Okay, so heres the deal. When my significant other was 17 he joined the national guard because he thought it was the only way to get out of here and pay for college. Major mistake, but I wasn't around then to stop him. Guess what. He's off to Iraq in November, for 18 months in all. I'm pissed off and heart broken. Does anyone know any good ways to get out of the army, or out of going to war? lol We were going to just leave the states, but he says he doesn't want to be a fugitive for the rest of his life. I thought some of you wise people may have some ideas, or at least some sympathy for us (and all the other innocent people in Iraq). Also, what does everyone think will happen with the situation in Iraq when Kerry gets into office (I refuse to think Bush may get re-elected)? Would it be going to far to hope that maybe my other half won't have to go (or stay as long, at least) if Kerry gets elected? *sigh* I'm very down about all this, and I need friends who understand. Thanks.
Tell him to break his leg or something... a friend of mine hurt his knee pretty bad at Parris Island (a little different from the guard....) and got discharged... So much for the military as rehab! He's back to the same kind of guy he was before...oh, well. He could have died a noble death instead of in a gutter, like he's destined to now....
I have NO SYMPATHY for your "significant other". He chose to join the guard thinking it an easy way for him to get government compensation for nothing (he could have gone on welfare and got the same benifits). Well, this is suppose to be a hippy type forum, so I do have sympathy for the ignorance that is your boyfriends liberal thinking. However, hippies like to use the word "karma" alot. Hee. Hee. I guess your boyfriend - and you - are getting your karma. In karma we pay, in some way, for all that we receive. I am totally against the war in Iraq, but I am also 100% behind the soldiers being there being people like your boyfriend. Tell him to duck alot and to remember that during 18 mos of seperation you are probably going to be screwing around on him. Oh.... thats not Karma.... thats a fact.
Okay, so my boyfriend made a stupid mistake, but I'd like to know how I deserve any of this? By the way, he tried the welfare thing. You know how much in food stamps he can get a month? 40 dollars, that's it. That isn't exactly much help. And it was hell to get that. I'd also like to know how you can say for a fact that I'll be screwing around on him. You don't even know me. Gosh. And thanks to the other poster. He's thinking that he may be able to get out because of his back, because they almost didn't let him join because of it.
It used to be that joining the National Guard or the Coast Guard was a good way to get out of serving overseas during wartime (See "George W. Bush") but not anymore; some of them are being sent overseas. It's a risk you take when you join up during peacetime, things might change and you're committed to fighting in a war. Deserting might mean being a lifelong fugitive; amnesty was granted to Vietnam deserters and draft dodgers but that's no guarantee it will happen again. Deliberately injuring himself is risky too, he might end up disabled. I would say he's made his bed and he has to sleep in it. Go to Iraq and hope Kerry gets elected and starts bringing the troops home. I wish you both the best of luck.
Don't mean to ruffle your feathers but I find it ironic that he now has to REPAY for the compensation he has been receiving. I myself have friends that have gone through this same situation. I guess my answer would be....If he is a man he should live up to his commitment. Too many people think they can join the N.G. and get a free ride to college. What do they think the Army is for? Preparing for war and defending the nation. Both are inevitable and should be well understood by anybody with any common sense. Sure many people luck out and do not have to go into a combat situation, but it is just a matter of rolling the dice. I think if by some miracle he does not have to go to Iraq, he should have to pay back every penny plus interest on the money he received. I do not understand the mentality of people (not necessarliy your boyfriend) who think that they do not have to earn their way. I myself am struggling through college and I work my ass off. Everything I own and all of my college education is paid for by my own blood and sweat. Sure it's tough, tough as hell, but I don't think that anybody owes me anything and I don't expect anything other than what I've earned. I guess that is just the way my parents brought me up. I don't mean to piss you off, and I understand people make mistakes, but I think in this situation he needs to pay his dues. Good luck.
Heh, congratulations, you're my officialy favorite newbie. But back on topic, your bf recieved exactly how much in financial aid? And now that he has to earn it, he's complaining? I hate to say this, but the reason that recruiters are so able to get recruits is because so many dumb people (I'm not calling anybody dumb, just saying that a lot of people are) who think the army is a place to get free money that you never have to work for. It's wrong. But if he wants top get out, just tell him to go hunting with a friend, and haver his friend shoot him in the foot. Say he was mistaken for a deer or something. Accidents happen.
Thanks for your opinions everyone. Actually, for the most part, I agree with what most of you are saying. He shouldn't have joined the army in the first place if he didn't want the risk. He's changed his mind a lot in four years. I think it's kind of fucked up that you can join the army at 17 and go kill people, but can't even own a gun unless you're 21. Ugh. The money dragged him into it though (why else would anyone join?), I may also add that he works two jobs, so he didn't just do it to get a "free ride", he just needed the money really bad. I guess the best thing to do is hope Kerry gets in (and sends him home!). Thanks everyone (well, except for Warrior).
Doesn't Kerry want to send more troops to Iraq? If not, he definitely won't be bringing any back. Sorry to bust your bubble, but it's the truth (last time I checked anyway).
Hah, I got four words that can solve all your problems. Don't ask, Don't tell. Have him say hes gay. He might have to hold some guys hand or something to prove it, but its a guarenteed discharge. Good Luck.
Yeah but it could turn out like in In the Army Now when the officer told Bones to kiss the guy in order to prove that he's gay.
haha, yeah i thought about that. Its up to the guy I guess, but it might be better then breaking your own leg... maybe.
