So in a nutshell, I graduate grad school in December with no debt, family, and a a small fortune I inherited (six figures). Most people In my age group (age 27) are starting to settle down and get married and become dull. A lot of people get normal jobs, become normal people, get a gut, get comfortable, and vanish into obscurity. I always felt I was put here to do something greater. "Settling down" is not in the cards for me. I'm Looking for a job that allows me to 1)travel the world 2)get in shape 3) learn a martial art 4) experience something EXCITING. If I get stuck with a desk job, I'll go crazy. I have no ties, no kids...just a desire to LIVE LIFE and see amazing things. I am considering joining the military...not necessarily in a combat situation, but even something like an intelligence gatherer or supplier would be interesting. I'm not scared of danger...I'm more scared of boredom and complacency. I want to see as many countries as possible. Now that I'm broke up with my girlfriend, I'm in a situation where I can do something wild like this. If I stay in NYC, which I love, I see myself falling into a groove where I will be bored... I don't care what or where, or with what branch. I want to be able to tell wild stories. Which military branch/job does the most traveling? I wikipediaed "merchant marine" and they seem to do a lot of traveling, but I'm not quite sure what exactly it is they do. Coast Guard is limited in travel, Air Force looks too cushy, Army has a lot of bases (hence, a lot of travel opportunities), marine has some interesting perks, and Navy looks awesome...except for the prospect that I may be stuck on a ship for 6 months with no poon tang.

Anybody got any suggestions which branch/MO would make me feel ALIVE and fulfill any of those? I'm open to anything...I have a few months to figure it out...but I just can't see myself becoming a drone in 6 months. I only live once, and want to max out my life experience.

I have [...] a desire to LIVE LIFE and see amazing things. I am considering joining the military.

those two things are contradictory.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

I wouldn't use this site for advice on joining the military...you're going to get a lot of negative posts.

Anyway, if you are interested in intelligence, join the Air Force or Navy; Army Intelligence is a joke. You might also want to be a UAV operator, there is a ton of jobs in the civilian market that need people with military experience in UAVs, and this field is only going to grow for years to come.

As far as learning a martial art, the Marines are the only ones that seriously train in hand-hand combat.

Furfur Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I wouldn't use this site for advice on joining the
> military...you're going to get a lot of negative
> posts.
>
> Anyway, if you are interested in intelligence,
> join the Air Force or Navy; Army Intelligence is a
> joke. You might also want to be a UAV operator,
> there is a ton of jobs in the civilian market that
> need people with military experience in UAVs, and
> this field is only going to grow for years to
> come.
>
> As far as learning a martial art, the Marines are
> the only ones that seriously train in hand-hand
> combat.

Marines sound interesting...I definitely want to get in shape and see some foreign countries. Learning how to scrap is a valuable skill too! Plus, there's the prestige of being a Marine. I'll start as an officer (since I'll have my grad degree), and hopefully get to see some interesting places. I don't want to be guarding a missle silo in some bullshit country...something more action packed would be interesting...I love traveling. Whether it's as an intelligence gatherer, cleric, soldier, or supply shipper, I'm looking for an experience that one day I can say I lived an interesting life. Money is inconsequential for me...I need to feel alive!

if you join the military you will be "stuck in a groove" by the boring routine of PT, duty and taking orders from douchebags above you in rank. It would be better to organize vacations on your own rather than go to exotic lands with ancient cultures and kill people. You should seriously thing of becoming a news reporter or photographer for the national geographic rather than join the military.

Predator Obama Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> if you join the military you will be "stuck in a
> groove" by the boring routine of PT, duty and
> taking orders from douchebags above you in rank.
> It would be better to organize vacations on your
> own rather than go to exotic lands with ancient
> cultures and kill people. You should seriously
> thing of becoming a news reporter or photographer
> for the national geographic rather than join the
> military.

I've met people in the Navy who basically load cargo and have been to 20+ countries. If somebody dies, it's just part of the job. It could be me or him. People die all the time. I would rather die in combat than die in an auto accident or of old age in a nursing home, like my grandfather. I wouldn't be too worried about it. It doesn't bother me. Besides, there is more to the military that running-and-gunning. Even military chefs or priests do a bit of traveling I'm told. I'm just as content shooting at iraqis with dirty pajamas on or calculating a shipment of cargo on an aircraft carrier off of Italy...as long as it's an exciting job that won't bore me to death. I want to look back at my life and say that I did something interesting or exciting...not that I did soil tests for 30 years, even if it does pay good money. I want to experience as much as I can in my short existence on earth.

I too have been where you are now. (only without a degree at 17 yrs old)
Each of the branches has its different benefits and downfalls. Since you
have a graduate degree, you probably qualify for a Commissioned Officer
program which may or may not be what you want. I suggest you do a lot of
research before you consider going into any of them before signing the papers.
Above all, if you find something that sounds good, talk to someone who
has been there and done that. Do NOT rely on a recruiters sales pitch
as a sole factor in your choice.

Losing a girlfriend is not a good reason to join the military. There are
plenty of women in the military but many are married. Others are lesbians,
and/or skanks. The ones who are good looking and smart are popular, but get
in line with hundreds of other GI's who are very competitive in that
respect.

I have a nephew who was a merchant seaman for two years and loved it for
a while. He's been just about everywhere in the world where there is a
port but aboard ship he says its extremely tedious and boring. (He was
a commo operator) The money is fantastic but get used to being at sea
for months at a time. He liked the lifestyle when he was single but met
a little Georgia gal and got married. He's an accountant now but treasures
the experiences he had as a youngster.

You are right about the Army having a lot of bases, but if you get stuck
in a place like Turkey or the Aleutians, it can drive you crazy and
you really dont have much choice in assignments.

The one thing that bothers me about todays military is the length of
enlistments. For a good MOS, you have to enlist for many years on
your first hitch. I've heard anywhere from 7-9 years for the field
I was in. (they call it the Intelligence and Security Command these days)
Thats a long time to sign up for and if you really find that Army
life isnt for you, you're stuck and will be miserable for a long time. I understand you can get a two year hitch if you sign up for Infantry but thats
not for everybody and you wont have much to put in a resume for a
civilian job unless you want to be a mercenary.

Have you considered the CIA or NSA? A lot of former INSCOM troops go to
work for them. At least you dont have to spend enormous amounts of
time marching in parades and pulling S@&t details while on Stateside
duty and you have the option of quitting if you arent happy.

Hope this helps.

Wm. C. Westmoreland Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I too have been where you are now. (only without a
> degree at 17 yrs old)
> Each of the branches has its different benefits
> and downfalls. Since you
> have a graduate degree, you probably qualify for a
> Commissioned Officer
> program which may or may not be what you want. I
> suggest you do a lot of
> research before you consider going into any of
> them before signing the papers.
> Above all, if you find something that sounds good,
> talk to someone who
> has been there and done that. Do NOT rely on a
> recruiters sales pitch
> as a sole factor in your choice.
>
> Losing a girlfriend is not a good reason to join
> the military. There are
> plenty of women in the military but many are
> married. Others are lesbians,
> and/or skanks. The ones who are good looking and
> smart are popular, but get
> in line with hundreds of other GI's who are very
> competitive in that
> respect.
>
> I have a nephew who was a merchant seaman for two
> years and loved it for
> a while. He's been just about everywhere in the
> world where there is a
> port but aboard ship he says its extremely tedious
> and boring. (He was
> a commo operator) The money is fantastic but get
> used to being at sea
> for months at a time. He liked the lifestyle when
> he was single but met
> a little Georgia gal and got married. He's an
> accountant now but treasures
> the experiences he had as a youngster.
>
> You are right about the Army having a lot of
> bases, but if you get stuck
> in a place like Turkey or the Aleutians, it can
> drive you crazy and
> you really dont have much choice in assignments.
>
> The one thing that bothers me about todays
> military is the length of
> enlistments. For a good MOS, you have to enlist
> for many years on
> your first hitch. I've heard anywhere from 7-9
> years for the field
> I was in. (they call it the Intelligence and
> Security Command these days)
> Thats a long time to sign up for and if you really
> find that Army
> life isnt for you, you're stuck and will be
> miserable for a long time. I understand you can
> get a two year hitch if you sign up for Infantry
> but thats
> not for everybody and you wont have much to put in
> a resume for a
> civilian job unless you want to be a mercenary.
>
> Have you considered the CIA or NSA? A lot of
> former INSCOM troops go to
> work for them. At least you dont have to spend
> enormous amounts of
> time marching in parades and pulling S@&t details
> while on Stateside
> duty and you have the option of quitting if you
> arent happy.
>
> Hope this helps.


I'm not joining b/c of the girlfriend...I just see an opportunity in my life and I want to do something exciting and meaningful before I get bogged down in boring civilian life. I have an "inner adventurer" inside of me. I'm a Returned Peace Corps volunteer, and while it wasn't easy living, it was the best experience of my life. Living back in usa is so dull and comfy. I know nothing about CIA or NSA. How does that work?

I joined the Air Force for all the reasons you mentioned, and they stuck me at a boring desk job for my entire enlistment. That's why I got out.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

MrMephisto Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I joined the Air Force for all the reasons you
> mentioned, and they stuck me at a boring desk job
> for my entire enlistment. That's why I got out.

If I wanted a boring desk job, I'd just stay in Herndon or Reston. I crave more out of life. I need adventure, excitement, travel...

Thanks for the input though!

I took the broadest career field I could find in my area of interest; small computer systems. I could have done comm-center work, network admin, desktop repair, etc., and done so in exotic places.

Instead, I got stuck behind a monochrome screen re-routing messages at the Pentagon.

Crew chiefs and flight mechanics seem to have a lot of travel time, for obvious reasons.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

Peace Corps.

pgens Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Peace Corps.

Been there, done that. I'm looking for the next challenge in life.

Good for you, man. My dad was in linguistics and intelligence in the Air Force and got great assignments in Japan and Berlin.

you want travel and excitement? join the Taliban or Al Queda! Excitement Galore! AND when you die? 72 virgins await you in heaven!

"I'm not joining b/c of the girlfriend...I just see an opportunity in my life and I want to do something exciting and meaningful before I get bogged down in boring civilian life. I have an "inner adventurer" inside of me. I'm a Returned Peace Corps volunteer, and while it wasn't easy living, it was the best experience of my life. Living back in usa is so dull and comfy. I know nothing about CIA or NSA. How does that work?"

Glad you have some Peace Corps behind you. Thats good for the resume`.
You probably speak a foreign language already so that makes you even
more marketable. I know what you mean by "living back in the USA". After
being overseas for 3-1/2 years and having participated in the Intelligence
world, it seemed like drudgery even though I was going to college. It
is however nice to be around women who speak English and don't smell
like fish.

Try the CIA and NSA websites under "Career Opportunities". You will need
a Top Secret Security Clearance if you dont already have one. The CIA
hires everything from analysts to mail clerks and paramilitary. NSA same way
without the paramilitary. Foreign language background is a big plus.

I got a charge out of MrMephisto's comments. I had a friend who signed
up for a 4 year hitch in the Navy and wound up on a tug-boat crew
in Norfolk the whole time. A cousin of mine was drafted back in the
day and wound up as an "assistant" in the Veterinarians section at
Ft. Bejamin Harrison Indiana and spent his time cleaning dog and cat
cages.

Wm. C. Westmoreland Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "I'm not joining b/c of the girlfriend...I just
> see an opportunity in my life and I want to do
> something exciting and meaningful before I get
> bogged down in boring civilian life. I have an
> "inner adventurer" inside of me. I'm a Returned
> Peace Corps volunteer, and while it wasn't easy
> living, it was the best experience of my life.
> Living back in usa is so dull and comfy. I know
> nothing about CIA or NSA. How does that work?"
>
> Glad you have some Peace Corps behind you. Thats
> good for the resume`.
> You probably speak a foreign language already so
> that makes you even
> more marketable. I know what you mean by "living
> back in the USA". After
> being overseas for 3-1/2 years and having
> participated in the Intelligence
> world, it seemed like drudgery even though I was
> going to college. It
> is however nice to be around women who speak
> English and don't smell
> like fish.
>
> Try the CIA and NSA websites under "Career
> Opportunities". You will need
> a Top Secret Security Clearance if you dont
> already have one. The CIA
> hires everything from analysts to mail clerks and
> paramilitary. NSA same way
> without the paramilitary. Foreign language
> background is a big plus.
>
> I got a charge out of MrMephisto's comments. I had
> a friend who signed
> up for a 4 year hitch in the Navy and wound up on
> a tug-boat crew
> in Norfolk the whole time. A cousin of mine was
> drafted back in the
> day and wound up as an "assistant" in the
> Veterinarians section at
> Ft. Bejamin Harrison Indiana and spent his time
> cleaning dog and cat
> cages.


Also...as a side note, I was born in the United States and have US citizenship, but in January I also picked up an Irish citizenship + passport too...making me a duel citizen. Will this handicap me in anyway?

BWL -

With a graduate degree and 27 years of heart beats you are a good candidate for an officer program. However, none of the services need any more officers who think "me first," except possibly the Air Force where you can be an officer without being a leader. Leadership is about people, and you really need to look into yourself to determine whether people matter to you more than your need for poon tang. When you arrive overseas you will be in a role of advising those loyal to you of the dangers, and dealing with their repurcussions when bad things happen.

That said, find an officer programs recruiter and ask what they need and currently have to offer. Recruiting numbers are way up this year (economy) but so are some goals as stop-loss is scaled back.

My personal opinion, based only on what you wrote here, is that the USMC officer program would be good for both you and the Marines. The first six to nine months will be the hardest of your life to date. Are you up to that?

Joining anything out of boredom is a bad idea.

"Also...as a side note, I was born in the United States and have US citizenship, but in January I also picked up an Irish citizenship + passport too...making me a duel citizen. Will this handicap me in anyway?"



Yes, a definite yes. To be an officer in any branch requires at least a secret clearance. A dual citizenship can be an automatic dis-qualifier, even from friendly nations.

Forget about going to three letter agencies with a dual citizenship.

Oldie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> BWL -
>
> With a graduate degree and 27 years of heart beats
> you are a good candidate for an officer program.
> However, none of the services need any more
> officers who think "me first," except possibly the
> Air Force where you can be an officer without
> being a leader. Leadership is about people, and
> you really need to look into yourself to determine
> whether people matter to you more than your need
> for poon tang. When you arrive overseas you will
> be in a role of advising those loyal to you of the
> dangers, and dealing with their repurcussions when
> bad things happen.
>
> That said, find an officer programs recruiter and
> ask what they need and currently have to offer.
> Recruiting numbers are way up this year (economy)
> but so are some goals as stop-loss is scaled
> back.
>
> My personal opinion, based only on what you wrote
> here, is that the USMC officer program would be
> good for both you and the Marines. The first six
> to nine months will be the hardest of your life to
> date. Are you up to that?


Officer school with Marine Corps resonates well with me. I'd have to figure out an exciting MO though. I've always admired the Marines. After living in a mud hut in Africa for a few years, a challenge like Office School is welcomed. I speak a handful of languages, and am a straight A student...but I get bored easily. An ever-changing routine and unexpected twists is what makes life worth living. If I get a desk job, I'll hang myself in a year or so. I have no fear of war or anything of the sort. The camaraderie with Peace Corps was amazing...I can only imagine that camaraderie with USMC would be like a brotherhood. I've been reading up on it all day. Amazing stuff. Thank you for your insightful post!

Furfur Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "Also...as a side note, I was born in the United
> States and have US citizenship, but in January I
> also picked up an Irish citizenship + passport
> too...making me a duel citizen. Will this handicap
> me in anyway?"
>
>
>
> Yes, a definite yes. To be an officer in any
> branch requires at least a secret clearance. A
> dual citizenship can be an automatic
> dis-qualifier, even from friendly nations.
>
> Forget about going to three letter agencies with a
> dual citizenship.


That's too bad that being a duel will disqualify (most likely) me from most positions. Even I was hired on, there would be a "glass ceiling", as an Irish-American citizen would never be allowed to reach the top echelons of any secret organization. Oh well. I'm sure I can find other exciting jobs somewhere out there that won't DQ me for that.

P.S. I don't really give a shit about Ireland...I've never even been there. I picked it up for the 27 country EU job market. Dealing with visas, etc. is a pain in the ass, and this citizenship allow me to circumvent that.

Let's recap:

Single
no family
well-off
dual citizenship
grad student
wants to join the military

I call bullshit.

496, don't be angry that you're poor white trash that spends his online time kissing the regulars' asses.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/24/2009 09:27PM by Fail Safe.

496 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Let's recap:
>
> Single
> no family
> well-off
> dual citizenship
> grad student
> wants to join the military
>
> I call bullshit.

Why do you say that? Everything you listed is accurate. No debt, no family worth mentioning, I inherited my parents estate and life insurance so I'm in no need for cash, which I am using to put me through grad school. I'm an RPCV who craves excitement and adventure. I'm looking for a rich life experience. I'm considering military because it has a lot of perks that other jobs don't offer, but I'm also considering going back to teaching abroad, possibly finishing up a PhD, or even moving to Europe...whatever. I'm trying to decide that over the next few weeks or so. I'm gathering information on possible options. A rote desk-job bores me to death...which is what my grad degree is setting me up for now (MSc. Environmental Planning)

Bored With Life Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 496 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Let's recap:
> >
> > Single
> > no family
> > well-off
> > dual citizenship
> > grad student
> > wants to join the military
> >
> > I call bullshit.
>
> Why do you say that? Everything you listed is
> accurate. No debt, no family worth mentioning, I
> inherited my parents estate and life insurance so
> I'm in no need for cash, which I am using to put
> me through grad school. I'm an RPCV who craves
> excitement and adventure. I'm looking for a rich
> life experience. I'm considering military because
> it has a lot of perks that other jobs don't offer,
> but I'm also considering going back to teaching
> abroad, possibly finishing up a PhD, or even
> moving to Europe...whatever. I'm trying to decide
> that over the next few weeks or so. I'm gathering
> information on possible options. A rote desk-job
> bores me to death...which is what my grad degree
> is setting me up for now (MSc. Environmental
> Planning)

You could also get a job with USAID or a consulting firm who has contracts with them and work as an expat on international development contracts. You can get long and short assignments, and the money is sweet as you get living expenses in addition to your salary if you are on long term assignment. In some countries, you also receive danger pay in addition to the post differential.

you should get a job clearing Landmines. This has all the opportunities you mentioned, Travel, excitement AND since you have no family or loved ones No one will miss you when you get blown up.

Melissa Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bored With Life Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > 496 Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Let's recap:
> > >
> > > Single
> > > no family
> > > well-off
> > > dual citizenship
> > > grad student
> > > wants to join the military
> > >
> > > I call bullshit.
> >
> > Why do you say that? Everything you listed is
> > accurate. No debt, no family worth mentioning,
> I
> > inherited my parents estate and life insurance
> so
> > I'm in no need for cash, which I am using to
> put
> > me through grad school. I'm an RPCV who craves
> > excitement and adventure. I'm looking for a
> rich
> > life experience. I'm considering military
> because
> > it has a lot of perks that other jobs don't
> offer,
> > but I'm also considering going back to teaching
> > abroad, possibly finishing up a PhD, or even
> > moving to Europe...whatever. I'm trying to
> decide
> > that over the next few weeks or so. I'm
> gathering
> > information on possible options. A rote
> desk-job
> > bores me to death...which is what my grad
> degree
> > is setting me up for now (MSc. Environmental
> > Planning)
>
> You could also get a job with USAID or a
> consulting firm who has contracts with them and
> work as an expat on international development
> contracts. You can get long and short
> assignments, and the money is sweet as you get
> living expenses in addition to your salary if you
> are on long term assignment. In some countries,
> you also receive danger pay in addition to the
> post differential.

That sounds exciting. I'll have to check out USAID. Travel + interesting experience are my #1 priority...I want to see the world before I die. Ever changing assignments is interesting too. Will take into consideration. There's something about the military that is appealing to me...not sure if its the fitness aspect of it, or the honor, or the adventures...military seems to have it all wrapped up in one. Whenever I talk to older vets who'd done a few years, I get envious, like, "Man...THIS guy has lead an interesting, authentic life!" I graduate in December, so I'm spending the next few months investigating my options. Thanks, Melissa!

Judge Crater Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> you should get a job clearing Landmines. This has
> all the opportunities you mentioned, Travel,
> excitement AND since you have no family or loved
> ones No one will miss you when you get blown up.


Got any links for jobs in that field? Seriously. I'm game for anything.

Don't be fooled Bored With Life ... the military is fraught with stifling positions. If you want real excitement, look elsewhere. Whatever you do don't become a USMC supply officer. It will drive you crazy ... really

So failsafe, thats your handle? This week? D-bag.

496, I don't understand why you are so belligerent. Were you dealt a raw deal in life? Its not healthy for someone as young as you to be so angry.

Consider getting some fresh air, a walk in a park, anything but coming on Fairfax Underground and spreading your hate and anger.

I know you seek the approval of the more popular regulars, but focus on fixing the failures in your real life, and not in some virtual playground.


I hope you find Jesus.

Bored With Life Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Also...as a side note, I was born in the United
> States and have US citizenship, but in January I
> also picked up an Irish citizenship + passport
> too...making me a duel citizen. Will this handicap
> me in anyway?

It may depend on the agency. Also, please do not consider anyone on this
msg board an authority. It would be best to talk directly to the recruiters
and ask specific questions. Security Clearance requirements change from time
to time and there have been cases where illegal aliens have received
final clearances. Stupid in my opinion, but it has happened.

Recruiters will tell you whatever it is you want to hear in order to get your name signed on the dotted line. After that your ass is the US of A's to do with as they please. You have to be VERY careful.

Judge Crater Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Recruiters will tell you whatever it is you want
> to hear in order to get your name signed on the
> dotted line. After that your ass is the US of A's
> to do with as they please. You have to be VERY
> careful.

+1


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Judge Crater Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Recruiters will tell you whatever it is you
> want
> > to hear in order to get your name signed on the
> > dotted line. After that your ass is the US of
> A's
> > to do with as they please. You have to be VERY
> > careful.
>
> +1

+1, and also, keep in mind that the minimum enlistment is 8 years. You may only do four years active duty, but you then go into "inactive reserve" status. Meaning, the military can call you back up and put you to work if needed.

I had to do some gay-ass muster duty thing, in which all inactive reserve members within 100 miles or so of some base in WV had to go there and report in.

--------------------------------------------------------------
13 4826 0948 82695 25847. Yes.

-



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/01/2010 07:21AM by inkahootz.

You weren't put here to do something greater. This is a common feeling, please realize that all young people feel this way.

Also, if you want to live life, I would advise you not go into the military. They will live your life for you. Sure you might see many countries. The slums of Iraq, the slums of Afghanistan, etc, etc.