I've been on this board posting for about a year and a half. It seems that the nature of the small segment of soldiers that post here, has changed. Not everyone of course, but enough flags have been waved to give me a minute to consider this question. What makes a soldier...an asset to the squad? I think it has to do with knowing the ground that was conquered and the history that was written before you arrived. If at that point you understand why a soldier is what he (or she) is, then maybe if will give you the right attitude when faced with your duty. I think wearing the uniform has a whole lot more to do with building on the foundations that set this Army apart from all other's. I see it as knowing that your Pride and Honor will overcome all obstacles thrown in your path. It's not a 9-5 job, nor is it supposed to be 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks out of the year. I have met many NG and RA soldiers on here and I can honestly say that one is not better than the other. We all either made a commitment or are doing our best to make one. The choice you make on how much time you are willing to give this commitment is always going to depend on your situation. If as an NG you think of it as a part-time gig, then you really haven't understood your commitment. Likewise, If you are active and just hiding from the world, then you could have managed that flipping burgers somewhere. I am sick of the recent poor attitudes and bickering I've been reading lately. If you can't be positive and motivating (which is what this forum is about) then STAY THE HELL AWAY!...Most of us want to be here...and most will do whatever it takes to get back in.....
i hear what you are saying......i am former navy 1980-1988.....after 20 years i am coming back....as a NG.....i will be going to wtc 25 aug....i cant wait to start my new life in the NG. as a 51 year old i still remember, with pride, my sercive to the navy. now i will wear with pride the uniform of the U.S. army guard. hooahh!!
I agree to a certain extent but you have to factor in the part where a certain percentage (possibly a the majority) of service members do indeed view their commitment as "just a job". For some people its a means to an end, and frankly the Army sells itself that way.
Look at all the college and higher education incentives recruiters love to tout when they are wooing a potential enlistee. How about the medical benefits that just happen to be the best coverage in the country? What about huge enlistment bonuses happening right now?
The Army can't have it both ways. You can't recruit people under the guise of a free college education, then be upset when that soldiers priorities are focused on getting that education.
The reality is most people that join the Army really have no clue what they are getting themselves into. Heck, I was prior service Navy before I switched to Army and even I didn't really know what to expect, despite having done heavy research on the internet about my MOS. Its one of those things where you have to go through it to really know what its about, and I dont think its realistic to think that every soldier that joins will be "gung ho".
I'm not necessarily disagreeing with your post, just playing devil's advocate here...
i really dont think hes talking about being "gung ho". i think hes talking about loving this country so much that you want to be a part of its history of great heros of the past, fighting for a country that truly knows that freedom is free.i can tell you if the National Antheme dosent fill you full of pride and even makes you get a lump in your throat every time you hear it whats your point of joining ? i to have noticed the negative responses and the smart a$$ comments giving to people who have not served yet and truly dont know . i do personaly take offense when a kid in high school asks questions and get those type of comments. if being a smart a$$ is your only reponse , give us all a break and "DONT". just my .02!!!!
One thing that i am tired of is there are some people that are on here that have real questions and want help in finding out the answers. They ask the questions, and you get some smart ass on here that makes it seem like it is a stupid questions or gives a smart ass answer. if u cant be helpfull on here and just want to act tuff and be a smart ass, dont say nothing. this is a site were u ask questions and get info, so shut the **** up if u dont want to help. Does anybody agree with me
