Ask a military guy...

[DefinitelyPsychotic]

I already know everything that I ever wanted to know about the U.S. Military.

No other country's military even comes close to interesting me, so no, I don't want to ask you any questions.

 

[linkvegeta]

What trade are you?
like I used to be a Navy BOSN, what about you?

I'm first and foremost a Rifleman. Amongst the Royal Marines you are always a Marine first and foremost. I haven't specialised in anything yet. I'm still a General Duties Soldier. I need another 6 months before I can request a specific trade.

Yeah different anyway, up in Canada we get to pick the trade before we join and immediately after basic training or "boot camp" we go into training for our trade.

 

[Ericb]

Are any of you answering here allowed to talk about the details you your particular basic trainings?

I like to research on various armies traning but not always I'm successful. I would very much like to know more about it to have an aim to strive for physically.

 

[Khada]

If your thinking about joining the military do your research first. Look into our economy, how it works, and what your real purpose is as a soldier. I went as far as the aptitude test for the aus army (aced it but i thank fuck that i never joined. look into wikileaks for info on the recent wars and why you shouldnt be a part of it. The point being, DONT JOIN THE MILITARY, YOU DONT SERVER THE PEOPLE, YOU SERVER THE INVESTORS AND A DYING SYSTEMS PERPETUAL NEED FOR A FINITE RESOURCE THAT DOESNT BELONG TO YOU/US.

 

[Larai]

I've been deployed to Baghdad, Iraq and Kandahar, Afghanistan as a line medic in the US Army. Just got back from Afghanistan a few weeks ago.

You said that something along the lines of patrols and such,would that imply that you're an infantryman?Also,if you don't mind my asking,what kind of gear do you carry around anyway?Apart from a standard rifle,some optical gear and personal stuff,I have no idea.

The required items are body armor, helmet, fire-retardent uniforms and gloves, ballistic glasses, hearing protection, basic combat ammo load, night optical device, and your weapon. Then you can carry whatever else you want. Some people attach thier pouches directly to their vest, while others have them on a seperate piece called a Load Bearing Vest, or "Rack". Knives, flashlights, IR beacons, flex-cuffs, various paperwork, maps, etc.

Some people are picked to carry special equipment like metal/mine detectors, biometric scanners, heavy weapons/demo, etc.

How good a shot do you actually have to be?
Do people with previous firearms experience tend to do better or worse in weapons handling after training/overall.

Generally it is better if you don't know who to use a firearm. The Drill Sergeants train so many people that they are not only experts on how to shoot, but also on how to teach people to shoot. Prior usage in firearms can bring out bad habits and make them not listen to any new method being tought them.

How much water did you carry out in the desert?
I'd imagine you'd go through it really quick, having to lug around all the gear.

Most people carried a 2L camelback. In Iraq on missions when we had trucks we had a cooler with ice that had water and gatorade. I drank a large amount of water in Iraq, during the summer atleast. In Afghanistan, it was all foot patrols. Though we were there during the winter. It was a low land farming area by a river. So humid, but not as hot as Iraq. I rarely drank over a 1/4 of my camelback. Can't really explain it. Maybe since it was more limited my body automatically rationed it.

What's the closest you've ever been to a Taliban fighter (if you're ok with talking about it) and how much close quarters combat is there on the ground in general?

How much ammo do you tend to carry around with you on average? I'm guessing it's not +500 rounds and about 10 grenades total, Call of Duty style.

Off the record (if that's possible) do you agree with our current strategy in Afganistan, or do you think we should be pushing the Taliban harder/focusing on civilian confidence more?

Maybe 150m away in a fire fight? Who knows really. The Taliban hide amongst the civilians like shields. They would come right up to you, talk to you, count your people, then go around a corner and pick up thier AK and shoot at you. One of our guys caught one off guard and threw a hand grenade at him (within 35m). He stopped fireing afterwards ...

Around 7 - 10 mags usually. Machine guns have a few thousand spread out amoungst the platoon. The game winner though is the 40mm grenades. Mostly everyone carries a belt or two, and not everyone can even use them. Sometimes we have AT-4s and Javelins with us.

The beginning of operations need to focus on kinetic strikes to show the enemy our power and show the civilians we can provide security for them. Midway you begin empowering local leaders and economy. At the end you empower local leaders and villages to secure themselves. Then you move on to the next enemy strongpoint. Thats how we operated basically. I agree with it, and it worked.

Anyway, here's a question, which is probably the one thing that I would hate most about being a soldier: how traumatising is it, having to shit into a latrine? Did it get easier after a while? Have you ever had to clean the latrine?

On a semi-related note, how much sleep do you get? I don't function well on a lack of sleep. Is it an acquired skill, or just a prerequisite for being a competent soldier?

Porcelain is a gift from the gods. Both tours we were lucky to have chemical toilets. But sometimes we had to dig cat holes. Now it's not like that everywhere. The larger bases actually have some pretty nice facilities. But I was out at the smallest bases run. Basically we would buy a local compound, forify it, and live there the whole time. Occasionaly we would pick up and move further in. Cleaning was done by local contractors. They'd come atleast once a week. But sometimes they'd get threatened or combat operations would limit travel. They can get pretty full during those times. And if it's summer it is almost unbearable. You deal with it though.

You adjust to your sleep deprivation. It kinda works out. You fall asleep faster, usually, since your exhausted at the end of the day.

 

[Devil's Due]

(removed by the National Security Agency)

 

[Athol]

As a serving member of the military, what is your opinion of private security firms? (Mercenaries, PMCs etc to anyone whos wondering)

 

[Croix Sinistre]

have you ever killed a man, or even just seen a man die?

I know this isn't my thread, but I just thought I'd respond to this one.

I work in a hosptial and have seen more people die, and more dead bodies than the average soldier, it's no issue for me, but I can tell you for one, than a combat soldier who has lost his buddy and witnessed it isn't always ready to be asked this question.

Many guys I know who are combat arms are very traumatized, even if not on the outside. When asked things like this it brings back bad memories for alot of them. I'm not trying to belittle you for asking, but asking if a soldier has seen someone die, or how many people they've killed or similar questions, especially when they've been to war is like asking someone what they're doing for their mother for mother's day two weeks after she's died.

 

[FalloutJack]

-Summarized-

Right, so... I knew a guy who was stationed in Germany and I asked him if he ever - in a M*A*S*H sort of way - pulled pranks on people to alleviate boredom. His answer was yes. What's yours?

 

[Dectomax]

Asthma a real issue? I was diagnosed when I was like 8, that affect anything? I also have a manageable strain of ADHD and far-sightedness. All are copeable, in fact ADHD is like a cheat code sometimes. I was thinking of trying for the K9 corps or Rangers. My SAI was a Ranger and is training me

As stated by the US soldier, it may be a disqualifier. Though I think with all medical cases, if 5 years have passed they will normally overlook it.

 

[Dectomax]

Are any of you answering here allowed to talk about the details you your particular basic trainings?

I like to research on various armies traning but not always I'm successful. I would very much like to know more about it to have an aim to strive for physically.

Basic training is pretty much public here. You can look on youtube and for almost all military units there will be a documentary

 

[Dectomax]

For The British Armed Forces, you must be a member of the Commonwealth or have been a British Citizen for 5 years.

That's not exactly true. I know a guy who couldn't get into the Irish Defense Force, so he joined the Royal Marines (Ranger Company, was stationed in Sangin for a while). He never lived in Britain, or any "Commonwealth" countries.
But maybe it's just Ireland that gets away with that.


Anyway, here's a question, which is probably the one thing that I would hate most about being a soldier: how traumatising is it, having to shit into a latrine? Did it get easier after a while? Have you ever had to clean the latrine?

On a semi-related note, how much sleep do you get? I don't function well on a lack of sleep. Is it an acquired skill, or just a prerequisite for being a competent soldier?

Ireland are part of the UK!

Traumatising? I've not really been in action too much. as I stated, I was deployed and within the second week hit by mortar fire.

You get used to the rest of it. As for sleep? Depends, on the usual I think I got 5 or 6 hours sleep if I was lucky.

 

[Dectomax]

have you ever killed a man, or even just seen a man die?

He answered that when he said the most combat he ever saw was when he got mortared.
OT:
I read a whole lot of books about Iraq from people who have served there. I get the general impression that marines are a pack of immature dicks. How true would you say that statement is. Also has you ever met anyone from the special forces? the books that I read describe them as freaking scary. one even used the sentence: "I got the impression he was always bored when he wasn't shooting or getting shot at."

The Royal Marines are very different. On operation I don't think I've seen a more professional bunch of lads.

I personally haven't seen of worked with the SF. Though we do have a unit that works with UKSF. My Colour sergeant had worked with them before. Now, I believe it is impossible to scare this man but he said it's a kind of club. If your not one of it they don't care.

 

[Dectomax]

As a serving member of the military, what is your opinion of private security firms? (Mercenaries, PMCs etc to anyone whos wondering)

I've seen a lot of them about. Most are good guys. They take on private military either because they want better pay or their too old to work in the regular military. Bear in mind for an NCO, you're only expected to serve till 32/35.

 

[y1fella]

have you ever killed a man, or even just seen a man die?

He answered that when he said the most combat he ever saw was when he got mortared.
OT:
I read a whole lot of books about Iraq from people who have served there. I get the general impression that marines are a pack of immature dicks. How true would you say that statement is. Also has you ever met anyone from the special forces? the books that I read describe them as freaking scary. one even used the sentence: "I got the impression he was always bored when he wasn't shooting or getting shot at."

The Royal Marines are very different. On operation I don't think I've seen a more professional bunch of lads.

I personally haven't seen of worked with the SF. Though we do have a unit that works with UKSF. My Colour sergeant had worked with them before. Now, I believe it is impossible to scare this man but he said it's a kind of club. If your not one of it they don't care.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

So, what's your nickname in the military? If you don't have one there's something wrong.

 

[Dectomax]

So, what's your nickname in the military? If you don't have one there's something wrong.

It's related to my last name which, for PERSEC reasons, I can not say.

 

[Fetzenfisch]

-snip-

Im trying to join the United States Army [Marines already Disqualified me on medical grounds], while the medical conditions for joining between the British armed forces and the American Army are more than likely to be different, would having a history of epilepsy automatically disqualify a person interested in joining, regardless if nearly a decade has passed since their last seizure?



and what would be the requirements for a foreign born person to join the British Armed Forces?

Epilepsy/Seizures - 5 years must have passed without incident to be considered Fit.

For The British Armed Forces, you must be a member of the Commonwealth or have been a British Citizen for 5 years.

Now I just need to move to England, but I dont want to wait until Im 27 to join.

Thanks for the answer, the Army here is waiting for me to get clearance from a doctor saying I no longer have seizures.

Maximum age is 32, you've got a lot of spare time!

Assuming I have the ability to become a resident to the UK within the week. It would be easier if there was a British version of something like the KATUSA.

But hey, when I do get cleared Ill be sure to put down the UK or Germany as a preferred station.

Germany as in a UK-Base of the British Forces Germany? Good luck they are reduced more and more. They arent really needed exept for a few landing strips and our American Allies still haev enough of those here.
Or do you think about the German Army itself? Then good luck again, wen the US Forces dont take you, the German Bundeswehr will send you back as soon you enter the Door. For the simplest of Troops a near to perfect health is necessary.For everything that is above that you need a higher education or similar too.Since we stopped conscription only the best of the best are needed.Body and Brainwise

 

[Thaluikhain]

If your thinking about joining the military do your research first. Look into our economy, how it works, and what your real purpose is as a soldier. I went as far as the aptitude test for the aus army (aced it but i thank fuck that i never joined. look into wikileaks for info on the recent wars and why you shouldnt be a part of it. The point being, DONT JOIN THE MILITARY, YOU DONT SERVER THE PEOPLE, YOU SERVER THE INVESTORS AND A DYING SYSTEMS PERPETUAL NEED FOR A FINITE RESOURCE THAT DOESNT BELONG TO YOU/US.

That depends where you get sent. Iraq: dodgy, Afghanistan: not so dodgy, East Timor: only slightly dodgy, Solomon Islands: not dodgy at all, AFAIK.

Or, you can join NORFORCE, for example, and never leave the country. You do get stuck in the top end, but unless there's an invasion, you aren't going to meet up with anything more dangerous than jungle beasties (well, lots of people will be carrying guns around, and there will be occasional unauthorised discharges). Though, there's a 2 year waiting list for the training course, IIRC.

 

[Dectomax]

If your thinking about joining the military do your research first. Look into our economy, how it works, and what your real purpose is as a soldier. I went as far as the aptitude test for the aus army (aced it but i thank fuck that i never joined. look into wikileaks for info on the recent wars and why you shouldnt be a part of it. The point being, DONT JOIN THE MILITARY, YOU DONT SERVER THE PEOPLE, YOU SERVER THE INVESTORS AND A DYING SYSTEMS PERPETUAL NEED FOR A FINITE RESOURCE THAT DOESNT BELONG TO YOU/US.

I can say otherwise. We're there to protect the Afghan people. I can assure you, after being there myself. We visit schools, play football with the kids and train there army. we're not there as an occupational force or as a combat force. We're there on peacekeeping.

I think you need to take a step back and give the soldiers a bit of credit. we're not pawns.