Military Deserters Once Again Flock to Canada

[Va Beach VH Fan]

I will honestly say i haven't. I look back and if i would have, i probably would have been due to the age i was at that time in the first Iraq war.

Why would you come down on me for that statement. There's alot people who think that signing up for military service doesn't include the possibility of going to combat. They think it's for school and being able to travel the world on Uncle Sam's dime.

My father was a marine and i hold anyone and everyone that has wore an American uniform and served this country in the highest regards.

I'm not coming down on you, far from it....

In fact, I agree that a lot of times people join the military for other than "combat" reasons...

The fact remains though that I've known several recruiters from my 20 years, and trust me, they're under enormous pressure to fill their quotas, ranging from poor evaluations to demotions....

Now I'll grant you, the vast majority of them have no malicious intent, but there are several details in the recruitment process that they'll fail to mention that will fill that quota, but will also screw the recruit....

A lot of that deals with the recruit's training for his/her MOS or AFSC or Rating, depending on what service.... You may want to join into a certain field, but they'll fudge the truth and instead talk you into field that THEY need to fill, but is normally not only a lousy job, but also doesn't give the recruit any worthwhile training, not only in the military, but any that would be worthwhile in the civilian sector...

And, by the way, it's "Marine", just as it is with "Sailor" or "Soldier' or "Airman".... :D

[alicebowie]

Whether or not to enlist is a major decision in a persons life.
You can't make an educated choice if you don't know the facts.
You must have all the facts. You can't trust someone who has an
agenda to give you all the facts.They might give you their version
of the facts but you need more. When you enlist you give up your normal
rights .You had better be damn sure you know what your signing.
Your life may depend on it.

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Whether or not to enlist is a major decision in a persons life.

I know I didn't treat it like that...

Even after doing 20 years, I still have no fucking clue WHY I did it...

[mwsully]

There is no "contract" regarding the quality of armored vehicles nor body armor. There have always been fuck-ups although the attack on Iraq and the resulting Operation Clusterfuck for the years following certainly ranks as one of the biggest US military blunders. However, there have always been mistakes and I don't believe soldiers should basically be able to quit because things are bad. That would completely undermine good-order and military discipline, especially when those soldiers volunteered and there attack on Iraq was legitimized by the "authorization to use force." Something that I believe SHOULD be against US law, but isn't. I think we should only allow military operations on a certain strategic level other than say localized small-scale counterterrorist operations and aid programs with the declaration of war by Congress...

Yeah, you're right. It's just sick to see people put their lives on the line for their country and not get the support and assurance necessary from the government.

Is there anything the government is required to provide when somebody signs up for the military?

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Other than their pay, free (or subsidized) meals, free (or subsidized) housing including utiilities, free travel, etc....

[Nickdfresh]

And veteran's benefits when they're done. Hopefully the soldier elected to get education benefits or received significant bonuses...

[Va Beach VH Fan]

Yeah, forgot that one, that's a biggie...

Free medical/dental while you're active duty with your families.... It's not free for retirees, but premiums are much, much less than a regular civilian and the families.... Depending on where you live and where you get your medical care, a lot of stuff is still free...

For example, I'm probably going to get some schnoz surgery done in a couple weeks at a Naval Hospital, and I won't pay a thing....

[BITEYOASS]

There is no reason to desert nowadays. If you desert the military nowadays, then your a fuckin loser! Especially those who joined after the insugency started popping up. And if someone is getting called up after their contract ends, they would be better off smoking a joint or photoshopping themselves fucking a dude. Then report totally stoned or wearing something out of a dance club, they definitely will decide not to send ya to Iraq again after that.

[alicebowie]

There is no reason to desert nowadays. If you desert the military nowadays, then your a fuckin loser! Especially those who joined after the insugency started popping up. And if someone is getting called up after their contract ends, they would be better off smoking a joint or photoshopping themselves fucking a dude. Then report totally stoned or wearing something out of a dance club, they definitely will decide not to send ya to Iraq again after that.

I forgot about the war on drugs way out.Spark up some doobage , piss
in a cup and you're home free.Having a dishonorable discharge won't
affect your employment chances for most jobs if you don't tell them you served at all.

[alicebowie]

And veteran's benefits when they're done. Hopefully the soldier elected to get education benefits or received significant bonuses...

After Viet Nam they changed the rules on who's eligable for benefits and
who isn't .You must spend 24 complete months of consecutive active duty to
qualify.If you're a reservist and get called to active duty and serve even
one day less than 24 complete you're assed out.There is girl in my home town that's been fighting for her benefits for 2 years and she was only 1 day short.
If it doesn't say discharged early for the good of the service on your dd-214
you're screwed.

[hideyoursheep]

Jesus...

There have always been deserters, even in peacetime.

Don't blame it all on Iraq just because some knucklehead gets in there and decides the military isn't for him or her, then decides they're just going to quit! Many of them are trying to use it as an excuse, and would have left anyway.

Fuck em. Let 'em go! I wouldn't want them in my squad!!

[hideyoursheep]

Who shot me in the face?!

[LoungeMachine]

After Viet Nam they changed the rules on who's eligable for benefits and
who isn't .You must spend 24 complete months of consecutive active duty to
qualify.If you're a reservist and get called to active duty and serve even
one day less than 24 complete you're assed out.There is girl in my home town that's been fighting for her benefits for 2 years and she was only 1 day short.
If it doesn't say discharged early for the good of the service on your dd-214
you're screwed.

Oh jesus,

It's cadaverdog again

How many aliases you need, cadaverdouche?

[Blaze]

Who shot me in the face?!

'Twas I. Took all three of my shots.

I also got the other eye shot for lounge, not sure who got the first.

[hideyoursheep]

I also got the other eye shot for lounge, not sure who got the first.

:D