OT - No BS Guys, we are going to war ...

[joez]

My only concern is the draft at this point. I'm 18 and will be attending college in the fall, and am currently still in High School.
Reguardless of my thoughts on whether this is right or wrong (it's quite irrelivant what I feel), I am still concerned with getting drafted. Now if I were, suit me up, I'm going to war. But something like this is life-altering.
If things esclate with Iraq and N. Korea at the same time and we do have to fight a war on two fronts, what is the likelyhood of them reinstating the draft.
Also, what are yous guys thoughts on China with all this? Could they get into the action? They did participate in the last war with Korea...

 

[jrb384]

bronco, didnt everyone see the highway of death footage?
mike, u trust in god and your senior drill instructor and do whatever it takes to come home, dont worry about what your govt has decided, u cant change it, just keep yourself and your junior marines alive, as their nco they'll be looking to you for everything. get used to drinking 90 degree water and eating chicken & rice w/ oatmeal cookie bars! (im sure the USMC hasnt gotten anything new in the last 10 years) take plenty of polish to hold your boots togther or the heat/sand will ruin your cadilacs. ditch any hi techs they wont last a week. and last to keep your sanity, take a good fish magazine or book with you. The old hurry up and wait game will definately be in effect. And last but not least, remember our real saying, semper gumby!
Like it or not, sometimes, "whatever it takes" does not need to be aired on national news so those that enjoy the freedoms of the wall can arm chair QB the ones standing on the wall protecting them.
give us your mailing address mike and hopefully as a board we can send you care packages and fish news. That goes for anyone deploying over there. in fact we should start a thread for that purpose, anyone have any imput on that?
jb

 

[simm]

Originally posted by lilbuddy
i heard on the radio this morning that there is going to be draft. Is this true? anyone else here this? I never thought this would happen.
It would have to be a conventional war. Here is a link.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/...aft/index.html
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told reporters Tuesday he sees no need for a draft. He said the military is managing to attract enough skilled recruits without one.
"We're not going to re-implement a draft. There is no need for it at all," Rumsfeld said. "The disadvantages of using compulsion to bring into the armed forces the men and women needed are notable."

 

[jlem]

I think the biggest difference between N-korea and Iraq is worst case outcomes. You attack Iraq and you tick of some arab countries that really don't like Iraq anyways, but like it more than the U.S and Britian. All the Arab states will do is talk alot of talk, burn some flags and plan terrorist attacks that they will be planning anyways. You attack north korea or so much as fire a bullet into N-Korea and you have a full blown war on a small penisulla with alot of chinese ready to join the ranks of the N-Korean army. I believe that the U.S would win but at such a high loss of life that is would not be worth it. Suddam is just a nuisance that needs to just go away. Iraq has said over and over that it hates the u.s to the point of sending terrorist to kill us. N-korea never will try to destroy the U.S. N-korea is a million man army with a many million man ally that realises that even if it has nukes they will be wiped off the planet if they ever use them. I believe that international pressure against N-korea is the safest way to go, what else can you really do. WW3 is not worth a couple of nukes.

 

[mikegronholz]

WWIII ? Interesting concept. BUT, a couple of nukes is not going to start WWIII. Reality check. If any here has ever gone to 29 Palms, CA remember those 10x10 fenced of areas that say "Warning, stay 100 feet back" Does anyone know what they are ? I'll simply say this. If someone launched on us, it would be intercepted before it was near Hawaii. Get the point. Those who have been to places like 29 Palms know. There are so many places that can land you in prison because you just happened to be where you shouldn't. For all those in SoCal, do you honestly think scorpions are the only things out there ? It might be a scorcherat 5' above the sand, but 200' BELOW the sand ? Why is the mojave scattered with "vents" ? Come on you guys. There is not a single person on this earth that would launch against us. Reality check here. The one thing EVERY president has done (Repblican or Democrat) is this: Stand behind their words !!! My buddy GW said there would be action taken against the Taliban and guess what. The Russsians tried with 4 times as many troops and failed. GW said "get 'em" and now the country is under new rule. Those from Texas can relate. When we tell the racoons to get of the porch, dam it, we mean it !!!
For those that have never served, you will never know what you missed !!! Just read the posts. I can only speak as a Marine, but you see above, all Marines past, present and future are brothers. I will put my neck on the line for everyone, as I will for my sister services. To the citizens of this GREAT country I say this:
You are my customers, and I'll ensure you the best customer service my 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds will allow.
Semper Fidelis brothers
OOH-RAH

 

[simm]

Originally posted by mikegronholz
Those from Texas can relate. When we tell the racoons to get of the porch, dam it, we mean it !!!
Semper Fidelis brothers
OOH-RAH
ROFL!!!!!

 

[jlem]

Mike. You are right, a couple of nukes is not going to start WW3, what will start WW3 is using military action in N-Korea over a couple nukes and bringing the chinese, russians, and every other nation directly or indorectly involved with the destruction of america which very well could happen if we shoot first and ask questions later. That is your reality check. So what if they have nukes. If we have all these silos in the desert ready to destroy anyone in our way then why should we care if N-Korea has nukes. You can have one mean dog but if someone else has a bunch of mean dogs then all you have is one mean dog to talk about. Aghganistan was no where near the caliber of N-Korea with chinese backing, which if we attack the chinese I doubt they would stand by and watch even if they are pressuring N-Korea to halt their actions now.

 

[crispcritr]

dont for get your shades, take care, be well!!!!
kick some ass and get home safe
1st maw
2nd maw
87-91
Semper Fidelis brother

 

[krishj39]

I just wanted to add another reason why the US won't draft. They did that in Vietnam, and the government's popularity is still being adversely affected buy it. The last thing the US wants is another war like Vietnam, where so many had to fight for something they didn't believe in. As to all the other opinions posted, thanks, they make good reading, all interesting. I still haven't made up my mind about what I think will happen or what I think SHOULD happen. Foreign politics just gets so sticky.

 

[rsd]

Good luck to all our service men.
It has never been the big guns that worry me.
I don't believe we will see a nuclear war in our life time. Wars are fought for power, land, and resources. No nuclear war will ever grant the victor any of those rewards. When it comes down to it politicians start wars.... because they have to... to defend power, land, and resources. No politician, unless nothing was left, would raise the bar that high.... there would be no success.
What worries me are the extremists that would strike without a countries backing. If a nuclear bomb detonated over/in the US it wont be from N. Korea. It will be detonated by an individual/group acting w/o a country. More likely for a religion/belief. For reasons that don't involve power, land, or resources.
Why fight Iraq and countries like it? Fighting TERRORISTS is like fighting a fog, or mosquitoes. Swat one, more await. Swat at fog and it travels around your hand. Iraq (and countries like it) harbour the terrorists. They are the fetit swamp. Dry up the swamp, irrigate it, and increase the water flow, and add predators, and the mosquitoes go away. To remove the fog add heat or wind. Why fight terrorist bearing countries? To remove the problem, not the symptom.
Again, Good Luck Mike.
Just my $.02

 

[travis truman]

A draft would suck because I am 17.........I need college

 

[reefaddicted]

I wish all of our armed forces a quick victory and safe return.
As a former Navy Nuke, I feel for you all.
Finish what we started whle I was in, in '91, and come home soon.

 

[broncofish]

Originally posted by jrb384
bronco, didnt everyone see the highway of death footage?

There was a little story(thats a joke it was nominated for a bunch of journalism award, I think even a pulitzer) done about this. It was reprinted in the san francisco chronicle about two months ago. Have you ever noticed when the big dogs do there briefings and show all the little targets on T.V. getting blown up, they don't show the ones that went off track and killed a bus load of kids. Or the little kid that wandered into a minefield and got blown to crap(that one I did see in person). There was a highschool senior on this board who said his opinion did not matter, a great deal of the American public has said that they don't want us to go to war, but that does not really matter either, does this not concern anybody?

 

[karenjo]

Please help me soon.
Is a penguin biowheel 330 a good filtration system for a 55 gal saltwater aquarium? I'm buying one tomorrow. Please help.

 

[xxvietxjustinxx]

All that I can say is that I wish you the best of luck and thank you for your services.

 

[jrb384]

bronco,
we can agree to disagree. however, Chesty puller would roll over in his grave if he read your post. I beleive Gunny Hartman would "PT you until your bottom was sucking buttermilk!"
I agree with you about smart weapons not being so smart. In war, no matter what highspeed low drag gizmos we have, they'll be operating in terrible conditions and jammed up with sand, add to that the human element, and yes, some will miss and innocents will die. in fact, some will get blown all over the place into little pieces, and some will be legless children. That is sad, and war is awful. But nothing you or I say can change that once the troops are committed.
Where I disagree is why show that on t.v.? Our troops need 100% support, so to achieve that, the govt propoganda machine is kicking into overdrive. Its like being in business, if your selling a product do you advertise with all the negatives? no. so what purpose would it serve to show limbless kids? IMO none, because no matter how many times they show it, or how many americans it turns against the war effort, it will not change the fact that our servicemen and women will still be there.
the govt realizes that a speedy victory with minimum casulties is key, but nonetheless, innocents will die. fact of life.
and your last comment, i dont know which bothered me most. The highschool kid that thought his opinion didnt matter, or the high school kid that hoped there was no draft because college was more important than serving his country.
IMO I do not support a draft, but if one is activated, it is every able americans duty to answer, just like the thousands before them that gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could enjoy our freedoms.
you see everyone, this ugly side of war, is what jack nicholson refered to as "the truth" in a few good men.

 

[entice59]

*sorry if i sound too un-american or harsh or ungrateful about america but thats the way i see it and i hope you dont judge me differently because i said this. but this is how i see it as a 18 year old just beginning my life as an adult*
personally i strongly disapprove of the draft... i just started my life now and they want me to end it that quickly??!?!?! geez they force us to go to school until we are 18 then have no choice but to sign that retarded draft thing or we will be sent to jail...
Why should some old person be able to decide what we should do, they dont even have to fight the war! Why cant we(the norm) vote if the draft should stay or not!??!? Its our lives, we cant even vote if we want to be tools of the government. Life after war isnt all its cracked up to be.
There is no glory after war, just some bum on the street with the sign Vietnam Vet begging for money so he can eat scraps, what about the mental trama, after the war, people committed suicide or was mentally unstable, how would you like to see your friend die next to you?... Why should i risk my life now if i cant even legally drink or gamble?
from the words of corey taylor: Do you serve a purpose, or purposely serve? Government is another way to say better…than…you. Huh, what luck. Fascism you can vote for.
Humph, isn’t that sweet? And we’re all gonna die some day, because that’s the American way
from Serji Tankian: They're all the same people, Every Bin Laden man. He's a rich kid who gets a bunch of other people to die for him. Well bush is just as much a piece of **** as this rich kid here who does the same thing
Theres a difference between Joining and Drafted, joining is that your want to do/or willing risk your life, drafted is being un-justly forced into risking your life.

 

[timsedwards]

Hi Guys,
Draft is wrong, I am lucky to be in the UK where draft has never been used apart form WW1 and WW2, real life threatening situations on our home soil. Admittedly we are lucky, in Holland and France every male between 18-25 must do a compulsory 1 years service, however in the UK we have our army then we have what we call the Terrotorial Army, what you guys call reserves.
If ther US Army has to call up draft, it doesnt say a lot for their military strength if they ahve to call up ordinary citizens?! I really really doubt they will, hasnt the govt learnt from VietNam?
Well I hope you young guys dont get called up un-necessarily, but if it is for something worthwhile, and that is for you guys to judge, then good luck to you all, thinking of you over here in London.
Tim.

 

[entice59]

Originally posted by karenjo
Please help me soon.
Is a penguin biowheel 330 a good filtration system for a 55 gal saltwater aquarium? I'm buying one tomorrow. Please help.
i would stay away from penguin/emperiors since they have a problem with bubbles, but its up to you, im considering keeping mines
i dont know why you would ask that question in this thread..... but there an answer

 

[mikegronholz]

Ok, I MUST say this .....
entice59.....it is SO BLANTENTLY OBVIOUS that you are a punk ass "the world is against me" teen !!! Grow a freaking pair !!! Good lord. I have faithfully servered my country. I was due to start a new job that was going to QUADRUPLE my salary (4 times bigger). I have a family to think of. This job was to START IN 11 DAYS !!! Now, I'm packing for the desert. Mess up YOUR life ? WTF ? Tell me, how would leaving your 18yo existence working wherever going to get "messed up". The military does pay more than McDonald's !!! I personally cannot stand it when people say that a draft will "mess up" their life. Holy crap !!! Think of the service members that are killed making sure you can work at McDonalds and have a tank !!! After all this am I bitching, no way. Why ? Because by serving my country I can have a REAL OPINION on war and the military. You are EXACTLY like my little brother (21 years old). He thinks the military sux and is wrong. If you have never served, SHUT UP !!! You can have your opinion, but remember those who have died so you can have that opinion !!! You REALLY pissed me off. I have no problem with people saying "I don't want a draft" or "The draft would really affect me" but those who say "...mess up my life..." deserve a freaking boot to the skull !!!
And to clarify....I am AGAINST the draft as well. When I'm in my fighting hole cleaning the sand from my weapon, I want someone that is ready to send rounds down range, not someone like you complaining about "I'm tired" or "I wish I could go home". I would personally make sure you left with a Purple Heart !!!
Now for those with more respectable comments ...
jlem ... The issue with N Korea is they BROKE a treaty !!! They told the most powerful nmations in the world "No nukes" they decided, "screw you guys, we have nukes". It is like you saying "I promise not to default on this loan" they saying,"whatever, I'm not going to pay". It is your word. To many their word is their bond !!! The US doesn't take kindly to people that renig !!! And the US is the headliners because of the 3, we are the stongest. The UK and Japan are strong behind us in this, just read the news. But we Americans are quite a bit more vocal about our beliefs.
To EVERYONE ... THERE WILL BE NO DRAFT !!! The US Armed Forces are designed to carry out MAJOR operations in at least 2 arenas at the same time.
And for those that think their lives would be messed up, think of the 250,000 troops in the middle east. Your life is no where near messed up. I once was a non-beliver in the military. Now, I personally believe that EVERYONE should be par tof the military for a minimum of 2 years. Straight from high-school or college. Military service makes you grateful for things others take for granted...like this thread. Try having this thread on a Saudi, Chinese, or Russian bulletin board !!! Be thankful for what you have. And if you aren't thankful or think the US is messed up, please email me. I'll gladly visit you a shove a boot up your a$$.