Many people have common, misconceptions about US Military service, although there are some who have a more realistic view. So, to avoid disappointment AFTER military signup, make sure you have all necessary information BEFORE you do.
Here are answers to 4 misplaced perceptions about US Military service that you should know.
1. “Instructors scream no more”
The answer to this misconception is “yes” and “no”. YES, because trainers, instructors or sergeants still scream at new recruits WHEN they have to, and NO, because over the past few years, they have significantly toned down the decibel level and frequency of their screaming. The US Military is now convinced that its’ recently introduced, “mentoring” system is delivering better results.
Of course, you must know that when seniors scream at recruits, it doesn’t necessarily mean they hate them … it’s just an expression or demonstration of their extreme passion and aim, i.e. to make TRUE soldiers out of the raw recruits they train.
2. “Quitting can be done at will”
Again, the answer to this question is “yes” and “no”. YES, because you CAN quit in the intervening period, i.e., between application for enlistment, until just before the start of boot camp training. But a resounding NO, if you happen to change your mind once boot camp training begins, because by then you will be under firm obligation to continue.
3. “Combat-zone deployment is unlikely”
Here’s another fallacy that many enlisted military recruits believe, because the answer is that combat zone deployment IS a distinct possibility, and at short notice. However, such deployments are dependent on a few factors:
1. If you are an enlisted active-duty soldier, attached to a particular military branch that is committed to, or required for, a combat zone.
2. If the US Military has an urgent need for your chosen MOS (
Military Occupational Specialty) job, in times of perceived threats or war.
3. The severity of the threat or sudden aggression by enemy combatants.
4. “Active-duty recall just doesn’t happen”
You can be recalled by the US Military at any time, whether or not you fulfill the first enlistment term of 8 years. For the remaining period of an un-fulfilled term, you will be placed in
Inactive Ready Reserve, or
IRR, i.e. ready for active-duty recall at short notice.
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