RE: Get paid to come to Australia

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castleberry in Galenkp's Stuff • 2 years ago

I went into the US Army at a young age voluntarily. At that time, I was apolitical and very much against 'the system'. So, I figured my way of 'sticking it to the man' was to go in for the shortest amount of time and get out the most benefits. Hell, if you can't beat them... join 'em, right? I thought I would get out with enough money to get property and a vehicle and then I could figure life out from there.

At that time, it was mostly peacetime except for a few undisclosed operations the public were unaware of. I grew up watching war movies and of course, Rambo was one of my heroes. I scored pretty high on the entry test and opted out of intelligence and went for the good 'ol infantry which you only needed a score of 15 to get into. Back then there was a quite substantial sign-on bonus for Infantry Soldiers.

I ended up getting wounded in AIT and my time was cut short... very short. I got home and healed up and was ready to get my waiver to get back in... but a month or so after I got out 9/11 happened. My unit would have been one of the first boots to hit the ground in the response to 9/11. So, by the time I healed up and knew better what to expect I went to sign back up and they didn't even consider giving me my waiver.

They said that there was not a need for soldiers like me since recruitment was so high. Apparently, 9/11 got everybody to come volunteer. Ironically, the guy who told me no was on hometown recruitment and I had gone to school with him. He had so many waivers for his criminal records I was shocked to see he was even permitted to be in the military and I couldn't even get a single waiver. I know this guy had MANY. hahaha

All that being said, I actually grew a profound respect for my country and for the service men and women. I grew a deep appreciation for the fabric of our ideals and how they had been established and protected throughout the years. I wouldn't say I became patriotic but I definitely had a more hands on experience about what the system I was so against was. Or, at least the people that comprised that system. The experience, as short as it was, changed my life for the better. It pivoted that other guy's life from death or prison (maybe both just not in that order) to a life of service with a family now.

To make a long story longer... and I did cut it short, I took it as a sign that I wasn't meant to be there. I also took it as a sign that not everything is as it seems. Even if I don't agree with what the military has been used to do at times I do appreciate the structure and organization of it. I appreciate the 'something bigger' that you become a part of. It also gives structure and value to some lives that lack those things.

Many adults that I knew growing up were Vietnam Vets. I can't imagine being drafted as a kid and having to go to war. But, I also understand that voluntary service will not win the day when push comes to shove on the brink of full scale war. With the times we live in I think it's important for people to realize that it's not all rainbows and sunshine... no matter what month it is. The only reason people can even have the opportunity to be free is because of the cost from those that came before.

I would have never been for mandatory service before my experience in the Army. But afterwards, I felt the same way you do. I thought a 2 yr minimum mandatory service would give people more respect for their country and an opportunity to give back.

I'd gladly come move to Australia but I don't know if they would accept an old broke-dick like me.

2 years ago in Galenkp's Stuff by castleberry

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galenkp 2 years ago

Hey mate, thanks for your story (some of it) and perspective.

It's a contentious issue I guess, and I knew that when I wrote this post, but one I think many are confused over due to their misconceptions and bias. Fair enough I guess, people go to war so others can have free speech and opinion.

People have to do difficult things sometimes, although I think many believe it's always up to someone else. There was this little thing called world war two and in it some people did some very difficult things that others refused to do. I wonder how it would have turned out for Europe, Africa and the Pacific region if some people didn't do difficult things. Not so well methinks. Thanks not to say that war is good, but as long as humans can't solve differences in better ways then there seems no alternative.

As for voluntary service, people will have their opinions. Some call it slavery and that's certainly a valid opinion when it's looked at in isolation however it doesn't need to be that way. It could be a positive and valuable part of a young persons life and one that helps set the time for the rest of it for various reasons, some of which I alluded to...but I guess some would rather see the youth of today waste their time making Tik Tok and onlyfans videos and growing up as little more than mindless meat sacks.

I wrote this post to see what people thought, get people thinking and sharing, knowing people may have strong opinions and it worked I guess. It's interesting to see who says/feels what I think.

Thanks for your comment, I didn't know that about you but I'm pleased to find out.

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castleberry 2 years ago

I don't get or make the time to comment like this often but the post invoked some old memories and I couldn't resist. Yes, anything political or military-related is bound to get some undies in a wad! But, being able to discuss such things with thoughtfulness is how real progress is made.

I would never say war is good... but I will say that at times it's necessary and unavoidable. It would seem that most folks who start and pay for wars are the least likely to actually go perform any duty in the action. I believe that is often why most wars are unavoidable... because there is some ulterior motive to profit and gain from. That could be it's own whole discussion.

US would likely have never joined in the fray in WWII if not for Pearl Harbor. Many elites willingly turned a blind eye to what was going on and many of them were pro-Eugenics. Some quotes are pretty shocking about Hitler making medical advances that we only wish we could make. The main reason for the advancements was from experimenting on human Holocaust victims. They didn't mention that but it was inferred.

It's been an interesting consideration of how the world would look if the Nazis had won the war. It's sad to see some of the few remaining living vets from that war having to see the shit going on today, especially for this month of pride. I almost cried seeing one old man saying I didn't sacrifice and see all my friends die for this... This ain't the freedom we fought for.

I find the whole topic fascinating and I identified with your dark humor and thought provocations.

I appreciate you. If you aren't familiar with this guy and his podcast you should check it out in your non-existent free time.
https://www.youtube.com/@JockoPodcastOfficial

He has some great veteran guests and he goes over some amazing books of firsthand experiences. I really enjoy listening to the long ones when I am doing work. I have a feeling you are probably already familiar but if not... enjoy.

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galenkp 2 years ago

I appreciated it hence the big vote I gave it and that I sent it to curangel also. It was measured, balanced and personal which I liked. It's easy for people to become inflamed and incensed but a measured approach is the best way to go in this matter at least, and in most I guess.

Again your new comment above does the same, all good points that I tend to agree with. You may like to check out, Man in the High Castle a series based around the Axis forces winning WWII and a decent show. Worth a look. I also have heard veterans lament the fact they sacrificed everything and the world ended up turning out like it is, I have to say I find the world rather pathetic and quite shameful mostly. Sad to think it but that's just the truth, and for many reasons.

As for Jocko Willink, I'm all over it and have been for years...it's an incredible podcast that delves into some serious and important issues and I like the way he goes through books, sometimes with the author there, and dissects them. It's gold, and all from a guy who has been there, done that. (He commanded task Force Bruiser in the Battle of Ramadi, the task force that Chris Kyle served in.) He is a legit dude and one to listen to in my opinion.

I'm glad you picked up on the dark humour in this post, that was intentional.

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castleberry 2 years ago

I can't thank you enough for the support. I don't want to seem like a boot-licker so I will make this my last comment here for now and feel fully free to not vote for it. You and your brother have been extremely supportive of me and appreciate it more than y'all realize. Your dad's story was very inspiring to me and it gave me a broader perspective on perhaps how you've developed your points of view, especially surrounding WW2 and the impacts it had to force non-combatants into action.... with and without support.

I had an itching feeling we either mentioned it before or it was just a premonition that you would be familiar with Jocko's work. I tried to start from the beginning and since I am part Native American I thought those were some of the best ones. Podcasts 45, 48, and 325 were especially badass. Wooden leg was probably my favorite of that bunch. Check em out if you haven't already.

But, having the authors there to go over their books and experiences is really a deep insight into the carnage, benefits, and costs of warfare. I've heard much about his Ramadi experiences and I like his take on decentralized command, work ethic, ethos, and the list goes on.

Man In The High Castle was recommended to me a few months ago, but if I have time to watch anything, it must be worth it. Now, that you say it's worth a look I will probably check it out.

As far as having a balanced take on things... i always try to see Everything from the other side even when it's a polar opposite of my own view. But, as you said... the world has gone to the shits and it's getting more and more difficult to empathize with a spectrum that is stretching beyond reality. However, I still try to maintain an as objective approach as possible while forming my opinions. I am very opinionated but there are some things that do have that line in the sand.

Thanks for standing up for what you believe and supporting folks sometimes even when those beliefs don't align. That's pretty balanced itself. Always a pleasure to share and have an interesting back and forth about things that matter. Now, I need to get back to my Tik-TokING.

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galenkp 2 years ago

Judgement without facts (or any real understanding) is often what people do; I say a lot here (on Hive) but in truth people know so little about what and why, you know? Clearly you see a little more deeply and have hit on one of the factors I consider when talking about military service; I don't blame others though, they don't know and so say whatever it is they want, based on their own experiences and possibly their perceptions. As for my dad...he inspired so many and I think you'd have liked him.

I don't think there's a Jocko Podcast I've not heard (some many times). Let me call out one though, #78 (on Viktor Frankl.) I have learned so much from listening to that podcast, a really great addition to who I know in person and what I've read, and continue to read. War? Yep, it's terrible...but there's so many lessons in it and I'm not willing to ignore those. It's good to hear you take on some of JW's leadership styles...I was booked to go to one of his seminars when he was here but the thing was cancelled. I was devo. (Devastated.)

You're a good chap. It's people like you I feel so happy to support and engage with - there's a dwindling number of those people on Hive in my opinion. Thanks for your kind words and for seeing a little below the surface, between the lines I write and into the real person.

Now, you're off Tik Toking...I better go and finish planning out my Onlyfans content...it's going to be epic. Don't worry, a 20% subscription discount is coming your way...I know you'll not want to miss out.

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castleberry 2 years ago

Many people come to their own conclusions without much deduction and just take the path of least resistance to get there. So, I do get what you mean.

I already know I would have liked your dad no doubt. His inspiration has lived on through you two, for me.

I started episode 78 and it was a brutal intro. I had to take a minute to absorb the first 15 mins or so. I went into it forgetting what to expect and it surprisingly caught me off-guard. Looking forward to continuing on. Damn, it's too bad the seminar got cancelled. I bet it's badass to see and hear him in person.

I agree with you that there's a dwindling number of genuine folks at the core. There's always been a bunch of scammers but some of them have figured out how to be social and do things proper (so I can't complain too much)... but they are usually easy to spot.

I do have to say there are a few noobs in the last year or two that have really come in and figured things out and are genuinely cool people. But, there is an ebb and flow of activity to where it's always cool to see the old ones come back around.

Thank you for your kind words and noticing that I see a bit deeper. Sometimes, that is worth more than anything... except 20% off your OF subscription price.

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galenkp 2 years ago

That episode is pretty heavy, but so many are really...that's what I like about it I guess, the reality it brings and the reminder of how different the world can be for people depending on where they are and what they do, their experiences.

Anyway, it's Friday afternoon and I'm done with work for a long weekend now (Kings birthday public holiday on Monday) so...loads of time to work on my Onlyfans. 😆

Have a good weekend...and here's another vote. 😜

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