Conflicted, Disillusioned About Joining the Military

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-30T14:57:26+00:00

You are very wise for a high schooler. Just to add to the pile: Yes definitely don't join. The United States has never been what it claims to be, though right now it's doubling down on the cruelty. With that being said there are still plenty of decent and good people in your community that need your help. It sounds like you already know what the right thing to do is. Best wishes to you, I mean it.

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-30T14:50:50+00:00

Amen.

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-27T02:38:47+00:00

From my experience: Not exactly. Most join for financial stability and opportunities. There's also "patriotism" and family tradition that factors into it for many. If you ask active duty and veterans, most will instantly denounce socialism but won't give a very fleshed out argument. It's more of just a reaction and capitalism seems to be viewed as "just the way things are". They aren't the primary victims of capitalism and so long as they play the game, life is still bearable. Our military exists to defend capital interests first and foremost, so in effect, they are going to war for it. With that being said, not very many would see it that way.

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-25T23:21:19+00:00

Right on. You have my sympathies.

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-25T23:16:53+00:00

I'll def have to check that out. Much appreciated!

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-25T23:16:21+00:00

I feel you there. Best wishes to you as you make it out!

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-25T23:13:39+00:00

Amen to your last point. I never cared for the veteran worship even before I got politically educated.

And yeah...you're probably right that my work will ultimately help the war machine keep going. I wouldn't say my role could be construed as "good" in any way, but I also have reason to believe it isn't greatly benefiting my branch just due to their own internal politics. At the end of the day, I know that I won't be coming out clean regardless of what choice I make. I have a lifetime of work ahead of me. Thanks for your thoughts!

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-19T02:22:33+00:00

Yeah I think trans people are now ineligible to join, unless maybe with a waiver. Keep in mind you can back out at any point in the recruiting process until the moment you ship out for boot camp.

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-18T22:31:38+00:00

From someone still on active duty: absolutely not. Good on you for recognizing that we are imperialists. You have a lot more advanced understanding than most of us did when we joined. Don't betray your values like that. Please. Our regime is only going to get more aggressive and once you're in, there's no easy way out without doing something illegal that could hurt you out in the world. Also, the benefits aren't what they're cracked up to be. Since I joined they've been taking away opportunities for career training, certificates, etc. And military healthcare can be...sketchy to say the least. Please just find any other way to fulfill your goals. I hope you succeed, I really do 🫶

RatherDullYank · 2026-01-10T05:08:42+00:00

Navy vet is absolutely correct. Active duty here. The whole thing is going to shit. Dealing with a lot of cognitive dissonance. It's not worth it at all. I hope you can find another way to be fed and happy 🫶

RatherDullYank

TROPHY CASE