Who wants to join the Army? They do.

Chicago Tribune ^ | June | Jason George

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Karen Dandridge, Richard Forrest Jr. and Rolando Medina all graduated from high school last week and live only a couple of miles apart, but they never ran with the same crowd until now.

The U.S. Army has brought them together.

Fresh from proms and final exams, they have made the life-changing decision to volunteer for the Army, even as public opinion of Operation Iraqi Freedom sags and casualties climb. Like the 73,373 nationwide who raised their hands for Army duty last year, these three came to the South Holland recruiting station with their own reasons for signing up.

They will be welcomed into a military that has struggled lately to fill its ranks. Last year, the Army missed its goal of enlisting 80,000 active-duty soldiers by 6,627--the largest shortfall since 1979. Enlistment of both African-Americans and women has particularly suffered in recent years.

The three recruits all live in Calumet City--a town that closely resembles the nation as a whole when comparing economic and social characteristics, including the number of veterans as a percentage of the population.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote to James Monroe that every citizen should be a soldier at some point.

"This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state," he argued, believing that service improved both the military and the man.

This does not happen today in the United States, of course. There is no universal conscription. There is no draft. Instead, people like Dandridge, Forrest and Medina elect to serve.

Their motives range from patriotism to pay. Although their paths to the Army have been their own, they now enter this new endeavor with similar measures of fear and fortitude.

[VRWCtaz]

The Navy because it offers everything the other branches have and a lot more that they don't. (Even if they are about to screw up the uniform.)

[XR7]

The Navy because it offers everything the other branches have and a lot more that they don't. (Even if they are about to screw up the uniform.)

They started screwing up uniforms years ago when they went from 100 percent wools and cottons to polyester. Probably only the Marines still have the real thing.

[VRWCtaz]

Then they fixed their synthetic fiber mistake in the early 80's with dungarees and the cracker jacks. Although, IMHO, the "Johnny Cash" was great -- comfortable, easy to maintain, and looked great.

[Coop]

My son came to us last week and said he was interested in joining the military and wanted our advice as to which branch to join. I am at a complete loss as neither my spouse nor I have ever served. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

First, I commend you for raising a fine young man who is looking to serve others. I was in a similar predicament years ago, although I came from a Navy family and thought I'd go that route. But I decided to talk to the four Dept of Defense recruiters (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines) and listen to their pitches. (I didn't talk to the Coast Guard back then, but I'd certainly recommend your son check it out. Its already important mission is IMHO even more important in this terrorism environment.)

I ended up choosing the Marines and really enjoyed my service. But I can also say that I ran into some awesome people in all branches. Your son's desires will likely decide for him. (For instance, technical training might push him toward the AF or Navy, while physical challenges/fitness/leadership may push him toward the Marines or Army).

Since neither of you have any preconceptions, I'd recommend going to each recruiter's office with him, or calling them on the phone with him on another line. (Only if he's comfortable with this approach.)

I've probably blabbed enough. :-) Good luck on his decision, and below I included a nice one-stop shopping link for more info. Of course check out each individual service's sites as well.

www.usmilitary.com

[Coop]

Oops. Meant to say that I pinged some veterans from various branches and active troop supporters to perhaps offer other perspectives. Cheers!

[Vision]

I would ask him if any appeal to him, because I bet deep down he already knows.

What is he looking to get out of the experience? Skills, or adrenaline? Does he like the idea of water, land, or air?Let him know that with great grades in college and good eyes he can fly.

[Non-Sequitur]

Go Navy.

(Commander USNR Ret.)

[Alter Kaker]

Thomas Jefferson once wrote to James Monroe that every citizen should be a soldier at some point.

Ironic, given that Jefferson was never a soldier.

[Joe 6-pack]

How old's you're son? What are his goals? My dad and 11 of his 7 of his 8 brothers and sisters were all military, most of them career...I wasn't 'pushed' into the Army, but raised with a sense of values that compelled me to want to go in (although I left after 10 years for personal reasons). If your son's not that certain, I would recommend he enlist check it out for a few years, see a little of the world. I'd be willing to bet that after that his life goals will assume a much sharper focus.

If he's pretty positive the military is what he wants, and he still has a year or two left in High School, have him start looking seriously at the Academies and ROTC programs at civilian colleges and Universities....and emphasize that his academic performance between now and then will be a factor of major consideration....

[patton]

Don't listen to these guys - there is only one service - the 82nd Airborne Division.

The rest are wanna-be's.....

(time to LRRP out of here!)

[Coop]

Full disclosure - I like that, Commander! :-)

Reminds me of an old joke at a Marine Corps ball years ago.

---

A Navy admiral and three generals from the other three DoD services were standing around arguing about which service was superior to the others. Each was making passionate points, and the argument was beginning to get overheated. Suddenly there was a flash of lightning that struck nearby and knocked all to the ground. As they got back on their feet, they found a glowing note with beautiful script that read:
---------
Each military service has its strengths and weaknesses, but all servicemembers - regardless of uniform - serve honorably. Inter-service bickering, especially among general officers, only detracts from this honorable service. Be grateful for all military services and their members.

Signed,

God
U.S. Marine Corps (Retired)

[freema]

It's only a joke 'cause He's still on active duty.

[Coop]

I was a proud member of CHAIRBORNE!

[Dog Gone]

My son is sitting on an airplane at this very moment. His flight to Quantico, VA to begin officer candidate school takes off in about 2 minutes.

I'm not sure I have any advice. If your son wants to join the military, God bless him. It's not an easy decision to make.

[patton]

Admit it, you still are. LOL

[Coop]

Without the uniform, yeah. :-)

[Coop]

God bless him and your family. And my offer still stands!

[1rudeboy]

Cal City is more Blues Brothers than Red Dawn. :)

[patton]

Well done.

[dakine]

Foreign Legion