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Downsizing doesn't necessarily cut the outrageous amount we spend on it.
We have a smaller military man wise than several other nations, but we still spend up to 5x as much.
That is a side argument to the topic at hand. We can have the highest per person spending or the lowest, if the size of the armed forces doesn't increase, it isn't going to give more youth the chance. Many young people do look for the military, it just isn't the narrative people want to tell so they don't.
That is a side argument to the topic at hand. We can have the highest per person spending or the lowest, if the size of the armed forces doesn't increase, it isn't going to give more youth the chance. Many young people do look for the military, it just isn't the narrative people want to tell so they don't.
The military of the future is going to see a slimming in numbers and an increase in hurdles to join. We'll see technology play a greater role. We won't see standing army vs standing army, it'll become special forces in and out.
The casualties of recent conflicts illustrate this. They're nothing compared to past conflicts. The Battle of Antietam in one day saw 23,000 Americans killed.
The military of the future is going to see a slimming in numbers and an increase in hurdles to join. We'll see technology play a greater role. We won't see standing army vs standing army, it'll become special forces in and out.
The casualties of recent conflicts illustrate this. They're nothing compared to past conflicts. The Battle of Antietam in one day saw 23,000 Americans killed.
That was also the Civil War. To compare with other wars where it's not Americans vs. Americans, we have to half that. Still high, but not as dramatic.
As a percentage of the population service in the military has declined. However it should also be noted that in much of the western world it has also declined. Some countries allow for non citizens to specifically join. The spanish and french foreign legions are evidence of this. The pay in those is so low one could work at walmart and make more!
The military cannot simply lower standards or expand just for the point of expansion. Major conflicts have declined significantly because well the economy is more dependent on one another and thus it would make little sense to make massive wars against one another.
Simply joining the military is bad idea. Being hired sometimes takes time and applying for different jobs. Volunteering, getting a license like say real estate, is a better idea. Just because you don't have a job now does not mean it is permanent. People should not join the military casually. Those should do so who really like the idea and or want a career in the military. So no do not join the military because you don't have a job.
If you are looking to join the military, inquire to join as an officer, as far as I understand in order to qualify to be an officer you have to just have 2 years of 3rd level education meaning 2 years of community college or university, and then pass the physical, which you have to do anyway for the military.
Why as an officer you now may ask? Well, consider the benefits. As soon as you finish boot-camp you are already higher rank than the guys who are training you, aka the drill instructors, so by the end of things they will be sucking up to you already.
The pay is about six times higher than if you join as a recruit, not to mention you are much much less likely to see combat and much much more likely to be able to sign up to do all the cool things you never got the chance to, like sky diving training, etc etc. Officers are well taken care of in the army, so I recommend that route if anything.
I'd agree with this. If you are attracted to a military career, enter after college, not before.
I'd agree with this. If you are attracted to a military career, enter after college, not before.
Yes, if you're a leadership type (having said that, all ranks lead). The problem with the post you quoted is that it's filled with incorrect information.
Not everyone fits into the military. Some people love it, some don't. Most people who choose not to enter the military probably already know it's not for them (or maybe they don't qualify). No sense in wasting their and the military's time.
If I could go back in time I wish I would have considered it. I'd be so much better off now if I joined a branch of the military. Instead, I'm in my late 20's with a liberal arts degree and still no career path. The military would have given me some skills and simply made me a more independent person at a younger age. All the while getting to see the world and getting paid to do it. I feel like I would be more prepared and confident to attack the world and all it's challenges.
Parents these days should really throw out the military as an option for their kids. Mine never did and it just didn't seem like a mainstream option where I grew up. It was always going to college. That's what you were expected to do and my peers were expected to do.
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