New Introduction

[Who Do?]

Hello Rangers and the like, just stopping by to introduce myself. I'm 18, graduated from high school last year, I live in Kentucky, but have lived all over the place. Ohio, NC, Louisiana mostly. I've always had a great interest and respect for those in the service, so i dont beleive you'll be having any trouble with me. My Mother and I have had a sorta bad last few months so its turned the option of enlisting into a reality instead of just a childhood fantasy but i'm not sure if I can bring myself to do it. I look forward to reading quality posts and contributing to this community in any small way i can.

Thanks,
D.

[Steadfast]

Welcome HooDoo. I hope you find what you want on this great site. Enjoy!

[BadMuther]

PooDoo,

Welcome to the site....why don't you think you are up to the task of enlisting?

[Who Do?]

Thank you Ranger Steadfast and Veteran DoorGunner.

Ranger BadMuther, I don't know, I just think its hard for me to commit x amount of years to something that i haven't even had any exposure to. I know i'd love serving my country, and if I didn't like it i'd do my time quietly anyways, but I'm not sure if i'm the kind of guy it takes to be an Infantryman or any other combat MOS. Not very competetive or hard headed.

The more technical aspect i think i'd enjoy. Not a pussy, just don't know if i'd belong.

[BadMuther]

Thank you Ranger Steadfast and Veteran DoorGunner.

Ranger BadMuther, I don't know, I just think its hard for me to commit x amount of years to something that i haven't even had any exposure to. I know i'd love serving my country, and if I didn't like it i'd do my time quietly anyways, but I'm not sure if i'm the kind of guy it takes to be an Infantryman or any other combat MOS. Not very competetive or hard headed.

The more technical aspect i think i'd enjoy. Patrolling, weapons training, navigation etc. I have a soft spot for big bullets i guess.


Not a pussy, just don't know if i'd belong.

You'll never know and probably spend a lifetime wondering if you don't give it a shot.....

[Looon]

Welcome

[FireFinder]

Thank you Ranger Steadfast and Veteran DoorGunner.

Ranger BadMuther, I don't know, I just think its hard for me to commit x amount of years to something that i haven't even had any exposure to. I know i'd love serving my country, and if I didn't like it i'd do my time quietly anyways, but I'm not sure if i'm the kind of guy it takes to be an Infantryman or any other combat MOS. Not very competetive or hard headed.

The more technical aspect i think i'd enjoy. Patrolling, weapons training, navigation etc. I have a soft spot for big bullets i guess.


Not a pussy, just don't know if i'd belong.

HooDoo:

I was 17 when I enlisted and during Basic, I was offered the opportunity to attend USAMAPS (USMA Prep School) for 1 year, then providing I passed muster there, on to West Point for another 4 years, and then a 6 year committment to service.

I turned it down because at that time, I was pretty short-sighted, and couldn't fathom committing 11 years of my life in one stroke of the pen. I regret to this day of not having taken that opportunity. I was more worried about not making it academically and losing my contracted options for BAC, and 82nd ABN DIV as my choice of duty station. I wish that we had better counseling as to what that opportunity meant.

Ranger BadMuther hit the nail on the head.

[Earthpig]

Welcome.
RLTW
EP

[Rock Island Ranger]

Yoohoo...listen, Young Man....none of these Rangers "fit in" either. Some of the strangest boys I ever met....ats why they be Rangers. Where in Louisiana? Spent WAY too much time in that State...have some very good friends even as high as State AG, State CSM, and a bunch of trash like me.

[Who Do?]

Thanks for the welcome Ranger Abell9, Ranger EarthPig, Ranger Luna , Ranger Desert Sloth, and Paratrooper Bberkley

Thanks for the advice, I get a pretty good amount of motivation from other people, i guess i gotta start meeting them half way.

Bberkley: I think i would have taken the oppurtunity at West Point knowing i would have gone to Fayettenam if i didn't. Lived there for 5 years. Good people, bad place.


Ranger Abell9: I only got to live in Louisiana for a year. Lafayette to be exact, it was my own personal HEAVEN. Got the oppurtunity to meet some very good people. Hated that i couldn't spend more time there.

[DD]

Welcome!

[Bugsy]

Hoodoo for me it was a question of "finding" myself, when I was your age I didn't know what to do, didn't know what I wanted to study in college and was tired of my family controlling my life. I enlisted and even then didn't know much about the Rangers until I met my Drill Sgt who was an ex Ranger. I met many guys from all over the country but most importantly I found out that when I was in the service that many people did not take that committment seriously (some were even scared to fire there weapon). Because of that I wanted to be with soldiers who took the duty of defending our country "SERIOUSLY", to see if I had what it took (internally) to be with the best.

After my time in the Rangers I came away knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that there was very little that I could not accomplish if I set my mind to do it, I realized that I had "The Right Stuff" that to this very day (and I'm 44 years old) I have never experienced anything in my life that has challenged me and given me the internal satisfaction and confidence knowing that no matter what the obstacle, I have the ability to overcome it. That I was a solid individual branded with the confidence to set the example for others to follow. An old Special Forces guy we called cowboy who was a truck driver for the company I worked for "before" I enlisted told me in a "matter of fact" way that the service is an honorable thing to do for any young man. It squarely teaches you the freedoms that we enjoy in our country should not be taken for granted, it instills in you the old fashioned "values" that has made our country great, and to serve your country should never be looked upon as being something you do as a last resort. Should you decide to join and embark upon an attempt to put your money where you mouth is and go for a Ranger Assignment then GO FOR IT!!! Are life decisions easy "NO" however you'll be hard pressed to find a Ranger who has "ANY" regrets upon there time in service other than the fact that they got out or lost a close Ranger Buddy as a result of combat or training mission. I hope that in some way one of us sparks an interest in you to investigate further the options that you have in front of you as you wrestle with your decision. Good luck to you in the future!