Date: Wed, 7 Apr 1999 10:14:26 -0500 (EST)
From: danceswithcarp <dcombs-AT-bloomington.in.us>
Subject: Re: Send a folksinger to the Balkans...




On Tue, 6 Apr 1999 NINT0oL-AT-aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 3/31/99 11:25:15 AM EST, dcombs-AT-bloomington.in.us writes:

> Did you volouteer for the military? and if so waht are youre reasons? just 

I was one of Jerry Ford's Orphans.  In theory I was a part of the 
brand-new-at-the-time all "volunteer" new and imporved U$ Army.  In
reality I was freshly divorced and had to amke several critical choices
about the course of my life..........Mainly, "Do I take the bus ticket to
the recruiting depot out of the nice detective's left hand, or the warrant
out of his right?"

Since I'd always wanted to obtain a little skill at blowing things up, I
took the bus ticket.  I became a medic and had a gas.  I met my wife and
then was discharged a bit ahead of schedule for growing a beard, changing
my religion to Sikh, and in general refusing to cooperate.

All in all the military was a positive experience for me because I was a
bit older--22/23--than my peers and I was smart enough to know how to stay
out of sight.  I learned self-discipline which had somehow escaped me and
I also learned that most people are really stupid about anything beyond
their immediate vision.

All in all I can't say it was bad for me, but I know how to manipulate
systems.  I wouldn't recommend it for my son.


carp