extend for life if they served 20 or more years; now respond with ignorance of recruiter promises. In 1969, there were 329 veterans or retired in the house and senate. Over time, the number with military service has dropped to its current level of 121. Their collective wartime service includes World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

They all knew upon enlistment or commissioning the benefits of joining the military and retiring. All who retired received or are receiving the benefit of this promise. Yet, when they entered the Congress or Senate, they treat addressing recruiter promises as taboo, avoiding any mention of military recruiters lying to them about benefits.

I was in Navy Recruiting in about 1989, when we were informed to cease and desist telling prospective and new recruits about any guarantee of free health care for life. Although it was known since about 1959, Congress never moved to deny promises made by recruiters were not authorized or had ever been guaranteed through legislation.

When I went to Recruiting School in 1986, we were taught free health care was a critical recruiting tool, again, "space available" was not mentioned. Benefits were major compensation in enticing recruits to join military services. I found this to be true, and it was one of the major reasons for my success in recruiting.

The recruiter is not at fault in this deception of millions, and they did not lie, nor did I. It was the Congress who knew what was being promised, yet did nothing to legitimize. Hundreds of members of the Congress served in the military and knew what recruiters promised, yet allowed continuation. They knew they were promising benefits not condoned or supported by legislation and turned their heads because recruiting was successfully meeting the demands of National Security.

The military is a unique extension of American society. Our pay and benefits pale in contrast to our civilian counterparts. If there are no incentives for military retirement; if congress is allowed to erode the benefits of today's retirees and disabled; how then do those entering the service or deciding to remain, believe promises they are being guaranteed. Verbal Agreements are apparently enforceable only in the civilian sector; ignored in the government, they are subject to denial and change at discretion.

The dilemma looming the largest on the military horizon, will our President and Congress force the inclusion of "buyer beware" as a disclaimer warning future recruits, "the truth changes" in relation to benefits promised."

Author Note: This article does not address CHAMPUS or TRI-CARE as programs that have existed since 1967. It addresses what recruiters and career counselors knew prior to about 1989 in making promises that were sanctioned but not legislatively authorized.

Mac McGovern©2011

Response by MSgt Currie C. made Apr 11 at 2021 6:34 PM

MSgt Currie C. — Sun, 11 Apr 2021 18:34:10 -0400

"Free health care for the rest of your life".

Response by SPC Edward Abney made Apr 15 at 2021 11:27 PM

SPC Edward Abney — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 23:27:14 -0400

Just started Basic at Ft. Ord when the Cuban Missile crisis broke out. Our DI's told us that the whole Company was going to be loaded onto cattle cars and trucked to Florida.

Response by LT Jj Faro made Apr 19 at 2021 1:56 PM

LT Jj Faro — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:56:40 -0400

The Biggest Lie I was told that Me and My Family would have Medical and Dental Coverage for life if I served for 20 years, I gave 27 years. I am reminded of the Lie every month when I pay for Dental Insurance and and $148.50 is deducted from my Social Security Pay for Medicare! But Illegals get it and a lot more while they pay nothing!

Response by 1LT Lawrence Lackey made Apr 20 at 2021 3:37 PM

1LT Lawrence Lackey — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 15:37:02 -0400

In 1968 after graduating college with an Accounting degree and about to be drafted, a 1st Sgt. recruiter told me that if I volunteered, I would spend all my service at Ft Benjamin Harrison in AG Corp. doing payroll. 12 months later, I finished OCS at Ft Benning and got on a plane in Seattle.

Response by SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman made Apr 20 at 2021 5:30 PM

SP5 Larry (Lawrence) Pitman — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 17:30:40 -0400

A lie...."Vietnam Veterans were spit on when they returned home". The first time I heard the story was in the Stallone movie, Rambo. After that, I heard it repeated from several guys who claim to know a vet who was....spit on. Upon returning home, I enrolled in a college in Southern California where, at the time, the war was very unpopular. Not a single person ever criticized me or my service in Vietnam. Everyone was, and they continue to be, respectful.

Response by Capt Al Parker made Apr 21 at 2021 9:24 PM

Capt Al Parker — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 21:24:25 -0400

That there was discrimination. I didn’t see any in my 20 years both as an enlisted and as an officer.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2021 8:56 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 20:56:16 -0400

The shot in the left nut with a square needle!!!

Response by CPT Earl George made Apr 29 at 2021 10:00 PM

CPT Earl George — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 22:00:10 -0400

2/30 IN 1972. I get a call from the Battalion Communication's officer. The conversation goes something like this. " Earl, I understand you have 2 PRC 25 radios in your possession that you should not have. What will it take to get them from you?" (me) "Well, I do not have them, but if I did it would take 2 Ta-312PT field phones. The exchange could take place when SGT X, our commo chief brings the radios to you tomorrow and you place the phones in the box the radios were in."

Response by MAJ Michael Linda Luna Wagers made May 3 at 2021 3:43 PM

MAJ Michael Linda Luna Wagers — Mon, 03 May 2021 15:43:51 -0400

As a young man joining the Army I was told that if I stayed in myself and my dependents (wife & minor children) would receive free healthcare the rest of my life. Big false hood indeed. Retiring in 1990 after 23 years i did indeed along with my wife receive free healthcare by way of TRICARE. At 62 when I began to draw Social Security I was told that unless I bought MEDICARE, I could no longer receive TRICARE, hence the falsehood.

Response by SGT JoyceAnn Richmond made May 5 at 2021 2:55 PM

SGT JoyceAnn Richmond — Wed, 05 May 2021 14:55:43 -0400

Free medical care for life. If I'd known that would be from the VAMCs...

Response by SPC Aaron Lister made May 8 at 2021 8:51 PM

SPC Aaron Lister — Sat, 08 May 2021 20:51:34 -0400

I am from E.C. when I was about 10 years old a white kid asked my brother and I to his yard to play football. We went, and when got there the kid came out we started playing having fun. The kids father saw us from his window. He came out where we were and told his son to get those black kids out of this white mans yard. The kid was crying as we left. He was embaressed, he did not understand racism but my brother and I did. We told him to stop crying we will still be your friend just come to our house. He did and we never spoke about what happend, we did not want the kid to feel bad. He was cool and different from his father. God gives everyone free will you decide who you are.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2021 10:09 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 May 2021 10:09:27 -0400

Leadership saying “if you make xxxx sacrifice for me I’ll take care of you”

Response by LTC Jack Regan made May 14 at 2021 11:28 PM

LTC Jack Regan — Fri, 14 May 2021 23:28:38 -0400

Tricare for life

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2021 1:36 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 May 2021 01:36:36 -0400

We have a light schedule today. Get all the tasks done asap and you'll be released by 1400.

Response by Lt Col John Culley made May 19 at 2021 1:48 AM

Lt Col John Culley — Wed, 19 May 2021 01:48:43 -0400

That free land was available during the Vietnam era to those who survived the joys of military service.

Response by SSgt Paul Murray made May 24 at 2021 1:15 AM

SSgt Paul Murray — Mon, 24 May 2021 01:15:39 -0400

"You'll be going home on leave after USAF boot camp."
I went straight to Air Traffic Control tech school which ended up being a week short to the eligible to get my second stripe. I had to wait until my eligible time in grade cycle. I was a full-fledged journeyman still having only one stripe, which in 1965 was called Airman third class (E2). As a journeyman one striper I received a waiver to work the mid shift by myself in the control tower.

Response by SPC William Carter made May 27 at 2021 8:27 PM

SPC William Carter — Thu, 27 May 2021 20:27:16 -0400

Every formation is a parade, every meal is a banquet, every paycheck is a fortune!

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made May 28 at 2021 5:02 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Fri, 28 May 2021 17:02:44 -0400

"Trust us with your career."

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 28 at 2021 7:03 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Fri, 28 May 2021 19:03:30 -0400

I see them every day, the Vietnam Veteran Cap, 101st Airborne patches, there are more of them than ever served. USMC and Navy Sea are big too. There are Politicians and TV personalities tellin boomers but Veterans insult me personally

Response by SSgt Robert Van Buhler III made Jun 2 at 2021 9:44 AM

SSgt Robert Van Buhler III — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:44:21 -0400

The only lies I heard while I was in during the Vietnam War was from my own government and a couple of famous Generals. When people like George Romney tried to tell the truth, it cost him politically. Ditto Barry Goldwater. The most skilled liars are often politicians. My military associates were truthful and honorable people regardless of rank.

Response by SrA John A Harrison made Jun 13 at 2021 2:51 PM

SrA John A Harrison — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 14:51:58 -0400

Another old wives tale in basic training was the square needle in the left tentacle. Heard that repeatedly in 1971 during basic trading at Lackland AFB.

Response by MAJ Ward Odom made Jun 14 at 2021 3:20 PM

MAJ Ward Odom — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:20:14 -0400

In order to have me waive my enlistment option, I was told that I could apply to any one of 3 OCS. I waived, I applied, I went to Fort Benning's School for Boys

Response by PFC Robert Brooks made Jun 14 at 2021 3:43 PM

PFC Robert Brooks — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:43:30 -0400

Join the Army they said, it will be fun they said :/ You get to travel the World they said. They were Right! Half way through basic I said, They are all getting a black eye first time I see them ;) Would not give up those memories for a pot of Gold. ESSAYONS!

Response by MSgt Jack Cox made Jun 16 at 2021 10:01 AM

MSgt Jack Cox — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:01:17 -0400

How do you know the charges against Jane Fonda aren't true? Because she said so?

Response by MSgt Anne Slabinski made Jun 16 at 2021 1:55 PM

MSgt Anne Slabinski — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 13:55:16 -0400

You will get whatever you put on your dream sheet. I put west coast bases and Alaska and ended up in northern NY! Then I got orders to Korea that was no where on my dream sheet! I was told I could refuse it (but only if I had volunteered in the first place) so i went to Korea. Overall, it was not a bad assignment.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2021 2:41 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:41:51 -0400

“Here’s the right way to do this...”

Response by 1SG Mike Turnipseed made Jun 17 at 2021 10:01 PM

1SG Mike Turnipseed — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 22:01:52 -0400

the box on enlistment that said “I have never smoked marijuana” then Soldier tests positive multiple times and says “I don’t use it but my roommate does” “I never inhaled” “must have been from that concert I went to” “I didn’t think you guys were serious about that one”

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Jun 18 at 2021 2:16 PM

1LT Voyle Smith — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 14:16:18 -0400

No one ever lied to me.

Response by PFC Gary Bunch, II made Jun 18 at 2021 10:25 PM

PFC Gary Bunch, II — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 22:25:50 -0400

In and out of the USMC. A Marine deserter with a Dishonorable Discharge who has a "special permit" for hunting and firearms ownership (I know it's a lie)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2021 4:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 16:48:14 -0400

The army would pay for my education. Turns out that they pay partially not entirely.

Response by Lt Col Mark Avery made Jun 21 at 2021 12:16 PM

Lt Col Mark Avery — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 12:16:43 -0400

"We're here to help" - Inspectors
"We're glad you're here" - Commanders of organizations being inspected

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jun 21 at 2021 11:19 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 23:19:03 -0400

The BIGGEST LIES are that some commanders -
1 - that says people first - mission always
2- that truly EQUAL OPPORTNITY EXISTS
3- The assignments system is fair and equitable
4- That no Politics don't exist in the system
5- That our nation totally values the military.

Response by SPC Joshua Dawson made Jun 22 at 2021 2:47 AM

SPC Joshua Dawson — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 02:47:16 -0400

That officers and ncos actually do what they are supposed to do and actually care about the soldiers beneath them.

Response by SPC Joshua Dawson made Jun 22 at 2021 2:49 AM

SPC Joshua Dawson — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 02:49:03 -0400

That ncos and officers actually do what they are supposed to do and that they actually care about the soldiers beneath them.

Response by SPC Nils Hammer made Jun 22 at 2021 4:37 PM

SPC Nils Hammer — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:37:06 -0400

recruiter said, as I signed "this puts you in the last class to get vietnam era benefits, like lifelong medical and house loan." Drill sgt has us sing "trainee trainee don't be blue, my recruiter fucked me too". I also got the bait and switch job, losing the high tech one I got the guarantee for, switched to interrogator. Turns out they didn't tell me I was owed a full year salary as a bonus. I did get some school support, maybe $360 a month.

Response by CPL Cynthia Broyles made Jun 25 at 2021 12:10 AM

CPL Cynthia Broyles — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:10:24 -0400

My PTSD symptoms were nothing more than PMS.

Response by SN Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2021 1:02 PM

SN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 13:02:03 -0400

There is no punishment if you do not take the vaccine.

Proceeds to keep the ship on lockdown for half the crew decided to wait.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Jul 9 at 2021 6:07 PM

CPO Jack De Merit — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 18:07:56 -0400

The biggest lie I and about 25 million others was "Serve your country and get free medical for the rest of your life." I served from 1961 to 1990. I did not go to VA until I retired from working in 2004. My first visit for my back pain (I suffered a back injury aboard ship in 1965). cost me $79.00. When I asked why it was not free, they told me that it was a lie that the recruiters used to get people to enlist. I'm still not laighing.

Response by LTC Scott Higgins made Jul 16 at 2021 10:29 AM

LTC Scott Higgins — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 10:29:22 -0400

"We are here to help"

Response by 2LT Forrest Grammer made Jul 16 at 2021 7:56 PM

2LT Forrest Grammer — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 19:56:58 -0400

I would have free health care for life after 30yrs....41 total years and have to pay 148.50 for Medicare part B or loose my Tri-care....WTH.

Response by SFC Michael Smith made Jul 16 at 2021 10:31 PM

SFC Michael Smith — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 22:31:20 -0400

Wait, What are you saying, we don’t?

Response by LCpl Robert Burke made Jul 17 at 2021 2:30 PM

LCpl Robert Burke — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 14:30:43 -0400

Biggest lie they told me was when I was leaving to come home from Nam. After spending 20 months in country I was told anyone with less than 120 days left in enlistment when returning to states would be discharged. When I landed at Treasure Island I had 97 days left and was told it had been changed to 90 days!! I pleaded to be sent back to Okinawa for a week but to no avail. Screwed!
I had a total of 47 days leave and travel time from West coast to east and back to Cherry Point and used every last day of it.

Response by CPO Eugene Gillam made Jul 17 at 2021 2:47 PM

CPO Eugene Gillam — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 14:47:32 -0400

Retired after 28 years in the Navy in Gulfport, MS. I’m now 77 and have all my (and my wife’s) medical taken care of at the Keesler AFB hospital. I say “all” but if there’s something they can’t take care of they’ll refer us out to a civilian facility, one example being my wife’s heart surgery. Medicare and Tricare For Life cover everything with, so far, no money out of pocket for me. Eyeglasses and dental aren’t covered although they have performed two corneal transplants on my eyes in the surgery clinic and some crowns on my teeth at their teaching school. I need to join the VA so I can get some hearing aids and free glasses

Response by Sgt Terry Rizzuti made Jul 17 at 2021 3:11 PM

Sgt Terry Rizzuti — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 15:11:36 -0400

Boot camp at San Diego in 1966 was one big lie, which I discovered my third week when I got in trouble big time and had to report to the captain. As I stood at attention staring at the blackboard behind him, I realized that every 15 minutes of every single day was choreographed, that it mattered not one single whit how we behaved because at scheduled times we were gonna be punished no matter what we did, no matter how well we performed. Boot camp became a piece of cake for me from that moment on, and I never said a word to anyone else. I memorized that blackboard and just grinned my way toward graduation day.

Response by Sgt Warren Serkin made Jul 17 at 2021 7:04 PM

Sgt Warren Serkin — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 19:04:16 -0400

Whichever one of the four areas you pick, you can always volunteer for flight crew when you get to Lackland. Should have known better than to trust a damn recruiter since my dad was a 26 1/2 year veteran. I chose electronics since my test score was 95 percentile and got stuck with that when I got to Lackland.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Jul 17 at 2021 7:14 PM

LCpl Kenneth Heath — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 19:14:22 -0400

"I love you, let's get married"

(that lie worked on my stupid ass THREE TIMES!!!)

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Jul 17 at 2021 7:15 PM

LCpl Kenneth Heath — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 19:15:43 -0400

"The VA will be there to take care of you the rest of your life"

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Jul 17 at 2021 7:19 PM

LCpl Kenneth Heath — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 19:19:19 -0400

In 1983:
"Report to supply to survey Field Jackets, we're getting 'brand-new' ones"

(we all had to finish removing the "US ARMY" tapes and 'Remington Raider' Unit Patches... they were, in fact, newer and better than our old, broke-dick VietNam leftovers, but still pre-owned)

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2021 8:44 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 20:44:40 -0400

None. I was in the Army and Navy (retired from Navy). Went into the Army knowing I would be 11b (INFANTRY). I got everything I was promised.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made Jul 18 at 2021 9:15 PM

SSG Harry Herres — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 21:15:00 -0400

The VA is there for you. Lost my records can't find them. I have to find them, really? Took showers in agent orange but can't prove it because no record. Thank you for my time but screw me. Trying for 50 years, don't mean nothing, family says thank you for not caring.

Response by SP5 Thomas Jameson made Jul 18 at 2021 10:30 PM

SP5 Thomas Jameson — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 22:30:31 -0400

There is no ASA in Vietnam.

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made Jul 18 at 2021 11:58 PM

SP5 Skip Saurman — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 23:58:24 -0400

Well, being in the Army Security Agency with a Top Secret Crypto security clearance, we were told that there was NO ASA in Vietnam. True . . . I guess . . . they called us the Radio Research Group, instead. ;-) (little known fact; the first full-time active military combat soldier killed in Vietnam was SP4 James T. Davis in December 1961 just outside of Saigon)

Response by CWO4 Josh Henley made Jul 20 at 2021 3:37 AM

CWO4 Josh Henley — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 03:37:26 -0400

You can't go in there, The stack is on fire...You can't do anything about it. I turned around and looked at the Ensign and MPA Warrant... "Are you fucking serious?"

Response by SGT Lee Drake made Jul 20 at 2021 5:50 AM

SGT Lee Drake — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 05:50:04 -0400

"It's only heel spurs. Just give it about 3 months and they'll be gone. There's nothing more you can do." -Field Medics

"What idiot told you that?!" -VA Podiatrist, 10 years later

Response by SP5 James Johnson made Jul 20 at 2021 10:08 AM

SP5 James Johnson — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 10:08:28 -0400

That biden won.

Response by SPC David Batterson made Jul 20 at 2021 4:00 PM

SPC David Batterson — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 16:00:44 -0400

One oft-repeated lie from your sergeants: "This is good training." Scraping old wax off the floor with razor blades was NOT "good training." Not like: "Wax on, wax off" that WAS good training in "The Karate Kid."

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made Jul 20 at 2021 4:20 PM

CPL Sharon Fahey — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 16:20:27 -0400

That we are ALL soldiers regardless of sex, one Army. Lol, I'm sure some try to see it like that but both genders screw it up for those of us who joined to serve our nation, shoulder to shoulder. Some men just don't get it and some women want to play damsel in distress or play a game of whose marriage can I destroy (that goes for men too). Every American should serve in some degree, our military just needs to get over themselves. Earning my counterparts respect was hard but when accomplished, I was one with my soldiers.
, all that matters.

Response by SPC Ben Tong made Jul 20 at 2021 5:35 PM

SPC Ben Tong — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:35:40 -0400

LOL... I guess I was always naïve enough to believe everything.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Jul 20 at 2021 6:37 PM

MAJ James Woods — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:37:25 -0400

Volunteer for this assignment and you'll get a follow on of your choice.

Response by LCpl William Graney made Jul 20 at 2021 7:43 PM

LCpl William Graney — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 19:43:03 -0400

In 1957 I was promised free VA Medical care for life. In 1989 I was refused any VA care because I was earning too much money. I retired in 2010 and was denied VA because my WIFE was making too much money. In 2013 (?) I was put in Category 7 ( you guessed it ) no VA. In 2019 I had to complete 50 pages of financial info and was put in Category 5 ( no co-pay for Medical, but co pay for drugs ) I did buy a home on G.I. Bill when discharged. I have Medicare and a Blue Cross Medigap policy so I do not use VA, but a promise should be honored, I kept my promise and gave them 3 years honorably served with pride. Thanks.

Response by SCPO Bob Stevens made Jul 21 at 2021 2:06 AM

SCPO Bob Stevens — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 02:06:47 -0400

I was on TRI-care prime when I was medically retired for kidney disease after 23 yrs in the Navy. The medical broad recommended 80% disability for the kidney disease. VA added the 50% for the sleep apnea, which adds up to 90% disability with VA math. When I went on dialysis in 2016 my disability was upgraded to 100%. A side note kidney disease is one of the diseases that Medicare covers no matter your age. So as soon as I went on dialysis medicate picked up 80% Tricare picked up the rest. Suspect it’s because dialysis cost @ 76K per month according to paper work they sent me monthly. Because I had 2 insurances I never had more than a $10 dollar copay. The transplant cost @ 600K, according to the paper work I received from Medicare. I didn’t have to pay anything out of pocket for that either because Medicare picks up 80% of the bill for Kidney disease once you start Medicare and Tricare prime picks up the rest. In short, I can’t complain. Oh, side note. Besides being medically retired with from USN and being permanently VA disability at 100% since going on dialysis.Social Security also pays an additional 1600 bucks.

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Jul 21 at 2021 1:44 PM

SGT Doug Blanchard — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:44:46 -0400

The bit lie that was told to me was by the State of Florida, saying they would honor my Combat Medic training and allow me to chalkenge the state boards for civilian EMT. Which they did not do. I had to gi back to school and take tge First Responder then the EMT program to take my state boars. Things are different niw, they recognize the National Register Certification. Somethibg we fought long and hard to get passed. As it us a much higher standard than the state certification. Considering at tgat tune Florida recognized the licensing of military nurses and P A.'s and would allow them to challenge state boards.

Response by PO2 Dale Brown made Jul 21 at 2021 10:09 PM

PO2 Dale Brown — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 22:09:40 -0400

Your reenlistment bonus will be 20000

Response by Cpl TMike Barnes made Jul 22 at 2021 1:00 AM

Cpl TMike Barnes — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 01:00:11 -0400

If you reenlist in a short MOS we will give you a 10k bonus.

Response by PFC Calvin Greathouse made Jul 22 at 2021 2:16 PM

PFC Calvin Greathouse — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 14:16:27 -0400

obama was a great president which knew was a lie

Response by SPC Joel Alioto made Jul 24 at 2021 8:24 PM

SPC Joel Alioto — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 20:24:33 -0400

You will be in violation of the Geneva convention if you sharpen your bayonet. But, you will receive a Article 15 if your Ka-Bar is dull

Response by SPC Joel Alioto made Jul 24 at 2021 8:59 PM

SPC Joel Alioto — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 20:59:49 -0400

Private Alioto, Sign for this truck. water trailer and mobile kitchen trailer with all the equipment assigned. It is just a formality, nothing bad will happen to you.

Response by SFC Marvin Zimmerman made Jul 25 at 2021 5:34 AM

SFC Marvin Zimmerman — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 05:34:58 -0400

Retirees will have a lifelong @army.mil email address.

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Jul 25 at 2021 3:00 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 15:00:34 -0400

I was not going to answer this, until I read the comments.

This is for the "sunburn government property" comments.

Yes it is a LIE that you can be punished for having a sunburn under article 108 destruction of government policy, however you can be punished under the following articles:

Article 87, if the sunburn in question is severe enough to prevent you from a movement, due to medical treatment. I have seen people fall asleep and get 2nd degree sunburns.

Article 90/92, if the unit has a sunburn policy, my Navy unit had this, I am not sure what you would call it, but we had published orders for liberty this included using sunscreen, not drinking underage, not drinking and driving, and what was acceptable civilian attire while off post. You had to wear a "collared shirt;" no t-shirts, even printed t shirts, were allowed when I was in the Navy, in the late 80's early 90's.

Article 115 Malingering. It is this article that is sued most often for someone becoming sunburned and not being able to work.

I feel if you are going to post the lie, you need to understand that in this particular lie, is based in truth, it is just warped in the barracks.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Jul 25 at 2021 6:31 PM

SGT Tim Tobin — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 18:31:15 -0400

Instead of being conscripted back in 1970 I enlisted. I really wanted to be a cameraman. My recruiter told me that there was no such MOS in the Army. He then pushed me towards and electronic MOS, I ended up in Germany working at a site that controlled all the nuclear weapon sites in Europe. At age 19!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2021 6:36 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 18:36:43 -0400

That I could go back and get a free state education, except I can't because I already have a bachelor's.

Response by CPT Shonna Ingram made Jul 25 at 2021 7:08 PM

CPT Shonna Ingram — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 19:08:38 -0400

That all of our time counts towards VA benefits and Pay. Well, I was on active duty for 3.3 years and a Full-time (technician) National guard for 5. Only active duty counts unless you have a 6-month deployment in the reserves.

Response by MSG Dan Kilpatrick made Jul 25 at 2021 8:47 PM

MSG Dan Kilpatrick — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 20:47:39 -0400

We are a team!

Response by GySgt Jack Wallace made Jul 25 at 2021 10:13 PM

GySgt Jack Wallace — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 22:13:13 -0400

SSgt. Koss. first one for me was ,Don't run in the Head, You will slip and fall.During boot Camp if a recruit got in trouble a D.I. would take the recruit to the head, come back with the recruit' s head wet and a knot on his head. The D.I. would walk this recruit in front of our PLT. and Yell out," Don't run in the F-in head or you'll fall" Second was, with my hand chock-yourself.. I witness this many times in Marine Corps Boot Camp 1976.Note; My recruiter told me that the D.I."s would not lay a hand on you!!! Note, our D.I."s did NOT get that Marine Corps Memo...Never did a recruit make the same mistake twice. Nothing like OJT.
Semper Fi

Response by GySgt Jack Wallace made Jul 26 at 2021 8:46 AM

GySgt Jack Wallace — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 08:46:15 -0400

The top 10 % will get the pick of there duty station. Not me. I grad. at number 7. The top 6 got there pick and was sent state side. The last 3 of us were sent to Okinawa, aka,'THE ROCK".
P.S. All turned out great for me. I extended 4 more times got married there , made Sgt . in 2 yrs 3 months. But the Marine Corps did lie and failed on there promise. Still love the Corps.

Response by Capt David Hoffman made Jul 26 at 2021 3:59 PM

Capt David Hoffman — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:59:36 -0400

I was told I could use my "Preferred Enlistment Name" once I presented my new Social Security Card (I didn't have it with me when I applied while visiting relatives). The DD Form 1966 omits that military law prohibits using it as true (the manner common law names are used in the civilian world--they are considered false names, but legal because their is no law against using them). So, 14 years after accepting documents in my Preferred Enlistment Name, I was told that I had committed 'intent to deceive.' Be aware that all military documents using the common law year of our Lord are illegal because Jesus was not born in a.d.1, so the military uses that dating system with 'intent to deceive.'

Response by MSG Loren Tomblin made Jul 26 at 2021 5:00 PM

MSG Loren Tomblin — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 17:00:52 -0400

The VA will take care of you. I am 100% combat related. I went to the VA on March 23, 2021 for a dental issue. The VA dentist told me Community Care. Here is is coming up on August and the tooth is still in my head. This has been going on with many contacts with the VA clinic. I hand carried two requests from the contracted dentist after a consultation approved by Community Care One as for my VA caregiver the other for the VA dentist that. I gave them to the clerk at the clinic desk. Subsequently after getting another agency involved a nurse from the clinic told me the clerks were not to accept paper work. I responded "Why did he not tell me?". That was in May 2021. This has been going on with many attempts to get the VA to give clearance for the dentist to rip this tooth out. Today after many attempts by the dentist's secretary to get the clearance I told her that I will pay for it out of my own pocket. I am 80 years old and don't need the hassle. The reason for this issue is I am on blood thinners and the contract dentist said he can't do the procedure unless he gets clearance from the VA. They have been notified six times but they have failed to understand that.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2021 6:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 18:33:06 -0400

PT tests are tied to HT and WT

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2021 6:35 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 18:35:44 -0400

HAHA, Im not giving you my stories for your book. Thats like the guy from tropic thunder taking all those vietnam stories and making a movie.

Response by MSgt John Schoenfeld made Jul 26 at 2021 10:06 PM

MSgt John Schoenfeld — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 22:06:42 -0400

That the military was patriotic and defended the constitution. Now we have the secdef, CJCS, CNO, Head of the NSA, all revealing themselves to be traitors and marxists.

Response by SGT Erick Holmes made Jul 30 at 2021 1:50 PM

SGT Erick Holmes — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 13:50:07 -0400

3 hots and a cot. They never said that 3 hots were 3 MRE's and anything that you can find to make laying down softer. LOL

Response by Cpl TMike Barnes made Jul 30 at 2021 11:57 PM

Cpl TMike Barnes — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 23:57:48 -0400

You can't go to O.C.S. because you wear glasses.

Response by LTC Earle Bluff made Aug 1 at 2021 10:25 PM

LTC Earle Bluff — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 22:25:16 -0400

You can always go up the chain of command. (got NO at first level; when I mentioned that I would see if the next level would look at it differently - equivalent to DEFCON 3, even 2). Usually the first answer stops the process. Thank you for letting us share. John 3, v. 16

Response by SSG Ted Strachan made Aug 2 at 2021 11:34 AM

SSG Ted Strachan — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 11:34:18 -0400

Getting a "shot in the nuts with a square needle" and "President Reagan just declared war on Iran"- both from IET at Ft. Bliss, TX.

Response by PO3 German Corea made Aug 10 at 2021 11:36 PM

PO3 German Corea — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 23:36:06 -0400

I personally don't recall any lies from my recruiters (yes, I had 2) but they were pretty straight forward with me but a buddy of mine told me that his recruiter told him that onboard a ship they had a pool table and arcades. I almost fell to the floor laughing.

Response by Capt Wayne Burden made Aug 28 at 2021 10:14 AM

Capt Wayne Burden — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 10:14:37 -0400

I went in as a E-1. Recruiter to me… “If you don’t like it you can just quit”. Ever see the movie STRIPES with Bill Murray? Similar situation.

Response by PFC Michelle Gauthier made Aug 28 at 2021 5:44 PM

PFC Michelle Gauthier — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 17:44:18 -0400

When I enlisted I was told I was gong to radio school, bu it never happened. I trasnsferred to the band after bong put into Bulk Fuel battalion. When exiting the military I was offered flight training at Marcad, which I turned down due already being lied too.

Response by SSG Ruben Maldonado made Aug 28 at 2021 9:46 PM

SSG Ruben Maldonado — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 21:46:40 -0400

That as a stinger missile crewmember I'd get a job at NASA after getting out ....

Response by PFC Keith Williamson made Aug 29 at 2021 7:38 AM

PFC Keith Williamson — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 07:38:30 -0400

to do poorly in initial testing, you'd get an easy job. all but 3 in my training company got an easy job...they went to 'Nam.

Response by LCpl Rich Vail made Aug 29 at 2021 9:30 AM

LCpl Rich Vail — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 09:30:40 -0400

Democrats support the military...

Response by PO3 Dale Olson made Aug 29 at 2021 2:22 PM

PO3 Dale Olson — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 14:22:33 -0400

At Johnston Island atomic tests we were told not to worry our film badge and dosimitor will protect you.

Response by SPC Kenneth James made Aug 29 at 2021 5:20 PM

SPC Kenneth James — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 17:20:05 -0400

My all time favorite was when I signed up was in spite that I had a 65 asvab score my. Recruiter said that the army only had 3 jobs I was qualified for first was of course Infantry the second was parachute rigging and last but not least Field Artillery so after seeing a vcr tape yep that is how far back I was in lol anyway he showed me tanks and boy did I get hyped so after basic in fabulous Ft Sill OK was ready for AIT when I found out I was going to be on the 105mm howitzer needles to say after seeing

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2021 7:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 19:16:23 -0400

Was told by my recruiter that medics never went to hospitals or clinics. Very first duty station was a hospital ER. Still my favorite duty station but was very put out at the time as I was a brand new 19 year old medic who thought he knew everything and wanted to be out in the field all the time doing “real” medic stuff

Response by CDR Bob Lange made Aug 30 at 2021 12:12 AM

CDR Bob Lange — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:12:42 -0400

"We're from Fleet Training Group, and we're here to help. "

Response by SGT Jody Beach made Aug 30 at 2021 12:37 PM

SGT Jody Beach — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:37:34 -0400

That I trusted the Clintons ...

Response by SFC Doc Moran made Aug 30 at 2021 3:37 PM

SFC Doc Moran — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:37:22 -0400

These boots are size 12 N , for normal. Basic training 1989 . Wow my feet were snug.

Response by CAPT Joel Rothschild made Aug 30 at 2021 4:10 PM

CAPT Joel Rothschild — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 16:10:27 -0400

Iraq has WMD.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2021 7:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 19:18:38 -0400

You will need your next anthrax shot in 3 months.

Response by Sgt Bob Lamb made Aug 30 at 2021 8:04 PM

Sgt Bob Lamb — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 20:04:41 -0400

When you reup you get "base of choice". Know a guy who ended up in a tree with a radio & M16. He said it was "Thailand" - during Nam.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 2:17 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:17:10 -0400

I'll pay you $20 for $40 on payday.

Response by SPC Joshua Bender made Sep 1 at 2021 9:14 AM

SPC Joshua Bender — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:14:42 -0400

Oh, that I would actually work on my own equipment in the military. Yea the problem with being a 63J is that very few units actually have my equipment, and when they do they generally don't use it much. So most of the time you get stuck working under the trucks along with the rest of the mechanics and get over it, especially when you try to specifically get into a chemical unit with a PCS and find out that they haven't had their equipment for nearly 2 years, and were about to deploy without ever getting any (yea the operators and chem MOS guys basicly sat around the day room and ended up being detailed out around the base). The best decision I ever made was to leave active duty and go into the reserves, and somehow my dinkly little reserve company had more of my equipment then any of my active duty units did, and I actually got to work on it. I loved those guys and spent years in the reserves happily turning my wrench for em.

Response by TSgt John Brody made Sep 1 at 2021 9:51 AM

TSgt John Brody — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:51:43 -0400

I was lied to when I was told to nation build and that we could win hearts and minds.
Nation building is ONLY achievable within a GENERATIONAL mindset. i.e. it takes at least 3 generations to change a nation (likely more). India's transformation under British rule is the global model to emulate.
Otherwise, just bomb 'em back into the stone age and walk away.

My nation's leaders, both military and civilian, were too short sighted to understand these realities and set policy accordingly.
This was the single biggest lie I experienced.

Response by SP5 Michael Diggles made Sep 1 at 2021 4:42 PM

SP5 Michael Diggles — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 16:42:05 -0400

More of fun stories. On our Army tugboat, the skipper would say “Port is left; starboard is right; and the pointy end is the front.” He also said “Keep the gray side up.”

Response by CPL Eudora Powell made Sep 2 at 2021 1:58 AM

CPL Eudora Powell — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 01:58:06 -0400

I went to the VA to get help for a back injury acquired in the army. I just wanted my back fixed. I had a well paying job that I loved, and the pain was becoming unbearable. I spent years filing papers and fighting them as my back grew worse.

There were several lies, and outright deceit that hurt deeply.

*They told me in the beginning that my medical records were lost. These were the records that showed that I'd been treated in the military for this condition. I had to do a lot of work to prove it had happened.

*When I was finally approved, I was told that all my papers that had been filed throughout all those years were now lost.

*There was a kind woman who had been helping me at the VA office in Napa, CA. She had copied many papers for me and was witness to all my years of hard work and frustration. They said she had suddenly up and moved! They didn't know where she had gone, so she could not be a witness for me.

*They also said that she had been inept. Supposedly, she had lost, or 'didn't even copy' all those papers. But I SAW her replicate and place them in my folder. She was meticulous and kept it all in her filing cabinet. She had helped me so much, I knew she would not do anything to hurt me.

*So I had no copies myself because she had been keeping them for me. I could not prove how long I'd been fighting. They told me that they would only pay one month backpay, rather than years. They wouldn't even give me several months.

During all this time fighting, they did nothing for my back, so I ended up losing my job.

Response by AN John Pepper made Sep 2 at 2021 9:29 AM

AN John Pepper — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 09:29:38 -0400

"It's not just a job, it's an adventure!" I enjoyed my naval service, but the recruiting slogan at the time was always joked about.

Response by MSgt David Frazier made Sep 2 at 2021 10:36 PM

MSgt David Frazier — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 22:36:14 -0400

I don't make the rules I just enforce them.

Response by SPC George Keller made Sep 3 at 2021 3:22 PM

SPC George Keller — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 15:22:47 -0400

Whatever you say in a health risk assessment is confidential and cannot be used against you. You didn't put your name on it, but they numbered them to keep track of who had which sheet.

Response by Sgt Joseph Chapman made Sep 3 at 2021 8:57 PM

Sgt Joseph Chapman — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 20:57:44 -0400

American citizens are lied to from the time we are old enough to start programming (indoctrination) until we become wise enough to realize what is going on.

"Land of the free and home of the brave" is a good one.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2021 10:23 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 22:23:03 -0400

Well take care of you

Response by CMSgt William Wilson made Sep 3 at 2021 10:52 PM

CMSgt William Wilson — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 22:52:14 -0400

1.When I joined the Air force, I was already an E-5 In the NC National Guard. I was told that My rank would be restored once I finished basic training. Nope didn't happen.
2.I was told that my wife would have access to the military hospital. When I showed up with my wife 7 months pregnant I was told that they could not accommodate her and I would need to take care of it myself which I did with a lot of difficulty. I took care of the first 3 myself and finally my 4th was born in a military hospital.
3. I was also told that if I stayed for 20 years that my wife and I would have free healthcare for life. I retired in 75 and it was years before I was able to get health care and it was never free but it has been very good.

Response by MSgt Dr. Elizabeth Masaniai, Ed.D. Lynn made Sep 5 at 2021 4:26 PM

MSgt Dr. Elizabeth Masaniai, Ed.D. Lynn — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 16:26:13 -0400

Well, I am not sure about ‘lies’ that were told but rather a mis-understanding on my part or a mis-communication on my recruiter’s part. In retrospect, it’s comical now since it happened so long ago but back in the mid 1970’s, before I signed on the dotted line, I asked the recruiter about the choices of where my first assignment was going to be. Of course, he didn’t have that information but he did mention something about a “Dream Sheet.” For those of you prior Air Force from 50 years ago, you know what I’m talking about, right?

My recruiter proceeds to tell me that all I have to do is fill out this Dream Sheet and list my top three places in the world that I want to go to, and surely I would get at least one of those spots. So, I immediately wrote down Hawaii, New Zealand, and California. Of course, this wasn’t the case as I shortly found out that the military will send you wherever they need you, not the other way around

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2021 8:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 20:27:10 -0400

Based on American history, none of you can expect to serve in a war. (Heard from recruiter in 1988)

Most of the lies I heard were not from the Army but by people who lied about or exaggerated their service. One guy told me was a combat marine and a green beret. Another insisted he was an 11B but went to Fort Jackson the cycle before me.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Sep 5 at 2021 9:45 PM

1SG James Kelly — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 21:45:00 -0400

SSG, it's not.

Response by 1SG Ken Bedwell made Sep 6 at 2021 12:59 AM

1SG Ken Bedwell — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:59:33 -0400

None really. I was fortunate. The Army and dishonesty were not something that I can relate to.

Response by SSG John M Jacobson Sr made Sep 6 at 2021 7:34 AM

SSG John M Jacobson Sr — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 07:34:38 -0400

Since I had TS clearance, once I get out I can still get all the information I want even if I am retired. I thought that was a pretty big lie, and funny as ever. Why would anyone not in the service any more need access to sensitive information, besides I have better things to do now like fish and golf and ride my Harley and most important, play with my grandchildren.

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Sep 6 at 2021 10:23 AM

SPC Richard Rauenhorst — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 10:23:04 -0400

The six month early out, It was not six months as it was 5 days short due to they had to make certain that you did serve 2 and a half years they added 5 days. LOL

Response by SFC Isaac Reyes made Sep 8 at 2021 12:52 PM

SFC Isaac Reyes — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 12:52:55 -0400

It's easy just like on the tower. You just step off everything is good.

Response by SPC Richard Rauenhorst made Sep 10 at 2021 9:04 AM

SPC Richard Rauenhorst — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 09:04:35 -0400

The biggest lie is that the damage that I felt to my neck and back is just normal aging. I spent 5 days with my neck out of place and another 5 weeks in the hospital flat on my back with up to 18 pounds pulling on my neck. I missed the first few weeks of my senior week in high school and wore a brace on my neck most of the school year. Do you think wearing a 13 pound helmet with field gear and an M14 on a 5 mile march might have an effect??? Do you think the pressure/tensions of being in a combat zone might have an effect? The powers that be really don't think so. Sorry to say, this has created some real anger issues for me.

Response by SFC James Cameron made Sep 20 at 2021 2:14 PM

SFC James Cameron — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:14:56 -0400

Biggest outright lies are:

Commander says to Soldiers they have made it as far as they can and don’t care about their career anymore; if it comes down to sticking my neck out for my Soldiers or my career, I choose my Soldiers.

Things that you tell an embedded MFLC are confidential and won’t make it into your records if they aren’t illegal, immoral, or unethical.

Response by 1SG James Hill, MSL, BSBA made Oct 28 at 2021 2:25 PM

1SG James Hill, MSL, BSBA — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:25:27 -0400

That me and my family would have free medical and dental if I retired.

Response by SFC Kevin Strakal made Nov 9 at 2021 2:40 PM

SFC Kevin Strakal — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 14:40:18 -0500

Many times about assignment information, “if you do this you’ll be stationed here…” also promotion information, “if you do this you’ll be promoted…..” my mos was highly political so if you upset someone you we’re screwed which I was 100%. I wanted to be a solder and a leader which I was and it reflects in my accomplishments but I was too direct with supervisors and they got offended. It’s true, I can back it up no worries. Also when I sought advice many, many times the leaders I sought advice from would t provide it. I had several officers tell me that I was a “threat” to their careers for fear of being outperformed. I said whatever, if they can’t help I won’t seek their advice. It was rough.

Response by Cpl Frank Birkemeier made Nov 11 at 2021 10:25 AM

Cpl Frank Birkemeier — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:25:16 -0500

That having a military background helps with job searches and your resume, as this has only been true when I applied to the VA. Every other employer really did not care, even when explaining the leadership skills/dedication skills, etc you gain from a military background in interviews.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Nov 11 at 2021 8:53 PM

LTC John Wilson — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 20:53:46 -0500

When you Deploy, there's this magic warehouse full of all new kit from TA-50 to brand new MTOE equipment to replace the old stuff in your wall locker and motor pool.

Response by PO3 Kathy Liles made Nov 12 at 2021 8:52 AM

PO3 Kathy Liles — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 08:52:23 -0500

My recruiter told me the chow was really good (I don't think his wife was a very good cook).

Response by LTC Tom Barbeau made Nov 12 at 2021 10:27 AM

LTC Tom Barbeau — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 10:27:44 -0500

We were activated for Operation Nobel Eagle in October 2001. We were alerted on Sunday to report that Thursday. At our demob ceremony in late September 2002, our commanding general apologized to all of us and said it would never happen again, and we would have more time to get our personal lives in order. In February 2003, we were reactivated for Operation Enduring Freedom, as expected. However they alerted us on Friday to report Monday. So not only did it happen again, it was worse.

Response by SGT Paul Lux made Nov 12 at 2021 1:47 PM

SGT Paul Lux — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 13:47:50 -0500

To inject a little humor for you . . .

I served in a strategic intel unit near the end of the Cold War. We were repeatedly told, "This isn't the 'real Army.' Wait until you get to a tactical unit, then you'll learn what the 'real Army' is all about." About halfway through my tour a new guy joined our shop. He told me that he was told at his tactical unit, "Wait until you get to a strategic unit; they will show you what the 'real Army' is all about."

That led me to to discover the best-kept secret of the Cold War: we didn't have a "real Army!" :-)

Response by SFC Thomas Lindsey made Nov 12 at 2021 1:53 PM

SFC Thomas Lindsey — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 13:53:06 -0500

Since I was going into the Army band (good job, actually) that I would be in basic training with the cooks and clerks. Um, no. I was the only band 'geek' (much worse word that is not politically correct anymore inserted there) among the entire company and caught hell for that. Since my AIT was in Little Creek, Virginia, I was told that I could join the Army surf team in Virginia Beach. What? I would only have to get my hair trimmed one time (since I had long hair) the first day of basic training and then I could grow it how I wanted. Right....... Much more little lies along the way that I won't go into. The worst part? I met a girl a few months before I was supposed to leave for basic training and we were totally into each other. I couldn't get a good day together for us to go out right away and saw her in the mall holding hands with my recruiter. Seems like that clown was able to spin lies on everyone. She was embarrassed and that was my initiation into the Army.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2021 8:07 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 20:07:45 -0500

I am in the Guard and when someone sees me, once in a good while someone tells me that they were Special Forces, as if I don’t know that means? My first six years were with the special operations forces… I can tell your lying by knowing basic things… group location, MOS, and what the motto means.

Response by PO1 Gary Bell made Nov 14 at 2021 11:03 AM

PO1 Gary Bell — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 11:03:51 -0500

You are not a veteran if you did not serve in combat.

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Nov 14 at 2021 1:14 PM

SFC Oddie Brown — Sun, 14 Nov 2021 13:14:18 -0500

I wouldn't say I was lied to but it was normal if you were an E-6 and served a complete tour as a Drill Sergeant or Recruiter you would usually make the E-7 list ahead of your peers. I was told as a detail recruiter that I would get station of choice once my tour (3 years) was over. I didn't get station of choice but instead I was sent to Korea. I was DA select for ANCOC once my tour in Korea was complete. I went to ANCOC and made the E-7 list 5 years later. I am pretty sure I made some enemies in USAREC because I wouldn't convert and it followed me for a long time. I hope things have gotten better over the years. In hind sight, I was a recruiter that was lied to, haha. I have no ill will over it.

Response by CPO Michael Sordelet made Nov 15 at 2021 7:30 AM

CPO Michael Sordelet — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 07:30:19 -0500

You are guaranteed 7 federal holidays every year, if you are deployed over a holiday you will get a "comp. Day" off when you return.

Response by COL David Petray made Nov 16 at 2021 1:06 PM

COL David Petray — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:06:35 -0500

That the Army will take care of you for life. Ha. Medically discharged for injuries received in 30 years of service to include Gulf War Syndrome. Patted me on my back, gave me a flag and left me to negotiate a healthcare system outside of the military. Veterans’ hospitals are a joke. TRICARE copays and enrollments continue to increase and outpacing inflation. In addition, the good providers in the community won’t take TRICARE. My point is this: when I entered service I was in great health. After 30 years of service the Army broke me. They should pick up the bill not me or any other veteran with service connected injuries or ailments.

Response by SSgt Karen Jarman made Nov 16 at 2021 6:06 PM

SSgt Karen Jarman — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:06:49 -0500

April '76, "You will graduate BMTS as an E-3." October '76, " We don't do that anymore. " ALWAYS get it in writing. Anyone can promise anything, but if policy or regs change, you're screwed.

Response by TSgt Brian Trubee made Nov 17 at 2021 6:40 PM

TSgt Brian Trubee — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:40:11 -0500

A buddy agreed to go into the army under the condition that he get qualified on the flamethrower. He went in in the early 80's. When he got out of basic, he asked when he would get his flamethrower training. They told him that flamethrowers had not been in the inventory for over a decade. He got our of the army later and became an Air Force PJ

Response by CPL M Miller made Nov 26 at 2021 2:06 AM

CPL M Miller — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 02:06:06 -0500

Recruiters never lie.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Dec 14 at 2021 3:04 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 15:04:25 -0500

That oily film in the water wont hurt you, Just brush it aside and fill your canteen under water, being sure to keep your thumb close to the opening so leeches won't get in. That oily film was from Agent Orange and it did hurt us later in life.This from a Vietnam combat vet 1970.

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Dec 14 at 2021 4:22 PM

SFC Randy Hellenbrand — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:22:18 -0500

Eat all you want.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2021 7:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 19:59:35 -0500

Everything my recruiter said was a lie when it came to health care.

Response by PO1 Tom Follis made Dec 20 at 2021 10:15 PM

PO1 Tom Follis — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 22:15:46 -0500

Congratulations on your writings, however, I have to agree with others. When I joined, no one ever heard of Tricare or any other medical availabilities. I was told very clearly and simply that WE would be taken care of for life. That clearly and simply has not happened. Our veterans are treated worse than a second class citizen. Most politicians would rather over look us as if we don’t exist.

Response by Cpl Raymond Wiltshire made Dec 24 at 2021 1:37 AM

Cpl Raymond Wiltshire — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 01:37:29 -0500

GI bill - education.
I did 1 ½ years at college before I went into the military. Carried less than a 2.0 GPA. I partied, didn't care about studying. After my discharge I decided to switch majors and go back to school. I had to start all over and take a lot of basic coursed to prepare me for the more advanced courses. Plus I needed to get my GPA up. I went to a Jr. college for one semester and then transferred to a 4 year university. After a semester there, carrying a 3.5 GPA and staying on the Deans list at both JC and university, the government informed me that I did not qualify for any more GI bill because I wasn't taking any higher level courses. The university requires that you take certain courses before you can take the higher courses. I did not have the money to continue on my own as I had been spending both my money and the GI bill to get that far (college is expensive), and I was not about to go into debt. So I went out and found a job to support myself.. So much for my guaranteed 4 years of college that I was promised. Also that hole in the ground they promised when I die was taken away. I no longer believe anything the government has to say, because the don't tell the truth
The only Government I trust is 45-70 Government!

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Dec 26 at 2021 7:28 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 19:28:32 -0500

During my first assignment, at the Flight Test Center (Edwards, AFB) I was told by a Group Commander that my dream of being assigned to a unit that was working to construct the Space Launch Complex for the Space Shuttle (at Vandenberg...mid-eighties) was a pipedream. They only took "the best of the best" and I should give up on that hope.

Within a year, I was assigned to AF Plant 42, working side-by-side with NASA civilian employees, doing the final assembly and acceptance tests on the Space Shuttle Orbiters (my birds were the Discovery and the Atlantis). I was one of only about a dozen uniformed AF personnel, ever, to do this duty. The follow-on duty was assignment to the Shuttle Test Group at Vandenberg, AFB.

Response by CPT Earl George made Dec 26 at 2021 7:58 PM

CPT Earl George — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 19:58:21 -0500

I commanded a BCT company for 13 months at Ft Knox. You would be amazed at the stuff trainees told me that recruiters told them. The best one was the trainee who told me that he came into the Army to be on their wrestling team. He could not understand why he had to take Basic Training because he just wanted to wrestle.

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Dec 27 at 2021 7:57 AM

SPC Steven Depuy — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 07:57:43 -0500

1) What do scouts do? They draw maps. You mean I can be a topographer when I get out. Sure son.
2) Europe is a long way from home. Don't worry, after 18 months, you can apply for a transfer to the states.
And that was just while I was at MEP's

Response by 1SG Jack Crutcher made Dec 29 at 2021 7:04 PM

1SG Jack Crutcher — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 19:04:28 -0500

Trainee said his recruiter told him he could attend college while he was in basic training

Response by TSgt Randall Kelly made Dec 31 at 2021 2:27 PM

TSgt Randall Kelly — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:27:01 -0500

I argued with Congressman Wolf's Chief of Staff about what we were promised about medical for life. Senator John Warner of Virginia, the older John Warner, not this POS we have today. He was fighting the battle to get the medical benefits that were promised when we enlisted. When I told Wolf's Chief of Staff that I had been an Air Force Recruiter in the 70s and that is exactly what we promised people when they enlisted, he responded with; "My generation was smart enough to not believe any of that."

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2021 2:44 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 14:44:19 -0500

One weekend a month.
Frontally I'm ok with coming in more often but not everyone is.

Response by SSG Jim Nixon made Jan 2 at 2022 3:38 AM

SSG Jim Nixon — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 03:38:31 -0500

That we get more BAQ/BAS for each dependent we have. Five kids later and make the same pay.

Response by SSG Jim Nixon made Jan 2 at 2022 3:39 AM

SSG Jim Nixon — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 03:39:45 -0500

That we could pick our duty station(s).

Response by SSG Jim Nixon made Jan 2 at 2022 3:41 AM

SSG Jim Nixon — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 03:41:15 -0500

That parents of young children do not get deployed. Single soldiers with no dependents get those assignments.

Response by SSG Jim Nixon made Jan 2 at 2022 3:43 AM

SSG Jim Nixon — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 03:43:06 -0500

That on post services can help a soldier's family when he is deployed. While I was in Korea my wife went for help and they took our kids away from her.

Response by SSG Jim Nixon made Jan 2 at 2022 3:47 AM

SSG Jim Nixon — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 03:47:54 -0500

That my family will be taken care of. Meanwhile, my wife is screaming in pain in the hospital and we are getting no help at all. I start calling out for somewone to come in and look at her. Then the staff on duty, all of whom outrank me, spend more time yelling at me for insubordination than they do looking at her. Which, by the way, they had still not done yet. I could go on, it was all lies. Which is why I ended up serving only 6 years.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2022 7:07 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Jan 2022 07:07:18 -0500

We were on the books for a NTC rotation in february 2020 followed by a rotation to korea in the fall of 2020. After that missile incident with iran in december 2019 our battalion commander at the time told the whole battalion our orders would be changing, and be prepared to go to war with iran after NTC...we went to Korea.

Response by Maj Major Warren A Wolff made Jan 9 at 2022 9:06 PM

Maj Major Warren A Wolff — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 21:06:13 -0500

Free medical and dental care! That should include free meds. Even the VA charges $8++.

Response by SSG Gregg Mouritzen made Jan 27 at 2022 1:43 AM

SSG Gregg Mouritzen — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 01:43:05 -0500

Retirement will not affect your bonus status.
I asked this question specifically, when I started discussing retirement

Yeah, right. I ended up having to pay back $5k for 1 year of service.

Response by 1SG Gary Bauman made Feb 11 at 2022 3:48 PM

1SG Gary Bauman — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 15:48:04 -0500

Quoting and paraphrasing military regulations that don't exist. AR 71-20 page 37 paragraph B states BLAH-BLAH-BLAH. SO FULL OF SHIT.

Response by PO1 Todd B. made Feb 14 at 2022 5:16 PM

PO1 Todd B. — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:16:36 -0500

That US Marines had brains... (I am former US Navy) :grin:

Response by Sgt Ronald Sires made Feb 15 at 2022 9:52 AM

Sgt Ronald Sires — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:52:50 -0500

I am with the government and I am here to help.

Response by PVT Edward Roselle made Feb 16 at 2022 3:52 AM

PVT Edward Roselle — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 03:52:42 -0500

1. Anything that came out of my recruiters mouth!
2. Your DD-214 is accurate as we can make it.
3. You are considered a Veteran after your time in.
4. and... well I don't have enough time left in my life to list them all.

Response by SP5 Koa Feliciano made Feb 17 at 2022 12:16 AM

SP5 Koa Feliciano — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:16:02 -0500

SSB back in 1992. The RIF was going on and the military offered X amount for people to voluntarily get out. The program was called the Soldier Separation Bonus, more commonly known as the SSB. 1) There was a rumor going around that they were going to oofer retirment at 15 years. I would have qualified. The military said it was a rumor and that it was never going to happen. It did happen. The early retirement was announced about five months after I was out. 2) I was told I had to get out with the bonus or be thrown out without the bonus. What they conveniently did not say is that I was grandfathered in. I last enlisted for a full six years which would have put me way over the 18 year limit where I could not be released from duty. 3) This is the worst one. I was released and qualified for VA Compensation. Both my knees where mangled up when I slipped off of a helicopter engine deck. There were other things but suffice to say, I was approved for VA compensation. Then came the letter. I was awarded $36,000 to leave voluntarily. Now I had to pay back the full $36,000. Why? Because the Army got slick. Remember that (S)oldier (S)eparation (B)onus mentioned above? The "SSB? Well, the military loves acronyms and what they (intentionally) failed to announce that while the program was running, they conveniently changed it's name from Soldier Separation Bonus (SSB) to Soldier Separation Benefit (still SSB). So the later I received stated that by law, I could not receive two bonuses at the same time. So, it was either the SSB or VA compensation. They proceeded to take my VA compensation for the next sixteen years to pay back the SSB. My thought process tells me 1) The SSB was paid to me BEFORE I applied for VA compensation and should thus be considered separately and not concurrently with VA compensation. Nope! No such luck 2) On the separation paperwork I received, inside on page three, it states Soldier Separation Benefit. But on the lead page (page1), front, it clearly states Soldier Separation Bonus. BONUS! I have the paperwork in my safe It's there in B&W. So, to me, those were the biggest lies the military ever dished out on me. Gave me money to volunteer out and then took it all right back. Do I trust the government and the military? Not on your life. I got the big green weenie and from what I have heard, thousands of others got the same exact treatment I did.

Response by SP5 Koa Feliciano made Feb 17 at 2022 12:35 AM

SP5 Koa Feliciano — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 00:35:00 -0500

SSB back in 1992. The RIF was going on and the military offered X amount for people to voluntarily get out. The program was called the Soldier Separation Bonus, more commonly known as the SSB. 1) There was a rumor going around that they were going to oofer retirment at 15 years. I would have qualified. The military said it was a rumor and that it was never going to happen. It did happen. The early retirement was announced about five months after I was out. 2) I was told I had to get out with the bonus or be thrown out without the bonus. What they conveniently did not say is that I was grandfathered in. I last enlisted for a full six years which would have put me way over the 18 year limit where I could not be released from duty. 3) This is the worst one. I was released and qualified for VA Compensation. Both my knees where mangled up when I slipped off of a helicopter engine deck. There were other things but suffice to say, I was approved for VA compensation. Then came the letter. I was awarded $36,000 to leave voluntarily. Now I had to pay back the full $36,000. Why? Because the Army got slick. Remember that (S)oldier (S)eparation (B)onus mentioned above? The "SSB? Well, the military loves acronyms and what they (intentionally) failed to announce that while the program was running, they conveniently changed it's name from Soldier Separation Bonus (SSB) to Soldier Separation Benefit (still SSB). So the later I received stated that by law, I could not receive two bonuses at the same time. So, it was either the SSB or VA compensation. They proceeded to take my VA compensation for the next sixteen years to pay back the SSB. My thought process tells me 1) The SSB was paid to me BEFORE I applied for VA compensation and should thus be considered separately and not concurrently with VA compensation. Nope! No such luck 2) On the separation paperwork I received, inside on page three, it states Soldier Separation Benefit. But on the lead page (page1), front, it clearly states Soldier Separation Bonus. BONUS! I have the paperwork in my safe It's there in B&W. So, to me, those were the biggest lies the military ever dished out on me. Gave me money to volunteer out and then took it all right back. I near a few thousand others got the same treatment.

Response by LTC Bruce Arlinghaus made Feb 18 at 2022 6:05 PM

LTC Bruce Arlinghaus — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 18:05:06 -0500

Trust me . . .

Response by SPC Justine Blankenbeckler made Feb 19 at 2022 1:54 AM

SPC Justine Blankenbeckler — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 01:54:24 -0500

I was told all my burial expenses would be paid for. Thank goodness I resolved that issue myself.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2022 2:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 14:27:38 -0500

That we're defending freedom.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2022 10:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 10:20:02 -0500

The biggest lies I was told were all during my time in the SC Army National Guard.
When I joined, I was told that while I would have to take a drop in grade from E-6 to E-5, I would get it back at the end of my first year. It took six years.
My second drill I was accused of going into a bar on my first drill weekend and impersonating an O-6 Medevac pilot. Come to find out, it was another newby, but they were more than willing to throw me away by hearsay.
We had a very sweet regular TDY taking our Apaches to airshows all over the US and Canada. Despite a group of guys constantly volunteering to go, and never getting picked, we were told by the OIC that they struggled to find people to go (the NCOIC hand-picked his crew, and it was always his favorites. It didn't matter if they were short-handed. He only picked his faves.)
Despite assurances that the National Guard promotion system was revamped to mirror the Active and Reserve systems, I was passed over 11 times for promotion to E-8 despite by #1 on the list 9 of those 11 times. On the other two occasions, I was #2 on the list.
Enroute to deployment training at Ft. Stewart, I wrenched my back. three weeks in, I was barely able to get out of my bunk one morning and went to sick call. The Army doctor gave me around 300 tablets of 800mg Motrin and muscle relaxers (which meant I couldn't work on my aircraft). Luckily, we had picked up a Forward Artillery Observer captain from IRR who happened to be a professional trainer. He gave me some exercises which quickly fixed the back problem to the point that 3 weeks later I joined the Kuwait Rugby Club and played for the duration of the deployment. I ended up giving most of the Motrin to my Rugby teammates.
There's a lot more, none of which are any more funny than these. Sorry.

Response by Sgt Kevin Jamison made Mar 12 at 2022 11:17 PM

Sgt Kevin Jamison — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 23:17:19 -0500

Biggest lie is Joe Biden is president.

Let’s go Brandon

Response by PO1 Robert Feldt made Mar 13 at 2022 10:33 AM

PO1 Robert Feldt — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 10:33:48 -0400

Me: “l want to work on Diesel engines.”
Recruiter: “Boiler Technicians work on them, that’s the rate you want to strike for”

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Mar 13 at 2022 10:50 AM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 10:50:53 -0400

If I served 20 years I would have free health care for life

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2022 11:06 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 11:06:01 -0400

Just fill out your Dream sheet and your next Duty Station will be a Paradise!

Response by CDR Jim Gompper made Mar 13 at 2022 3:22 PM

CDR Jim Gompper — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 15:22:43 -0400

When I was a young officer, I was subjected several times to mandatory meetings where we were subjected to hard sell "Whole Life" insurance pitches from Navy Mutual Aid.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 13 at 2022 3:22 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 15:22:59 -0400

"Don't pack any cold weather gear in your ruck sack it's not needed and just takes up space and increases the weight"........that was one of the coldest FTX's I have ever been on and the temps dropped to 17 F in the Ft. Campbell back forty. If it wasn't for the sleeping bag I would have got serious cold weather injuries or sickness. Happily I did pack my gloves, scarf and sweater.

Response by PO2 David Harlow made Mar 13 at 2022 5:10 PM

PO2 David Harlow — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 17:10:08 -0400

Recruiter tells me, "Be a nuke, you'll be happy and get the best perks". Best day of my life up to that point was getting administratively de-nuked and sent to Engineering/E-Div.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Mar 13 at 2022 8:46 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 20:46:25 -0400

One of the biggest lies that I was told while in is that when we got out we would have VA healthcare for life This was bullshit. I did receive VA healthcare years later form Agent Orange problems, but couldn't get any help when I ETS in 1971 They told me that I made too much money, 5.45 an hour It wasn't until I was in My late 40's That I was able to get into the VA system because of Agent Orange Problems.The VA is taking good care of me now.

Response by SP5 Thomas Jameson made Mar 14 at 2022 2:15 PM

SP5 Thomas Jameson — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:15:43 -0400

And the award for #1 Biggest Lie, told repeatedly to all my brothers and me, was:

“There is no ASA in Vietnam.”

Response by Brig Gen Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2022 4:31 PM

Brig Gen Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 16:31:52 -0400

One weekend a month and 2 weeks a year . . . Being in the Guard takes a LOT more time and committment than that,. THe joke is you will spend that amount of time at HOME.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2022 10:27 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:27:34 -0400

That the COVID vaccine would prevent me from getting COVID.

Response by CWO3 Warren Gaudreau made Mar 15 at 2022 2:54 PM

CWO3 Warren Gaudreau — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:54:47 -0400

In 1972, I was promised free medial care for life should I retire at 20 years, ha ha ha, wink wink! That did not turn out as promised. I presume they meant the VA? Good luck with that!

Response by Sgt Jim Crusan made Mar 15 at 2022 6:56 PM

Sgt Jim Crusan — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 18:56:20 -0400

Recruiter straight out lied to me when asked for a job associated with drafting/engineering. Conned me into being a cop in the Airforce, (shortage career field) instead of giving me the job I wanted. 90's on my AFQE so I should have had any job I wanted. I will never forget that asshole's name.

Response by SGT Richard Beavers made Mar 16 at 2022 11:49 AM

SGT Richard Beavers — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 11:49:54 -0400

I remember being at MEPS. When I picked my MOS, I was also told there would be a job waiting for me when I got out. I wish I could find the paperwork. The NCO told me that the New York State Police would be holding a slot for me, and, upon seperation I would be able to just slide right into that career. I can't imagine how many enlistees got fleeced that same way. Hahahahaha!!!!!

Response by PO3 Darryl Meekhof made Mar 16 at 2022 6:36 PM

PO3 Darryl Meekhof — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 18:36:34 -0400

At the end of Navy A school, we were told to list our desired type of ship, CONUS homeport and Pacific or Atlantic ocean for sea duty. I asked for carriers or cruisers, East Coast and Atlantic. I got Long, Beach, CA, Pacific Ocean and MSO's (wooden ship minesweepers), the smallest ship to go across the Pacific on WestPac. But I will say it was great duty and a great crew. Had some fun times and learned a lot versus being on a big ship.

Response by Sgt Ivan Boatwright made Mar 18 at 2022 3:55 PM

Sgt Ivan Boatwright — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 15:55:22 -0400

Vietnam was a war to stop the Communists. The Gulf of Tonkin incident, and when I heard the tape where President Johnson said we could not win in Vietnam but sent us anyway. The worst has been every word about how he, Donald Trump, loved America and how he was a stable genius.

Response by SSG(P) Brian Kliesen made Mar 19 at 2022 9:27 PM

SSG(P) Brian Kliesen — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 21:27:10 -0400

- Don't worry, after Basic you'll go to AIT and you'll be treated like a human.
- Don't worry, after AIT, you'll go to your unit and you'll be treated like a human.
- Your unit will take care of you.
- The US Army Reserve does a LOT of training, there are plenty of schools and opportunities, you go to the range all the time!
- The officers are great, participate in training and will mentor you along.
- Annual Training is a lot of fun and provides realistic, battle and MOS focused training.
- Awards are presented often and you'll have lots of opportunities to be recognized for your efforts.
- Promotions are easy, you'll pick up E5 in a year, 2 tops.
I could go on, but this is too depressing...

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 3 at 2022 4:44 PM

A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 16:44:56 -0400

Actually The Biggest Lie Came From My Ex-Wife When She Said "I'm Not Screwing Your Friends".. Note: EX-Wife
Ya Gotta Admit, It IS Funny.
Well It Is NOW Anyway...

Response by WO1 Dave Middleton made Apr 9 at 2022 4:37 AM

WO1 Dave Middleton — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 04:37:42 -0400

As a wobbly one, anytime the CO started the conversation with the word Chief, kind of knew the mission he was going to describe next, was going to be ugly and he didn’t expect us to survive

Response by SFC Barbara Ice made Apr 9 at 2022 10:57 PM

SFC Barbara Ice — Sat, 09 Apr 2022 22:57:47 -0400

While I was in Iraqi, I actually believed that our Commander and SGM would follow the rules of the military but the joke was on me

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Apr 19 at 2022 8:55 AM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 08:55:42 -0400

The fact that I would make a lot more money in a civilian job, than being in the military...wrong!...my salary is about one-third of what it was when I left the military.

Response by SSgt Mathew Cummings made Apr 19 at 2022 9:00 AM

SSgt Mathew Cummings — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:00:03 -0400

That bronze stars were for Combat Valor, they did not need a distinguishing device. Little did I know that it was pretty much a NAM for the commissioned in a combat zone.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2022 5:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 17:40:36 -0400

One weekend a month and two weeks a year.

Response by A1C Jj Birchard made Apr 20 at 2022 8:19 AM

A1C Jj Birchard — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 08:19:16 -0400

My 2 friends and I joined the A.F. in 1960 on the Buddy system. Last time I saw one of them was on a buss at Lackland. I still laugh about it. 62 years without seeing my buddies. But I made many others in those long 4 years 9 months. It took me 12 1/2 minutes to become a civilian once again.

Response by Sgt Den OBrien made Apr 20 at 2022 9:24 AM

Sgt Den OBrien — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 09:24:23 -0400

I don't remember being told many lies at all. From my first night in recruit training, to my separation three years later, I thought that the USMC was the first place that I was ever at in my life where the people there meant what they said without adorning it with flowery bullshlt. I'm sure that there was some " stories" told at times, but not when it came to the safety and fighting abilities of the people that were in.

Response by 1st Lt James Lipski made Apr 20 at 2022 11:40 PM

1st Lt James Lipski — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 23:40:12 -0400

Not told to me but I on duty and heard about it on the local news. In 1987 I was stationed at Minot AFB N.D. and one night shift while I was the security police supervisor on base a call came in from the missile field. One of the missile silo's alarms had activated. As is procedure a team of two was sent out to investigate. Usually it was a bird or animal responsible and the alarm is reset. But this was different.
When the two airmen arrived they said they were checking the site. Then there was silence. Security Control sent out another team. They arrived and before communications stopped they reported finding the previous team unconscious and what smelled like gas. A third team with medics went out and found the four either unconscious or puking. What happened was the missile was leaking poisonous gases. A cordon was set up with the local sheriff helping. Several hours passed and the local population heard about something going on. The sick airmen all went to the hospital and thankfully recovered. The missile was repaired before daybreak.
Now this is where the lie happened. The base commander was interviewed by the local news station and when asked about what happened the previous night he said the incident was overblown and the security teams were overcome by the stench of a dead skunk!!

Response by SSG Michael D made Apr 21 at 2022 9:58 PM

SSG Michael D — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 21:58:57 -0400

During AIT, I broke the rules and drove from AL to PA to bring my wife to live with me in a mobile home. I then spoke with the chaplain on base in hopes she would not tell my drill sergeant. However, she decided to tell him anyway. After that incident, I never trusted a member of the clergy again!

Response by MAJ Glenn Lasater made Apr 21 at 2022 11:00 PM

MAJ Glenn Lasater — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 23:00:13 -0400

This sure as Hell isn't funny. I was promised that if I completed 20 years active military service, I would receive free medical care for the rest of my life. We sued the government in an attempt to enforce that promise and went all the way to the Supreme Court. The court decided that the individuals who made those promises, i.e., recruiters and reup NCO's did not have the authority to legally bind the government.

Be aware that active, veteran, and retired military personnel are second or third class citizens without the means to buy our own congressmen to support us.

Response by FN Richard Fightmaster made Apr 22 at 2022 4:01 PM

FN Richard Fightmaster — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:01:21 -0400

That there was a "mail buoy" watch.

Response by CDR Barry Hudspeth made Apr 23 at 2022 2:38 PM

CDR Barry Hudspeth — Sat, 23 Apr 2022 14:38:52 -0400

Free healthcare for life

Response by SSG Keith Brewer Sr made Apr 24 at 2022 7:47 AM

SSG Keith Brewer Sr — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 07:47:51 -0400

That upon retirement, I would have free health, Dental. This was actually taken all the way to the Supreme Court in claims that the contract between the Government and the individual Service Member (SM) was breached. It was struck down as it was determined the Recruiters telling these lies were not being truthful individually and therefore not the Governments responsibility to provide care after service. And actually, the ruling was correct, not one single contract between Government and a SM ever says that.

Response by SPC Gary Symons made Apr 24 at 2022 5:02 PM

SPC Gary Symons — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 17:02:33 -0400

I was at Fort Sam Houston, Texas being getting my training after basic to later be a combat medic. The Army had a team there getting guys to volunteer for Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia. For me, I was afraid of heights and even the slightest minimal pain. So I asked, will my fear of heights cause me any problems and do guys get hurt in jump school. Answers were NO and NO.

Went to Fort Benning for mt 3 weeks of jump school. First week, a couple of guys got hurt and never save them again. Second week they hitched me up in a parachute and hauled me up 250 feet and my heart was pounding loud enough to be heard all over Georgia. Once they asked me for the sign to be released, I gave it and they released me. Once released I was okay sailing down quickly to the ground and safely performed my PLF (parachute landing fall). A few others weren’t so lucky and never saw them again. The next week we made 5 jumps out of C141 jets that slowed down to 125 for us to jump ( 125 mph is not slow, like getting blasted out of a cannon). The next 4 jumps I knew what to expect. While others appeared to be excited, I was scared but did not show. That week a Air Force Captain in jump school with us would be killed upon landing on one of those jumps. I would make 5 more jumps state side before going with the 501st Infantry 101st Airborne Division on December 13, 1967 to serve in combat.

I still remember both of those lies and the one truth they did tell me; Jump school is 3 weeks long, first week we separate the men from boys, the second week we separate the men from the idiots and the third week the idiots jump!

Response by PFC Matthew Newcomb made May 5 at 2022 12:23 PM

PFC Matthew Newcomb — Thu, 05 May 2022 12:23:42 -0400

The open Door Policy is a LIE!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2022 9:19 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 May 2022 21:19:37 -0400

LIE: Rank matters.
TRUTH: Rank does not matter.

LIE: Competency in your MOS is paramount.
TRUTH: Learn golf.

LIE: Be a quiet professional.
TRUTH: Spotlight.

LIE: Your superiors care for you.
TRUTH: Your superiors want to learn golf.

LIE: Rank does not matter.
TRUTH: Rank matters.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made May 16 at 2022 7:28 AM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Mon, 16 May 2022 07:28:12 -0400

When you get out, you’ll get a full time job at the Post Office. All you gotta do is apply.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2022 2:09 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 May 2022 02:09:49 -0400

I was told no one would believe me when I reported my rape

Response by SP5 Ward Posey made May 21 at 2022 7:52 AM

SP5 Ward Posey — Sat, 21 May 2022 07:52:02 -0400

The VA, period. Good luck getting treatment. Every VA is different. East coast of Fl ones are great. SW Fl. ones are ridiculous.

Response by Cpl Roger Cortez made May 22 at 2022 1:40 PM

Cpl Roger Cortez — Sun, 22 May 2022 13:40:18 -0400

...."you can learn an occupation in the Marine Corps...lots of opportunities. This was during recruitment.

Response by SP5 John Burleson made May 24 at 2022 12:09 PM

SP5 John Burleson — Tue, 24 May 2022 12:09:51 -0400

The first lie came from my recruiter, Sgt Roth. We were "smart enough" to qualify for a super-secret branch of the Army and serve in the Condo/Sailboat detachment--James Bond level of huate culture stuff. Bullshit. But as you might notice from my opening, this was only the first lie. The subsequent four years of military experience were composed of so many lies I'd break my computer if I tried to list them all.

Response by SFC R. Lee Linebarger made May 25 at 2022 7:59 AM

SFC R. Lee Linebarger — Wed, 25 May 2022 07:59:34 -0400

When Inwas signal corps and field artillery, " Our branch used to have it's own shoulder cord, but it was lost because (insert unit) was over run and lost it's colors (insert battle).... The infantry is the only branch that has ever been authorized a shoulder cord in branch of service color.

Response by SSgt Gretchen Zeigler made May 26 at 2022 8:45 PM

SSgt Gretchen Zeigler — Thu, 26 May 2022 20:45:27 -0400

In 1989 my recruiter in Waco Texas told me if someone retires with at least 20 years in service, neither they nor their immediate family would ever have to pay for health care again. Including dental. Ever.

Response by Cpl George Matousek made May 27 at 2022 10:36 AM

Cpl George Matousek — Fri, 27 May 2022 10:36:05 -0400

That I would get free health care for the rest of my life

Response by Cpl Rick Sabo made Jun 6 at 2022 2:40 PM

Cpl Rick Sabo — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 14:40:50 -0400

I went to Marine Corps boot camp in 1984 and graduated in March of 1985. The cold war was on and movies like Red Dawn etc. were big hits. We were in the field for ICT and got to use outdoor showers that day since we had night ops that night. Keeping your M-16 clean was a huge deal and we used CLP to do the job. The day we went to shower and clean our weapons, we were all gathered together and were told about a big secret that we were going to be let in on for cleaning our weapons. The U.S. was able to steal the formula for a top secret CLP the Russians use and we were going to be able to test it out on our weapons that day. Our CLP was black and oily and theirs was pink and very slippery but worked great. We thought we were so cool being the ones to test it out but I found out later it was laundry detergent that was not allowed to be used on the weapons but worked great. The DI's wanted a good cleaning after being out in the dirt for ICT but fed us that BS to use something better. I am 3rd out of 4 multiple generations (Grandfather, father, uncle, cousin, me, my son, my brothers boy and my sisters boy) of Marines and have a lot of great stories told over the years if you want more.

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made Jun 9 at 2022 4:15 PM

Cpl Craig Howard — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:15:37 -0400

I had a roommate in the barracks that told some wild tales. He never told me any real Lies, but he embellished a lot. He could never get any of them by me. I was his Lie Detector, and it drove him up the wall that he couldn't fool me. We stayed buddies until I was transferred to a new unit.

Response by LCDR Rex Schildhouse made Jun 20 at 2022 12:23 PM

LCDR Rex Schildhouse — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 12:23:12 -0400

That the politicians that issued us directives also had taken an oath of office to protect the same documents, The Constitution and Bill of Rights, that I was sworn to protect.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jun 22 at 2022 8:39 AM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:39:06 -0400

Those services that are supposed to help you when you have family issues are good if you have very minor issues. Major issues, they are practically useless. And because they are considered the on-base resource for military families, they will restrict non-military agencies from coming on-base to help you. Granted, nobody directly lied to us. Everybody was great in their limited capacity. But it is a lot of hype by the Army that if you have issues that they have the resources to help you. That is the big lie.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Jun 25 at 2022 12:02 AM

LCpl Kenneth Heath — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 00:02:03 -0400

"Me love you long time"

Response by MAJ Vic Artiga made Jun 25 at 2022 1:22 AM

MAJ Vic Artiga — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 01:22:52 -0400

Leaders care for their soldiers. I met way too many in leadership positions who only cared about themselves. They left a wake of destruction in their path, yet still advanced their careers.

Response by MAJ Vic Artiga made Jun 25 at 2022 1:25 AM

MAJ Vic Artiga — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 01:25:47 -0400

Leaders care for their soldiers. I met way too many in leadership positions who only cared about themselves. They left a wake of destruction in their path, yet still advanced their careers.

Response by Sgt Jim Crusan made Jun 25 at 2022 6:06 PM

Sgt Jim Crusan — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 18:06:20 -0400

Wanted to do something with engineering/drafting. Won a contest in Pa. for a mechanical drawing. Really good at it and loved it. AFQE scores were 90's across the board. Recruiter straight out lied to me. No, sorry, we don't have any careers related to that. Conned me into a shortage career field, ie: Security Police USAF. Year after I'm in, I meet a guy doing the job I asked for. Engineering Assistant Specialist.
OK. I'll let them pay for my school. Wrong. Unless you go to school for something related to your field, they do not pay a dime.
VEAP (Veterans Educational Assistance Program) was a joke. Max you could get was about $8,000. Doesn't pay for much.
And one more. 10 points on any civil service test. Wrong. Don't get 10 points because I'm not disabled. Don't get 5 points because I didn't serve in an active war.
Enjoyed my time for the most part, E-4/Sgt 80-86 but my entire life could have been different.
Informative yes but I'm not to sure how funny any of these stories are going to be.

Response by Sgt Jim Crusan made Jun 25 at 2022 6:23 PM

Sgt Jim Crusan — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 18:23:44 -0400

10 points on any civil service test. Wrong. Do not get 10 points since I'm not disabled and do not get 5 because I didn't serve in an active war.
Also never advised I was eligible for VA either. Found out 15 years later.
Lied to by my recruiter. Wanted something in the engineering/drafting field. We don't have anything like that. Conned me into a shortage career field. Security Specialist. Found out a year later there was a field I could have been doing. Engineering Assistant Specialist.
But wait. I'll just go to school and let them pay for it. No, sorry. Unless you go to school for something related to your career field, they won't pay a dime.
VEAP (Veterans Educational Assistance Program) was the worst educational benefit ever. Max you could get was approximately $8000. And part of that is money you contribute. Doesn't pay for much.
Loved my time but not the lies and omissions. My entire life could have been different. E-4 SGT USAF. TS/SCI clearance didn't help me either.
Informative yes, but not sure how funny any of the stories are going to be.

Response by CPT Earl George made Jun 25 at 2022 10:59 PM

CPT Earl George — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 22:59:55 -0400

I went to the IOAC(infantry officer's advance course) after a 3 year tour in Germany. WE received a class on OER's(officer efficient reports) . The instructor started off by telling the class what the average OER score was if you has just come from Germany, A unit in the states or Hawaii or the far east. He said the scores all average out in the end. One of my classmates chirped in that if he heard you had to max your OER just be be AVERAGE.

Response by SGT Tim Tobin made Jun 26 at 2022 6:16 PM

SGT Tim Tobin — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 18:16:39 -0400

When I saw a recruiter as a kid in 1970. I wanted to be a tv cameraman. According to the recruiter that MOS didn't exist. He pushed me into an electronics job that was quite satisfying but not at all what I wanted

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2022 6:28 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 18:28:20 -0400

Clap Island

The unnamed top secret island where they sent GI's during Vietnam who caught some rare tropical diseases. This is where a number of the MIA'S ended up. Then there is area 51.

Response by PO3 John Fahrer made Jul 7 at 2022 11:35 AM

PO3 John Fahrer — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 11:35:11 -0400

I was "guaranteed" drafting school before going into the Navy. Instead I went to Catapult and arresting gear school. I wound up being a aircraft firefighter.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2022 8:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 20:15:23 -0400

“1 weekend a month, 2 weeks a year”

Response by SGT Eugene Jacobson made Jul 8 at 2022 5:42 PM

SGT Eugene Jacobson — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 17:42:41 -0400

I had just finished helping load a chopper with pay for out troops in Cambodia, when I picked up a copy of Stars and Stripes and the front page story, banner headline, was Nixon saying "We have NO American troops in Cambodia*. My distrust of politicians persists to this day.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2022 6:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 18:38:26 -0400

This won't hurt. AHHhhh!
All inquiry's are handled in the order they were received.
Our records show that it was direct deposited to your selected account.
Your next duty station will be 1st/10th SFG(A), Bad Tölz, W. Germany.
Don't worry CPT Fleenor, we'll make certain that your pay and points match up.

Response by Cpl Frank Birkemeier made Jul 28 at 2022 2:36 PM

Cpl Frank Birkemeier — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 14:36:46 -0400

That being a Veteran would help you get a civilian job easier :). I mentioned it in a few of my first interviews to show experience in supervising/leadership, stress management, work ethic, etc. People usually just give blank stares or say "Thank you for your service" then you're back to square one.

Response by SSG Hector L. Torres Ramirez made Jul 29 at 2022 9:25 AM

SSG Hector L. Torres Ramirez — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 09:25:53 -0400

My recruiter was very honest with me, back in 1972 august he told me to join the army for 2 years, and if I liked I can reenlist, at the time I was in a vocational school in Ponce Puerto Rico, so I went to basic in Ft. Jackson SC on October 5, 1972, in dec 1972 I was in Ft. Ord California taking my AIT in communication my class was had ordered to go to Viet Nam. After the Christmas holidays, we were told no more troops to Viet-Nam so I ended up going to Ft. Hood Tx. I like it so much that I did 20 yrs in the army, my MOS took me to all kinds of units in the army, support units, artillery units, mech. inf units, military intelligence units and one of my base duty stations was Berlin Bde Germany with strait legs inf. unit Aco. 5/502 inf. My last duty was in Ft. Hood Tx. with Aco. 1/8 Cav. 1st Cav. Div. retired in 1992 after the Golf War. My MOS was 31G30, 72E30 and 05C30

Response by PO2 Samuel Andrews made Jul 29 at 2022 8:47 PM

PO2 Samuel Andrews — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 20:47:42 -0400

I was stationed in Heilbronn, Germany in 1976, received a ration card that guaranteed me four half gallons of liqour and two cartons of cigarettes each month. As a young person who had never been away from home, wanted to be accepted by my peers and was at the tender age of 18. I participated in the custom of consuming large quanties of alcohol as a daily routine. Yeah I was young and dumb, but I was also in military care and had no idea what I was getting into, because it was socially acceptable. The unfornate thing is that a person doesn't know they've become an alcoholic or drug addict, until they become one. I don't drink now, but I did develope cirrohsis of the liver and to avoid being compensated for a service connected disability, the biggest lie I was told is that my claim was denied, due to a willful act of misconduct. These are the type of experiences that make a person who fulfilled his/her obigation, feel like they're no worthy of the care and compesation they deserve, because damaged goods no longer have any value.

Response by SMSgt SReeves337 . made Jul 30 at 2022 8:43 AM

SMSgt SReeves337 . — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 08:43:50 -0400

Well it’s may not be funny but the biggest lie I was told was I would have FREE medical care for life.

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Jul 30 at 2022 11:22 PM

SSG Jack Scott — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 23:22:53 -0400

Joining the Marine Corps 1981 can I change my MOS when I Reenlist….sure! I loved being an 1833 Amtrac’s LVT/AAV but when it was time to reenlist, I wanted to go Tanks 1811 M-60 Pattons! No you can’t Tracks is short SSGT’s! But I’m a SGT? But you will be a SSGT someday so you can’t change. #%*^¥ damn where do I sign!

Response by Cpl Mike Warner made Aug 1 at 2022 11:06 PM

Cpl Mike Warner — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 23:06:11 -0400

When I was in 11th grade in high school I had applied for an NROTC scholarship. A Marine Corps Recruiter told me that if I enlisted in the Marine Corps it would really help me out a lot with my chances to get this scholarship and when I did my enlistment would be cancelled as I was going into the NROTC program. He told me I was a "shoe in " to get the scholarship because of my grades in high school.
Well I didn't get the scholarship and when I was interviewed the Captain asked me why I had enlisted. When I told him why he said that my enlisting had nothing to do with the scholarship and took that paper out of my folder and threw it away. Now I was on the hook for eight years in the Marine Corps. My parents were livid because I was supposed to be going to college. Now all my life plans for after graduation were screwed up. That's how I wound up in the Corps. I was so naive about the whole thing it never occurred to me that the recruiter was lying to me. I guess it all worked out because I got an honorable discharge and served in Desert Storm so I am a combat veteran and now I get free medical care from the VA. I feel bad for people who have to get private medical insurance through work or the state because it seems like they have to pay through the nose and a lot of times they get screwed by their insurance company anyway. With that being said I still harbor some resentment towards that recruiter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2022 4:14 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 04:14:10 -0400

Mission Accomplished! - George W. Bush, 1 May 2003

Response by SFC Ronald Moore made Aug 17 at 2022 1:29 PM

SFC Ronald Moore — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 13:29:27 -0400

Free medical if/when you retireme from military.

Response by SSG Michael Schneider made Sep 20 at 2022 8:26 PM

SSG Michael Schneider — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 20:26:20 -0400

My biggest problem was being lied to by the Commander in Chief! Lyndon B. Johnson made us believe that we were going to fight to win in Vietnam, when in reality he and his advisors were never interested in anything other than a negotiated settlement!

Response by MSgt Timothy Anders made Sep 21 at 2022 8:49 PM

MSgt Timothy Anders — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:49:27 -0400

"It's not experimental".

"You'll always be part of the Air Force family".

"Give us 20 and we will always take care of you and your families medical needs".

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2022 3:22 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:22:11 -0400

"Sign here and you will have your base of choice for next PCS."
"Raise your right hand and you will be E-5 within 6 months."

Response by PO3 Bobby Quisenberry made Sep 22 at 2022 6:23 PM

PO3 Bobby Quisenberry — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:23:28 -0400

"That the Navy promises you" anything!

Response by CPL Mary Ross made Sep 24 at 2022 6:19 PM

CPL Mary Ross — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 18:19:02 -0400

When I joined I was told that my college would be free for me for life. When that obviously turned out not to be true, I asked my husband just incase I "misrembered". He had been told the same thing

Response by SMSgt Michael Gleason made Oct 4 at 2022 5:58 PM

SMSgt Michael Gleason — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:58:34 -0400

...that if I stayed in for 20 and retired, my medical needs would be provided (free) for the rest of my life. Ha!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2022 11:48 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 23:48:19 -0400

The COVID-19 vaccine mandate is a lawful order and that it’s “safe and effective.”

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Oct 17 at 2022 11:20 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:20:05 -0400

You'll have free medical care for life after you retire.

Response by CDR Joseph Ruckman made Oct 17 at 2022 6:49 PM

CDR Joseph Ruckman — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 18:49:17 -0400

"It's not just a job, it's an adventure!"
Oh. Wait. That was true... :D

Response by PO1 Todd Walters made Oct 17 at 2022 9:14 PM

PO1 Todd Walters — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 21:14:59 -0400

That medical would be free for life!,

Response by Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna made Oct 20 at 2022 6:13 PM

Cpl Rosemarie SantaAnna — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 18:13:54 -0400

Lol!… Recruiter: Woman need to run 1/2 mile in boot camp (so I began jogging 2 mile so 1/2 I be able to complete with NO pain)…

Response by SFC Harry Jacobs made Oct 21 at 2022 6:55 PM

SFC Harry Jacobs — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:55:01 -0400

Free Medical and dental Care for life after 20 year retirement for you and your dependents if under 18.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Oct 22 at 2022 10:56 AM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 10:56:46 -0400

Probably any time someone quotes something as being prohibited or within Army regulations etc that one finds out later is either not true of has been superseded by new guidance.

Response by LCDR Rex Schildhouse made Oct 23 at 2022 12:42 AM

LCDR Rex Schildhouse — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:42:02 -0400

That my government respected my efforts.

Response by Sgt Stephen Chiles made Nov 8 at 2022 6:08 PM

Sgt Stephen Chiles — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:08:20 -0500

The only real lie I feel that I was told was that once you have been in service a tour, it is easy to change career fields as long as your performance reports are good and you keep your nose clean. I worked in personnel and I saw a lot of airmen who tried to crosstrain (self included) that weren't even given a fair chance to be in fields that were better suited to their skills or naturable abilities. But, to be fair, I place some of that blame on recruiters to start with who were only trying to fill quotas.

Response by SSgt Scott Ezra made Dec 20 at 2022 8:44 PM

SSgt Scott Ezra — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:44:01 -0500

If you get hurt we'll take good care of you.
They completely abandoned me instead.

Response by LCDR Michael Gordon made Dec 31 at 2022 7:40 PM

LCDR Michael Gordon — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 19:40:29 -0500

That's easy. "Mental health issues will not keep you from serving." Or how about, "We'll give you X% disability upon your discharge.
BULLSHIT to both of those, and there's a special place in Hell for those who perpetrated those lies.
Meanwhile, I suffer, with no support from the VA.
Do you find this surprising or shocking? Or both?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 17 at 2025 12:01 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:01:34 -0400

When you retire you can still use the medical treatment facility on a space available basis. Thanks DHA

Response by SPC Wesley Parker made Nov 30 at 2025 11:07 PM

SPC Wesley Parker — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 23:07:54 -0500

That we were in Vietnam to fight communism.

Response by SPC Wesley Parker made Nov 30 at 2025 11:09 PM

SPC Wesley Parker — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 23:09:26 -0500

That we were in Vietnam to fight communism.