Life in the U.S. Army?

March 11, 2006

[tlj18]

Hello,

I've been searching and searching the Internet, but I don't quite have my answer. I was hoping someone could help me out.

Basically, my life is in a major rut and it's going nowhere. I recently turned 24. I have social anxiety and other mental issues - but I am trying very hard to recover from them. I want out of my job, but I have no idea where to go from here. Like I said, my life is going absolutely nowhere. But yesterday, an idea popped into my head: what about joining the military (probably the Army)? I've done over 12 hours of research since last night...

But my question is - could someone like me, recovering from social anxiety, survive the Army? I don't think I'll ever reach the bravado (or Alpha Male) stereotype of the military, though. Is everyone in the Army drunk with bravado and the like, or not?

I'm starting to wonder if the military is for me. I think I must leave my parents' house for me to really mature and to truly recover from social anxiety, but by any other means would be artificial, I think. Basic Training/Boot Camp does look a bit intimidating and scary, but it does seem that most/a lot of recruits are of a similar opinion. But I'm really asking about the actual duty time. It's not like I can just leave if I can't stand it.

I just really need to restat my life, and I'm wondering if this might be the best way available.

Any thoughts?

[5Madman2]

Actually, in this day and age it is a problem with every second kid diagnosed with ADD.

Everything is a "Disorder"-The DSM IV looks like a telephone book, and we have TV doctors giving everyone an excuse for their behavior.

This young man could succeed, but I have a feeling he has been programmed for failure. I feel for him but don't hink the militayr is going to solve his "problem." Further, he stated he has other "mental issues" Military training may just aggravate them.

[RAY]

Definition:

Social Anxiety Disorder

If you have social anxiety disorder, you often get very nervous around other people. It feels like everyone is watching you and judging you. You're afraid of making a mistake or looking like a fool. You'll do anything to keep that from happening. You might even avoid certain people, places, or social events.

Social anxiety disorder affects over 16 million Americans. It's a real medical condition. Social anxiety disorder can happen to anyone. Often it starts in the mid-teen years.

It is not uncommon for folks to join the military who have problems. Some succeed really well and find a home or at the least a redirection for their life -- and some simply can not cut it. In any case, you would have to really work to deal with a military regiment and the interaction with your fellow military members.

Not being able to get ones life together or finding purpose seems to be a common threat for many who joined in the past. I suspect that in this present day that the mental demands and skills are much higher than when I joined over 40 years ago.

Pick a service, talk to a recruiter, be honest and see if there is opportunity for you! Make a decision now as to whether to do it, don't delay.

In some ways serving in the military, at this point in history may proved to be the most important thing may youngsters can do -- we are truly at war and the threat is real and probably growing.

Do something for your country, join! However, don't expect it to be easy!

[dakine]

Drink heavily...

[tlj18]

Do something for your country, join! However, don't expect it to be easy!

Oh, I certainly don't expect it to be easy. I expect to have a miserable time in Basic Training. But my life isn't the greatest now, either.

[usmcobra]

"you often get very nervous around other people. It feels like everyone is watching you and judging you. You're afraid of making a mistake or looking like a fool. You'll do anything to keep that from happening. You might even avoid certain people, places, or social events."

You mean to tell me all these years I've had "Social Anxiety Disorder"

and I just thought I was a little shy and a lot of paranoid.

Like ADD and other modern "disorders" a little order and discipline will do wonders in curing what ails you, that is if you let it take root in your psyche.

The military can plant the seeds of discipline you have to let it grow within you.

[Dan(9698)]

I wouldn't need babysitting.

I was in the Army from 1958 to 1961, and I realize that it is different now.

It is hard work to get through basic training. In addition to the stuff in the field, the rifle range, the marching, the physical training, you have a lot of class room time.

There is a lot to do and learn. It can be very interesting and challenging, or it can be frustrating to have someone telling you what to do all the time.

I enjoyed my time in the Army.

[tlj18]

I would not have any problems at all having someone telling me what to be doing at every minute of the day. Actually, that would be beneficial for me. I might enjoy being ordered around.

[Mr. Jazzy]

Parris Island is lovely, especially this time of year.







I know right where a pair of "golden foot prints" are waiting.

[Mr. Jazzy]

http://www.marines.com/page/usmc.jsp?flashRedirect=true

[Donald Meaker]

Army is not about being ordered. In our republic, the army is about a very very lethal team, each taking their initiative to accomplish the team.

You have to be balanced as hell before you can make the life or death decisions associated with the fine lines of legal, ethical, and moral use of various gradiations of force.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

I have no idea how todays army trains the troops. When I enlisted 50 years ago at 17, they tore you down in basic, then begin rebuilding you the way they wanted.

[PzLdr]

You're 24 and living home? Don't think so. You sound a bit too fragile to put up with the pressure, and a bit too flighty to stick it out.

[Sauce]

Evening all: Don't they have a so-called grace period now? When I was in the Army (70-72) they didn't play games. You were in and that was it brother. Only three ways out; Dishonorable, die, finish your tour.
One thing I will say that is true: You can do more than you think. They'll push you to the limit and then some.

[MindBender26]

It's the medicalization of America. We're not frightened of crowds or other people. Rather than just deciding you can do a gut check and get over it, we get medical attention for it, get a drug and increase our dependencies.

[truth_seeker]

As Nike says: JUST DO IT!!!!

You'll be so busy and tired, you won't have time or energy to become self-absorbed with mental bouts of self-criticism.

You'll gain self-esteem by doing truly esteemable actions and accomplishments.

Three years is a small fraction of a lifetime; often some if not the most constructive time in the overall scheme of one's life.

[Larry Lucido]

I've done over 12 hours of research since last night...

I take it we're supposed to be impressed?

I think I did about 45 minutes of research, most of it in the recruiter's office. That was all it took.

(And I just presumed they were lying about the room service, tennis courts and "casual Fridays").

[Khurkris]

Maybe you should consider the US Air Force...just a suggestion.

[5Madman2]

Yessir-they take people that don't have problems and manufacture them.

[Gay State Conservative]

Before you sign anything,I'd strongly encourage you to rent "Full Metal Jacket" and watch the first 45 minutes of it...carefully.

In that portion of the film you'll find a very realistic and accurate depiction of Marine Corps Boot Camp(and Army Basic Combat Training).....at least as it was in the 60's.The only serious departure from reality occurs in the last minute or so of that part (you'll see what I mean).

IMO having a psychological/psychiatric problem which noticeably interferes with daily living in civilian life doesn't bode well for your thriving in the military.

Just my opinion....and I could well be wrong.

[Gay State Conservative]

And I just presumed they were lying about the room service, tennis courts and "casual Fridays"

You didn't have those things? When I arrived at the Ft Knox Reception Center in '69,the first thing I was issued was a "stress card".

"Anytime you're feeling overwhelmed,Private,show this Stress Card to the DI and he'll ease up on you and allow you to take a break so you can collect your wits",I was told.