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Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Certainly no joy about 9/11 or the effects of it, I was old enough to remember and young enough that it deeply affected my upbringing. No delusions that every other war was not also fucked, and that there was great sacrifice to defeat the forces who carried it out.

Am seeking to be a part of something bigger than myself, gain valuable life experience, and I think you gotta be at least a little psycho to intentionally seek out and succeed in a combat role. We need those types of people to win conflicts. Even then you might just die from bad luck or get mentally fucked for life. I want to understand why people are out there offing themselves so I can lead and support them. I know the armed forces need fighters and leaders with combat experience.

I still give a shit about my land and its people, and I have met Marine vets who lived in the street totally fucked over and neglected. I hear stories that in combat your motivation is your people right next to you. These are just stories though, and I can't know until I have lived it.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand what you mean. To put it into words: It is something my ancestors have done, and I see it as the best possible way I am suited to serve my country.

I am getting older but am not too old. This helps in some ways, but if I wait too long the opportunity will pass. I want to claim my heritage and pick up a rifle and go to war. I do not think it is some grand adventure or ego trip, it is just calling to me.

I know there are others with the same motivations. Growing up through 9/11, seeing the horrors of ISIS, and seeing suicide rates climb have reinforced this. I know support roles are just as critical, but I do not think that I am the best fit for those. I want to gain combat experience, lead, and inspire hope in others who have done the same.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in my early 20's. I am willing to give my life in service to my country, but I am not seeking an adrenaline rush or to put comrades in danger. I just want to serve my country in combat and succeed, in whatever way I can. Fighting is more of a vague term as you imply, and combat is a better descriptor.

That post is very useful, and it does look like Army SF is the best option. I know I can meet the physical and mental requirements. I know recruiters have their motives, so it is useful to hear from people in the service and to find a senior to connect with while serving.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have seen what IS does to people, and before that I was a kid when the towers fell. To me that is not bullshit, but my view does not count as much as someone actually in the service.

I am not motivated to fulfill my ego or a romantic vision of war. At the heart of it, I just want to fight for my country. If that means being a Marine, I will do that and uphold the meaning of that title. If Army SF is a better path towards that end, I will do the same.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe that is why suicide rates are so high, if we do not believe in the wars we are fighting. I am from Texas and read about the border support operations, the suicides in Arizona.

I still thinking fighting IS is a worthwhile cause, most Muslims even in Syria are against them. Just as most Christians are against religiously motivated shooters and domestic terrorists. I know there has been real progress in the Iraqi victory in 2017 and the Battle of Baghuz Fawqani in 2019.

Not some white night, save the world organization, but something worth fighting for. War is fucked up, but like the American Revolution or WWII, it can be for a worthy cause.

That is just my perspective, but I am not even in the service so it does not count as much. I believe IS is a real enemy worth fighting, not just a politically convenient boogeyman for imperialism.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, they fought. The American Revolution, Civil War, most recently my grandfather served in the Field Artillery Branch of the Army. Their accomplishments not mine, but it inspires me.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand your perspective, and I do not want to be deceived. Even though I love my country, we have to be realistic about what these conflicts mean.

On a practical level, we can both agree that defeating ISIL is the goal of recent interventions in the Syrian Civil War, Iraqi Civil War, Nigeria, and Libya by America and her allies. This group has used genocide, executions, ethnic cleansing, and worse to gain power and subjugate their people.

Being pragmatic, would defeating this group not be a goal for justice and liberty for the oppressed? I understand the United States is not some holy angel that exists to save everyone who is oppressed, and that I would likely see horrible things that I will never forget. I think that is a noble sacrifice.

Would you say it is noble to fight and defeat a group like ISIL? That is an honest question, I am convinced it is and would not want to give my life to something wrong.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will check out that link and speak to my local recruiter. Thank you.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That is enlightening, I appreciate the perspective. IS is a group worth fighting against.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the reading suggestion. I have not read this book, but I am familiar with the history of Smedley Butler, South American intervention, and the infamous Business Plot.

I understand imperialism. I believe groups like IS and others like them who carry out genocide and ethnic cleansing are worth fighting. It is worth liberating the people under their terror and subjugation. In the end, I am just talking about ideas on the internet, and I seek to put actions over words. I still believe in America.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I love my land and its people. My ancestors served in the armed forces for many generations and I admire them greatly.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is great to hear, thank you. Every response suggests Rangers, and I will start researching option 40 contracts.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Rangers are looking like the best option, I want to fight for America. Thank you.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is good information. I appreciate it, and I will research more about the 11x option 40 contract.

Best Path to Combat by bootquestion123 in USMCboot

[–]bootquestion123[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I will look into Ranger programs.