View Full Version : Army bonuses may rise to $40K
NcDeuce
06-10-2005, 12:04 PM
Army bonuses may rise to $40K
By Dave Moniz, USA TODAY
Fri Jun 10, 6:56 AM ET
The Army wants to double the top cash bonus for new recruits to $40,000 in an effort to stem a continued recruiting shortfall in the midst of the Iraq war.
As another incentive, the Army is proposing a pilot program to provide up to $50,000 in home mortgage help for recruits who sign up for eight years of active duty, Lt. Col. Thomas Collins said in an interview Thursday. Congress must approve both plans.
The $40,000 bonuses would apply only to a limited number of hard-to-fill and still-undetermined jobs, Collins said.
The Army raised bonuses for some jobs to $20,000 in 1999. It has steadily made more jobs eligible for bonuses this year as the recruiting shortfall has deepened.
Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey first raised the proposals during an appearance Tuesday, Collins said. They have not been sent to Congress.
The incentives have surfaced as the Army confirmed an account in The New York Times this week that it fell about 25% short of its May goal of 6,700 recruits, the fourth consecutive month the service has failed to meet its target.
The Army is running about 17% short of its annual recruiting goal of 80,000. At that pace, it will fall almost 14,000 recruits short for its fiscal year, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
Initial congressional reaction was positive, although Sen. Lindsey Graham (news, bio, voting record), R-S.C., said the proposals would not fix a "chronic" recruiting problem. Graham, a former Air Force officer who serves on the Armed Services Committee, said the Pentagon needs a comprehensive strategy on recruiting and retention.
That would include more troops, better benefits for Army National guardsmen and reservists and a more focused pitch to potential recruits that military service is vital to the winning the global war on terror. Without them, Graham said, "we're in a world of hurt."
Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said he would favor increased bonuses but believes they will help "minimally." Skelton said he believes the Army will fall short of its year-end recruiting goal.
Army spokesman Paul Boyce said a busy summer will help the service meet its recruiting goals.
As U.S. deaths in Iraq approach 1,700, the Army has also offered enlistment hitches as short as 15 months. Maj. Gen. Michael Rochelle, the head of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, last month described the recruiting environment as "the toughest ever faced by the all-volunteer Army."
The Pentagon will release May recruiting figures for all military branches today. Army National Guard and Reserve recruiting is behind as well; each was about 20% short of its goal at the end of April, Harvey said.
The Army also said Thursday that it will ease requirements for new officers by accepting older candidates and being more tolerant of past minor crimes.
Lowering the standard...
rhino
06-10-2005, 12:35 PM
so which trades are legible fork $40k bonus??
Abolith
06-10-2005, 01:24 PM
Lowering the standard...
that may be, but when I was in I saw some ****ty people sign up and a good chunk of them shaped up and became damn good saliors, NCOs and all around nice hard working people. lowering the standard may not be the best idea, but when the pool of people gets low you have to dig a bit deaper. doesn't mean they are going to suck, just might take a bit more training to knock em` stright thats all.
NcDeuce
06-10-2005, 02:41 PM
Lowering the standard...
that may be, but when I was in I saw some ****ty people sign up and a good chunk of them shaped up and became damn good saliors, NCOs and all around nice hard working people. lowering the standard may not be the best idea, but when the pool of people gets low you have to dig a bit deaper. doesn't mean they are going to suck, just might take a bit more training to knock em` stright thats all.
Oh I totally agree that people can change. I just think more and more people are joining for the wrong reasons.
RGRBOX
06-10-2005, 02:54 PM
I'm going to hold out until they give 100,000.-- bucks... maybe around Sept time period... rofl
NcDeuce
06-10-2005, 02:55 PM
I'm going to hold out until they give 100,000.-- bucks... maybe around Sept time period... rofl
:lol: Seriously
RGRBOX
06-10-2005, 02:56 PM
I'm going to hold out until they give 100,000.-- bucks... maybe around Sept time period... rofl
Think they'll let an old fvcker like me in??? Which reminds me of a question... I heard they're calling back prior service people.. is this special or are they planing on calling back every one who's between a certain age...?
RGRBOX
06-10-2005, 03:01 PM
I'm going to hold out until they give 100,000.-- bucks... maybe around Sept time period... rofl
:lol: Seriously
I'm thinking Sept.. because this is the end of the Fical year....
mudbunny
06-10-2005, 04:04 PM
Think they'll let an old fvcker like me in??? Which reminds me of a question... I heard they're calling back prior service people.. is this special or are they planing on calling back every one who's between a certain age...?
Are you serious? I haven't heard anything about that.
Bulkowski
06-10-2005, 04:09 PM
I heard about them allowing older citizens with college degrees into the Army. I heard nothing about any $40.
RGRBOX
06-11-2005, 06:06 PM
Think they'll let an old fvcker like me in??? Which reminds me of a question... I heard they're calling back prior service people.. is this special or are they planing on calling back every one who's between a certain age...?
Are you serious? I haven't heard anything about that.
Something I heard about.. that's why I'm asking.. anyway.. what about the raising of the age limit to get in.. did this happen, I heard they were going to raise it from 35 to 39 yrs old... this would affect me, if they did a recall of prior service... I'd go if I was reqested to go, but I like to know my odds...
ElHombre
06-12-2005, 12:02 PM
Which reminds me of a question... I heard they're calling back prior service people.. is this special or are they planing on calling back every one who's between a certain age...?
members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) have already been called up for active service. specifically those with certain skills that are needed.
RGRBOX
06-12-2005, 06:20 PM
Which reminds me of a question... I heard they're calling back prior service people.. is this special or are they planing on calling back every one who's between a certain age...?
members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) have already been called up for active service. specifically those with certain skills that are needed.
Aren't all prior service considered IRR???
11F5S
06-12-2005, 07:10 PM
Which reminds me of a question... I heard they're calling back prior service people.. is this special or are they planing on calling back every one who's between a certain age...?
members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) have already been called up for active service. specifically those with certain skills that are needed.
Aren't all prior service considered IRR???
Negatory.....only those with an obligation of service remaining.
IE: 8 year obligation...served 4 on AD, 2 in the NG...would have 2 yrs time in the IRR.
RGRBOX
06-12-2005, 07:11 PM
Which reminds me of a question... I heard they're calling back prior service people.. is this special or are they planing on calling back every one who's between a certain age...?
members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) have already been called up for active service. specifically those with certain skills that are needed.
Aren't all prior service considered IRR???
Negatory.....only those will an obligation of service remaining.
IE: 8 year obligation...served 4 on AD, 2 in the NG...would have 2 yrs time in the IRR.
Well that's me out... did 10 straight..
Charlie 356
06-12-2005, 07:19 PM
Lowering the standard...
that may be, but when I was in I saw some ****ty people sign up and a good chunk of them shaped up and became damn good saliors, NCOs and all around nice hard working people. lowering the standard may not be the best idea, but when the pool of people gets low you have to dig a bit deaper. doesn't mean they are going to suck, just might take a bit more training to knock em` stright thats all.
Oh I totally agree that people can change. I just think more and more people are joining for the wrong reasons.
like what - money? What I got from the article was that not enough people are joining right now, maybe a financial incentive is what is needed? That's not necessarily a bad thing, paying soldiers more now. I know many people who are patriotic and want to servce, but the military just doesn't pay enough for them to make ends meet in their minds (their perception, not mine).
General David Grange was on CNN the other day talking with Lou Dobbs about the new standards. The way he put it, the standards aren't necessarily being lowered, just changed. He stated that he was actually in better shape in his forties then he was when he was in his early twenties. The Army has always allowed people to join who have minor criminal offenses, he said now they are just going to allow more waivers for candidates who have applied but been passed over because quotas were already filled. Now they have a chance. So to him, there's a difference between lowering the standards and altering standards because of the enlargement of the Army.
Just an interesting point I thought I would share. What do people think?
RGRBOX
06-12-2005, 07:23 PM
Lowering the standard...
that may be, but when I was in I saw some ****ty people sign up and a good chunk of them shaped up and became damn good saliors, NCOs and all around nice hard working people. lowering the standard may not be the best idea, but when the pool of people gets low you have to dig a bit deaper. doesn't mean they are going to suck, just might take a bit more training to knock em` stright thats all.
Oh I totally agree that people can change. I just think more and more people are joining for the wrong reasons.
like what - money? What I got from the article was that not enough people are joining right now, maybe a financial incentive is what is needed? That's not necessarily a bad thing, paying soldiers more now. I know many people who are patriotic and want to servce, but the military just doesn't pay enough for them to make ends meet in their minds (their perception, not mine).
General David Grange was on CNN the other day talking with Lou Dobbs about the new standards. The way he put it, the standards aren't necessarily being lowered, just changed. He stated that he was actually in better shape in his forties then he was when he was in his early twenties. The Army has always allowed people to join who have minor criminal offenses, he said now they are just going to allow more waivers for candidates who have applied but been passed over because quotas were already filled. Now they have a chance. So to him, there's a difference between lowering the standards and altering standards because of the enlargement of the Army.
Just an interesting point I thought I would share. What do people think?
Hooah... if the Army paid better, and promotions were better, then I know a lot of guys, including myself who would have stayed in back when Clinton was President...
11F5S
06-12-2005, 08:47 PM
Hooah... if the Army paid better, and promotions were better, then I know a lot of guys, including myself who would have stayed in back when Clinton was President...
So.....you admit you were in it for the money.
With good career management....the promotions are there.
RGRBOX
06-13-2005, 02:26 AM
Hooah... if the Army paid better, and promotions were better, then I know a lot of guys, including myself who would have stayed in back when Clinton was President...
So.....you admit you were in it for the money.
With good career management....the promotions are there.
No.. but I got married during my time... and second, If you were in during the Clintinization of the Military, then you would understand about promotions... There weren't any, because he was making the military smaller.. this way once, Bush took overm he'd have hell fighting more then one major operation.... But like I said... if you have a family, then it's tuff in the Army, when you salery is under the poverty line....
11F5S
06-13-2005, 03:40 PM
Hooah... if the Army paid better, and promotions were better, then I know a lot of guys, including myself who would have stayed in back when Clinton was President...
So.....you admit you were in it for the money.
With good career management....the promotions are there.
No.. but I got married during my time... and second, If you were in during the Clintinization of the Military, then you would understand about promotions... There weren't any, because he was making the military smaller.. this way once, Bush took overm he'd have hell fighting more then one major operation.... But like I said... if you have a family, then it's tuff in the Army, when you salery is under the poverty line....
Can the Clintonization excuse..it doesn't fly....at least not IMO.
There were far greater RIF's during the Bush 41 years (single term) than during Clinton"s (double term) Presidency.
RIF's have always been a part of the military... there was a whopping reduction of 729,000 troops during Nixon's years in office...that's more than the total manpower on AD when Clinton took office.....I was promoted during that time and I wasn't alone either....as I said good career management is necessary in the Army..... as it is in any field of endevor.... The higher you advance the slimmer the pickings...
How much does an regular infantryman get to join up?
DPGLAW
06-13-2005, 06:41 PM
I think that this is a great thing. I thing that the "lowering" of certain standards is a good thing. If for example someone gets in a fight when they are in highschool or or that age range and kick the sh*t out of someone, they will get charged with assualt and say they want to join the Army when in their 20's and go into intelligence or SF or another sensitive position which tehy might be great at, that previously would of kept them out but with the new standards, they will be able to serve their coutnry. I simply dont think that someone should be punished for something they did years and years ago or for something stupid they did like getting into a barfight, getting a DUI, or something like that which many young people do because they dont think things through and that is something that the Army will certainly help them with. Now, if the person is a repeat offender or something that is a different story but we all make stupid mistakes and it shouldn't prevent people from getting a good job, serving their country, and moving on. As for the bonus increase, that is a wonderful idea as many people who might want to join the Army dont want to leave a job or career that has a great income...The bonus of up to 40K is a great incentive and takes some of the income shock out of the pay cut the person is taking. Also, this I think will bring in more educated people because they are the ones I am speaking of in my aforementioned example that would be taking a large paycut by leaving their job and enlisting,....that is not said to put down anyone not educated and/or making alot of money because I think neither of those qualities "make" a soldier.....I think those qualities help in terms of officers and leadership but in no way implies that all the army needs is educated people...just want to clarify that so as not to piss anyone off ;)
Does anyone else agree with any of the aforementioned effects of this change in Army policy?
Regards,
Daniel
Flagg
06-13-2005, 07:27 PM
I think that this is a great thing. I thing that the "lowering" of certain standards is a good thing. If for example someone gets in a fight when they are in highschool or or that age range and kick the sh*t out of someone, they will get charged with assualt and say they want to join the Army when in their 20's and go into intelligence or SF or another sensitive position which tehy might be great at, that previously would of kept them out but with the new standards, they will be able to serve their coutnry. I simply dont think that someone should be punished for something they did years and years ago or for something stupid they did like getting into a barfight, getting a DUI, or something like that which many young people do because they dont think things through and that is something that the Army will certainly help them with. Now, if the person is a repeat offender or something that is a different story but we all make stupid mistakes and it shouldn't prevent people from getting a good job, serving their country, and moving on. As for the bonus increase, that is a wonderful idea as many people who might want to join the Army dont want to leave a job or career that has a great income...The bonus of up to 40K is a great incentive and takes some of the income shock out of the pay cut the person is taking. Also, this I think will bring in more educated people because they are the ones I am speaking of in my aforementioned example that would be taking a large paycut by leaving their job and enlisting,....that is not said to put down anyone not educated and/or making alot of money because I think neither of those qualities "make" a soldier.....I think those qualities help in terms of officers and leadership but in no way implies that all the army needs is educated people...just want to clarify that so as not to piss anyone off ;)
Does anyone else agree with any of the aforementioned effects of this change in Army policy?
Regards,
Daniel
Allowing greater latitude in recruiting people with prior criminal records to join the Armed Forces is a short-term fix surely to result in long-term pain.
Filling an empty position with a poor candidate today is usually more painful than working around that empty position until the optimal candidate is recruited.
You often can't shine a turd.
If your recruit poop, you will have poop in uniform.
Scrim
06-13-2005, 08:19 PM
So they are giving out 40 grand, great. Whats going on with the rediculous tattoo policies?
I dont know the written policies right now, but I have heard countless horror stories on some of the other boards I visit.
Many prior service being denied re-enlistment because of excesive tattoos. Same for new recruits.
Just one example
http://www.channel3000.com/news/3647363/detail.html
Whats up with this crap??
jedisponge
06-13-2005, 08:20 PM
I think that this is a great thing. I thing that the "lowering" of certain standards is a good thing. If for example someone gets in a fight when they are in highschool or or that age range and kick the sh*t out of someone, they will get charged with assualt and say they want to join the Army when in their 20's and go into intelligence or SF or another sensitive position which tehy might be great at, that previously would of kept them out but with the new standards, they will be able to serve their coutnry. I simply dont think that someone should be punished for something they did years and years ago or for something stupid they did like getting into a barfight, getting a DUI, or something like that which many young people do because they dont think things through and that is something that the Army will certainly help them with. Now, if the person is a repeat offender or something that is a different story but we all make stupid mistakes and it shouldn't prevent people from getting a good job, serving their country, and moving on. As for the bonus increase, that is a wonderful idea as many people who might want to join the Army dont want to leave a job or career that has a great income...The bonus of up to 40K is a great incentive and takes some of the income shock out of the pay cut the person is taking. Also, this I think will bring in more educated people because they are the ones I am speaking of in my aforementioned example that would be taking a large paycut by leaving their job and enlisting,....that is not said to put down anyone not educated and/or making alot of money because I think neither of those qualities "make" a soldier.....I think those qualities help in terms of officers and leadership but in no way implies that all the army needs is educated people...just want to clarify that so as not to piss anyone off ;)
Does anyone else agree with any of the aforementioned effects of this change in Army policy?
Regards,
Daniel
Allowing greater latitude in recruiting people with prior criminal records to join the Armed Forces is a short-term fix surely to result in long-term pain.
Filling an empty position with a poor candidate today is usually more painful than working around that empty position until the optimal candidate is recruited.
You often can't shine a turd.
If your recruit poop, you will have poop in uniform.
Very wise words sensei.
Drunkensquid
06-14-2005, 01:09 AM
is this $40k tax free?
m.griphen
06-14-2005, 03:21 AM
They should recruit from Europe, Australia and New Zealand etc and give those who sign up for 8 years active duty a green card and later citizenship. I think that would get a lot of hard working focused ppl into the US armed forces... at least I would sign up ASAP.
Green card isn't really hard to get. At least not for me I think.
How about bonuses for "11B", ordinary grunts?
11F5S
06-14-2005, 11:16 AM
They should recruit from Europe, Australia and New Zealand etc and give those who sign up for 8 years active duty a green card and later citizenship. I think that would get a lot of hard working focused ppl into the US armed forces... at least I would sign up ASAP.
It beats the hell out of me but, why would any of you from those wonderful countries (Eden's according to many posters here) with such top notch Armies (according to many posters here) want to come to the terrible US of A and join a second rate military(again according to many posters here)???
11F5S
06-14-2005, 11:17 AM
Green card isn't really hard to get. At least not for me I think.
How about bonuses for "11B", ordinary grunts?
Bonus money hell! Aliens should pay to serve. :lol:
California Joe
06-14-2005, 11:31 AM
Hell, I was a civilian working for the Navy and got caught in a RIF in '01. But I ended up at a Joint Command with a TS clearance, 7 miles from my home cause I got mad skilz. p-)
They routinely offer VERA/VSIPS to civilians. (Up to 25 Grand to RETIRE and get off the rolls)
Werewolf01
06-14-2005, 11:34 AM
So they are giving out 40 grand, great. Whats going on with the rediculous tattoo policies?
I dont know the written policies right now, but I have heard countless horror stories on some of the other boards I visit.
Many prior service being denied re-enlistment because of excesive tattoos. Same for new recruits.
Just one example
http://www.channel3000.com/news/3647363/detail.html
Whats up with this crap??
That's new. :| Helf the guys I know that were in are covered in ink.
m.griphen
06-14-2005, 04:24 PM
Green card isn't really hard to get. At least not for me I think.
How about bonuses for "11B", ordinary grunts?
They should recruit from Europe, Australia and New Zealand etc and give those who sign up for 8 years active duty a green card and later citizenship. I think that would get a lot of hard working focused ppl into the US armed forces... at least I would sign up ASAP.
It beats the hell out of me but, why would any of you from those wonderful countries (Eden's according to many posters here) with such top notch Armies (according to many posters here) want to come to the terrible US of A and join a second rate military(again according to many posters here)???
I've been trying to get a green card for almost 10 years with out any luck and I've wanted to join the US Armed forces ever since 9/11. I want to do something to fight the cancer and my country (Sweden) isn't doing much, just doing what it has done for the last 100 years, pretending it's not our problem.
scrybe
06-14-2005, 04:38 PM
How long until we start outsourcing our infantry positions to Mexican and Chinese individuals?
Werewolf01
06-14-2005, 04:42 PM
How long until we start outsourcing our infantry positions to Mexican and Chinese individuals?
Great, the Wal-Mart army! rofl
Flagg
06-14-2005, 04:57 PM
They should recruit from Europe, Australia and New Zealand etc and give those who sign up for 8 years active duty a green card and later citizenship. I think that would get a lot of hard working focused ppl into the US armed forces... at least I would sign up ASAP.
It beats the hell out of me but, why would any of you from those wonderful countries (Eden's according to many posters here) with such top notch Armies (according to many posters here) want to come to the terrible US of A and join a second rate military(again according to many posters here)???
Do I detect a bit of sarcasm? ;)
Many people, though not all, that I've met in Australia and New Zealand have a great fondness for the US.
It's extremely common for young people down here to have an extended OE (Overseas Experience). Often this can lead to permanent, or semi-permanent, emigration. Like Israel, both Australia and New Zealand have a large and widespread diaspora. One only needs to have a close look at seasonal work in the US , like ski resorts to see the masses of Australasian and European young folks working there. Many truck drivers I know(as customers) have worked in both Australia and the US before returning to NZ.
As far as the military goes, I think it's just another profession that has potential to allow folks to see other parts of the world. I know of several people who have endeavoured to join the militaries of Australia, UK, and US after havig served in the NZDF.
The common theme seems to be little fish, looking to explore another, bigger fishbowl ;)
They should recruit from Europe, Australia and New Zealand etc and give those who sign up for 8 years active duty a green card and later citizenship. I think that would get a lot of hard working focused ppl into the US armed forces... at least I would sign up ASAP.
x2
I know of several people who have endeavoured to join the militaries of Australia, UK, and US after havig served in the NZDF.
How were they able to join the U.S. Armed Forces? (Where did they get their greencard?)
11F5S
06-14-2005, 05:53 PM
delete
11F5S
06-14-2005, 05:54 PM
Do I detect a bit of sarcasm? ;)
It's as hard to get anything past your hi-rez moniter ;)
Drunkensquid
06-14-2005, 09:29 PM
I don't know how you guys feel about it, but on my opinion having an "American Foreign Legion" doesn't sound like such a bad idea at all.
I've been trying to get a green card for almost 10 years with out any luck and I've wanted to join the US Armed forces ever since 9/11. I want to do something to fight the cancer and my country (Sweden) isn't doing much, just doing what it has done for the last 100 years, pretending it's not our problem.
How have you been tryinh?
I talked to a fellow swedish-american over there about it and he told me two things:
1. Apply for a green card in their whatever thingie.
2. I can hook you up if it doesn't work out.
Drunkensquid
06-14-2005, 11:50 PM
I've been trying to get a green card for almost 10 years with out any luck and I've wanted to join the US Armed forces ever since 9/11. I want to do something to fight the cancer and my country (Sweden) isn't doing much, just doing what it has done for the last 100 years, pretending it's not our problem.
How have you been tryinh?
I talked to a fellow swedish-american over there about it and he told me two things:
1. Apply for a green card in their whatever thingie.
2. I can hook you up if it doesn't work out.
have you tried the green card lottery? Every year so many people from each country are allowed to immigrate to the States. I don't think too many are trying to get in from Sweden, it should be easy for you.
RGRBOX
06-15-2005, 02:13 AM
Hooah... if the Army paid better, and promotions were better, then I know a lot of guys, including myself who would have stayed in back when Clinton was President...
So.....you admit you were in it for the money.
With good career management....the promotions are there.
No.. but I got married during my time... and second, If you were in during the Clintinization of the Military, then you would understand about promotions... There weren't any, because he was making the military smaller.. this way once, Bush took overm he'd have hell fighting more then one major operation.... But like I said... if you have a family, then it's tuff in the Army, when you salery is under the poverty line....
Can the Clintonization excuse..it doesn't fly....at least not IMO.
There were far greater RIF's during the Bush 41 years (single term) than during Clinton"s (double term) Presidency.
RIF's have always been a part of the military... there was a whopping reduction of 729,000 troops during Nixon's years in office...that's more than the total manpower on AD when Clinton took office.....I was promoted during that time and I wasn't alone either....as I said good career management is necessary in the Army..... as it is in any field of endevor.... The higher you advance the slimmer the pickings...
Well I was an E6 and about to offered E7, and Italy to stay in... and your right about career mangement .. but I was married, and wanted out too... But mostly for me, the biggest decision, was most of the good people I knew in the Army were getting out.. they were tired of the 11B point for E5, and E6 promotions were up at 998... in the 82nd you could esaly make this but a lot of good guys weren't tabed either.. I don't understzand what point your trying to make here... Clinton, made life far worst then many when Iwas in.. I started my contract with the Army when Papa Bush was pres... and ended it before Clinton was finished.. I don't know what job you had in the Army, nor where you were stationed... but I don't remember seeing you in my Company... Clinton introduced a lot of **** to have to deal with as a soldier... there were too many situations where if you were up against anyone of color, then you could forget about it.. they were chosen above you to meet PC requirements... When I when to SFAS, this was the same there too.. I even had a freind who was Japanese American, and spoke sveral languages, who wasn't chosen in SFAS, because they had already meat the quotas for his type of American... There were some MOSs that had it good.. When I was LRS-D, in a MI Bn, there were MI MOSs that had it great, they were promoted soo fast it was incredible... counld lead toy soldiers, but were given their E-5s with a snap of the finger... When your an 11B in a world where there are a lot of 11Bs and your numbers are being cut at a record speed, then it gets tuff.. on top of all of this, there is less, and less money, for schools, the Generals, at the top, chosen by Clinton, example, W. Clark, are ****... they were not supporting troops the way they were supporting their careers... I'm not concerned here to compair whicjh President did what during his time on office... I was around, and got out for many reasons... but all stim from the poor leadership of Clinton, towards the US Military, and the Generals he chose to lead the country during that time.... I would prefer to be in now, while the military is doing some good, and the guys at the top are letting the military do their jobs... not like it was when we were in Somolia, and we had red tape running the show...
m.griphen
06-15-2005, 02:47 AM
I've been trying to get a green card for almost 10 years with out any luck and I've wanted to join the US Armed forces ever since 9/11. I want to do something to fight the cancer and my country (Sweden) isn't doing much, just doing what it has done for the last 100 years, pretending it's not our problem.
How have you been tryinh?
I talked to a fellow swedish-american over there about it and he told me two things:
1. Apply for a green card in their whatever thingie.
2. I can hook you up if it doesn't work out.
have you tried the green card lottery? Every year so many people from each country are allowed to immigrate to the States. I don't think too many are trying to get in from Sweden, it should be easy for you.
It's what I have been doing every year for the last 9 years, with no luck :-( Last time I checked it were some 10k people applying in Sweden and 300+ got a green card so it shouldn't be that hard but I never get it :cantbeli:
m.griphen
06-15-2005, 02:57 AM
How have you been tryinh?
I talked to a fellow swedish-american over there about it and he told me two things:
1. Apply for a green card in their whatever thingie.
2. I can hook you up if it doesn't work out.
Nr 2 sounds excellent! woot
What about your education/training?
Sounds weird that you have been trying for 9 years.. Northern europeans with training or work skills usually don't have that many problems getting a break into the land of the free and the home of the brave.
m.griphen
06-15-2005, 10:02 AM
I started working with IT 9 years ago after I dropped out of university and I have been a UNIX SysAdmin for the last 7 years. None of the different VISAS applies to me, I have no relative (have friends though) in the states, I'm not married to a sweet American girl, I can't get a working visa because there are almost no IT companys that will help you with a VISA (6 years ago it was a different story), so the only option I have is the DV lottery. :|
Yeah, my friend over there have a Master's in Computer Science, he got hired during the boom and made som really good money.
You should probably finish your degree if it's not too far away. Those things are more important over there than here.
If you really want to serve over there you'll probably find a way sooner or later.
They should recruit from Europe, Australia and New Zealand etc and give those who sign up for 8 years active duty a green card and later citizenship. I think that would get a lot of hard working focused ppl into the US armed forces... at least I would sign up ASAP.
It beats the hell out of me but, why would any of you from those wonderful countries (Eden's according to many posters here) with such top notch Armies (according to many posters here) want to come to the terrible US of A and join a second rate military(again according to many posters here)???
Greatest military force on earth. All the resources necessary to fight a war and support the troops. I know that if im in a bad situation I will get fire support or if I get wounded I'll be flown out very quickly and so on.
It's also the best organization to have a military career in.
And believe it or not, there are many europeans (especially military guys) that agree on american politics.
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