A few good men and women: Students contemplate military service

A few good men and women: Students contemplate military service
By Yuri Ozeki

Become a part of an army of one, join the few, the proud, or perhaps accelerate your life. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard flash many different slogans and mottos with their commercials, mail and recruiter statements. They promise opportunities and brighter futures for those who enlist.

For three decades, war was not a part of daily life. With the events of 9/11 and the recent state of the United States, war has become a common part of life.

With this dramatic change, some might think teen-agers would shy away from a future in the service.

On the contrary, most students this reporter spoke to answered that 9/11 played a major role in their decision to enlist.

9/11 was a wake-up call, Brittany Sims said. It made me realize how important my decision was. I would be over in Iraq in a heartbeat if my country asked me to go.

 

     Sims of Oglesby enlisted in the Army in July 2004. She will attend basic training this June.

Others were not as sure of their call to duty. Jordan Rick of Utica, a senior who enlisted in the Army National Guard in April 2004 said, 9/11 made me want to join, but then again it made me not want to join. I knew I was needed, and I wanted to enlist, but after 9/11, it was more likely for a soldier to be shipped to Iraq. I was and am still afraid of being shipped.

I decided I wanted to join the Army when I was little, so 9/11 only reinforced it, Richard Showen of Tonica explained, It didn’t really cause me to join.

Alhough serving the United States was a reason for enlisting, the majority of the students said a paid education was an equally significant reason.

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve was authorized by Congress to provide educational assistance for members of the Armed Forces.

Members of the Selected Army Reserves, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Army and Air National Guard can receive a college education as a result of this bill.

The Department of Veterans Affairs funds the education program.

The GI Bill can pay for up to 36 months of education and tens of thousands of dollars in financial aid.

The educational benefits can be used toward college, business, technical, vocational, correspondence courses, apprenticeship, job training, and/or flight training.

Kurt Ruark of Utica planned to sign up for the U.S. Air Force after his 17th birthday, Jan. 17.

Not only will the Air Force get me ready for a career, said Ruark, but it will allow me to pay for the education I need.

Rick agreed, saying, The biggest reason for joining is the free college tuition. The government pays for four years to any state university.

To be ahead of schedule, Rick underwent basic training last summer. He will attend Advanced Individual Training this summer in Georgia for the communications sector, learning to repair radios.

Enlisting in the Army National Guard, Rick began a six-year contract of service.

Though college money is a definite benefit, Showen enlisted for a different reason. My whole family has served in the military. Now me.

With so many branches of service, there is much to take into consideration in deciding the best fit. I chose the National Guard because of the weekend previews my parents and I attended, Showen said. We were able to see the drills and what it would be like. Also, the National Guard provided the best education agreement.

Ruark decided to join the Air Force for a much more personal reason.

My girlfriend/fiancé, Candy, is in the Air Force, said Ruark who graduated early this December, I wanted to be close to her. I also didn’t feel prepared for nine weeks of basic training, so I decided upon six weeks with the Air Force.

With so many decisions about the future, the service seems to help clear up the uncertainties.

I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. All I really wanted to do was join the Army. They helped me pick a perfect career, Sims said.

Of the numerous options, Sims chose advanced watercraft operator training.

The decision to enlist impacts one’s life in so many ways.

Luke Holmbeck of Utica is taking some time to weigh his options. I’m still deciding (whether or not to join the service), because I can’t get over the opportunity of a great experience with good pay, great benefits and free schooling that the services provide. I have a sibling that told me his years as a helicopter mechanic were the best four years of his life.

The same goes for my sister who is learning veterinary skills and getting free schooling when she’s finished with her term. I am still on the fence.

Ruark commented on other aspects of being a part of the service, such as personal growth and confirmed values. Some say only do what is required of you, but in the military you have a chance to excel.

Sgt. Christian Meredith of the Army Recruiting office in Peru has been a part of the service for 10 years.

I was in the eighth grade when I knew I wanted to enlist, Meredith recalled. I just always knew that this was something I wanted and needed to do.

The big question is this: Is the service for everyone?

No, I don’t believe that the service is for everyone. There are good reasons for people to enlist. But it can be the wrong decision for others, said Ellen Entwistle, head counselor at La Salle-Peru Township High School.

The students who are interested in the service research their options and then speak to the recruiters. Most would think they would lose their drive after making a decision to enlist, but I think that a lot of students work harder. They have set a goal and want to attain it by graduating.

Nate Washburn of Peru, a senior who decided to pursue opportunities other than the service, said, The service can be good for some. It teaches discipline and can be a confidence builder.

The military is all about following orders, and I don’t like being given orders, said Washburn. I could never survive going overseas to fight in a war I don’t believe in. I couldn’t do it.

A senior who decided to pursue college, Kyle Jefferson of Peru said, Not everyone is cut out to put in the tremendous time and effort that the service requires. They expect each person to give 100 percent, which some people cannot give.

Meredith differs. After passing the tests, I believe that anyone could serve their country. It is all about the state of mind.

The war in Iraq has been the heated discussion of the decade.

I have always agreed with, Hail to the Chief.’ I will always follow the leader whoever it may be, said Ruark, in a simple and direct statement.