There still may be hope for me! (hell, attend, reform)

standing_alone · #1 12-18-2006, 12:17 PM

Anyone who read my journal a few months ago knew I was interested in joining the military, either Army or Navy (Reserves), but stopped pursuing that after the information I read lead me to believe that I wouldn't be eligible to join because of my "medical" history, meaning my mental health past. I pretty much gave up on my hope to join.

Today when I was at the post office I ran into my neighbor who was mailing some packages to her daughter who is currently serving in Afghanistan. She said to me, "I heard you want to join the Navy." And I told her I didn't think I'd be able to join because of my medical past, but didn't state any specifics (wonderful thing I learned from my mom - it's "taboo"

). But then she said, "They'll work around things." Which I knew, but wasn't quite sure if it'd work for me, but I decided I might as well make a stop down by the Army recruitment place and just ask a little about that, so I did.

I didn't go in depth about anything with the recruiters, I just asked about past anti-depressant use, which he said that I have to be off them for a year (I've been off since May), which I knew, but just wanted confirmed. I didn't go into any past diagnosises (because those still may prevent me) I got because I didnt' want to discuss any of that without my dad there. But basically, I figure my past diagnosises from the university psychiatrist are BS.

So hopefully in the near future I can schedule an appointment that my dad can also attend so I can discuss this further and hopefully would still be able to join. Now, it's still probable that I could be ineligible, but this at least gives me some hope that I might still have the chance to join. I guess it's still a matter of I don't really know, but not get my hopes up too high sort of thing.

So now what I'm going to do is continue exercising again (which I quit doing after I figured I was ineligible) and try to quit smoking after I finish the pack I just bought today. Ha ha.

So I guess, to make this thread have a point, any advice on getting in shape and quitting smoking would be welcomed.

And well, if it turns out I can't join, well, then I just will go back to being an out-of-shape, smoking slob.

Bishka · #2 12-18-2006, 12:29 PM

That's great Alyssa!

RevOxley_501 · #3 12-18-2006, 12:56 PM

umm

why would a comerade of mine want to do this crazy thing????!?!?!?

standing_alone · #4 12-18-2006, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevOxley_501

umm

why would a comerade of mine want to do this crazy thing????!?!?!?

Ha ha!

Because, comrade, I can learn many skills that will be beneficial to me. Also, it's not like I hate this country, this is a country with a lot of promise. Sure, right now things could be a hell of a lot better, but I'd take this country over many others.

RevOxley_501 · #5 12-18-2006, 01:08 PM

you dont have to HATE it...

just

i dunno

please dont give your life for capitalism

standing_alone · #6 12-18-2006, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RevOxley_501

you dont have to HATE it...

just

i dunno

please dont give your life for capitalism

Psh! I still don't even know if I'm going to be able to join.

But believe me, this is something I've put a lot of thought in and issues and values like that (i.e. capitalism) are something I've put tons of thought in, but the way I see it is, capitalism isn't going to go away, but there are reforms that can be done here at home to alleviate some of the suffering capitalism causes. Like I said, this country has a lot of promise and has already overcome many things in its history. I think this is a country worth defending, though obviously I don't agree with every conflict our government seems to need to involve itself with - and that goes for our current mess in Iraq.

evearael · #7 12-18-2006, 01:28 PM

I wish you the best of luck! I'm afraid I have no advice to give for quitting smoking, but the one thing that will help you more than anything is running. I'm not sure what the Army and Navy standards are for it, but the recruiter should be able to tell you. Situps and pushups are great, too. Remember it's the TI's job to get you through Basic Training, so they will get you through one way or another... but it's a whole lot less painful to start training before you leave.

Seyorni · #8 12-18-2006, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by standing_alone

Psh! I still don't even know if I'm going to be able to join.

But believe me, this is something I've put a lot of thought in and issues and values like that (i.e. capitalism) are something I've put tons of thought in, but the way I see it is, capitalism isn't going to go away, but there are reforms that can be done here at home to alleviate some of the suffering capitalism causes. Like I said, this country has a lot of promise and has already overcome many things in its history. I think this is a country worth defending, though obviously I don't agree with every conflict our government seems to need to involve itself with - and that goes for our current mess in Iraq.

If you've really done your homework you're aware that as a member of the military you're not likely to be 'defending' your country. Heck, the national guard is probably sufficient for that.
Nor will you be spreading peace, justice or prosperity in the rest of the world, as even a casual review of our military actions over the last few decades should make clear.
As a soldier you would be be defending the economic interests of the top 1% of the population, often to the detriment of the remaining 99%. You'll be working for Big Business, not for the good of your family or community.
Do you really aspire to be a corporatist tool?

Our recent military adventures have already put the US' reputation in the crapper. I'd urge you not to conribute to this.
I'm assuming your intentions are good, if misguided. If you really want to serve people, why don't you consider joining the Peace Corps, Volunteer America, OXFAM or any of the hundreds of truly humanitarian organizations out there?
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RevOxley_501 · #9 12-18-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seyorni

If you've really done your homework you're aware that as a member of the military you're not likely to be 'defending' your country. Heck, the national guard is probably sufficient for that.
Nor will you be spreading peace, justice or prosperity in the rest of the world, as even a casual review of our military actions over the last few decades should make clear.
As a soldier you would be be defending the economic interests of the top 1% of the population, often to the detriment of the remaining 99%. You'll be working for Big Business, not for the good of your family or community.
Do you really aspire to be a corporatist tool?

Our recent military adventures have already put the US' reputation in the crapper. I'd urge you not to conribute to this.
I'm assuming your intentions are good, if misguided. If you really want to serve people, why don't you consider joining the Peace Corps, Volunteer America, OXFAM or any of the hundreds of truly humanitarian organizations out there?
</IMG>

<agrees