ARMY

Oct 13, 2003
3,387
3
38
38
NL - Gelderland
ok iv one year of college to go and im planning on joining the army afterwards (the dutch army that is)

tell me what you think of the army, and how you feel about joining?
 
I think it's a highly respectable thing to do. I never would, because I'm far to lazy, but I have nothing but respect for the members of my country's armed forces (even though I oppose the Iraq war, but that is the work of politicians). Anyone who thinks that the military isn't a completely necessary institution in this day in age is naive. If they don't think that but still criticize those who join, then they are a hypocrite.
 
Nothing wrong with joining the military. I had thought about it after high school, but knew I was just not the military type. My brother on the other hand was in for 8 years and is now a civilian instructor. He Teaches at one of the sniper schools. my father was in the military, several cousins etc.

I say go for it and enjoy your time there.
 
Do what you think is best. I'll be honest, i think the military (USA) are just political puppets. I never liked the government, so of course what i say isn't gonna be very positive. Not sure what the dutch army is like and what the government is like so i can't make any suggestions, just to do what you think is right.
 
Oh, and be sure you're in perfect health. Go to the dentist and get a complete check-up by your physician. You don't want to have the same thing happen that happened to me: passing all the tests and then being refused for an innate spinal deformity.
 
I have a lot of respect for the army, just for not everyone joining it. Some of my friends joined the army because that's what they wanted to do, and I salute them, but some others joined the army because they were lazy teens, used to suck a lot at school and didn't know what to do with their lives. They keep on doing illegal stuff even if they are in the army and etc.

But yeah, if that's what you want to do, go for it.
 
Oh, and be sure you're in perfect health. Go to the dentist and get a complete check-up by your physician. You don't want to have the same thing happen that happened to me: passing all the tests and then being refused for an innate spinal deformity.

thnx for the tip i think my health is ok i work out 5days a week...and visit the dentist once every half year...but is it really a lot of sitting around?...well if im not going to make it, i still have a diploma...atleast i hope after next year :P

but i think the army will do me good so i will go for it.
 
I was in the military for almost nine years, and if you really want to do it and are of military caliber, go for it. I left because my life was headed in a different direction than the military, so my reasons for leaving had nothing to do with my reasons for joining.

Also, it's really not good to ask people who have never been in the military what their opinion of it is, whether it be good or bad. That's like asking a drummer what kind of strings you should use for your guitar. Nothing against these people, they just don't know. Would you ask a carpenter how to repair an automobile?

It's a decision you must make for YOU. Just because the military was great for one person doesn't mean you'll enjoy it. I know lots of people who still enjoy being in the US military, even with all the problems we have right now; I'm not talking about wars, either. The US military has undergone a transformation and is being run like a business rather than a military organization. Too much emphasis on public opinion, perceptions, etc. It's mainly political now, whereas years ago it wasn't so. Of course, there will be politics in everything, but the military is overrun with politicians in uniform now.

I have served with the Dutch military, and I must say from my perspective that public opinion doesn't really factor in too much in what they do. The Dutch employ their forces very similarly to how the US does, only without the political correctness bullshit.

Again, the people who say "you're an idiot for wanting to do that" or "YEAH GO KILL EVERYONE!!!!!" usually are completely clueless to the military anyway, so just forget their advice. If it's what you want to do, do it and do it with honor and pride. Don't let public opinion sway you. You must remember, however, that you will be called upon to do things that you may not want to do or may completely disagree with, but you must do them because you signed on the dotted line. If you can uphold this high standard of living, then go for it.
 
no i know i should not listen too other people's opinions in wether i should join the army or not, im not going to i was just curious in how other people see the army...

i think i can and will make it in the army..as for now i want to get a diploma first so i always have something in my backpocket, incase something should go wrong...