Typically, I try not to get involved in discussions such as this as there is more emotion than fact, but feel I need to make a few points.
1 - Physical requirements are in place to keep you AND YOUR BUDDIES alive. Missing pectoral muscle, acid reflux, bum knees, bad back, whatever. A young man who worked for me in an intern program went into the Army as soon as he turned 18 about a year ago. He was 6'0" tall, in good shape starting BCT (Basic Combat Training) and weighed 155# soaking wet.
After BCT and 8 months in "the sandbox", he is up to 180 #. Why? Between battle armor, gun, gear, water, etc his personal gear/pack is ~80# ... and you need to run, jump, attack and defend with that gear on. ANY physical deformity or illness would endanger everyone.
2 - "Ok, im not ****ed at the military for not letting me join, Thats just their problem. I wanted to join in the first place because of college, I'm not able to support myself and pay for college out of my pocket, and the family really isn't so supportive of me."
This is 100% the wrong reason to join the military. Supporting your country, and other nations unable to defend themselves, is an honorable profession. It is NOT solely a method for paying for college or getting a degree.
You want to go to college? Get a job like most of the rest of us and work during the time you are in school. Take out a NDSL loan that you pay back for 8+ years after you graduate. My parents were not in a position to help either my brother or me with college, but I did not feel it was up to someone else to get me an education.
3 - "I say we should bring back the old ways, back when you could have a beard and long hair, have a bummed knee etc... and still fight, and another opinion on the whole war thing, BRING BACK SWORDS AND AXES! If you want to see the real super power, you bring back the eye to eye, face to face, hand to hand combat."
This is the result of playing too many video games. You also want to know what went on during this period of history? Men bled to death on the field of combat, limbs were hacked off, the pain was excruciating and, if you were lucky enough, you might live with only permanent disfigurement. Read some accounts of what "hand to hand" conflict was really about, not some computerized "you are dead, please restart" video.
I have 2 kids waiting to go in the military ... my son is going into the Army and my daughter chose the Navy. They will be leaving for BCT within 2 weeks of each other and my wife and I fear for them, just like we fear for everyones' kids in harm's way. With their chosen fields, both will find time in the Middle East.
So, if this comes off as a rant, I apologize as that was not my intent. This is just some miscellaneous thoughts of a concerned American and father.
Pray for our soldiers, our leaders and each other!!
