| Based on my personality and being a female, will it be hard for me in the military?I'm a 19 year old female was considering enlisting, either active or reserve. I want to serve my country and I always do a job the best I can and have good integrety, and love physical challenges, but I'm worried about the people. So I'm definately not a partier, still a virgin, and don't use rough language, I guess I could be considered really innocent. I love people and always try to get along with everyone but Im just worried about things I've heard. I've heard multiple times from some of my friends who served that there's constantly parties, and alot of that pressure and that there are alot of r**e cases. I want to enlist but I'm worried I guess. Will it be hard for my type? Does anyone have any thoughts?
Asked By: g_to_the_m - 7/18/2007 |
You shouldn't have any problems in the military....no matter what branch of the service you decide to join. There are people on active duty and in the reserves that mirror you exactly.
There are parties, but there are also parties in the civilian world. Not all parties are the same...just like in the civilian world. Some people are responsible and host/ess a great party. Then, there are others that are just wild and anything goes. You will be able to tell the difference. If you should happen to attend a wild party, listen to that little voice wispering in your ear. In other words, get the heck out of dodge!! There are command parties that are great. You get to meet, eat, and talk to everyone on base or your department that are off duty. These parties don't involve any alcohol, and some are required that you attend....if only to show your face.
The military is a snap shot of the everyday people you see on the streets. Being such, the same things happen on base as they do off base. As you mentioned, r**e, theft, murder, fights, etc. do occur If compared to any city, no base would match up to any city as far as crime rate goes. If a base does have a crime problem, the commanding officer (CO) and law enforcement department are either on the hot seat or it's warming up.
You sound as though you are level headed and will plan your career before you make any type of commitment. THINK about what type of work you like to do, or would like to do. Pick your job that encompasses that and go for it. Also, I would encourage you to look at the officer programs for the branch of service that you choose. All branches offer the G.I. Bill, as well as tuition assistance, and even an opportunity to go to that service's academy...as in West Point for Army, Annapolis for Navy and Marines, the Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy. They all have good programs that can take you from an E-1 recruit, to the academy, and out the other side as an officer. Once an officer, your limit is your ability. There are accreditted college courses offered on base as well as aboard ship (Navy). Of course there are online courses, and the different services have courses available via their own websites that will enhance your abilities at no cost.
The military is not always easy, and it's not always hard either. Once you get the hang of things and understand how things work, life in the military is no different than civilian life. There is a time to work, and a time to play. You have responsibilities and accountability. You get vacation and you will be required to work overtime. If you know your job and perform your duties well, you get promotions, and there are even bonuses and pay raises. Oh, don't count on always getting a christmas bonus. Your medical and dental is free. A place to stay is free or at a reduced rate if on base. Even food on base is free or at a very reduced rate on base. Ahh, not all dining facilities are the same. There are VERY few places outside of the military where you can pay around $6 or less and eat all you can handle, no matter what is on the menu.
Don't let people try to scare you with horror stories, or tell you that the military is some kind of milk and honey society. It's hard, not everyone makes it through training, and what you did yesterday has nothing to do with what needs to be done today. It only means you may have experience in dealing with a similar situation.
Once you complete basic training, you are considered a professional. People respect you and the uniform you wear, and you should honor that respect by living up to what is expected of you. If you respect yourself, and what you have accomplished, it's as easy as Sunday morning.
Talk to the recruiters, get the information you need from them and service websites, and make your decision. Do NOT take it lightly. Years down the road you will look back and judge your decision.
I think you will adapt to military life and do just fine. Good luck!!!
Answered By: Airdale - 7/18/2007 |