I'm considering something I thought I'd never do. (Long)

[ViperTruck2933]

I had 13 years active duty and 8 years in the National Guard. Finally retired in 2004. Served 4 combat tours and lost my first wife and the mother of my 2 kids to divorce, as she couldn't handle my extended absences (often 8 months out of the year deployed).

I would not be where I am today (career wise) without the Army. They paid for my college (bachelors degree) and gave me the experience which led to my current job (federal civil service for the last 9 years). I have it made in the shade now with a cool job, outstanding pay and benefits and the one of the best retirement plans available (not to mention a great wife and a 3rd child). I am 45 and will permanently retire to the golf course at age 53. :rock:

My 24 y/o son is 9 days away from completing Army Basic/AIT for the National Guard. The signing bonus was a huge plus for my son. The last 5 months have been a great learning experience and he's grown up alot already. The skills he will learn in the next few years will be invaluable.

Unfortunately he leaves for a year in Iraq in June. That's part of the deal. You take the good with the bad. Prepare yourself if you sign up, you are likely to end up in the sand box. That's just the way it is.

It's not an easy decision so don't take it lightly. Serving your country is among the most honorable priveleges we have. If you are serious about it and your significant other supports you, go for it. You will need her support if you stay with her. She must be JUST as dedicated to it as you, or it will not work out for the two of you. If you join, you'll have some of the best times of your life and some of the worst times. You'll serve with men who will be your brothers for life. In the end, it will make you a better person.

"That which does not kill you will only make you stronger".


Good luck with your decision.




De Oppresso Liber

 

[eddie102870]

jimi i can tell you this from what ive learned the last couple of months. i have new respect for the DI's. any group that can take a bunch of idiot teenagers and turn them into what i saw at graduation and since then has my deepest respect. i dont know if they can do anything with you but it would be fun to watch all kidding aside im proud of my sons decision. you could do a lot worse bro just make sure and do what makes you happy. if you and courtney are supposed to be together she will be there regardless. if she had a bad deal before with another guy you shouldnt have to pay for it. just my .02 good luck with what ever you decide bro.

 

[dnz28]

Its really hard to spend that 20k when your dead thats why they give it to you read the fine print its a promise they wont keep.

 

[Borden's SRT]

They are not the only armed force with a sign on bonus Jimi. I dont think the bonus is going to just disappear and you might want to look into some of the others and that might help Courteney(spelling). it is your decision but take a job that will help you on the outside afterwards. If you need anything call me.

 

[Venom Power]

Jimi Jimi Jimi... One thing I've learned in life bro is to NEVER ever allow a woman you are not married to influence your life decisions. I'll blurt out my experiences here in the open since we’re all family.

When I was 21 I allowed my THEN gf to convince me that going to college kept us from spending as much time together as we should. My dumb ass listened and I quit college. A couple years later we weren't together anymore. Then I had a chance to go to the military as I wanted so bad to become a Navy Seal. I had another gf tell me just what Courtney is telling you. I didn't bother with my dream because I figured I didn't want to lose this chick. A few years later we went our separate ways. So twice I passed on things I should not have. Then when I was 29 the opportunity for me to go away for college emerged. Despite my gf's plea for me to not do it because she was about to have my baby, I reluctantly believed I was doing the right thing for me and for my soon to be child. I pondered and pondered until I realized that if I didn't do it now I will never accomplish anything. Yeah, Mary and I never recovered our relationship from my leaving (she harassed me throughout my studies and rubbed it in my face for years that I wasn't there when my daughter was born). It's been 8 years since I made my decision to go to school and she's still bitter about it. But now I know it was worth it. It afforded me a chance to see her for her true, non supportive, negative ways. Now, I look back with no regrets and I look forward with confidence.

You have to make your mind up for YOU.. It’s not being selfish at all. If you and Courtney were meant to be or if she's truly the one she would be supportive and get the big picture instead of thinking of the here and now. Believe me bro, if the unthinkable happens, like you two splitting up in the future, you're going to look back on this very time in your life and wish you went along with what Jimi wanted. But no matter what the choice is yours. I don’t mean to sound inconsiderate but keep in mind you get one life with few opportunities. A female can be replaced if necessary. You must be strong, move constantly forward and choose how to live your life for the Rozenhiemenberger.. When you’re experienced and successful it’s just that much sweeter.

 

[Texas Yellow Fever]

Its really hard to spend that 20k when your dead thats why they give it to you read the fine print its a promise they wont keep.

HUH?:dontknow:

 

[srtcorpus]

If you're still on the fince give me a call... I'm active duty Navy for over 23 years. It does come with some sacrifices though. I will be glad to disscuss them with you... 361-961-2880

 

[JTS VENOM PERFORMANCE]

If you're still on the fince give me a call... I'm active duty Navy for over 23 years. It does come with some sacrifices though. I will be glad to disscuss them with you... 361-961-2880

:rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock: :rock:

 

[Borden's SRT]

If you're still on the fince give me a call... I'm active duty Navy for over 23 years. It does come with some sacrifices though. I will be glad to disscuss them with you... 361-961-2880

So very true. I have 9 years of sea duty out of 12 years of service.

 

[viperhauler]

if i may give/get advice since we're on the subject...
as grandson to 2 WWII vets, i've always wondered "what if"....
now i'm married 4 yrs., started a business 3 yrs. ago, and i love what i do, but because of the economic crisis, i may as well be unemployed.
here's my point....
i've always enjoyed my freedom (who doesn't)...but i'm hardheaded as a damn bull, i don't like taking "orders" from anyone, i have no tolerance for stupidity, and some would say i'm an asshole.
those things, among others, have made me convince myself that the military is not for me...but do i really know???
my main arguement (to myself) is if i do it for the money, is that a good enough reason?...does that make me a soldier...if i sign up for a paycheck?...everything i do, i do the best i can, and the hardest i can...and as genuine as my heart will allow....my drive to be the best at everything i do makes me think that i could be a good soldier, but in the back of my mind, i will have done it for the money...??? so how good of a soldier would i be then?

jimi, i don't know what i can say...my wife has said to me numerous times that she would stand by me in whatever i did...so we have different arguements for the same goal.

 

[TNVIPER]

The military is a very honorable service for your country....hell it is the top honor...........just think it thru Jimi....dont join because you need a job...this is a job you cant tell the boss up yours and walk away.......and remember what the military does...protects the country with their life..

 

[alexspop]

Its really hard to spend that 20k when your dead thats why they give it to you read the fine print its a promise they wont keep.

Ridiculous is the only word I can think of.


I'm retired army...so of course I'm biased. It is a decision you both should make if your planning on a lasting relationship. Some very good advice in the previous posts. The bonus shouldn't affect what you do...you'll only see about 30% of it, and it won't be all at once. Just remember, it is not just a job, but a way of life.

 

[FATJACK]

Guys, I am absolutely without words on this. Betty and I love these two with all our hearts. I am really concerned about their relationship although I know the Service would help shape Jimi in a very positive way. Again, as hard as this is to believe, I do not know what to say.

 

[GriffsSRT]

Jimi

Well I have kept quiet except for the talk we had about it. But here is my .02.

First, I would not join just for the bonus. To me I would rather have no money and be around my family amd friends then have a huge chunk of money that I am going to spend quicker then the 8 weeks it took me to get it. If the bonus would get you out of debt, house, car, (Twin turbos ) and still have money left over, then It would be worth the weekends away. But going into it for the money? I couldn't do it.

Second, Courntey has got to relize that you guys are in this together. I love courtney to death. Plus there are two point of views to all situations. She may see things totaly differant then you do. You guys need to detirmen what you are going to do in the future and look how to acheive your plans.

Third, WHAT THE HELL WILL I DO ON THURSDAYS?:dontknow:

Bro you know I stand behind you 100% in what ever decision you make. It is your choice, But stop and think before you jump in head first! Hell you know I would go in heart beat. My family is a HUGE part of my life and I couldn' go.

Just think before you act.

 

[IH8CHVYS]

Jimi My Man very tough decision! Hope you and Courtney make the right choices to benefit you both! Good Luck!

 

[amtrucker22]

It's not an easy decision so don't take it lightly. Serving your country is among the most honorable priveleges we have. If you are serious about it and your significant other supports you, go for it. You will need her support if you stay with her. She must be JUST as dedicated to it as you, or it will not work out for the two of you. If you join, you'll have some of the best times of your life and some of the worst times. You'll serve with men who will be your brothers for life. In the end, it will make you a better person.

This is a great paragraph!!!! Well spoken!

 

[jbilledeaux]

Good luck man, but you should know something about that 20k, you will get it, but not all at once. You will recieve one partial payment after basic/ait, then you will recieve partial payments every year following that. Just hope you werent expecting it all at once. :dontknow:

The best thing I ever did with my life was join the Army! I hope everything works out for ya:rock:

 

[jbilledeaux]

Its really hard to spend that 20k when your dead thats why they give it to you read the fine print its a promise they wont keep.

That has to be one of the stupidest comments Ive read in a while. Go sit on a hill and drink your obama koolaid

 

[Texas Yellow Fever]

That has to be one of the stupidest comments Ive read in a while. Go sit on a hill and drink your obama koolaid

I guess this guy was a one post wonder, or is it wander...as in wandering around in a fog.

 

[Prof]

Your relationship with Courtney is the first consideration as other have said.

If it is not a partnership then you need to move on and the decision about going in the service is yours alone.

There is a decision tree here...put first things first.