Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with military

What to get for a future Naval officer for Xmas?

timetoevolve — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:41:58 -0800

What can I buy for Christmas for my best friend who will soon be in her third week of Navy OCS? My best friend is currently an indoctrination candidate at the US Navy Officer Candidate School. She will apparently have some leave during the holidays (although I'm unsure of how much) and will be staying with us in the DC area for a few days. The trouble is, I have absolutely no idea what to give her for Christmas.

Normally, I would buy her high-end makeup or something flashy/fancy/cashmere, as she's a pretty glammy, luxury-loving lady otherwise, but I've been told that she can't wear makeup until the last two weeks of the program (and I doubt she'd have the time). I was thinking hand-knit socks or something for warmth, since the facility is in Rhode Island, but I don't know if that would be permitted with her uniform. I'd prefer to get her something she could use now, but if that's not possible, whatever I do give her would have to be able to withstand a few weeks' stay in the trunk of her car during January in New England. Edibles are also an option, although I think she's concerned about maintaining her weight (and she can't consume any caffeine at the moment).

Can y'all help a best friend out? Anyone who has gone through OCS, what would you have wanted? (Please assume that I know nothing about any military restrictions.)

How many will be killed / wounded?

Baby_Balrog — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:53:42 -0800

Of the 30,000 additional troops President Obama has now committed to sending to Afghanistan, how many will be killed or wounded? I'm having a hard time figuring out the statistics for casualties in the war. What are your odds of dying or returning wounded or returning with mental problems? It doesn't have to be super accurate, but I can't seem to find any numbers on what percentages of soldiers (out of the total combat forces) are killed / wounded.

Looking for books on building military castles (ca. Middle Ages-era)

noztran — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:11:09 -0800

I am looking for resources (preferably books) on how castles were built, say, why stairs are spiralled in one direction and not the other, or what are the pros&cons of circular towers vs. octagonal ones, or the considerations for putting internal and external defence rings, the height and thickness of walls, or the differences between how the castles were built in different countries, etc. Thanks in advance!

A musician for Uncle Sam?

Jenna Brown — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:52:23 -0800

My nephew, who definitely needs structure and self-discipline, is considering joining the military. He would like to become part of a military band, as he is a trained and talented musician and performer. What should he ask for and look for and how can he get an assignment he wants? He has two years at a college-level music school and is a tall, goodlooking, polite young man who would be an asset to any military band, etc. His parents think the military may be a solution for him, as he has burned his bridges at the music school by non-attendance and otherwise lame but not illegal or unethical behavior; he apparently is also interested in the military, at least theoretically. In short, he is a 22-year-old who is in danger of a "failure to launch" situation. I have zero knowledge of military recruiters, but I am afraid that he, a naive and trusting young man, will be the target for a "bait and switch" by unethical recruiters and that he'll end up with an assignment that is not useful or suitable. I am aware that I sound like a handwringing aunt, but he and his parents really could use some advice.

Good guys get blue, bad guys get red.

uaudio — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:06:39 -0800

How close are we to handheld laser weapons? I read an article about a laser on a C-130 burning a hole through a car, a 747 that can shoot down an ICBM, and now a truck-mounted laser that can bring down a plane or UAV. What kind of science challenges do we need to meet before these weapons are issued to soldiers, etc.? I'm sure the power is the biggest challenge, what other ones are there?

Coast Guard Reserves?

tryniti — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:26:20 -0800

What are the Reserves (specifically, the Coast Guard) really like? I am looking into the Coast Guard Reserves, and am curious if anyone has experience with military reserve programs.

I am most interested in the environmental protection and disaster relief aspects of the Coast Guard. I work as an environmental consultant in south Louisiana, and feel that being a part of the USCG Reserves will allow me to do more for my state and country and maybe gain valuable experience. Before I jump in and make an appointment with a recruiter, I thought I'd see if anyone might have some insight. I guess my main questions are:

1) What is being a reservist like (USCG specifically, but stories from any branch are also helpful)? What types of things are done on drill weekends?

2) How often are reservists called to active duty? Is there somewhere to find hard numbers on how often certain branches or divisions are called up?

3) For someone with an already-established career, what does the reserves have to offer other than extra cash?

4) I would most likely qualify for a 'straight-to-officer' type program. Any experience with these types of programs?

5) Anything else I should consider?

How do I get my brother out of the Marines?

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:40:34 -0800

How do I help my little brother get out of the Marines? My little brother (well, not so little anymore) recently graduated from Marines' boot camp and is now in infantry training (I think, I'm woefully ignorant of military terminology). He recently expressed to me online that he's basically had enough with the Marines and wants to go home. Is there any way he can do that simply and legally? Would he have to get a dishonorable discharge. Seriously, I know nothing about the military having come from a long line of cowards. Can he just leave or is there some special process? Is there some kind of hotline or something he can call to be counseled on this stuff? Some more info: He's 18 years old, but he signed up when he was 17 with our mother's permission. He's stationed in South Carolina (again, I forget the name of the base... I'm a terrible older brother) somewhere. Our family lives in New Jersey, but I'm in California. If he needs to hide out from the military I have absolutely no problem taking him in (too dramatic?)

I'll also say that I feel more than a little guilty that I didn't protest more before he left for boot camp and that trying to help him get out of the Marines is probably my way of trying to make up for that. Maybe it's too little too late.

I'm looking for a website that can help me track/graph the movement of "defense forces" around the world.

parkbench — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:23:17 -0800

I'm looking for a website that can help me track/graph the movement of "defense forces" around the world. Basically, I've been thinking/reading a lot about Lebanon lately, and as a sort of experiment in this sense, I want to see if there would be any way that I could check every few days on the UNIFIL dispatches there.

I mean, is this sort of thing public in any way? Are there creepy military-buff websites that do this sort of thing? Even if it's not too fancy--brief, one-sentence descriptions, even--it would help a lot. Of course, monitoring troop movements outside of Lebanon would be welcome as well.

Thanks!

Is a BS a BS? Or just BS?

ctmf — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:20:03 -0800

Is a BS degree a BS degree, or are there "lesser" degrees - I don't even know how to ask this. I'll try, though. I've finally decided to stop giving in to the reasons to put it off. I'm going to pursue a degree for myself. It turns out that, between my military experience and a handful of community college courses I took, I'm only 30-odd credits from a BSAST from Thomas Edison State College. A few CLEPs and a few courses, and I should be there. Plus, the GI bill should pay for it. So I'm fairly excited about that.

Here's my reservation about it, tell me if I'm being paranoid:
I have this pamphlet about degree programs from the Navy College office where I got most of my info. In one section it explains that there are "academic" degrees, and "professional/technical" degrees, and then lists some typical course requirements. The BSAST degree is a "technical" degree, is the impression I get. Am I getting myself into what amounts to a fancy-sounding cert program like CCNA or MCSE?

My other option is trying to take night classes from UW after doing everything I can at a community college. Financially, that would not be an issue, but the thought of years and years of night school is not appealing.

I eventually want to apply to OSU's Master of Health Physics degree. The requirements say "4 year baccalaureate degree" which it sounds like I would have. I'm just afraid when I put my degree on my resume for jobs, or for the OSU application I'm going to hear, "no, we meant a REAL degree."

Maybe it's just because this sounds too good to be true and I'm suspicious. Can anyone (especially someone with HR or college admissions experience) comment on that?

Does bf qualify for military benefits?

lwclec072 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:44:54 -0800

Does my boyfriend qualify for veterans benefits? My boyfriend was discharged from the army after 1 year 11 months and 10 days due to not being able to adapt to military life he received a general discharge under honorable circumstances. He didn't complete his contract and he was never in a combat zone. We are just trying to find out if he is eligible for medical and disability benefits due to mental illness he developed during/after the military?

Also he's already legally disabled and receives social security benefits, but it's barely enough to live on.

Who were the highest ranking Jewish officers in the World War II militaries?

Joe Beese — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:36:26 -0800

Who were the highest ranking Jewish officers in the World War II militaries? Any service of any combatant nation can be considered - including Germany's.

For example: In the American army, it was Major General Maurice Rose.

Costuming for the Overly Ethical?

tejolote — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:14:23 -0800

Prison party fashion...without the prison? I'm going to a prison-themed party at the end of this month, and I'm having trouble coming up with something to wear because quite frankly, the prison theme creeps me out a little. I see prisons and jails and guards as something real, and it's impossible for me to fetishize something that seems so large and close and terrible.

However, I do want to go to this party, and I like costumes, and I want to have a good time and look good, or at least interesting. And however much it bothers me, I don't want to rain on anyone else's parade.

Is there anything vaguely related that I could do that would be a little farther removed and not so squicky? I've thought about actual prisoner-created fashion like http://www.Haeftling.de/ , but I'm not sure enough about getting something from overseas in time for the party.

I may end up going with something generic like a sailor uniform, which is somewhat in keeping with the spirit of the theme but seems more fun to me. Any other ideas?

How destructive are current U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals relative to their maximum levels?

Joe Beese — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 14:54:02 -0800

How destructive are current U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals relative to their maximum levels? For simplicity's sake, we can define "destructiveness" as combined gross megatonnage, unless you have a better idea. I'm also assuming that it makes sense from a political/military perspective to consider weapons stored in former Soviet Union countries as belonging to Russia's maximum arsenal but not to its current arsenal, but correct me if I'm wrong.

Bonus points if you can find a link to a widely circulated graphic from the early-80s freeze movement. It represented the world's nuclear stockpile with dots placed in a rectangular matrix. Each dot represented one Hiroshima bomb, I think. One group of 3 dots was circled to indicate all the explosions in World War II - or something like that. And above them were dots and dots and dots...

Goosey Goosey Gander, why do you march like that?

543DoublePlay — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:28:12 -0800

When you see military parades of countries that we would consider to be either potential or old enemies (Iran, North Korea, China, Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, the Soviet Union, etc.), the troops march using the “goose step”, but you never see that style of marching used by NATO or other friendly nation armies. I understand that western countries would probably not want to be seen goose-stepping due to the whole WW2 Germany connection, but why is it so popular with communist and other regimes? Just because it looks so bad-ass scary or because it gives an impression of complete discipline?

You pay for our safety, so we don't have to.

nax — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:19:43 -0800

Do the U.S. military bases in foreign countries, esp. Western Europe and Japan, help those countries keep their military budgets low so that they can afford things like, I dunno, universal health care? I found this discussion among others regarding the general reasons why we have foreign bases, but nothing seems to address the financial benefits to foreign nations having us provide some of their security.

Who tells the spouse a soldier has died?

joannemerriam — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:20:23 -0800

Writing filter: In the USA, who tells the spouse that a member of the military has died, and what is that job or role called?

Am I smart to buy this dumbphone... or not?

Unicorn on the cob — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:44:42 -0800

I'm thinking about buying the Sonim XP3. Does anyone here own one or know someone that does? Asking primarily because I'll have to order it online; the only store carrying it is on back order and I can't futz with it before buying. As someone who notoriously destroys things quickly and frequently, I can't see any reason not to spend more money on a dumbphone that has an awesome warranty and is virtually indestructible. I already have a Blackberry for Web access, don't IM on the go and abhor video games of all kinds. I'm really just looking for a contract-free Unicorn-proof phone; I'm happy with my tertiary devices, but have gone through a score of cheap, crappy, annoying contract-bound phones through AT&T.

If it matters, my current contract runs out a year from now with AT&T.

Please do not try to convince me to get an iPhone; I've already had one and sold it because I hate the touch interface and already own an iPod and a Blackberry for music/browser stuff, but the GPS feature would be nice to have.

Anyone own one of these things? Personal experiences? Negatives? Positives? Thank you in advance!

Not so fast.

StopMakingSense — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 22:44:50 -0800

Everybody who knows the origin of this gag, take one step forward... Not so fast, internet. Where has this gag been used/what are it's origins?

I remember initially hearing it (seeing it?) as something like a military setting where the general(?) says , "Everybody whose mother is still alive, take one step forward...Not so fast, [name of soldier]."

Or alternately, "Everyone who's still a member of [organization], step over the line...Not so fast, [ousted member]."

One-stop shop for information on joining the US Military

Anonymous — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:33:38 -0800

Is there a central source that will clearly, objectively explain all the different paths through the US military? Enlisting versus ROTC versus other routes to entry, different ways of becoming an officer, different ways to get an education/get your education paid for, the different schools offered within the different branches, what jobs tend to be combat-related and which ones don't, how choosing a career path works, etc? I'd like to enter but am overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information on how to do so and the options available. Every servicemember I talk to seems to have a completely different experience and path. Every day I learn about a new school or track in a different branch. I want to make sure I know what all of my options are before I enlist so I'm not kicking myself wishing I'd picked something else.

Also: If you actually are interested in getting into a combat zone, is there a way to do so that's not just taking the "grunt" track? That is, taking a job that's more advanced or has opportunities for advanced education.

Will taking medicine for ADHD prevent me from joining the Air Force?

pyrom — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 09:14:36 -0800

Will my short history of taking medication for ADHD prevent me from entering the military? A year and a half ago, I took myself to get tested for ADD/ADHD. My condition was diagnosed as very mild, inattentive but not hyperactive. Medication was an option, but by no means necessary.

I ended up deciding to try the drugs to see if they would help with schoolwork. After all, my mother had been diagnosed recently, my doctor advocated the drug, and hype around the disorder made it seem a likely diagnosis. I saw it as a sort of cure-all, which I really regret at this point.

I was prescribed 36mg of Concerta, which I took daily for around 9 months. It was more trouble than it was worth, didn't help my grades (which were good even without the drugs), and led me to believe that the problem was mostly in my head. It seems pretty clear now that my issues getting schoolwork done were mostly because of a lack of discipline.

After several months of frustration, I've begun to taper off the medication. So far there've been no ill effects and I plan to be completely off within a month or so.

I'm also planning on joining the Air Force. Ideally, I'd do AFROTC during college and serve a number of years afterward. Is this possible considering my history with the medication? What barriers will it pose in the application process?

Thanks so much!

Sergeant Pay Grade

shortbooks — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:59:13 -0800

What would a Staff Sergeant (E-6) for the Minnesota Army National Guard doing convoy security in Iraq make per month? He's married with two kids doing combat duty. That's what my cousin's husband is doing right now. Some of the family were trying to guess how much she gets kicked back to her.

In the Navy, the Royal Navy...

so much modern time — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:40:07 -0800

What can I expect as the partner of a British Royal Navy officer? My partner was recently accepted into the British Royal Navy to become an officer. We're both extremely excited as this has been a long-held dream for him, and while I'm thrilled that he got in, naturally I have to think about how this will change our lives as a couple.

What can I expect as his partner over the next seven years or so? We are not married. The added twists: I am American and have been living in Beijing for the last two years. We met here in China, have been together for about three years, and in the last six months, have had a long-distance relationship as he prepared for his Admiralty Interview Board. At least we're used to having a long-distance relationship now.

Depending on scholarships that I have applied for, I may be here for at least another two years. Will it be possible for me to ever see my partner in between the times that he is away at sea?

I was also told, by other British people, that the British Navy officer network is quite classist and cliquish, and that someone like my partner who is middle class might have a hard time fitting in there. Since the British class system does my head in, and I can't say that I understand it very well, I'd like to know if this situation is actually the case.

Would especially love to hear from anyone who has served in the Navy or has been a naval spouse!

Assume, You, Me, etc. etc.

SquidLips — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:03:43 -0800

If a military veteran chooses not to actively remember or discuss their military service (probably due to painful memories) in life, is it appropriate to go the extra mile to recognize their service in death? My grandfather, a WWII Veteran, passed away this morning. While discussing the plans and some memories with Mom, I learned a little more of his military service and am considering proposing to Mom and her siblings that he be honored by the Minnesota chapter of the Patriot Guard during the ceremonies. But I have a dilemma, potentially unfounded because of my bumbling social skills, so I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Grandpa was never one to talk about his service... I knew very little about his time in the military until just today. He would always talk more about trips that he took with Grandma, his business, pretty much all aspects of his life besides his tours of duty. From some of the discussion with Mom, I learned that he was deeply involved, and faced death, and the death of his comrades, many times; some things he never even told Grandma about.

To my knowledge, he never kept any tokens or signs of his service... no medals, no uniforms displayed on the wall, no flag in the yard. If you didn't know him and were in his house you would never even think of him as having been a service member. The only hint of his acknowledgment was his desire to be interred at the National Cemetery here in Minnesota.

Aside from an uncle who served in Viet Nam, none of the other 6 aunts and uncles were ever in the service; this was not the "military" family, although it's pretty clear that the military influenced the childrens' upbringing - everything very formalized and strict, from what I'm told.

Anyway, forgive me if this sounds naive. My question is, for someone who didn't choose to really publicize his service to the country, is it appropriate to ask the Patriot Guard to honor him at the cemetery? Am I making a poor assumption that he would welcome the recognition? Is there something to be said for the concept of now that he's gone and can see and understand things on whatever that higher plane may be, he would be honored by such a recognition?

I certainly wouldn't want to be presumptuous and assume automatically that he would want this. Am I overthinking this? Please help me make sure I'm not going to suggest this idea and have it turn into an awkward and inappropriate situation. Thanks, everyone.

liberal artist in the military?

emmatwofour — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:29:33 -0800

militaryfilter: I'm a 22 year old female with an art history BA, should I join? and which branch? I apologize, this is going to take some explaining...

So first off, I don't really have the BA yet. I graduate on December 19th. But I only have three evening classes I need to finish so, not too difficult. I currently work full time as a network technician for my university getting paid such that I am on a very tight budget. I'm working on my CCNA but I meant to finish that a few months ago so... times are tough.

It seems to me that despite being a network tech for four years, I'm not going to get a full time job in that field anytime soon. And I have about four years experience working for museums too, and I'm pretty sure I don't want a career in art. I've enjoyed networking much more anyway.

Somehow this all leads to: the military.

I have not spoken to any recruiters yet but I will try to do that this coming week. I really don't know very much about the military which is funny because everyone in my family works for either the military or the federal government. My favorite uncle is even a retired admiral so I've been hearing stories about being in the military all my life but I've never seriously contemplated joining until now.

Why am I even thinking about it now? For one thing, I do care a lot about America so despite being a liberal aetheist I think I can deal with the military culture. Also I like risk and adventure and physical training. (I play a lot of rugby.) And third I think I kind of need a drastic change. I've been living in the same city (albeit a relatively large one) my whole life. I've never even been outside the country.

What I would hope to get out of the military are, hopefully some kind of skills I could apply to a civilian job (a federal job would be fine but you know, just something that's not art for god's sake). Preferably something that would make me enough money to start a family at that time (read: if I'm 22 now, 'that time' would be around 28 presumably). Some help paying off my college loans, some money for grad school if I decide I want to go and last but hopefully not least, some kind of exciting/challenging experience that I won't regret six years from now.

I definitely get that the military is, like all things, a 'you get out of it what you put into it' deal and I am ready to put a lot into it. I just want to make sure I know how to do that.

I've done a lot of reading, around this site and other sites and I guess my questions at this point are:

1. Which branch will I have the best chance of getting a job where I'll learn skills that will help me in civilian-world? Right now I'm thinking Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard. I could be talked into doing Reserves, National Guard or Army. I'm not sure at all about the Marines.

2. I've taken a few classes in Arabic and I would love to get more Arabic training and a job using said training. I looked a little at what the Defense Language Aptitude Battery test entails and I think with a little preparation I could do well on it. Do all the branches give you the chance to take this test and attend the Defense Language Institute? Even if you do well on the test is it hard to get in?

One more thing, I'd really like to get a job with a Top Secret Clearance. I know I have a clean enough background for it. Any suggestions of which military jobs will help me with that are very welcome.

Thanks a bunch MeFi-ers! I know this isn't the first time this topic has been discussed but I guess I'm looking for some more circumstance-specific advice. Thankyouthankyouthankyou.

Opportunites for a female in the military?

pyrom — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:34:38 -0800

What opportunities exist for a female in the US military? I'm at the age where I'll soon enter college and I have to decide what I'm going to do with my life. I've always wanted to be in the military; it's been a dream of mine for a long time. I'm afraid not joining will, later in life, leave me with a sense of "oh I wish I could've...". I know that the military could provide a life's worth of experiences and I want to take advantage of what it offers. However, I'm a bit wary because I am female, and I'm not very knowledgeable about the opportunities that are available to me.

I know that at the most basic level, I don't want to simply be a grunt. I think I'm intelligent, I want to make use of the skills I have and develop them further. I'm hoping the hivemind can throw out a few ideas that could lead me in the right direction.

Here are a few things about me:
-I love my country and I love my people.
-I'm technologically oriented- I love fixing electronics and I have a knack for figuring out how something works. I love the creative aspect that allows me to tinker with something broken and make it work again.
-I'm athletic, I enjoy being physically challenged and I'm willing to work hard to keep my fitness level. I've trained daily for the past four years in preparation for seasonal sports and I'm currently in the best shape of my life.
-I'm semi-fluent in Spanish, and have lived in South America for several months as part of an exchange program. I love languages and I'd love to learn more. I've heard about programs where you're taken abroad and taught the local language while stationed there- this is really interesting to me.
-I have the ability to get things done. I work well under pressure and years of dealing with performance anxiety (cross country/ track/ rigorous school schedule / musical performance) has given me the ability to function despite nervousness or looming deadline.
-I'm accustomed to travel and foreign places. I have lived in a third world country and it's made me more aware and more understanding of different cultures.
-I don't want a family until much later in my life (mid thirties?) and at that point I'd want some stability, but before then I'd love the opportunity to travel and focus on my career.

Extension of my education is a must (whether it be learning another language, learning survival skills, fixing electronics, etc.). I know I need a skill for use later in life. Travel is ideal, I don't mind being mobile or away from family. Programs that could help pay for college are appealing as well.

Any ideas? I realize this question is fairly open-ended (apologies) and all advice is welcome.

Thanks much!