Hi,
I'm in the US Army and disillusioned.
I signed a contract for five years of which I've served two already. I'm still in training status, which means I'm not a "permanent party" member. Permanent party means you're a soldier who is qualified in an MOS (military occupational specialty) and is stationed with a deployable unit.
Before you enlist, it's hard to know what military culture is like. I didn't grow up in a military family. My father is conservative politically but has a an anti-government streak in him. When politics come up in conversation, he gets loud. His strong beliefs shaped my beliefs. The patriotism I feel is tempered heavily by a distrust of government.
I disagreed with US war policy prior to enlisting. But my opposition to it has solidified since becoming a soldier. I don't have a lick of interest in helping transform Afghanistan or Iraq into a democracy. Those countries are deeply Islamic, tribal, and corrupt. It will never happen.
I would like to get out of the Army. I'll be 32 in two months. These years are prime years. I don't want to waste them in the Army. I don't want to look back and know that I felt a strong conviction, but didn't do it out of fear.
I avoid posting this on other forums because of replies from white knights and women like "man up and finish your commitment" or "you're a loser, get out of MY Army" or "if you leave, you'll be a homeless jobless bum forever".
I welcome all thoughts.
I'm in the US Army and disillusioned.
I signed a contract for five years of which I've served two already. I'm still in training status, which means I'm not a "permanent party" member. Permanent party means you're a soldier who is qualified in an MOS (military occupational specialty) and is stationed with a deployable unit.
Before you enlist, it's hard to know what military culture is like. I didn't grow up in a military family. My father is conservative politically but has a an anti-government streak in him. When politics come up in conversation, he gets loud. His strong beliefs shaped my beliefs. The patriotism I feel is tempered heavily by a distrust of government.
I disagreed with US war policy prior to enlisting. But my opposition to it has solidified since becoming a soldier. I don't have a lick of interest in helping transform Afghanistan or Iraq into a democracy. Those countries are deeply Islamic, tribal, and corrupt. It will never happen.
I would like to get out of the Army. I'll be 32 in two months. These years are prime years. I don't want to waste them in the Army. I don't want to look back and know that I felt a strong conviction, but didn't do it out of fear.
I avoid posting this on other forums because of replies from white knights and women like "man up and finish your commitment" or "you're a loser, get out of MY Army" or "if you leave, you'll be a homeless jobless bum forever".
I welcome all thoughts.