Thread: Why Do People Keep Joining The Military?

I've been thinking about this.

It has been about 4 years since it became clear that the War In Iraq would be a prolonged conflict that would certainly cost the lives of many American servicemen. (I excuse most of 2003 when optimism was still reigning).

Yet, during that time something like 1 million plus Americans have either joined the military or reenlisted.

That includes something on the order of 600,000 volunteering to join or stay in the U.S. Army or Marine Corps, both of which have had a vast portion of their forces rotated through Iraq.

My question, if the conflict in Iraq is so bad, then why do so many people keep volunteering?

Originally Posted by Dayton3

I've been thinking about this.

It has been about 4 years since it became clear that the War In Iraq would be a prolonged conflict that would certainly cost the lives of many American servicemen. (I excuse most of 2003 when optimism was still reigning).

Yet, during that time something like 1 million plus Americans have either joined the military or reenlisted.

That includes something on the order of 600,000 volunteering to join or stay in the U.S. Army or Marine Corps, both of which have had a vast portion of their forces rotated through Iraq.

My question, if the conflict in Iraq is so bad, then why do so many people keep volunteering?

because its not bad enough.

I think the answer is complicated one. Obviously there are a great many people who may be poorer and see it as a great way out.

there are also people that simply do not agree that Iraq has gone as badly as you believe it has and or that we are so wrong to be their.

Why do soldiers Re-enlist? Well I am a veteran of OIF 2 and was in the Army for 10 years before getting out. The truth is that the Army now offers 60k in enlistment bonus. That is a motivator to be sure friend.

Out of highschool you can make easily 50k a year with a 60k bonus and rock a .50 cal. You also could stay in your small home town and flip burgers with your buddies.

Decisions, decisions.

Originally Posted by Dayton3

I've been thinking about this.

It has been about 4 years since it became clear that the War In Iraq would be a prolonged conflict that would certainly cost the lives of many American servicemen. (I excuse most of 2003 when optimism was still reigning).

Yet, during that time something like 1 million plus Americans have either joined the military or reenlisted.

That includes something on the order of 600,000 volunteering to join or stay in the U.S. Army or Marine Corps, both of which have had a vast portion of their forces rotated through Iraq.

My question, if the conflict in Iraq is so bad, then why do so many people keep volunteering?

A million enlistees and reenlistments over four years doesn't strike me as a very remarkable number.

And just because you enlist doesn't mean you think the war is a good thing. And if you do, you're simply wrong.

In a nation of 300 million, having one million be wrong isn't too bad, actually.

Originally Posted by Dayton3

My question, if the conflict in Iraq is so bad, then why do so many people keep volunteering?

Some join to be Patriots, and some join because it's the highest paying job with the best benefits they can get. So people are doing their duty for their country, which Rocks!. Or the economy sucks and they have no choice. Or they are trouble and need to be shaped up, or they're Mexicans and want citizenship.

The military is 70% Republican, inductees will probably be the same, a high level of patriotism. They'd enlist if it was good or bad. They'll vote Republican if it's good or bad. And they'll tell reporters and everybody else alive that what they're doing is good and progress is being made, if it's good or bad. God keep every last one of our heros safe.

One million is a low estimate on my part by the way.

I remember reading that to maintain the U.S. Army at around 500,000 active duty soldiers that it took 100,000 new volunteers a year.

That makes 400,000 new volunteers for the Army alone, plus reinlistments, plus the Marine Corps new volunteers, plus reinlistments, plus volunteers for National Guard,plus...........well you get the idea.

Originally Posted by Thumpernovember

Out of highschool you can make easily 50k a year with a 60k bonus and rock a .50 cal. You also could stay in your small home town and flip burgers with your buddies.

Oh yeah. That is a big one. I am currently a freshman in highschool, and already a lot of my friends are talking about joining the army. Some of it is joking, but most of it is real. Kids see it as not only a way to make money, and a way to get free/cheap college, but also as a way to get some glory. So many people try to enrol in Annapolis, or Quantico, or any number of military acadamies so they can get a boost into the ranks of the army/navy/air force and come back a comissioned officer.

Actually, military service of any kind can be a big boost in a career.

Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse gives military veterans first shot at positions in management.

Rent-A-Center does the same. Their job application even mentions it specifically.

Even an American high schooler with poor math skills can see that at worst

1,000 killed per year and 3,000 injured means that out of 100,000 volunteers, you only have a 1 in 25 chance of being killed or injured in Iraq.

I'm saying that these high school kids can see what the anti war plainly cannot:

Loss of life by the U.S. in the Iraq War has been light by any standard.

free college?