Military reports 'patriotic swell' in recruits

Washington Times ^ | 9/13/01 | AP

[kattracks]

ATLANTA (AP) -- Josh Gipe had been considering joining the Army to pay for college. The terrorist attacks against the very symbols of American power steeled his resolve.

He went straight to an Army office here yesterday morning, filled out paperwork and answered recruiters' questions. The 24-year-old hopes to be in basic training in two weeks.

[goldstategop]

Now how can that be? Patriotism is back in fashion! Wahoo! Yippy Hurrah!!! :-)

[PRND21]

American Flag sales skyrocketed everywhere.
Like Brothers and Sisters we argue and fight, but when trouble hits, we're family.
Well, most of us.

[Salman]

bump

[Semaphore Heathcliffe]

Signin' up to get some payback. Sweet!

[Born in a Rage]

I have been against a blanket amnesty for illegal mexican immigrants since the idea has been brought up, however....I've been thinking about it and have been wondering if we should grant an amnesty to any illegal mexican (as well as any family they may have here) who is ready and willing to fight for this country.

[CWOJackson]

I don't want open borders with anyone and forget amnesty, but I've never liked the Mexican bashers here on FR. Within hours of the attacks there were people here on FR claiming that the terrorists had probably entered via the Mexican border; some people won't let anything get in the way of making points for their own personal agenda. Now we know for a fact that some of them did enter via the Canadian border.

I do like your idea though. If someone is willing to fight for our freedom they should be willing to share in it. Excellent idea.

[Vigilanteman]

Agreed. That's an earned amnesty. Anyone who would fight for America is not a La Raza type and is demonstrating their loyalty to stay.

[dragon6]

Two 17 year old boys showed up at my husbands office today wanting to know If they could go fight .. lol -- they did lose interest when hubby explained they would have to enlist and agree to several years service -- but they were totally willing to head out tomorrow and fight someone if they were needed .. I think we may have em enlisted by the time they're 18 though :-)

[Salman]

The maximum age for enlistment is 35.

Back during WWII (my parents were small children), the US Army had a corps called the WACs. That is, the Women's Army Corps. They did not do combat, but they did everything from desk jobs to hazardous duty like flying cargo planes into war zones. Even a desk job could be hazardous, depending on where. WACs on hazardous duty carried sidearms.

Under current rules, the age of 35 is the max for recruitment. In general, I think this is reasonable.

If this is really WWIII, how about an OFAC, that is an Old Farts (over 35) Army Corps. Not for combat, but necessary.