Posted on Feb 9, 2019
Why are people constantly joining the military if they are afraid of deployment?
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I don’t understand why people commit themselves to something like this if they are trying dodge being deployed? Why do people think deployment is always bad? That being sent off always mean that you’re going into war or that you’re going to die? I want to be able to deploy in my military career and experience it. I understand some people don’t get deployed throughout their career and people think I’m crazy that I do. But somebody has to do it right? I’m willing too...I understand that everyone has their good and bad experiences but I don’t want that to stop me from going...
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Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 10
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The hard cold truth? SOME join to game the system, thinking they are actually gaming the system. They look at the fact that the military will pay for their college, pay them to train in a job that they don't have to attend a college or trade school for 2 to 4 years for. Will promote them while doing so, will give them clothes, food and a place to sleep. They sign on taking a job that is 'in the rear with the gear' or at least that is their percept, not realizing that this days military is 100% across the board deployment ready from the highest general down to the to lowliest private, from cooks to infantry, medics to ammunition techs to cyber intel specialists.
It is only after they join, attend basic, AIT and hit that first duty station that the reality hits them. And now they scramble for any kind of way to NOT deploy. They want the money without the effort involved in getting it. There is a common four letter word for them and that starts with L and ends with Y.
It is only after they join, attend basic, AIT and hit that first duty station that the reality hits them. And now they scramble for any kind of way to NOT deploy. They want the money without the effort involved in getting it. There is a common four letter word for them and that starts with L and ends with Y.
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I think more than a few share a misconception that is perpetuated by some schools and universities. They look down on people that join the military. They view those in uniform and that choose to serve as some lower caste in society. As that rung reserved for people that could not make it in the real world, with a real job. Not realizing that even an average service member does more before most civilians roll out of bed.
They are led by teachers and even the media to believe that a service member really does nothing except pull a trigger or stand guard at an embassy. They think that we just get up, get dressed, have something to eat and do noting so it looks easy to them. They want that easy for the paycheck that with all the other benefits we get, is head and feet above most jobs in the civilian sector.
Think about it. E-1 through E-4 are pretty much mandated to live in the barracks. They get a room, often with roommates, at no cost - an $800 a month minimum value, free furniture - add in another $400. Free electricity, water, gas and sewage - another $250 value. Free clothing - about $400, free healthcare - $250. Then there is the chow hall, still have to pay for it but cheaper than eating on the economy. An E-1 could conservatively multiply his pay by 1.5. Currently $1600 ($2400) then there are the periodic promotions in rank with the commensurate raise in pay. Then each new year completed usually ups the pay. Then add in any kickers.
My cousin used to have that same perception. He and his friends called us lazy and stupid for signing up. So there was a challenge. He and two of his friends would live the life of a service member for two days. The 5:30 am wake up was not received well. The PT in 40 degrees did not go over well, we had to circle back a lot to get them. By the time we had finished the five mile run and made it back and stretched out, they had puked at least three times. Running the O course was just... sad. It only went downhill from there. Needless to say they did not utter too many more negative comments, especially when they learned that was a light day.
Two are still serving today by the last comms I had.
They are led by teachers and even the media to believe that a service member really does nothing except pull a trigger or stand guard at an embassy. They think that we just get up, get dressed, have something to eat and do noting so it looks easy to them. They want that easy for the paycheck that with all the other benefits we get, is head and feet above most jobs in the civilian sector.
Think about it. E-1 through E-4 are pretty much mandated to live in the barracks. They get a room, often with roommates, at no cost - an $800 a month minimum value, free furniture - add in another $400. Free electricity, water, gas and sewage - another $250 value. Free clothing - about $400, free healthcare - $250. Then there is the chow hall, still have to pay for it but cheaper than eating on the economy. An E-1 could conservatively multiply his pay by 1.5. Currently $1600 ($2400) then there are the periodic promotions in rank with the commensurate raise in pay. Then each new year completed usually ups the pay. Then add in any kickers.
My cousin used to have that same perception. He and his friends called us lazy and stupid for signing up. So there was a challenge. He and two of his friends would live the life of a service member for two days. The 5:30 am wake up was not received well. The PT in 40 degrees did not go over well, we had to circle back a lot to get them. By the time we had finished the five mile run and made it back and stretched out, they had puked at least three times. Running the O course was just... sad. It only went downhill from there. Needless to say they did not utter too many more negative comments, especially when they learned that was a light day.
Two are still serving today by the last comms I had.
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SPC Dwan Cannon
I agree with almost everything you say. However, there are caveats to the free things you mentioned. The living conditions can be terrible, as well as the food. There is no such thing as privacy when you live in the barracks. Also, the healthcare, at least where i was, stationed, was damn near laughable. So you are right. Individuals can receive many benefits and "FREE" things in the army. But being free or cheap does not always mean good.
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SSG Brian G.
SPC Dwan Cannon - There are always going to be caveats to nearly everything. Quality of the free is going to be a factor. Certain things are tradeoffs that are grudgingly made but made because really you leave that choice behind when you sign on the dotted line and swear the oath.
But at the end of the day I will take the free poor quality over the alternative because at the end of it, the troop is mostly healthy, clothed, fed and generally in good spirits and unless they are a complete imbecile with money... they have a decent amount left at the end of the month.
My one gripe in this is that our healthcare has tanked over the years. Used to be that it did not matter what it was a troop could go to medical and it was handled professionally from their dental to vision to everything else. Today? A lot of it is farmed out to the private sector and the military picks up the tab. Which means the care level drops from near same day to make an appointment and we will get to you.
But at the end of the day I will take the free poor quality over the alternative because at the end of it, the troop is mostly healthy, clothed, fed and generally in good spirits and unless they are a complete imbecile with money... they have a decent amount left at the end of the month.
My one gripe in this is that our healthcare has tanked over the years. Used to be that it did not matter what it was a troop could go to medical and it was handled professionally from their dental to vision to everything else. Today? A lot of it is farmed out to the private sector and the military picks up the tab. Which means the care level drops from near same day to make an appointment and we will get to you.
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SPC Dwan Cannon
Yes, that's why i said almost agree with everything you said. And for the record, i loved the time i served; the so-called free benefits were terrible. Many soldiers would get tired of hearing because we get things for free or cheap means we have to accept a lower quality of life. Also, The mental health aspect of living with these conditions was constantly overlooked. But you are just speaking from your experiences, and I'm speaking from mine.
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PVT Givens, you are to be commended to your dedication. You are on your way to being a "sheepdog" and I mean no offence. Read this: https://www.policeone.com/police-products/training-products/articles/1709289-Book-Excerpt-On-Sheep-Wolves-and-Sheepdogs Your mentality is different from from the average American. You have accepted a higher calling. Your family and friends may not understand your reasoning but there are those of us here who do understand. You want to protect this nation and with that comes risk of being deployed. Better to fight the enemy overseas than here on our streets. Keep your head up and know that you are doing the right thing.
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I believe most people join the military in this day and age to get Bonus money for college. Common sense tells you that your purpose is to Defend the country from the enemies of the United States Foreign and domestic and defend the Constitution of the US. "Remember what John Kennedy said: ask not what your country can do for you, Ask what you can do for your country.: When you enlist you give yourself to Your country. If it means going to a war zone so be it. Its nice when you don't have to worry about being drafted, but If the day comes when the military needs personnel, The Draft will be used again. During WWII and Vietnam The Marines also had to draft. It was not good for the Corp because it lowered their standards. The reason the draft was discontinued, was for political reasons. Semper fi.
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The military offers many extrinsic and intrinsic benefits that motivate the willingness to Serve. Sure you'll run into a select few who do not want to deploy but there are many more who are willing. To be honest, why worry about those who don't want to deploy? It's a waste of time.
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PVT (Join to see)
Right. I just been having a hard time getting family and friends to understand what I want to do with my life. That I have a purpose of why I want to do this and deploy..and they’re upset with that?
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MSG (Join to see)
They're worried about you, that's all. It's normal. Be proud of your decision to Serve. They will be as well. Give them time.
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Agree 100% all Army Soldiers need to be deployable... the Army should try and get all Soldier back to deployability status within 1-2 years of illness or injury. If they cannot, then the VA or other private hospital should care for them.
One of my old COL's in my unit had a son who was deployed to Afghanistan and lost both of his legs. He received prosthetics and is still on active duty!
One of my old COL's in my unit had a son who was deployed to Afghanistan and lost both of his legs. He received prosthetics and is still on active duty!
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Yes, some join solely for the benefits or a pay check.
I've seen Soldiers who are required to have Family Care Plans suddenly experience the planned caregiver no longer being available when a deployment is announced, stay Rear D pending separation, then miraculously resolve FCP issues upon unit redeployment. Rear D failed to complete separation, of course, and the unavailable caregiver was now available. We separated the Soldier upon our return.
COC and NCOSC who permit this are responsible for the degrading effect on morale.
I've seen Soldiers who are required to have Family Care Plans suddenly experience the planned caregiver no longer being available when a deployment is announced, stay Rear D pending separation, then miraculously resolve FCP issues upon unit redeployment. Rear D failed to complete separation, of course, and the unavailable caregiver was now available. We separated the Soldier upon our return.
COC and NCOSC who permit this are responsible for the degrading effect on morale.
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Everyone joins for his or her own reasons. Some join for a pay check and nothing else.
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