Seriously thinking about doing ROTC

AFROTC to be more specific. I'll have to go to UCLA to do the cross-training, but I think its worth it. Are there any DUers out there with Air Force experience or has an ROTC background that would mind giving me some pointers or a heads-up?

What should I expect? How's life as part of the program?

these are different times my friend. Different times indeed. I'd be happy to answer questions for you though.

And yet, I still think that as a young man, I have the capacity to serve and therefore I have the duty TO serve in our nation's armed forces. I wholeheartedly believe that doing so would be fulfilling the highest possible calling as an American citizen. I will proudly don the uniform of our military, regardless of the economic incentives or the irresponsible actions of our unfit "Commander-in-Chief".

I know that being part of this program is no easy task and it will be a challenging road ahead. But I welcome the challenge. For only through trials and tribulations can one grow stronger and resilent. But I do have a question: I heard of the PT (physical training) tests we have to take (push-ups, crunches, and 1.5 mile run).

I was never a strong guy or a big beefy guy. I can probably do 25-30 pushups max. Hopefully, I'll work on building up some strength before then. How stringent are they regarding raw physical fitness? Do you have any suggestions for workouts?

If you plan on making a career out of it getting into shape now and getting into the habit will make it a lot easier. You'd be surprised how much you can do once you put your mind to it.

I read your other posts, too. I'm a vet and if I got the call to go, I would. I thought about this a lot. The soldiers are still my brothers even at their worst. I'm too old to get called, but I'd go for them and not this pretender president.

Quote:
"I'm a vet and if I got the call to go, I would. I thought about this a lot. The soldiers are still my brothers even at their worst. I'm too old to get called, but I'd go for them and not this pretender president."

My thoughts and feelings exactly. The way I look at it, even if John Kerry was elected, our troops wouldn't have pulled out either. So either under a Republican or Democratic president, we would have still stayed to finish the job. The question is "Who would have done a better job?"

Obviously, Kerry would have done better, but he lost and we're there now. Its in the entire world's best interest to see Iraq succeed as a self-governing democracy. And thus the United States and her allies must not fail there.

for a commander in chief.

:headbang:
rocknation

Why?

I was a Naval officer for most of my adult life. Just got out 4 years ago. In the past I'd considered that I might go back and do the extra 9 I'd need to make retirement under the right circumstances.

That was before Bush, and Iraq II. No way I'd ever even contemplate rejoining now. I'm glad I resigned my commission when I got out.

And we need to stay there until the job is complete and a stable functioning government can defend itself. No matter who the Commander-in-Chief is (although how much i wish it was Senator John Kerry), our mission remains the same. And in order to complete that mission, we need soldiers.

If it came for me to decide whether or not I would go to Iraq, I would go. I didn't support us going in at first, but I sure as hell would fight alongside our troops now that we're there.

But hey, you may disagree with me.

Vietnam.

You can join other programs to help the world or your country that aren't military. I would encourage you to check out them also. Political, religious, medical, social services, lots of stuff you can do if you want to contribute.

I know people in the service right now. I have a friend who is in AFROTC now. He is safe as far as things go now. My only advice is that you should avoid Army ROTC. Sure, you will come out with a higher rank compared to enlisted men, but it won't guarantee that you will be high enough to avoid the bloodshed in Iraq. You'll just be responsible for more soldiers when they start dying in your hands. AFROTC should be ok for now.

But I can't guarantee you that it will remain "safe" for the next several years though.