Berkeley doesnt like Marines

I cant believe this. http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/ci_8127493

WOWWW!!! Thats so messed up! I think the government should politically slap berkeley across the face for a move like this. its favortism, and protest against the wrong people. they are just guys doing their job and if they have an issue they should take it to the president. I dont agree with the war either but this is ridiculous!!!

it would only be shocking to people not familiar with Berkeley or even San Francisco. they are the biggest socialist liberal cesspool cities in the country. i don't find it shocking in the slightest, but rather expected.

I understand that California is a liberal sesspool, but being a liberal myself, this is just ludacris. That's just going to far, not to mention the marines dying for an "unjust war" that are being "mass-murdered" are doing so willingly. Correct me if I'm wrong, but at this time our military is 100% VOLUNTEER.

I understand that California is a liberal sesspool. not starting crap here, but i was speaking of the cities "not the whole state", the majority of california is not in agreement with these simple minded scumbags.

not starting crap here, but i was speaking of the cities "not the whole state", the majority of california is not in agreement with these simple minded scumbags. :thefinger thats putting it lightly John I can think of other things that they are.Guess they forgot that the marines and the other branches are the reason that these simple minded liberal POS bastards can think and say what there saying.I say to hell with them in a hand basket. :thefinger

a little update, and i hope they cut off all money to that city : WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., says the City of Berkeley, Calif., no longer deserves federal money. DeMint was angered after learning that the Berkeley City Council voted this week to tell the U.S. Marine Corps to remove its recruiting station from the city's downtown. "This is a slap in the face to all brave service men and women and their families," DeMint said in a prepared statement. "The First Amendment gives the City of Berkeley the right to be idiotic, but from now on they should do it with their own money." "If the city can’t show respect for the Marines that have fought, bled and died for their freedom, Berkeley should not be receiving special taxpayer-funded handouts," he added. In the meantime, a senior Marine official tells FOX News that the Marine office in Berkeley isn't going anywhere. "We understand things are different there, but some people just don't get it. This is a part of the military machine that gives them the right to do what they do, but what they are doing is extreme," the official said DeMint said he will draft legislation to rescind any earmarks dedicated for the City of Berkeley in the recently passed appropriations bill — which his office tallied to value about $2.1 million. He said that any money taken back would be transferred to the Marines. DeMint's office provided a preliminary list of items that would be subject to his proposal: — $975,000 for the University of California at Berkeley, for the Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, which may include establishing an endowment, and for cataloguing the papers of Congressman Robert Matsui. — $750,000 for the Berkeley/Albana ferry service. — $243,000 for the Chez Panisse Foundation, for a school lunch initiative to integrate lessons about wellness, sustainability and nutrition into the academic curriculum. — $94,000 for a Berkeley public safety interoperability program. — $87,000 for the Berkeley Unified School District, nutrition education program. The Marine official, speaking with FOX News on Friday, said Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway scoffed at the news, but there are no plans for to protest the City Council's decisions. There are definitely no plans to move the recruiting station either. "To actually put something into law that encourages the disruption of a federal office is ridiculous. They are not going to kick a federal office out of its rightful place there, and this is not going to discourage those young patriots who want to be Marines," the official said. The Berkeley City Council this week voted to tell the Marines their downtown recruiting station is not welcome and "if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests," according to The Associated Press. The council also voted to explore whether a city anti-discrimination law applies to the Marines, with a focus on the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that prevents open homosexuality in the military. The council also voted to give the antiwar group Code Pink a parking space in front of the recruiting office once a week for six months, as well as a protest permit. The Marine recruiting office in Berkeley has been open for about one year, but has been the subject of recent protests by Code Pink members.

:funny: I'm a liberal, and a Marine, and I think this is hilarious. We will always need a military. We will always need those to defend this country. I agree Marines are the barbarians of the Marine Corps, but we love that fact. It seems like Vietnam is happening all over again, but they're trying to be more tactful this time around... I understand the point of view, the "don't ask, don't tell" policy is a conundrum, but it doesn't give anyone the right to object to people doing their duty. It's a riddle that needs to be figured out, not blasted. I know a lot of you don't approve of gays in the military, and I know we all have our opinions. I'm stating mine, just like you've all stated yours.

a little update, and i hope they cut off all money to that city : WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., says the City of Berkeley, Calif., no longer deserves federal money. DeMint was angered after learning that the Berkeley City Council voted this week to tell the U.S. Marine Corps to remove its recruiting station from the city's downtown. "This is a slap in the face to all brave service men and women and their families," DeMint said in a prepared statement. "The First Amendment gives the City of Berkeley the right to be idiotic, but from now on they should do it with their own money." "If the city can’t show respect for the Marines that have fought, bled and died for their freedom, Berkeley should not be receiving special taxpayer-funded handouts," he added. In the meantime, a senior Marine official tells FOX News that the Marine office in Berkeley isn't going anywhere. "We understand things are different there, but some people just don't get it. This is a part of the military machine that gives them the right to do what they do, but what they are doing is extreme," the official said DeMint said he will draft legislation to rescind any earmarks dedicated for the City of Berkeley in the recently passed appropriations bill — which his office tallied to value about $2.1 million. He said that any money taken back would be transferred to the Marines. DeMint's office provided a preliminary list of items that would be subject to his proposal: — $975,000 for the University of California at Berkeley, for the Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, which may include establishing an endowment, and for cataloguing the papers of Congressman Robert Matsui. — $750,000 for the Berkeley/Albana ferry service. — $243,000 for the Chez Panisse Foundation, for a school lunch initiative to integrate lessons about wellness, sustainability and nutrition into the academic curriculum. — $94,000 for a Berkeley public safety interoperability program. — $87,000 for the Berkeley Unified School District, nutrition education program. The Marine official, speaking with FOX News on Friday, said Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway scoffed at the news, but there are no plans for to protest the City Council's decisions. There are definitely no plans to move the recruiting station either. "To actually put something into law that encourages the disruption of a federal office is ridiculous. They are not going to kick a federal office out of its rightful place there, and this is not going to discourage those young patriots who want to be Marines," the official said. The Berkeley City Council this week voted to tell the Marines their downtown recruiting station is not welcome and "if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests," according to The Associated Press. The council also voted to explore whether a city anti-discrimination law applies to the Marines, with a focus on the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that prevents open homosexuality in the military. The council also voted to give the antiwar group Code Pink a parking space in front of the recruiting office once a week for six months, as well as a protest permit. The Marine recruiting office in Berkeley has been open for about one year, but has been the subject of recent protests by Code Pink members. That is awesome!!

screw that. "most people here think they are a joke" some woman said.... yes the USMC is a joke. and so is your freedom to say so. i'd go around and slap USMC bumper stickers on all the pink protestors cars. my personal fav is "because it can't always be somebody elses son"

I read about this a few days ago. Given that Berkeley is the birthplace of the hippy movement, I am not suprised at all. There was a few letters to the editor in the San Fran Chron a few years back during Fleet Week in San Francisco. The Blue Angels were pretty much a tradition there, but due to protests and stuff by these people, they weren't allowed. Many were siting that The Blue Angels were nothing more than a symbol for the Oligarchic government of this country, and that they did nothing but pollute and provide a danger to the spectators.

Hi Everyone. I usually stay in the background and lurk but this topic is gets to my soul. I have family and friends in the military, and yes the MARINES included(two nephews), alot of them are either already serving in Afghanistan and Iraq or are getting ready for deployment to those places. To hear that those code pink pu$$ies and the Berkley tree huggers disrespect those who are serving just puts me off the deep end. I don't see any of them put their collective asses on the line. What are they doing protect us from Al Qeada and other terrorist organizations?? I can tell you not a f*cking god damn thing!!! All they're doing is sitting in Starbucks sipping their soy a$$ lattes and singing kumbaya. Addressed to Code Pink and Berkley supporters- Well let me tell you code pink pu$$ies that you're able to sip your latte because it's paid for in blood of the men and women in the military who are serving and have served to protect our land and your freedoms. So if you don't like what the military is doing, I suggest that you go to Osama, give him some of your latte and ask him not to attack us anymore. Make sure you say PLEASE and give him a hit of your bong!! :arsenal

Hi Everyone. I usually stay in the background and lurk but this topic is gets to my soul. I have family and friends in the military, and yes the MARINES included(two nephews), alot of them are either already serving in Afghanistan and Iraq or are getting ready for deployment to those places. To hear that those code pink pu$$ies and the Berkley tree huggers disrespect those who are serving just puts me off the deep end. I don't see any of them put their collective asses on the line. What are they doing protect us from Al Qeada and other terrorist organizations?? I can tell you not a f*cking god damn thing!!! All they're doing is sitting in Starbucks sipping their soy a$$ lattes and singing kumbaya. Addressed to Code Pink and Berkley supporters- Well let me tell you code pink pu$$ies that you're able to sip your latte because it's paid for in blood of the men and women in the military who are serving and have served to protect our land and your freedoms. So if you don't like what the military is doing, I suggest that you go to Osama, give him some of your latte and ask him not to attack us anymore. Make sure you say PLEASE and give him a hit of your bong!! :arsenal Well said. The thing that pisses me off is they want to bitch so much about our government and I am not saying its perfect but go to other countries like Iran where you can get put in prison just for having the wrong hair cut and see how much worse and how much more corrupt there government is then honestly try to bitch about ours.

Well said. The thing that pisses me off is they want to bitch so much about our government and I am not saying its perfect but go to other countries like Iran where you can get put in prison just for having the wrong hair cut and see how much worse and how much more corrupt there government is then honestly try to bitch about ours. You got that right brother. I'd like them to try what they're doing in a country like North Korea, Iran or Chad and see how long they stay alive?? Better yet they don't need to join the military to contribute our safety. All they need to do is create an organization like Blackwater or Triple Canopy and go over to the Middle East and take care of business. Maybe then I might respect their views but until that happens they're just a bunch of spoiled brat dumbf*cks enjoying freedoms provided for them from other peoples blood, sweat, and tears.

I just recently joined the air force and have become a strong believer that everyone should serve a short term in the military. Titus

I just recently joined the air force and have become a strong believer that everyone should serve a short term in the military. Titus I am in complete agreement with you.

Heres the website, feel free to tell em what you think. http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/ Nothing will change if you don't use your voice.

Interesting thread... So far what I've picked from it is - America is great we all have freedom of speech, and the military gave it to you... now shut the fuck up. But seriously, maybe something good will come of what they are doing in Berkley. Like maybe the asinine "Don't ask don't tell" policy will change.

Interesting thread... So far what I've picked from it is - America is great we all have freedom of speech, and the military gave it to you... now shut the fuck up. But seriously, maybe something good will come of what they are doing in Berkley. Like maybe the asinine "Don't ask don't tell" policy will change. Well the don't ask don't tell policy has a good root. Lets say theres 4 guys in a 3 man foxhole. Now lets say 3 of them are straight and 1 is gay. Who do you think is gonna get pushed out the foxhole first. All I can think is "Find another foxhole queer boy!" Thats the real reason for that policy. People are more inclined to protect those that they like or are more comfortable with. Personally I don't care if your gay just don't mess with me. If it came down to one guy gettn sacrificed and there's 1 gay guy in a group of straight guys who do you think their going to sacrafice? Just my 2cents Titus

thats messed up

I just recently joined the air force and have become a strong believer that everyone should serve a short term in the military. Titus Right on brother:arsenal I served 7 years in the military. Looking back now, It was the right thing to do at the right time in my life. I'm pretty sure there are high school students that don't want to continue on to college right after high school. So, why not make it mandatory for all 18 & over males and females to serve at least 4 years:twofinger Just my two cents!

I support the troops for thier commitment, even if I don't support the cause for war. I lost a lot of respect for Cal Berkeley.

I just recently joined the air force and have become a strong believer that everyone should serve a short term in the military. Titus Titus, I have to agree with you. On the flip side of that, you will see a lot of douchebags that don't belong in service, if you haven't seen them already. Are you in now, or are you waiting to go to boot?

Titus, I have to agree with you. On the flip side of that, you will see a lot of douchebags that don't belong in service, if you haven't seen them already. Are you in now, or are you waiting to go to boot? I'm waitnto leave for basic right now. I should be abl the leave at the begining of March. Titus

I'm waitnto leave for basic right now. I should be abl the leave at the begining of March. Titus I've been through boot. I give you this little piece of advice. DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL. They are only doing there job. You will have fun:thumbup:

I've been through boot. I give you this little piece of advice. DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL. They are only doing there job. You will have fun:thumbup: Right on. Just think of it as a game you're playing. Bootcamp is nothing like the real military is. Once you play the game for a couple of months and you graduate, you're one of the boys. They're going to beat your ass while you're there, but nothing lasts forever. My brother-in-law joined the NH ANG recently, and I believe he is shipping out for Lackland in either May or June. I think he signed up for Security Forces or something like that. I made him a deal that when he graduates his SF school we'll go get tattoos together. Titus, what MOS (or whatever you guys call it) did you choose?

Right on. Just think of it as a game you're playing. Bootcamp is nothing like the real military is. Once you play the game for a couple of months and you graduate, you're one of the boys. They're going to beat your ass while you're there, but nothing lasts forever. My brother-in-law joined the NH ANG recently, and I believe he is shipping out for Lackland in either May or June. I think he signed up for Security Forces or something like that. I made him a deal that when he graduates his SF school we'll go get tattoos together. Titus, what MOS (or whatever you guys call it) did you choose? My current job plan is to go in as Tactical Aircraft Maintenance til I finish my degree in MIT. After I get my BS I'm going into flight school. Still trying to decide between Tactical or Heavy aircraft. I'm hopein to go overseas for my first DS. Titus

I spent 5 years in the Marines, and to be quite honest, I'd take a gay Marine who wants to defend his country over a scared little douchebag, who doesn't want to be there, and had to choose between serving or going to jail for something stupid he did. I believe everyone should serve a short term as well, but then you also brought up another good point about having non-deserving lazy guys who don't want to attain their full potential and don't want to serve in the first place.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/14/BAM9V1H00.DTL What a bunch of crap. Berkely city council reverses its decision. thank god some people made their opinions known.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/14/BAM9V1H00.DTL What a bunch of crap. Berkely city council reverses its decision. thank god some people made their opinions known. berkeley city council, the mayor of berkeley and code pink are useless pieces of shit, and liars...they are not sorry for anything..they are sorry they would get federal funding cut off...period...they aren't sorry for what they said to the marines and the military in general..../end rant/

Most people that have lived in the Bay Area, or at least in Northern California for very long have learned not to take anything that comes from either the Berkeley or San Francisco city councils seriously. These crackpots have always, and will always pull stunts like this. They're getting way to much attention lately.

Most people that have lived in the Bay Area, or at least in Northern California for very long have learned not to take anything that comes from either the Berkeley or San Francisco city councils seriously. These crackpots have always, and will always pull stunts like this. They're getting way to much attention lately. Any idea why the general public keeps voting those nuts in office? :headshake

The majority of posters in this thread are missing the point here.

i agree with jet mehanic, berkley and EVERYONE ELSE should realize that WITHOUT OUR MILITARY we would have no rights, we would be controlled by some other country, and you could bet that we wouldnt have THE FREEDOM that we enjoy...so to those that dont get it..wake up b4 its too late!!!:hmmm:

The majority of posters in this thread are missing the point here. What's the point?

:popcorn: I gotta here what the point REALLY is. Apparently the rest of us don't get it. Titus

did i miss the point ? i thought we were about to be informed ? any way i now hate another city that appears to be full of asclowns that discriminate against others under the guise of ... why dont they like the MARINES again ? its all bs i hope a natural disaster hits them .

What's the point? These students don't have anything against the Marines per se. They are connecting the actions of the government and the recruiting station as "one" to further a goal--that goal being that war was started on many falsehoods of the current administration. In other words, you may have heard the phrase "support the troops but not the war?" My cousin, a Marine, was nearly killed in Iraq when a bomb exploded next to him, killing several of his friends; fortunately I can say that I haven't lost any family members in [this] war, just previous ones. When he and I discussed the purpose of this war, he felt that many troops were unsure of their purpose, and that they felt mislead to vary degrees. He noted that recruiting practices are a bit like "bait and switch" for many young people still in high school or just graduating. They're not informed of the commitment to their governement entirely. In sales, they give you everything in the big print and take everything in the small print. Another thing that disturbed him was that soldiers/veterans fighting for this country's freedom are not adequately taken care of with respect to medical needs or problems arising from PTSS. The commonweal owes more than that to our troops. The military is one reason we as Americans enjoy sovereignty and freedom. These students know this, and I would bet they respect soldiers for the sacrifices they make to preserve our way of life, and even their right to speak freely given the guidelines of time, place, and manner. I think the protesting was taken as personal assault by persons on this board, when in fact the dissent was directed toward a larger concept.

then send the fagass protesters to washington to do there protesting , protest the local federal building , better yet protest those places and voluntarily turn down all federal money and aid in protest . bet they wont do that ! so lets disrupt and harass the local recruiters , Marines that are CITIZENS that may or may not agree with the governments choices but choose to serve regardless while these gutless wana be intellect types hide behind the services of the very people they protest .

Then they need to give the recruiters the respect they deserve. By harrassing them and makeing asses of themselves their only working to demean the one who fight for them and gave them the freedom to do so publicly. The people who do this shit are the ones who don't realize that freedom is earned through war and blood. Yes our soldiers have died for those living in iraq, but how many iraqis have died fighting a loseing battle for ther own freedom. At the risk of sounding cheesy, our soldiers are fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. When our forefathers fought for our freedom it was alot easier. Rifles, knives, and cannons that was it. Now it's all about the man with the deeper pockets. People who think this is about oil and politics are idots. These liberal hippies in Berkley need to look around and think about what it would be like to live without the freedoms that they so happily use against the ones who give it to them. The people of iraq deserve the same freedom. Thats what we're fighting for. :arsenal Thats the point. :thumbup: As for your cousin, I would love to thank him forstanding up for all of us. And if it pisses you off that soldiers are getting killed in war, then your a dumb ass. No soldier is in against their will. And anyone who gets drafted, well thats part of the price of freedom. Any soldier that joins and gets upset that they have to fight shouldn't have signed up. I've decided to join, and I know there is a possibility I could go to war and die fighting for my country. But at least then I could die with honor knowing that I was defending my family and their freedom. Titus

a little update, and i hope they cut off all money to that city : WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., says the City of Berkeley, Calif., no longer deserves federal money. DeMint was angered after learning that the Berkeley City Council voted this week to tell the U.S. Marine Corps to remove its recruiting station from the city's downtown. "This is a slap in the face to all brave service men and women and their families," DeMint said in a prepared statement. "The First Amendment gives the City of Berkeley the right to be idiotic, but from now on they should do it with their own money." "If the city can’t show respect for the Marines that have fought, bled and died for their freedom, Berkeley should not be receiving special taxpayer-funded handouts," he added. In the meantime, a senior Marine official tells FOX News that the Marine office in Berkeley isn't going anywhere. "We understand things are different there, but some people just don't get it. This is a part of the military machine that gives them the right to do what they do, but what they are doing is extreme," the official said DeMint said he will draft legislation to rescind any earmarks dedicated for the City of Berkeley in the recently passed appropriations bill — which his office tallied to value about $2.1 million. He said that any money taken back would be transferred to the Marines. DeMint's office provided a preliminary list of items that would be subject to his proposal: — $975,000 for the University of California at Berkeley, for the Matsui Center for Politics and Public Service, which may include establishing an endowment, and for cataloguing the papers of Congressman Robert Matsui. — $750,000 for the Berkeley/Albana ferry service. — $243,000 for the Chez Panisse Foundation, for a school lunch initiative to integrate lessons about wellness, sustainability and nutrition into the academic curriculum. — $94,000 for a Berkeley public safety interoperability program. — $87,000 for the Berkeley Unified School District, nutrition education program. The Marine official, speaking with FOX News on Friday, said Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway scoffed at the news, but there are no plans for to protest the City Council's decisions. There are definitely no plans to move the recruiting station either. "To actually put something into law that encourages the disruption of a federal office is ridiculous. They are not going to kick a federal office out of its rightful place there, and this is not going to discourage those young patriots who want to be Marines," the official said. The Berkeley City Council this week voted to tell the Marines their downtown recruiting station is not welcome and "if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome guests," according to The Associated Press. The council also voted to explore whether a city anti-discrimination law applies to the Marines, with a focus on the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy that prevents open homosexuality in the military. The council also voted to give the antiwar group Code Pink a parking space in front of the recruiting office once a week for six months, as well as a protest permit. The Marine recruiting office in Berkeley has been open for about one year, but has been the subject of recent protests by Code Pink members. I dont agree or disagree, but this is not what they are protesting. It has nothing to do with "disrespecting brave servicemen and women" its protesting recruiters because they feel as though they are recruiting under false pretenses. I know plenty of ppl who volunteer for service but are devastated when they find out they have to go to Iraq, I don't think there is anything wrong with protesting a recruiting station. The military is a beaurocratic/money driven industry just like any other. If the city as a whole feels strong enough to protest them out of there they should have that right without being faced with monetary penalties, THAT is discrimination.

At the risk of sounding cheesy, our soldiers are fighting for those who can't fight for themselves. People who think this is about oil and politics are idots. The people of iraq deserve the same freedom. Thats what we're fighting for. Do you really believe that? What about North Korea? They do have nukes and oppress and torture their own people, but we're not there. Thats the point. :thumbup: That's your interpretation. As for your cousin, I would love to thank him forstanding up for all of us. He would appreciate that. And if it pisses you off that soldiers are getting killed in war, then your a dumb ass. It bothers me that young people are dying because the American people were led to believe that Iraq was a credible threat. We now know that was a lie. Remember when former CIA director George Tenet was asked about the proof of Iraq having WMD's? He said the evidence was "Slam dunk." He later said (after the truth came out) that those were the two dumbest words he ever said--Time magazine. No soldier is in against their will. I beg to differ. The socio-economic status of many soldiers leave enlisting as the only realistic option in life for surviving.

...It has nothing to do with "disrespecting brave servicemen and women" its protesting recruiters because they feel as though they are recruiting under false pretenses... Someone here is thinking! I know of a particular example that states even when an enlisted person is discharged for completion of service, the government has 30 years to force you back against your will; again, another point of ommision/deception the recruiter is not going to shout at you.

Someone here is thinking! I know of a particular example that states even when an enlisted person is discharged for completion of service, the government has 30 years to force you back against your will; again, another point of ommision/deception the recruiter is not going to shout at you. Are you sure? I'm in the military and I've never heard anything about 30 years. I'd be old as shit and not worth two farts 30 years from now. I wouldn't even be eligible for the draft at that age. I know that they can call you back up to four years after you separate, but we all know that and my recruiter told me about it before I ever enlisted.

When you sign up you sign an 8 year contract, 4 years active, 4 years on call back. That applies til you reach 20 years. Then your on permenant call back til the age of 50 or so (not positive on that) But as long as your on call back status you still receive all the benifits of the military (health, dental, etc.) If you retire from 20+years service you retain your benifits for life. Titus

Do you really believe that? What about North Korea? They do have nukes and oppress and torture their own people, but we're not there. That's your interpretation. He would appreciate that. It bothers me that young people are dying because the American people were led to believe that Iraq was a credible threat. We now know that was a lie. Remember when former CIA director George Tenet was asked about the proof of Iraq having WMD's? He said the evidence was "Slam dunk." He later said (after the truth came out) that those were the two dumbest words he ever said--Time magazine. I beg to differ. The socio-economic status of many soldiers leave enlisting as the only realistic option in life for surviving. Yeah I really do feel that way. Takeing on North Korea at this point could be more dangerous than waiting it out. Iraq may not have had the WMDs that the government said, but the truth is that the WMD's were more of and excuse to finish what we started in the early 90's. I joined the military because I've wated to since I was 12 and saw my first fighter jet fly. But I did try other thing before joining. I went to school for Hot Rods and then moved to Miami. After runnin around for awhile I'm back home and TN and can't find a job. So I joined up, and it's the best decision of my life. I will say that it's rare to find a marine who's happy with their decision, and most get out after the 4 years is up. The point is there are alot of alternatives to joining the military. NO ONE is ever made to join. They don't force your hand to the paper. Even the Marines said in a later interview that they weren't worried about the effect of protestors on recruiting, cause their marines. Titus

just glad i dont live anywhere near there:thumbup::thumbup:

Yeah I really do feel that way. You'll feel better about your role then. Takeing on North Korea at this point could be more dangerous than waiting it out. I agree. If you rembember, we chose to "wait it out" when we knew they were developing nukes, and chose to do nothing at the time. In other words, it wasn't a real concern in the first place. Iraq may not have had the WMDs that the government said, but the truth is that the WMD's were more of and excuse to finish what we started in the early 90's. So we agree they lied to the American people to further their politcal agenda. I think when you're asking Americans to give their lives, it should not only be neccessary, but as a free society they should be informed of what the real purpose is. This war was deceptive and voluntary. I joined the military because I've wated to since I was 12 and saw my first fighter jet fly. It sounds like you have a genuine passion, the fighter jet is a great tool used by recruiters. Unfortunately, they will appeal to your interests with these things knowing full well that the closest you will ever come to it may only be to work on it. I guess this is where the GSXR fills that desire. But I did try other thing before joining. I went to school for Hot Rods and then moved to Miami. After runnin around for awhile I'm back home and TN and can't find a job. So I joined up, and it's the best decision of my life. I will say that it's rare to find a marine who's happy with their decision, and most get out after the 4 years is up. The point is there are alot of alternatives to joining the military. NO ONE is ever made to join. They don't force your hand to the paper. Even the Marines said in a later interview that they weren't worried about the effect of protestors on recruiting, cause their marines. We can agree to disagree. Many people who sign up "voluntarily" are not afforded anywhere near the opportunities you've have prior to enlisting. Even the Marines said in a later interview that they weren't worried about the effect of protestors on recruiting, cause their marines. Huh?

These people should be castrated for booting one of the worlds best fighting men..

You'll feel better about your role then. I agree. If you rembember, we chose to "wait it out" when we knew they were developing nukes, and chose to do nothing at the time. In other words, it wasn't a real concern in the first place. I don't know what to tell you on that one. So we agree they lied to the American people to further their politcal agenda. I think when you're asking Americans to give their lives, it should not only be neccessary, but as a free society they should be informed of what the real purpose is. This war was deceptive and voluntary. Yes tey did. It was voluntary, but it did need to be done. It sounds like you have a genuine passion, the fighter jet is a great tool used by recruiters. Unfortunately, they will appeal to your interests with these things knowing full well that the closest you will ever come to it may only be to work on it. I guess this is where the GSXR fills that desire. My recruiter never guarenteed me that I would get to fly. When I told him I wanted to be a pilot he told me that I would need a degree first, but that there were programs with the Air Force tat I couldwork through to get one before fligh school. I checked it out and found the program I'll be working through. Basically I go to the AF community college for 2 years then they se me to full time school to finish my degree. As long as I'm done and in flight school by the age of 27 I can be a pilot, but I have to do the work. Til then I'll just be a crew chief We can agree to disagree. Many people who sign up "voluntarily" are not afforded anywhere near the opportunities you've have prior to enlisting. Yes. Huh? It was on another site I read about this on through yahoo. The rep. for the Marines said that the people who are signing up to be marines won't be swayed because they are marines at heart. I'll see if I can find the article and link it here. Titus

Til then I'll just be a crew chief Are you sure that's the job for you? I've been in the AF for 8 years and I've never heard anyone say they like being a crew chief. Maybe I've just talked to the wrong people. It doesn't matter what job you have prior to going to flight school and OTS. Also, it will be harder to get your degree than your recruiter is leading on. It can be done, and I know plenty who have, but it's not easy. After basic and tech school you will arrive at your first duty station and have to complete your CDC's, this can take up to a year depending on your job and in that time period you usually are not allowed to take college courses. From what I have seen it usually takes 4-6 years to get your associates through the CCAF due to the fact that you're working full time and can't really take a full course load (of course there are exceptions to this). Even if you get your bachelors you still have to be selected for OTS and that in itself is not easy. A guy I work with has his bachelors, passed his flight physical, got a perfect score on the flight school pre-entry exam and didn't get into OTS, so no flight school for him. Don't let this discourage you from going after your dream though. You can do it, you just won't have a life other than work and school for a few years. I don't know everything there is to know about the AF, but if you have any questions just PM me and I'll give you the most honest answer I can give you and won't sugar-coat it like some recruiters do. Also I'm at Lackland where you'll be going for basic training. If you can pick when you'll leave for basic, try not to be a dumbass and pick the summertime like I did. San Antonio sucks in the summer when you're marching everywhere.

I know it's going to be really hard, but my girl is going to help me. I've already got one year of college done as well. My degree is rather simple (to me) so it should be fairly easy. I'll definately take you up on that offer if I have any questions. I'm trying to leave for basic next month. No summertime drill for me. :rofl: Titus

I'm in the Marines so you can imagine my view on this. Thanks to all those out there that support us it means alot. L8R, Sterling

How you liken Japan?? I've been thinkin about putn that down for one of my options for stationing. Titus

Someone here is thinking! I know of a particular example that states even when an enlisted person is discharged for completion of service, the government has 30 years to force you back against your will; again, another point of ommision/deception the recruiter is not going to shout at you. I am separated from the military. Still work on a military installation. Never heard of this so-called 30 year timeframe to get pulled back:shifty Maybe if WW III were to break out:headshake If you perceive that the recruiters don't tell you everything...then you are a fool. When you buy a car, do they tell you that it might break down, that the transmission will go out. Don't think so! 90% of people that want to enlist, know what is going on in the world. If they don't know, then they are stupid! 18 is considered a young adult. Key word is ADULT. Every adult should know what is going on in the world. They should know that war is always going to be a possibility. If you always fall back on the saying that recruiters don't tell you everything...they should not have to. It is there JOB to recruit. So the pussies from Berkley should not be protesting their local recruiters office. They should voice there opinions to Washington. As soon as word got to Washington, they took immediate action. Cut off federal funds. Know they say that they are sorry... Fucken Pussies!:arsenal

Someone here is thinking! I know of a particular example that states even when an enlisted person is discharged for completion of service, the government has 30 years to force you back against your will; again, another point of ommision/deception the recruiter is not going to shout at you. My best friend was a recruiter for 3years in the Marine Corps. Hes the reason I joined. I know for a fact that when you join the Marine Corps you do have 3 years not 30 just 3 of "Inactive Reserves". All it means is that they could call you back to work up to 3 years after your done with your 4 or 5 year contract. I signed up 6months before I went to boot camp which counts towards my 3 years so when I get out next year the military could pull me back to Active duty up to 2 1/2 years after I get out. I really don't see this happening but it is a possibility of course. I imagine when u say "shout at you" you just mean tell you. A recruiter wouldn't yell at you or you wouldn't join. The drill instructors on the other hand are a different story. :argue: L8R, Sterling

How you liken Japan?? I've been thinkin about putn that down for one of my options for stationing. Titus Well seeing that your in the Air Force I would imagine that you will be going to stay at Kadena AFB. This is where I am right now. The Air Force's standards of living are much better then they are in the Marines so Kadena is cool. Iwakuni on the other hand sucks. The only thing good there is taking the 45 min. train to Hiroshima where there is alot of places to see. Over all Japan is a good time and if you like diving I hear that Okinawa is #2 in the World for it. Yall also get to drive like right away when you get here, Marines have to be in Japan 3months-1year before they can even drive here. I have a bus lic so I am one of the lucky ones. I do get home sick after 6months of being here though. Luckily thats all I have to stay at a time. L8R, Sterling

The drill instructors on the other hand are a different story. :argue: L8R, Sterling You should know better than that, DI's don't yell they mearly speak in a tone so that everyone can hear them. :D As for japan, I'm gonna have to look into it. I'm gonna talk to my CO and see if I can take my bike or not. If not I'll stay stateside or go to Italy, or Germany. Just going to have to see. I didn't realize that they wouldn't let you guys drive over there from the start. I'll have to ask the misses before makeing any definate decisions. :thumbup: Hey PM me some pics of the base when you get a chance. Titus